Jackson District Library Just Sent Me a Christmas Present (and if you live in Jackson County, you can get one too!)

Love show tunes? Want to get some for FREE? If you have a Jackson District Library card, you can download up to three mp3 tracks a week. Where else can you legally download music at no charge? I got an e-mail this week telling me about this service and at first I wasn't very excited. My first guess was that the music would be odd, old, and unwanted. Wrong. The database may be poorly organized and the search engine leaves a lot to be desired but the collection itself is a treasure trove of surprises.

I'm just going to talk about show tunes here but there are current country, R&B, Pop, and jazz selections available from Beyonce to Brubeck to Yo Yo Ma.

Since shows are listed by performers (and first names at that) one of the first I checked out was Ella Logan and David Wayne. When I clicked on their names, I brought up the 1947 recording of Finian's Rainbow, which includes Old Devil Moon and How are Things in Glocca Morra. It would take a couple of weeks to download all the songs including the Overture but it could be done. You can save songs in a Wishlist and it is probably a good idea to read the FAQ section for help in searching. Later I discovered that last year's revival of Finian's Rainbow was also available.

Here's a partial list of what I found: Into the Woods; Merrily We Roll Along; Sweeney Todd; tick, tick, BOOM!; Godspell; Ragtime; Songs for a New World; Jekyll & Hyde; Peter Pan; Next to Normal; etc. So you can see the variety of old and new original Broadway cast recordings is vast. Unfortunately some are listed under ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST, ORIGINAL CAST RECORDING, MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK, MUSICAL CAST RECORDING, etc. By browsing I found Linda Eder's self titled album and a several of Kristin Chenoweth's. (Did I mention that you can play samples just like on Amazon?) One that particularly surprised me was Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson, which is currently on Broadway although I read it was getting ready to close soon.

Michigan Theater Announces New Executive Director

Alison Loveday, formerly with the Arts and Cultural Alliance, started as executive director of the Michigan Theatre in Jackson on Wednesday, December 1st. General manager George Davis resigned in June.

Read the Cit Pat article HERE.

What Shows to See in NYC!

Heading to NYC over the holidays? Check out Wall Street Reviewer Terry Teachout's recommendations for current shows HERE.

The Bon Ton Room presents. . .

 

ONE FANTASTIC WEEKEND DOWN

TWO TO GO

(Friday the 10th SOLD OUT)

The popular Christmas Show has been expanded to three weekends and predictions are it will still sell out quickly. Call 517-787-6733 today for your reservations!

Spring Arbor Community Children's Chorus Forming

The Spring Arbor Community Children's Chorus is looking for singers aged 6 to 16 years for participation in a brand new group directed by Dr. Stephen R. Murphy.

No auditions are required, but an enrollment form must filled out at the first rehearsal in order to join.

The first rehearsal will be held on January 8, 2011 at Spring Arbor Church of the Nazarene from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. All music and folders will be provided.

An accompanist between the ages of 13 and 18 is also needed.

Dr. Murphy is an adjunct professor of music and co-director of the Broadway Revue Show Troupe at Jackson Community College.

For more information please point your browser HERE.

MOVIES MAKE THEIR RETURN TO THE CROSWELL!

The Croswell, located in Adrian, Michigan announces Sunday Cinema throughout the holiday season!

Founded circa 1866, the Croswell is the oldest continually operating theatre in Michigan.  With roots as a vaudeville house, the theatre eventually came to show exclusively movies from the 1930’s – the late 1960’s, when local business leaders saved the building from demolition and turned it into a community theatre.  And, now with the support of the Adrian Kiwanis Club, the Croswell announces a return to its days as a movie house, with a full month of favorite holiday movies!

Each Sunday evening at 7pm the Croswell will present a family friendly movie, appropriate for the season.  The Sunday Cinema events kick off on December 5^th, with the Frank Capra’s, “It’s A Wonderful Life.” “It’s A Wonderful Life” stars James Stewart as George Bailey in the movie that the American Film Institute named number one on their list of the most inspirational American films of all time.

Other titles to be shown in December will be announced soon, and shows will continue through January 2.

Tickets for the movies are $5 for adults, $2 for anyone under 18.  Kids 5 and under are free.  Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door, beginning one hour before show time.

For information about tickets, call the Croswell Box Office at 517-264-SHOW (7469), stop in at the box office at 129 E. Maumee, Adrian, MI, Mon-Fri, 9-5 pm or visit the website, www.croswell.org.  For more information about Sunday Cinema at the Croswell please contact Jere Righter at 517-263-6868 or at jrighter@croswell.org

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Good News from Stratford

Not all theater news concerning audiences is bad these days. Both the Stratford Shakespeare Festival and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival reported increased attendance last season and now comes word that Stratford increased again this past season and that next year's ticket orders are strong. Read more about Stratford's ticket sales HERE.

The Bon Ton Room presents. . .

 

The popular Christmas Show has been expanded to three weekends and predictions are it will still sell out quickly. Call 517-787-6733 today for your reservations!

Shakespeare Goes to Gravel Gulch

Center Stage Jackson's

YOUTH THEATER

PRESENTS

Produced through special arrangement with

Pioneer Drama Services, Inc., Englewood, CO

Friday, November 19, 7:00 pm

Saturday, November 20, 7:00 pm

Sunday, November 21, 2:00 pm

Adults $3 – Children 12 & Under $2

Jackson’s First Presbyterian Church

743 West Michigan Avenue, Jackson

Encore Musical Theatre Presents . . .

Encore Musical Theatre is holding auditions. . .

The Encore Musical Theatre Company is happy to announce open auditions for equity and non-equity performers for it's upcoming production of Little Women - The Broadway Musical. Direction by Steve DeBruyne, Musical Direction by CT Hollis, and Choreography by Cara Manor. Rehearsal will begin on Monday, January 3.

Performances begin Thursday, February 3 and run through Sunday, February 27. Performances take place Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 3pm. There will be one Thursday matinee on February 24 at 3pm.

Auditions will take place on Wednesday, December 1 beginning at 6pm. Sign in will begin at 5:30. All actors wishing to audition must be signed in by 8pm. No new auditioners will be allowed to sign in past 8pm.

For more detailed information, click HERE.

Auditions for Huckleberry Finn

Center Stage Jackson – Jackson’s community theater group - is holding OPEN AUDITIONS for its production of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, adapted for the stage by Randal Myler.  Mark your calendars now if you plan to audition!! 

DATE/TIME:  Monday, December 6 and Tuesday, December 7, 2010, 6:00 pm–7:30 pm

LOCATION:   Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1505 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson MI

                                   

The Director of this production is Dr. Ann Green.  The major roles are Huckleberry Finn (late teens) and Jim (adult African American).  In total there are parts for 10 men (various ages, one younger boy) and 4 women (two character actresses and two younger women), who may play multiple roles.  Ages are teens and up.

Performance dates for The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn are February 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20 at The Middle School at Parkside. There will be at least one weekday daytime performance for students, date to be determined. Tickets will sell for $10.00.  Questions can be directed to Center Stage Jackson at info@centerstagejackson.org or call 517-529-4932.

For more details please visit www.centerstagejackson.org.

CINDERELLA - FINAL WEEKEND

You don't want to miss this enchanting family show! Check out the Center Stage Website for times and ticket information.

Franke Center in Marshall Holding Auditions. . .

The Franke Center Children’s Theater will have open auditions for Frank L. Baum’s “The Wizard of Oz” on Nov. 17-18 at the Franke Center for the Arts, 214 Mansion St., Marshall.

Children in kindergarten through fourth grade can try out from 4 to 5 p.m. Nov. 17. Fifth- through eighth-graders can try out from 5 to 6 p.m. that day. Anyone unable to audition then can try out from 4 to 5 p.m. Nov. 18.
A workshop to help those auditioning will take place from 4 to 5 p.m. for the younger children and 5 to 6 p.m. for the older ones Nov. 16.

Show dates are Feb. 10-13. For more information, call 269-789-9677 or visit www.frankecenterforthearts.orghttp://www.frankecenterforthearts.org/.

Croswell Opera House Holds Auditions. . .

Auditions for Footloose, this year’s all-area high school musical at the Croswell Opera House, are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 6:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday at 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian.

Only high school or home-schooled students can try out. Production dates are Jan. 28-30.
Those auditioning should bring their own sheet music and be prepared to sing a song and learn a short dance sequence. No CD or mp3 music will be allowed.
For more information, call 263-6868 or visit www.croswell.org.

Remember Mark Hisler?

A couple of years ago Mark Hisler's Potboiler Productions produced several script in hand performances in Jackson that were well-received. He also directed a beautiful production of Our Town for Center Stage. Then he left us for New Mexico and recently sent word about his latest activities. He is appearing with the Mother Road Theatre Company in Albuquerque doing a role in Love Song by John Kolvenbach. You can read more about it HERE.

Auditions for Readings from the Second Stage

Center Stage Jackson – Jackson’s community theater group – has announced OPEN AUDITIONS for its second season of staged readings on Wednesday, November 10 at the Bon Ton Room, 3017 Wildwood Avenue in Jackson from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.

Directors for the upcoming readings will be present.  Please bring a 1-2 minute audition piece to read.  You will also be asked to do a cold reading from provided material.

For more details about the plays click HERE.

Love, Love, Love the Sound of Music?

On Thursday October 28th, for the first time in 45 years the cast of THE SOUND OF MUSIC will be reuniting on OPRAH! Stars Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, along with fellow cast members Charmian Carr (“Liesl”), Nicholas Hammond (“Friedrich”), Heather Menzies-Urich (“Louisa”), Duane Chase (“Kurt”), Angela Cartwright (“Brigitta”), Debbie Turner (“Marta”) and Kym Karath (“Gretl”) will reunite and reveal the stories behind one of the world’s most beloved movie musicals.

The Bon Ton Room presents. . .

JACKSON - The Who's Tommy, Peter Townsend's tale of a young boy's journey from pain to triumph, is the most electrifying evening of rock 'n' roll ever to play in a theater - and it opens for a three-weekend run at The Bon Ton Room beginning Oct. 14.

After witnessing the accidental murder of his mother's lover by his father, Tommy is traumatized into catatonia. As the boy grows, he suffers abuse at the hands of his sadistic relatives and neighbors. Then, as an adolescent, he's discovered to have an uncanny knack for playing pinball, and when his mother finally breaks through his catatonia, he becomes an international pinball superstar.

Performances are at 8 p.m. Oct. 14-16, 21-23 and 28-30 at The Bon Ton Room, 3017 Wildwood Avenue, Jackson. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. for food and drink service.
Tickets are $20.
For reservations or information, call 517-787-6733 or log on to www.bontonroom.com.

Performance Information
Show times

Thursday, October 14, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Friday, October 15, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Saturday, October 16, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Thursday, October 21, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Friday, October 22, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Thursday, October 28, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Friday, October 29, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Saturday, October 30, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Guiness World Record?

Help The Croswell break Guinness World Record for largest Time Warp dance Oct. 28

ADRIAN - The Croswell announces an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the "Largest gathering of people doing the Time Warp dance" ever! And we need all the ghouls, guys and girls we can get to help us break the record!

Registration begins at 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28, and the cast from the Croswell's upcoming production of Richard O'Brien's The Rocky Horror Show will lead the dance at 9:30 p.m.

Participants will gather in the parking lot directly across from El Chapulin and Amedai (ah-ME-day) Salon at 124 S. Winter Street in downtown Adrian. No dance experience is needed; costumes, while not required, are encouraged! At least 1,700 fun-loving Time Warpers are needed to get the attempt listed with Guinness!

All who join us will get FREE snacks from El Chapulin's, including their world famous chips and cheese, and Amedai Salon is providing hot cider and popcorn. PLUS, everyone who dances will receive a buy-one-get-one FREE coupon good for tickets to see The Crowell's production of The Rocky Horror Show! Show dates are Friday, Oct. 29 at 8 p.m., Saturday Oct. 30 at 8 p.m. and midnight, and Sunday Oct. 31 at 3 p.m.

The Time Warp is the dance made famous in the long-running movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and includes instructions in the lyrics to the song. It's super easy, and you'll get a great demonstration from The Croswell's cast of The Rocky Horror Show.

All ages are invited and encouraged to participate. But be warned: some costumes might get a little racy.
For more information about this attempt to break a Guinness World Record, or The Rocky Horror Show, visit www.croswell.org.

 (Reprinted from Encore Michigan)

JCC Presents. . .

“They’re Playing Our Song” is written by Neil Simon, with lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager and music by Marvin Hamlisch. Based on the real-life relationship of Hamlisch and Sager, it is the story where a wisecracking composer finds a new, offbeat lyricist, but initially the match is not one made in heaven. The two undergo a series of trials and overcome a number of hurdles before finding true love by the final curtain. Performances will be at 8 p.m. Oct. 22, 23, 29 & 30, and 3 p.m. Oct. 24 & 31, in the Michael Baughman Theatre, Potter Center. Tickets are $5 adults, $3 for students and seniors. There is a special preview night Oct. 21, all tickets just $2. For more information, contact Sandy DiCesare, at 517.796.8625.

Cast list:

·         Vernon: Ryan Bennett

·         Sonia: Amy Campbell

·         Sonia’s Voices: Heidi Kelley, Amanda Marzano, Carly Jacobs

·         Vernon’s Voices: Derek Turson, Jeremy Moore, Andrew Wilson

 Production Staff:

·         Scenic Design: Michael Coy (JCC staff and alumni)

·         Co-Music Directors: Patti Clark (JCC alumni), Andrea Wynn (JCC student)

·         Vocal Director: Andrea Wynn (JCC Student)

·         Stage Manager: Justin McClure (JCC alumni)

·         Master Carpenter: Jeff Chatfield (JCC staff and alumni)

·         Choreographers: Aimie Smith, a JCC dance student taking an independent study class in choreography and choreographing this musical as part of the class.

Croswell Opera House Holds Auditions. . .

Croswell Opera House is holding auditions for a few young men, who can appear to be 16 - 22,  for principal roles.

Date/Time: Monday, October 18 at 8pm.  Other times/appts can be arranged.

Meet Me in St. Louis  runs the first two weekends in December – rehearsals will begin last week in October – early November. Interested? Call Jere L. Righter at the Croswell at 517-263-6868.

Here are a couple of performances you missed if you haven't checked out the Encore Theater in Dexter in the past year. Broadway's longest running Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Sarah Litzsinger, performing right in your neighborhood.

• Little Shop of Horrors - The Encore Musical Theatre Company, in Dexter, Michigan (Audrey)
• Oklahoma! - The Encore Musical Theatre Company (Ado Annie)
• Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street - The Encore Musical Theatre Company (Mrs. Lovett)

Now comes word that Sarah will be moving on to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival where she will star in Peter Pan the Musical. Read the Playbill article HERE.

Croswell Opera House Holds Auditions. . .

The Croswell Opera House in Adrian is holding auditions for Meet Me in St. Louis on Sunday, October 10 from 3 - 6 PM and on Monday, October 11 from 7 - 9 pm. Visit www.croswell.org or call the Croswell at 517-263-6868.

 

Croswell Opera House Offers Audition Workshop

On October 24th from 6 - 8 PM, Croswell Opera House in Adrian is offering an audition workshop for high school students. It will be held in their rehearsal room. If you are interested visit www.croswell.org for directions or call the Croswell at 517-263-6868.

 

theatresiena announces 2010/2011 Season

"Siena Heights University is a Catholic university founded and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Founded in the liberal arts tradition, Siena offers associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees. The university is headquartered in Adrian, Michigan with degree completion centers located throughout Michigan." Since Siena is less than an hour south of downtown Jackson. Check out this link to see what theatresiena has scheduled in the coming months.

Planning a Trip to NYC to see Theater?

There are two places I recommend consulting before you take off on your trip to NYC to see theater. Wall Street Journal reviewer Terry Teachout publishes a list of his top choices each week on-line including the likely availability of tickets. The list includes on and off Broadway shows he has favorably reviewed. Check out his So You Want to See a Show.

And Playbill just posted a wonderful article that tells you how the lottery works for obtaining tickets for less. Armed with this information you can see a great show and maybe save some money!

I just discovered this wonderful informational site about theater for kids. It addresses and answers all kinds of questions relating to performance including suggestions for audition songs, theater etiquette, stage fright, how to get started and so much more.

"Musical-Theater-Kids.com" - Teens & Kids Who Want to Know About Training, Performing & Enjoying Musical Theater. Let Us Guide You Along Your Fantastic Journey To Become A Star!

I stumbled over this video on the website and thought it would be fun to share here too!

Eleventh Season Opens with DOUBT

Center Stage Jackson is back performing at Jackson Community College's Potter Center after a several year hiatus. And this production of John Patrick Shanley's DOUBT presented in the intimate Ruth Day Theatre is the perfect vehicle to show the quality of theater available to Jackson County residents.

Gerry Blanchard has assembled a cast that does justice to this parable about what happens when certainty and doubt collide. Under his direction the cast becomes a true ensemble. The set, costumes, lighting and sound are all of the highest quality.

Candice Cain Dunnigan, performing with CSJ for the first time, sees the world in terms of black and white. Her worthy opponent is Father Flynn played by Timm Richardson. Sarah Weber as Sister James is torn between obedience to her superior and her faith in Father Flynn. Monica L. Sanders as Mrs. Muller, whose son has relied on the priest for guidance and friendship, brings a new dimension to the picture.

Audience members tend not to like Sister Aloysius but does that mean she is wrong in her suspicions? This production is bound to spark lots of discussion and that's what the playwright intended.

• What: “Doubt: A Parable,” presented by Center Stage Jackson
• When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, 8 p.m. Oct. 1 and 2, 3 p.m. Oct. 3
• Where: Ruth Day Theatre, Potter Center, Jackson Community College, 2111 Emmons Road
• Cost: $15
• Details: 796-8600

November 1 Deadline for MCACA Minigrant Applications

Jackson, Mich. – The Ella Sharp Museum of Art & History (The Ella) announces a Monday, November 1 deadline for the first and only round of Fiscal Year 2011 Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) Minigrant applications.  The Ella serves as a regional regranting agency for the MCACA for Branch, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Jackson and Lenawee counties.
 

Projects proposed for funding during Round One may be held between February 1, 2011 and September 30, 2011. For Fiscal Year 2011, there will only be one funding period and no organization can receive both a MCACA Grant and a MCACA Minigrant.  Non-profit organizations in Branch, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Jackson and Lenawee counties planning an arts or cultural event during this period are invited to apply for funding.

The MCACA Minigrant Program provides up to $4,000 in financial assistance, on a matching basis, to non-profit organizations for a wide variety of arts activities that offer special opportunities for communities to enjoy and participate in high-quality arts activities.  Decisions are made by a panel of qualified reviewers.

Application packets are available at the Ella Sharp Museum of Art & History office, located at 3225 Fourth Street in Jackson or by emailing creativeconsultingllc@gmail.com.    

 For further information, contact Alison Loveday, Regranting Coordinatorg, Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, at 734/748-6001 or by email at creativeconsultingllc@gmail.com.

CENTER STAGE JACKSON ELECTS OFFICERS

At its first meeting of the 2010-2011 Season held September 15, 2010, the board of Center Stage Jackson elected its officers.  Re-elected were President Tony Krupa, Vice President DENISE WEBER, Secretary ANTOINETTE LACINSKI, and Treasurer KEN SCHLUCKEBIER.  The balance of the board is comprised of TONY BOLING, KEN BUTTERFIELD, KATIE HILL, JULIE KLEE, DOUG MEYERS, and CHUCK THOR.  Executive Director of the organization is ANN HOLT

Center Stage Jackson welcomes everyone to contact them if you are interested in getting involved with community theatre.  Please contact Ann Holt at ann.holt@centerstagejackson.org

Center Stage Jackson is Jackson's community theatre group.  Formed in 2001 when Jackson Civic Theatre and Clark Lake Players merged, Center Stage Jackson is a non-profit production company dedicated to presenting quality theatrical productions in the Greater Jackson, Michigan area.  Please visit Center Stage's website at www.centerstagejackson.org.

Playwrights in an Hour Grant

Center Stage Jackson, Jackson’s community theater, recently received a mini-grant from the Jackson Junior Welfare League, which purchased a new series of theater books for the Jackson District Library.  “Playwrights in an Hour” is a series of 27 slim volumes that are basically “a crash course” in the lives and works of the 27 playwrights represented. Included are the “most produced and studied playwrights in the English language” from Euripides to Shakespeare and from Chekhov and Shaw to August Wilson and Sam Shepherd. Even more contemporary writers like Edward Albee, Sara Ruhl and Theresa Rebeck are covered as well.

Ann Holt, Executive Director of Center Stage Jackson says, “These titles are appropriate for actors, teachers, students, directors, professors, and general theater goers. We are thrilled that the Jackson Junior Welfare League was able to fund the series and that the Jackson District Library partnered with us in making them available to the community.”

Michigan Theatre of Jackson Seeks. . .

Executive Director

 

The Michigan Theatre of Jackson is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to the restoration, operation and maintenance of the Theatre, providing a versatile center for arts entertainment and education in an historic atmosphere serving all members of the community. Hiring practices include a commitment to a policy of equal employment opportunity.

We are seeking qualified applicants for our full-time position of Executive Director who will provide organizational leadership, vision and community involvement to become the face of the Michigan Theatre of Jackson. Bachelor's degree (B. A.) preferred. Two to five years experience in theatre and cinema or closely related field and experience in non-profit funding preferred. Prefer someone with familiarity with Jackson County area businesses, industry, education, media and Chamber of Commerce constituencies.

The successful candidate will have strong interpersonal skills and possess the ability to work well with a wide range of external constituents.  Will possess the ability to lead fundraising efforts and be strong in persuasive communication, organizational management and leadership. Will effectively manage staff, budget and will be hands-on in maintaining and operating the Theatre. Is responsible for marketing and public relation activities and develops/cultivates relationships to increase sales and revenue opportunities with area businesses and donors.

Candidate will be able to work flexible hours, including nights and holidays. Work weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) on a regular basis and have a willingness to work a variety of events and be open to wide range of diversity.

Interested and qualified candidates please submit cover letter and resume (that includes a return email address) to: Michigan Theatre of Jackson c/o Human Resources Committee, 124 N. Mechanic St., Jackson, MI 49201. Or email (preferred): mitheatresearch@gmail.com    NOTE: Applications will be accepted through September 18, 2010.

CSJ Auditions for Cinderella Announced. . .

AUDITIONS for 'Cinderella'

Center Stage Jackson is holding OPEN AUDITIONS for the Rodgers & Hammerstein beloved classic family musical “Cinderella,” to be directed by Barb Palmer. “Cinderella” is the second production of Center Stage Jackson’s 11th season.

Thursday, September 9th, 6:00-8:00 pm, at Grass Lake High School, 11500 Warrior Trail, Grass Lake, Michigan

Friday, September 10th, 6:00-8:00 pm, at First Congregational Church, 120 N. Jackson St., Jackson Michigan (please use back church entrance off Pearl Street).

Production dates are November 5, 6, 7 and 12, 13, 14, 2010 at Grass Lake High School.

For more details about the auditions and how to get involved with the production, visit the Center Stage Jackson website by clicking HERE.

CSJ Auditions for Fall Youth Theater Production Announced. . .

 

AUDITIONS for 'Shakespeare Goes to Gravel Gulch'!

Youth Theater auditions are open to all students in grades 3 - 9. There are two audition dates and you only need to attend one.

Thursday, September 16 or Tuesday, September 21 at Jackson's First Presbyterian Church,743 W. Michigan Avenue, Jackson. at 4:30 PM each day.

Performance Dates are Friday, November 19 at 7:00, Saturday, November 20 at 7:00, and Sunday, November 21 at 2:00

For more details and contact information, visit the CSJ Audition Page by clicking HERE.

CSJ Celebrates Ten Years 2000 - 2010

New Board Members Elected – Awards Distributed

Jackson, MI   September 1, 2010

The Bon Ton Room, 3017 Wildwood Avenue, Jackson, MI once again was the site for the annual meeting of the Center Stage Jackson membership on August 25, 2010.  This was the theatre group’s Tenth Anniversary Celebration, organized by Amie Pierce, Karen Krupa, Karen Meyers, and Donna Guernsey.

Board members re-elected were TONY KRUPA, KEN BUTTERFIELD and KATIE HILL.  The balance of the board is comprised of DOUG MEYERS, KEN SCHLUCKEBIER, CHUCK THOR, JULIE KLEE, ANTOINETTE LA CINSKI, TONY BOLING and DENISE WEBER.  Executive Director of the organization is ANN HOLT.

The President's Award was presented to DOUG MEYERS, for his work running the Youth Theater Program, and many other contributions.

Bon Ton Room co-owner, actor, director and award winning cabaret performer MATT DAVIS was honored with the Ted Wood Award.  MICHAEL WOOD and his wife SUSAN are involved in selecting the winner of this award named for Michael's father.  The first recipient of the award, BILL INSLEY, wrote that, "Community theatre in the Jackson area might never have endured without the dedicated efforts of TED WOOD, and he showed no partiality to any one players' group (Clark Lake Players or Jackson Civic Theatre) . . . He was a tireless worker. . . And his happy, friendly manner in the box office gave our patrons a warm feeling of welcome."  The award was originally given by Jackson Civic Theatre at Stone Village many years ago.

The Rookie of the Year Award went to TIM BRAKE, whose daughter Carly has been involved with several recent productions, though he himself had not performed before participating in a staged reading of “Mauritius.”  CARA GURNSEY was given the Youth Award for her starring role in “The Diary of Anne Frank.”  R. DEAN WEBER won the Techie Award for his work on sets and other behind-the-scenes efforts.  The Hammy Award went to newcomer DEL BELCHER, nominated for the “special spark and nonstop energy” he brought to his role in “Back to the ’80s.”

Special recognition was also given to Past President SUSAN MURPHY and volunteers RICHARD AND THERESA FIFELSKI.

In addition, 37 Shining Star Awards were distributed to other performers and volunteers Marc Babcock, Samantha Baldwin, Bethany Belcher, Carly Brake, Bob Bullock, Bailey Chamberlain, Ellen Cole, Kelsey Cummings, Susan De Minica, Evan Denney, Cole Dillon, Derek Elhmann, James Ellis, Ann Green, Donna Guernsey, Randy Guernsey, Victoria Hood, Scott Hutchins, Rod Jacobs, Betsy King (and her dog, Maggie), T.R. Krupa, Steven Lee, Amanda Mahoney, Chip Mezo, The McKim Family, Don Mansfield, Martha Mansfield, Stephanie Pierce, Timm Richardson, Macie Richmond, Ken Schluckebier, Larry Shaltis, Kelly Skarritt, Kory Trombley, Sarah Weber, Ellen Yoakam.

Center Stage Jackson is Jackson’s community theatre group.  Formed in 2001 when Jackson Civic Theatre and Clark Lake Players merged, Center Stage Jackson is a non-profit production company dedicated to presenting quality theatrical productions in the Greater Jackson, Michigan area.  Please visit Center Stage’s website at www.centerstagejackson.org.

MSF's Monologue Contest Finals this Saturday!

Michigan Shakespeare Festival’s annual High School Monologue Contest culminates Saturday, July 31, 2010 at 11 a.m. in the lobby of the Michael Baughman Theater during the heart of the Festival’s 2010 Season. Regional winners will compete by reading a two-minute monologue from a Shakespeare play. Two winners from Southeastern Michigan Regional competition, held in May, are Lonnie Robinson of Ecorse and Melissa Murphy of Southgate. Third and fourth place winners, Steven D. Steffan II of Ecorse and Molly Logue of Ann Arbor, respectively, will also compete. South Central Michigan Regional winners are Caitlan Dunlap of Tecumseh and Travis Lockwood of Grass Lake. Third and fourth place winners from the South Central Regionals are Caitlan Woolsey and Kylee Arnold, both of Jackson. All eight winners will compete in the State Finals for a first prize of $350. Judges are Janice Blixt, the festival’s artistic director, Betsy Davies, English teacher and one of the founders of the Michigan Shakespeare Festival and Terry Pow, entertainment critic for the Jackson Citizen Patriot.

See Shakespeare for Free!

The Michigan Shakespeare Festival is looking for ushers for its productions of Romeo & Juliet, Comedy of Errors, and Driving Miss Daisy. If you are interested, please call 517-998-3673. Check out the schedule here.

The Bon Ton Room presents. . .

“American Dreams”

By Studs Terkel

Adapted for the stage by Peter Frisch  

Directed by Barbara Sexton

Thursday and Friday, July 22-23, 2010

8:00 p.m.  $10 Cover

The Bon Ton Room, 3017 Wildwood Avenue, Jackson, Michigan

  (517) 787-6733 or thebontonroom.pr@gmail.com for reservations

An entertaining, thought-provoking show adapted from the book by the iconic Studs Terkel by Peter Frisch, this engrossing evening of monologues will be performed by some of Jackson's finest actors and actresses:  Timm Richardson, Steve Kamke, Roxanne Bruner, Jerrell Rodriguez and Erin Wetzel.  With uniquely American music performed throughout by talented Jackson musicians Vic McDermott and JT McCluskey. 

Made up of monologues connected by brief concerted sections, and divided into six segments (fantasies, nightmares, hallucinations, sweet dreams, broken reveries and visions), the play uses the voices of real people to convey, with striking effectiveness, a sense of what America and its people are, both in truth and in fantasy.  The various segments and speeches blend into a moving theatrical experience which is revealing, often very funny, frequently moving and sometimes disturbing—but which always speaks from and to the heart of this great and singular nation in all its richness and diversity.  Ranging from the rich and famous (Ted Turner, Arnold Schwarzenegger) to the obscure (a farmer, a bellhop, a Hare Krishna disciple) to hard-bitten cynics and hopeful optimists, the diverse monologues weave an evocative tapestry out of the simple truths and cogent observations which emerge when people speak their minds with honesty and candor.

"Peter Frisch has sifted through that gold in Terkel's book American Dreams: Lost and Found and picked out the best nuggets … The result is a simple play that is deeply moving" ~ Chicago Daily Herald

"American Dreams is a rich theatrical tapestry …" ~ Chicago Sun-Times

Please join us for this limited engagement performance.

The Difference Between Community Theater and Professional Theater

Bridgette Redman has written an insightful blog comparing and explaining the differences and strengths of community theater and professional theater. It is well worth a read. Visit Front Row at Lansing's Theaters.

MARY BARBER 1957 - 2007

In remembrance of Mary Barber June 25, 1957 - May 14, 2007

Last Night at the Purple Rose

The tornado warnings forced the audience at the Purple Rose to abandon Boeing Boeing at Intermission last night and head for lower levels. According to John Seibert (on Facebook), with Jeff Daniels and Guy Sanville checking the radar screens and "captaining" the event, this is one evening no one will forget soon!

PURPLE ROSE ANNOUNCES TWENTIETH SEASON!

Going back to their roots, which is a brave act in this difficult economy, Jeff Daniels' Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea, Michigan is presenting Four World Premieres by Michigan playwrights in celebration of their twentieth anniversary season. We are incredibly lucky to have such outstanding work being done in our area. Make your reservations now!

Summer Arts Camp for Girls

A New Fine Arts Camp.  Jackson School of the Arts has partnered with the Girl Scouts to create a new summer fine arts camp for girls entering grades 4-12. Membership as a Girl Scout is not required to attend the residential or day camp.  Learn more at the Girl Scouts website. Or contact the Jackson School of the Arts at: 517.784.2389

The Bon Ton Room presents. . .

Sandy Sykes Live! 

with… Roxanne Bruner 
George Spice on drums

 

Friday and Saturday, June 25-26, 2010

8:00 p.m.  $20 Cover

The Bon Ton Room, 3017 Wildwood Avenue, Jackson, Michigan

  (517) 787-6733 for reservations

Sandy shares songs and stories along with the fabulous Roxanne Bruner at the keys and George Spice on drums.  Sandy Sykes - Live… includes an eclectic mix of standards, Broadway, 60s, 70s, 80s, swing and a few surprises. With tongue planted firmly in cheek, she picked the show name as homage to some favorite performers like Frank Sinatra … Live at Madison Square Garden, and Liza… Live at Carnegie Hall – you get the idea. Sandy Sykes – Live… as in, Live from Her Parent’s Basement, Live from WAY off Broadway, Live from The Movies, etc. Come enjoy a variety of musical styles, and maybe even sing along on a few!

Sandy Sykes is a longtime vocalist/performer in the Jackson area in many theatrical roles and cabaret shows. She was part of the very first cabaret performance at the Bon Ton Room, and also was in its first fully staged musical, Sweeney Todd, as Mrs. Lovett.  She’ll be seen next fall in the Bon Ton Room’s production of Tommy.

Roxanne Bruner has been involved with the local music and theatre scene for many years - performing onstage, playing piano or conducting the orchestra.  She is Vocal Music and Drama Director at Lumen Christi High School and Jackson Catholic Middle School.  She has also recently been nominated for a 2010 Wilde Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her work in Side by Side by Sondheim with the Michigan Shakespeare Festival last summer.

George Spice has played drums most of his life and has been in local bands including Skyline, Twice Loved, and Bittersweet, and has performed with various others. He loves to serve at his church, Stream in the Desert, in the music ministry.  He also helps with the Western Schools choirs.  He has been a financial advisor at Met Life for 24 years.

                Tickets are $20.  For reservations call the Bon Ton Room at (517) 787-6733
or make reservations online at thebontonroom.pr@gmail.com.

Chelsea Area Players Announces Auditions for. . .

The Chelsea Area Players will host a talent search, Per4m to Win, this summer.  They are looking for all kinds of talent, not limited to singers, dancers, jugglers, etc!  Attached is an audition flier.  The performance is July 17 at Chelsea High School with 3 age categories and two cash prizes, $250 and $100, per category.  They are looking for performance-ready acts to audition on June 21 or 22.  Please consider this for yourself and spread the word to the talented people you know!

The Bon Ton Room presents. . .

For reservations call 517-787-6733.

Jackson Studio of Music Arts Announces Auditions

Auditions have been announced for a new show. JSMA is producing FAMILY ~ THE MUSIC with book, music & lyrics by Dr. Stephen Murphy. Artistic Director is Ann Holt and Music Direction is by Dr. Murphy. Choreographer will be Joann Drayton and additional vocal coaching will be provided by Keith Drayton.

A delightful story about a bunch of orphans and their house mother provides funny, moving and joyous momnts, as well as a clever plot twist that the whole family can enjoy.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 25th and Thursday, May 27th
TIME: 6 - 8 pm both evenings
WHERE: JSMA Offices, 4 Universal Way, Jackson (next to Yen King Chinese Restaurant and behind the old Holiday Inn)

Visit the FAMILY website for more details including a description of characters.

Production dates are August 20, 21, and 22 at the Donald Baker Activity Center, 8200 King Road in Spring Arbor.