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!