‘Flies At The Well’ To Be Staged In Michigan (at the Fourth Wall)

Friday, January 30, 2015  (Article by by W. WINSTON SKINNER in the Times Herald)

“Flies at the Well,” Jeff Bishop’s play about the 1948 John Wallace murder case, is to be staged in April in Michigan.

Joan Doggrell of the Newnan Theatre Company said “a trial production” of the play is scheduled for April 18 in Jackson, Mich. In 1948, Wallace, a prominent Meriwether County farmer, was tried and convicted of murdering William Turner, who worked for him.

The Michigan production is sponsored by Gary and Marji Minix, Doggrell said.

A reading of the play was staged for an invited group of Coweta citizens at the Wadsworth Auditorium on Nov. 9. The next goal was an out-of-town staging.

Bishop, a former Times-Herald writer who now directs the museums of the Newnan-Coweta Historical Society, “needs to make sure that the play works for an audience outside of Georgia that is unfamiliar with the story,” Doggrell said.

The real life events had lots of twists. William Turner was using the name “Wilson Turner” because his brother, Wilson, was exempted from the military draft. In the Jim Crow era, two black farm workers testified Wallace forced them to help him burn Turner’s body.

Georgia law required human remains for a murder trial, and Turner’s “corpus delecti” consisted of a few shards of bone held in a matchbox. One of the witnesses in the case was Mayhayley Lancaster, an eccentric Heard County fortuneteller who knew both Turner and Wallace.

“Here in Coweta County, the tale is legendary,” Doggrell said – noting some older Cowetans “actually recall the 1948 murder.

”Following the Nov. 9 reading, Bishop “has revised his script and is now ready for a more complete staging,” Doggrell said.

There has been an interest in a play based on the Wallace murder case for years. It has been suggested numerous times that staging the play in the upper floor courtroom of the Coweta County Courthouse – where Wallace’s case actually took place – could be a tourism draw. Parallels have often been drawn to the yearly productions of “To Kill a Mockingbird” in Harper Lee’s hometown in Alabama.

In 2011, a “Citizens’ Posse” headed by Caroline Abbey, then chairman of the NTC board, sent out a proposal inviting authors nationwide to write a new play. “With grants from donors such as the Coweta Community Foundation and the Charter Foundation, the plan forged ahead, and Jeff Bishop was chosen to write the play,” Doggrell said.

“Flies at the Well” emerged from Bishop’s “extensive research in newspaper archives and historical documents.” NTC accepted the play in December 2011.

Once Bishop and NTC are ready, “Flies at the Well” will be staged in Newnan, Doggrell said.

We Are Not In Competition by David Blixt

Thoughtful words from David Blixt, actor and author, about the arts community.

Center Stage Jackson Announces . . .

  ^{2nd Show of 2014-15 Season:}  

Jackson, MI – January 18, 2015

Center Stage Jackson, in partnership with Jackson Public Schools, is pleased to announce the second main stage show of its fifteenth season with the comedy romp “The Iliad, The Odyssey and All of Greek Mythology in 99 Minutes or Less” written by Jay Hopkins and John Hunter.  The show will be performed February 20-22 and February 27-March 1, 2015 in the Kiesel Auditorium at the Middle School at Parkside, 2400 4th Street in Jackson.  Curtain times are 8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday performances, 3:00 p.m. on Sundays.  

Tickets may be purchased at the door or at the Center Stage Jackson website www.centerstagejackson.org.  General Admission: $10 adults & $8 students, seniors and groups of 10 or more. 

On a simple stage, with the clock ticking in front of everyone's eyes, the cast speeds through all of Greek Mythology. It is funny, updated and made easy to understand. The Gods walk the Red Carpet. The Creation of Mankind is a botched subcontractors job. Man and Pandora try settling down despite an ominous wedding gift. Love stories are a dating show and the Greek Tragedies are sports highlights! And don't forget the two greatest stories ever told, The Iliad and The Odyssey. Kidnap Helen of Troy and you've got a 10 year slap-fight of epic proportions with pouty Achilles, war-hungry Agamemnon, and clever Odysseus, destined to wander the seas for 10 more years fighting giants, seductresses and the Gods themselves. All the silly decisions, the absurd destinies, and the goofy characters are presented lightning-bolt fast with hysterical results as the clock is stopped with only seconds to spare.

The cast includes:  Phil Kolis, Steven Owsley, Mark Sanders, Sarah Sanders, HannahTritten, Joshua Judd, Amanda Gregurich, Joseph Gerring and Juli Cram, all in a variety of roles.

The Artistic Director is Bruce Crews with Technical Director Preston Judd.

Contact: Bruce Crews at bcrews@co.jackson.mi.us.

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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.  CSJ performs at various area venues including Jackson College, a proud sponsor of CSJ, located at 2111 Emmons Road, Jackson, Michigan. 

www.centerstagejackson.org.  

Purple Rose Concert Reading 2/7/2015

A reading at the Chelsea District Library

Saturday, Feb. 7

10:30am-12:30pm

McKune Room, Chelsea District Library

Registration Required

Join us for a reading of Morning's at Seven by Paul Osborn, read by Purple Rose performers. After the reading, share your feedback with the cast, playwright, and Artistic Director Guy Sanville.

A little bit about Morning's at Seven:

Aaronetta and Ida Gibbs have lived next door to each other most of their lives and along with Esther, all of the Gibb sisters are an open book to each. Husbands not included. Into the fray comes Myrtle Brown, perpetually engaged to Ida's son Homer. But Homer can't seem to pop the question. Taking matters into her own hands, Myrtle finally gets a proposal by compelling Homer to fly the nest. Sort of. This perennially charming portrait of small town America fifty plus years ago was revived on Broadway in 1980 and in 2002 to critical acclaim. 

Can't make it to the library to see the performance?  Chelsea District Library now live streams Purple Rose Concert Readings - click here or on our homepage link.

Additionally, videos of past readings are available under our "Online Resources" tab.

Auditions at the Croswell in Adrian

January auditions set for The Cat in the Hat at the Croswell!

The Croswell Opera House in downtown Adrian has scheduled auditions for its upcoming production of “The Cat in the Hat,” which will include both children and adult performers
.
Auditions will take place from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, and 7-9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, at the Croswell. Auditioners should wear loose, comfortable clothing and be prepared to demonstrate movement and read from the script, which will be provided.

The show includes two roles for children, with the rest of the cast made up of adult or high school-aged performers. Some of the cast members will need to have gymnastic skills, and people with puppetry skills are also encouraged to audition.

Public performances will take place the weekends of Feb. 20-22 and Feb. 27 to March 1, with additional shows for school groups taking place on Feb. 25 and 26.

The production will be directed by Julianne Dolan.

The Croswell’s artistic team is committed to flexible, imaginative casting. Performers of all ethnicities and backgrounds are encouraged to participate. Reasonable accommodations will be made for anyone with special needs. The Croswell does not pay for participation in performances, but is committed to providing cast members with a professional-level experience in a friendly community theater environment.

The Croswell is at 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian. For more information, call Jere Righter at 517-263-6868 or email jrighter@croswell.org. For tickets to any Croswell production, visit the website or call 517-264-7469 (264-SHOW).

Youth Theatre Auditions 2015

^{Announcing Auditions for "Oz! The Musical"}

Jackson, MI – December 28, 2014

Center Stage Jackson Youth Theater announces auditions for its winter production of "Oz! - The Musical," an adaption of the beloved L. Frank Baum book.   Auditions will be held onThursday, January 8 and Tuesday, January 13 at 4:30 at Jackson's First Presbyterian Church, 743 W Michigan Avenue.

A cyclone carries Dorothy and Toto to the magical Land of Oz.  When Dorothy’s house squashes the Wicked Witch of the East, she is ecstatically thanked by the liberated Munchkins and given permission to wear the witch’s powerful silver slippers.  From there, Baum’s lovable characters, rubber-legged Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion and Tin Woodsman, join Dorothy on a journey to meet the great Oz.  While on their trek, they battle the Wicked Witch of the West, who is determined to get revenge for the death of her sister. 

The production is directed by Melissa McElhone with musical direction by Sarah Sanders.

Auditions are open to Jackson county youth in grades three through nine.  For more information, visit centerstagejackson.org or call Doug Meyers at 517-581-5606.

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Live Streaming of Concert Reading at Chelsea District Library! 12/6/2014

Photo Courtesy Sean Carter Photography

Chelsea District Library Announces Purple Rose Theatre Company

Concert Reading - Now available through live streaming!

Saturday, Dec. 6

10:30am-12:30pm | Ages 16 and older

McKune Room | Registration Required

Now there are two ways to enjoy our Purple Rose Theatre Company concert readings! In person or streamed live!  

Join us for this week's performance Ghost Gardens by Steven Simoncic. Staged in a forgotten corner of Detroit, this story pits redemption against destruction, hope against hopelessness, as it examines the humor, grit, grace, determination and delusion it takes to survive in the post-industrial modern American urban village. 

Can't make the performance? Watch it through live streaming in the comfort of your home!  The live streaming link can be found on our website home page below the catalog search and will be active the day of the performance.

It's Christmastime in the City! 2014

Be Part of The All A-Merry-Can Christmas Show in 2014

Christmas in the City - 9th Year!

Take a peek at your calendars, pick a date and come on out & see Christmas in the City! Text or call 517-936-8130 or email cabaretchristmas@gmail.com. for reservations.

Christmas is Coming!

The Encore Musical Theatre Company is well underway in our rehearsals for CHRISTMAS CAROLED!  As the set is being completed, and our costumer is hard at work in her costume shop, it is never too early for YOU to make your plans to come see Christmas Caroled at The Encore!  Christmas Caroled performances run November 20 - December 21, no performance on Thanksgiving Day.  Having company come to town and looking for something to do?? Bring them to The Encore for a Holiday treat the whole family will enjoy!

"A unique take on a holiday musical, Christmas Caroled!  draws on a classic tale, then wraps its story around an old-fashioned TV Christmas special - presented live! Gather around the stage this year for a magical holiday experience the whole family will enjoy!"

2014 Theater Opportunities for Young People

JSA has 2 opportunities for kids take the stage with their Christmas Play Production Classes - taught by Sandy DiCesare (ages 6-10) and Diego Febres-Cordero (ages 11-17) Classes start the week of Sept. 22. No audition, but you need to register for the class in advance.

For more information visit Jackson School of the Arts.

2014 Wilde Award Nominations

The Wilde Award nominations for 2014 have been announced. You can check them out HERE

There are lots of nods to the Michigan Shakespeare Festival, which just celebrated its 20th Season with outstanding performances of  HAMLET, CYMBELINE, and THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST.

Now in the thirteenth year, the Wilde Awards honor the best productions, performances, and technical work done by professional theaters across the state based on reviews written by Encore Michigan's professional critics.

Theater professionals from across Michigan will gather together Sept. 22 when The 2014 Wilde Awards are presented at The Berman Center for the Performing Arts in the Detroit suburb of West Bloomfield. 

Now in its 12th year, The Wilde Awards honors the best productions, performances and technical work produced or presented by professional theaters across the state. Nominations are based on reviews written by EncoreMichigan.com's team of professional critics. - See more at: http://encoremichigan.com/article.html?article=7487#sthash.2uQiAFZD.dpuf

Now in its 12th year, The Wilde Awards honors the best productions, performances and technical work produced or presented by professional theaters across the state. Nominations are based on reviews written by EncoreMichigan.com's team of professional critics. - See more at: http://encoremichigan.com/article.html?article=7487#sthash.2uQiAFZD.dpuf

Now in its 12th year, The Wilde Awards honors the best productions, performances and technical work produced or presented by professional theaters across the state. Nominations are based on reviews written by EncoreMichigan.com's team of professional critics. - See more at: http://encoremichigan.com/article.html?article=7487#sthash.2uQiAFZD.dpu

Now in its 12th year, The Wilde Awards honors the best productions, performances and technical work produced or presented by professional theaters across the state. Nominations are based on reviews written by EncoreMichigan.com's team of professional critics. - See more at: http://encoremichigan.com/article.html?article=7487#sthash.2uQiAFZD.dpu

Volunteer and See Shakespeare for Free (2014)

Michigan Shakespeare-Festival sent the following message regarding the sign up: 2014 MSF Festival Volunteers:

There are just two weekends left in our critically acclaimed 20th anniversary season. And there are still a few open volunteer opportunities.

There have been a few cancellations and last minute reschedulings. So if you'd like to come help and see the shows, please double check our calendar and see if anything works for you.

See you at the theater!

To view the sign up, go to:
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C0548AEAF2EA7FF2-20141/18535912

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Free Shakespeare for Students Through August 17, 2014

Janet Haley as the Queen in CYMBELINE

The Michigan Shakespeare Festival has received a grant from Michigan Automotive Compressor Inc. (MACI) to provide free tickets to local area students! 

HAMLET, CYMBELINE, and the IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (Oscar Wilde)

If you know someone under the age of 18 in Jackson County, they can attend any MSF performance over through August 17th for FREE! All they have to do is fill out a survey afterwards talking about their experience seeing live theatre.

Seating is limited! Only 20 free tickets per performance. To reserve now, call the box office at 517-796-8600 and use the code JSASTUDENT. Thank you MACI!

Peppermint Creek Theatre Announces Auditions

Auditions for the first production of the 2014-15 season, "Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo" are this weekend! Find all of the details here: http://www.peppermintcreek.org/audition.html

An Early Look at Stratford's 2015 Season

It's only about four hours (depending on highway construction and how long it takes to cross the border into Canada ) to drive from Jackson to the Stratford Festival and experience first class theater. The 2015 Season seems heavy on audience favorites like The Sound of Music and Carousel. Shakespeare is represented by Hamlet, Taming of the Shrew, and Love's Labour's Lost. Read more HERE .

"The Stratford Festival, formerly known as the Stratford Shakespearean and then Shakespeare Festival, is an internationally recognized annual celebration of theatre running from April to October in the Canadian city of Stratford, Ontario." Source: Wikipedia

Jackson School for the Arts Offers Workshop for Teens and Adults

Theater for Teens and Adults

From Audition to Opening Night Workshop with the Sauk Theatre's Dave Trippett.  Thursday, July 17.  6:30-8:00 PM. $12. 

Encore Musical Theatre (Dexter, MI) Announces Auditions

SPAMALOT: Directed by Thalia V. Schramm, Musical Directed by R. Mackenzie Lewis, and Choreographed by Mathew Brennan.

Rehearsals begin August 19th, Performances run September 18th through October 12th.

AUDITIONS WILL BE MONDAY, JULY 21st, FROM 6pm-10pm. An invited callback audition will be held on Tuesday, July 22nd.

Please prepare two contrasting 32-bar cuts of music from a contemporary musical. Music from the show is acceptable.

***To audition, you must call the box office 

during normal business hours and schedule a time***.  

(734) 268-6200)

For more information visit the Encore website .