Auditions for THE VELVETEEN RABBIT (A Musical)

Auditions for The Velveteen Rabbit

A CSJ Youth Theater MUSICAL

Open to all Jackson Couty Youth in Grades 3-9

No second graders, please.

Thursday, January 5 or Tuesday, January 10, 2011

4:30

Jackson's First Presbyterian Church

745 West Michigan Avenue, Jackson

No experience required!  Beginners welcome!

No advanced preparation necessary!

Those auditioning will be asked to do a cold reading from the script, sing a simple song and learn a simple dance step.

Questions?

See the "Questions" section of theYouth Theater tab

More questions?

Contact Doug Meyers at drmeyers14@sbcglobal.net or (517)-783-1468

THEATRE TERMS AND WHAT THEY MEAN!

In is down, down is front

out is up, up is back

off is out, on is in.

And of course,

right is left, left is right.

A drop shouldn't and a

block and fall does neither.

A prop doesn't and

a cove has no water.

Tripping is OK.

A running crew rarely gets anywhere.

A purchase line will buy you nothing.

A trap will not catch anything.

A gridiron has nothing to do with football.

Strike is work (in fact, lots of work),

and a green room, thank goodness, usually isn't.

Now that you're fully versed in theatrical terms,

Break a leg .. but not really!

Fourth Annual Youth Singing Competition - January 20, 2012

2011 Winners (12 and under)

Want to prove to Jackson that you can sing?  The young people in the picture did.

Center Stage Jackson – Jackson’s community theatre group - is hosting the Fourth Annual Youth Singing Competition for young people up through 12 grade on Friday, January 20, 2012.  Contestants will be divided into two age groups: twelve and under, and thirteen through senior in high school. The competition will be held in The Grand Community Room at The Ella Sharp Museum at 4005 Fourth St, Jackson, MI.  Entrance fee is $20 whether for an individual or a group.  There will be cash prizes for the top performers or acts in each age group!

REGISTRATION FORM

DOWNLOAD THE FLIER
Competition Guidelines
Judges Form

 
Participation is on a first come – first serve basis and the number of participants is limited.

The deadline for entries is Friday, January 13, 2012.  (If all slots are not filled, it may be possible to register at the door for $25.)

Come out to see the show and support our young people!  Admission fee for spectators is $5 with no additional charge for entrants.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the competition begins at 7:30 p.m. The purpose of this competition is to have a great time chasing away the winter doldrums while giving students the opportunity to show off their vocal talent.

Master of Ceremonies is Connor Pierce, a sophomore at Jackson High School.  Carly Brake, a freshman at Lumen Christi and previous winner of the event, will be co-hosting.

What A Do Theatre in Battle Creek

Critical & Box Office Success for What A Do Theatre's The Christmas Schooner   What A Do Theatre set an attendance record with the Opening Weekend of The Christmas Schooner.  Attendance grew 50% over the Opening Weekend for The Laramie Project, the previous record holder. The Christmas Schooner has also received rave reviews.  The Battle Creek Enquirer says: "The Christmas Schooner is a powerhouse of show." "The cast is terrific...a tight grip on its energy, doling out just enough at each beat to build a strong and emotional climax.” "The acting of Betsy King and Jeff Stierle provides the kind of potent drama for which What A Do Theatre has become well known." You can read Christopher Tower's full review here. The Christmas Schooner continues December 2-3, 8-10, and 16-17.  All performances will be at What A Do Theatre’s new location at 4071 West Dickman Road, one block from Begg Park and the Springfield Farmers Market.  Show time for all performances is 8 p.m.  Due to a scheduling conflict, there will be no matinee performances. Reservations can be made by visiting www.whatado.org or by calling the Box Office at 269.282.1953 or 773.744.8598.  Ticket prices are $20.  Seniors (65 and older), students, and members of the Armed Forces and veterans receive a 10% discount with a valid ID.  Group sales rates are also available.  “Name Your Own Price Night” will be Thursday, December 8th.

No More Jackson Citizen Patriot Reviews of ANY Shows

Did you miss the newspaper reviews yet? Did you even realize that the Jackson Citizen Patriot stopped reviewing productions this past year? That means the Purple Rose, the Michigan Shakespeare Festival, and Center Stage Jackson productions.

A lot of audience members will attend without feeling the need for a review. We just ask friends what they thought or what they have heard.

In the meantime, there have been a couple of brief discussions in the theatre community about creative ways that gap might be filled. If you have ideas, we would love to know.

Here is what one theatre is doing, which sounds very interesting even though out of our league. Click HERE to read more.

Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS Opening November 4th

Remember Dorne Lefere?

Dorne rehearsing for The Producers

I was reading Barnstorms, the newsletter of The Farmington Players, when I came across a name I recognized. Dorne Lefere. He is listed as playing Dickens in their upcoming production of A Christmas Carol. Earlier this year he starred as Max Bialock in The Producers.

Share your memories here if you worked with Dorne back in the day.

LEADING LADIES - Three More Performances

Audrey explains the situation to Leo and Jack. It's all they need to create an evening of havoc.

Don't miss this wonderful show that the Brooklyn Exponent reviewer declared "top-notch entertainment"! Tickets are only $15 and available at the door.

September 30, October 1, 2
Fri & Sat @ 8:00 PM
Sun @ 3:00 PM
Baughman Theatre, Potter Center, JCC
2111 Emmons Road, Jackson, MI

General Admission: $15 (includes $1 JCC restoration fee)
Reservations: 517-782-8473 (Addison Awning)

 

Why haven't you seen this show yet?

LEADING LADIES Open This Weekend

Jackson Community College presents . . .

'Cinderella Waltz' gives grown-ups

a new take on classic fairy tale  

JCC students will present a different kind of fairy tale, "Cinderella Waltz" by Don Nigro, the last two weekends of October.

"Cinderella Waltz" is a fairy tale for grown-ups, with humor and a different kind of ending, said director Sandy DiCesare, coordinator of educational theatre at the College. It tells the story of Rosey Snow, who is trapped in a fairy tale world that is by turns funny and a little frightening. With her are stepsisters Goneril and Regan, her demented stepmother, her lecherous father, a bewildered Prince, a fairy godmother who sings salty old sailor songs, a troll and a possibly homicidal village idiot. It is meant for mature audiences, similar to a PG-13 rating.

"Cinderella Waltz" will be presented at 8 p.m. Oct. 20, 21, 22, 28 and 29, and 3 p.m. Oct. 23 and 30 in the Ruth Day Theater, Potter Center. Special preview show Oct. 20, all tickets $2. Tickets for all other performances are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students.

Encore Musical Theatre Presents . . .THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA

If you haven't been to the Encore Theatre in Dexter, now is the time to go. Adam Guettal's LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA is an exquisite jewel. It won the Tony Award a few years back and deservedly so. This production matches the original in style and vocal talent, an amazing feat for a charming little theatre in a small community. Go see it. You won't be sorry.

NEED A GOOD LAUGH OR TWO? TRY LEADING LADIES

Jeremy Adam Moore and Scott Clow come to blows?

What happens when two out of work Shakespearean actors decide to scam an old woman? More silliness ensues than you can shake a stick at. Don't miss this rollicking comedy!

Written by KEN LUDWIG and directed by G.L. BLANCHARD, LEADING LADIES runs September 23-25, 30 and October 1-2 in the Baughman Theatre, Potter Center, Jackson Community College, 2111 Emmons Rd., Jackson, Michigan.

Show times are 8 p.m. September 23-24 and October 1, and 3 p.m. September 25 and October 2.  Tickets are General Admission:  $15 adult, $10 for ages 12 and younger (ticket prices include $1 JCC restoration fee).  For reservations, please call: 517-782-8473 (Addison Awning).

Visit the website for more information.

Jackson School for the Arts Announces Fall Classes

Are you looking for an art, dance or theatre class for your kids? Check out the classes at the Jackson School for the Arts by clicking HERE.

Open House & Registration Day is
this Sunday, 2-4 PM  

The Open House is a great time to sign up for fall classes in art, dance and theater at Jackson School of the Arts.

Take a tour, register, purchase dancewear and dance shoes, make an art project and enjoy refreshments.

If you can't attend the open house,
walk in hours this week are:  Thursday 9/8 - 12-5 PM
Friday 9/9 - 10-5 PM

We also welcome walk up registrations the first day of class.  Please note that some classes are full or almost full so advance registration is encouraged.  517.784.2389

Next Up - LEADING LADIES

Let the hilarity ensue!! Center Stage Jackson is pleased to announce the opening of the first production of their twelfth season, the rollicking comedy/farce Leading Ladies, written by KEN LUDWIG, directed by G.L. BLANCHARD, September 23-25, 30 and October 1-2 in the Baughman Theatre, Potter Center, Jackson Community College, 2111 Emmons Rd., Jackson, Michigan.

Show times are 8 p.m. September 23-24 and October 1, and 3 p.m. September 25 and October 2.  Tickets are General Admission:  $15 adult, $10 for ages 12 and younger (ticket prices include $1 JCC restoration fee).  For reservations, please call: 517-782-8473 (Addison Awning).

Visit the website for more information.

MICHIGAN SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR 2011-12 HIGH SCHOOL TOUR

The Michigan Shakespeare Festival announced it will hold auditions for its expanded High School Tour, which will feature productions of Romeo & Juliet and Macbeth during the 2011-12 school year.

Auditions will be held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, September 4 and from noon-7 p.m., Monday, September 5, at the Jackson Symphony Orchestra Rehearsal Hall, 215 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson. The company will consist of nine men and three women – all types are welcome. Additionally, the Festival will cast covers – who will rehearse and perform – for all roles.

You can find more information on the MSF website by clicking HERE.

Readings from the Second Stage - AT HOME AT THE ZOO - August 19 & 20

The last play in Readings from the Second Stage for this season was Edward Albee's first play and it became a classic. The play was originally a one-act called Zoo Story but Albee fleshed the story out with a first another act and director Barb Sexton chose this version called At Home at the Zoo. Featuring well-known performers Colleen Flynn, Matt Davis, and Diego Febres-Cordero, this is something you don't want to miss.

Performing at The Fourth Wall, 701 Page Avenue, Jackson on both Friday (8/19) and Saturday (8/20) nights at 8:00 pm. Admission is FREE but donations are appreciated.

DON TATE 2011

TATE, DON GILBERT - Passed away August 5, 2011 after a five year battle with COPD, under the care of his loving wife and children. He joins his infant son, Mark Alan who died in 1960. He was born in Battle Creek on December 28, 1933 to John Gilbert and Donna Lucine, who preceded him in death. After graduating in 1952 he joined the Navy where he served in the Philippines and Guam for three years as a Communications Technician. In 1966, the family moved to Jackson where Don worked for Jacobson's for 36 years. After retiring he went to work for Wetherby Funeral Home. Don was active in theatre since 1948, and loved all aspects. Acting was his forte, beginning here at Stone Village in '69. Other accomplishments include, co-directing Musical Theatre, President of Clark Lake Players, and was co-producer of Jackson County Rose Pageant. Don and Clara owned "Tate's Costume Rental", and also Tate's Take-Out with their son. He enjoyed traveling on his Honda Gold Wing with Clara. He leaves behind his wife of 53 years Clara; his children, Denise (Michael) Blair, Matthew (Lisa) Tate, and Dawn Marcinkiewicz; grandchildren, Justin, Kyle, Alyssa, and Caleb; step-grandchildren, Michelle, Mike (Amber), Alex, and Andrew; a step-great-granddaughter, Madisyn and a special cousin Barb. Don was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend and will be sorely missed. The family would like to thank Great Lakes Hospice for their loving care and compassion the past 12 days. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. A private burial will take place at Woodland Cemetery. Visitation will take place Monday, August 8, 2011 at Wetherby Funeral Home from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions in Don's name may be made to St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Friends may send their condolences or share a memory with the family at Wetherbyfuneralhome.com www.Mlive.com/obits WETHERBY FUNERAL HOME 517.787.7511 wetherbyfuneralhome.com

Published in Jackson Citizen Patriot on August 7, 2011

GREASE is the WORD! One More Musical Weekend!

Photo courtesy of Landon Clark

With affordable ticket prices and a comfortable air-conditioned theatre, you can bring the whole family to Center Stage Jackson's celebration of the teens of the 1950s in the rock 'n' roll musical GREASE!

Director Colleen Flynn has put together a cast of talented folks who can sing and act. The pit is composed of strong musicians. But the real fun comes when Julie Klee's choreography brings the whole cast together. There are too many great moments to list here so you'll just have to go this weekend and see for yourself.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for 12 and under and are available at the door or call 517-522-5695 for reservations.

Friday, July 29 at 7:00 pm
Saturday, July 30 at 7:00 pm
Sunday matinee, July 31 at 2:00 pm

Check out the Center Stage Jackson website for more information.

MSF Still Looking for Volunteers - See Theatre for FREE

Last week, during a Michigan Shakespeare Festival production of "The Winter's Tale" we experienced a complete blackout at the Jackson Community College Potter Center. Despite having only three ushers, everything turned out well -- even with our largest audience so far this season -- but it was challenging. 

We don't want to experience this again (especially with a slim crew of volunteers). We are in need of ushers for the following dates. Please forward this email if you know someone who may want to usher.

Wednesday, July 27, 2:00 p.m. The Winter's Tale - 1 volunteer
Thursday, July 28, 7:30 p.m. Tartuffe - 3 volunteers
Friday, July 29, 7:30 p.m. The Winter's Tale - 3 volunteers
Saturday, July 30, 7:30 p.m. Much Ado About Nothing - 4 volunteers
Sunday, July 31, 2:00 p.m. Much Ado About Nothing - 4 volunteers

Thursday, August 4, 7:30 p.m. - The Winter's Tale -2 voulnteers
Saturday, August 6, 2:00 p.m. - Tartuffe - 4 volunteers
Sunday, August 7, 2:00 p.m. - The Winter's Tale - 3 volunteers

If you have an 1-2 hours you can lend us until the curtain rises before each performance it would be a tremendous help.

Volunteers arrive 90 minutes before showtime for evening shows and 60 minutes before afternoon performances in the lobby of the Baughman Theater. Volunteers receive free admission to that night's performance.

ALSO,

We are in need of waitstaff/servers for our inaugural Shakespeare Unplugged performances at the Bone Island Grille banquet room.  A shift will consist of approximately 90 minutes of taking food and drink orders at our friend and fund raising event.

Friday, July 29, 11 p.m. Shakespeare Unplugged at Bone Island Grille banquet room

Saturday, July 30, 11 p.m. Shakespeare Unplugged at Bone Island Grille banquet room

Friday, August 5, 11 p.m. Shakespeare Unplugged at Bone Island Grille banquet room

If interested, contact Janet Meyer at (517) 998-3673 ext 156 or janetmeyer2005@gmail.com

PHYLLIS ARMBRUSTER 2011

PHYLLIS KAY - Age 68, of Jackson, daughter of Hubert and Elvera Surber, succumbed of lung cancer on Saturday, July 9, 2011 with her loving husband by her side, under the comforting care of Allegiance Hospice. She is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Richard Lynn Armbruster; mother, Elvera Surber; four children, Cindy Price, Sherrie (Tim) Corser, Lynn (Susan) Armbruster, Richie (Michelle) Armbruster; grandchildren, Tiffany, Zach, Ethan, Dustin, Ashley, Amanda, Kelby, Marques, Alliyah, Jarod, Aja, Evan, Eric (Lizeth), Cody, Justin; and blessed with six great-grandchildren; siblings, Marilyn (Dan) Kilbourn, Lynn (Vickie), Larry (Mary); as well as many nieces and nephews; and many "Adopted Grandkids". She was preceded in death by her father, Hubert N. Surber. She loved playing bingo, computer games, going shopping with her granddaughters, and attending her grandchildren's events. She also enjoyed and did live theater for 31 years. She was a board member of the Clark Lake Players and the Jackson Civic Theater. Phyllis loved life and lived it to the fullest. She touched many lives, too many to count in her life. A huge thanks to all her pals at Allegiance Health and Allegiance Hospice. A funeral service, celebrating her life, will be held on Friday, July 15, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church at 10:00 a.m. with the Reverend Sue Babb officiating. Visitation will take place at church on Thursday, July 14, 2011 from 6 to 8 p.m. and prior to service from 9 to 10 a.m. Contributions may be made to the family for final funeral expenses. www.Mlive.com/obits

The local paper also had a nice article about Phyllis that you can read HERE.

MSF OPENING NIGHT CELEBRATION

Jackson Community College presents . . .

She Was Only a Farmer's Daughter   by Millard Crosby

“Born a farmer's daughter, Millie has longed for an education. So, she goes to the city where she becomes a victim of deep eyed villain, Mulberry Foxhall. In a weak moment Millie consents to become his wife. It is then that she encounters a strange woman who tells Millie that Mulberry is already married, and he is merely laying a trap for her. Millie, realizing the peril of her position, returns to the farm. But alas, Mulberry appears on the scene suddenly, and he proceeds to make life intolerable for the farmer's daughter.”  Information from the Samuel French catalog.

Mrs. Ella Smithers:  Cassie DeMay

Aunt Sally:  Nicole Rowley

Millie Spivens:  Chelsea Denig

Osgood Smithers:  Ryan Bennett

Alice Smith:  Amanda Marzano

Mulberry Foxhall:  Cody Robison

Lydia Smith:  Maggie Lapp

Harvey Smith:  Elliot Hitt

Costumer:  Becky Latka

Director:  Sandy DiCesare

Music: Andrea Wynn

Performed with special permission from Samuel French, Inc.

All performances are FREE!

Performances Dates and Times:

·             June 9^th   Day Theatre  1:30 p.m.   Final Dress—open invite

·       June 10^th   Lunch with ARTS---JCC Dining Room  12:10 p.m.

  June 11^th  Ella Sharp’s Arts and Wine Festival   1:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. on Ella’s porch

·       June 12^th  JCC   Day Theatre                   2:00 p.m.

·       June 13^th  Crouch     Senior Center          12:45 p.m.

CSJ Presents LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

Audrey II (Puppeteer Billy McLean) and Seymour (Tony Boling)

Little Shop of Horrors opens this Friday in the Baughman Theatre in the Potter Center on the Jackson Community College Campus and plays for two weekends.. Here's a link to an article that will appear in the Jackson Citizen Patriot tomorrow! It has all the details you need.

Town Hall Players Production of RENT Opening May 13th

Center Stage performers Stephanie Pierce, TR Krupa and Mike Cicirelli appear with the Town Hall Players this weekend and next in Jonathan Larsen's rock opera RENT! Opening night is May 13th (tomorrow) at 7:30 pm at the Historic Stockbridge Town Hall, 125 S. Clinton Street in the heart of Stockbridge, Michigan!

Tickets $10 at the door - $8 in advance (at the Stockbridge Pharmacy)

Show times: Friday and Saturday, May 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 15 at 3 p.m. - Sunday, May 22 at 5 p.m.

RENT tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive in New York under the shadow of AIDS. RENT brings controversial topics to the stage and speaks to Generation X the way that the musical Hair spoke to the baby boomers. It’s a rock opera for our time, a Hair for the 21st century.

· This play contains profanity and adult situations.
· 15 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

You have six chances to see this show and to support community theatre in our area!

Encore Musical Theatre Presents . . .Encore on the Edge Series

Mark your calendar!  The Encore will be continuing its Encore on the Edge series with a show that might be new to our audience, but has quickly developed a huge following in many theatre circles, and you won't want to miss it!

The Last Five Years is an emotionally powerful and intimate musical about two New Yorkers in their twenties who fall in and out of love over the course of five years. The show's unconventional structure consists of Cathy, the woman (played by Thalia Schramm), telling her story backwards while Jamie, the man (played by Steve DeBruyne), tells his story chronologically; the two characters only meet once, at their wedding in the middle of the show.

Composer of The Last Five Years, Jason Robert Brown, won Drama Desk Awards for the music and the lyrics after the Off-Broadway premiere in 2002. The show has since been produced at almost every major regional theater in the US, and has been seen in Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Germany, Italy, Canada, and Spain.

The Encore's production of The Last Five Years will run for 8 performances only, May 26 through June 5. Tickets are on sale now by visiting our website at http://theencoretheatre.org or by calling our box office at (734) 268-6200.

BON TON ROOM CLOSED - April 30, 2011

Bon Ton Room, Jackson, Michigan

Last night was the farewell celebration of the closing of Matt Davis's Bon Ton Room. Full of comedy improv, solo performers, and moments from the six shows presented over the last few years, it had the audience on their feet by the end of the evening. There were many tears and the realization that this venue, which many performers in Jackson felt was their home, would no longer exist.

The closing of the BTR will impact CSJ in a number of ways. The Youth Singing Competition has been held there since its inception. Three years of Miscast cabarets were presented there. With that space in mind, the Readings from the Second Stage series was born several years ago. Even our Annual Meeting and Awards Night has been held at the BTR.

Watch our webpage, calendar, sign up for our e-newsletter, or follow this blog for details on where we will be holding events in the future. Or if you have suggestions for locations, please e-mail us with your ideas at info@centerstagejackson.org.

And finallly, a space like the BTR is only special because of the people who made it welcoming, inspiring, and a safe place to learn and grow. Matt Davis created the environment and gathered talented people around him who believed in his vision. Matt, for everything you contributed to Jackson's performing community, for all the opportunitites you created, for everything you shared with us, THANK YOU doesn't say enough. WITH LOVE.

The Bon Ton Room presents. . .

Coming Into Focus

Directed and Produced by Stephanie Pierce

April 21st, 22nd & 23rd

$15 Cover

8:00PM SHOW

“We did not change as we grew older; we just became more clearly ourselves!”

"Coming Into Focus" is a new cabaret show about growing up told from the views of 9 extraordinary teenagers.

Featuring music from; Hairspray, the Beatles, Footloose, Matchbox Twenty, Next to Normal, Peter Pan, Edges, Spring Awakening, Avenue Q and much more.

Cast: Stephanie Pierce, TR Krupa, Molly Czarnecki, Maddie Ladwig, Kaleroi Kastros, Kenzie Pelham, David Fuller, Stephanie Baker, and Taylor Hawkins.
(Students of Jackson , Lumen Christi, and Northwest)

Accompaniment by Chip Mezo, Cammie Polack, Joe Lelievre, and Lucas Meyers

*For language use and innuendo this show is not recommended
for children under 13.

Doors Open @ 6:15PM for Food and Drink Service!

Call in or email your reservations at 787-6733
or
thebontonroom.pr@gmail.com

Be Part of LIGHT, an Internet Series

Tommy Kraft is a student at Albion College who's interested in directing film. He has several projects that he has written and are in the process of being produced. Among those projects is "Light", a twenty episode web series that will be shot over the course of Summer 2011. It's an action/drama that follows two friends who get caught in the middle of a terrorist plot to find an ancient artifact.

"Light" is the first of it's kind on the internet. No one has yet to create content of this type and especially in a fashion that allows for weekly release. Each episode will be approximately 6-8 minutes (with the exception of the last episode which will be closer to 25 minutes).

Although participation is on a volunteer basis, those involved will get screen credit. This could be a great opportunity if you are looking for a good portfolio piece or just for a chance to do some acting. If there are any questions please feel free to email him at tommy@projectnresource.com

So You Want to be a STAR!!

The Jackson School for the Arts (Arts 634 in Jackson) is hosting Peter Sklar on May 1st, 7 PM.  He is a noted scout and producer and has discovered and coached thousands of young performers including Sarah Jessica Parker, Mischa Barton, and Reese Witherspoon.  He is giving a free 90 minute lecture on the business of being a star including practical and real advice appropriate for anyone who is interested in the performing arts. Center Stage parents and children are welcome. Call Kim Hastings at 517.784.2389.

Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater is Getting a Makeover

Barton S. Tibbits spent his fortune to give the town of Coldwater a 'grand theatre'. There is a wonderful history on their very helpful and informative website.

Tibbits is known for its professional summer stock and children's theatre productions, as well as serving as a concert hall and community theatre venue in the winter season.

Now the historic building, which has seen many changes over the years, is working to restore the original facade. Check out this article on Encore Michigan that details the work done so far. And, if you haven't been to Tibbits, add it to your list of 'must see' places.

Purple Rose Presents a World Premiere

"Some Couples May… is the third play of Crim's to world-premiere at Purple Rose (after Wake and Growing Pretty), the company that native Jeff Daniels founded in his hometown of Chelsea, MI, 60 miles west of Detroit. The PRTC mission is to produce new American plays and create opportunities for Midwest theatre professionals." To read the complete article, got to Playbill HERE.

The play "charts one woman's journey with her family through the challenges and heartbreak of infertility to the promise of motherhood."  (Some Couples May... contains strong language and sexual situations.)

For more information, visit www.PurpleRoseTheatre.org.

How Did I Miss This?

Apparently there is a fairly new theatre in Kalamazoo. They are now in their THIRD season. How did I miss this?

"The Farmers Alley Theatre is a professional ensemble based non-profit performance company dedicated to production popular and new work in the Downtown Kalamazoo area in a unique and intimate setting."

The reason this new performance venue came to my attention was the announcement I saw in Playbill for an upcoming production of A Catered Affair directed Joe Aiello with Scott Burkell and Barbara Marineau. If you were a fan of the Barn Theatre in Augusta these names should be familiar to you. (The Barn went dark last season after being in business for over 60 years. Their website says there will be a 2011 Season. I hope that's true.)

The Bon Ton Room to Close

It's been a difficult 24 hours as word spread throughout the cabaret and theatre community in Jackson that their beloved Bon Ton Room would be closing forever at the end of April. The space, a creation of Matt Davis and Lisa Kuchuk, had become the gathering place for Jackson talent, nurturing and showcasing performers.

You can read the article from the Jackson Citizen Patriot by clicking HERE.

MOVIES CONTINUE AT THE CROSWELL

The Croswell, located in Adrian, Michigan announces Sunday Cinema throughout the spring, plus extra Family Friday’s and a St. Patrick’s Day Film!  The film schedule through early April is below. 

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

­­

Friday, March 11, at 6:30pm Family Friday Special Includes FREE POPCORN!

The Princess Bride (1987) Rated PG

A classic fairy tale, with swordplay, giants, an evil prince, a beautiful princess, and yes, some kissing (as read by a kindly grandfather).  Directed by Rob Reiner.  Perfect for the whole family!

Sunday, March 13, at 6:00pm

Wait Until Dark, (1967) Not Rated

Starring Audrey Hepburn as a recently blinded woman who is terrorized by a trio of thugs while they search for a heroin stuffed doll they believe is in her apartment.

Thursday, March 17 @ 6:30pm

Waking Ned Devine, (1998) Rated PG

SPECIAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY FEATURE

When a lottery winner dies of shock, his fellow townsfolk attempt to claim the money.

Friday, March 18 @ 6:30pm Family Friday Special Includes FREE POPCORN!

Ice Age, (2002) Rated PG

Set during the Ice Age, a sabertooth tiger, a sloth, and a wooly mammoth find a lost human infant, and they try to return him to his tribe. An animated feature for the whole family!

Sunday, March 20 @ 6:00pm

Walk the Line, (2005) Rated PG-13

A chronicle of country music legend Johnny Cash's life, from his early days on an Arkansas cotton farm to his rise to fame with Sun Records in Memphis, where he recorded alongside Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. Stars Joaquin Phoenix (Oscar nominated, best actor) and Reece Witherspoon (best actress Oscar).

Sunday, March 27

Special Marlon Brando & Director Elia Kazan Double Feature

Steetcar Named Desire (1951) @4:30pm

Disturbed Blanche DuBois (Vivien Leigh) moves in with her sister in New Orleans and is tormented by her brutish brother-in-law (Brando) while her reality crumbles around her.

On the Waterfront (1954) @7:00pm

An ex-prize fighter turned longshoreman struggles to stand up to his corrupt union bosses.

Sunday, April 3

Tribute to Baseball’s Opening Week Double Feature

Rookie of the Year (1993) @ 4:30 Rated PG

When an accident miraculously gives a boy an incredibly powerful pitching arm, he becomes a major league pitcher for the Chicago Cubs.

League of Their Own (1992) @ 6:30pm Rated PG

Two sisters join the first female professional baseball league and struggle to help it succeed amidst their own growing rivalry.