A CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Lots of music to get you into the holiday spirit. Students of Andrea Wynn and guests will perform in this concert being held at the Arbor Grove Congregational Church, 2621 McCain Road at 7 PM on Saturday evening, December 21, 2013.

SCROOGE THE MUSICAL!

Scrooge the Musical! opens in 2 weeks! Purchase tickets at centerstagejackson.org, on the CSJ facebook page, or at this link: https://www.vendini.com/ticket-software.html...

Dates are November 8, 9, 10 & 15, 16, 17, 8pm Fri & Sat 3pm Sunday, Baughman Theater @ Jackson College's Potter Center.  

Michigan Shakespeare Festival 2013-2014 Touring Performances

The Michigan Shakespeare Festival is proud to announce the opening of its 2013-14 touring performances. From Nov. 4 through May 30, 2014 the MSF tour will perform Macbeth and Romeo & Juliet for high schools, libraries, community organizations, and senior centers throughout Southern Michigan, Northern Indiana and Northern Ohio. Adapted and directed by award-winning MSF artistic director Janice L. Blixt, the productions run approximately 100 minutes and are available for booking at any time throughout the year. CLICK HERE to read the complete story. (Source: Encore Michigan)

CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY - YULETIDE CABARET 2013

At the Grand Community Room at the Ella Sharp Museum of Art & History, Jackson, Michigan, December 12 (7:00 p.m.), 13 and 14, (8:00 p.m.). $20 admission (cash only at the door please). Come join us and see (and hear!) why many people look forward to this show year after year!  Roxanne Bruner, Kerrie Manders, Justin Marcero, Lori Pelham, Sandy Sykes, Sherra Zuck

Michigan Shakespeare Festival High School Tour

Check this out!

"MSF High School Tour to perform Macbeth to Jackson County High School Classes for Free at the Michigan Theatre Nov 4th 10am."
 

Sondheim's MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG October 23, 2013

Theatre and music peeps: I bought my ticket ($17) today at the Jackson 10 Cinema to see a one time only showing of Sondheim's MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG next Wednesday at 7:00 PM. Who's going to join me?

You can also purchase your ticket(s) online and find more information or if there is a theatre near you (460 around the nation) participating. 

Fanthom Events

Jackson School of the Arts

Jackson School of the Arts offers classes in creative and performing arts. www.jacksonarts.org

Michigan Shakespeare Festival offers

Scenes & Sonnets From Shakespeare, November 9, 7:30pm, Jackson Symphony Orchestra Hall featuring Festival favorites Janet Haley and David Turrentine.

Center Stage presents SCROOGE THE MUSICAL!

 
Center Stage Jackson presents Scrooge The Musical! November 8, 9, 10 & 15, 16, 17, 8pm Fri & Sat 3pm Sunday, Baughman Theater @ Jackson College's Potter Center.

New Managing Director at Chelsea's Purple Rose Theatre

BroadwayWorld.com shares the announcement that Katie Doral has been hired as the new Managing Director for The Purple Rose.

The Purple Rose Presents. . .

Tickets on sale now for 

September 19 - December 14, 2013

George Noonan is having a mid-life crisis. The father of five girls and a flight attendant for a small Midwestern airline, George is scheduled to have a vasectomy. As he works up the courage to go through with the procedure, George becomes reflective on his struggles with his career, living up to his father's expectations, and the nature of being a man in the modern world.

The 20th anniversary production of this uproarious comedy explores the relationship between fathers and sons, the Detroit Tigers, and what it really means to be a man.

Contains adult language and themes. 

Click here to buy tickets!

CSJ Announces Audtions for THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER

Announcing Auditions for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Show Info Page: Click here
Show Type: Youth Theater-Play  **3rd through 9th graders only**
Performance Dates:November 22, 23 & 24, 2013
Performance Location:First Presbyterian Church of Jackson
Audition Dates: Tuesday September 10th & Thursday September 12th
Audition Time: 4:30pm-6pm
Audition Location: First Presbyterian Church
743 Michigan Ave  Jackson, MI 49201
What to Expect: A cold reading from the script.

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

  

Purple Rose Offering Theatre Classes

2013 / 2014 CLASS SCHEDULE.

Registration begins for all classes September 3.
For more information visit Classes - Purple Rose Theatre Company.

Croswell Opera House Presents. . .

Fri. August 23, 8pm  -  Sat. August 24, 2:30pm & 8pm 

Sun. August 25, 2:30pm

Direct from more than fifteen years with the Phantom of the Opera, join Michael Lackey along with a cast of Croswell superstars singing from favorite shows including: Carousel, Jekyll & Hyde, 42nd Street, Peter Pan, Hairspray, Annie, Guys and Dolls and more. Memorable performances, and unforgettable music make 45 Summers at the Croswell the can't miss show of the year! You'll also get a sneak peak at what future summers might include. One weekend only, don't miss 45 Summers at the Croswell!

For more details visit the Croswell Opera House website.

Open House at Jackson School for the ARTS

This Thursday is an
OPEN HOUSE
at Jackson School of the ARTS
2:30-6:00 PM
This is a great time for returning students to register
and for new students to see why this place is so special.
For more information visit the Jackson School for the ARTS website.

Center Stage Announces 2013 Award Winners at Annual Banquet

Congratulations to the Center Stage Jackson award winners from last night!

Techie Award: Chuck Edwards
Hammy Award: Timm Richardson
Youth Award: Lindsey Cole
Rookie Award: Samuel Hickson
President's Award: Tony Krupa

Ted Wood Award: Gary and Marjy Minix
 
Shining Stars:
Larry Sumner, Ian Wrzesinski, Alaina Kerr, Diane Neely, Leslie Wireman, Victor McDermott
 

The Purple Rose is Looking for Ushers

Calling all volunteers! You can now sign up to usher for our fall show, "The Vast Difference"! Just call the box office at (734) 433-7673 with a couple of dates in mind, in case your first choice is full.

Volunteer ushers see shows for free! We just ask that you arrive one hour before the performance to train with our House Manager. We can take up to two ushers/performance until Oct 1, when we will begin taking 4!

The Fourth Wall presents. . .BALANCING ACT August 9, 10, 16, 17, 18

How did The Fourth Wall choose the musical “Balancing Act” by Dan Goggin?

I (Marjy) was looking for an ensemble piece for a few of Jackson’s talented musical theatre performers who were home from college for the summer.  During my search the Nunsense musicals came up several times (as it is an ensemble piece), and I noticed that Dan Goggin had written a couple of other musicals.  I found the soundtrack to “Balancing Act” and thought it had great potential.  5 piece ensemble, lots of good music, minimal set, interesting premise, and Gary even gets to wear a dress (Again!).

After a thorough search I was not able to find the company that owned the royalties to the musical.  I gave up for a while, and then I thought of Facebook.  I searched for Dan Goggin and sent him a Facebook message asking him personally where I could obtain permission to perform this show.  He said that “Balancing Act” is no longer published, and that most of the songs have been reallocated to different Nunsense musicals.  I asked him if he would allow us to perform the show anyway and he gave his permission and sent the score and script.  We were very excited!  One reason being that we were able to do the show we wanted to do, and for another because we were in touch with Dan Goggin and received his personal blessing!

Summary of the Musical

The musical is about a person named Chris Finn.  Chris Finn, an aspiring actor, leaves small town America for New York City.  Chris wants to be a star on Broadway - mostly.  The audience experiences the inner voices of Chris Finn - the voices we all have in our head - as they encourage, discourage, laugh, hope, argue, and dream.  Ambitious, Skeptical, Sensitive, Optimistic, and Humorous attempt to guide Chris through life - living the dream and learning the Balancing Act of Life. Balancing Act is a comedy about the choices we must make in life.  "It could be anyone, it could be anywhere, it could be YOU trying to be true to yourself..."  5 actors play 1 character (Chris Finn), and 1 actor plays 5 characters (everybody else).

Bio of Dan Goggin

Dan Goggin was born in Alma, MIchigan.  He is an American writer, composer, and lyricist for musical theatre.  Goggin began his career as a singer in the Broadway production of Luther, which starred Albert Finney. He then toured for five years as a member of the folksinging duo, The Saxons, before writing the music for and appearing in the off-Broadway musical Hark!

Goggin began composing both music and lyrics for revues satirizing current events, trends, and personalities. He later composed incidental music for the short-lived 1976 Broadway production, Legend, starring Elizabeth Ashley and F. Murray Abraham, which closed after five performances.

Goggin's early life experiences, including schooling by the Marywood Dominican Sisters and his days as a seminarian, influenced him to create his greatest success. A line of greeting cards featuring a nun offering tart quips caught on so quickly that Goggin decided to expand the concept into a cabaret show called The Nunsense Story, which opened for a four-day run at Manhattan's Duplex and remained for 38 weeks, encouraging its creator to expand it into a full-length theater production.

What followed was Nunsense (1985), one of off-Broadway's biggest commercial successes, which ran a total of 3672 performances. By the time it closed, it had become an international phenomenon translated into 21 languages with more than 5000 productions worldwide. Goggin followed it with six sequels, Nunsense 2: The Second Coming, Sister Amnesia's Country Western Nunsense Jamboree, Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical, Meshuggah-Nuns!, Nunsensations: The Nunsense Vegas Revue, and Nunset Boulevard. In 1998 Dan opened an all-male production of Nunsense entitled Nunsense A-Men! The show played in New York City to rave reviews.

Goggin also wrote the book, music, and lyrics for A One-Way Ticket To Broadway and Balancing Act, neither of which was as successful as the Nunsense franchise.  When discussing the success of “Balancing Act” Goggin said that the show was very well received in the midwest, but not as well in New York, “I’ve always like the show,” he said, “Maybe is was just ahead of his time.”  The songs from “Balancing Act” have met with great success when used in his other Nunsense musicals.

Starring:  Christopher Swope, Christina McKim, John McKim, Melissa Paschall, Sarah Brausch, and  Gary L. Minix.

Accompanist:  Larry Sumner

Choreographer: Leslie Bradley

Stage Manger: Derek Turson

Director: Gary and Marjy Minix

Tickets $10 per person may be purchased at www.the4thwall.org or at the door.  Also $10 gourmet dinner available by Chef Steff for $10 per person.

Center Stage Jackson Looking for Committee Members

Are you interested in helping decide which shows Center Stage performs in the 2014/2015 Season? Dean Weber is looking for help with the Play Selection Committee! Contact him at (517) 414-8964 or deanweber53@yahoo.com.

Purple Rose Theatre Company Education Opportunities

Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea, MI

Actor/Director Lab

Mondays, October 14 - December 16, 2013

7:00 - 11:00 pm 

 

This flagship class of the PRTC offers physical training, monologue work and extensive scene study.

Actor Boot Camp

Nov.  22, 2013: 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Nov.  23, 2013: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Nov.  24, 2013: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Three days of intensive study, learning acting techniques used by the professionals!

Class registration begins September 3.

Must be 18 years of age to register. 

Visit the website for more information on our classes!

 

 

Audition Workshop in Dexter, MI

Awesome Audition Workshop!

Aug 01, 2013 10:45 pm | Carrie Jay Sayer

Auditions for Fall shows are ramping up! Be prepared! Be confident! Nail your audition! Join Carrie Jay Sayer for a unique, valuable, and incredibly fun three-hour audition workshop! Get ready to rock your next big audition! We will practice cold readings, improv skills, and vocal and physical presence. Learn to make strong choices, self-direct, and […]

Center Stage Announces Auditions for SCROOGE! THE MUSICAL!

Monte Long and Erin Dixon Poulson  2006

Show Info Page: Click here
Show Type: Main Stage-Musical (all ages)
Performance Dates: November 8, 9, 10 & 15, 16, 17
Performance Location: The Baughman Theater @ Jackson College's Potter Center

Audition Dates: Monday August 19th & Wednesday August 21st
Audition Time: 6-8pm
Audition Location: First Congregational Church
120 N Jackson St, Jackson, MI 49201
Callback Info: Thursday August 22nd, same time and location
What to Expect: Be prepared to learn a short dance and do a cold reading from the script. Please prepare 36 bars of singing (no a cappella). Be sure to bring your own sheet music, CD or iPod with accompaniment.

Contact: Lisa Ykimoff (517) 581-2344 or ykimoff@comcast.net 

 

Center Stage Jackson Announces 2013 - 2014 Season

Check out the great events coming up in the 2013 - 2014 Season just announced by visiting the Center Stage website.

PURPLE ROSE THEATRE COMPANY ANNOUNCES 2013-2014 SEASON

CHELSEA, Mich. — The PurpleRose Theatre Company is proud to announce the 2013 / 2014 Season, which will feature a revival of a classic PRTC premiere, two plays by award-winning playwrights, and a world premiere comedy festival. The theatre company’s 23rd professional season will include: The Vast Difference by Jeff Daniels, Redwood Curtain by Lanford Wilson, The Purple Rose Spring Comedy Festival: Lovers, Liars & Lunatics by various playwrights and The Last Romance by Joe DiPietro.

         

Eight low-priced previews will begin each run, followed by Press Opening Night during the second week of each engagement. Regular performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8:00 pm with Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 3:00 pm and Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm with added performance dates to be announced. All performances will be held at The Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park Street, Chelsea, Michigan 48118.

         

The Vast Difference by PRTC founder and award-winning playwright, Jeff Daniels (Across the Way, Best of Friends) starts the season. A twentieth anniversary production, this classic comedy returns to the stage where it premiered in 1993. Centering on male flight attendant George Noonan and his impending vasectomy, the play explores the relationship between fathers and sons, the Detroit Tigers and what it really means to “be a man”. The Vast Difference will have a thirteen-week engagement from Thursday, September 19 to Saturday, December 14, 2013.

Tidbits, July 26, 2013

Big, The Musical presented by the Dexter Community Players, July 26, 7pm-July 28, 3pm at the Dexter Center for the Performing Arts.

Michigan Shakespeare Festival, July 18-Aug 11

www.MichiganShakespeareFestival.com

Acting Workshop with New York Casting Director, Alaine Alldaffer, July 27, 12:30-3:30, 4th Wall. Meet and Greet, 7pm.

Source: Art News, Arts and Cultural Alliance of Jackson County

See Shakespeare For FREE!

The Michigan Shakespeare Festival is still in need of 4-5 ushers for these performances:

--Sunday 7/21 2:00pm "King John"
--Friday 7/26 7:30pm "She Stoops to Conquer"
--Sunday 8/11 2:00pm "She Stoops to Conquer"

If you're interested, let Katie Meyers  know and she will get you signed up--see the show for free! Email Katie at msfkatie@gmail.com.

ILA SMITH 2013

"Smith was one of the 10 people who bought the Michigan Theatre from the city in 1993. She remained active with the theater until her death and was the marketing director for the venue for about 10 years."

Ila was a kind and generous person. You can read the article in the Jackson Citizen Patriot HERE.

Tidbits, July 11, 2013

Peppermint Creek Theatre Company presents Next to Normal, July 11, 8pm.

Michigan Shakespeare Festival, July 18-Aug 11

www.MichiganShakespeareFestival.com

Acting Workshop with New York Casting Director, Alaine Alldaffer, July 27, 12:30-3:30, 4th Wall. Meet and Greet, 7pm.

Source: Art News, Arts and Cultural Alliance of Jackson County

Croswell Opera House Holding Kids Camp in Adrian

The Croswell Opera House, and Adrian’s Recreation Department announce Summer Kids Camp, including performances of Disney’s 101 Dalmatians, Kids! All youth aged 5 – 15 are encouraged to participate in the Summer Camp, regardless of theatre experience. Over the two weeks of the camp, youth will have the opportunity to study with great instructors developing movement, acting and dance skills in a fun, interactive setting. This year’s campers will produce the family musical, Disney’s 101 Dalmatians, Kids! in just two weeks! Students will learn the songs, script and movement of the show, and the Croswell, along with the Adrian Recreation Department, will provide a professional team of director, music director and choreographer.

Roles in the production will be awarded based on skills and abilities as assessed in the early days of the camp. Students who are beginners as well as experienced performers will learn about being involved in a show with Disney’s 101 Dalmatians, Kids. The Croswell’s camp runs from August 5 – 16, with performances August 16 – 18 at the Croswell. Cost for each camper is $200, with a discount offered to additional children from the same family ($175). Registration for the camp is now open, through August 2. 

For more information about Summer Camp, for a registration form, or for tickets to see  Disney’s 101 Dalmatians, Kids please call the Croswell at 517-264-SHOW (7469), stop in to the box office at 129 E. Maumee Street, Adrian, MI, Mon-Fri, 9-5 pm or visit the website, www.croswell.org. 

Lansing's Thespie Awards 2012 - 2013 Announced

Adam Woolsey with Jayna Katz in The Last Five Years / Photo Credit: LAF Lines

Lansing's Thespie Awards have been announced and include Jackson's Adam Woolsey for best ACTOR in a three-way tie, with Juan Salazar, “In the Heights,” Peppermint Creek; Rick Merpi, “Ragtime,” LCC; Adam Woolsey, “Spring Awakening” and “My Favorite Year,” both Riverwalk.

Adam has been seen on stage in Jackson in such well-received productions as "Legally Blonde", "The Last Five Years" , and "Altar Boys".

Recently he learned he has been cast as Clyde Barrow in the musical "Bonnie and Clyde", which will open Peppermint Creek Theater Company's 11th Season in September!

Currently Adam is featured in Peppermint Creek's production of "Next to Normal" along with Sandy Buchanan Sykes and Andrew Gorney. Get your tickets now!

Center Stage Jackson Announces 2013 - 2014 Season

A MUSICAL TO BE ANNOUNCED

November 8-10 & 16-18, 2013

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER (Youth Theater Production)

November 22-24, 2013

HARVEY

February 7-9, 2014

THE PIED PIPER, A MUSICAL (Youth Theater Production)

March 21-23, 2014

THE WOMEN

April 4-6 &  11-13, 2014

CABARET SHOW

May 2014

JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

June 20-22 & 27-29, 2014

SHOW TUNES CONCERT

September 27 & 28, 2014

Croswell (Adrian, MI) Announces Auditions

The Croswell announces auditions for Sweeney Todd and All Shook Up!! Non-paying roles, but great reward for working with very hard working and professional team!! Auditions are July 13 from 12:00 - 3pm and July 21 from 6 - 9pm. After Wednesday, July 3 more details will be posted on our webpage: www.croswell.org

NEXT TO NORMAL at Lansing's Peppermint Creek Theatre Company

Coutesy Photo: Cast of NEXT TO NORMAL

With three of Jackson's most talented performers appearing in Peppermint Creek Theatre Company's production of the Pulitzer Prize Winning musical NEXT TO NORMAL, you'll want to make sure to go.

Sandy Sykes, Andy Gorney, and Adam Woolsey appear along with Matt Eldred, Todd Tuchek, and Emily McKay.

Dates are July 11 - 20, 2013 and the theater is easy to find just off S. Cedar Street.

For more information or tickets visit www.peppermintcreek.org, or call 517-927-3016.

Wilde Nominations Posted

The Wilde Award Nominations have been announced and you can see the complete list at Encore Michigan. Jackson's Michigan Shakespeare Festival scored a number of nods for their work last summer.

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://www.encoremichigan.com/article.html?article=7487#sthash.mfysc5um.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://www.encoremichigan.com/article.html?article=7487#sthash.QNCh2tL1.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://www.encoremichigan.com/article.html?article=7487#sthash.QNCh2tL1.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://www.encoremichigan.com/article.html?article=7487#sthash.QNCh2tL1.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 made based on reviews written by EncoreMichigan.com's team of professional critics."

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://www.encoremichigan.com/article.html?article=7487#sthash.mfysc5um.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://www.encoremichigan.com/article.html?article=7487#sthash.QNCh2tL1.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://www.encoremichigan.com/article.html?article=7487#sthash.QNCh2tL1.dp

Spring Arbor 2012 Drama Camp

On Broadway! July 29 - August 2: Ages 11-17  (9am - 3pm)

For 200 years, New York City has dazzled millions of theatre goers with spectacle and panache. In the first week of Drama Camp, students ages 11-17 will have the opportunity to act, sing, and dance and learn stage combat, as inspired by the world of musical theatre. LES MISERABLES, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, and THE WIZARD OF OZ are just a select few of all that the students will explore. On Friday, they will perform their dramatic and musical selections in a show for family and friends.
 
Friends to the End! August 5 - 9: Ages 5-10  (9am - 12pm)

Folklore, theatre, and film offer a wide variety of stories that demonstrate and champion the attributes of true friendship. Courage, loyalty, and sacrifice are characteristics shown in THE FOX AND THE HOUND,  ANNIE, and TOY STORY,  just to name a few. Children in the second week of camp, ages 5-10, will work on scenes and songs which highlight genuine friendship. Family and friends will then be encouraged to attend the show Friday morning featuring the kids’ talent and hard work.

For registration or more information, contact me or call 1.800.968.0011 (ask for Lissa Strodtbeck)

http://vimeo.com/47372483
Video from 2012 DRAMA CAMP

Spring Arbor University

106 E. Main St., Spring Arbor, Michigan 49283

View Map · Get Directions

Twelfth Night Rehearsal Open to Public July 3, 2013

Tickets on Sale for Michigan Shakespeare Festival

Annie: It's a Hard-Knock Life, from Script to Stage

According to Entertainment Weekly this is "a must-see for fans of Broadway's favorite redheaded orphan". Annie: It's a Hard-Knock Life, from Script to Stage will be on Friday, June 28 on PBS although you should check your local listings.