MARCEL MARCEAU 1923 - 2007

Marcel Marceau, the Frenchman whose name was synonymous with the art of mime, has died, according to Reuters. He was 84.

Marcel Mangel was born on March 22, 1923, in Strasbourg, Alsace, France, to a kosher butcher and his wife. He changed his family name to Marceau when his family was forced to flee their home at the beginning of the Second World War. His father was deported to Auschwitz in 1944. He was killed there. Marcel and his brother Alain fought against Germany as part of the French underground, helping children to escape to safety in neutral Switzerland.

From Playbill. For the complete article, click here.

Remember Naomi Landman?

The Landman's were once one of Jackson's premier theatre families. Betty Ann and Lou Landman starred in many community theatre productions together including Barefoot in the Park and Betty Ann appeared as one of the sisters in Arsenic and Old Lace. Son Ben also directed a memorable production of 'Night Mother. When they moved from the area it was a major loss.

Now their daughter Naomi is appearing in Maury Yeston's Phantom of the Opera. Maury Yeston, Tony-Award winning composer of such musicals as Nine, Grand Hotel, and Titanic also wrote a version in 1991, that continues to be produced by regional theatre across the country, including the current production by Porchlight Music Theatre in Chicago.

Naomi Landman "in a comic tour-de-force as opera diva Carlotta" is a delight. One reviewer refers to her "golden voice" and another talks about the fun she has playing the evil character.

Planning a trip to Chicago this fall? Phantom runs through November 11, 2007, at the Theatre Building Chicago, performing Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sundays at 2:30 pm. For more information and tickets, visit www.porchlighttheatre.com or call 773-327-5252.

Cheaper By the Dozen Opens Friday

Don't miss the first production of our 2007 - 2008 season, Cheaper By the Dozen. This family comedy, directed by Julie Klee, opens on Friday, September 28th and runs for two weekends (9/28,29,30 & 10/5,6,7). Friday and Saturday evenings curtain is at 8:00 pm while the Sunday performance is a 3:00 pm matinee. Seating is general admission and all tickets are $10.00. Call 517-745-2835 for reservations or pay at the door.

STAN GRADY 1929 - 2007

Although Dr. Stanley H. Grady, D.D.S. was a dentist practicing in Addison for 28 years, the theatre community knew him from his participation in the pit of numerous local musicals. Many didn't know that he was also the leader of the Windjammers Dixie/Swing Band and co-director of the Jackson Jazz Ensemble. A complete obituary appears in today's Jackson Citizen Patriot. If you would like to send condolences to the family visit www.brownvanhemert.com or www.MLive.com/obits.

URINETOWN, THE MUSICAL: A COMIC GEM PAINTS CROSWELL YELLOW

You know the old saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Well, don’t judge a musical by its title! Urinetown, the Musical takes the stage at Adrian’s historic Croswell Opera House, September 14-16 and 21-23. The title may wrinkle your nose, but this word-of-mouth hot ticket became known as the second funniest show on Broadway — the ticket to try if you couldn’t see The Producers.

Urinetown is set in an unnamed, Gotham-like city so plagued by drought that private toilets have been banned. So everyone has to use “public amenities,” which are controlled by the evil, greedy and corrupt corporation Urine Good Company (yes, it’s that kind of humor) that keeps raising prices. Amid the people, a hero decides he’s had enough, and plans a pee-for-free revolution to lead them all to freedom.
Absurd? Of course it’s absurd. It’s a satire. Urinetown is a musical parody that follows only one rule: Expect the unexpected. It’s Broadway meets South Park, with a dash of The Family Guy.

Greg Kotis and Mark Hollman penned this comic gem. Kotis stated “This is a really clean show. There are no bad words, no nudity. It just has this ridiculous conceit.” And that provides a surprising flood of laughter.

Not only is Urinetown filled with silliness of a very high order, the eclectic score has everything from a Russian folk song, gospel anthem, rollicking rock tunes, to showstoppers with real melodies in the Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway tradition.

Leading the ensemble in this bathroom adventure are Michael Yuen (Adrian) as our hero, Bobby Strong; Bruce Hardcastle (Brooklyn) as Caldwell B. Cladwell, a gracefully sinister villain; Nancy N. Scully (Adrian) as Hope, his daughter, with whom Bobby falls in love; James Swendsen (Palmyra) as Officer Lockstock, a corrupt cop who serves as the show’s narrator; John MacNaughton (Adrian) as Officer Barrel, his partner (there’s that humor again); Jamie Buechele (Ottawa Lake) as Little Sally, a street urchin who worries too much about too much exposition in the show; Elizabeth Palmer (Toledo, OH) as Little Becky Two Shoes; and Stephanie L. Stephan (Toledo, OH) as Penelope Pennywise, a tough urinal gatekeeper with a shocking secret.
Completing the ensemble are: Adrian residents Donna Bytwork, Heidi Hartwell, Aaron Morgan, Jessica Randall, Natasha Ricketts, and Peggy Snead; Tecumseh residents Barry Hartmann, Jesse Montie, and Sarah Nowak; Jonesville residents Barbara Crosby, Travis Roderick, and Trevor Roderick; Blissfield resident Emily Gifford; Jackson resident Steve Dietrich; Palmyra resident Lance Wiesmann; and Toledo, OH, residents Silvestre “Tito” Duran and Patrick Stengle.

Molding this production of Urinetown is director Douglas Miller (Adrian), of Siena Heights University, who also provides the scene and lighting designs. Todd Schreiber (Ottawa Lake) takes the baton as music director, with choreography by Alexandra Nelson (Tecumseh). Susan Eversden (Tecumseh) supplies costume design, while Amanda L. Raymond (Escanaba) acts as production stage manager.

Curtain times for Urinetown are 8:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 3:00 p.m. on Sundays, September 14-16 and 21-23. Tickets for the orchestra and lower balcony are $25 adults, $22 seniors, and $20 students, with “Upper Peninsula” (upper balcony) seating at $20 adults and senior, and $15 students. Season packages and group rates are available. For more information, call the Croswell Box Office at (517) 264-SHOW (7469), visit the box office located at 129 E. Maumee, Mon.-Fri., 9-5, or visit the web site, www.croswell.org.

Color it different, but get there fast. You’ll never experience anything quite like it!

Little Women Holds First Cast Read Through

All cast members have received scripts and are under orders to learn lines and songs before official blocking rehearsals begin the end of September. Vocal Director Keith Drayton is already working with the cast on their songs. Costumer Ellen Yoakam has already measured the cast and is hard at work creating a look for the show. A second production meeting is scheduled to nail down the concept for the set so Director Ann Holt and Choreographer Joann Drayton can put their ideas in the space planned by Co-Designers Chris Fultz and KJ Rowan.

Todd Babcock on TV Tonight!

Another hometown boy makes good. Todd Babcock, who was born in Jackson, Michigan and graduated from Jackson High School and Michigan State University, is on the Lifetime channel tonight (Wednesday, August 29th) at 9:00 pm. The movie is called "Break In". Check out his bio on IMD (Internet Movie Database).

Sweeney Todd, the Film Opens December 21st

Today's Playbill announced that the DreamWorks/Warner Bros./Paramount film of Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler's musical Sweeney Todd — starring Johnny Depp as the Demon Barber of Fleet Street — will arrive in movie theatres nationwide December 21st. The film is expected to receive an R rating.

You can see the trailer here.

The film adaptation of the Sondheim musical was penned by John Logan ("The Aviator," "Gladiator"). Tim Burton directs a cast that also includes Helena Bonham Carter as Mrs. Lovett, Alan Rickman (Private Lives, the "Harry Potter" films) as Judge Turpin, Timothy Spall ("Harry Potter") as Beadle Bamford and Sacha Baron Cohen ("Borat," "Talladega Nights") as Signor Adolfo Pirelli.

Rounding out the cast are Laura Michelle Kelly (Fiddler on the Roof) as the Beggar Woman, Jamie Campbell Bowen as Anthony, Jayne Wisener as Johanna and newcomer Ed Sanders as Toby.

To read the entire article, visit the Playbill site by clicking here.

Awards at the Annual Meeting!

Ella Shap Museum's Granary was the site for this year's annual meeting of the CSJ membership. New board members elected Wednesday, August 22nd, were Peg Dietrich, Ann Holt, Steven Hug, Tony Krupa, Denise Krzescicki, and Antoinette La Cinski.

Tommy Price, son of Robert and Heather Price, presented the results of the project he completed for CSJ, which resulted in the group acquiring a professional display board. Tommy's project was part of working towards his Eagle Scout status.

In an unexpected move the President's Award was given to the Middle School at Parkside. To prepare for the CSJ production of To Kill a Mockingbird in their auditorium, Jackson Public Schools refurbished the entire space to support the National Endownment for the Arts funded Big Read last March. Over 2,000 students were able to see this production. President Christine Gorton was asked to chose the recipient based on the greatest contribution made during the 2006 - 2007 season.

Past President Ann Holt was also honored with the Ted Wood Award. Michael Wood and his wife Susan were 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 the Jackson Civic Theatre at Stone Village many years ago.

Steven Hug was chosen Rookie of the Year as the outstanding first year CSJ perfomer or crew member; Lucas Meyers won the Youth Award; Alexandria Flynn won the Techi Award; and Charles Minder won the coveted Hammy Award for appearing in EVERY show during the season.

CSJ reinstated awards this year through the efforts of lidija Fremeau, Membership Chairman.

Others who received Shining Star Awards were Brian Barto, Myken Breedlove, Sheri Cicirelli, Courtney Collis, Bob DeMinico, Ruth Flynn, Tom Foley, lidija Fremeau, Donna Guernsey, Mary Hug, Thomas Hutt, Karen Krupa,Tony Krupa, Denise Krzescicki, Keegan Ladwig, Amanda Mahoney, Donald Mansfield, Doug Meyers, Nancy Osterhaus, Amie Pierce, Sandy Sykes, Allen Tuttle, Francesca Vitale, Dean Weber, and Ellen Yoakam.

Cast & Crew of Cheaper By The Dozen

Cheaper by the Dozen will be presented September 28, 29, 30 and October 5, 6, and 7 at the Grass Lake High School Performing Arts Center. Friday/Saturday performances are at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 3 p.m. For reservations call 517-745-2835. All tickets are $10.

CAST
MR. GILBRETH - Doug Meyers
MRS. GILBRETH - Mindy Bradish
ERNESTINE - Jacki McCarthy
FRANK - Allyn Granger
JACKIE - Kyle Sykes
DAN - Jeremiah Weaver
BILL - David Fuller
FRED - Dustin Schonhard
ANNE - Delaney Duckham
LILLIAN - Keegan Ladwig
MARTHA - Cara Guernsey
MRS. FITZGERALD - Breeda Kelly Miller
DR. BURTON - Jim Emerson
JOE SCALES - Michael Cicirelli
MISS BRILL - Kelly Emerson
LARRY - Jimi Bommarito

CREW
ARTISTIC/SOUND DIRECTOR - Julie Klee
TECHNICAL/LIGHTING DIRECTOR - Larry Shaltis
STAGE MANAGER - Colleen Flynn
COSTUMER/SET DESIGNER - Chris Fultz
PROPS MANAGER - Ali Flynn
PRODUCER - Christine Gorton

Jackson School of the Arts at ART 634

Join Jackson School for the Arts at an OPEN HOUSE/Registration Day SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9th from 2-4 PM at 634 N. Mechanic Street. Classes begin Sept. 17th. Check out their programs for ages 3-17 at jacksonarts.org

Although donors have been generous, additional financial support for the Relocation Fund is still needed. Please contact Kim Hastings at 784.2389, donate on-line at jacksonarts.org or mail your donation to: PO Box 1261, Jackson, MI 48204.

The new location supports growth and is helping the Jackson School of the Arts transition into a new kind of creative institution...a place where children thrive with out-of-school DANCE ~ THEATER ~ ART.

MARY JANE CARR 1926 - 2007

Mary Jane Carr may not be a familiar name to current members of the theater community in Jackson, but she should be. She was a founding member of both the Clark Lake Players and the Jackson Civic Theater. A few years ago she contributed some of her photographs of past productions to the J-ACT (Jackson Area Community Theatre) project collecting materials from past theater groups to be archived at the Ella Sharp Museum.

Kevin Kennard Coming Back to Jackson

LA cabaret artist and Jackson native Kevin Kennard will prove that you can come home again as he returns to perform in his home-town for the first time in 18 years. On Saturday, August 18 at 8:00 PM Kevin will perform his one-man show at The Bon Ton Room, 3017 Wildwood Ave. An eclectic mix of pop and country, show tunes and standards, jazz and novelty comedic numbers, Kevin's show will feature Sherra Zuck on piano and Vic McDermott on bass. Joining him onstage will be his special guests Ann Gazlay and Julia Hawkins. As a member of the legendary vocal group The Pied Pipers, Kevin tours the country accompanied by The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra as they perform hits from big band's golden era. An accomplished cabaret headliner, he has played to sell-out venues in San Francisco, Atlanta, Palm Springs, and Los Angeles where he currently resides. For reservations, please call 517.787.6733.

JCC Auditions for Red Ryder

Jackson Community College will host auditions in September for its fall production, When You Comin’ Back, Red Ryder? Community members and college students are welcome to audition from 6-8 p.m. Sept. 5 & 6 in the Ruth Day Theatre, Potter Center, on the main campus of JCC. The cast calls for three women and five men. When You Comin’ Back, Red Ryder? tells the story of a small New Mexico diner that lost most of its customers when a new highway bypass opened. Into the monotonous daily grind of the diner’s usuals come a couple of strangers, an unbalanced Vietnam War veteran and his hippie girlfriend, who complicate issues and force others to take hard looks at themselves. The play was written in 1973 by Mark Medoff, who also wrote Children of a Lesser God. It was adapted for the big screen and made into a film in 1979. Production dates will be Oct. 18-21 and 26-27. For more information, contact Sandy DiCesare, 517.796.8625.

Center Stage Jackson Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting & Awards is NEXT WEDNESDAY! Since the Ella Sharp Museum, 3225 4th Street, hosts a patio party every Wednesday in the summer in the Granary from 3pm - 6pm with complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar, CSJ decided to support the museum by holding our Annual Meeting & Awards in conjuction with this event on August 22nd.

Social hour is from 5:30 to 6:30 pm with the meeting and award presentation immediately following at 6:30 pm.

Current members and those interested in joining Center Stage are all welcome to attend.

If you're planning to attend, could you please let membership chairman lidija Fremeau know by contacting her at lidija@fremeau.net.

Cast & Crew for Little Women Announced

When Little Women was produced on Broadway, it was performed with a cast of 6 women and 4 men who played 18 individual roles. Director Ann Holt has chosen to follow this concept for the Center Stage production scheduled for November 2007.

THE CAST

ANNE FLEMING - Jo March
TIMM RICHARDSON - Professor Bhaer
MARY KRZESICKI - Amy March & Troll
TIFFANY DOAN - Meg March & Clarissa
FRANCESCA VITALI - Beth March & Rodrigo 2
JOANN DRAYTON - Marmee March & Hag
RANDY GUERNSEY - Mr. Laurence & Knight
CHRISTOPHER FULTZ - Laurie Laurence & Rodrigo
KAREN S. KIDDER BARRETT - Aunt March
RHONDA REICHARD - Mrs. Kirk
ANDREW THOMSON - Mr. John Brooke & Braxton

THE CREW

KEN SCHLUCKEBIER - Producer
ANN HOLT - Director
CHUCK THOR - Assistant Director/Stage Manager
KAREN WILSON - Assistant to the Director
DR. STEPHEN MURPHY - Musical Director
KEITH DRAYTON - Vocal Director
DR. STEPHEN MURPHY - Production Pianist
JOANN DRAYTON - Choreographer/Musical Staging
JACK ANDREWS - Assistant Stage Manager
MARY HUG - Technical Director
CHRISTOPHER FULTZ - Set Designer
KJ ROWAN - Set Designer
AMANDA MAHONEY - Lighting Designer/Lighting Operator
ELLEN YOAKUM - Costume Designer

Little Women the Broadway Musical will be presented November 9, 10, 11 and 16, 17, 18 in the Ruth Day Theatre, Potter Center, Jackson Community College.

Purple Rose Theatre in the News

From a press release at Playbill written by Kenneth Jones 31 Jul 2007

For the complete article click here!

At a time when Michigan's economy is foundering and arts institutions might want to play it safe, the Purple Rose Theatre Company is doing the unthinkable in 2007-08 — four world-premiere productions.

The season includes:

The Poetry of Pizza by Deborah Brevoort. Oct. 4-Dec. 22.
Vino Veritas by David MacGregor. Jan. 17-March 8, 2008.

Growing Pretty by Carey Crim. March 27-May 31, 2008.

A New Play by Jeff Daniels. June 19-Aug. 30, 2008.

Tickets for groups of 12 or more are already on sale for the entire season. PRTC donors can purchase tickets approximately two months before each show opens with tickets going on sale to the general public two weeks later. Ticket reservations can be made by calling The Purple Rose Theatre Company box office at (734) 433-ROSE (7673).

For more information visit http://www.purplerosetheatre.org/.

Anyone Remember Paul Meshejian?

In early July PlayPenn, Philadelphia's professional new play development organization, held its third annual New Play Development Conference , helping to refine six new works. This news story appeared on PlayBill recently. The conference culminates in free, public staged readings July 19-21.

Paul Meshejian, artistic director of PlayPenn, was once the artistic director of the Jackson Civic Theatre. In the late 70s and early 80s Paul was responsible for high quality productions of I Never Sang for My Father, Vanities, 6 Rooms Riv View, The Doctor in Spite of Himself, and many others.

PlayPenn's mission "is to support the development of the written word and those who use it to create new plays for the American theatre."
For further information visit http://www.playpenn.org/.

Why do we tell the stories?

"There are many different reasons why we tell the stories that we do. Sometimes, we do stories to entertain because life is long and hard and we need some levity and some relief. Sometimes, we're trying to educate because life is short and confusing and we have a lot to learn in a brief amount of time. Sometimes, it's to convey truth because life is full of untruth and injustice. Sometimes, we are doing a play to pay the rent because life is expensive. We all know the cost of it in many different terms. Sometimes, we do a play or tell a story to promote understanding of each other and who we are." (Costume designer Susan K. Mickey)

How the Purple Rose creates theatre!

Artistic Director Guy Sanville and Purple Rose Cast Members Discuss the New Play Sea of Fools and the Art of Creating A Theatrical Production from a Brand New Script
Tuesday August 21, 2007: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library Multi-Purpose Room.

How do you create a play from a brand new script? Set in the height of the McCarthy era, Sea of Fools, penned by Michigan's own Matt Letscher, glimpses a company of actors who live in an elaborately-constructed fantasy world. The talented cast includes Guy Sanville. Hear Sanville and members of the cast discuss the transformation from the playwright's page to the performance stage!

Guy Sanville celebrated his twelfth anniversary as Artistic Director of The Purple Rose Theatre Company on May 1st. He has directed over twenty productions for the company and has received the Detroit Free Press Excellence in Theatre Award for Best Director four times. Sanville has appeared in seven plays for the Rose, most recently as Brock in Born Yesterday and Stu in Boomtown.

Wicked Tour Will Return to Michigan in 2008!

For all of you who missed Wicked this time around, good news! Andrew Gans reported in today's Playbill that the national tour of the hit musical Wicked will play a return engagement at Michigan's Wharton Center for the Performing Arts in 2008.

The Stephen Schwartz-Winnie Holzman musical will play the East Lansing venue July 17-Aug. 3, 2008.

For more information visit www.wickedthemusical.com.

Auditions for Little Women & Cheaper By the Dozen

Auditions have been set for both Cheaper by the Dozen and Little Women the Broadway Musical. They will be held on Monday and Tuesday, August 6th and 7th with callbacks (if necessary) on Thursday, August 9th. Times will be from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.at the Jackson Symphony Hall, 215 W. Michigan Avenue in downtown Jackson.

Cheaper by the Dozen is being directed by Julie Klee. The show dates are September 28, 29, 30 and October 5, 6, 7 at Grass Lake Performing Arts Center. There are roles for adults and children in this production.

Little Women the Broadway Musical is being directed by Ann Holt. The show dates are November 9, 10, 11 and 16, 17, 18 in the Ruth Day Theatre, Potter Center, Jackson Community College. There are roles for 6 women (4 young women in their teens to early 20s) and 4 men in this production. All must have stong voices. Watch this space for more information!

Disney's High School Musical Opens!

Summer Stage with the support of Center Stage Jackson presents:

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL!

July 20-22 & 27-29

For reservations call 517-522-5695

Production Team: Director: Chip Mezo, Vocal/Music Director: Antoinette LaCinski, Choreographer: Julie Klee...

http://www.myspace.com/summerstagejackson

JCC Honors Sandy DiCesare

Jackson Community College announced four outstanding employee awards recently. One award was to Sandy DiCesare.

Sandra DiCesare, a part-time instructor and theater technician, received the Outstanding Staff Member Award. A 22-year veteran employee of the college, DiCesare is adviser of the drama club, directs student performances and resides in Jackson.

Executive Director (Full time)

Chelsea Center for the Arts in Chelsea, Michigan is searching for a fund development professional with proven grant writing success. The ideal candidate will possess along with a strong passion for the arts, the following qualifications:

1. Self starter and innovative thinker
2. Realize the organizational vision as directed by a volunteer board
3. Strong interpersonal and verbal/ written communication skills
4. Ability to continue and foster community partnerships
5. Administration/ Supervision of part time staff
6. Bachelors degree in arts related field or equivalent experience necessary

Please submit resume along with salary history to:

Chelsea Center for the Arts
Executive Director Search Committee
400 Congdon Street
Chelsea, MI 48118

Equal Opportunity Employer

Wendy Broshar, Interim DirectorChelsea Center for the Arts400 Congdon Street, Chelsea MI 48118734-433-2787734-433-2788 (fax)http://www.chelseacenterforthearts.org/

In Celebration & Memory of Mary Barber

A Community-Wide Birthday Party
in celebration and memory of Mary's 50th

A Night of Cabaret - Music, Poetry, Improv and More!!

No Admission Charge - Donations AcceptedAll proceeds to benefit the Jackson School of the Arts

Friday, June 29th

8:00 p.m. (doors open 7:00 p.m.)

All Play and No Work

3017 Wildwood Avenue

Call 517-787-6733 for reservations

Appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages

available for purchase at the show

Auditions for Cheaper by the Dozen and Little Women

Auditions have been set for both Cheaper by the Dozen and Little Women the Broadway Musical. They will be held on Monday and Tuesday, August 6th and 7th with callbacks (if necessary) on Thursday, August 9th. Times will be from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.at the Jackson Symphony Hall, 215 W. Michigan Avenue in downtown Jackson.

Cheaper by the Dozen is being directed by Julie Klee. The show dates are September 28, 29, 30 and October 5, 6, 7 at Grass Lake Performing Arts Center.

Little Women the Broadway Musical is being directed by Ann Holt. The show dates are November 9, 10, 11 and 16, 17, 18 in the Ruth Day Theatre, Potter Center, Jackson Community College.

Watch this space for more information!

High School Musical

Dying to know who got cast in High School Musical? Check out the Summer Stage myspace at http://www.myspace.com/summerstagejackson.

Citizen Patriot reporter Mary Barber dies

Mary Barber, 49, the Citizen Patriot reporter who has been writing about her surgery to have a tumor removed from near her brain, died Monday afternoon at University of Michigan Hospital.

She suffered three seizures, the last of which led to a heart attack, her doctor said."

"It's a terrible and freaky thing," University of Michigan ear surgeon Dr. H. Alexander Arts said late Monday evening."

Her surgery went really well and, in fact, she did exceptionally well. I was talking to her at lunch about going home (today). There was absolutely no indication this would happen," he said.

By Monetta L. Harrmharr@citpat.com -- 768-4972

Jackson District Library offers Theatre Treasures!

All you need is your library card to view Theatre in Video's more than 250 definitive performances of the world's leading plays, together with more than 100 film documentaries, online in streaming video - more than 500 hours in all. This release contains 60 titles, representing hundreds of leading playwrights, actors and directors. Included are landmark performances such as The Iceman Cometh, Hamlet, Othello, Awake and Sing, Long Day's Journey Into Night, Playboy of the Western World, and others. Notable actors include Gene Wilder, Laurence Olivier, Richard Dreyfuss, Walter Matthau, Meryl Streep, and more. For the first time, students, instructors and researchers can bookmark specific scenes, monologues and staging, and these landmark performances can become a permanent part of the curriculum.

Go to http://www.jackson.lib.mi.us/ and click on 'eJDL' under 'Navigation' on the left side of the page. Then scroll down to 'Theatre in Video!' You have to have your library card and pin number. If you need to get a library card, click here.

Summer Classes for Kids & Teens

Express Yourself! June 25 - 29 for kids entering 3rd - 6th grades
Instructors Kurt Snyder from Center Stage Jackson and Jenny Carl from the Jackson School for the Arts teach this class 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM Monday through Friday. Museum members pay $120 and non-members $145.

Actor's Studio presented by Center Stage Jackson begins June 26th at 6:30 PM
An organizational meeting will get your ready for a 6 week session in which you will learn all about acting and auditioning for teens (middle and high school).

Visit the Ella Sharp Museum website for more information or call 517-787-2320.

Auditions for High School Musical!!!!!!!

Summer Stage, in cooperation with Center Stage Jackson, announces auditions for High School Musical for ages 12 - adult on Monday, May 14th & Tuesday, May 15th, 2007 from 6 pm - 9 pm.

Auditions will be held in the Grass Lake High School Auditorium at 11500 Warrior Trail, Grass Lake. Performances will be at this location on July 20-22 & 27-29. (Callbacks, if needed, will be held Thursday, May 17th beginning at 6 pm.)

Please bring a prepared song and be ready to dance. An accompanist and CD player will be provided.

For additional information e-mail summer.stage@hotmail.com or call 517-442-4220!

Chip Mezo is directing. Antoinette LaCinski is handling Music/Vocals. Choreographer is Julie Klee.

JCC's One Act High School Competition Winners

Jackson Community College, assisted by Center Stage Jackson and Left of Center, hosted Columbia Central, Concord, Grass Lake, Jackson, Lumen Christi, and Northwest Schools.

Center Stage Member Alexandria "Ali" Flynn won Best Technical Director for Lumen Christi's entry. The Best Overall Performance went to Columbia Central's An Important and Meaningful Student Meeting, written and directed by Bill Bivins, who will play DonQuixote in the upcoming production of Man of La Mancha.

The day was highly successful and looks to become a regular event.

Cast Announced for Man of La Mancha

THE CAST

Don Quixote - Randy Guernsey*
Sancho - Bob DeMinico
Aldonza - Sandy Sykes*
The Innkeeper - Thomas Hutt
The Padre - Steve Hug*
Dr. Carrasco - Jarod Moore
Antonia - Anne Fleming
The Barber - Derek Turson
Pedro, Head Muleteer - Steve Dietrich*
The Housekeeper - Rhonda Reichard
Anselmo, a Muleteer - Andrew Thompson*
Juan, a Muleteer - Joel Atkins
Tenorio, a Muleteer - Jason Howell
The Innkeeper’s Wife - Rhonda Reichard
Fermina, a slavey and Moorish Dancer - Mary Krzesicki*
The Moorish Dancer - Julia Nichols
Captain of the Inquisition - Dave Mullholand
Prisoner/Dancer - Tiffany Doan, Megan Edwards
Prisoner/Horse - Jessica Farnham, Courtney Collis
Prisoner/Gypsy - Dave Mulholland
Guards and Men of the Inquisition - Charles J. Minder, Robert Daniel

THE PRODUCTION TEAM

Artistic Director - Mark Turson
Musical Director - Brian Mangiavellano
Pianist - Ruth Ann Windle*
Vocal Director - Leigh Ann Dusseau**
Technical Director - Christine Gorton**
Set Designer - Thomas Hutt
Choreographer - Connie Wolin
Fight Choreographer - Gary Wetzel-Righetinni
Stage Manager - Chuck Thor
Lighting Designer - Larry Shaltis
Light Operator - Amanda Mahoney
Costumer - Ellen Yoakam*
Properties - Susan Gahagan
Publicity - lidija Mitrius Fremeau**
Graphic Artwork - Molly M. Fremeau
Program Cover - Stephanie Kolman*
Program - Ann Holt**, Bob Holt*
Program Ads - CSJ Board of Directors, Richard Fifelski*
Front of House - Susan Murphy**

*Member of Center Stage Jackson
**Member of the Board of Directors

One Day Theatre Class for Kids!

Ella Sharp Museum is offering a One Day Wonder class on Friday, April 6th from 9:30 am - 3:30 pm called Curtain Call! The class, taught by Leigh Ann Dusseau, is for kids in Kindergarten through 6th grade and costs $25 for museum members and $30 for non-members. Students bring their own lunch but snacks are provided. for more information visit http://www.ellasharp.org/.

Auditions for Man of La Mancha

Ruth Ann Windle. pianist for the production consults with Chris Gorton, CSJ President, and lidija Fremeau, who helped run the auditions on Saturday afternoon.
Choreographer Connie of Connie's School of Dance in Jackson teaches some dance steps to the men.

A cast list will be posted as soon as Director Mark Turson and Vocal Director Leigh Ann Dusseau have made their decisions.

The production will be presented May 11 through May 20 in the Ruth Day Theatre at Jackson Community College's Potter Center.

Auditions for Man of La Mancha This Weekend

Center Stage Jackson is pleased to announce open auditions this weekend for Man of La Mancha with music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion.

Auditions will be March 3, 2:00-4:30 pm and March 4, 6:00-8:30 pm at First Congregational Church, 120 N. Jackson St., Jackson, MI. Artistic Director Mark Turson is looking to cast 17 men (ages 18-60) and 8 women (ages 17-60). Those auditioning should prepare 16 bars of vocals and be prepared to read from the script for multiple roles. Scripts are available by calling (517) 782-9751.

Performances of Man of La Mancha will be May 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20 at the Potter Center's Ruth Day Theatre on the campus of Jackson Community College. For more information, please visit www.centerstagejackson.org.

Based on one of the great literary masterpieces of all time, Man of La Mancha is set in Spain at the end of the 16th century. Miguel de Cervantes, an author, is thrown into prison by the Spanish Inquisition and forced to plead for his life and the life of his servant when put on trial by the other prisoners. In his defense, Cervantes tells the tale of Alonso Quijana, who believes he is the knight-errant Don Quixote de la Mancha. Cervantes and his servant assume the roles of Quixote and his squire Sancho Panza as the other prisoners reluctantly participate in the tale. Eventually they are drawn into the story in spite of themselves and realize the power of pursuing one's dreams. Through his trials and tribulations, Don Quixote reveals how love, truth, honor and justice can all be possible in life.

Man of La Mancha ran for nearly six years on Broadway and won five Tony awards including Best Musical and features a memorable score including the classic song "The Impossible Dream."

About CSJ:
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, performing at Jackson Community College, a proud sponsor of CSJ, located at 2111 Emmons Road, Jackson, Michigan, and other venues in the Jackson area. Please visit Center Stage's website. .

Acting Classes at The Ella!

Ella Sharp Museum of Art & History - WinterTerm Classes 2007

FOR KIDS!

Creative Dramatics 8 weeks: January 18-March 8 • Leigh Ann Dusseau (Center Stage Jackson) • Grades 2-6 • Studio 1 or AR • Thurs 4:30-6:00 PM • Museum members $60/non-members $72. This class is filled with fun and exciting theater games that encourage children to develop their imaginations, creativity and self-confidence. At the end of the session, the class presents a fun and informal in-house performance.

FOR TEENS AND ADULTS!

Center Stage Jackson Presents Acting for Dummies 8 wks: January 18 – March 8 • Leigh Ann Dusseau (Center Stage Jackson) • HS/Adult • AR or Studio 2 Thurs 6:30-8:30 PM Museum members $65/ non-members $78. You’ll find all the basics right here! Begin with warm-up routines and exercises that will prepare you to work on stage. Learn techniques for concentration, stage movement, voice, speech, playing goals, and using tactics. That’s a lot! Discover that each step is crucial in developing the essential skills to work a scene, and that acting’s not such a mystery after all!

For more information about classes, workshops, and other educational offerings at The Ella contact the Museum by phone: (517) 787-2320 or visit the Museum website .

OPEN AUDITIONS To Kill a Mockingbird

Center Stage Jackson – Jackson’s community theatre group - is holding OPEN AUDITIONS for the great literary classic To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee (dramatized by Christopher Sergel):

Sunday, Jan.7, 2:00-4:30 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church

Monday, Jan. 8 , 6:30-8:30 p.m., Lily Missionary Baptist Church

Tuesday, January 9th, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church

(call-backs) Thursday, January 11th 6:30-8:00 p.m., Lily Missionary Baptist Church

Show Dates: March 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 2007

Show Location: Jackson Community College, Potter Center, Ruth Day Theatre

Director: Denise Weber

Producers: Ann Green, Jackson Community College & Ann Holt, Center Stage

Set in 1935 in the rural south, To Kill a Mockingbird examines racism as seen through the eyes of the Finch family: daughter Scout, son Jem, and their father, Atticus, a lawyer who defends a young black man falsely accused of beating and raping a young white woman. Though the story explores big themes, it is told from a child’s perspective. The result is a tough and tender story about race, class, justice, and the pain of growing up.

Recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the most inspiring films of all time, To Kill a Mockingbird has been entertaining and enlightening audiences for over 40 years. Harper Lee’s 1960 Pulitzer Prize winning novel is brought to life in this thought-provoking play.

PRODUCTION PART OF THE BIG READ: Center Stage Jackson’s production of To Kill A Mockingbird will be part of the Big Read. Jackson is one of 72 communities nationwide to receive grants to support the Big Read, an initiative of the NEA, in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest (to learn more about the Big Read please visit Jackson’s Big Read Blog at http://big-read.blogspot.com/. During the month of March 2007, everyone in Jackson County will be encouraged to read, listen, discuss or watch To Kill A Mockingbird.

Those interested in volunteering to work on the show but not auditioning for a role may contact lidija Mitrius Fremeau at lidija@centerstagejackson.org or (517) 789-8225.

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, performing at Jackson Community College, a proud sponsor of CSJ, located at 2111 Emmons Road, Jackson, Michigan, and other venues in the Jackson area. Please visit Center Stage’s website at www.centerstagejackson.org.

Ebby Award Winners

Almost 70 cast and crew members of the fabulous production of Scrooge gathered at Marino's on Sunday evening to eat pizza, celebrate their achievements and visit with new (and old) friends. They also had the opportunity to vote for the Ebby Awards. If you missed this spectacular event, here are the final results.

BEST PROJECTION: Lori Pelham
QUIETEST VOICE: Katelyn Hoover
BEST ATTITUDE: Steve Dietrich
BEST ATTENDANCE: Chuck Minder
BIG DIVA: Eryn Dixon
LITTLE DIVA: Tricia Barrett
BIG DIVO: Monte Long
LITTLE DIVO: Seth Killian
BIGGEST HAM: Jimi Bommarito
BIGGEST FLIRT (female): Francesca Vitali
BIGGEST FLIRT: (male): Jeremy Tisch
CUTEST ONSTAGE COUPLE: Francesca Vitali & Joel Atkins
BIGGEST FAMILY CONTRIBUTION: McKim Family
MOST CLUELESS: Tia Wilson (but we love her anyway!)
BEST FEMALE VOCAL: Francesca Vitali
BEST MALE VOCAL: Monte Long
BEST DANCER: Eryn Dixon
BEST COMEBACK: Aimee McKim
FASTEST LEARNER: Stephanie Pierce
MOST IMPROVED: Jimi Bommarito
BEST FACIAL HAIR: TIE Jeff Hoover, Jimi Bommarito, Randy Guernsey
BEST NON-VERBAL PERFORMANCE: Abby Rood
MOST PREPARED: Connor Pierce
MOST PROFESSIONAL: Lori Pelham
BEST PERFORMANCE UNDER DURESS: Colleen Flynn
QUICKEST RECOVERY FROM AN INJURY: TIE Rene Rood, Aimee McKim
BEST COSTUME: Eryn Dixon, Randy Guernsey
BEST WIG: TIE Jean McKim, Fezziwigs during Curtain Call
MOST LIKELY TO DIRECT THE NEXT SHOW: Dave Dixon
MOST LIKELY TO NEVER DO THEATRE AGAIN: Ann Holt
MOST LIKELY TO MAKE IT ON BROADWAY: TIE Francesca Vitali, Connor Pierce

BACKSTAGE AWARDS

MOST WILLING TO HELP: Maddi Sabo
BEST BACKSTAGE MOM: TIE Anne Killian, Jackie Killian, Nancy Osterhaus, Sherri Cicirelli, Donna Guernsey, Amy Pierce, Mary Hug, Karen Krupa
HARDEST WORKER: Sally Benedict
BEST PERFORMANCE BY A PROP: TIE Drumstick, Bed, Benches
BEST BACKSTAGE HAND: TIE Jackie Killian, Anne Killian

Scrooge Cast Party December 3rd

All cast and crew of Scrooge the Musical are invited to Marino's Pizza, 1980 West Parnall Road, in Jackson for a reunion and "offical" cast party as guests of Director Ann Holt. The celebration is from 4 pm - 7 pm. Family and friends are welcome but will have to pay for their portion of the feast.

Center Stage Elects New Officers

At its regular meeting at the Ella Sharp Museum on October 18th, the board chose its new officers. The Executive Board is Christine Gorton, newly elected President; Ann Holt, Immediate Past President; Susan Murphy, Vice President; Leigh Ann Dusseau, Secretary; and Ken Schluckebier, Treasurer.

This Scrooge is Superb! (Jackson Citizen Patriot 11/9/06)

You still have one more weekend to see Monte Long as Scrooge. It's not just that he turns in a fantastic performance. It's that he has a cast full of talent to back him up! Bring the whole family and be delighted by the music, sights and sounds of Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol retold.

Friday and Saturday, November 17 & 18 at 8:00 pm at the Grass Lake High School. Sunday matinee on November 19 at 3:00 pm. All tickets $10. General seating. For reservations call 517-522-5695. Ann Holt directed the production.

Scrooge the Musical Ready to Open!

A young Ebenezer (Joel Atkins) sings of Happiness with his love Isabel (Francesca Vitali). Scrooge (Monte Long) joins them in song as he revisits his past when all things were possible.

Scrooge the Musical opens on Friday, November 10th at 8:00 pm at the Grass Lake High School auditorium and continues for two weekends. All tickets are $10 and must be paid with cash or by check. Call 517-522-5695 for reservations.

Additional performances are November 11, 12, and 17, 18, 19. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8:00 pm and Sunday performances are at 3:00 pm.

Rehearsals Begin for Scrooge!

Antoinette LaCinski, Vocal Director, rehearses members of the company of Scrooge the Musical in singing the beautiful songs of Leslie Bricusse who also wrote the books and lyrics for the show.

Based on Charles Dickens' tale A Christmas Carol, this holiday tale will be presented at Grass Lake High School, 11500 Warrior Trail in Grass Lake.

Performances are November 10, 11, 12 and 17, 18, 19 with curtain on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM and on Sundays at 3:00 PM.

Reservations are available now by calling 517-522-5695. All tickets are $10.00.

Born Yesterday - A Must See Classic

Friday, Sept. 29 at 8:00 pm, Saturday, Sept. 30 at 8:00 pm and Sunday, Oct. 1 at 3:00 pm.(Runs 1 hr.50 minutes with one 10 minute intermission)Tickets for the Ruth Day Theatre:$13/adults & $10/seniors & students (with ID) Reservations are available by calling the JCC box office at (517) 796-8600.

I attended Opening Night of Born Yesterday on Friday in the Ruth Day Theatre at Jackson Community College’s Potter Center. The Jackson Citizen Patriot had a great review and it was very accurate. The play is clever, insightful, touching and funny. Best of all Director Mark Hisler (“Our Town”, “Lobby Hero”, “Fuddy Meers”) has once again done a marvelous job of bringing the best out in all of his actors!

The show features Lisa Ykimoff as Billy Dawn and Tom Foley as Harry Brock. Joel Atkins plays Paul Verrall. Center Stage Board Treasurer Ken Schluckebier surprises in the role of fallen lawyer Ed Devery! Everyone turns in a great performance: Dave Mulholland, Leslie Wireman, Charles Minder, Kendall Smiley and Tia Wilson.
The costumes are great and the set is wonderful.

This show deserves to fill the house. Please tell all your friends and neighbors about Born Yesterday! You and they will not be disappointed.

Set Build This Weekend at JCC

CSJ will be assembling the set for our first season production "Born Yesterday" at JCC Saturday, September 9th from 10AM to 6PM and Sunday, September 10th from 12Noon to 8PM. The show is in the Ruth Day Theatre and the set is a "luxury hotel suite". We will be legging platforms and assembling doorways...hopefully getting the set ready for performers for Monday evening. Any time/talent you will be able to share is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris Gorton

Auditions for "Scrooge: The Musical Announced"

Auditions for the second show of the 2006 - 2007 season for Center Stage Jackson were announced today. They will be held on Monday, August 28 and Tuesday, August 29.

Monday's auditions will be from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at the Immanuel Lutheran Church on the corner of Michigan and Brown in Jackson.

Tuesday's audition will be from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at the Grass Lake High School Auditorium.

Additional auditions will be held on Thursday, September 6 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at the Immanuel Lutheran Church. Call for an appointment. 517-529-4932 evenings.

Rehearsals will be held Monday through Thursday evening from 6:00 - 9:00 pm during September and October although not all cast members need be present at all rehearsals.

Performances are scheduled for two weekends Friday through Sunday November 10, 11, 12 and 17, 18, 19 at Grass Lake High School.

Director Ann Holt explained, "Usually Center Stage performs at Jackson Community College's Potter Center, but this is an experiment to move out into the county to involve new people in community theatre."

There are 18 principle parts (5 children - 2 boys including Tiny Tim & 3 girls); 23 chorus many of whom have specific identities; and 10 street urchins (kids). All roles are available.

For more information, watch the Center Stage Jackson website.

CSJ Annual Meeting

Mat’s Café, 212 S. Mechanic St., Jackson, MI 49201 will be open on Wednesday evening, August 16th exclusively for members and friends of Center Stage Jackson. Great sandwiches and salads are the specialty of the house, so come join us at 6:00 pm for a light meal and stay for the meeting at 7:00 p.m. On the agenda will be a preview of the upcoming season, review of the past season and opportunities galore to get involved and keep Center Stage Jackson growing and strong!

Reservations encouraged but not necessary. Call Ann at 768-8173 and spend some time with your theatre friends!

Born Yesterday Auditions Announced

Auditions for the comedy Born Yesterday have been announced. They will be held at the Immanuel Lutheran Church on the corner of West Michigan Avenue and Brown Street in Jackson on Monday, July 31st and Tuesday, August 1st from 6 pm - 9 pm. Mark Hisler is the director. Members will receive more detailed information in the mail.

2006 Retreat

The board of Center Stage Jackson gathered at the Clark Lake Community Center on Saturday, June 24th for their 2006 Retreat. The morning was spent planning for the future and the afternoon dealt with the upcoming season. A productive day was had by all.

Camp Counselors Needed

The Jackson School of the Arts needs a few more counselors to work at the summer arts camp that benefits low income youth.

Camp Counselor Brief Job Description: Young adults ages 17 or older are responsible for a group of 7-8 youth. Counselors stay with youth during the camp and help with arts and camp activities. Applicants should enjoy working with youth ages 9-15 and appreciate the arts. No arts experience necessary. Dates: Training/Orientation on June 17, 9-12:30 PM (lunch included) in Jackson.

Camp: July 8 beginning at 6 PM to 8 PM on July 14 at the Girl Scout Irish Hills Council Camp O’ the Hills in Brooklyn. Room and board free, stipend of $150.00.Please call 784-2389 for an application or go online http://www.jacksonarts.org/.

Contact:
Kim Hastings, Executive Director Jackson School of the Arts phone 517.784.2389
814 Winifred, Ste. 12
Jackson, MI 49202
Making the Arts Accessible to Jackson County Youth.

CSJ Launches Membership Drive

Center Stage Jackson is launching a membership campaign, hoping to round up and retain members to support their productions! Without a solid member base to bring artistic and intellectual diversity to the group, CSJ cannot thrive.

Membership prices are nominal ($20 for an adult membership, $10 for students) and are used to defray the costs of mailings to the group.

Benefits include participating and voting at the annual meeting, invitations to social events, and getting to create the future of community theatre in Jackson!

For more information, do not hesitate to contact lidija, Membership Chair at lidija@fremeau.net.

Membership applications are available to be downloaded at www.centerstagejackson.org.

2006 - 2007 Season

Center Stage Jackson has announced the plays for its next season, just as it wraps up this season with the final weekend of "Oklahoma!"

The schedule hasn't been finished, said board President Ann Holt, but the plays will be: "Born Yesterday," directed by Mark Hisler; "Scrooge the Musical," directed by Holt; "To Kill a Mockingbird," directed by Denise Weber; and "Man of La Mancha." No director has been chosen for that musical.

"Oklahoma!" will begin at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday in the Baughman Theatre, Jackson Community College, 2111 Emmons Road. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $10 for students. Call 796-8600.

(from the Jackson Citizen Patriot)

Summer Class for Kids at Ella Sharp Museum

Creative Dramatics - Entering 4th to 6th grades
Presented by Kurt Snyder of Center Stage Jackson

Students will be introduced to basic dramatic principles with theater games and exercises to promote expression, creativity, discipline, listening, and communication skills. Creative Dramatics students learn to: work well in groups, listen well, participate, follow directions, use their imaginations, use their voices to communicate clearly, use gestures and body movements, generate new ideas quickly and show enthusiasm for the various activities. Participants will explore the actors' main tools: the voice, body, and imagination. Focus will be on collaboration, improvisation, and ensemble work. The class will culminate in a performance for family and friends.

Monday through Friday, June 19 - 23, 2006.

Members $58, Nonmembers $70 9:30 am to Noon, Multipurpose Room at the Ella Sharp Museum

Contact the museum for more information at 517-787-2320.