Croswell Opera House Presents. . .

Rodgers and Hammerstein's

The King and I

July 25-27 & July 31-August 1-3
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 8pm
Sundays 3pm

SEATING LIMITED! CALL OR VISIT TODAY

517-264-SHOW (7469)

www.croswell.org

129 E. Maumee Street, Downtown Adrian

Julliane Dolan, Director

Butch Marshall, Music Director

Douglas Miller, Scene Designer

Kevin Kennard in "Guilty Pleasures" at The Bon Ton Room

"I saw Kevin's show last year and he is incredible! Don't miss this event!!!" Ann Holt

Kevin Kennard returns to The Bon Ton Room as he presents his new cabaret show "Guilty Pleasures" on Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26 at 8:00 PM. - doors open at 7:00 PM. Cover charge $20. Reservations - call 517-787-6733. The Bon Ton Room @ All Work And No Play, 3017 Wildwood Ave. Jackson, MI 49202.

A member of the legendary singing group "The Pied Pipers" (Vocal Group Hall Of Fame recipients) and a vocalist with The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra (Capitol Records), Kevin is also a veteran cabaret performer, having headlined clubs in Atlanta, San Francisco, Palm Springs and Los Angeles where he currently resides.

His new show offers a mix of music ranging from pop and country, to standards and jazz - and always some comedy songs thrown in for good measure. Find out more at www.kevinkennard.com and www.myspace.com/thebontonroom.

Croswell Opera House Presents. . .

Relay for Life Fundraising Cabaret Show

The Foote Hospital Oncology Caregivers Unit Relay for Life team is pleased to present a fundraising cabaret show, Friday, June 27th, at the Bon Ton Room at All Play and Now Work, 3017 Wildwood Ave, Jackson, MI.

Show time is 8:00 p.m., doors open at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 and are available by calling 517-787-6733.

Relay for Life is designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs of the American Cancer Society. This year's theme is Celebrate - Remember - Fight Back. To support this cause, please join the Foote Hospital Oncology Caregivers team for an evening of inspiring cabaret performances by some of Jackson's own singers and musicians: Elena Beasley, Roxanne Bruner, Matt Davis, Steve Hug, Kerrie Manders, Sandy Sykes, Allen Tuttle and Sherra Zuck.

The 2008 ACS Relay for Life takes place August 1-2, 2008, in Cascades Falls Park.

Kevin Kennard

Kevin Kennard returns to The Bon Ton Room as he presents his new cabaret show "Guilty Pleasures" on Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26 at 8:00 PM. - doors open at 7:00 PM. Reservations - call 517-787-6733. 3017 Wildwood Ave. Jackson, MI 49202

A member of the legendary singing group "The Pied Pipers" (Vocal Group Hall Of Fame recipients) and a vocalist with The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra (Capitol Records), Kevin is also a veteran cabaret performer, having headlined clubs in Atlanta, San Francisco, Palm Springs and Los Angeles where he currently resides.

His new show offers a mix of music ranging from pop and country, to standards and jazz - and always some comedy songs thrown in for good measure. Find out more at www.kevinkennard.com.

Location: The Bon Ton Room @ All Play and No Work
3017 Wildwood Ave.
Cost: $20

Share Your Talent - Join Center Stage Jackson

It's time to join or renew your membership in Center Stage Jackson in order to be able to vote at the Annual Meeting on Wednesday, August 13, at All Play and No Work. Visit the Center Stage website to print out a membership form.

Learn Professional Methods of Applying Stage Makeup

Get Ready for Summer & Fall Productions
Basic Application & Old Age

Saturday, June 14, 2008
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Instructed by: Kim Lennox
Left of Center Theatre Company

Location: the Costume Gallery, 4114 Page Ave. Michigan Center

Cost: $35.00
Includes Ben Nye Personal Kit

Ages: 12 and Up

Register at the Costume Gallery by June 6, Call 517-764-5893 to register or for information.

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The Entertainer's Rule

"Look good, sound good, and do something good. To make a steady living, you need all three. To be on television, you can get away with only two."

Timothy Wenk, magician, West Stockbridge, Massachusetts from the website Rules of Thumb website. Check it out.

Cast for FAME Announced

FAME

Cast List

Carmen Diaz MAHALIA GIBSON

Nick Piazza CHIP MEZO

Serena Katz ALEXANDRIA FLYNN

Serena Katz (understudy) JESSICA BRIDGES

Joe Vegas CHRISTOPHER FULTZ

Schlomo Metzenbaum DUSTIN SALYER

Schlomo Metzenbaum (understudy) SHANE STEPHENS

Mable Washington KATIE WALKER

Mable Washington (understudy) ABBEY ROOD

Tyrone Jackson ADAM WOOLSEY

Grace “Lambchops” Lamb FRANCESCA VITALI

Grace “Lambchops” Lamb (understudy) MARCY WAY

Iris Kelly MADDIE LADWIG

Iris Kelly (understudy) KELLY PRESTON

Goodman “Goody” King MICHAEL CICIRELLI

Miss Esther Sherman KAREN KIDDER BARRETT

Ms. Greta Bell JULIE KLEE

Ms. Greta Bell (understudy) CARYN SHOWERMAN

Ms. Sheinkopf MELISSA TURNER

Mr. Meyers TBA

Dance Ensemble

Haley Bollheimer, Tiffany Hammond, Chelsea Vandenburg, Delaney Duckham, Dustin Schonhard, Tyler Akio

Vocal/Musican Ensemble

Theresa Bishop, Josh Ross, Kendra Pulliam, Amanda Marzano, Marina Perrin, Tia Wilson, Carly Petersen, Jeniffer Meusling, Carly Brake, Emma Nowinski, Daniel Nowinski, David Fuller, Jake Carothers, Ryan Bennett, Kyle Guernsey, Keifer Navarre, Megan Edwards, Ainsley Herrick, Maggie Lapp, Jaimie Leppala, Erienne Burch

*On behalf of the production staff of FAME we want to thank everyone who came out to audition.

Come to the Cabaret!

May 23^rd and 24^th






Learn Your Lessons Well:
The Bon Ton Room's First Cabaret Class Showcase Featuring: Mollie Bolton, Mahalia Gibson, Ann Holt, Steve Hug, Chuck Miller, Leah O'Brien, and Chuck Palmer
Direction: Matt Davis
Musical Direction: Sherra Zuck
Doors open 7:15 Show 8:00 - $7

Join the Bon Ton Room's First Graduating Cabaret Class as they share their talent with the masses! A great evening filled with music from the most prolific songwriters of the past century.

Call 787-6733 for reservations

The Bon Ton Room at All Play & No Work, 3017 Wildwood Ave. Jackson, MI

Full Time Technical Director Position

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

The Croswell Opera House, Michigan’s oldest continuously operating theatre (circa 1866), which currently produces 8-9 musicals and plays annually with an $800,000 budget, seeks a Technical Director. Experience in set construction, carpentry, rigging, supervising crews, keeping within budgets, and knowledge of lights-sound-props a must. Stage management, general building maintenance, and/or set and lighting design experience a plus. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in Theatre Technology or have equivalent experience, will be able to work hours that include evenings/weekends, and will have strong interpersonal and communication skills. Qualified applicants should mail or fax resume and letter of interest including salary requirements to Artistic Director, Croswell Opera House, 129 E. Maumee Street, Adrian, MI 49221, fax (517) 263-5130 or e-mail director@croswell.org This is a F-T, salaried position with benefits.

Tony Awards Announced

Nominees for some categories (complete list at Playbill) of the 62nd Annual Antoinette Perry "Tony" Awards follow:

Best Play:
August: Osage County
Rock 'n' Roll
The Seafarer
The 39 Steps

Best Musical:
Cry-Baby
In the Heights
Passing Strange
Xanadu

Best Revival of a Play
Boeing-Boeing
The Homecoming
Les Liaisons Dangereueses
Macbeth

Best Revival of a Musical
Grease
Gypsy
Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific
Sunday in the Park With George

Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre
Stephen Sondheim

Regional Theatre Tony Award
Chicago Shakespeare Theater

The 62nd Annual Tony Awards — hosted by Tony and Academy Award winner Whoopi Goldberg — will be presented June 15. CBS-TV will broadcast the event live from Radio City Music Hall, 8-11 PM ET. (Red-carpet arrivals will begin at 6 PM).

The Tony Awards are presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing. CBS has broadcast the annual event since 1978.

For more information visit www.TonyAwards.com.

Arts and Cultural Alliance of Jackson County Hires Director

Alison Loveday originally from the Jackson area was hired as the Executive Director of ACAJC in April. Over the next few months she will be working to build the internal operations of the Alliance as well as strengthening and promoting the programs and services offered.

Pictures from Big Bad

Rehearsal pictures from Center Stage Jackson's Youth Theatre production of Big Bad (the trial of the big bad wolf) which will be presented on Friday, May 9th at 7:00 pm and Saturday, May 10th at 2:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church at 734 W. Michigan Avenue in Jackson. (Parking is behind the church.)

Tickets are available at the door and are $1 for adults. Children are free!

Auditions for Fame the Musical

Auditions for Fame the Musical will be at Grass Lake High School on May 12th and 13th from 6-9PM. Show dates are July 18-20 and July 25-27

Audition Info: Seeking ages 13-adult *Please bring a prepared song* (an accompanist and CD player will be provided. Must sing with piano or Karaoke Track. NO A CAPPELLA

*For More Information, Contact the directors at summer.stage@hotmail.com*

The CSJ Youth Theatre performances of Big Bad (the trial of the big bad wolf) will be held on Friday, May 9th at 7PM and Saturday, May 10th at 2PM. Both performances are at:

First Presbyterian Church
743 W. Michigan Ave.
Jackson, MI 49203 (Parking in back of church)

Tickets are available at the door and are $1 for adults. Children are free.

All Play and No Work's

The Bon Ton Room
presents

Saturday, May 3^rd and June 7^th
Left of Center Improv
Doors Open 7:15 Show 8:00 - $10
If you like Who's line is it anyway you will love this!

May 9^th and May 10^th
Chip Mezo
Doors open 7:15 Show 8:00 - $20
Local Favorite Chip Mezo returns to town with an eclectic evening of Contemporary Broadway Songs and Popular Music including music from The Dixie Chicks, Paul Anka, Jason Robert Brown and More!

May 23^rd and May 24^th
Learn Your Lessons Well:
The Bon Ton Room's First Cabaret Class Showcase
Doors open 7:15 Show 8:00 - $7
Join the Bon Ton Room's First Graduating Cabaret Class as they share their talent with the masses!
A great evening filled with music from the most prolific songwriters of the past century.

Call 787-6733 for reservations

The Bon Ton Room at All Play & No Work, 3017 Wildwood Ave. Jackson, MI

Seussical Offers Special Price on Sundays!!

Monday, April 28, 2008

Due to the sell-out response to the "ALL SEATS $5 FAMILY MATINEE" for "SEUSSICAL"on Sunday, April 27th, Center Stage Jackson has announced the community theatre group will offer the $5 Family Matinee price on Sunday, May 4th as well.

"Center Stage Jackson was thrilled to sell out Seussical on Sunday.
That means over 400 people including many families were able to experience live community theatre at a price that is affordable...especially in a soft economy", said Christine Gorton - President of Center Stage Jackson. "Clearly price drove the audience of over 400 to the Baughman Theatre on Sunday. Seussical is a wonderful show and an example of the quality productions and amazing talent offered right here in our own backyard. Reducing the ticket price puts CSJ at risk of not making box-office sales goals, but providing the magic of live theater to kids and an opportunity for a family activity makes it worth the cost."

Seussical - Presented by: Center Stage Jackson Baughman Theatre - JCC May 2, 3 - 8PM, $10 Students, $12 Seniors, $15 Adults May 4 - 3PM ALL SEATS $5 www.centerstagejackson.org

Tickets - JCC Box Office 796-8600

Chip Mezo's Fantastic Adventure

Chip Mezo, who stepped in to direct Seussical for Center Stage Jackson just three short weeks ago, got an email from his agent in London saying he has been cast as the First Cover for Billy Bigelow, the male lead in ANDREW LLOYD WEBER'S revival of Carousel in London's West End! (Seussical opens on Friday and runs for two weekends. ) Chip will also be performing in his own cabaret at All Play & No Work on May 9 & 10. Then he will be directing the musical Fame for CSJ's Summer Stage. He will be moving to London in August to start rehearsals for Carousel. So now is your chance to see Chip's work before his career takes another giant leap!

Summer Classes for Kids & Teens

Check out Ella Sharp Museum of Art & History, Jackson Community College, or Connie's School of Dance for summer classes if your kids are interested in performing. Dates and costs vary.

At the Ella contact Amy Wellington by calling 517-787-2320.
At JCC contact Ellen Young by calling 517-796-8582.
At Connie's School of Dance contact Connie Wolin at 517-782-4377

Although I couldn't locate the information on their website, the Jackson Citizen Patriot printed more detailed information about ALL summer camps on Sunday, April 20, 2008.

Jacie Dininny 2008

VIVIAN JACELYN "JACIE" - Passed away on April 13, 2008 in Albion, Michigan. She was at home under the loving care of her family and Great Lakes Hospice. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Robert; two sons, Robert (Vicki) of Concord, MI and David (Nevia) of Chagrin Falls, OH; one daughter, Kathleen (Tony) Hutchins of Albion; sister, Patsy Kropp of Ottawa Hills, OH; brother, Jim Brown of Cambridge, MA; seven grandchildren; six stepgrandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Jacie was a Registered Nurse who graduated from Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. She also held a Master's degree in Maternal and Child Health from the University of Florida. She finished her nursing career by opening her own practice in Women's Health in Jackson, Michigan. She was one of the first, if not the first, nurse practitioners in the state of Michigan to open her own practice. In that sense she was a real pioneer in the nursing world. Jacie's main hobby was theater. She played roles in the Marshall Civic Theater and the Jackson Civic Theater as well as The Clark Lake Players. She was one of the founders of the Albion Civic Theater and played several roles there as well. She especially liked doing musical comedy and was an accomplished singer. She sang in a church choir wherever she lived. She also did oratorio work with the Jackson Chorale and the Albion Choral Society. She was a great friend and nurse to all who knew her and she will be sorely missed. Final arrangements are being made by J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home at 811 Finley Drive, Albion, MI 49224. According to Jacie's wishes, the body will be cremated immediately and there will be no visitation at the funeral home. There will be a Celebration of her life service at the First United Methodist Church in Albion at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22. There will be a chance to greet the family for an hour before the Celebration Service. After the service a light luncheon will be served at the church. In lieu of flowers, a contribution to Great Lakes Hospice would be appreciated. www.kevintiddfuneralhome.com www.Mlive.com/obits Published in the Jackson Citizen Patriot on 4/16/2008.

Fred Drago 1928 - 2008

Born in Bogota, Columbia on October 13, 1928, Manfredo Carlo Drago was a truly remarkable man who lived and enjoyed a lifetime of many interests and accomplishments. In 1931, his family moved to Genoa, Italy. Several years later "Fred" came to the United States and studied at the University of Michigan, later transferring to Michigan State University pursuing studies in Horticulture, Sociology and Anthropology. In 1952, he graduated, having completed his Bachelor's and Master's degrees. While there, he became a member of Alpha Phi Omega and Theta Xi fraternities. For 42 years he represented Schering-Plough Corporation and was well respected in the medical community. He was a very dedicated member of the noon Rotary Club of Jackson and enjoyed playing "Freddy, the Christmas Elf" for the disabled children's Christmas party at Rotary. Fred was also an active member in community theater for many years. He was best known for his affable and courteous manner. Fred belonged to many other groups and organizations too numerous to mention. Fred passed away peacefully, in his sleep, in his home in Jackson. Left to treasure his memory are his beloved wife of 40 years, Stephanie (nee Latham); their children, Carlo M., Cristina (Michael), Nicole E. and grandchildren, Brandon and Brittany. Mourned also by his animal companions, the Dobermans, "Nina" and "Dobie" and his cats, "Tai" and "Fancy Pants." A Memorial Mass will be held at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church on Thursday. April 17, 2008. The family will receive friends at the church from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. Father Nate Sokol officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disability Connections or Cascades Humane Society.

Ushers Needed for Seussical!!

Center Stage Jackson's production of Seussical the Musical opens a week from Friday at JCC's Baughman Theatre.

We are looking for ushers for all performances. If you are interested, please email Denise Krzesicki at Denise.Krzesicki@centerstagejackson.org and let her know.

Don't forget, you can buy your tickets online now. Go to www.centerstagejackson.org and select "Tickets".

See you at the show!

Steve Hug
co-producer, Seussical the Musical

CSJ Presents Seussical the Musical!

The Center Stage Jackson production of Seussical the Musical opens on April 25th. You can purchase your tickets online through our web site: www.centerstagejackson.org. You can also call the JCC box office at (517) 796-8600. The Ticket Office is open weekdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and one hour prior to show time.

This is NOT a kids' show. Kids will love it, but adults will GET it. The choreography is terrific and there is not a weak voice in the cast. If you've seen the last few musicals at CSJ, you know that our casts keep getting stronger and stronger. We put this show in the Baughman Theatre at JCC because we expect the audience to exceed the capacity of the Ruth Day Theatre.

Come join us. I promise you will have a great time!

Steve Hug
co-producer, Seussical the Musical

Grass Lake Presents. . .

Grass Lake Schools will be presenting "My Fair Lady" April 17-19 at 7 PM and April 20 at 3 PM. All tickets are $5.00. Reservations call 517 522 5695.

Francesca Vitali plays Eliza Doolittle and many of you will remember her performances in Scrooge and Little Women for Center Stage. You won't want to miss this one either!

Director Barb Palmer says, "We'd love to see you all there!"

Fred Drago 2008

Fred Drago passed away on the evening of April 5, 2008. There will be a memorial service for him at Queens (Queen of the Miraculous Medal Roman Catholic Church) on April 17th at 1:00 pm. The family will receive visitors from 11:00 am to 1 pm at the Church. A full obituary will be in the paper next Wednesday.

Fred was active in and a great supporter of community theatre. More information will be posted when it becomes available.

The Great American Songbook

The Bon Ton Room is Proud to Present:

A LOVELY NIGHT: A CELEBRATION OF
THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK

APRIL 25th and 26th - Doors open 7:15 Show 8:00 - $15

Featuring: Matt Davis, Lenny LaFleur, Kerrie Manders, Lori Pehlam, Timm Richardson, Ruth Ann Windle, Sherra Zuck, & Special Guests

Join us at the Bon Ton Room as we celebrate the most important and eclectic composers and lyricists of the early 20th century including:

Harold Arlen
Irving Berlin
George and Ira Gershwin
Jerome Kern
Cole Porter
Richard Rodgers
& More!

Included will be standards that you know and love - such as Someone to Watch Over Me, How Deep is the Ocean, and Somewhere Over the Rainbow. We will also introduce great songs that may be new to you, but will soon become favorites, and put you on the road to becoming a musical historian!

Call 517 787 6733 for reservations
The Bon Ton Room at All Play and No Work, 3017 Wildwood Ave.
Jackson, MI 49202; www.myspace.com/thebontonroom

Summer Stage Auditions

The 2008 Summer Stage show will be FAME the Musical. Auditions will be held Monday and Tuesday May 12 and 13 at Grass Lake High School auditorium 6-9 pm.

Please prepare at least 32 measures of one song. Please - no songs from HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL or WICKED! Contemporary pop or musical theatre music is preferred. Must bring sheet music in correct key or accompaniment track. NO A CAPPELLA.

FAME the Musical is a very dance- heavy show, so wear clothes in which you can dance. If you are skilled in ballet /pointe, and or tap please bring those shoes and be prepared for an additional dance combination.

Any additional questions, please feel free to email: summer.stage@hotmail.com or send us a MySpace message.

Chip Mezo - Director
Antoinette LaCinski - Music Director
Julie Klee - Choreographer

Sweeney Todd at All Play and No Work!

Sweeney Todd

The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

A Musical Thriller

Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Book by Hugh Wheeler

Adaptation by Christopher Bond

Originally Directed by Harold Prince

Originally produced on Broadway by Richard Barr, Charles Woodward, Robert Fryer, Mary Lea Johnson, Martin Richards, in Association with Dean and Judy Manos

Directed by Ann Holt and Matt Davis

Musical Direction by Elena Beasley and Sherra Zuck

Starring: Roxanne Bruner, Matt Davis, Sara Davis, Lori Pelham, Mike Reed, Jerry Rice, Dusty Sayler, Sandy Sykes, and Francesca Vitali

OCTOBER 17^th, 18^th, 24^th, 25^th - 8PM

Call 517.787.6733 for reservations and more information

SWEENEY TODD is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

421 West 54^th Street, New York, NY 10019

Phone 212.541.4684 Fax 212.397.4684 www.MTIShows.com

Youth Theater Begins Rehearsals for BIG BAD

Director Jen Ann Guy and assistant Don Mansfield with the cast of the Youth Theater production of Big Bad on March 18 at Jackson's First Presbyterian Church at their first read through.

The cast is as follows:

Sydney Grimm: Marina Perrin
Fairy Godmother: Theresa Bishop
Little Red Riding Hood: Misty Emerson
Grandmother Hood: TBD
One: Meghan Butterfield
Two: Phoebe Callebs
Three: Maya Alger
Bill Woodcutter: Josh Rennell
Shepherd: Amber Harmon
Boy Who Cried Wolf: Dominic Bishop
Big Bad Wolf: Lucas Meyers
Judge Wise Old Man: Don Mansfield
Evil Stepmother: Emily Bowen
Miss Muffit: Megan Skittenheim

Performances are scheduled for Friday, May 9 at 7:00 pm and Saturday, May 10 at 2:00 pm at Jackson's First Presbyterian Church.

Grass Lake takes top honors at JCC One-Act Play Festival

Best Overall Performance honors went to Grass Lake High School, who presented The Man Who Turned Into a Stick, directed by Barb Palmer, with cast members Francesca Vitali, Zach Lockwood, Paul Karle, James Dunnigan and Dusty Saylor, technical director Claire Dunnigan, stage manager Ashley Pustay, and crew Dennis Perry. Karle also received a first place in the Actor category, Vitali received first place in the Actress category, Pustay received third place in the Technical Director category, and Claire Dunnigan received first place in the Stage Manager category.

Second place overall went to Lumen Christi High School, who presented Caught Out. Ian DeWitt took second place in the Actor category, Andie Grant took second in Actress, E’lena Jones took third place in the Actress category, Zoe Walters took second place in the Technical Director category, Mirae Guenther took second place in the Stage Manager category, and Bill McVey took second place in the Crew category.

Third place overall went to Concord High School, who presented Question. Gus Pewé took third place in the Actor category, and an honorable mention in Technical Director.

Northwest High received an award for Best Set Design, and Concord received an award for Original Set. Individual awards were also presented to: Shawn Stidman, Columbia Central High, honorable mention in the Actor category; Riley Cortright, Springport High, honorable mention in Actress category; Craig Draper, Northwest High, first place in Technical Director category; and Dillon Forner, Northwest High, third place in Stage Manager category.

Picture: Grass Lake Winners Francesca Vitali, Dusty Saylor, Zach Lockwood and Paul Karle. Not pictured is James Dunnigan, who was the stick!

Opening Night of The Miracle Worker

Center Stage Jackson's production of The Miracle Worker, directed by Denise Weber, opens on Friday evening with an 8 p.m. curtain and continues on Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday, March 7-9. Days and times are the same the following weekend, March 14-16, at the Middle School at Parkside, 2400 Fourth St., Jackson. All tickets are $10. 517-745-2835.

For more information visit Center Stage Jackson's website.

Photo: Carley Brake as Helen Keller and Sarah Weber as Annie Sullivan in Center Stage Jackson's production of "The Miracle Worker."

Did you miss Sweeney Todd at the movie theatre?

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street will be playing at the Michigan Theatre this weekend!

This musical crime drama is based on the hit Broadway musical which tells the infamous story of Benjamin Barker, a.k.a Sweeney Todd, who sets up a barber shop down in London which is the basis for a sinister partnership with his fellow tenant, Mrs. Lovett. Stars Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter as Sweeney and Mrs. Lovett.

Rated R – all seats $4.00.

Fri., Mar. 7 – 7:15 p.m.
Sat., Mar. 8 – 6:00 & 8:30 p.m.
Sun., Mar. 9 – 4:00 p.m.

Croswell Opera House Presents. . .

Two By Two
"The Story of Noah and his family ... it's good fun from The Good Book!"
A musical based on the play The Flowering Peach by Clifford Odets with Music by Richard Rodgers, a Book by Peter Stone, and Lyrics by Martin Charnin.

Dates are March 14-16 & 21-22 and curtain times are 8pm Fridays & Saturdays, 3pm Sunday.

Croswell Opera House
129 E. Maumee St., Adrian, MI
517-264-SHOW (7469)

A Message from Steve Hug

CSJ Members and Friends:

I dropped in on a rehearsal for The Miracle Worker the other night and was very impressed. The cast includes a number of our regular performers who give their usual fine performances. It's also great to see some of our younger performers growing into better actors each time I see them.

There are some new faces in the cast who, frankly, blew me away with how good they are. Director Denise Weber and her technical crew are doing their usual marvelous job.

Please make your plans to see The Miracle Worker at the Middle School at Parkside. The play runs March 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16. Sunday matinees are at 3PM and Friday/Saturday shows are at 8PM. You can make your reservations through the web site at www.centerstagejackson.org or call the box office at 745-2835. All tickets are $10. And don't forget...CSJ members get a $5 discount for an individual membership or $10 for a family membership.

Hope to see you at the show!

Steve Hug
Chairman, Membership Committee
Center Stage Jackson

Ellen Yoakam Wins Nike Award

The Chamber of Commerce Economic Club and Jackson Business and Professional Women (BPW) honored recipients of awards earned in 2007 on Monday, February 25th.

Jackson BPW present the Nike Award to a woman who exemplifies qualities the award represents: strength, freedom, and triumphs.

Nike Award recipient, Ellen Yoakam, owner of the Costume Gallery, 4114 Page Avenue in Michigan Center, explains what it was like receiving the award. You can hear Ellen's comments by clicking here.

Photo: Ellen measures Mary Krzesicki (Amy March) for Little Women.

Cabaret at All Play and No Work

Seasons of Love will be presented this Friday, February 29, and Saturday, March 1 at 8:00 pm in the Bon Ton Room at All Play & No Work, 3017 Wildwood Ave. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 787-6733. All of the performers have worked with Center Stage in the past. Come out and support the great singing talent we have here in Jackson! Cost is $15 a ticket.

Performers:
Timm Richardson ~ Brett Parker ~ Christopher Fultz ~ Shawn Harmon
Dusty Salyer ~ Karen Kidder ~ Mahalia Gibson ~ Francesca Vitale
Alexandria Flynn ~ Julie Klee ~ Antoinette LaCinski

Photo: Karen Kidder and Julie Klee

Auditions for CSJ Youth Theatre

Students in the third through eighth grade are invited to audition for Big Bad by Alec Stum. The play is about the trial of the Big Bad Wolf. There are 14 speaking parts.

Auditions will be at 4:30 until 6:00 at Jackson's First Presbyterian Church (745 W Michigan Ave) on Thursday, March 13 and Friday, March 14. Auditions will be cold readings from the script.

Even if students are not cast in the play, everyone will have a chance to be involved in the production. Rehearsals will be in the after school time slot at the church.

Currently plans call for the show to be presented on Friday, May 9 at 7:00 pm and Saturday, May 10 (time to be decided).

Raisin in the Sun on ABC Monday Night

When Raisin in the Sun was presented in 1959 it was an historic event - the first drama by a black woman produced on Broadway.

In 2004, the Broadway revival won Tony Awards for both Phylicia Rashad and Audra McDonald although a lot of the excitment was generated by Sean "P. Diddy" Combs in the role of Walter.

Whether you have seen a production of Raisin or not, Monday night's version on ABC at 8:00 PM is an historic event as well.

The Youngers may be African-Americans but the message about the importance of families is universal.

Lumen Christi Theatre Company presents

Directed by Sandy Sykes with Musical Direction by Roxanne Bruner and Choreography by Cortney Shepherd on March 13 – 15, 2008 with a 7:30pm curtain at Lumen Christi Catholic High School Cafetorium, 3483 Spring Arbor Rd.

Adults $7, Students and Seniors $5
Director’s Circle Seats (first come, first serve) $10

Remember Tom & Janet Holliday?

Back in March of 1984 Jackson Civic Theatre presented Neil Simon's Star Spangled Girl starring Kathy Shaw, Tim Fowler, and newcomer Tom Holliday. The review in the Jackson Citizen Patriot was enthusiastic about the entire production but saved the highest compliments for Tom. "He's absolutely the best thing to happen to comedy theater in Jackson in a long time."

Unfortuately Tom and his wife Janet got lured away to Ohio shortly after that and have been in Columbus ever since. Although there hasn't always been time for theater in their lives, both have been active over the years appearing together in the female version of The Odd Couple and Love, Sex and the IRS, I Hate Hamlet, Rumors, and Chapter Two (Tom claims they are working their way through the entire Neil Simon canon). Janet also appeared in the musical Chicago, Lend Me at Tenor and Talking With. . .

After taking some acting classes through Columbus' professional theater group -- Contemporary American Theater Company (CATCo) -- Tom was invited to audition for one of their productions which started a relationship with our professional theater that's still going strong. He has appeared in their productions of Marvin's Room, All in the Timing, Table Manners and Mere Mortals in the late '90s. Mostly recently Tom again has worked with CATCo appearing in a play featuring six new original short pieces written by Ohioans. It's part of a Shorts Festival they do every couple of years or so. Tom was in both the 2004 and 2006 Festivals and managed to sneak in a bit part in Cat On a Hot Tin Roof in 2006 as well.

In 1995 Janet won a special award for "Most Outstanding Performance" during the '95 Ohio AACT Fest competition! It was especially meaningful for her because she was performing a piece written by an old college friend that had won a national playwriting award for new authors.

News from the Michigan Shakespeare Festival

The Michigan Shakespeare Festival will be a little different this year. Besides performances of Julius Caesar and All's Well That Ends Well, which will run from July 15 - 27, the 2008 festival will team up with the Jackson Symphony Orchestra and the University of Michigan's Gilbert and Sullivan Society to present Gilbert and Sullivan's operetta The Mikado.

The Michigan Shakespeare Festival performs in the Baughman Theatre at Potter Center on the Jackson Community College Campus.

Another interesting twist is that the two Shakespeare productions will travel to Grand Rapids the first week of August.

Auditions for the festival will be in late February and early March.

Cast & Crew for Seussical Announced

Seussical The Musical

Directed by: K.J. Rowan

Performances will be April 25, 26, 27 and May 2, 3, 4 in the Baughman Theatre, Potter Center on the Jackson Community College Campus. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8:00 pm and Sunday performances are at 3:00 pm. More information is available on the Center Stage Website.

Produced by: Christine Gorton and Steve Hug

Scenic and Costume Designer: Christopher Fultz
Tech Directer: Andrew Varial
Vocal Direction: Antoinette LaCinski

Choreography and Sound Engineer: Julie Klee
Music Direction: TBA
Lighting Design: Amanda Mahoney

Cast List:

Jojo: Connor Pierce

The Cat: Adam Woolsey

Horton: Christopher Fultz

Gertrude McFuzz: Lisa Yikimoff

Mayzie LaBird: Mahalia Gibson

Bird Girl 1: Jennifer Meusling

Bird Girl 2: Caryn Showerman

Bird Girl 3: Greta Lorr

Bird Girl 4: Tiffany Doan

Bird Girl 5: Alexandria Flynn

Sour Kangaroo: Karen Kidder

Wickersham 1: Andrew Thompson

Wickersham 2: Shane Stephens

Wickersham 3: Don LaFollette

Mr. Mayor: Steve Hug

Mrs. Mayor: Christine Gorton

General: John McKim

The Grinch: Michael Cicirelli

Vlad Valadikof: TBA

Ensemble:

Jen Roedema ~ Megan Edwards ~ Aimee McKim ~ Chris Harmon

Christina McKim ~ Jean McKim ~ Christine Rebescher ~ Talon Wilson

Alaina Kerr ~ Britney Honeycutt ~ Chuck Minder ~ Ainsley Herrick
Drew Doman ~ Becca Gergel ~ Rachel Tenison ~ Cara Guernsey
Courtney Collis ~ Sarah Brausch ~ Andrea Wynn ~ Amanda Marzano

Anthony Hodshire ~ Jackie McCarthy ~ Cheyenne Swarthout

Hannah Baryo ~ Maddison Post ~ Tia Wilson ~ Jacob Meyers

John Baker-Streevy

How to Find Stuff on This Blog

If you are looking for a cast list for Miracle Worker, type 'miracle worker' into the search box in the upper left hand corner. Or you can click on previous December entries on the right hand side and find the December 27th posting. As for Suessical, the show was to be finished being cast by tomorrow. As soon as the cast and crew list is received, it will be posted here. Hope this helps.

Croswell Opera House Presents. . .

Love Letters by A.R. Gurney and directed by Jackson's own Gerry Blanchard is a Valentine Day's gift to theatre goers. There will be four performances from February 14 - 17th and each features different actors. Julie Dolan (Marvin's Room, Arsenic and Old Lace for CSJ) performs with Terry Hissong on the evening of the 15th.

Curtain times are 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Call the box office at 1-517-264-7469. The theatre is located at 129 E. Maumee in Adrian.

More details are available at the Croswell website.