High School Musical Auditions Announced

DATE: May 4th 2009

PLACE: First Congregational Church UCC
120 N Jackson St, Jackson, MI 49201
TIME: 6:00pm - 9:00pm

DATE: May 5th 2009
PLACE: Grass Lake High School
11500 Warrior Trail Grass Lake, MI 49240
TIME: 6:00pm - 9:00pm

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Ages 12 and up

What to Wear

Loose comfortable clothing. You will be doing a short dance audition as well so dress apropriately.

What to Bring

Please bring a pencil and a notebook for taking any notes or writing down additional information. Don't forget your sheet music for the pianist. Also don't forget your enthusiasm.

What NOT to Bring

If you MUST bring a cell phone, please turn it off once you enter the audition space and refrain from talking or texting on it. It's a distraction to others and if you're using it, you're not focusing on other's auditions. Please use common courtesy.

What to Expect and What's Expected of You

The audition will be split into three parts. Singing, Dancing and a Cold Reading from the script. You're expected to have 32 bars learned of a song you feel best represents your voice and talent. Contemporary pop or musical theatre music is preferred, and you may sing something from the show. You must bring either the sheet music in the correct key or an accompaniment track. NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO SING A CAPPELLA, and you may not sing along to a regular CD that already has lead vocals on it. You will learn a short bit of choreography but you're not expected to be a trained dancer in order to be cast. You will then be asked to read scenes from the script.

After the Audition

If you're needed to perform a callback audition you will be notified of the place and time.

Last Updated ( Thursday, 23 April 2009 19:59 )

Check out this article from the Jackson Citizen Patriot.

The Croswell's Got Talent! Contest

Do you have a talent worth $1000 cash?

The Croswell is looking for any non-professional act or talent ...

AND WE MEAN ANY TALENT!

Do you sing, yodel, play an instrument, swallow fire, ride a unicycle or have any other unique talent?

THEN YOU NEED TO ENTER

"The Croswell's Got Talent!"

Contest

Log on to www.croswell.org to download an audition form.

Completed forms are due to the Croswell before 5:00pm on May 1st.

You will receive your scheduled audition time via email by May 4th.

Auditions are by appointment only

and will be schedule between 9am-3pm

SATURDAY, MAY 9TH @ the Croswell

THE TOP TALENTS WILL BE CHOSEN TO PERFORM AT THE CROSWELL'S ANNUAL BENEFIT SOIREE ON

SATURDAY, JUNE 6TH

WHERE THEY WILL COMPETE FOR CASH PRIZES!

Deal between Left of Center Theater Company, Brooklyn theater owner falls through

First reported in this week's Brooklyn Exponent, the Jackson Citizen Patriot posted this article on the end of Left of Center's valiant effort to restore the Star Theater in Brooklyn as a performance venue. Follow this link to read the article.

MisCast Cast Announced

MisCast is 'a strange and wonderful cabaret' according to Dave Dorrell, who designed the artwork. (Dave and his wife Jennifer were active members of Jackson's community theater before moving to Georgia many years ago.) Everyone who is participating in MisCast got to choose a song that belongs to a great role for which they are totally unsuited and would never be cast in! Great fun.

MisCast runs for two weekends with two different casts! Director Timm Richardson, who is putting the show together, is also serving as emcee. Accompanying most performers is Sherra Zuck.

Friday, May 8th and Saturday, May 9th at 8:00 pm

CAST #1 (In no particular order) Gary Minix, Ann Holt, Lenny LaFleur, Leigh Ann Dusseau, Dusty Salyer, Randy Guernsey, Patricia Barrett, Karen Kidder-Barrett, Kiefer Navarre, Amanda Mahoney, Andrew Gorney, Mary Kathryn, Lyndsey Cole/Cara Guernsey/Carley Brake, David Fuller, and Timm Richardson

Friday, May15th and Saturday, May 16th at 8:00 pm

CAST #2 (Again in no particular order) Gary Minix, Bob Mulvihill, Roxie Mulvihill, Michael Cicirelli, Connor Pierce, Anne Fleming, Brenda Pilgrim, Antoinette LaCinski/Barb Palmer/Colleen Flynn, Denise Weber/Sarah Weber, Lisa Ykimoff, Megan Edwards, T.R. Krupa/Stephanie Pierce, Ethan Davis, Derek Turson, and Timm Richardson

Reservations can be made by calling The Bon Ton Room at 517-787-6733.

The Pursuit of Happyness (PG-13)

Come see Will Smith in The Pursuit of Happyness (PG-13) on Friday, April 17^th at the Michigan Theater. Doors open at 6:30 pm for refreshments (beer, wine, pop and regular concessions will be available), raffle ticket purchases and information booths. The show will start at 7:00.

A free will donation will be accepted for the Neighbors in Need effort to prevent homelessness in Jackson County.

Click here to see the trailer!

Dea Talmage dtalmage@uwjackson.org
United Way of Jackson County
Resource Development Associate
517-796-5119

Performance Network

Ann Arbor's Performance Network is in trouble. The theatre has to raise $40,000 by April 15th or it will close. Click here to read the short article. They have reached over $13,000 this evening towards their goal of $20,000. A group of Board members and long-time supporters will match all gifts made by April 15th up to $20,000, new donations or increased pledges, dollar for dollar, until the goal is reached.

Gary Wetzel-Righettini 1952 - 2009

The theatre community has lost a very special person. Gary Wetzel-Righettini was killed in a car accident on Saturday morning, April 4, 2009.

The family will hold visitation this Thursday, April 9, at Wetherby Funeral Home in downtown Jackson from 11:30 am until 12:30 pm. A service will follow.

Monday's paper has the following article. Click here.

JCC Drama Club production aimed at stopping school violence

Jackson Community College will present a free play designed to highlight and help end school violence, called “Bang, Bang, You’re Dead,” at 8 p.m. on April 16, 17 and 18 in the Ruth Day Theatre, Potter Center. This production is a service project of students in JCC’s Drama Club.

“Bang, Bang, You’re Dead” was written by William Mastrosimone about a school shooting. The play centers around the lead character, Josh, a teen-aged boy who shoots his parents and five schoolmates and is then haunted by physical manifestations of his memories of them. It was first produced in 1999, 13 days prior to the Columbine High School massacre. It was written in the wake of school shootings Paducah, Jonesboro and Springfield to raise awareness about school violence and teasing between teen-agers in schools. It has been performed widely in the U.S. and in other countries around the world.

This production is directed by student Caryn Showerman, president of the Drama Club. It is presented free of charge, and is presented by special arrangement by icarusplays.com.

Please note: It is not suitable for children under 12 years of age.

Natasha Richardson 1963 - 2009

Natasha Richardson died tragically March 18th from injuries received in a skiing accident. She was the daughter of Vanessa Redgrave and married to Liam Neeson. Read about her life and career here.

Enchanted Sleeping Beauty This Weekend

Who: CSJ Youth Theatre
What: Enchanted Sleeping Beauty
Where: Jackson’s First Presbyterian Church 743 West Michigan Avenue, Jackson
When: March 20 & 21 @ 7:00pm and March 22nd @ 2:00pm
Tickets: $3 adults and $1 kids 12 and under.


Enchanted Sleeping Beauty" is based on the fairy tale by Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm and tells the tale of Princess Briar-Rose. At the princess' birth, the witch Evilina, who lives with a giant spider, sets a terrible curse on the poor, young princess. Sixteen years later, it's up to Prince Alexander to come to Briar-Rose's rescue, and the court's too...for they are all asleep. The prince must fight a Wall of Thorns, a False Princess and, most frightening of all, the exalted Dark Knight! The zany, loveable characters and the score are as enchanting as Briar-Rose in this family favorite, suitable for all ages.

For additional information, contact Doug Meyers at (517) 783-1468.

JCC High School One Act Competition

Click here to see the results of the Jackson Community College's High School One Act Competition that was held today in the Potter Center on the campus.

Holes Opens March 6th

Center Stage Jackson is pleased to present Holes, running March 6-7-8 and 13-14-15, 2009 at The Middle School at Parkside, 2400 Fourth St., Jackson, MI. Tickets are available now-$10 general admission. For reservations, call 517-782-0608.

Show times are 8 pm March 6, 7 13 and 14, with 3 pm matinees March 8 and 15. There will also be two free daytime matinees at noon for PARKSIDE students on Thursday and Friday, March 12 & 13.

Artistic Director for Holes is Jackson actor and teacher KURT SNYDER.

Holes, written by Louis Sachar, was published in 1998 and became an immediate success. It soared to the top of required reading lists at schools throughout the country and the main character, Stanley Yelnats, became a household name. It received a National Book Award in 1998 and the Newbery Medal in 1999. In 2000, Seattle Children’s Theatre commissioned Mr. Sachar to adapt his novel for the stage. Disney released Holes as a major motion picture in 2003.

Synopsis: Stanley Yelnats, falsely arrested for stealing a pair of sneakers, is sentenced to serve time at Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention facility in the middle of a Texas desert. Having never attended summer camp, Stanley bravely regards this to be a new opportunity, but he is soon faced with a group of unhappy, unaccepting campers (inmates) and an evil warden who uses the boys to dig holes in search of mysterious buried treasure. Stanley makes some startling discoveries about himself, the true meaning of friendship, and the curse that has haunted his family for generations.

The T-Mobile Dance

This is amazing. Look at all the happy faces!

Kathy Backlund 2009

The Sewanee Mountain Register notes that Sewanee,Tennessee resident Kathy Backlund died on Saturday, February 21 after an extended illness. A memorial service will be held on March 9th at 4:00 p.m. in Convocation Hall at the University of the South.

Kathy was married to Dan Backlund, who was a full time director for Jackson Civic Theatre many years ago. Kathy had a fantastic singing voice and comedic talent. She will be remembered for playing the Carol Burnett part in Once Upon a Mattress. Sandy Sykes remembers Kathy's performance in an earlier version of Side By Side By Sondheim with Monte Long, Gay Hauter, and John Dwyer.

Daniel Backlund has been a Professor of Theatre Arts at the University of the South since 1989. Kathy worked for over a decade for the University's Physical Plan Division.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Kathy Backlund Scholarship Fund at the University of the South for award to theater students or to a charity of your choice.

The University of the South
735 University Avenue
Sewanee, TN
37383-1000

Hillary Swank Filming in Jackson?

Want to read about the filming that is going on in Jackson this week? Click here.

Or you can read Brad Flory's comments by clicking here.

The Bon Ton Room This Week

Doors always open at 6:00
Dinner in the listening room served from 6:00 to 7:30 Drinks and Desserts served throughout the evening

The Victor McDermott Quintet
Thurs. Feb. 26th 7:00 pm
NO COVER!

50's and 60's style cool jazz. A progressive take on the standards of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Antonio Carlos Jobim and more.

Victor McDermott - double bass
Jamie Merit - flute
Sky Rogers - guitar
Chris Reid - piano
Darrin Voris - set drums

Chip Mezo - Broadway Sing Along
Fri. Feb. 27th 8:00pm
NO COVER!

Join Chip as he takes requests in the listening room - and play a little 'Broadway Bingo" while you're here!

Victor McDermott in "A Long Time Coming"
Sat. Feb. 28th 8:00 pm
NO COVER!

An informative and expressive look at the African-American popular song and it's impact on American culture. From gospel, blues, jazz to soul, R&B, reggae and hip-hop.

Every Wednesday and Thursday in February and March NO COVER!
In the Piano Bar with Sherra Zuck and Chip Mezo Request your favorite songs and enjoy $2 domestic beers and $12 bottles of house wine!

Being a Movie "Extra"

Denise Weber shares her experience in being a movie "extra"!

I had the fun task of being an extra in the movie "Betty Anne Waters" on Monday, Feb. 23rd, as it filmed on the campus of the University of Michigan, where I am pursuing my masters degree.

For those who have never been an extra or on a set of a movie before, if you get the chance, you should absolutely do it. And if you do it, you should be prepared to sit around and wait...alot! Our group waited for about six hours, during which we filmed one scene, or rather a small portion of one scene, for which they did about four takes and took maybe ten to fifteen minutes, total. I think I really like doing theatre better. You actually do the entire show from start to finish and you have the immediate gratification of applause and bows at the end of the show.

Oh,by the way, did I mention that Hilary Swank is starring in the movie and was about five feet away from me during the scene? That was actually pretty cool. We were told ahead of time that we could not speak with the stars, ask for autographs or take pictures. I didn't see anybody try to do that, either.

During the waiting time, though, I met some really nice people. Hint - if you get the chance to do this, make friends with the crew - they will look out for you and work to get you in a good spot, especially if it's a large crowd scene. The crew for this movie were extremely nice. While we waited, they had raffles for autographed copies of DVDs that Hilary starred in, as well as some from Minnie Driver, who also is in this movie. I didn't get to see her, though, nor did I win anything in the raffle. That's OK, though.

Other than that, I spent time getting to know some of the other extras. Some had done this before; for others, it was their first time. It is amazing the amount of equipment and semi trucks that it took for the shoot. And to think they had to pack it all up to move to another location the next day! Wow!

I had the opportunity to play Housewife #4 when Jeff Daniels brought "Super Sucker" to Jackson, so this wasn't my first time on a movie set. For me, the "Super Sucker" experience was more fun, but this was still a pretty neat experience.

Now, I just wait to find out if I make it into the movie scene, or on the cutting room floor. In the meantime, I wonder if I should put in an order for Harry Winston to hold some diamonds for me next year.......Nah!

Good News from Left of Center

Left of Center had a successful fundraiser this past weekend at The Bon Ton Room. You can read all about it by clicking here.

Town Hall Players present . . .

The Town Hall Players will present the hilarious play called Fools by Neil Simon. This laugh-a-minute play is directed by Mike Glair and takes you to a small village where the people have been cursed to be stupid. Imagine a character like Patrick from Spongebob and you will understand the persona of this whole village. A teacher arrives in this village to break the curse, but he has a hard time when everyone takes him litterally. If you want to laugh a lot, come see this play.

February 27, 28, March 1, 6, 7, 8 - Friday & Saturday shows start at 7 p.m. and Sunday shows start at 2 p.m. At the Historic Stockbridge Town Hall.

Tickets are $5 for Adults and $3 for students. Available at the Stockbridge Pharmacy or at the door. For more information contact Winfield J. Scott at winfieldjscott@yahoo.com.

Remember Paul Meshejian?

CHECK THE COMMENTS FOR A MESSAGE FROM PAUL!

Here's an article on Paul that appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer recently. It talks about his efforts in creating PlayPenn, an incubator for new works.

Bill Ivey 2009

Bill Ivey, formerly of Jackson and currently from Dewitt, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, February 3, 2009 of a heart attack. Some may remember Bill from the late 1990's - early 2000's when he was involved in Jackson theatre, appearing in such productions as You Can't Take It With You and Twelve Angry Jurors. He had a great love for the theatre and was a faithful audience member, along with his mom and sisters. Center Stage Jackson offers our condolences to his family and friends.

Bill has been cremated, per his wishes. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 21, at 3:30 p.m. at the Spirit of Christ Church, 8170 Coleman Rd., Haslett, Michigan.

Youth Broadway Karaoke Competition

It wasn't all show tunes, but it WAS exceptional entertainment last night in The Bon Ton Room at Matt Davis's All Play and No Work. Fifteen outstanding Jackson teens and tweens sang their hearts out to a sold out audience!

1. Kelsey Curl - Maybe (Annie)
2. Christina McKim- If I Loved You (Carousel)
3. Kiefer Gray Navarre- Long Black Train (Josh Turner)
4. Madelyn Bellew- As Long As He Needs Me (Oliver)
5. Allison Walsh-Hopelessly Devoted To You (Grease)
6. Jeremiah Weaver- The Impossible Dream (Man of La Mancha)
7. Cara Guernsey - You Belong With Me (Taylor Swift)
8. Shannon Watts - Born To Entertain (Ruthless!)
9. Chester Kosinski- Music of the Night (Phantom of the Opera)
10. Carly Brake- Forget about the Boy (Thoroughly Modern Millie) - SECOND PLACE
11. Ryan Bennet- Good Thing Going (Merrily We Roll Along)
12. Lindsey Cole- Popular (Wicked)
13. Desharrah Johnson - Bust the Windows (Jasmine Sullivan) - THIRD PLACE
14. David Fuller (and group/Maggie Lapp, Ainsley Herrick, Nicole Black) - This Is Halloween (Nightmare Before Christmas)
15. TR Krupa -One Song Glory (Rent) -FIRST PLACE

Host for the evening and co-creator of the event was Stephanie Pierce (with clipboard!), a student at Jackson High School.

Judges for the event were Christine Gorton, Matt Davis, Lenny LaFleur and Christopher Fultz.

Our photographer for the evening was lidija Fremeau of LAF Lines Photography.

Casting call for extras in Hilary Swank movie draws huge crowds to Chelsea

Yesterday was the open call for extras in a film starring Hilary Swank to be filmed here in Michigan. Those of you who DIDN'T make the trek to Chelsea yesterday made a GREAT decision. Those of us who did go, stood in line in the cold for hours before some of us gave up and went home. It is estimated 1,000 people showed up some as early as 7:00 am.

One person who got there early enough to make it INSIDE was Jackson's Ruth Flynn. She even got quoted in the Ann Arbor News. Read the article by clicking on the link. The comments following are pretty funny too.

Remember David Leamon?

David Leamon was the Director of the Jackson District Library for ten years until he left in the late 1980s to be the Director of the San Antonio Public Library. Eventually retired from the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library recently, but retirement didn't last long.

Library Journal announced that David has been appointed Director of the Lawrence Arts Center. You can read about it here.

David appeared in Jackson community theater productions of School for Scandal and Once Upon a Mattress in the Baughman Theatre, Potter Center of the Jackson Community College. Anyone have any pictures?

Here's Your Chance to be in a Movie!

INFORMATION HERE IS INCOMPLETE. YOU MUST REGISTER TO AUDITION. PLEASE READ THE ARTICLE LINKED HERE.

An open call for extras for the upcoming Hilary Swank film Betty Anne Waters will be held on Wednesday, January 28th from 2 to 8 pm at the Comfort Inn Conference Center, 1645 Commerce Park Drive in Chelsea. No acting experience is needed.

They are looking for area residents who can portray inmates in a prison scene; college age students taking the bar exam; families visiting inmates; and courtroom participants.

The movie is slated to start filming in Ann Arbor in mid-February.

VIP Grant Received from Consumers Energy Foundation

This past Saturday the board of Center Stage Jackson met for its annual retreat at the Ella Sharp Museum. Board member Doug Meyers presented President Susan Murphy with a check for $850 from the Consumers Energy Foundation.

The check was part of the Volunteer Investment (VIP) Program recognizing organizations where employees and/or retirees have volunteered during the past 12 months. Doug and Don Mansfield filed the request on behalf of Center Stage!

The grant was doubled as a result of the Foundation's CEEPSACER Program. CEEPSACER (CMS Energy Employees Providing Service Around Children's Essential Resources) was established as part of Consumers Energy's commitment to America's Promise - The Alliance for Youth.

The money will be used to continue, strengthen, and extend the reach of the Youth Theatre program begun two years ago. 81 third through ninth grade students auditioned last week for YT's first musical, Enchanted Sleeping Beauty! Earlier grants allowed Center Stage to lower ticket prices for young people making live theatre more accessible.

Cast of Enchanted Sleeping Beauty Announced!

The cast of Enchanted Sleeping Beauty is now posted on the Center Stage Jackson website. Click here to go there.

Want to Sing?

For more information call 517-499-4086.

Who the Theatre Lost in 2008

From Playbill: "This is not meant to be a complete list of the countless theatre people who left us — and left us inspired — in the past 12 months." [Source]

And in December, Milford-based actor Randall Godwin, who memorably appeared in "Honus and Me," "Escanaba in the Moonlight," "Guest Artist" (as the scene-stealing bus station attendant), and "The Underpants" at the Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea, passed away. (Ann Arbor News 12/28/08)

Cast of Holes Announced!

HOLES Cast (TBD = To be decided)

Stanley - JAKE CORNWELL

X-Ray - XAVIER NORTON

Armpit - MICHAEL CICIRELLI

Magnet - LUCAS MEYERS

Zigzag - T.R. KRUPA

Zero - CONNOR PIERCE / GRAHAM PETERSON

Mr. Sir - BOB BULLOCK

Mr. Pendanski - TONY BOLING

The Warden - SARAH WEBER

Elya - DUSTIN SCHONHARD

Madame Zeroni - PAM BULLOCK

Igor Barkov / Policeman #2 - DAVID FULLER

Myra's Father / Jesse - SCOTT HUTCHINS

Linda Walker - SAVANNAH ADAMS

Sara Yelnats - SAVANNAH ADAMS

Stanley Yelnats, the 1st - ETHAN DAVIS

Kissin' Kate Barlow - DELANEY DUCKHAM
Policeman #1 / Stanley Yelnats, the 1st - ETHAN DAVIS

Trout Walker - KYLE GUERNSEY

Sam -EMMANUEL HOWARD

Sheriff - RANDY GUERNSEY

Stanley's Father - BRIAN BARTO

Stanley's Mother -KRISTIN OLMSTED

The Judge - DON MANSFIELD

Ms. Morengo / Mrs. Collingwood - AMY KRENGEL

Myra - RHEA KRENGEL

Zero's Mother - CATE ROBARTS-SNYDER

Toughest Kid -CONNOR PIERCE / GRAHAM PETERSON
Attorney General - MELISSA TURNER

Some actors will double as townspeople or members of Kate's gang.

Heading to New York City This Spring?

Chelsea's Jeff Daniels will be opening on Broadway in Spring 2009 with Hope Davis (Proof), Marcia Gay Harden (Mystic River) and James Gandolfini (Sopranos) in Yasmina Reza's God of Carnage. According to reports the story, "deals with the aftermath of a playground fight between two boys and what happens when their parents meet to talk about it." Reza also wrote Art, which had a successful run in the late 1990s. Read more at Playbill.

Auditions for Michigan Shakespeare Festival

Interested in auditioning for the Michigan Shakespeare Festival's 2009 season? Check out their website and read the requirements. This year's plays are The Tempest and As You Like It. Shows run from July 14 - August 2, 2009.

Solo Cabaret Performance!

MY SCRAPBOOK, AS TOLD THROUGH SONG
Performed by Timm Richardson

JANUARY 23 & 24 8PM
BON TON ROOM (ALL PLAY, NO WORK)
517-787-6733 FOR RESERVATIONS

FEATURING GUEST PERFORMANCES BY:
MATT DAVIS
SHERRA ZUCK (ALSO ON KEYBOARDS)

AND FORMER STUDENTS:
MAHALIA PRICE
ADAM WOOLSEY

NOT JUST AN EVENING OF BALLADS, THERE'S HUMOUR TOO!

TICKETS ARE $15

HORNS FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Does anyone know if Jackson County has a similar program for used instruments? Ken Kozora, who manages this project in Washtenaw County and wrote the following post, is a friend of mine.

It's that time of year to rummage through your attic, basement and garage in search of musical instruments that aren't being played. The 12th annual Horns For The Holidays instrument "recycling" drive will help get instruments into the hands of children who can't afford to purchase their own.

Here is a link to a recent interview with me about the program.

http://www.manchesterenterprise.com/stories/121808/loc_20081218001.shtml

Below is a link the Arts Alliance who have so generously adopted HH as one of their many great arts related programs for the community. Drop off locations and more info is listed here.

http://www.a2artsalliance.org/

Happy Holidays and a big THANK YOU to all those individuals and organizations who have donated their instruments, time and talents over the years!

Peace,
Ken Kozora

Our First Christmas Tree!

This is our Christmas tree on the first floor lobby at the Michigan Theatre at 124 N. Mechanic Street in downtown Jackson, Michigan. Anytime the theatre has an event between now and Saturday, January 3rd you can view the trees even if you are not attending the event. If you want to call ahead to make sure you can get in to see the trees, call 783-0962.

The tree was conceived and decorated by Amie Pierce. The tree skirt was created by Karen Meyers. You vote for your favorite tree (or non-profit group) by dropping money into decorated boxes. Proceeds will be split equally with the Michigan Theatre.

Straight No Chaser - Carol of the Bells

Happy Holidays!

It's Beginning to Sound a Lot Like Christmas

A Holiday Cabaret Performance

Date/Time: December 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 8:00 p.m. (doors open 6:30)

December 13 matinee at 3:00 p.m.

Location: The Bon Ton Room, 3017 Wildwood Ave., Jackson, MI

Tickets $20/person

Reservations: (517) 787-6733

• Elena Beasley
• Roxanne Bruner,
• Matt Davis
• Steve Hug
• Kerrie Manders
• Lori Pelham
• Sandy Sykes
• Allen Tuttle
  
• and Sherra Zuck

This show is already selling fast! Call for reservations today.

3^rd Entertaining Year! Embrace the spirit of the season in a fun and festive cabaret-type setting. You won’t want to miss this entertaining evening with your favorite holiday classics and always some fun surprises!

The Center Stage Jackson Youth Theater is looking for young people to perform in its first musical "Enchanted Sleeping Beauty." Auditions are open to young people in grades 3-9.

"Enchanted Sleeping Beauty" is based on the fairy tale by Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm and tells the tale of Princess Briar-Rose. At the princess' birth, the witch Evilina, who lives with a giant spider, sets a terrible curse on the poor, young princess. Sixteen years later, it's up to Prince Alexander to come to Briar-Rose's rescue, and the court's too...for they are all asleep. The prince must fight a Wall of Thorns, a False Princess and, most frightening of all, the exalted Dark Knight! The zany, loveable characters and the score are as enchanting as Briar-Rose in this family favorite, suitable for all ages.

Auditions for the show will be held on Tuesday, January 13 and Thursday, January 15 at 4:30 pm at Jackson's First Presbyterian Church, 743 Michigan Avenue in Jackson. There are roles for 7 boys and 18 girls plus a chorus. Those auditioning will be asked to do a cold reading from the script and sing a short, simple song (no advanced preparation is necessary). Rehearsals will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 until 6:00 at the church.

Three performances will be staged at Jackson's First Presbyterian Church on March 20-22, 2009.

For additional information, contact Doug Meyers at (517) 783-1468.

Auditions for "Holes"

Auditions for Center Stage Jackson’s production of "Holes" will be held on Monday, December 8 and Tuesday, December 9 at the Middle School at Parkside, 2400 4th Street, Jackson from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. each evening. Auditions will be in Room 120. (Turn right on to the service drive that runs along the border of Sharp Park Golf Course to the south of the school property. Park in the lot just beyond the first greenhouse. Walk back towards Fourth Street. Room 120 has outdoor access and will be brightly lit.)

There are roles for approximately 23 people.

“Holes” is adapted from the Newbery Medal-winning novel by Louis Sachar. It was later made into a screenplay for the 2003 film by Walt Disney Pictures. There are thirteen main characters and a number of smaller roles.

Public performances will be March 6, 7, 8 and 13, 14,15 at the Middle School at Parkside. There will two weekday daytime performances for students tentatively set for Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6 at noon on both days.

For more information visit the Center Stage Jackson website or send a message to info@centersagejackson.org.

Croswell Opera House Presents. . .

What time is it? Summer time! School’s out – and the Wildcats are back for an all new adventure ...

right here in your back yard at the Croswell Opera House.

JULY 10-12 & 16-19

The 2009 Croswell Summer Season will also include

The Producers, June 19-21 & 25-28 and City of Angels, July 31-August 2 & 6-9.

Auditions for all three musicals will take place in March, with dates and times to be determined.

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 website, www.croswell.org.

AoGG musical preview by Japan Este

Anne Green Gables Open November 14th!

On November 14^th Center Stage Jackson will open a two weekend run of a musical version of the beloved story of “Anne of Green Gables”. It is hard to believe the book is celebrating 100 years and is still read around the world. (You can actually find and read the book on-line since it is out of copyright.)

“Anne” is appropriate for the whole family and certainly a show that could introduce a child to live theater.

The version we are doing is the one performed on Prince Edward Island – Anne’s home.

The dates for the show are November 14^th, 15^th, 16^th and 21^st, 22^nd, 23^rd. Once again we have the opportunity to perform in the beautiful Grass Lake High School auditorium. Friday and Saturday night curtains are at 8:00 pm and Sunday matinees are at 3:00 pm. Tickets are $10 and seating is general admission.

To make reservations call 517-522-5695 and leave your name, the number of tickets you want and a callback phone number.

Christina McKim is playing Anne and her mother, father and sister are in the show as well! Other names you may be more familiar with in the cast are Sarah Weber, Steve Hug, Anne Fleming, Lisa Ykimoff, Barb Palmer, Chris Evans, Cara Guernsey, Carly Brake, TR Krupa, Doug and Lucas Meyers, Michael Cicirelli and many more. For a complete cast list, check out the website.

Come out and support your friends and neighbors and the wonderful young people in our community who all have so much talent!

Cast of Doc, Doc. . .Goose! Announced

Center Stage Jackson's Youth Theater has announced the results of auditions for it's production of Doc, Doc. . .Goose! to be presented on Friday, November 7 at 7:00 pm, Saturday, November 8 at 7:00 pm and Sunday, November 9 at 2:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Jackson. The director is Jen Ann Guy.

Dr. Goose - ANNA SUMMERS
Nurse Gosling - BROOK PRICE
Mac - CALLI NICKELS / AMELIA ORR
Cow - VIVI CLERPILOWSKI
Crooked Man - KEITH CLEMONS
Wee Willie Winkie - ANTHONY HODSHILE
Jack B. Nimble - JOSH RENNELL
Jack Sprat - GRAHAM PETERSON
Wife - SIERRA HENTHORNE / RITA SUMMERS
Polly- PHEOBE CALLEBS / BRITTANY KRYST
Queen of Hearts - CARLIE CONNOLLY / RACHAEL HARRIS
Goldilocks - MEGHAN BUTTERFIELD / MAYA ALGER
Jack (with Jill) - MICHAEL RICHARDS
Jill - ALICE BAXTER / MEGAN BELL
Dr. Zhivago - JOANNA STAIRS / MALAINA STASSINES

SWEENEY TODD ADDS PERFORMANCE!

Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, which opened last weekend at The Bon Ton Room in All Play and No Work at 3017 Wildwood Avenue in Jackson, has added a performance on Friday, October 31st due to overwhelming demand for reservations. Sondheim's 1970s musical gets a new look on the small cabaret stage with just twelve performers who sing, act and play instruments including the clarinet, flute, accordion, keyboards and percussion to accentuate this 'marvelously murderous musical' by Stephen Sondheim.

Performance dates are October 17-18 and 24-25 and 31 at 8:00 pm. There are a very few seats still available for this event unlike anything Jackson has seen. Tickets for the show are $20.

Or consider coming earlier and having dinner and drinks too. Doors open at 6:00 pm and you can order from the new tappas menu created by owner Matt Davis and his family. (For the Halloween performance only dessert and coffee will be served.)

For reservations or information call 517-787-6733.

Croswell Opera House presents . . .

THE HOUSE OF FRANKENSTEIN!

BY MARTIN DOWNING

Directed by G.L. Blanchard

October 17-19 & 24-26

Fridays & Saturdays 8 p.m.

Sundays 3 p.m.

visit www.croswell.org

or call 517/264-SHOW to get your tickets today!

In this wise-cracking comedy-horror, Baron Victor Von Frankenstein,

his long-suffering wife Elisabeth, the hunchback Ygor, Valkyrian housekeeper Frau Lurker and the Monster

play host to various menacing creatures of the night (invited or otherwise) who beg the Baron to rid

them of their vices. This challenge, although a welcome diversion for the headstrong scientist, proves to be no picnic ... more of a living nightmare!

An Invitation from Jackson Community College

Join us for Theatrical Workshop on Friday, October 17 at 12:30pm in the Potter Center’s Federer Rooms B & C (located on the first floor). This is a great opportunity for your students to learn about pursuing a career in theatre, film and television from cast members of the professional radio theatre company, LA Theatre Works.

This FREE workshop is an exciting event designed to share with actors, both student and professional, some of the techniques that are invaluable in pursuing these careers. The workshop will be taught by one or more members of the L.A. Theatre Works company - professionals with impressive resumes and plenty of audition war stories. They will cover topics such as getting rid of audition fears, selection of material, how to prepare for an audition with dress and manner, and the audition / callback process itself. There will be active demonstrations of ways to deal with audition anxieties, etiquette with casting directors and directors, and many other related topics.

That evening, join us again for a special back-to-back double bill of chills, thrills and great literature as LA Theatre Works presents two masterpieces of science fiction and adventure: War of the Worlds and The Lost World. This production is scheduled for 8:00pm in the Sheffer Music Hall. Attached are a synopsis of the show and a description of the company performing the show. Below is a list of the actors who will be performing the show:

Jerry Hardin (X-Files), a veteran of dozens of films and television programs and fine stage actor Kenneth Alan Williams will be joining television star Kyle Colerider-Krugh (ER, Third Rock From the Sun and Seinfeld) and Josh Clark (Heroes, Star Trek Voyager, E.R. and LA Law), previously announced. Rounding out the cast will be Jen Dede (E.R., Gilmore Girls) and Peter McDonald (Becker, Wings, E.R. as well as many starring roles on stage in Los Angeles).

Star Trek alum John de Lancie is directing this fine cast and is available for interviews along with the actors.

We are offering discounted tickets to students (50% of ticket price of $29, $26 or $22). For tickets to the evening's performance, please contact the Potter Center Ticket Office at 796-8600.

If you are interested in participating in the free workshop, please contact me by Wednesday, October 15, either by e-mail or phone at 796-8473.

Sandra Phelan
Events Coordinator
Office of Community Relations and Performing Arts
Jackson Community College
2111 Emmons Road
Jackson, Michigan 49201

p: 517.796.8473

f: 517.796-8642

visit us at www.jccmi.edu

Croswell Opera House Auditions. . .

The Croswell Opera House is pleased to invite you to a special final call!

Auditions for Christmas Carol: The Musical are being held on Wednesday, Septebmer 24th at 7 pm in the Rehearsal Room at the theatre.

After two exciting nights of auditions, and a grea show of talent, there are still rols left to cast: men & women, leading and supporting - even ensemble actors will be welcomed.

Please come adn join our expanding cast and crew as we celebrate a timeless holiday classic.

Director Bill Quinlan has asked that actors have a prepared song, with piano accompaniment by music director Mark Smith.

Be sure to wear comfortable clothes, as a short movement/dance exercise may be required!

For more information, contact the Croswell at 517-263-6868.