The Bon Ton Room presents. . .

Coming Into Focus

Directed and Produced by Stephanie Pierce

April 21st, 22nd & 23rd

$15 Cover

8:00PM SHOW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be Part of LIGHT, an Internet Series

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

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

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

So You Want to be a STAR!!

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

Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater is Getting a Makeover

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

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

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

Purple Rose Presents a World Premiere

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

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

For more information, visit www.PurpleRoseTheatre.org.

How Did I Miss This?

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

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

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

The Bon Ton Room to Close

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

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

MOVIES CONTINUE AT THE CROSWELL

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

Tickets for the movies are $5 for adults, $2 for anyone under 18.  Kids 5 and under are free.  Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door, beginning one hour before show time.  

For information about tickets, call the Croswell Box Office at 517-264-SHOW (7469), stop in at the box office at 129 E. Maumee, Adrian, MI, Mon-Fri, 9-5 pm or visit the website, www.croswell.org.  For more information about Sunday Cinema at the Croswell please contact Jere Righter at 517-263-6868 or at jrighter@croswell.org

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

The Princess Bride (1987) Rated PG

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

Sunday, March 13, at 6:00pm

Wait Until Dark, (1967) Not Rated

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

Thursday, March 17 @ 6:30pm

Waking Ned Devine, (1998) Rated PG

SPECIAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY FEATURE

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

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

Ice Age, (2002) Rated PG

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

Sunday, March 20 @ 6:00pm

Walk the Line, (2005) Rated PG-13

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

Sunday, March 27

Special Marlon Brando & Director Elia Kazan Double Feature

Steetcar Named Desire (1951) @4:30pm

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

On the Waterfront (1954) @7:00pm

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

Sunday, April 3

Tribute to Baseball’s Opening Week Double Feature

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

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

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

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

Purple Rose Theatre Company Seeks Apprentices

now hiring APPRENTICE PROGRAM The Purple Rose is accepting apprentice applications for the 2011/2012 season. The apprentice program provides hands-on experience to young artists seeking a strong foundation to launch a professional theatre career. Each apprenticeship is a full-time position for the duration of four productions and provides training in all areas of production and administration. LEARN MORE

APPRENTICE PROGRAM positions are currently available starting in the spring, summer and fall. Contact apprentice chief Quintessa Gallinat  gallinat@purplerosetheatre.org for more information.

The Bon Ton Room presents. . .

LUMEN CHRISTI THEATRE COMPANY PROUDLY PRESENTS

JOSEPH and the AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

Wednesday-Friday, March 23-25, 2011

 

Jackson, MI – January 25, 2011

The Lumen Christi Theatre Company will proudly present “JOSEPH and the AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT,” to be performed Wednesday through Friday, March 23-25^th, in the Lumen Christi Cafetorium, 3843 Spring Arbor Road, Jackson, MI.  Curtain time for all shows is 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are sold at the door and are $7 adults, $5 students.  Director’s Circle Seats are $10 and available for purchase on performance nights on a first come/first served basis.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is an all-music blockbuster - a colorful retelling of the story of Joseph, his coat of many colors and his amazing ability to interpret dreams.  Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s award-winning musical parable features a delightful array of song styles, from country-western and calypso to bubble-gum pop and rock and roll.

Joseph is his father Jacob’s favorite son, and Jacob gifts him with an amazing coat—all to the dismay of Josephs 11 brothers.  After the brothers sell Joseph into slavery, news of his incredible dream interpreting abilities reaches The Pharaoh, who appoints him to the number two post in Egypt.  But what will Joseph do when faced with the decision to help the brothers who betrayed him?  All will enjoy this family friendly, high-energy production complete with a message of hope and faith.

KARL BERKEMEIER plays Joseph, and ALEXA VANBUREN and JULIANNA BERKEMEIER are the Narrators.  The cast is:  Cecilia Berkemeier, Stephen Berkemeier, Andrew Blackport, Jennah Blanchard, David Brewster, Elaine Brewster, Robert Chaney, Megan Collom, Tommy Conway, Sarah Cooley, Shane Cooper, Emily Crance, Sawyer Dickinson, Ally Emmert, Aaron Fernandes, David Fuller, Michael Haynes, Jamie Hock, Katie Hrebec, Kelsey Hunt, Giannina Imperial, John Paul Imperial, Shelby Lasky, Charlie Miller, Trevor Norkey, Daniel Nowinski, Nate Parks, Dominika Piotrowski, Luke Richardson, Laurie Sexton, Amelia Sibrt, Patrick Soltis, Anna Thompson, Trevor VanBuren, Emily Walz and Taylor Weeks.

Staff for “JOSEPH” is Music/Vocal Director and Producer-ROXANNE BRUNER, Director-SANDY SYKES, Stage/Production Manager PEGGY RILEY (student), and Costumes/Props-EILEEN LEINHART.  Technical Assistance provided by MICHAEL RILEY.

Special Offer from The Purple Rose Theatre Company

Special deal from The Purple Rose!

Summer Internships at the Croswell

Attention: College Age Students

The Croswell offers summer internship opportunities for college-age students in Marketing / Box Office Operations, Stage Management, Stage Technicians and Costume Assistant. The Internships run for 12 weeks and include a stipend. While there is some flexibility in the start dates, the Internships generally run from mid-May through the first week in August. To apply for a Croswell Summer Internship opportunity, please provide a cover letter and resume, either via regular mail or electronically to the following: Croswell Opera House Summer Internship 129 E. Maumee Adrian, MI 49221 or via e-mail to: financial@croswell.org Your application should indicate for which Internship you are applying. All applications must be received by March 14, 2011. It is anticipated that interviews for considered candidates will be conducted the weeks of March 21 and March 28 with successful candidates being notified by April 8, 2011.

Auditions for Croswell in Adrian

Auditions for the SUMMER SEASON will take place at the Croswell. Auditioners only need to attend one of the following auditions (no appointment necessary):
March 12, 10am - 2pm
March 13, 2pm - 5pm
March 19, Noon - 4pm

Shows include: Ring of Fire, Hairspray, Annie, Singin' in the Rain
All auditioners should provide sheet music and be prepared to sing 16 - 32 bars. An accompanist will be provided. Come dressed for a dance audition and those auditioning for "Singin' in the Rain" should bring tap shoes. Scripts are available for perusal at the Croswell by appointment
For more information, call the Croswell at 517-263-6868
Click here for more audition information

Louis Michael Landman 2010

LANDMAN, LOUIS MICHAEL - 83, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2010 after a long life of service to his family and his community. A veteran of World War II, Mr. Landman was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1948 and a Master of Arts degree in Political Science in 1956. Following an early career in radio and television broadcasting, he served Jacobson Stores, Inc. for 37 years, retiring as a Vice President in 1992. He was Lieutenant Governor of the Kiwanis Club of Michigan from 1970-71 and President of Temple Beth Israel (Jackson, Michigan) from 1984-86. He earned the distinction of being named a Kiwanis George F. Hixson Fellow twice - in Jackson, Michigan and again in Sarasota, Florida - and received a Distinguished Service Award from the Kiwanis Club of Jackson for his 25 years as Chair of its Travel Adventure Lecture Series. He was a lifelong sports fan, an avid supporter of public television, an enthusiastic and knowledgeable performer in community theatre for over 40 years, and the broadcasting voice of high school football/basketball and community college basketball teams during his years living in Michigan. He is survived and deeply missed by his wife, Betty-Ann; sons, Dan, Larry and Ben; and daughter Naomi; daughters-in-law, Debbie, Paula and Jen Feldman; and future son-in-law, Neil Tobin; brother, Nathan and stepsister, Joan Grossman; and grandchildren, Lauren, Solomon, Aaron and Hillel. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Kiwanis International Foundation (kiwanis.org). www.Mlive.com/obits

Lou in BAREFOOT IN THE PARK

Published in Jackson Citizen Patriot on November 26, 2010

Monroe Street Theater Looking for a Few Good Men

Marci Pocklington, from Monroe Street Theater located in Brooklyn, Michigan, is still looking for a few adult men to help put on a show. It is called Heading for a Wedding and is a comedy that Marci wrote herself. Performance dates are April 29, 30, May 1, 6 & 7. If you know of anyone interested, please have them call Marci at 517-592-4111.

All-of-us Express to Host Auditions

Auditions for the next All-of-us Express Children's Theatre performance, "NigHt of tHe pterodActyls," will take place on Thursday, January 27 and Friday, January 28, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, January 29, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Auditions will take place at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road and are open to all youth in Ingham and Jackson counties. Those auditioning need only attend one of the audition times and must be available for call backs.

For more information, contact the East Lansing Hannah Community Center at 1-517-333-2580.

Jackson Community College presents . . .

JCC theatre students will present the dark and slightly zany comedy The Sleeper the third and fourth weekends in February.

The Sleeper is written by Catherine Butterfield and tells the story of a suburban “security mom,” Gretchen, shell-shocked by the new post 9/11 world. Gretchen finds herself irresistibly drawn to her son’s tutor, a handsome young man with political leanings far different from her own. Her “awakening” leads to a bizarre series of events that blow the lid off her previously sheltered existence and change the lives of all those around her.

Cast members for this production include:

·         Gretchen:  Nicole Rowley

·         Bill:  Derek Turson

·         Vivien:  Britney Peterson

·         Matthew:  Jeremy Moore

·         Therapist:  Elliot Hitt

·         Toy Salesman: Ryan Bennett

·         Terrorism/Anthrax Expert:  Rodney Rice

·         Student/Guard:  Amelia Mitchell

·         Student:  Toney Delgado

·         Director:  Sandy DiCesare

·         Stage Manager:  Amanda Marzano

·         Set Designer:  Michael Coy

The Sleeper will be presented at 8 p.m. Feb. 17, 18, 19, 25 and 26, and at 3 p.m. Feb. 20 and 27, in the Ruth Day Theatre, Potter Center. Preview Night Feb. 17, all tickets just $2; otherwise, $5 adults, $3 students/seniors. For more information, call 517.796.8600. This play does contain strong language.

Third Annual Youth Singing Competition Now TWO Nights!

Jackson has too much talent!  Center Stage Jackson – Jackson’s community theatre group - is now hosting the Third Annual Youth Singing Competition for young people over two evenings!  So many entries were received that the competition will be held on two nights with teens performing on Friday, January 21, 2011 and those 12 and under performing on Saturday, January 22, 2011. The public is encouraged to attend one or both nights in The Bon Ton Room at All Play and No Work, 3017 Wildwood Avenue, Jackson, MI.  Reservations are required for this popular event. Call 517-787-6733.

Come out to see the show and support our young people!  Admission fee is $5. Doors open at 6:00 pm and you can order food or dessert from the menu, or, just come for the singing, which gets underway at 7:30 pm each night.

Young Men Needed for Saline's "Sound of Music"

Carrie Jay Sayer, who once graced the stage here in Jackson, is now directing a production of Sound of Music for the Saline Area Players. She is still looking for some young men to audition for the part of Rolfe. Callbacks are this Thursday (January 13) evening from 7-10 p.m. at Saline Middle School. (Show dates are March 25-27.)

ABC Developing "Wicked" Miniseries - Playbill.com

ABC Developing "Wicked" Miniseries - Playbill.com

This is exciting news for all of us who loved the musical but I don't think there will be any singing.

Michigan Shakespeare Festival Announces 2011 Season

Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing and A Winter’s Tale, and Moliere’s Tartuffe will run from July 14th through August 7th at Jackson Community College’s Potter Center. For more information read the Jackson Citizen Patriot article by clicking HERE.

Readings from the Second Stage - PERFECT SCORE

FREE FREE FREE

The second in the Readings from the Second Stage series, PERFECT SCORE by Katie Henry, will be presented tomorrow night and Saturday at the Bon Ton Room, 3017 Wildwood at 8:00 pm. The play deals with the senior year of four students vying for the chance to attend the college of their choice. Check out more information on the CSJ website.

Third Annual Youth Singing Competition

2010 Winners with the Judges and Emcee

Want to prove to Jackson that you can sing?  Center Stage Jackson – Jackson’s community theater group - is hosting the Third Annual Youth Singing Competition for young people on Friday, January 21, 2011.  The competition will be held in The Bon Ton Room at All Play and No Work, 3017 Wildwood Avenue, Jackson, MI.  Entrance fee is $20 whether for an individual or a group.  This year there will be two age groups: 12 and under and 13 through twelth grade. There will be cash prizes for the top three performers or acts in each category!

The entrance form and guidelines are available online at www.centerstagejackson.org or e-mail us at info@centerstagejackson.org and have them mailed.  But don’t delay!  The postmark deadline for entries is Friday, January 14, 2011.  (If all slots are not filled, it may be possible to register at the door for $25.)

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

Doors open at 6:00 pm and you can order food or dessert from the menu, or, just come for the singing, which gets underway at 7:30 pm.

Mistress of Ceremonies is Stephanie Pierce, a student at Jackson High School, who first conceived the event in 2009 to chase away the winter doldrums.

Croswell Opera House Presents. . .FOOTLOOSE

Featuring hit songs such as “Footloose,” “Holding Out For A Hero,” “Almost Paradise,” & “Let's Hear It For The Boy,” you’ll love Footloose, the musical at the Croswell January 28 & 29 at 8pm, and 29 & 30 at 3pm.  Featuring a cast full of outstanding performers from local and regional area high schools, Footloose is a great opportunity to support youth, and have a rocking great time at the Croswell! 

Tickets for Footloose are $16, with special $12 tickets for anyone age 12 and under.  For information about tickets, call the Croswell Box Office at 517-264-SHOW (7469), stop in at the box office at 129 E. Maumee, Adrian, MI, Mon-Fri, 9-5 pm or visit the website, www.croswell.org.  For more information about Footloose or to schedule an interview with cast members, or members of the artistic team please contact Jere Righter at 517-263-6868 or at jrighter@croswell.org.

Jackson District Library Just Sent Me a Christmas Present (and if you live in Jackson County, you can get one too!)

Love show tunes? Want to get some for FREE? If you have a Jackson District Library card, you can download up to three mp3 tracks a week. Where else can you legally download music at no charge? I got an e-mail this week telling me about this service and at first I wasn't very excited. My first guess was that the music would be odd, old, and unwanted. Wrong. The database may be poorly organized and the search engine leaves a lot to be desired but the collection itself is a treasure trove of surprises.

I'm just going to talk about show tunes here but there are current country, R&B, Pop, and jazz selections available from Beyonce to Brubeck to Yo Yo Ma.

Since shows are listed by performers (and first names at that) one of the first I checked out was Ella Logan and David Wayne. When I clicked on their names, I brought up the 1947 recording of Finian's Rainbow, which includes Old Devil Moon and How are Things in Glocca Morra. It would take a couple of weeks to download all the songs including the Overture but it could be done. You can save songs in a Wishlist and it is probably a good idea to read the FAQ section for help in searching. Later I discovered that last year's revival of Finian's Rainbow was also available.

Here's a partial list of what I found: Into the Woods; Merrily We Roll Along; Sweeney Todd; tick, tick, BOOM!; Godspell; Ragtime; Songs for a New World; Jekyll & Hyde; Peter Pan; Next to Normal; etc. So you can see the variety of old and new original Broadway cast recordings is vast. Unfortunately some are listed under ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST, ORIGINAL CAST RECORDING, MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK, MUSICAL CAST RECORDING, etc. By browsing I found Linda Eder's self titled album and a several of Kristin Chenoweth's. (Did I mention that you can play samples just like on Amazon?) One that particularly surprised me was Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson, which is currently on Broadway although I read it was getting ready to close soon.

Michigan Theater Announces New Executive Director

Alison Loveday, formerly with the Arts and Cultural Alliance, started as executive director of the Michigan Theatre in Jackson on Wednesday, December 1st. General manager George Davis resigned in June.

Read the Cit Pat article HERE.

What Shows to See in NYC!

Heading to NYC over the holidays? Check out Wall Street Reviewer Terry Teachout's recommendations for current shows HERE.

The Bon Ton Room presents. . .

 

ONE FANTASTIC WEEKEND DOWN

TWO TO GO

(Friday the 10th SOLD OUT)

The popular Christmas Show has been expanded to three weekends and predictions are it will still sell out quickly. Call 517-787-6733 today for your reservations!

Spring Arbor Community Children's Chorus Forming

The Spring Arbor Community Children's Chorus is looking for singers aged 6 to 16 years for participation in a brand new group directed by Dr. Stephen R. Murphy.

No auditions are required, but an enrollment form must filled out at the first rehearsal in order to join.

The first rehearsal will be held on January 8, 2011 at Spring Arbor Church of the Nazarene from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. All music and folders will be provided.

An accompanist between the ages of 13 and 18 is also needed.

Dr. Murphy is an adjunct professor of music and co-director of the Broadway Revue Show Troupe at Jackson Community College.

For more information please point your browser HERE.

MOVIES MAKE THEIR RETURN TO THE CROSWELL!

The Croswell, located in Adrian, Michigan announces Sunday Cinema throughout the holiday season!

Founded circa 1866, the Croswell is the oldest continually operating theatre in Michigan.  With roots as a vaudeville house, the theatre eventually came to show exclusively movies from the 1930’s – the late 1960’s, when local business leaders saved the building from demolition and turned it into a community theatre.  And, now with the support of the Adrian Kiwanis Club, the Croswell announces a return to its days as a movie house, with a full month of favorite holiday movies!

Each Sunday evening at 7pm the Croswell will present a family friendly movie, appropriate for the season.  The Sunday Cinema events kick off on December 5^th, with the Frank Capra’s, “It’s A Wonderful Life.” “It’s A Wonderful Life” stars James Stewart as George Bailey in the movie that the American Film Institute named number one on their list of the most inspirational American films of all time.

Other titles to be shown in December will be announced soon, and shows will continue through January 2.

Tickets for the movies are $5 for adults, $2 for anyone under 18.  Kids 5 and under are free.  Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door, beginning one hour before show time.

For information about tickets, call the Croswell Box Office at 517-264-SHOW (7469), stop in at the box office at 129 E. Maumee, Adrian, MI, Mon-Fri, 9-5 pm or visit the website, www.croswell.org.  For more information about Sunday Cinema at the Croswell please contact Jere Righter at 517-263-6868 or at jrighter@croswell.org

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Good News from Stratford

Not all theater news concerning audiences is bad these days. Both the Stratford Shakespeare Festival and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival reported increased attendance last season and now comes word that Stratford increased again this past season and that next year's ticket orders are strong. Read more about Stratford's ticket sales HERE.

The Bon Ton Room presents. . .

 

The popular Christmas Show has been expanded to three weekends and predictions are it will still sell out quickly. Call 517-787-6733 today for your reservations!

Shakespeare Goes to Gravel Gulch

Center Stage Jackson's

YOUTH THEATER

PRESENTS

Produced through special arrangement with

Pioneer Drama Services, Inc., Englewood, CO

Friday, November 19, 7:00 pm

Saturday, November 20, 7:00 pm

Sunday, November 21, 2:00 pm

Adults $3 – Children 12 & Under $2

Jackson’s First Presbyterian Church

743 West Michigan Avenue, Jackson

Encore Musical Theatre Presents . . .

Encore Musical Theatre is holding auditions. . .

The Encore Musical Theatre Company is happy to announce open auditions for equity and non-equity performers for it's upcoming production of Little Women - The Broadway Musical. Direction by Steve DeBruyne, Musical Direction by CT Hollis, and Choreography by Cara Manor. Rehearsal will begin on Monday, January 3.

Performances begin Thursday, February 3 and run through Sunday, February 27. Performances take place Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 3pm. There will be one Thursday matinee on February 24 at 3pm.

Auditions will take place on Wednesday, December 1 beginning at 6pm. Sign in will begin at 5:30. All actors wishing to audition must be signed in by 8pm. No new auditioners will be allowed to sign in past 8pm.

For more detailed information, click HERE.

Auditions for Huckleberry Finn

Center Stage Jackson – Jackson’s community theater group - is holding OPEN AUDITIONS for its production of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, adapted for the stage by Randal Myler.  Mark your calendars now if you plan to audition!! 

DATE/TIME:  Monday, December 6 and Tuesday, December 7, 2010, 6:00 pm–7:30 pm

LOCATION:   Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1505 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson MI

                                   

The Director of this production is Dr. Ann Green.  The major roles are Huckleberry Finn (late teens) and Jim (adult African American).  In total there are parts for 10 men (various ages, one younger boy) and 4 women (two character actresses and two younger women), who may play multiple roles.  Ages are teens and up.

Performance dates for The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn are February 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20 at The Middle School at Parkside. There will be at least one weekday daytime performance for students, date to be determined. Tickets will sell for $10.00.  Questions can be directed to Center Stage Jackson at info@centerstagejackson.org or call 517-529-4932.

For more details please visit www.centerstagejackson.org.

CINDERELLA - FINAL WEEKEND

You don't want to miss this enchanting family show! Check out the Center Stage Website for times and ticket information.

Franke Center in Marshall Holding Auditions. . .

The Franke Center Children’s Theater will have open auditions for Frank L. Baum’s “The Wizard of Oz” on Nov. 17-18 at the Franke Center for the Arts, 214 Mansion St., Marshall.

Children in kindergarten through fourth grade can try out from 4 to 5 p.m. Nov. 17. Fifth- through eighth-graders can try out from 5 to 6 p.m. that day. Anyone unable to audition then can try out from 4 to 5 p.m. Nov. 18.
A workshop to help those auditioning will take place from 4 to 5 p.m. for the younger children and 5 to 6 p.m. for the older ones Nov. 16.

Show dates are Feb. 10-13. For more information, call 269-789-9677 or visit www.frankecenterforthearts.orghttp://www.frankecenterforthearts.org/.

Croswell Opera House Holds Auditions. . .

Auditions for Footloose, this year’s all-area high school musical at the Croswell Opera House, are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 6:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday at 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian.

Only high school or home-schooled students can try out. Production dates are Jan. 28-30.
Those auditioning should bring their own sheet music and be prepared to sing a song and learn a short dance sequence. No CD or mp3 music will be allowed.
For more information, call 263-6868 or visit www.croswell.org.

Remember Mark Hisler?

A couple of years ago Mark Hisler's Potboiler Productions produced several script in hand performances in Jackson that were well-received. He also directed a beautiful production of Our Town for Center Stage. Then he left us for New Mexico and recently sent word about his latest activities. He is appearing with the Mother Road Theatre Company in Albuquerque doing a role in Love Song by John Kolvenbach. You can read more about it HERE.

Auditions for Readings from the Second Stage

Center Stage Jackson – Jackson’s community theater group – has announced OPEN AUDITIONS for its second season of staged readings on Wednesday, November 10 at the Bon Ton Room, 3017 Wildwood Avenue in Jackson from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.

Directors for the upcoming readings will be present.  Please bring a 1-2 minute audition piece to read.  You will also be asked to do a cold reading from provided material.

For more details about the plays click HERE.

Love, Love, Love the Sound of Music?

On Thursday October 28th, for the first time in 45 years the cast of THE SOUND OF MUSIC will be reuniting on OPRAH! Stars Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, along with fellow cast members Charmian Carr (“Liesl”), Nicholas Hammond (“Friedrich”), Heather Menzies-Urich (“Louisa”), Duane Chase (“Kurt”), Angela Cartwright (“Brigitta”), Debbie Turner (“Marta”) and Kym Karath (“Gretl”) will reunite and reveal the stories behind one of the world’s most beloved movie musicals.

The Bon Ton Room presents. . .

JACKSON - The Who's Tommy, Peter Townsend's tale of a young boy's journey from pain to triumph, is the most electrifying evening of rock 'n' roll ever to play in a theater - and it opens for a three-weekend run at The Bon Ton Room beginning Oct. 14.

After witnessing the accidental murder of his mother's lover by his father, Tommy is traumatized into catatonia. As the boy grows, he suffers abuse at the hands of his sadistic relatives and neighbors. Then, as an adolescent, he's discovered to have an uncanny knack for playing pinball, and when his mother finally breaks through his catatonia, he becomes an international pinball superstar.

Performances are at 8 p.m. Oct. 14-16, 21-23 and 28-30 at The Bon Ton Room, 3017 Wildwood Avenue, Jackson. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. for food and drink service.
Tickets are $20.
For reservations or information, call 517-787-6733 or log on to www.bontonroom.com.

Performance Information
Show times

Thursday, October 14, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Friday, October 15, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Saturday, October 16, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Thursday, October 21, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Friday, October 22, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Thursday, October 28, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Friday, October 29, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Saturday, October 30, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Guiness World Record?

Help The Croswell break Guinness World Record for largest Time Warp dance Oct. 28

ADRIAN - The Croswell announces an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the "Largest gathering of people doing the Time Warp dance" ever! And we need all the ghouls, guys and girls we can get to help us break the record!

Registration begins at 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28, and the cast from the Croswell's upcoming production of Richard O'Brien's The Rocky Horror Show will lead the dance at 9:30 p.m.

Participants will gather in the parking lot directly across from El Chapulin and Amedai (ah-ME-day) Salon at 124 S. Winter Street in downtown Adrian. No dance experience is needed; costumes, while not required, are encouraged! At least 1,700 fun-loving Time Warpers are needed to get the attempt listed with Guinness!

All who join us will get FREE snacks from El Chapulin's, including their world famous chips and cheese, and Amedai Salon is providing hot cider and popcorn. PLUS, everyone who dances will receive a buy-one-get-one FREE coupon good for tickets to see The Crowell's production of The Rocky Horror Show! Show dates are Friday, Oct. 29 at 8 p.m., Saturday Oct. 30 at 8 p.m. and midnight, and Sunday Oct. 31 at 3 p.m.

The Time Warp is the dance made famous in the long-running movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and includes instructions in the lyrics to the song. It's super easy, and you'll get a great demonstration from The Croswell's cast of The Rocky Horror Show.

All ages are invited and encouraged to participate. But be warned: some costumes might get a little racy.
For more information about this attempt to break a Guinness World Record, or The Rocky Horror Show, visit www.croswell.org.

 (Reprinted from Encore Michigan)

JCC Presents. . .

“They’re Playing Our Song” is written by Neil Simon, with lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager and music by Marvin Hamlisch. Based on the real-life relationship of Hamlisch and Sager, it is the story where a wisecracking composer finds a new, offbeat lyricist, but initially the match is not one made in heaven. The two undergo a series of trials and overcome a number of hurdles before finding true love by the final curtain. Performances will be at 8 p.m. Oct. 22, 23, 29 & 30, and 3 p.m. Oct. 24 & 31, in the Michael Baughman Theatre, Potter Center. Tickets are $5 adults, $3 for students and seniors. There is a special preview night Oct. 21, all tickets just $2. For more information, contact Sandy DiCesare, at 517.796.8625.

Cast list:

·         Vernon: Ryan Bennett

·         Sonia: Amy Campbell

·         Sonia’s Voices: Heidi Kelley, Amanda Marzano, Carly Jacobs

·         Vernon’s Voices: Derek Turson, Jeremy Moore, Andrew Wilson

 Production Staff:

·         Scenic Design: Michael Coy (JCC staff and alumni)

·         Co-Music Directors: Patti Clark (JCC alumni), Andrea Wynn (JCC student)

·         Vocal Director: Andrea Wynn (JCC Student)

·         Stage Manager: Justin McClure (JCC alumni)

·         Master Carpenter: Jeff Chatfield (JCC staff and alumni)

·         Choreographers: Aimie Smith, a JCC dance student taking an independent study class in choreography and choreographing this musical as part of the class.

Croswell Opera House Holds Auditions. . .

Croswell Opera House is holding auditions for a few young men, who can appear to be 16 - 22,  for principal roles.

Date/Time: Monday, October 18 at 8pm.  Other times/appts can be arranged.

Meet Me in St. Louis  runs the first two weekends in December – rehearsals will begin last week in October – early November. Interested? Call Jere L. Righter at the Croswell at 517-263-6868.

Here are a couple of performances you missed if you haven't checked out the Encore Theater in Dexter in the past year. Broadway's longest running Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Sarah Litzsinger, performing right in your neighborhood.

• Little Shop of Horrors - The Encore Musical Theatre Company, in Dexter, Michigan (Audrey)
• Oklahoma! - The Encore Musical Theatre Company (Ado Annie)
• Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street - The Encore Musical Theatre Company (Mrs. Lovett)

Now comes word that Sarah will be moving on to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival where she will star in Peter Pan the Musical. Read the Playbill article HERE.

Croswell Opera House Holds Auditions. . .

The Croswell Opera House in Adrian is holding auditions for Meet Me in St. Louis on Sunday, October 10 from 3 - 6 PM and on Monday, October 11 from 7 - 9 pm. Visit www.croswell.org or call the Croswell at 517-263-6868.

 

Croswell Opera House Offers Audition Workshop

On October 24th from 6 - 8 PM, Croswell Opera House in Adrian is offering an audition workshop for high school students. It will be held in their rehearsal room. If you are interested visit www.croswell.org for directions or call the Croswell at 517-263-6868.

 

theatresiena announces 2010/2011 Season

"Siena Heights University is a Catholic university founded and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Founded in the liberal arts tradition, Siena offers associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees. The university is headquartered in Adrian, Michigan with degree completion centers located throughout Michigan." Since Siena is less than an hour south of downtown Jackson. Check out this link to see what theatresiena has scheduled in the coming months.