Defending Community Theater

Barefoot in the Park (May 1985)

If we believe that the arts are important, then we must provide a way for a broad spectrum of the community to be involved. And yet, there are those who speak with disdain when mentioning community theater. Read Howard Sherman's comments on its importance. Click HERE.

MILES & ELLIE, Takes the Stage at The Purple Rose Theatre

WORLD PREMIERE COMEDY BY AWARD WINNING PLAYWRIGHT

Miles & Ellie by Don Zolidis begins in previews June 20

 Michelie Mountain, Bill Simmons, and Rhiannon Ragland in rehearsal

CHELSEA, Mich. — The Purple Rose Theatre Company is delighted to present the world premiere comedy, Miles & Ellie by Don Zolidis, for the final production of their 2012 / 2013 Season.

Miles and Ellie are two teenagers in love when a youthful misunderstanding breaks them apart. Flash forward 20 years and a disenchanted Ellie has come home for what she expects to be a typical dysfunctional family Thanksgiving. Not long into the family shenanigans, however, Ellie learns that Miles is still in town and carrying a torch for her. Is it possible to get a second chance at your first love? This charming romantic comedy will make you wonder “what if?”

Miles & Ellie will enjoy an eleven-week engagement at The Purple Rose Theatre Company from Thursday, June 20 – Saturday, August 31, 2013. Eight low-priced previews will be performed Thursday, June 20 – Thursday, June 27, with Press Opening on Friday, June 28, 2013. Regular performances for the duration of the run are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8:00 PM with Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 3:00 PM and Sunday matinees at 2:00 PM. (Editor’s Note: A complete performance schedule including pricing can be found on page 2).

Directed by Guy Sanville, the cast includes Rusty Mewha (Plymouth, MI), Michelle Mountain (Grass Lake, MI), Rhiannon Ragland (Flint, MI), Bill Simmons (Indianapolis, IN), and Cheryl Turski (Royal Oak, MI).

Underwriting support for the season comes from The Ford Motor Company Fund, The Hamp Family, Sage Foundation, Matilda R. Wilson Fund, The David A. Brandon Foundation, Craig & Donna Common, Peter & Patti Feeney, The William B. Holmes Family, The Dawn J. & Jeffrey S. Williams Charitable Gift Fund, Curtis & Curtis, P.C., Chelsea Comfort Inn and Village Conference Center, Chelsea State Bank, Classic Turning, and Excelda. Additional support is provided by media partners WJR and Michigan Radio. All performances will be held at The Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park Street, Chelsea, Michigan 48118.

Founded in 1991 by actor and Chelsea native, Jeff Daniels, The Purple Rose Theatre Company (PRTC) is a leading American theatre dedicated to producing the new American play and creating opportunities for Midwest theatre professionals. The PRTC is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit professional theatre operating under a Small Professional Theatre agreement with the Actors’ Equity Association. The PRTC promotes the development of new American theatre and its practitioners, provides valuable educational opportunities for young artists, and, through consistently high quality production values, has earned the respect of both local and national theatre communities.

Tickets are available for purchase now. Ticket reservations can be made by calling The Purple Rose Theatre Company Box Office at (734) 433-7673 or online at www.purplerosetheatre.org. 

 

Love, Loss and What I Wore May 16th Michigan Theatre of Jackson

Charles Miller (2013)

Dr. Charles Miller

Dr. Charles Miller of Clarke Lake, MI joined the Celestial Choir, April 30, 2013. He passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his wife Constance, four children, 16 grandchildren and three great grand-children. Dr. Miller practiced family medicine in Jackson for 26 years. He delivered nearly 900 babies, each of which he considered a miracle. He was formerly the medical director for Jackson Hospice and the Jackson County Medical Care Facility. Dr. Miller received four degrees from Michigan State University including one Bachelor's degree, two Master's degrees and a Doctorate in Medicine. He was a U.S. Marine. Dr. Miller was active in Jackson area theater and vocal organizations including the Jackson Shakespeare Festival, Jackson Civic Theater, the Jackson Chorale and the Jackson Men's Chorus. He sang throughout his life and taught his family the glory of music. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Allegiance Hospice or the Jackson Men's Chorus. The family wishes to thank the Gayle M. Jacob Cancer Center at Allegiance Health for their knowledge, professionalism and abundant warmth and compassion. A memorial Mass will be held Monday, May 6th at 11:00 a.m. at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church in Jackson, Michigan. Guests can arrive an hour early to visit with the family.

Review of THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL

Here's a link to my review of THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL playing for one more weekend at The Fourth Wall on Page Avenue in Jackson, Michigan.

Winners in Regional III AACTfest

BREAKING NEWS

Escanaba places in Region III AACTfest competition!

After a great weekend of theatre and much gnashing of teeth, the winners have been announced for the Region III AACTfest, which will be held in Carmel, Indiana, June 17 - 23, 2013.

Although we didn’t win one of the two top slots, assuring progressing to the nationals, one of our Michigan entries (Escanaba) was “first runner-up,” so to speak. Our other entry (Ann Arbor) wowed the audiences and judges, winning several acting and technical awards. Michigan was very well represented with two spectacular plays and, if Escanaba for any reason goes on to Nationals, they will do us proud again!

Here’s a list of all the shows entered in the Regional AACTFest:

Michigan

Some Things You Need to Know Before the World Ends (A Final Evening with the Illuminati) (Alternate Representative to Nationals)- Players de Noc, Escanaba
Leaving Iowa - Ann Arbor Civic Theatre

Wisconsin

Cradle and All (Proceeding to Nationals) - Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre
Macbeth - La Crosse Community Theatre
Illinois
The Dining Room - Stage Coach Players, DeKalb

Indiana

The Gifts of the Magi - Kokomo Civic Theatre
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Proceeding to nationals) - Elkhart Civic Theatre

Ohio

Jerry Finnegan’s Sister - The Drama Workshop, Cincinnati

(Reprinted from the CTAM Callboard.)

Do You Use a Tanning Salon?

Dan Risner, Shed Light Productions, Inc. is looking for actors that use tanning salons and have a tan. All ages. He needs them to deliver one line on camera. Would only take about ten minutes to film. Pay is $50.00 for this.

Send a message to dan@shedlightprod.com

Fred Pesetsky (1931 - 2013)

Fred Pesetsky

Fred Pesetsky age 81, died peacefully April 1, 2013, after years of confronting physical challenges. He was born in 1931 to Russian immigrant parents in South River, New Jersey. Fred earned degrees from Rutgers and Bradley Universities, and a PhD from Vanderbilt University. After coming to Jackson in 1961 he worked as a clinical psychologist for the Michigan Department of Corrections, held a professorship at Michigan State University and conducted a private practice. Additionally Fred will be remembered as a skilled and delightful actor with the local theatre groups. Left to mourn his loss is his wife, Sally, his daughter Anna Fugate, his son-in-law Andy, and his grandson Alec Ivan Fugate. A celebration of his life and a tribute to Fred will be held at a later date. Affordable Memorial Services 715 E. Michigan Ave. 517.998.3023

CSJ presents a FREE reading

The Fourth Wall presents. . .

The Fourth Wall presents The Red Dress Diaries, March 16, 8pm.

FOR WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

A Staged Reading of Selected Stories from:
The RED DRESS Diaries

By Coralie Cederna Johnson

A Play of Monologues & Ensemble Pieces ~
Women's Lives...
Confessions from the Heart

Adult Language

Mary Lou Blanchard, Mandy Stevens, Sandy Dicesare, Lori Pelham, Emily Caffery, Carrie Sayer, Devlin Giroux

Director: Carrie Sayer

There is no admission charge. We hope you will join us for dessert, and Donations to The Fourth Wall are appreciated.

Auditions for Croswell Summer Season

 Auditions for Croswell Opera House Summer season of musicals, March 9, 10, & 16. For more info, go to www.croswell.org

Purple Rose Theatre Apprentice Program

accepting applications 

APPRENTICE PROGRAM 

The Purple Rose  is accepting applications for their apprentice program for 2013 / 2014.

All application materials must be submitted by
March 30, 2013.

Click here to learn more!

 

 

 

 

Dramatic Publishing to Partner with AACT to Create New Play Anthology

During the month of January I was busy reading, reviewing, and ranking twenty full length plays as part of the first AACTNewPlayFest, which was launched to encourage new work.

I wasn't the only one reading plays. There were 200 entries but only six will be announced as winners in June. Those plays will enjoy premier productions around the country at already chosen community theaters and ultimately be published in an anthology by Dramatic Publishing!

A SONG FOR CORETTA OPENS FEBRUARY 15TH

CENTER STAGE JACKSON presents
A Song for Coretta
Opening February 15^th for two weekends

Center Stage Jackson is pleased to announce the opening of A Song for Coretta by playwright Pearl Cleage, to be performed February 15-17 and 22-24, 2013 in the George C. Kiesel Auditorium at the Middle School at Parkside. Curtain times are 7:00pm on Friday and Saturday performances, 2:00pm on Sundays.

Synopsis: On February 6, 2006, people began lining up at dawn outside of Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church to pay their respects to the late Mrs. Coretta Scott King, widow of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose body lay in state in the small sanctuary. By mid-morning, the crowd wound down the street and around the corner of the old red brick building. People of all ages stood patiently for hours, waiting to say goodbye. Sometimes they murmured to each other quietly. Sometimes they shared memories of Mrs. King's extraordinary life and expressed sorrow at her passing. When a cold rain began to fall at sunset, those who had thought to bring umbrellas shared them with those whose resolve was the only thing not dampened by the drizzle. At close to midnight, the crowd had dwindled to a determined few. The five fictional characters in this play are at the end of that long line of mourners.

Starring:
Alaina Kerr
Diane Neely
Mae Warnsley
Khyra Kimble
Melissa Paschall

Artistic Director: Janet Meyer
Producers: Chuck Thor and Tony Krupa
Technical Director: Richard Fifelski
Stage Manager: Katie Meyers.

General admission: $10 for adults and $5 for students.
Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at centerstagejackson.org. 

Find out more about "A Song for Coretta"

Visit the facebook event page

Youth Theater to Hold Auditions February 7 & 8

CSJ Youth Theater is holding auditions for Twinderella, the musical, on Wednesday, February 6 at 4:30 pm and Thursday, February 7 at 4:30 pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 743 W. Michigan Avenue, Jackson.

Auditions are open to all third through ninth graders. Participants need to attend only one audition, unless called back. No special preparation required.

For more information, contact Doug Meyers at 517-783-1468.

Patti Clark December 23, 1957 - January 26, 2013

You will be missed.

Patti Clark 1957 - 2013

THE ENCORE MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY'S 5TH SEASON 2013

THE ENCORE MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY'S 5TH SEASON 2013 

 

Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 

February 7-March 3 

Lend Me A Tenor 

March 28-April 14 

Les Miserables 

July 11-August 11 

Company 

September 26-October 20 

White Christmas 

November 22-December 22 

 

*season subject to change

 

located in Dexter, Michigan. You can visit their website at http://theencoretheatre.org/

 

 

 

Great Deal from The Purple Rose

$22 tickets

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY DISCOUNTS

Save $5 per ticket to any Wednesday or Thursday performance of The Meaning of Almost Everything, a world premiere comedy by Jeff Daniels!
Valid until February 13, 2013.

Good for up to 4 tickets, this offer may not be combined with other discounts.

Mention code MOAE-5E when ordering. 

 GET TICKETS NOW or call 734.433.7673

Welcome 2013!

Purple Rose Theater Offering Winter Classes

Interested in getting some top-notch instruction from professionals close to home. Check out this article about classes being offering this winter at the Purple Rose Theater in Chelsea. Highly recommended!

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 5TH ANNUAL YOUTH SINGING COMPETITION

Want to prove to Jackson that you can sing?  Center Stage Jackson – Jackson’s community theatre group - is hosting the Fifth Annual Youth Singing Competition for 13 years old up through 12^th grade on Friday, January 18, 2013 and for young people through 12 years old on Saturday, January 19, 2013.  The competition will be held in the Michigan Theatre of Jackson, 124 N. Mechanic St., Jackson, MI. Performing fee is $20 whether for an individual or a group.  There will be cash prizes for the top performers or acts in each age group!

Participation is on a first come – first serve basis and the number of participants is limited.

The entrance form, guidelines and judging criteria are available online at centerstagejackson.org or call Amie Pierce at 517-769-4802 and have them mailed. But don’t delay! The postmark deadline for entries is Friday, January 11, 2013. Back up CDs may be dropped off at Michigan Theater by Friday, January 11th or a $5 fee will be assessed on the night of the event, however, no application or fees will be accepted at this location. (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 for spectators is $5 with no additional charge for entrants.

Doors open at 6:30 pm and the competition begins at 7:30pm. The purpose of this competition is to have a great time chasing away the winter doldrums while giving students the opportunity to show off their vocal talent.

Master of Ceremonies is Connor Pierce, a junior at Jackson High School. Carly Brake, a sophomore at Lumen Christi and previous winner of the event, will be co-hosting.

Center Stage Jackson is Jackson’s community theatre group.  Formed in 2001 when Jackson Civic Theatre and Clark Lake Players merged, Center Stage Jackson is a non-profit production company dedicated to presenting quality theatrical productions in the Greater Jackson, Michigan area, performing at Jackson Community College, a proud sponsor of CSJ, located at 2111 Emmons Road, Jackson, Michigan, and other venues in the Jackson area.  For more details please visit www.centerstagejackson.org.

 

Christmas in the City 2012

Date/Time:                        December 14, 21 and 22, 2012, 8:00 p.m.

Location:                           The Michigan Theatre

Address:                           124 N. Mechanic Street, Jackson, MI

Ticket Price:                      $20/person

Call:                                  517-783-0962

Participants:   Roxanne Bruner, Kerrie Manders,Justin Marcero, Kent Marcum,   Lori Pelham, Sandy Sykes, Allen Tuttle and Sherra Zuck

                                       

7^th Smash 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! 

All A-Merry-Can Christmas Returns - Needs Performers!

Croswell Opera House Presents. . .

Get a FREE participation pack 

for Grease Sign-A-Long

Get your tickets for Grease between now and end of day Thursday, November 9 and you will get a FREE participation pack!  See this timeless classic on the big screen.  Come in costume ready to sing the hits from this movie favorite!

Click here for more details.

Stratford Changes Name and Logo

Old logo above /  New logo below courtesy Keith Tomasek

THE KING AND I Radio Ad

THE KING AND I Opens November 2nd

RESERVATIONS 517-782-8473

Encore Theatre (Dexter) Auditions

Interested in auditioning for the Encore Musical Theatre in Dexter, Michigan? Click HERE for more details.

SPECIAL DEAL from The Purple Rose Theater

$20 Tickets to SUPERIOR DONUTS by Tracy Letts.

Wednesday, October 17 at 8PM  Good for up to 4 tickets, may not be combined with other discounts. Mention code: SD-20W when ordering. 

GET TICKETS NOW or call 734.433.7673

Read my review HERE.

Something Wicked This Way Comes - Oct. 5, 2012

Thirteenth Season Opener - STEPPING OUT

Center Stage Jackson is pleased to announce the opening of its thirteenth season with Richard Harris’ comedy “Stepping Out,” to be performed September 21-23 and 28-30, 2012 in the Baughman Theatre, Potter Center, at Jackson Community College.  Curtain times are 8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday Performances, 3:00 p.m. on Sundays.

 

Reservations can be made by calling 517-782-8473 (Addison Awning).  General Admission: $15 adults; $12, ages 12 and younger (ticket price includes $1 JCC restoration fee). 

 

The cast is:  Jen Ann Guy, Alaina Kerr, Stephanie Klomsten, Antoinette LaCinski, Barbara Palmer, Brandy Piggott, Kristi Tilford, Sydney Topa, Nicole Woods, and Del Belcher.

Artistic Director is Julie Klee, with Choreography by Ginger McNetton. Producer is Theresa Fifelski, Technical Director is Richard Fifelski and Stage Manager is Katie Meyers.

 

 

Two Upcoming Events at the Ella!

Ella: The Life of Ella Sharp, a play by Ann Green will be read on Saturday, September 15th at 2 pm in the Community Room. There is no charge. Directed by Sandy DiCesare, the cast includes Chelsea Denig, Elliot Hitt, Deborah Herbert, Chuck Thor, and Ann Holt.

Opening on October 6th and running through January 5th of next year, is an exhibit called History of Theater in Jackson, curated by Gerry Blanchard, which will include photos and historical objects.

Lansing's Riverwalk presents. . .SPRING AWAKENING

Winner of eight Tony awards, including Best Musical, this rock musical celebrates the unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood with a power, poignancy and passion you will never forget with two of Jackson's talented performers - Adam Woolsey and Carly Jacobs!

Rated R for adult language and content.
September 13-16 & 20-23
7 pm Thursdays; 8 pm Fridays/Saturdays; 2 pm Sundays
$20 ($18 student/senior/military)
RESERVATIONS 482-5700 or RiverwalkTheatre.com
228 Museum Dr., south off Mich. Ave., across from the Lansing Center

Auditions Continue for THE KING AND I

Center Stage Jackson Announces Open Auditions For

“The King and I”

August 26, 27, 29, and 30, 2012

 

Center Stage Jackson–Jackson’s community theatre group-is holding open auditions for Rodgers& Hammerstein’s beloved musical, “The King and I,” to be directed by Denise Weber (director of “White Christmas, the Musical,” and “Little Shop of Horrors”).  Technical Director is Dean Weber with Vocal Direction by Bradley Jayne.  Max Waagner is Producer.  The show will be performed at JCC’s Baughman Theatre November 2, 3, 4 and 9, 10, 11, 2012.

 

GO TO THE CSJ WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS. CLICK HERE.

Croswell Opera House Announces Auditions

The Croswell in Adrian, Michigan will hold auditions for two of their upcoming musical productions. Auditions for The Rocky Horror Show and Miracle on 34^th Street will take place on Saturday, September 8 from 1o:00am – 2:00pm and Monday, September 10 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. An additional opportunity to audition for Miracle on 34^th Street only takes place Saturday, September 15 from 10am – 2:00pm. Click HERE for more information.

The Croswell is located at 129 E. Maumee Street in Adrian, Michigan. For directions, or additional information about the auditions, please visit www.croswell.org, or call the Croswell at (517) 263-6868. For tickets to any of the productions, please call the Croswell box office at (517) 264-SHOW, visit the website, or stop in the theatre.

Great Lansing Ubiquitous Theatre

Here's a new website recently brought to my attention that concerns theatre matters in the Greater Lansing area. It's been added to the side bar as well. Greater Lansing Ubiquitous Theatre or G.L.U.T. for short!

Individual Tickets for Wharton Center Now On Sale

For their 30th anniversary season, the Wharton Center in East Lansing is offering some wonderful musicals including War Horse, Billy Elliot, Anything Goes, and Catch Me If You Can. Individual tickets are now on sale for 2012-2013 and you can read more about it at ENCORE MICHIGAN. CLICK HERE to read the complete story.

AUDITIONS for 2012-2013 Michigan Shakespeare Festival Touring Company

Friday, September 7 (11 am—5 pm) and Saturday, September 8 (12 pm—5 pm)
Jackson Symphony Orchestra Hall, 215 W. Michigan Avenue, Jackson, MI

All actors cast will appear in both productions
AND we will be casting covers for all roles who WILL rehearse and perform
7 men, 3 women—ALL TYPES welcome

Actors must have daytime availability and flexible schedules: own car recommended

The Tour runs Monday, November 5 through Friday, May 31 as booked by schools.

To reserve an audition slot, e-mail us at MSFCasting@aol.com
Please prepare two contrasting Shakespeare monologues together no longer than 3 minutes

$50 per show—plus some travel-time compensation based on distance
we will be working to arrange standard carpools for company members

The Tour Covers: Michigan (South of Saginaw), Northern Ohio, and Northern Indiana.

There were 38 performances last season, we hope to have at least 50 this season.

Rehearsals: day and/or evening:
Friday, September 21: mandatory
            Saturday, September 22: mandatory
            Sunday, September 23: mandatory for men
     And then:  2 to 3 days per week (including weekends) through until
            Saturday, November 3: mandatory
            Sunday, November 4: mandatory
Some flexibility Sept 29—Nov 2 possible.

These are all non-AEA positions

Michigan Shakespeare Festival & Jackson District Library present

Shakespeare Allow'd!

In collaboration with the Michigan Shakespeare Festival, JDL invites you to experience a live reading of Edward III Saturday, August 25 at 10:00 am. Hear Shakespeare's work as it was meant to be, out loud. Carnegie Branch, 244 W. Michigan Avenue, Jackson, MI 49201 (517) 788-4087

Purple Rose Offers Fall Classes

Serious about theatre? Consider taking one of the classes offered this Fall by The Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea, Michigan. Read more HERE.

STEPPING OUT has open role

We are still looking to fill the role of Dorothy in "Stepping Out". 
The script calls for a female between the ages of 30-45, but age is flexible at this stage in the game. 
About 100 lines, though a significant amount are repeating the last few words of other characters' lines.
There is a good amount of tap dancing, but no experience required as she is meant to be a novice.
Dates of the show are September 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30th.
Anyone interested can contact Julie Klee (director) at (517) 315-1242.
-Katie Meyers

Open auditions for THE KING AND I

Center Stage Jackson Announces Open Auditions For

“The King and I”

August 26, 27, 29, and 30, 2012

 

Center Stage Jackson–Jackson’s community theatre group-is holding open auditions for Rodgers& Hammerstein’s beloved musical, “The King and I,” to be directed by Denise Weber (director of “White Christmas, the Musical,” and “Little Shop of Horrors”).  Technical Director is Dean Weber with Vocal Direction by Bradley Jayne.  Max Waagner is Producer.  The show will be performed at JCC’s Baughman Theatre November 2, 3, 4 and 9, 10, 11, 2012.

 

GO TO THE CSJ WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS. CLICK HERE.

Michigan Shakespeare Festival 2012 Remaining Performances

Stacy Stoltz and David Turrentine in PYGMALION

 

These are the remaining performances. You must see this amazing season!

 

Wed., August 8, 2:00 p.m.

Pygmalion 

Thurs., August 9, 7:30 p.m.
Love's Labour's Lost

Friday, August 10, 7:30 p.m.Pygmalion

Sat., August 11, 2:00 p.m.Love's Labour's Lost

Sat., August 4, 7:30 p.m.

Richard III

Sunday, August 12, 2:00 p.m.Richard III

SINGLE TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR WHARTON CENTER

Although the regular box office at the Wharton Center says individual ticket sales are not yet available, you CAN buy individual tickets through this SITE. I just got mine for WAR HORSE!

Riverwalk Theatre Presents SPRING AWAKENING

September 13-16, 20-23 
Musical by Steven Sater
Music by Duncan Sheik
Directed by Kelly Stuible
Winner of 8 Tony awards, including Best Musical, this rock musical celebrates the unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood with a power, poignancy and passion you will never forget. (Starring Jackson's Adam Woolsey as Melchior and featuring Carly Jacobs as Thea). Get those dates on your calendar now and support our awesome Jackson talent!)

All Kinds of Theatre in the greater Detroit Area

Places to go and things to do - theatrically speaking - from The Freep.

Michigan Shakespeare Festival ~ No Passport Needed!

It's not too late to get tickets to the outstanding 2012 Season of the Michigan Shakespeare Festival at the Potter Center, Jackson Community College.

You can read reviews of the three productions from MLive.com right here:

Shakespeare's Love's Labour's Lost, Richard III, and Shaw's Pygmalion. 

Find more details and visit the official Michigan Shakespeare Festival site by clicking on the link.

REVIEW OF THE LAST FIVE YEARS ~ A SPECIAL TREAT

Photo Credit: LAF Lines Photography lidija A. Fremeau

For those who lament the closing of Matt Davis’ Bon Ton Room, you need to get to the Jackson Symphony Hall this weekend to see Jason Robert Brown’s “The Last Five Years”, which premiered in Chicago in 2001 and played off Broadway starting in March 2002.

Presented by KW Productions and Ann Arbor Musical Theater Works, Adam Woolsey and Jayna Katz play Jamie, an author, and Catherine, an actress, in this two-character musical directed with a deft hand by Chip Mezo.

The evening is a 90 minute song cycle with very little dialogue and presented without an intermission. What makes it unusual is the way the story is told. Cathy’s story begins at the end of the relationship and Jamie’s at the beginning. Confused? You won’t be. Adam Woolsey and Jayna Katz make their individual trajectories clear, alternating songs. Somewhere near the middle the two characters briefly join together when they marry.

The songs are cabaret worthy with a mix of pop rock tunes, patter songs and ballads. The sound quality is amazing in the Symphony Hall since its renovation and thanks to the efforts of Amanda Mahoney and KJ Rowan. Every word sung was clear and sharp.

The first-rate musicians, led by Conductor/pianist Lora Knight, include Violin (Matthew Polson), Keyboards (Chip Mezo & Andrea Wynn), Bass (Del Belcher), and Guitar (Victor McDermott). Director Chip Mezo wisely places them upstage center and they are visible between the very workable abstract set designed by Christopher Mezo. The ‘end’ of the five years is on the left and the beginning is on the ‘right’. The two sides of the stage are carefully detailed with authentic pictures, books, and memorabilia making the characters come to life.

The casting is perfect. These two actors work beautifully together drawing the audience into the story and making them care. Jayna Katz has an enormous emotional range. Her laugh is infectious and as a needy aspiring actress, she is absolutely believable. Adam Woolsey, whose experience includes a brief appearance on American Idol Season 11, is loveable when he turns on the charm and smiles, but also capable of being selfish and unfaithful. Both actors have great control of vocal range and can modulate from quiet and lovely to ‘bringing down the house’ wail.

This is first-rate entertainment and highly recommended.

 “The Last Five Years,” by Jason Robert Brown, is at the Jackson Symphony Hall, 215 W Michigan Ave, Jackson, Michigan, performances tonight and Saturday at 8:00 PM and a Sunday matinee at 3:00 PM. Tickets ($15) are available at the door.

The Last Five Years July 12-15

KW Productions and
Ann Arbor Musical Theater Works Announces
THE LAST 5 YEARS
Written and Composed by
Jason Robert Brown

Jackson, MI –

KW Productions and Ann Arbor Musical Theater Works are proud to announce their upcoming production, THE LAST 5 YEARS, to be performed July 12 – 14 at 8:00 PM and July 15 at 3:00 PM at the Jackson Symphony Orchestra, 215 W. Michigan Ave. Jackson, MI 49201.

THE LAST 5 YEARS is a contemporary song-cycle musical that ingeniously chronicles the five year life of a marriage, from meeting to break-up... or from break-up to meeting, depending on how you look at it. Written by Jason Robert Brown, THE LAST 5 YEARS is an intensely personal look at the relationship between a writer and an actress told from both points of view.

The cast is composed of Adam Woolsey as JAMIE WELLERSTEIN and Jayna Katz as CATHERINE HIATT.

THE LAST 5 YEARS is Artistically Directed by Chip Mezo and Musically Conducted by Lora Spangler-Knight. Instrumentation includes a small string ensemble, fit for the JSO, comprised of piano, violin, cello, bass, and guitar.

General Admission: $15 per person. Reservations may be emailed to THELAST5YEARS.JSO@GMAIL.COM. Reservations are encouraged, as seating is limited.

Croswell presents LES MISERABLES, Student Edition

For this first time production starring students from throughout the region, the Croswell has added a matinee performance to its usual scheduling, as well as a Thursday evening performance. Curtain times for the performances are at 8:00pm on July 13, 14, 19, 20 & 21, and at 3:00pm on July 15, 21 and 22.  Tickets for the show are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and students, and $15 for children 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 the Croswell’s production of Les Misérables, please contact Nate Clark at 517-263-6868 or at nclark@croswell.org. ­­

Les Misérables is co-directed by Julie Dolan and Sue Smith, who also choreographs. Erin Pifer serves as assistant director, with music direction by Jonathan Sills. Scenic and lighting design is by Douglas Miller, costume design by Marianna Steele, sound design by Ian Thompson and Tyler Miller, and stage management by Janene Dusseau.

On Golden Pond at the Purple Rose

Borrowed & adapted with permission from Carla Milarch's Listing of Shows in AnnArbor.com. To read more, click on the links.

Show: “On Golden Pond”, by Ernest Thompson, through September 1
 Company: Purple Rose Theatre Company
 Type of Company: Professional Equity (SPT)
Venue/location: 137 Park Street, Chelsea
Recommended ages: 13+ (some mature language)

Description: This charming love story follows Ethel and Norman Thayer as they return to their summer home in Maine. Their respite is interrupted by the unexpected arrival of their estranged daughter, her fiancee, and his teenage son. Over the course of the summer, an unlikely friendship develops between Norman and the boy, which sparks a renewed zest for life in the Thayer family. In the twilight years of marriage, Ethel and Norman rediscover the joy and romance of every day living.
http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/jackson/index.ssf/2012/07/review_purple_roses_on_golden.html

Fun fact: The role of Billy Ray is shared by two high school students: Ian Bejster, of Dexter, and Milo Tucker-Meyer of Ann Arbor.
For tickets and information: 734-433-7673 or www.purplerosetheatre.org.