MSF's Monologue Contest Finals this Saturday!

Michigan Shakespeare Festival’s annual High School Monologue Contest culminates Saturday, July 31, 2010 at 11 a.m. in the lobby of the Michael Baughman Theater during the heart of the Festival’s 2010 Season. Regional winners will compete by reading a two-minute monologue from a Shakespeare play. Two winners from Southeastern Michigan Regional competition, held in May, are Lonnie Robinson of Ecorse and Melissa Murphy of Southgate. Third and fourth place winners, Steven D. Steffan II of Ecorse and Molly Logue of Ann Arbor, respectively, will also compete. South Central Michigan Regional winners are Caitlan Dunlap of Tecumseh and Travis Lockwood of Grass Lake. Third and fourth place winners from the South Central Regionals are Caitlan Woolsey and Kylee Arnold, both of Jackson. All eight winners will compete in the State Finals for a first prize of $350. Judges are Janice Blixt, the festival’s artistic director, Betsy Davies, English teacher and one of the founders of the Michigan Shakespeare Festival and Terry Pow, entertainment critic for the Jackson Citizen Patriot.

See Shakespeare for Free!

The Michigan Shakespeare Festival is looking for ushers for its productions of Romeo & Juliet, Comedy of Errors, and Driving Miss Daisy. If you are interested, please call 517-998-3673. Check out the schedule here.

The Bon Ton Room presents. . .

“American Dreams”

By Studs Terkel

Adapted for the stage by Peter Frisch  

Directed by Barbara Sexton

Thursday and Friday, July 22-23, 2010

8:00 p.m.  $10 Cover

The Bon Ton Room, 3017 Wildwood Avenue, Jackson, Michigan

  (517) 787-6733 or thebontonroom.pr@gmail.com for reservations

An entertaining, thought-provoking show adapted from the book by the iconic Studs Terkel by Peter Frisch, this engrossing evening of monologues will be performed by some of Jackson's finest actors and actresses:  Timm Richardson, Steve Kamke, Roxanne Bruner, Jerrell Rodriguez and Erin Wetzel.  With uniquely American music performed throughout by talented Jackson musicians Vic McDermott and JT McCluskey. 

Made up of monologues connected by brief concerted sections, and divided into six segments (fantasies, nightmares, hallucinations, sweet dreams, broken reveries and visions), the play uses the voices of real people to convey, with striking effectiveness, a sense of what America and its people are, both in truth and in fantasy.  The various segments and speeches blend into a moving theatrical experience which is revealing, often very funny, frequently moving and sometimes disturbing—but which always speaks from and to the heart of this great and singular nation in all its richness and diversity.  Ranging from the rich and famous (Ted Turner, Arnold Schwarzenegger) to the obscure (a farmer, a bellhop, a Hare Krishna disciple) to hard-bitten cynics and hopeful optimists, the diverse monologues weave an evocative tapestry out of the simple truths and cogent observations which emerge when people speak their minds with honesty and candor.

"Peter Frisch has sifted through that gold in Terkel's book American Dreams: Lost and Found and picked out the best nuggets … The result is a simple play that is deeply moving" ~ Chicago Daily Herald

"American Dreams is a rich theatrical tapestry …" ~ Chicago Sun-Times

Please join us for this limited engagement performance.

The Difference Between Community Theater and Professional Theater

Bridgette Redman has written an insightful blog comparing and explaining the differences and strengths of community theater and professional theater. It is well worth a read. Visit Front Row at Lansing's Theaters.

MARY BARBER 1957 - 2007

In remembrance of Mary Barber June 25, 1957 - May 14, 2007

Last Night at the Purple Rose

The tornado warnings forced the audience at the Purple Rose to abandon Boeing Boeing at Intermission last night and head for lower levels. According to John Seibert (on Facebook), with Jeff Daniels and Guy Sanville checking the radar screens and "captaining" the event, this is one evening no one will forget soon!

PURPLE ROSE ANNOUNCES TWENTIETH SEASON!

Going back to their roots, which is a brave act in this difficult economy, Jeff Daniels' Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea, Michigan is presenting Four World Premieres by Michigan playwrights in celebration of their twentieth anniversary season. We are incredibly lucky to have such outstanding work being done in our area. Make your reservations now!

Summer Arts Camp for Girls

A New Fine Arts Camp.  Jackson School of the Arts has partnered with the Girl Scouts to create a new summer fine arts camp for girls entering grades 4-12. Membership as a Girl Scout is not required to attend the residential or day camp.  Learn more at the Girl Scouts website. Or contact the Jackson School of the Arts at: 517.784.2389

The Bon Ton Room presents. . .

Sandy Sykes Live! 

with… Roxanne Bruner 
George Spice on drums

 

Friday and Saturday, June 25-26, 2010

8:00 p.m.  $20 Cover

The Bon Ton Room, 3017 Wildwood Avenue, Jackson, Michigan

  (517) 787-6733 for reservations

Sandy shares songs and stories along with the fabulous Roxanne Bruner at the keys and George Spice on drums.  Sandy Sykes - Live… includes an eclectic mix of standards, Broadway, 60s, 70s, 80s, swing and a few surprises. With tongue planted firmly in cheek, she picked the show name as homage to some favorite performers like Frank Sinatra … Live at Madison Square Garden, and Liza… Live at Carnegie Hall – you get the idea. Sandy Sykes – Live… as in, Live from Her Parent’s Basement, Live from WAY off Broadway, Live from The Movies, etc. Come enjoy a variety of musical styles, and maybe even sing along on a few!

Sandy Sykes is a longtime vocalist/performer in the Jackson area in many theatrical roles and cabaret shows. She was part of the very first cabaret performance at the Bon Ton Room, and also was in its first fully staged musical, Sweeney Todd, as Mrs. Lovett.  She’ll be seen next fall in the Bon Ton Room’s production of Tommy.

Roxanne Bruner has been involved with the local music and theatre scene for many years - performing onstage, playing piano or conducting the orchestra.  She is Vocal Music and Drama Director at Lumen Christi High School and Jackson Catholic Middle School.  She has also recently been nominated for a 2010 Wilde Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her work in Side by Side by Sondheim with the Michigan Shakespeare Festival last summer.

George Spice has played drums most of his life and has been in local bands including Skyline, Twice Loved, and Bittersweet, and has performed with various others. He loves to serve at his church, Stream in the Desert, in the music ministry.  He also helps with the Western Schools choirs.  He has been a financial advisor at Met Life for 24 years.

                Tickets are $20.  For reservations call the Bon Ton Room at (517) 787-6733
or make reservations online at thebontonroom.pr@gmail.com.

Chelsea Area Players Announces Auditions for. . .

The Chelsea Area Players will host a talent search, Per4m to Win, this summer.  They are looking for all kinds of talent, not limited to singers, dancers, jugglers, etc!  Attached is an audition flier.  The performance is July 17 at Chelsea High School with 3 age categories and two cash prizes, $250 and $100, per category.  They are looking for performance-ready acts to audition on June 21 or 22.  Please consider this for yourself and spread the word to the talented people you know!

The Bon Ton Room presents. . .

For reservations call 517-787-6733.

Jackson Studio of Music Arts Announces Auditions

Auditions have been announced for a new show. JSMA is producing FAMILY ~ THE MUSIC with book, music & lyrics by Dr. Stephen Murphy. Artistic Director is Ann Holt and Music Direction is by Dr. Murphy. Choreographer will be Joann Drayton and additional vocal coaching will be provided by Keith Drayton.

A delightful story about a bunch of orphans and their house mother provides funny, moving and joyous momnts, as well as a clever plot twist that the whole family can enjoy.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 25th and Thursday, May 27th
TIME: 6 - 8 pm both evenings
WHERE: JSMA Offices, 4 Universal Way, Jackson (next to Yen King Chinese Restaurant and behind the old Holiday Inn)

Visit the FAMILY website for more details including a description of characters.

Production dates are August 20, 21, and 22 at the Donald Baker Activity Center, 8200 King Road in Spring Arbor.

Auditions for Back to the 80s!

Open Auditions for "Back to the 80s" are being held on Monday, May 24th at Grass Lake High School, 11500 Warrior Trail, Grass Lake, MI and again on Tuesday, May 25th at the First Congregational Church, 120 N. Jackson St., Jackson, MI.

Times are from 6 - 8 PM both evenings.

The show will be presented at Grass Lake High School on July 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 and August 1.

To audition you must be at least 14 years of age; perform a 'cold' reading (provided at auditions); learn dance steps; and sing 16 to 24 measures of a prepared song. (An accompanist and a CD player will be provided. Please no a capella presentations or songs from "Wicked".)

More show information can be found at http://backtothe80smusical.com and http://www.centerstagejackson.org.


Joy Rosynek is artistic director with musical direction by Antoinette LaCinski and choreography by Julie Klee.  Further questions may be address to Antoinette LaCinski at 517-414-0679.

JCC Kids College (Summer Camp Activities) 2010

Location: Jackson Community College
Contact: Brandy Grajek, 796-8582

Dates: June 21-25

Times: Session One, Show Biz Kids, 9 a.m. to noon; Session Two, CSI Kids, 9 a.m. to noon; Session Three, Playing Picasso, 9 a.m. to noon; Session Four, Jazz It Up, 1 to 4 p.m.; Session Five, Hairy Potter, 1 to 4 p.m.; Session Six, Enter Stage Right, 1 to 4 p.m.

Cost: $60 per session, $45 per additional session

Boys and Girls ages: 9-13

Purpose: Kids College is a series of interactive workshops designed especially for kids 9 - 13 years old. These weeklong sessions help students develop their imaginations and help them grow.

Email: GrajekBrandyJ@jccmi.edu

Website: www.jccmi.edu

Michigan Shakespeare Festival Monologue Contest Announced

JACKSON, Mich., May 4, 2010 – The Michigan Shakespeare Festival announced today it is expanding its annual High School Shakespeare Monologue Contest. With the support of Dawn Foods Foundation, Michigan Automotive Compressor, Inc., and Whole Foods Market, the festival will provide rigorous performance and competition opportunities along with cash prizes.

Regional competitions will be held May 15 in Ann Arbor, sponsored by Whole Foods Market and Jackson, sponsored by Dawn Foods Foundation. The top four contestants from each site advancing to the state finals, sponsored by Michigan Automotive Compressor, Inc., on July 31, 2010.

“I am extremely pleased that this year we are able to expand the scope of the monologue contest,” managing director, Robert Duha said. “As with our recent High School tour of Romeo & Juliet and our summer children’s production, we hope to create lifelong lovers of theatre through our educational outreach efforts.”

Regional participants will perform a memorized monologue from a Shakespeare play of less than two minutes before a panel of judges. In addition to advancing to the state finals, the top two finishers in each region will also receive a $200 award, four tickets to the Michigan Shakespeare Festival’s 2010 season, and recognition in the season program. The winner of the state competition will receive a $350 award.

Students can download an application form and find a list of rules and guidelines at www.MichiganShakespeareFestival.com

Entry deadline is May 10, 2010.

Regional locations (both scheduled for 10:30 am May 15, 2010)
Ann Arbor: Whole Foods Market, 3135 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor MI, 48104
Jackson: The Shakespeare Room, Jackson High School, 244 Wildwood Ave. Jackson, MI 49201
State finals (scheduled for Saturday, July 31, 2010)
Jackson: The Michael Baughman Theatre, on the campus of the Jackson Community College

PURPLE ROSE - Half-Price ($12.50) tickets for May 5 & 6 at 8PM!

Buy your Our Town tickets online and get half-price tickets for the 8:00 PM performances on either Wednesday, May 5 or Thursday, May 6.

This discount offer is valid for online ticket orders only.

Simply enter the discount code OTN001 during your ticket order and receive the 50% discount on up to 4 tickets.

Tickets will go fast, so get yours before they disappear!

Questions?

Call our Box Office at

(734) 433-7673 or email us at tickets@purplerosetheatre.org.

We'd love to help!

Bon Ton Room Cabaret Class Recitals

Students of the cabaret singing class taught by Matt Davis with the assistance of Sherra Zuck, pianist extraordinaire, at the Bon Ton Room in Jackson are getting ready to show Jackson what they have learned. 

Performances are May 14, 15, 21, 28 and 29. Each evening performance will feature six students singing three songs apiece complete with "patter".  You will need to call the Bon Ton Room to make a reservation (517-787-6733) or e-mail them at thebontonroom.pr@gmail.com.  Call early as many friends and relatives will want to attend

The performance starts at 8 pm. with the doors opening at 6 pm.  Meals (dinners, salads, sandwiches, etc.) are available starting at 6 pm and throughout the show.  There is a $10 cover charge.
(A student performs in previous recital: Photo courtesy of LAF Lines Photography.)

Center Stage Jackson presents MISCAST 2 (OR II)

No matter whether you call it Miscast 2 or II, this Friday kicks off two weekends (Fridays, April 23 & 30 and Saturdays, April 24 & May 1) of fun at the Bon Ton Room, 3017 Wildwood in Jackson, MI. Show starts at 8:00 PM but the doors open at 6:00 PM for optional dinner, desert and drinks.

Once again Director and Emcee Timm Richardson presents a 'strange and wonderful' evening filled with talented singers performing songs for which they are totally the WRONG age, sex, ethnicity, or what have you. Last year's show was sometimes laugh out loud funny and sometimes incredibly moving.

Come out and join the fun. Tickets are $15 and reservations can be made by calling 787-6733 or e-mail the Bon Ton Room .

Encore Theater in Dexter Announces Summer Program for Kids

Elementary, Middle and High School

Live your dream! Let your talent shine!

The Encore Musical Theatre Company is excited to announce the launch of our Summer Program for children from elementary, middle, and high school.

THE ENCORE MUSICAL THEATRE SUMMER PROGRAM offers young performers the opportunity to explore the wonderful world of musical theatre. Specific sessions created for each age group are designed to establish, explore, and expand each participant’s individual talents.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROGRAM - for students entering grades 1 - 5
MUSICAL THEATRE EXPLORATION

Participants will actively engage their imaginations as they explore the world of musical theatre and learn to tell stories onstage. Through activities in improvisation, singing, dancing, and acting, participants will learn the basics of performance and increase their confidence onstage. This week-long session ends with a final performance for friends and family that is sure to be fun for everyone!

Session A - July 5th through July 9th, 9am - 4pm
Session B - July 12th through July 16th, 9am - 4pm
Price - $275 per session

MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM - for students entering grades 6 - 8
BROADWAY BOUND

This week-long session gives Participants the chance to engage in an in-depth study of musical theater. With classes in singing, dancing, and acting, participants will hone their skills and develop foundations in musical theater performance. Personalized feedback will give each participant the opportunity to focus on his or her individual talents and skills. The final showcase will feature all the participants, and is not to be missed!

Session C: July 19th through July 23rd, 9am - 4pm
Session D: July 26th through July 30th, 9am - 4pm
Price: $300 per session

HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM - for students entering grade 9 - 12
ONSTAGE INTENSIVE

Over the course of this two week session, Participants will engage in activities designed to develop their talent and take their performances to the next level. In addition to specialized classes in singing, dancing, and acting, participants will focus on blending these three disciplines to create a cohesive musical theater performance. Additionally, participants will attend an audition workshop, discuss all the elements that go into a musical theater show (tech, sets, lights, makeup, etc…), have the chance to engage in a master class taught by a Broadway veteran, and learn real Broadway choreography from actors currently performing on Broadway! The final showcase at the end of the session, which will allow each participant the opportunity to perform individually, is a must see.

Session E: August 2nd through August 13th, 9am - 4pm
Session F: August 16th through August 27th, 9am - 4pm
Price: $350 per session

Class sizes are limited. Registration forms available by visiting our website at http://www.facebook.com/l/5441e;theencoretheatre.org. Email education@http://www.facebook.com/l/5441e;theencoretheatre.org for more information.

Michigan Shakespeare Festival 2010 season open auditions

JACKSON, Mich., April 20, 2010 – The Michigan Shakespeare Festival will be holding open auditions for our 2010 Season featuring Romeo & Juliet and The Comedy of Errors Sunday, April 25, 2010, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Jackson Symphony Orchestra Hall, 215 W Michigan Avenue, Jackson, MI 49201.

Actors wishing to audition will need to prepare two contrasting Shakespeare monologues no more than 4 minutes length in total (2 minutes per monologue) be prepared to read from sides from the shows for an audition slot, please send a time request to: MSFCasting@aol.com

NOTE: there will be Equity auditions held in Detroit, April 24 from 10-5 pm at the Hilberry Repertory Theatre's Rehearsal Hall, 4th Floor, Old Main.

The Michigan Shakespeare Festival is a non-profit professional theater festival founded in 1995. Since its inception the Festival has entertained more than 40,000 people of all ages. In 2003, the Festival’s quality and reputation as a regional classical theatre earned it the designation as “The Official Shakespeare Festival of the State of Michigan” from the Governor and the State Senate. The Festival is dedicated to the production of Shakespeare’s plays and other classical works. It’s driving purpose is to produce shows that instill in modern audiences fervor for the dramatic works that have survived for generations due to their power, joyfulness, and humanity.

For more information about the Michigan Shakespeare Festival or to reserve season tickets in July and August 2010 call 517-998-3673 or visit www.michiganshakespearefestival.com