CSJ Presents LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

Audrey II (Puppeteer Billy McLean) and Seymour (Tony Boling)

Little Shop of Horrors opens this Friday in the Baughman Theatre in the Potter Center on the Jackson Community College Campus and plays for two weekends.. Here's a link to an article that will appear in the Jackson Citizen Patriot tomorrow! It has all the details you need.

Town Hall Players Production of RENT Opening May 13th

Center Stage performers Stephanie Pierce, TR Krupa and Mike Cicirelli appear with the Town Hall Players this weekend and next in Jonathan Larsen's rock opera RENT! Opening night is May 13th (tomorrow) at 7:30 pm at the Historic Stockbridge Town Hall, 125 S. Clinton Street in the heart of Stockbridge, Michigan!

Tickets $10 at the door - $8 in advance (at the Stockbridge Pharmacy)

Show times: Friday and Saturday, May 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 15 at 3 p.m. - Sunday, May 22 at 5 p.m.

RENT tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive in New York under the shadow of AIDS. RENT brings controversial topics to the stage and speaks to Generation X the way that the musical Hair spoke to the baby boomers. It’s a rock opera for our time, a Hair for the 21st century.

· This play contains profanity and adult situations.
· 15 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

You have six chances to see this show and to support community theatre in our area!

Encore Musical Theatre Presents . . .Encore on the Edge Series

Mark your calendar!  The Encore will be continuing its Encore on the Edge series with a show that might be new to our audience, but has quickly developed a huge following in many theatre circles, and you won't want to miss it!

The Last Five Years is an emotionally powerful and intimate musical about two New Yorkers in their twenties who fall in and out of love over the course of five years. The show's unconventional structure consists of Cathy, the woman (played by Thalia Schramm), telling her story backwards while Jamie, the man (played by Steve DeBruyne), tells his story chronologically; the two characters only meet once, at their wedding in the middle of the show.

Composer of The Last Five Years, Jason Robert Brown, won Drama Desk Awards for the music and the lyrics after the Off-Broadway premiere in 2002. The show has since been produced at almost every major regional theater in the US, and has been seen in Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Germany, Italy, Canada, and Spain.

The Encore's production of The Last Five Years will run for 8 performances only, May 26 through June 5. Tickets are on sale now by visiting our website at http://theencoretheatre.org or by calling our box office at (734) 268-6200.

BON TON ROOM CLOSED - April 30, 2011

Bon Ton Room, Jackson, Michigan

Last night was the farewell celebration of the closing of Matt Davis's Bon Ton Room. Full of comedy improv, solo performers, and moments from the six shows presented over the last few years, it had the audience on their feet by the end of the evening. There were many tears and the realization that this venue, which many performers in Jackson felt was their home, would no longer exist.

The closing of the BTR will impact CSJ in a number of ways. The Youth Singing Competition has been held there since its inception. Three years of Miscast cabarets were presented there. With that space in mind, the Readings from the Second Stage series was born several years ago. Even our Annual Meeting and Awards Night has been held at the BTR.

Watch our webpage, calendar, sign up for our e-newsletter, or follow this blog for details on where we will be holding events in the future. Or if you have suggestions for locations, please e-mail us with your ideas at info@centerstagejackson.org.

And finallly, a space like the BTR is only special because of the people who made it welcoming, inspiring, and a safe place to learn and grow. Matt Davis created the environment and gathered talented people around him who believed in his vision. Matt, for everything you contributed to Jackson's performing community, for all the opportunitites you created, for everything you shared with us, THANK YOU doesn't say enough. WITH LOVE.

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.