No More Jackson Citizen Patriot Reviews of ANY Shows

Did you miss the newspaper reviews yet? Did you even realize that the Jackson Citizen Patriot stopped reviewing productions this past year? That means the Purple Rose, the Michigan Shakespeare Festival, and Center Stage Jackson productions.

A lot of audience members will attend without feeling the need for a review. We just ask friends what they thought or what they have heard.

In the meantime, there have been a couple of brief discussions in the theatre community about creative ways that gap might be filled. If you have ideas, we would love to know.

Here is what one theatre is doing, which sounds very interesting even though out of our league. Click HERE to read more.

Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS Opening November 4th

Remember Dorne Lefere?

Dorne rehearsing for The Producers

I was reading Barnstorms, the newsletter of The Farmington Players, when I came across a name I recognized. Dorne Lefere. He is listed as playing Dickens in their upcoming production of A Christmas Carol. Earlier this year he starred as Max Bialock in The Producers.

Share your memories here if you worked with Dorne back in the day.

LEADING LADIES - Three More Performances

Audrey explains the situation to Leo and Jack. It's all they need to create an evening of havoc.

Don't miss this wonderful show that the Brooklyn Exponent reviewer declared "top-notch entertainment"! Tickets are only $15 and available at the door.

September 30, October 1, 2
Fri & Sat @ 8:00 PM
Sun @ 3:00 PM
Baughman Theatre, Potter Center, JCC
2111 Emmons Road, Jackson, MI

General Admission: $15 (includes $1 JCC restoration fee)
Reservations: 517-782-8473 (Addison Awning)

 

Why haven't you seen this show yet?

LEADING LADIES Open This Weekend

Jackson Community College presents . . .

'Cinderella Waltz' gives grown-ups

a new take on classic fairy tale  

JCC students will present a different kind of fairy tale, "Cinderella Waltz" by Don Nigro, the last two weekends of October.

"Cinderella Waltz" is a fairy tale for grown-ups, with humor and a different kind of ending, said director Sandy DiCesare, coordinator of educational theatre at the College. It tells the story of Rosey Snow, who is trapped in a fairy tale world that is by turns funny and a little frightening. With her are stepsisters Goneril and Regan, her demented stepmother, her lecherous father, a bewildered Prince, a fairy godmother who sings salty old sailor songs, a troll and a possibly homicidal village idiot. It is meant for mature audiences, similar to a PG-13 rating.

"Cinderella Waltz" will be presented at 8 p.m. Oct. 20, 21, 22, 28 and 29, and 3 p.m. Oct. 23 and 30 in the Ruth Day Theater, Potter Center. Special preview show Oct. 20, all tickets $2. Tickets for all other performances are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students.

Encore Musical Theatre Presents . . .THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA

If you haven't been to the Encore Theatre in Dexter, now is the time to go. Adam Guettal's LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA is an exquisite jewel. It won the Tony Award a few years back and deservedly so. This production matches the original in style and vocal talent, an amazing feat for a charming little theatre in a small community. Go see it. You won't be sorry.

NEED A GOOD LAUGH OR TWO? TRY LEADING LADIES

Jeremy Adam Moore and Scott Clow come to blows?

What happens when two out of work Shakespearean actors decide to scam an old woman? More silliness ensues than you can shake a stick at. Don't miss this rollicking comedy!

Written by KEN LUDWIG and directed by G.L. BLANCHARD, LEADING LADIES runs September 23-25, 30 and October 1-2 in the Baughman Theatre, Potter Center, Jackson Community College, 2111 Emmons Rd., Jackson, Michigan.

Show times are 8 p.m. September 23-24 and October 1, and 3 p.m. September 25 and October 2.  Tickets are General Admission:  $15 adult, $10 for ages 12 and younger (ticket prices include $1 JCC restoration fee).  For reservations, please call: 517-782-8473 (Addison Awning).

Visit the website for more information.

Jackson School for the Arts Announces Fall Classes

Are you looking for an art, dance or theatre class for your kids? Check out the classes at the Jackson School for the Arts by clicking HERE.

Open House & Registration Day is
this Sunday, 2-4 PM  

The Open House is a great time to sign up for fall classes in art, dance and theater at Jackson School of the Arts.

Take a tour, register, purchase dancewear and dance shoes, make an art project and enjoy refreshments.

If you can't attend the open house,
walk in hours this week are:  Thursday 9/8 - 12-5 PM
Friday 9/9 - 10-5 PM

We also welcome walk up registrations the first day of class.  Please note that some classes are full or almost full so advance registration is encouraged.  517.784.2389

Next Up - LEADING LADIES

Let the hilarity ensue!! Center Stage Jackson is pleased to announce the opening of the first production of their twelfth season, the rollicking comedy/farce Leading Ladies, written by KEN LUDWIG, directed by G.L. BLANCHARD, September 23-25, 30 and October 1-2 in the Baughman Theatre, Potter Center, Jackson Community College, 2111 Emmons Rd., Jackson, Michigan.

Show times are 8 p.m. September 23-24 and October 1, and 3 p.m. September 25 and October 2.  Tickets are General Admission:  $15 adult, $10 for ages 12 and younger (ticket prices include $1 JCC restoration fee).  For reservations, please call: 517-782-8473 (Addison Awning).

Visit the website for more information.

MICHIGAN SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR 2011-12 HIGH SCHOOL TOUR

The Michigan Shakespeare Festival announced it will hold auditions for its expanded High School Tour, which will feature productions of Romeo & Juliet and Macbeth during the 2011-12 school year.

Auditions will be held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, September 4 and from noon-7 p.m., Monday, September 5, at the Jackson Symphony Orchestra Rehearsal Hall, 215 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson. The company will consist of nine men and three women – all types are welcome. Additionally, the Festival will cast covers – who will rehearse and perform – for all roles.

You can find more information on the MSF website by clicking HERE.

Readings from the Second Stage - AT HOME AT THE ZOO - August 19 & 20

The last play in Readings from the Second Stage for this season was Edward Albee's first play and it became a classic. The play was originally a one-act called Zoo Story but Albee fleshed the story out with a first another act and director Barb Sexton chose this version called At Home at the Zoo. Featuring well-known performers Colleen Flynn, Matt Davis, and Diego Febres-Cordero, this is something you don't want to miss.

Performing at The Fourth Wall, 701 Page Avenue, Jackson on both Friday (8/19) and Saturday (8/20) nights at 8:00 pm. Admission is FREE but donations are appreciated.

DON TATE 2011

TATE, DON GILBERT - Passed away August 5, 2011 after a five year battle with COPD, under the care of his loving wife and children. He joins his infant son, Mark Alan who died in 1960. He was born in Battle Creek on December 28, 1933 to John Gilbert and Donna Lucine, who preceded him in death. After graduating in 1952 he joined the Navy where he served in the Philippines and Guam for three years as a Communications Technician. In 1966, the family moved to Jackson where Don worked for Jacobson's for 36 years. After retiring he went to work for Wetherby Funeral Home. Don was active in theatre since 1948, and loved all aspects. Acting was his forte, beginning here at Stone Village in '69. Other accomplishments include, co-directing Musical Theatre, President of Clark Lake Players, and was co-producer of Jackson County Rose Pageant. Don and Clara owned "Tate's Costume Rental", and also Tate's Take-Out with their son. He enjoyed traveling on his Honda Gold Wing with Clara. He leaves behind his wife of 53 years Clara; his children, Denise (Michael) Blair, Matthew (Lisa) Tate, and Dawn Marcinkiewicz; grandchildren, Justin, Kyle, Alyssa, and Caleb; step-grandchildren, Michelle, Mike (Amber), Alex, and Andrew; a step-great-granddaughter, Madisyn and a special cousin Barb. Don was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend and will be sorely missed. The family would like to thank Great Lakes Hospice for their loving care and compassion the past 12 days. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. A private burial will take place at Woodland Cemetery. Visitation will take place Monday, August 8, 2011 at Wetherby Funeral Home from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions in Don's name may be made to St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Friends may send their condolences or share a memory with the family at Wetherbyfuneralhome.com www.Mlive.com/obits WETHERBY FUNERAL HOME 517.787.7511 wetherbyfuneralhome.com

Published in Jackson Citizen Patriot on August 7, 2011

GREASE is the WORD! One More Musical Weekend!

Photo courtesy of Landon Clark

With affordable ticket prices and a comfortable air-conditioned theatre, you can bring the whole family to Center Stage Jackson's celebration of the teens of the 1950s in the rock 'n' roll musical GREASE!

Director Colleen Flynn has put together a cast of talented folks who can sing and act. The pit is composed of strong musicians. But the real fun comes when Julie Klee's choreography brings the whole cast together. There are too many great moments to list here so you'll just have to go this weekend and see for yourself.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for 12 and under and are available at the door or call 517-522-5695 for reservations.

Friday, July 29 at 7:00 pm
Saturday, July 30 at 7:00 pm
Sunday matinee, July 31 at 2:00 pm

Check out the Center Stage Jackson website for more information.

MSF Still Looking for Volunteers - See Theatre for FREE

Last week, during a Michigan Shakespeare Festival production of "The Winter's Tale" we experienced a complete blackout at the Jackson Community College Potter Center. Despite having only three ushers, everything turned out well -- even with our largest audience so far this season -- but it was challenging. 

We don't want to experience this again (especially with a slim crew of volunteers). We are in need of ushers for the following dates. Please forward this email if you know someone who may want to usher.

Wednesday, July 27, 2:00 p.m. The Winter's Tale - 1 volunteer
Thursday, July 28, 7:30 p.m. Tartuffe - 3 volunteers
Friday, July 29, 7:30 p.m. The Winter's Tale - 3 volunteers
Saturday, July 30, 7:30 p.m. Much Ado About Nothing - 4 volunteers
Sunday, July 31, 2:00 p.m. Much Ado About Nothing - 4 volunteers

Thursday, August 4, 7:30 p.m. - The Winter's Tale -2 voulnteers
Saturday, August 6, 2:00 p.m. - Tartuffe - 4 volunteers
Sunday, August 7, 2:00 p.m. - The Winter's Tale - 3 volunteers

If you have an 1-2 hours you can lend us until the curtain rises before each performance it would be a tremendous help.

Volunteers arrive 90 minutes before showtime for evening shows and 60 minutes before afternoon performances in the lobby of the Baughman Theater. Volunteers receive free admission to that night's performance.

ALSO,

We are in need of waitstaff/servers for our inaugural Shakespeare Unplugged performances at the Bone Island Grille banquet room.  A shift will consist of approximately 90 minutes of taking food and drink orders at our friend and fund raising event.

Friday, July 29, 11 p.m. Shakespeare Unplugged at Bone Island Grille banquet room

Saturday, July 30, 11 p.m. Shakespeare Unplugged at Bone Island Grille banquet room

Friday, August 5, 11 p.m. Shakespeare Unplugged at Bone Island Grille banquet room

If interested, contact Janet Meyer at (517) 998-3673 ext 156 or janetmeyer2005@gmail.com

PHYLLIS ARMBRUSTER 2011

PHYLLIS KAY - Age 68, of Jackson, daughter of Hubert and Elvera Surber, succumbed of lung cancer on Saturday, July 9, 2011 with her loving husband by her side, under the comforting care of Allegiance Hospice. She is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Richard Lynn Armbruster; mother, Elvera Surber; four children, Cindy Price, Sherrie (Tim) Corser, Lynn (Susan) Armbruster, Richie (Michelle) Armbruster; grandchildren, Tiffany, Zach, Ethan, Dustin, Ashley, Amanda, Kelby, Marques, Alliyah, Jarod, Aja, Evan, Eric (Lizeth), Cody, Justin; and blessed with six great-grandchildren; siblings, Marilyn (Dan) Kilbourn, Lynn (Vickie), Larry (Mary); as well as many nieces and nephews; and many "Adopted Grandkids". She was preceded in death by her father, Hubert N. Surber. She loved playing bingo, computer games, going shopping with her granddaughters, and attending her grandchildren's events. She also enjoyed and did live theater for 31 years. She was a board member of the Clark Lake Players and the Jackson Civic Theater. Phyllis loved life and lived it to the fullest. She touched many lives, too many to count in her life. A huge thanks to all her pals at Allegiance Health and Allegiance Hospice. A funeral service, celebrating her life, will be held on Friday, July 15, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church at 10:00 a.m. with the Reverend Sue Babb officiating. Visitation will take place at church on Thursday, July 14, 2011 from 6 to 8 p.m. and prior to service from 9 to 10 a.m. Contributions may be made to the family for final funeral expenses. www.Mlive.com/obits

The local paper also had a nice article about Phyllis that you can read HERE.

MSF OPENING NIGHT CELEBRATION

Jackson Community College presents . . .

She Was Only a Farmer's Daughter   by Millard Crosby

“Born a farmer's daughter, Millie has longed for an education. So, she goes to the city where she becomes a victim of deep eyed villain, Mulberry Foxhall. In a weak moment Millie consents to become his wife. It is then that she encounters a strange woman who tells Millie that Mulberry is already married, and he is merely laying a trap for her. Millie, realizing the peril of her position, returns to the farm. But alas, Mulberry appears on the scene suddenly, and he proceeds to make life intolerable for the farmer's daughter.”  Information from the Samuel French catalog.

Mrs. Ella Smithers:  Cassie DeMay

Aunt Sally:  Nicole Rowley

Millie Spivens:  Chelsea Denig

Osgood Smithers:  Ryan Bennett

Alice Smith:  Amanda Marzano

Mulberry Foxhall:  Cody Robison

Lydia Smith:  Maggie Lapp

Harvey Smith:  Elliot Hitt

Costumer:  Becky Latka

Director:  Sandy DiCesare

Music: Andrea Wynn

Performed with special permission from Samuel French, Inc.

All performances are FREE!

Performances Dates and Times:

·             June 9^th   Day Theatre  1:30 p.m.   Final Dress—open invite

·       June 10^th   Lunch with ARTS---JCC Dining Room  12:10 p.m.

  June 11^th  Ella Sharp’s Arts and Wine Festival   1:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. on Ella’s porch

·       June 12^th  JCC   Day Theatre                   2:00 p.m.

·       June 13^th  Crouch     Senior Center          12:45 p.m.

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!