Croswell Opera House's 2016 Broadway Season

The dates for the Croswell Opera House’s 2016 Broadway Season are:

• May 13-22: “Million Dollar Quartet”
• June 11-26: “Billy Elliot”
• July 15-24: “Leap of Faith”
• Aug. 12-21: “The Drowsy Chaperone”
• Sept. 17-25: “150 Years at the Croswell”
• Nov. 26 to Dec. 4: “A Croswell Christmas”

The Purple Rose presents THE ODD COUPLE

Start the New Year laughing

The Purple Rose Theatre presents Neil Simon’s classic comedy “The Odd Couple”

CHELSEA, Mich. (December 14, 2015)— The Purple Rose Theatre Company will ring in the new year with the second play of its 25^th anniversary season, Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple.”.

Two suddenly single pals — a sloppy sportswriter and a neat freak news writer — strain their friendship by turning roommates, but patterns of their own disastrous marriages begin to reappear with hilarious results.

“The Odd Couple” will run from Thursday, January 21 through Saturday, March 26, 2016. Previews, with reduced-price tickets, begin Thursday January 21; opening night is Friday, January 29.

Making her professional directorial debut is Purple Rose Resident Artist Lauren Mounsey. Mounsey, a former PRTC apprentice from Macomb has performed in several PRTC productions including “33 Variations”, “Steel Magnolias”, and “2AZ”. She was a directing intern for “Annapurna” and “Talley’s Folly” under Artistic Director Guy Sanville. “Here was everything I wanted,” Mounsey said in a recent interview, “the chance to act, direct and have a family. Guy taught us that the key to happiness is passion, and he stressed that we can have what we want if we work towards it”.

“The Odd Couple” cast features PRTC Artistic Director Guy Sanville (Chelsea) in the leading role of Oscar Madison and David Montee (Traverse City), former director of theatre studies at the Interlohen Center for the Arts, as Felix Ungar. The cast also includes David Bendena (Chelsea), Chris Lutkin (Wyandotte), Michelle Mountain (Grass Lake), Jim Porterfield (Northville), Rhiannon Ragland (Gregory), and Tom Whalen (Royal Oak).

Set design is by Bartley H. Bauer, properties by Danna Segrest, costumes by Corey Collins, lighting by Reid G. Johnson, and sound by Tom Whalen. Angie Kane Ferrante is the stage manager.

Ticket Information

All performances will be held at The Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park Street, Chelsea, Michigan 48118.

Tickets are available for purchase beginning Monday, December 14. Prices range from $19 to $43 each with special discounts for students, seniors and groups. For more information or to make reservations call The Purple Rose Theatre Company box office at (734) 433-7673 or go online at www.purplerosetheatre.org.

Center Stage Jackson Announces Auditions

Arsenic and Old Lace

Audition Date: Saturday January 2nd -OR- Sunday January 3rd, 2016
(Possible callbacks at 6:30pm on Monday January 4th, 2016)

Audition Time: 2:00pm

Audition Location: 
The Art Underground (basement of The Commercial Exchange Building)
111 Horton St. Jackson, MI 49203
Please enter in the southern most doors on Horton Street, down the stairs.

What to Prepare/Expect: Short monologue if possible. There will be a short reading from the script.
Photos of pages of the script will be posted on the website and facebook page soon so that auditioning actors may become familiar with the material ahead of time.

Rehearsals will be held from 6:30pm-9:30pm January 18 through February 24, with days off decided by the director. Some rehearsals will be held at the winery.

Director: Victor McDermott 

Synopsis: 
We meet the charming and innocent ladies who populate their cellar with the remains of socially and religiously "acceptable" roomers; the antics of their brother who thinks he is Teddy Roosevelt; and the activities of the other brother—these require no further description or amplification here.

This Production Calls for: 11 males and 3 females:
MARTHA BREWSTER - an elderly lady
ABBY BREWSTER - her elderly sister
TEDDY BREWSTER - their brother who thinks he is Teddy Roosevelt 
MORTIMER BREWSTER - their nephew
ELAINE HARPER - his fiance
REV. DR. HARPER - her father
OFFICER KLEIN
OFFICER O'HARA - a raconteur
OFFICER BROPHY
LIEUTENANT ROONEY
JONATHAN BREWSTER - Mortimer's murderous brother
DR. EINSTEIN - his accomplice
MR. GIBBS

Performance Information:
Main Stage: Play
February 26-28 & March 4-6, 2016
Sandhill Crane Vineyards

Click here for more information

Contact: Director Victor McDermott at victorm@annarboracademy.org or (517) 917-3991.

Center Stage Announces Auditions for Youth Theatre

^{Charleston!
January 5th and January 7th, 2016}

Jackson, MI – December 14, 2015

Center Stage Jackson, in partnership with Jackson Public Schools, is excited to announce auditions for its next Youth Theater musical, Charleston!, book by Tim Kelly, music and lyrics by Bill Francoeur.  This production will be directed by Doug Meyers, with musical direction by Sarah Sanders.

Auditions will be held on January 5 and 7, 2016 at 4:30 pm at Jackson's First Presbyterian Church, 743 W. Michigan Ave in Jackson. Actors need only attend one audition.

This production is for youth in Jackson County that are in 3rd through 9th grade, with no exceptions. No advanced preparation is necessary, and newbies are welcome and encouraged! Charleston! calls for 30 speaking roles plus a chorus. More information HERE.

Charleston! will be performed March 18, 19, and 20, 2016 at The Middle Room at Parkside Kiesel Auditorium. Friday and Saturday performances will be held at 7:00 pm, with the Sunday matinee performance at 2:00 pm.

Charleston! is produced through special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Services, Inc., Englewood, CO

Contact: Director Doug Meyers at drmeyers14@sbcglobal.net or at (517) 783-1468.

Center Stage Jackson Seeks Directors. . .

^{Seeking Directors for} Arsenic and Old Lace 

^and Spring Cabaret 

^{Interviews Saturday, October 24, 2015}

Jackson, MI – October 12, 2015

Center Stage Jackson is currently seeking directors, new or seasoned, interested in directing the production of the main stage play Arsenic and Old Lace or our annual spring cabaret. 

Director interviews for both productions will be held Saturday, October 24th by appointment at Jackson College, 2111 Emmons Rd, Jackson, MI 49201.

Arsenic and Old Lace will be staged February 26-28 and March 4-6 at the Sandhill Crane Vineyards, 4724 Walz Rd, Jackson, MI 49201.  Potential directors should come prepared with a rough idea of a vision, possible crew members, schedule for rehearsals, potential rehearsal location, potential audition dates and location, and understanding of the show. 

Our spring cabaret's date, location, and theme is yet to be determined.  Potential directors should come prepared with these details in mind, particularly a theme they would like to direct.

Contact: Board member Chuck Edwards at chuck002@ameritech.net or (517) 250-3069 for more information.

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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.  CSJ performs at various area venues including Jackson College, a proud sponsor of CSJ, located at 2111 Emmons Road, Jackson, Michigan. 

www.centerstagejackson.org. 

Center Stage Jackson presents. . .

AGNES OF GOD

Center Stage is proud to present the second of this season's free Staged Reading series, Agnes of God by John Pielmeier and directed by Ann Holt. A novice nun (Claire Wagler) gives birth and insists that the child was the result of a virgin conception. A psychiatrist (Mary Lou Blanchard) and the mother superior of the convent (Candi Dunnigan) clash during the resulting investigation.
   

Agnes of God will be performed on October 3, 2015 at 2:00pm at the Jackson School of the Arts Ensemble Theatre, located at 634 Mechanic St. Jackson, MI 49203.

This is a free performance, with donations encouraged.  

Please note that this performance contains some mature language. 

Staged Readings are different from regular plays or musicals in that actors and actresses perform with scripts in hand, with minimal set, props and blocking.  The Staged Reading Series is the brainchild of Ann Holt, who wrote and applied for a grant for the series in 2009.   The purpose of the Stages Reading Series was to allow the community to become familiar with a wider variety of theatrical works and playwrights, allow more of the community to be active and involved in community theatre, allow community members that have never acted before a way to 'get their feet wet', and allow veteran actors and actresses the opportunity to perform without the committment of a regular show. 

Contact: Ann Holt @ anncholt@gmail.com.

Center Stage Jackson presents:

 ^{The Nerd
FREE Staged Reading}

Center Stage is proud to present the first of this season's free Staged Reading series, The Nerd by Larry Shue.  Set in Terre Haute, Indiana in late 1979, The Nerd centers on the hilarious dilemma of a young architect who is visited by Rick Steadman, a fellow ex-GI whom he has never met but who saved has life after he was seriously wounded in Vietnam. Willum is delighted when Rick shows up unexpectedly at his apartment on the night of his thirty-fourth birthday party. However, Rick's awkward manner and inappropriate behavior throw the occasion into shambles. It turns out that Rick is a stupid nerd who overstays his welcome with a vengeance.  

The Nerd will be performed on September 19, 2015 at 2:00pm at the Jackson School of the Arts Ensemble Theatre, located at 634 Mechanic St. Jackson, MI 49203.

This is a free performance, with donations encouraged.  

Directed by Michael Cicirelli, the cast includes Sean Harmon, James Stump, Aleshia Cloyd, Phil Kolis, Jeff Boyer, Jen Hart, and Logan Harmon.

Please note that this performance contains some mature language. 

Staged Readings are different from regular plays or musicals in that actors and actresses perform with scripts in hand, with minimal set, props and blocking.  The Staged Reading Series is the brainchild of Ann Holt, who wrote and applied for a grant for the series in 2009.   The purpose of the Stages Reading Series was to allow the community to become familiar with a wider variety of theatrical works and playwrights, allow more of the community to be active and involved in community theatre, allow community members that have never acted before a way to 'get their feet wet', and allow veteran actors and actresses the opportunity to perform without the committment of a regular show. 

Contact: Director Michael Cicirelli at michaelcicirelli@gmail.com.

Center Stage Jackson announces Cast of GYPSY

Announcing the Cast of GYPSY

Center Stage Jackson is pleased to announce the cast of its fall Main Stage Musical, GYPSY!

Cast members are listed in order of appearance.
Please note that cast members listed in maroon/bold are members of Center Stage Jackson.  If you would like to become a member of Center Stage Jackson, click here for more information.

Uncle Jocko - Preston Judd 
Georgie - Bradley Lewis
Balloon Girl - McKenzie Fall
Clarence - Sid Varland
Baby June - Maggie Page
Baby Louise - Meadow Pratt
Rose - Betsy King
Pop - Gary Minix
Weber - Mark Sanders
Herbie - Victor McDermott
Newsboys - Max Beal, Jacob Boswell, McKenzie Fall, Sid Varland
June - Molly Beal
Louise - Kary Swiontek
Tulsa - Jared Bugbee
L.A. - Danny Hirth
Yonkers - Joseph Gerring
Angie - Brendan Pratt
Kringelein - Preston Judd
Mr. Goldstone - Richard Beal
Miss Cratchitt - Teresa Van Bloem
Agnes - Aimie Smith
Majorie May - Sydney Warner
Dolores - Lauren Turson
Thelma - Anna Commet
Gail - Hanna Tritten 
Cigar - Richard Beal
Pastey - Preston Judd 
Tessie Tura - Lisa Cryderman 
Mazeppa - Veronica Long
Electra - Mandee Howard 
Renee - Christine Rebescher
Phil - Edward Burkhead
Bourgeron-Cochon - Bradley Lewis


Contact: Director Trinity Bird at trinitylbird@gmail.com.

PURPLE ROSE KICKS OFF 25th ANNIVERSARY SEASON

CHELSEA, Mich. — The Purple Rose Theatre Company is thrilled to kick off its 25^th Anniversary season with the world-premiere comedy, Casting Session, by theatre Founder Jeff Daniels!

Frank and Ron are two middle-aged actors who have been competing for the same roles in New York City and beyond for thirty years. Join us for this hilarious world premiere comedy that explores the lengths to which actors will go to get the part. Casting Session contains adult language.

Casting Session will enjoy a fourteen-week engagement at The Purple Rose Theatre Company from Thursday, September 17 – Saturday, December 19, 2015. Seven low-priced previews will be performed Thursday, September 17 – Thursday, September 24, with Press Opening on Friday, September 25, 2015. Regular performances for the duration of the run are Wednesdays at 3:00 PM, Thursdays & Fridays at 8:00 PM, Saturdays at 3:00 PM & 8:00 PM, and Sundays at 2:00 PM. 

Directed by PRTC Artistic Director, Guy Sanville, the cast includes Tom Whalen (Royal Oak, MI), David Daoust (Lansing, MI), and Erika Matchie Thiede (Chelsea, MI).

Design for this production includes set by Bartley H. Bauer, properties by Danna Segrest, costumes by Shelby Newport, lighting by Dana L. White, sound by Angie Kane Ferrante, and stage managed by Angie Kane Ferrante.

All performances will be held at The Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park Street, Chelsea, Michigan 48118.

The PRTC is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit professional theatre operating under a Small Professional Theatre agreement with the Actors’ Equity Association.

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

 

Center Stage Seeking Technical Crew for GYPSY

Center Stage Jackson is currently seeking technical crew, such as stage manager, lighting, sound, props, technical director, set builders, and stage hands, for the fall production of GYPSY.  GYPSY is a Main Stage musical that will be performed November 6-8 & 13-15, 2015.

If you or someone you know are interested in working backstage on this production, please contact Becky Crews at mooleeboo@gmail.com.

Speculated by many (including NY Times critic Ben Brantley) to be the greatest of all American musicals, GYPSY tells the story of the dreams and efforts of one hungry, powerhouse of a woman to get her two daughters into show business. The musical focuses on the story of Gypsy Rose Lee’s mother, Rose, and earned Rose a place in the theatrical and literary canon as the quintessential, archetypal “Stage Mother.” The musical features songs that have become standards of the musical theatre canon, including “Some People,” “Let Me Entertain You,” “Rose’s Turn,” and the show-stopping, “Everything’s Coming Up Roses”. GYPSY is famous for helping launch lyricist Stephen Sondheim’s career, and features a book by Arthur Laurents that is widely considered to be one of the classic examples of a traditional “book musical.” At the heart of the musical is the gregarious Rose, whose journey made critic Frank Rich call GYPSY, “Broadway’s own brassy, unlikely answer to King Lear.” 

Contact: Becky Crews at mooleeboo@gmail.com.

Purple Rose Offers Classes

Guy Sanville leads a class / Photo Credit: Sean Carter Photography

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 24, 2015

REGISTRATION OPENS FOR PURPLE ROSE THEATRE 2015-2016 CLASSES ON SEPT. 1!

CHELSEA, Mich. – Jeff Daniels’ Purple Rose Theatre Company is accepting actor and playwright applicants starting on September 1 for six classes during their 2015-2016, 25^th Anniversary season.

The class season starts with the Purple Rose Playwright Intensive, Sunday, October 2 – Saturday, October 10, 2015. Working with Purple Rose Artistic Director, Guy Sanville, (director of over 35 professional world premieres), PRTC Literary Manager & Resident Artist, Michelle Mountain, and PRTC Resident Artist & Playwright, Carey Crim, (Growing Pretty, Wake, Some Couples May…, Conviction), participants will learn basic principles of playwriting including dramatic elements, structure, the differences between tragedy and comedy, character development, story and plot. Each participant will write a short (10 minute) one-act play during class that will be presented and discussed at a public reading.

Actors looking for an intense training in practical acting principles can challenge themselves in the Scene Study Intensive, Meaning It: Acting at the Purple Rose. Our most selective and rigorous class includes physical training, monologue work and extensive scene study on Mondays, October 12 – December 14, 2015. Discover new approaches to scene work and character development. Class work will also include theatre exercises, readings, discussions, and coaching from the instructors: Purple Rose Artistic Director, Guy Sanville, and PRTC Resident Artists, Michelle Mountain and Rhiannon Ragland.

Also available is our Acting for the Camera Intensive on Friday, October 16 – Sunday, October 18, 2015. PRTC Associate Artist & Playwright, Brian Letscher, (film work includes Kate and Leopold, Puccini For Beginners, dozens of television credits including Law & Order: CI, SVU as well as a recurring role on Scandal) will lead this Acting for the Camera Intensive. The class will cover many topics including the differences between theatre and film, between television and film, auditioning for the camera, the on-set experience, taking care of yourself – take after take, the differences between long, medium and close shots, etc. Participants must come prepared with a one-minute memorized contemporary monologue from television or film. Participants should bring a flash drive or SD card to class.

The PRTC is also bringing back Shakespeare at The Rose, a journey into the heart of Shakespeare, exploring the text and fundamental principals of acting these classic monologues and scenes, on Saturdays, February 6 – March 12, 2016. PRTC Resident Artist, Michelle Mountain, will teach the class. Next, summer 2016 will mark the return of the popular Teen Intensive, scheduled for Mondays – Thursdays, July 11 – 21. Students entering eighth – twelfth grade will experience the work of professional actors, including scene study, monologue work and acting for the camera. Instructors for the Purple Rose Teen Intensive will be PRTC Resident Artists, Michelle Mountain and Lauren Knox. Finally, the fan favorite, Actor Boot Camp, a 3-day intensive study into acting techniques used by working professionals Friday, July 15 – Sunday, July 17, 2016. Purple Rose Artistic Director, Guy Sanville, and PRTC Resident Artist, Michelle Mountain will teach the boot camp.

Founded in 1991 by actor and Chelsea native, Jeff Daniels, The Purple Rose Theatre Company (PRTC) is the home of world-class, original American theatre. The PRTC is a professional theatre company with roots in the Midwest that takes a handcrafted, artisanal approach to producing new and classic American plays that are nothing less than one-of-a-kind experiences. The PRTC is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit professional theatre operating under a Small Professional Theatre agreement with the Actors’ Equity Association.

Registration information for Purple Rose classes is available by phone at 734.433.7782 and online at http://www.purplerosetheatre.org/education/classes.

Center Stage Announces Auditions for Youth Theatre

Youth Theater Auditions for
Rumpelstiltskin, Private Eye

In this witty film-noir fairytale spoof, Fairytale Land has been hit by a crime wave.  The Three Bears’ home was broken into.  The Three Little Pigs’ homes were destroyed.  Now Little Red Riding Hood’s grandmother is missing.  The crimes seem unrelated, at least if you listen to those shady Grimm brothers.  But could an evil mastermind be behind them all?  Something punny is going on!  Only hard-boiled detective Rumpelstiltskin and his wise-cracking partner Ugly Duckling can solve this wacky case.  Full of hilarious roles and snappy one-liners, this private eye parody is pure gold!
 

Audition Dates: Thursday September 16 -OR- Tuesday September 21, 2015 (you need only come to one).

Audition Time: 4:30pm

Audition Location: Jackson's First Presbyterian Church
743 W. Michigan Ave.

What to Prepare: Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. No preparation necessary. Newbies welcome!
 

Note: Rehearsals will be weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30pm until 6:00pm at Jackson's First Presbyterian Church.

This is a Youth Theater play directed by Bob Bullock that will be performed November 20th-22nd at Jackson's First Presbyterian Church. Youth Theater is for Jackson County students that are in 3rd through 9th grade (no exceptions). To see our Frequently Asked Questions page, click here.

Contact: Youth Theater Chair Doug Meyers at drmeyers14@sbcglobal.net.

Center Stage Announces Auditions for Gypsy!

Main Stage Musical Auditions for
GYPSY

Speculated by many (including NY Times critic Ben Brantley) to be the greatest of all American musicals, GYPSY tells the story of the dreams and efforts of one hungry, powerhouse of a woman to get her two daughters into show business. The musical focuses on the story of Gypsy Rose Lee’s mother, Rose, and earned Rose a place in the theatrical and literary canon as the quintessential, archetypal “Stage Mother.” The musical features songs that have become standards of the musical theatre canon, including “Some People,” “Let Me Entertain You,” “Rose’s Turn,” and the show-stopping, “Everything’s Coming Up Roses”. GYPSY is famous for helping launch lyricist Stephen Sondheim’s career, and features a book by Arthur Laurents that is widely considered to be one of the classic examples of a traditional “book musical.” At the heart of the musical is the gregarious Rose, whose journey made critic Frank Rich call GYPSY, “Broadway’s own brassy, unlikely answer to King Lear.”

Auditions for Youth Ages 13 and Below:
Sunday August 30th at 2:00pm

Auditions for Young Adults & Adults Ages 14+:
Sunday August 30th at 7:00pm
or Monday August 31st at 7:00pm

Audition Location: To be announced soon.

What to Prepare: 16-20 bars of a showtune (one not from Gypsy). No monologues necessary.
This is a Main Stage Musical directed by Trinity Bird that will be performed November 6-8 & 13-15, 2015 at Jackson College's Potter Center.

Contact: Director Trinity Bird at trinitylbird@gmail.com.

Center Stage Announces. . .

^{Center Stage Jackson Announces 2015-2016 Season 
Includes Musicals Gypsy and 1776}

Jackson, MI – July 16, 2015

Center Stage Jackson is excited to announce it's 2015-2016 season, which will include Main Stage musicals, Youth Theater productions, and several Staged Readings.

The Dixie Swim Club 
August 8, 2015 (Staged Reading) @ The Jackson School of the Arts Ensemble Theatre at Art 634

Five Southern women, whose friends​h​ips began many years ago on their college swim team, set aside a long weekend every August to recharge those relationships. Free from husbands, kids and jobs, they meet at the same beach cottage on North Carolina's Outer Banks to catch up, laugh and meddle in each other's lives. The Dixie Swim Club focuses on four of those weekends and spans a period of thirty-three years.

 

The Nerd

September 19, 2015 (Staged Reading) @ The Jackson School of the Arts Ensemble Theatre at Art 634

Set in Terre Haute, Indiana in late 1979, The Nerd centers on the hilarious dilemma of a young architect who is visited by Rick Steadman, a fellow ex-GI whom he has never met but who saved has life after he was seriously wounded in Vietnam. Willum is delighted when Rick shows up unexpectedly at his apartment on the night of his thirty-fourth birthday party. However, Rick's awkward manner and inappropriate behavior throw the occasion into shambles. It turns out that Rick is a stupid œnerd* who overstays his welcome with a vengeance.

 

Agnes of God

October 3, 2015 (Staged Reading) @ The Jackson School of the Arts Ensemble Theatre at Art 634

A novice nun gives birth and insists that the child was the result of a virgin conception.  A psychiatrist and the mother superior of the convent clash during the resulting investigation.  The story is based on a real life incident.

 

Gypsy

November 6-8 & 13-15, 2015(Main Stage: Musical) @ Jackson College's Potter Center

Gypsy tells the story of the dreams and efforts of one hungry, powerhouse of a woman to get her two daughters into show business. Rose is the quintessential, archetypal “Stage Mother.” The musical features songs that have become standards of the musical theatre canon, including “Some People,” “Let Me Entertain You,” “Rose’s Turn,” and the show-stopping, “Everything’s Coming Up Roses”.  Gypsy is famous for helping launch lyricist Stephen Sondheim’s career.

 

Rumpelstiltskin, Private Eye

November 20-22, 2015 (Youth Theater: Play) @ Jackson's First Presbyterian Church

In this witty film-noir fairytale spoof, Fairytale Land has been hit by a crime wave.  The Three Bears’ home was broken into.  The Three Little Pigs’ homes were destroyed.  Now Little Red Riding Hood’s grandmother is missing.  The crimes seem unrelated, at least if you listen to those shady Grimm brothers.  But could an evil mastermind be behind them all?  Something punny is going on!  

 

Charleston!
March 18-20, 2016 (Youth Theater: Musical) @ The Middle School at Parkside Auditorium
Polly Pepper, a young flapper in the roaring 20's, is about to turn 18 years old and will then inherit an extraordinary diamond necklace.  She is planning a wacky birthday party and is inviting all her friends.  Buck Wayne, Polly’s new boyfriend, wouldn’t miss the birthday celebration for anything, but watch out, trouble’s in the air!  Mobsters are planning to grab the necklace and have devised a clever con to crash Polly’s party.  
 

1776

June 17-19 & 24-26, 2016 (Main Stage: Musical) @ Jackson College’s Potter Center
It's the summer of 1776, and the nation is ready to declare independence...if only our founding fathers can agree to do it! 1776 follows John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, and Richard Henry Lee and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia as they attempt to convince the members of the second Continental Congress to vote for independence from the shackles of the British monarchy by signing the Declaration of Independence. 1776 puts a human face on the pages of history as we see the men behind the national icons: proud, frightened, uncertain, irritable, charming, often petty and ultimately noble figures determined to do the right thing for a fledgling nation. 

More shows and events will be announced later in the season.

Contact: Board Member Doug Meyers at drmeyers14@sbcglobal.net or (517) 783-1468.

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Center Stage Jackson

^{Seeking Directors for Gypsy and 1776 
Interviews Thursday July 23, 2015}

Jackson, MI – July 16, 2015

Center Stage Jackson is currently seeking directors, new or seasoned, interested in directing the production of the musical Gypsy or 1776.

Director interviews for these main stage productions will be held Thursday July 23rd at 4pm in the conference room of the Jackson Coffee Company, 216 S. Mechanic Street in downtown Jackson.

Gypsy will be staged November 6-8 & 13-15, 2015 and 1776 will be presented June 17-19 & 24-26, 2016.  Both musicals will be held at Jackson College's Baughman Theater in the Potter Center.

Directors should come prepared with a rough idea of a vision, possible crew members, schedule for rehearsals, and understanding of the show they would like to direct. 

Contact: Board member Melissa Paschall at  mturner@jpsmail.org for more information.

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Center Stage Jackson is Jackson’s community theatre group.  Formed in 2001 when Jackson Civic Theatre and Clark Lake Players merged, Cen

SPAMALOT Offers Sign Language

June 13th Performance of SPAMALOT To Include Sign Language Interpreters
 

With only two weeks until SPAMALOT opens, Center Stage Jackson is excited to announce that our Saturday, June 13th performance will include sign language interpreters! See below to purchase your tickets to this very special event now!

Spamalot is the musical lovingly ripped off from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. If you aren't familiar with the 1975 film, it is a highly irreverent parody of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Rude Frenchmen, cancan dancers, the Lady of the Lake and her Laker Girls, killer rabbits, catapulting cows, and the somewhat odd knights who say "ni" are just part of the adventures and dangers awaiting King Arthur and his knights of the very very very round table in their quest for the holy grail.

Don’t miss the show that critics claim raises silliness to a new art form!

All general admission tickets are only $15. Tickets are available online at www.centerstagejackson.org  or at CP Federal Credit Union’s main branch on Clinton Road. Group tickets are available online or at the door for $13/person for groups of ten or more.

Show Dates and Times
June 12, 2015 at 8 PM
June 13, 2015 at 8 PM (includes sign language interpreters)
June 14, 2015 at 3 PM
June 19, 2015 at 8 PM
June 20, 2015 at 8 PM
June 21, 2015 at 3 PM

Summer Production Open to All Schools in Jackson County!

Auditions for the Jackson High School Theatre Department's production of Seussical The Musical will be held June 8th & 9th from 6-9pm in the Jackson High School Auditorium (544 Wildwood Ave, Jackson MI 49201).  This production is open to all schools in Jackson County, kindergarten through 2015 graduates.  Seussical The Musical will run August 7, 8 & 9, 2015 at Jackson High School.

Please contact Diego Febres-Cordero at difebco@gmail.com with any questions (this is not a Center Stage Jackson production). 

Center Stage Jackson presents Monty Python's Spamalot!

Come laugh a lot on the campus of Jackson College with Spamalot, the musical lovingly ripped off from the internationally renowned comedy team’s most popular film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail. This highly irreverent parody of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table is the recipient of three Tony Awards, including Best Musical and fourteen Tony Award nominations.  Rude Frenchmen, cancan dancers, the Lady of the Lake and her Laker Girls, killer rabbits, catapulting cows, and the somewhat odd knights who say "ni" are just part of the adventures and dangers awaiting King Arthur and his knights of the very very very round table in their quest for the holy grail.

Spamalot will run June 12th-14th and June 19th-21st at the Potter Center on the campus of Jackson College, 2111 Emmons Rd. Jackson, MI 49201.  The curtain rises on Friday and Saturday shows at 8pm, and Sunday shows at 3pm.  

Tickets are $15 per person and are available at the door, online now at www.centerstagejackson.org, or at CP Federal Credit Union's main branch at 1100 Clinton Rd, Jackson, MI 49202.  Group tickets are also available at $13 per person for groups of ten or more (available online or at the door).  

Advisory: Spamalot pokes fun at almost everyone and everything, even Broadway musicals. It is most appropriate for children 16 and older who can appreciate the unique Pythonesque sense of humor that –without apology – can appear cheeky, impertinent, irreverent, disrespectful, and sometimes just plain rude…but to the sophisticated and discerning eye, it is silliness raised to an art form and all good fun. But, please, if you are easily offended, take King Arthur's advice and "Run away!"

Some of the leads in this production have been double cast. June 12th, 14th, and 20th Daniel Dye will perform as Arthur, Lisa Cryderman will perform as Lady of the Lake, and Matt McDonald will perform as Robin.  June 13th, 19th and 21st Brian Weber will perform as Arthur, Karen Kidder-Barrett will perform as Lady of the Lake and Michael Cicerelli will perform as Robin.

Center Stage Jackson is proud to partner with Jim Winter Auto Group and CP Federal Credit Union to bring this talented group of Jackson actors to the stage in this zany, madcap show.

Contact: Producer David Hawkins at David.hawkins1@comcast.net.  

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www.centerstagejackson.org.