From Thackaberr at aol.com Mon Sep 16 08:20:07 2002
From: Thackaberr at aol.com (Thackaberr at aol.com)
Date: Mon Sep 16 08:20:07 2002
Subject: [NEohioPAL]Rave Review of Grand Night for Singing at Actors' Summit
Message-ID: <19e.8ba7985.2ab71932@aol.com>
--part1_19e.8ba7985.2ab71932_boundary
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Actors' Summit offers night of great songs
Rodgers and Hammerstein revue filled with romance, nostalgia
By Kerry Clawson
Beacon Journal staff writer
Actors' Summit's Rodgers and Hammerstein revue, A Grand Night for Singing,
doesn't have a lot of pizzazz, but it's full of romantic, nostalgic classics
that make for a pleasant evening.
The 1994 Broadway revue, nominated for two Tonys, celebrates the work of
these famous collaborators, featuring tunes from Oklahoma, Cinderella, The
King and I, South Pacific, The Sound of Music, Allegro, Pipe Dream, Carousel
and Flower Drum Song.
The Actors' Summit production is a fast-paced performance with seamless
transitions. Four actors/singers are backed by an excellent four-member band,
led by music director/pianist Marc Baker, obviously a consummate musician.
Baritone Greg Violand is the anchor in this musical production, as a soloist,
in duets and in ensemble numbers. He's the most accomplished singer of the
four, having sung with Cleveland Opera Company and in a number of Northeast
Ohio musicals. The rest of the singers have generally enjoyable voices.
The charming Violand excels in the lovely We Kiss in a Shadow and as the lead
singer in Honey Bun, one of the most delightful numbers of the evening.
Here, he begins with a cute verbal disclaimer to this song that extols a
woman's great figure: `No offense to anybody. It was the times, you know.''
In this bouncy, jazzy number, the rest of the cast serves as a girl backup
band, dancing and miming playing instruments.
Other lively songs include That's The Way It Happens with MaryJo Alexander,
Violand and Wayne Turney and the ensemble's perfectly polished show stopper,
Kansas City.
Alexander and Maryann Nagel also offer a lot of fun in the jazzy,
lounge-style I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out-a My Hair.
Too often, alto Nagel and tenor Turney sound a bit forced and flat. That
pairing makes their duet, Shall We Dance, one of the show's weakest numbers.
All of these cast members are good actors, though. They offer very honest
emoting in Alexander's tender Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful and
Turney's painful Love, Look Away. Director Neil Thackaberry has added a
number of niceties to the show, including plenty of cute patter between
numbers. There's a good flow of actors from different entry points into the
stage area, and choreography is simple yet effective.
Costumer Alexander presents a beautiful array of gowns for both her and
Nagel, adding great elegance to the show.
Rodgers and Hammerstein lovers will want to tap their feet and hum along with
some of this revue's best-known numbers. The actors all look starry-eyed in
their finale, Impossible/I Have Dreamed, which features beautiful four-part
harmony.
Theater critic Kerry Clawson may be reached at 330-996-3527 or by e-mail at
kclawson at thebeaconjournal.com.
--part1_19e.8ba7985.2ab71932_boundary
Content-Type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Actors' Summit offers night of great songs Rodgers and Hammerstein revue filled with romance, nostalgia
By Kerry Clawson
Beacon Journal staff writer
Actors' Summit's Rodgers and Hammerstein revue, A Grand Night for Singing, doesn't have a lot of pizzazz, but it's full of romantic, nostalgic classics that make for a pleasant evening.
The 1994 Broadway revue, nominated for two Tonys, celebrates the work of these famous collaborators, featuring tunes from Oklahoma, Cinderella, The King and I, South Pacific, The Sound of Music, Allegro, Pipe Dream, Carousel and Flower Drum Song.
The Actors' Summit production is a fast-paced performance with seamless transitions. Four actors/singers are backed by an excellent four-member band, led by music director/pianist Marc Baker, obviously a consummate musician.
Baritone Greg Violand is the anchor in this musical production, as a soloist, in duets and in ensemble numbers. He's the most accomplished singer of the four, having sung with Cleveland Opera Company and in a number of Northeast Ohio musicals. The rest of the singers have generally enjoyable voices.
The charming Violand excels in the lovely We Kiss in a Shadow and as the lead singer in Honey Bun, one of the most delightful numbers of the evening.
Here, he begins with a cute verbal disclaimer to this song that extols a woman's great figure: `No offense to anybody. It was the times, you know.''
In this bouncy, jazzy number, the rest of the cast serves as a girl backup band, dancing and miming playing instruments.
Other lively songs include That's The Way It Happens with MaryJo Alexander, Violand and Wayne Turney and the ensemble's perfectly polished show stopper, Kansas City.
Alexander and Maryann Nagel also offer a lot of fun in the jazzy, lounge-style I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out-a My Hair.
Too often, alto Nagel and tenor Turney sound a bit forced and flat. That pairing makes their duet, Shall We Dance, one of the show's weakest numbers.
All of these cast members are good actors, though. They offer very honest emoting in Alexander's tender Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful and Turney's painful Love, Look Away. Director Neil Thackaberry has added a number of niceties to the show, including plenty of cute patter between numbers. There's a good flow of actors from different entry points into the stage area, and choreography is simple yet effective.
Costumer Alexander presents a beautiful array of gowns for both her and Nagel, adding great elegance to the show.
Rodgers and Hammerstein lovers will want to tap their feet and hum along with some of this revue's best-known numbers. The actors all look starry-eyed in their finale, Impossible/I Have Dreamed, which features beautiful four-part harmony.
Theater critic Kerry Clawson may be reached at 330-996-3527 or by e-mail at kclawson at thebeaconjournal.com.
Greetings and Salutations!
You're INVITED to see our show.
You might just learn a little,
Of facts you?d never know.
If this at all seems boring,
Don?t hold back your yawn.
For you?re about to embark on,
A trip with Henry and Tom.
Now Tom we have to thank,
For all of those things we care.
The light bulb, the telephone, the cinema,
The electric bills we so despair.
And Henry with his boat on wheels,
sailing down the road.
With a beep . . .
And a squeak . . .
And a black shiny streak . . .
America?s now in the mode.
Henry and Tom go camping,
annually each year.
But, this camping trip is different,
As they smack into a deer!
Another guest will accompany us,
along with the two major greats.
Warren G. Harding is 29th ,
Among the Presidents of the United States.
So this is where I leave you,
Take caution of certain conditions.
You may want to feed the wild life,
DON?T FEED THE POLITICIANS!
Make sure you bring your sleeping bag,
Your toothbrush, and your song.
To dance around the campfire,
With Warren, Henry and Tom.
---Terry M. Sandler, Director
CHAGRIN VALLEY LITTLE THEATRE
Presents:
Camping with Henry and Tom!
By Mark St. Germain
Directed by Terry M. Sandler
When
September 20-October 12 (Fridays & Saturdays, 8pm)
Box Office
(440)-247-8955 (40 River Street, Chagrin Falls)
Seeking an actor to play the one remaining open role in Cast of Characters
The Tale of the Allergist's Wife
by Charles Busch
Directed by Fred Sternfeld
at Dobama Theatre
(the rest of the cast is listed below)
Mohammed is the doorman in the Taub's upscale apartment building. He is from Iraq and in his early twenties. Actors who can believably play someone of Middle-Eastern ethnicity will be considered. This is a paid position.
If you are interested in auditioning, please contact Fred Sternfeld at 216-360-0708 for an appointment. Or, if you know someone who may be appropriate for this role, please forward this message to them.
Mohammed --
Marjorie Taub -- Jeanne Task
Ira Taub -- Greg Violand*
Frieda -- Myrtle Silverman
Lee Green -- Laura Perrotta*
In an intricate comedy of manners a well-heeled couple regains their sense of adventure - with hysterical consequences. Known for his contemporary outrageous comedies and biting social satire, Busch's Broadway hit makes its OHIO debut.
"An intelligently funny satirically relevant uptown comedy." New York Times
Rehearsals
The rehearsal period will be a total of four weeks and will begin the week of either December 9 or 16, 2002. It will be split into two segments allowing for a one to two week break at the end of December.
Production Dates
January 17- February 9, 2003
CLEVELAND=20
PUBLIC THEATRE PRESENTS
PREMIERE=20 OF NEW MUSIC ENSEMBLE
Mystical Connections
an=20 Evening of Music led by Margaret Brouwer
Wednesday, September 18, 2002 at 8:00pm
Executive=20
Director James A. Levin and Artistic Director Randy Rollison are proud =
to=20
present Mystical=20
Connections, an=20
evening of music led by Margaret=20
Brouwer.=20
The evening will feature the premiere of a new Cleveland based music =
ensemble=20
named Connections=20
as well as performances by African singer/dancer Ceco Selinas and =
clarinetist=20
Amitai Vardi. Mystical=20
Connections will=20
be presented for one night only on Wednesday=20
September 18, 2002 at 8:00 p.m.=20
Tickets are $15.00 and $10.00 for seniors and students. For more box =
office=20
information, please call Cleveland Public Theatre at 216.631.2727.
Mystical =
Connections is not a concert so much =
as a total=20
experience. The newly founded ensemble explores the art of communication =
and=20
understanding between cultures as well as the acceptance and celebration =
of=20
differences. Featuring a combination of works composed by Margaret =
Brouwer and a=20
cross selection of various world music, the event is a unique attempt to =
thread=20
connections between seemingly disparate cultures and explore the =
possibility of=20
a world that speaks a common language of hope. =93In the aftermath of =
Sept. 11th,=20
we lowly musicians wondered what we could do to help. The result is =
simply this:=20
an honest exploration of how connections can be made through music,=94 =
says=20
Margaret Brouwer.
Brouwer approached various =
local=20
musicians last winter about connecting with other cultures through music =
and=20
=93was thrilled to find that these musicians all very much wanted to be=20
involved.=94 For the core =
of her=20
Connections ensemble, she successfully assembled four recent graduates =
of the=20
Cleveland Institute of Music and two members of Cleveland=92s =
Apollo=92s=20
Fire, conductor and founder Jeannette Sorrell and singer =
Sandra=20
Simon. In conjunction with Brouwer=92s ensemble, will be modern and=20
traditional African music performed by local African drummers and =
singer/ dancer=20
Ceco Selinas, and Klezmer music performed by local clarinetist =
Amitai=20
Vardi. Under the belief that music operates on a level beyond the =
language=20
of politics and religion, Brouwer views this work as a response to the=20
preponderance of violence between cultures. Her hope is that =93when we =
get away=20
from words, communication may be easier.=94 =20
Cleveland=20
Public Theatre=92s Presented Series=20
is=20
made possible through the generous support of The George Fund =
Foundation, The=20
Ohio Arts Council and the Cleveland Foundation/BASICS program and =
Continental=20
Airlines. Cleveland Public Theatre is one of 17 arts organizations =
participating=20
in BASICs; a five-year program of the Cleveland Foundation. BASICs =
organizations=20
receive operating support, customized technical assistance and grants to =
help=20
build capacity to manage the necessary risk-taking of their art=20
forms.
The=20
mission of Cleveland Public Theatre is to inspire, nurture, challenge, =
amaze,=20
educate and empower artists and audiences, in order to make the =
Cleveland Public=20
a more conscious and compassionate community.
Jeff Syroney
Director of Marketing and Public=20
Relations
Cleveland Public Theatre
216.631.2727 ext.=20
203
jsyroney at cptonline.org
www.cptonline.org =
Chuck=20
Davis
Sept.=20
24 =20
You=20
are invited to join=20
Chuck Davis, founder and artistic Director of the African Dance =
Ensemble, as he=20
visits
To=20
spread the ensemble's motto of "Peace, Love, and Respect for =
Everybody," Chuck=20
Davis will have everyone out of their seats as they celebrate =
traditional=20
African culture, aesthetics and values to encourage interracial =
cooperation,=20
cross-cultural understanding and societal=20
analysis.
In=20
his workshops, Chuck will create an energetic atmosphere as he uses =
traditional=20
African and African American dance and music and the art of =
storytelling. Whether a =
student,=20
teacher, artist or all three, the workshop will enhance our =
sensitivities for=20
others -as we dance, sing, and stomp around the room. In Chuck's =
own=20
words, "Become an ambassador for =
peace."
Space=20
is limited and cost is $15.00. To register, call Ray Gargano at 216-348-7912 or email garganor at playhousesquare.co=
m.
For=20
more information about Chuck Davis, visit his website at http://users.vnet.net/aade=
/main.html.=20
Ray=20
Gargano
Education Outreach=20
Manager
216.348.7912
garganor at playhousesquare.com
Jeff Syroney
Director of =
Marketing and=20
Public Relations
Cleveland Public Theatre
216.631.2727 ext.=20
203
jsyroney at cptonline.org
www.cptonline.org=20
THE GEAUGA LYRIC THEATER GUILD =
IS PROUD
TO PRESENT WORKSHOPS ON
STORYTELLING
Presented by professional
storyteller
Robin Echols =
Cooper
A three session workshop =
that
will focus on the nuts and bolts of =
storytelling
From folktales to family
tales…wonderful for creative =
children!
Classes will be held at =
The
Chardon Chalet
October 16, 23 & =
November 6
7:30-8:30pm
Open to ages 8 and =
over
Fee: =
$25.00
VOICE
Presented by Robert =
Sprafka
This workshop will focus =
on
proper breathing, projection & stance =
A must for those serious =
about
performance!
Wednesdays: October 9, 16, =
23
& 30
7:00-9:00pm
At 106 Water Street, =
Chardon
(2nd floor of =
the
Coldwell Banker Building)
Open to ages 14 and =
over
Fee: $40.00 =
TO =
REGISTER
In person, Saturday =
September 28
from 9-11am at Geauga Theater
e-mail Education Director =
Keith
Douglass at : kadoug at alltel.net
By Mail: Checks payable to =
GLTG,
9574 Wildwood Dr, Chardon OH, 44024
The original non-musical version of the classic = Dickens=20 tale returns to the Mainstage. Watch the magical transformation of = mean-spirited=20 Scrooge as he is visited by Christmas Past, Present, and Future in this=20 heart-warming holiday tradition.
Directed by John Capocci
Friday, October 18 at 7 PM
Saturday, October 19 at 7:00 P.M.
Performance dates: November 29 - December = 22
Auditioners should be prepared to read from the = script and=20 to sing a traditional Christmas Carol. They will be asked to affect a = British=20 accent. They may also be asked to do a few simple dance steps. No = appointment is=20 necessary.
For further information, please call the Players = Guild=20 Business Office at (330) 453-7619.
____________________________
Players Guild=20
Theatre
1001 Market Avenue North
Canton, Ohio 44702
Box Office:=20
330-453-7617
Main Office: 330-453-7619
URL: www.playersguildtheatre.com=
A> =
Visit us online at www.playersguildtheatre.com<= /A>=20
____________________________
Players Guild=20
Theatre
1001 Market Avenue North
Canton, Ohio 44702
Box Office: 330-453-7617
Main =
Office:=20
330-453-7619
URL:=20
www.playersguildtheatre.com
Do you like to work in a
casual yet fast paced,
fun and focused,
humorous and serious environment?
Sound paradoxical?
Curious?
Sounds like Cleveland Public Theatre!
We are looking for volunteers to answer phones during the day,
taking reservations and fielding calls.
We especially need help on weekdays, but have hours to fill on the weekends too.
J If you are interested in diving in to the CPT family J
even for a couple hours at a time,
contact Mia Stromberg at imymdray at cs.com or (216) 631-2727 ext. 362
Thank you!
Come=20 party with The Bluescasters and your = closest friends=20 at one of Tremonts hippest, fun, cool bars!!!
Saturday, Septmber 21st @10:00pm- = 2:00am
Edison=92s Pub: =20 Saturday, September 21st- 2373=20 Professor St. Cleveland, Ohio; Tremont District 44113-4629;=20 216-522-0006.
See=20 ya There! The Bluescasters: Tom, Bob, Pete and Jim
See=20 Cool Photos and Listen to MP3 clips @ www.bluescasters.org= P>
The
Geauga Lyric Theater Guild
Will be holding open auditions for
“The =
Dealer”
Monday, September =
30
and
Tuesday, October =
1
7:00-9:00pm
at the
Chardon United Methodist Church =
515 North Street, =
Chardon
Needed are actors age 12 and over for this =
locally written,
original play
This show will play during a school day for 4 =
& 5
graders of Chardon Schools
So please insure you are a student of good =
standing
This show will be performed at the =
Geauga
Theater
101 Water Street, =
Chardon
Wonderful for the individual who loves =
performing live
theater,
but does not have a month worth of weekends to =
donate
for the actual performance!
This show will play in mid November. =
For those in GLTG’s production of =
“A Christmas Carol”:
there is no conflict!
Please e-mail if any =
questions
See you then!
The Beck Center for the Arts
Presents
PARADE
Book by = Alfred Uhry, Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
Production Dates
September = 13 - October 6, 2002
Thursdays, = Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.
Sundays at = 3:00 p.m.
Tickets
Call = 216-521-2540
$19.00 Adults / = $16.00 Senior Citizens / $10.00 Students (college must have = i.d.)
=93BUY ONE TICKET AND GET ONE FREE=94
This offer available to subscribers of NEohioPAL for this = weekends perfomances:
Thursday, September 19th - Sunday, September = 22nd
Mention NeohioPal to receive this discount.
=93Parade=94 is the tragic true story of the Brooklyn-born Jew = wrongly accused
of the = murder of 13-year old Mary Phagan in 1913 Georgia. His only = defenders are the governor and his wife who ultimately become his = greatest champions.
The Cast
Leo Frank - = Keith = Gerchak
Lucille = Frank - Sandra Emerick
Jim Conley = - Kyle = Primous*
Mary Phagan = - Hannah DelMonte
Frankie = Epps - Colin Cook
Newt Lee - = Walter = Hazzard
Hugh Dorsey = - Brian = Etchell
Governor = John Slaton - Rob Gibb
Sally = Slaton - Jennifer Clifford
Britt Craig = - Ian = Atwood
Tom Watson = - G.A. = Taggett
Young = Confederate Soldier/Fiddlin John - Ryan Bergeron
Old = Confederate Soldier/Judge Roan - John Lynch
Iola Stover = - Jamie = Hoffman
Monteen - = Maria = Eleo
Essie - = Julie = Marx
Luther = Rosser/Ensemble - Jim McCormack
Mrs. Phagan = - Mia = Knerly-Hess
Lizzie = Phagan - Emily Grodzik
Angela/Ensemble - Debra Rose
Riley/Ensemble - Howard Pippin Jr.
Detective = J. N. Starnes/Ensemble - James Robert Smith
Officer = Ivey/Ensemble - Curtis L. Young
Floyd = McDaniel/Ensemble - Paul Kroeger
Mr. = Peavy/Ensemble - Dennis Sullivan
Prison = Guard/Ensemble - Patrick J. Carroll
Aide/Ensemble - Sean Szaller
Assistant/Ensemble - Anne Marie Pinto
Nurse/Ensemble - Lucy Bredeson-Smith
Ensemble - = Tiffany = Gates, Elizabeth H. Huff,
Cindi Verbelun, Killeen Vogel
*Appears Courtesy of = Actors Equity Association
Production Staff
Director - = Scott = Spence
Music = Director - Larry Goodpaster
Set Design = - Don = McBride
Light = Design - Erik M. Seidel
Costume = Design - Alison Hernan
Sound = Design - Roland Massatti
Stage = Manager - Tod Huffman
The Beck Center for the Arts
17801 Detroit Road
Lakewood, OH 44107
216-521-2540
Box Office = Hours are Monday - Friday: 9am - 6 pm
Saturday: 9 = am - 8 pm; Sunday: 1 pm - 3 pm
Hey!
Want to make some easy = cash and have a=20 great time doing it?
Want to see some of the = best theatre in=20 town for free?
Want to meet some of = Cleveland's most=20 interesting people?
"Why you can't beat that = deal with a=20 stick."
I know.
"How is this done?" you = ask. "Tell me=20 more..."
Well, okay...
Cleveland =
Public Theatre is=20
looking to hire someone to help take phone reservations as well as =
assist the=20
box office through December 31, 2002.
The ideal candidate =
possesses good=20
phone and people skills, has had some experience with databases and =
general=20
record keeping and the ability to work in a fast paced, yet fun=20
environment.
Hours are Mondays and Fridays from 10:00am to 3:00pm =
as well=20
as flexible weekend hours on show nights. Starting wage is $8.00 per=20
hour.
Interested candidates should phone = Vince DePaul,=20 Patron Services Manager at 216.631.2727 ext. 209.
BOB NAVIS JR RETURNS TO THE
HARMONY BAR AND GRILLE
THIS SATURDAY, SEPT 21, FROM 9-12 MIDNIGHT
WARNING: THE FOLLOWING REVIEW HAS BEEN RATED PG-13 BY THE ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST OF THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE. THE SAME REVIEW WAS GIVEN TO THE ORIGINAL CAST OF CARRIE--THE MUSICAL AND THEY RATED IT XXX, EXCEPT FOR BETTY BUCKLEY, WHO HAS A THING FOR MIKE AND GAVE IT A G--Jeff Holland
WARNING: THE PRECEEDING WARNING WAS REWRITTEN BY J MICHAEL TROY.
IKE: No, I ain't sayin' a damn thing. You're on your own, limey.
MIKE: Isaac.
I: Forget it. I'll keep seein' shows and makin' appropriately mockin' comments, but I am officially on a review strike!
M: For the love of-- What is it this time? Shannon Tweed not doing Body Chemistry 6?
I: The Sci-Fi Channel has cancelled Farscape!
M:(Flatly) Eek! That news has rendered me sterile.
I: Good thing. That show is the most interestin,' surprisin,' consistantly entertainin' thing on television right now not created by Joss Whedon. It's not fair. I'm pissed, and I could really care less right now about a play that has a bunch of limey convicts doin' a PLAY! Good God, man, what were you thinkin'?
M: Fine. This will be a monologue.
I: All I'm going to say is the play was written by a woman named Timberlake Wertenbaker and Mr. and Mrs. Wertenbaker, I apologize ahead of time for this, but Good God, what were you thinkin'? Okay, Pauline Kael, lock and load!
M: When one used to think of Tree City Players and shows with large casts, one used to want to run screaming into the night, gouging out your eyeballs with a chisel. Thankfully, with their move across the street to The Kent Stage, this is no longer the case and now up to six actors can be onstage with only slight discomfort.
I: To the audience.
M: And speaking of slight discomfort to the audience, Tree City is currently doing a production of Our Country's Good, which was without a doubt, one of the oddest theatrical experiences I've had since I took Ike to see Mumenchantz.
I: Aw, hell, the pain's back.
M: Sometimes it's a drama, sometimes it's a comedy, sometimes it's just eerie, most of the time it's depressing. The show is done as individual scenes, and they're almost like little plays into and of themselves, because you have to completely adjust your emotional state for each one.
I: I stayed at a level uninterested.
M: I thought you weren't going to talk!
I: I lied. So Australia is just one big limey prison colony, huh?
M: Well, not anymore obviously.
I: So you actually sent your convicts, most of whom were convicted of things like stealing a sheep, to God forsaken, uncolonized hellholes.
M: Well, we hadn't discovered the benefits of canabalism yet.
PAUSE
I: You are kiddin,' right?
M: Maybe.
I: And these convicts actually did this other play.
M: Yes, The Recruiting Officer. It's quite funny. I saw it in London, I believe.
I: Done by convicts?
M: No, professional wrestlers. Triple H was amazing as Plume.
I: So then this show is pretty historically accurate.
M: Let's see. Right names, right play, killing off the indiginant people with small pox. Yes, I'd say pretty accurate.
I: I had no idea Scottish men were so large and bald.
M: It's a genetic thing.
I: I also had no idea that there were so many identical twins back then.
M: Be nice. One of the actors in the original production played three characters!
I: Yeah, but how much Jeff Holland do we really need?
CONTEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!: Loyal readers. Ike here. Now's your chance to be a big time comedy writer and come up with the same crap we do. I just set up a nice little insult. Since God knows the limey ain't funny, I want you to give me his return quip. Send your one liners to rdoughnuts at yahoo.com and put Yo, Ike! in the subject. Deadline for entries is October 1st and the winning joke will be announced during the next review after that. By the way, just so ya don't think you're doin' sumthin for nothin,' there will be a prize. Dunno what yet, but it'll be cool. We now rejoin your regularly scheduled review already in progress.
M: And in conclusion, I'd just like to say I thought that Brent Houston Rhines did a thoroughly wonderful job as Ketch, the slightly pathetic but likeable hangman.
PAUSE
I: Where the hell did that come from?
M: He slipped me a C-note.
I: You are such a whore.
MIKE AND IKE LIVE: This Thursday night at Midnight. In Room 28 of the basement of Guzetta Hall at the University of Akron. ROLLING DOUGHNUTS (Comedy for the drug addled and the elderly) will be performing as part of the Theatre Guild's IMPROV-A-THON. During the intermission, meet Mike and Ike. Come see why they've been banned from 30 newspapers, 10 websites, and at least 2 YWCA's.
The Geauga Lyric Theater Guild will be =
Postponing
The orientation class for =
Directors
&
Producers
That was scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, September 21, = 12:00-3:00pm
We = regret any inconvenience.
We look forward to seeing you on the new = date
Saturday,
November 2, 2002
So = please mark your calendars now!
With
questions, or to apply to the GLTG for those positions, =
Please continue to contact:
Pete Percassi at
Peter.Percassi at voyager.net=
THANK =
YOU
And see you in =
November!
Friday, September 20, =
2002
Cleveland Jewish News
'Parade' triumphs at Beck = Center
Sandra Emerick and Keith Gerchak star =
as Lucille and Leo Frank in Beck Center's moving production of =
"Parade."
By FRAN HELLER
When "Parade" fizzled on = Broadway two months after it opened in December 1998, a number of = naysayers questioned the appropriateness of the subject matter, the Leo = Frank lynching, as fitting material for a musical.
That question is laid to rest at the = Beck Center for the Arts, where "Parade" is being presented = through Oct. 6. The more intimate theater setting changes the focus from = musical spectacle to a moving and tragic story set to music. From the = outset we are swept up in the inexorable tide of events and emotions = that triggered the worst incident of antisemitism in American = history.
Music director Larry Goodpaster and a = great-sounding orchestra illuminate Alfred Uhry's book and composer = Jason Robert Brown's innovative score and lyrics. Director Scott = Spence's fluid staging and a peerless, albeit heavily miked cast do the = rest. The result is a production that is not merely entertaining but = deeply felt.
The setting is Atlanta, Georgia, 1913, = where Leo Frank, a Brooklyn, New York, Jew, is a manager of the National = Pencil Factory. (The factory belonged to Alfred Uhry's = great-uncle.)
The college-educated Frank is clearly a = fish out of water in a town where, he says, "Jews are not like = Jews." The townfolk are equally resentful of Leo's Yankee = ways.
When Mary Phagan, a 13-year-old = employee in Frank's factory, is found dead, it isn't long before Leo = Frank is linked to the murder, fanned by a virulently antisemitic press = and a bruised South still licking its wounds from the Civil = War.
There is also the disagreeable = character of Frank himself, an uptight, prissy man who is intellectually = arrogant, an exacting employer, and an emotionally distant husband. When = Frank first sees Mary's dead body, his greater concern is for his = factory and reputation rather than the murder, arousing suspicion from = the outset.
Keith Gerchak is a shoe-in for the = mousy, bespectacled Frank, and his strong voice reaches the rafters with = every song he sings.
The role is a challenging one because = the character of Leo is not that of a tragic figure of heroic = proportions. While Frank is innocent beyond doubt, his unpleasant nature = elicits little sympathy for his plight.
Leo's growth from rigid self-absorption = to a man of passion and compassion is fully realized in Gerchak's = portrait.
As Lucille Frank, the lovely-to-look-at = Sandra Emerick has a voice as big as Gerchak's. Lucille and Leo are like = two strangers, locked in a marriage. While Leo hides behind his work, = Lucille comes across as a shallow woman who marries for security rather = than love.
But adversity draws them together, and = Lucille's efforts to free her husband lead to a deepening of their = relationship and enduring love. Their beautiful love song, "All the = Wasted Time," is a highlight.
As the bond between Lucille and Leo = grows, a gallows is being built in the background, heightening the = impending sense of tragedy.
A governor worried about his political = standing; a prosecutor concerned about his future; an antisemitic = rabble-rousing publisher; a public sympathetic to child labor conditions = (Mary worked six days a week and was paid 10=A2 an hour). All conspired = against Frank who was hanged by the press before he was tried in = kangaroo court proceedings.
Every "character" type is = played well, including Ian Atwood as the bored and sodden reporter = looking for a story in a town where the weather or a cat up a tree is = "Big News!" Colin Cook is outstanding as the sweet-talking and = singing Frankie in the catchy melody, "The Picture Show," who = later thirsts for revenge after Mary is killed.
Kyle Primous blends humor and menace as = a double-dealing ex-con not above lying to save his skin. Primous leads = the chain gang in the stirring blues-y number, "Feel the Rain = Fall."
Robert Gibb is excellent as the = conscience-stricken governor who commutes Leo's sentence, thereby = sacrificing his political future. The act also triggers a wave of = physical violence against Jews and the smashing of windows of Jewish = businesses in the town. The unleashing of such virulent antisemitism led = to the formation of the Anti-Defamation League.
The ensemble scenes are terrific, from = the opening parade to the courtroom fracas and the governor's tea dance. = Erik Seidel's imaginative lighting turns a cot and a wall into a jail = cell and reality into fantasy in the courtroom scene when Leo is = portrayed as a lascivious employer in the delicious number, "Come = Up to My Office."
Ace production values include Alison = Hernan's veritable parade of costumes cloaking a 30-plus member cast and = the creative use of Don McBride's minimalist props to maximize = setting.
The leads received a standing ovation = the night I attended.
The Beck Center for the Arts is located = at 17801 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood. For information and tickets, call = 216-521-2540.
NORTH CANTON PLAYHOUSE
Center For The Performing Arts
Announces It's 2002-2003 Season Opener:
"FIDDLER ON THE ROOF"
Directed By Mary McManaway
September 26th - October 13th
Curtain: 8:00 pm - Sunday Matinee's: 2:30pm
THE CAST INCLUDES:
Kevin Wells as "Tevye"
Marilyn Roberts as "Golde"
Kari Ringer as "Hodel"
Raina Semivan as"Tezitel"
Lauren Carter as "Chava
You're Sure To Enjoy This Fabulous Cast Of
As They Perform All Your Favorite Songs
>From This Beloved Musical!
FOR RESERVATIONS & INFORMATION
Call The Theatre At: 330-494-1613
525 7th St. NE. North Canton, OH
Actors' Summit offers night of great songs Rodgers and Hammerstein revue filled with romance, nostalgia
By Kerry Clawson
Beacon Journal staff writer
Actors' Summit's Rodgers and Hammerstein revue, A Grand Night for Singing, doesn't have a lot of pizzazz, but it's full of romantic, nostalgic classics that make for a pleasant evening.
The 1994 Broadway revue, nominated for two Tonys, celebrates the work of these famous collaborators, featuring tunes from Oklahoma, Cinderella, The King and I, South Pacific, The Sound of Music, Allegro, Pipe Dream, Carousel and Flower Drum Song.
The Actors' Summit production is a fast-paced performance with seamless transitions. Four actors/singers are backed by an excellent four-member band, led by music director/pianist Marc Baker, obviously a consummate musician.
Baritone Greg Violand is the anchor in this musical production, as a soloist, in duets and in ensemble numbers. He's the most accomplished singer of the four, having sung with Cleveland Opera Company and in a number of Northeast Ohio musicals. The rest of the singers have generally enjoyable voices.
The charming Violand excels in the lovely We Kiss in a Shadow and as the lead singer in Honey Bun, one of the most delightful numbers of the evening.
Here, he begins with a cute verbal disclaimer to this song that extols a woman's great figure: `No offense to anybody. It was the times, you know.''
In this bouncy, jazzy number, the rest of the cast serves as a girl backup band, dancing and miming playing instruments.
Other lively songs include That's The Way It Happens with MaryJo Alexander, Violand and Wayne Turney and the ensemble's perfectly polished show stopper, Kansas City.
Alexander and Maryann Nagel also offer a lot of fun in the jazzy, lounge-style I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out-a My Hair.
Too often, alto Nagel and tenor Turney sound a bit forced and flat. That pairing makes their duet, Shall We Dance, one of the show's weakest numbers.
All of these cast members are good actors, though. They offer very honest emoting in Alexander's tender Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful and Turney's painful Love, Look Away. Director Neil Thackaberry has added a number of niceties to the show, including plenty of cute patter between numbers. There's a good flow of actors from different entry points into the stage area, and choreography is simple yet effective.
Costumer Alexander presents a beautiful array of gowns for both her and Nagel, adding great elegance to the show.
Rodgers and Hammerstein lovers will want to tap their feet and hum along with some of this revue's best-known numbers. The actors all look starry-eyed in their finale, Impossible/I Have Dreamed, which features beautiful four-part harmony.
Theater critic Kerry Clawson may be reached at 330-996-3527 or by e-mail at kclawson at thebeaconjournal.com.
Greetings and Salutations!
You're INVITED to see our show.
You might just learn a little,
Of facts you?d never know.
If this at all seems boring,
Don?t hold back your yawn.
For you?re about to embark on,
A trip with Henry and Tom.
Now Tom we have to thank,
For all of those things we care.
The light bulb, the telephone, the cinema,
The electric bills we so despair.
And Henry with his boat on wheels,
sailing down the road.
With a beep . . .
And a squeak . . .
And a black shiny streak . . .
America?s now in the mode.
Henry and Tom go camping,
annually each year.
But, this camping trip is different,
As they smack into a deer!
Another guest will accompany us,
along with the two major greats.
Warren G. Harding is 29th ,
Among the Presidents of the United States.
So this is where I leave you,
Take caution of certain conditions.
You may want to feed the wild life,
DON?T FEED THE POLITICIANS!
Make sure you bring your sleeping bag,
Your toothbrush, and your song.
To dance around the campfire,
With Warren, Henry and Tom.
---Terry M. Sandler, Director
CHAGRIN VALLEY LITTLE THEATRE
Presents:
Camping with Henry and Tom!
By Mark St. Germain
Directed by Terry M. Sandler
When
September 20-October 12 (Fridays & Saturdays, 8pm)
Box Office
(440)-247-8955 (40 River Street, Chagrin Falls)
Seeking an actor to play the one remaining open role in Cast of Characters
The Tale of the Allergist's Wife
by Charles Busch
Directed by Fred Sternfeld
at Dobama Theatre
(the rest of the cast is listed below)
Mohammed is the doorman in the Taub's upscale apartment building. He is from Iraq and in his early twenties. Actors who can believably play someone of Middle-Eastern ethnicity will be considered. This is a paid position.
If you are interested in auditioning, please contact Fred Sternfeld at 216-360-0708 for an appointment. Or, if you know someone who may be appropriate for this role, please forward this message to them.
Mohammed --
Marjorie Taub -- Jeanne Task
Ira Taub -- Greg Violand*
Frieda -- Myrtle Silverman
Lee Green -- Laura Perrotta*
In an intricate comedy of manners a well-heeled couple regains their sense of adventure - with hysterical consequences. Known for his contemporary outrageous comedies and biting social satire, Busch's Broadway hit makes its OHIO debut.
"An intelligently funny satirically relevant uptown comedy." New York Times
Rehearsals
The rehearsal period will be a total of four weeks and will begin the week of either December 9 or 16, 2002. It will be split into two segments allowing for a one to two week break at the end of December.
Production Dates
January 17- February 9, 2003
CLEVELAND=20
PUBLIC THEATRE PRESENTS
PREMIERE=20 OF NEW MUSIC ENSEMBLE
Mystical Connections
an=20 Evening of Music led by Margaret Brouwer
Wednesday, September 18, 2002 at 8:00pm
Executive=20
Director James A. Levin and Artistic Director Randy Rollison are proud =
to=20
present Mystical=20
Connections, an=20
evening of music led by Margaret=20
Brouwer.=20
The evening will feature the premiere of a new Cleveland based music =
ensemble=20
named Connections=20
as well as performances by African singer/dancer Ceco Selinas and =
clarinetist=20
Amitai Vardi. Mystical=20
Connections will=20
be presented for one night only on Wednesday=20
September 18, 2002 at 8:00 p.m.=20
Tickets are $15.00 and $10.00 for seniors and students. For more box =
office=20
information, please call Cleveland Public Theatre at 216.631.2727.
Mystical =
Connections is not a concert so much =
as a total=20
experience. The newly founded ensemble explores the art of communication =
and=20
understanding between cultures as well as the acceptance and celebration =
of=20
differences. Featuring a combination of works composed by Margaret =
Brouwer and a=20
cross selection of various world music, the event is a unique attempt to =
thread=20
connections between seemingly disparate cultures and explore the =
possibility of=20
a world that speaks a common language of hope. =93In the aftermath of =
Sept. 11th,=20
we lowly musicians wondered what we could do to help. The result is =
simply this:=20
an honest exploration of how connections can be made through music,=94 =
says=20
Margaret Brouwer.
Brouwer approached various =
local=20
musicians last winter about connecting with other cultures through music =
and=20
=93was thrilled to find that these musicians all very much wanted to be=20
involved.=94 For the core =
of her=20
Connections ensemble, she successfully assembled four recent graduates =
of the=20
Cleveland Institute of Music and two members of Cleveland=92s =
Apollo=92s=20
Fire, conductor and founder Jeannette Sorrell and singer =
Sandra=20
Simon. In conjunction with Brouwer=92s ensemble, will be modern and=20
traditional African music performed by local African drummers and =
singer/ dancer=20
Ceco Selinas, and Klezmer music performed by local clarinetist =
Amitai=20
Vardi. Under the belief that music operates on a level beyond the =
language=20
of politics and religion, Brouwer views this work as a response to the=20
preponderance of violence between cultures. Her hope is that =93when we =
get away=20
from words, communication may be easier.=94 =20
Cleveland=20
Public Theatre=92s Presented Series=20
is=20
made possible through the generous support of The George Fund =
Foundation, The=20
Ohio Arts Council and the Cleveland Foundation/BASICS program and =
Continental=20
Airlines. Cleveland Public Theatre is one of 17 arts organizations =
participating=20
in BASICs; a five-year program of the Cleveland Foundation. BASICs =
organizations=20
receive operating support, customized technical assistance and grants to =
help=20
build capacity to manage the necessary risk-taking of their art=20
forms.
The=20
mission of Cleveland Public Theatre is to inspire, nurture, challenge, =
amaze,=20
educate and empower artists and audiences, in order to make the =
Cleveland Public=20
a more conscious and compassionate community.
Jeff Syroney
Director of Marketing and Public=20
Relations
Cleveland Public Theatre
216.631.2727 ext.=20
203
jsyroney at cptonline.org
www.cptonline.org =
Chuck=20
Davis
Sept.=20
24 =20
You=20
are invited to join=20
Chuck Davis, founder and artistic Director of the African Dance =
Ensemble, as he=20
visits
To=20
spread the ensemble's motto of "Peace, Love, and Respect for =
Everybody," Chuck=20
Davis will have everyone out of their seats as they celebrate =
traditional=20
African culture, aesthetics and values to encourage interracial =
cooperation,=20
cross-cultural understanding and societal=20
analysis.
In=20
his workshops, Chuck will create an energetic atmosphere as he uses =
traditional=20
African and African American dance and music and the art of =
storytelling. Whether a =
student,=20
teacher, artist or all three, the workshop will enhance our =
sensitivities for=20
others -as we dance, sing, and stomp around the room. In Chuck's =
own=20
words, "Become an ambassador for =
peace."
Space=20
is limited and cost is $15.00. To register, call Ray Gargano at 216-348-7912 or email garganor at playhousesquare.co=
m.
For=20
more information about Chuck Davis, visit his website at http://users.vnet.net/aade=
/main.html.=20
Ray=20
Gargano
Education Outreach=20
Manager
216.348.7912
garganor at playhousesquare.com
Jeff Syroney
Director of =
Marketing and=20
Public Relations
Cleveland Public Theatre
216.631.2727 ext.=20
203
jsyroney at cptonline.org
www.cptonline.org=20
THE GEAUGA LYRIC THEATER GUILD =
IS PROUD
TO PRESENT WORKSHOPS ON
STORYTELLING
Presented by professional
storyteller
Robin Echols =
Cooper
A three session workshop =
that
will focus on the nuts and bolts of =
storytelling
From folktales to family
tales…wonderful for creative =
children!
Classes will be held at =
The
Chardon Chalet
October 16, 23 & =
November 6
7:30-8:30pm
Open to ages 8 and =
over
Fee: =
$25.00
VOICE
Presented by Robert =
Sprafka
This workshop will focus =
on
proper breathing, projection & stance =
A must for those serious =
about
performance!
Wednesdays: October 9, 16, =
23
& 30
7:00-9:00pm
At 106 Water Street, =
Chardon
(2nd floor of =
the
Coldwell Banker Building)
Open to ages 14 and =
over
Fee: $40.00 =
TO =
REGISTER
In person, Saturday =
September 28
from 9-11am at Geauga Theater
e-mail Education Director =
Keith
Douglass at : kadoug at alltel.net
By Mail: Checks payable to =
GLTG,
9574 Wildwood Dr, Chardon OH, 44024
The original non-musical version of the classic = Dickens=20 tale returns to the Mainstage. Watch the magical transformation of = mean-spirited=20 Scrooge as he is visited by Christmas Past, Present, and Future in this=20 heart-warming holiday tradition.
Directed by John Capocci
Friday, October 18 at 7 PM
Saturday, October 19 at 7:00 P.M.
Performance dates: November 29 - December = 22
Auditioners should be prepared to read from the = script and=20 to sing a traditional Christmas Carol. They will be asked to affect a = British=20 accent. They may also be asked to do a few simple dance steps. No = appointment is=20 necessary.
For further information, please call the Players = Guild=20 Business Office at (330) 453-7619.
____________________________
Players Guild=20
Theatre
1001 Market Avenue North
Canton, Ohio 44702
Box Office:=20
330-453-7617
Main Office: 330-453-7619
URL: www.playersguildtheatre.com=
A> =
Visit us online at www.playersguildtheatre.com<= /A>=20
____________________________
Players Guild=20
Theatre
1001 Market Avenue North
Canton, Ohio 44702
Box Office: 330-453-7617
Main =
Office:=20
330-453-7619
URL:=20
www.playersguildtheatre.com
Do you like to work in a
casual yet fast paced,
fun and focused,
humorous and serious environment?
Sound paradoxical?
Curious?
Sounds like Cleveland Public Theatre!
We are looking for volunteers to answer phones during the day,
taking reservations and fielding calls.
We especially need help on weekdays, but have hours to fill on the weekends too.
J If you are interested in diving in to the CPT family J
even for a couple hours at a time,
contact Mia Stromberg at imymdray at cs.com or (216) 631-2727 ext. 362
Thank you!
Come=20 party with The Bluescasters and your = closest friends=20 at one of Tremonts hippest, fun, cool bars!!!
Saturday, Septmber 21st @10:00pm- = 2:00am
Edison=92s Pub: =20 Saturday, September 21st- 2373=20 Professor St. Cleveland, Ohio; Tremont District 44113-4629;=20 216-522-0006.
See=20 ya There! The Bluescasters: Tom, Bob, Pete and Jim
See=20 Cool Photos and Listen to MP3 clips @ www.bluescasters.org= P>
The
Geauga Lyric Theater Guild
Will be holding open auditions for
“The =
Dealer”
Monday, September =
30
and
Tuesday, October =
1
7:00-9:00pm
at the
Chardon United Methodist Church =
515 North Street, =
Chardon
Needed are actors age 12 and over for this =
locally written,
original play
This show will play during a school day for 4 =
& 5
graders of Chardon Schools
So please insure you are a student of good =
standing
This show will be performed at the =
Geauga
Theater
101 Water Street, =
Chardon
Wonderful for the individual who loves =
performing live
theater,
but does not have a month worth of weekends to =
donate
for the actual performance!
This show will play in mid November. =
For those in GLTG’s production of =
“A Christmas Carol”:
there is no conflict!
Please e-mail if any =
questions
See you then!
The Beck Center for the Arts
Presents
PARADE
Book by = Alfred Uhry, Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
Production Dates
September = 13 - October 6, 2002
Thursdays, = Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.
Sundays at = 3:00 p.m.
Tickets
Call = 216-521-2540
$19.00 Adults / = $16.00 Senior Citizens / $10.00 Students (college must have = i.d.)
=93BUY ONE TICKET AND GET ONE FREE=94
This offer available to subscribers of NEohioPAL for this = weekends perfomances:
Thursday, September 19th - Sunday, September = 22nd
Mention NeohioPal to receive this discount.
=93Parade=94 is the tragic true story of the Brooklyn-born Jew = wrongly accused
of the = murder of 13-year old Mary Phagan in 1913 Georgia. His only = defenders are the governor and his wife who ultimately become his = greatest champions.
The Cast
Leo Frank - = Keith = Gerchak
Lucille = Frank - Sandra Emerick
Jim Conley = - Kyle = Primous*
Mary Phagan = - Hannah DelMonte
Frankie = Epps - Colin Cook
Newt Lee - = Walter = Hazzard
Hugh Dorsey = - Brian = Etchell
Governor = John Slaton - Rob Gibb
Sally = Slaton - Jennifer Clifford
Britt Craig = - Ian = Atwood
Tom Watson = - G.A. = Taggett
Young = Confederate Soldier/Fiddlin John - Ryan Bergeron
Old = Confederate Soldier/Judge Roan - John Lynch
Iola Stover = - Jamie = Hoffman
Monteen - = Maria = Eleo
Essie - = Julie = Marx
Luther = Rosser/Ensemble - Jim McCormack
Mrs. Phagan = - Mia = Knerly-Hess
Lizzie = Phagan - Emily Grodzik
Angela/Ensemble - Debra Rose
Riley/Ensemble - Howard Pippin Jr.
Detective = J. N. Starnes/Ensemble - James Robert Smith
Officer = Ivey/Ensemble - Curtis L. Young
Floyd = McDaniel/Ensemble - Paul Kroeger
Mr. = Peavy/Ensemble - Dennis Sullivan
Prison = Guard/Ensemble - Patrick J. Carroll
Aide/Ensemble - Sean Szaller
Assistant/Ensemble - Anne Marie Pinto
Nurse/Ensemble - Lucy Bredeson-Smith
Ensemble - = Tiffany = Gates, Elizabeth H. Huff,
Cindi Verbelun, Killeen Vogel
*Appears Courtesy of = Actors Equity Association
Production Staff
Director - = Scott = Spence
Music = Director - Larry Goodpaster
Set Design = - Don = McBride
Light = Design - Erik M. Seidel
Costume = Design - Alison Hernan
Sound = Design - Roland Massatti
Stage = Manager - Tod Huffman
The Beck Center for the Arts
17801 Detroit Road
Lakewood, OH 44107
216-521-2540
Box Office = Hours are Monday - Friday: 9am - 6 pm
Saturday: 9 = am - 8 pm; Sunday: 1 pm - 3 pm
Hey!
Want to make some easy = cash and have a=20 great time doing it?
Want to see some of the = best theatre in=20 town for free?
Want to meet some of = Cleveland's most=20 interesting people?
"Why you can't beat that = deal with a=20 stick."
I know.
"How is this done?" you = ask. "Tell me=20 more..."
Well, okay...
Cleveland =
Public Theatre is=20
looking to hire someone to help take phone reservations as well as =
assist the=20
box office through December 31, 2002.
The ideal candidate =
possesses good=20
phone and people skills, has had some experience with databases and =
general=20
record keeping and the ability to work in a fast paced, yet fun=20
environment.
Hours are Mondays and Fridays from 10:00am to 3:00pm =
as well=20
as flexible weekend hours on show nights. Starting wage is $8.00 per=20
hour.
Interested candidates should phone = Vince DePaul,=20 Patron Services Manager at 216.631.2727 ext. 209.
BOB NAVIS JR RETURNS TO THE
HARMONY BAR AND GRILLE
THIS SATURDAY, SEPT 21, FROM 9-12 MIDNIGHT
WARNING: THE FOLLOWING REVIEW HAS BEEN RATED PG-13 BY THE ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST OF THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE. THE SAME REVIEW WAS GIVEN TO THE ORIGINAL CAST OF CARRIE--THE MUSICAL AND THEY RATED IT XXX, EXCEPT FOR BETTY BUCKLEY, WHO HAS A THING FOR MIKE AND GAVE IT A G--Jeff Holland
WARNING: THE PRECEEDING WARNING WAS REWRITTEN BY J MICHAEL TROY.
IKE: No, I ain't sayin' a damn thing. You're on your own, limey.
MIKE: Isaac.
I: Forget it. I'll keep seein' shows and makin' appropriately mockin' comments, but I am officially on a review strike!
M: For the love of-- What is it this time? Shannon Tweed not doing Body Chemistry 6?
I: The Sci-Fi Channel has cancelled Farscape!
M:(Flatly) Eek! That news has rendered me sterile.
I: Good thing. That show is the most interestin,' surprisin,' consistantly entertainin' thing on television right now not created by Joss Whedon. It's not fair. I'm pissed, and I could really care less right now about a play that has a bunch of limey convicts doin' a PLAY! Good God, man, what were you thinkin'?
M: Fine. This will be a monologue.
I: All I'm going to say is the play was written by a woman named Timberlake Wertenbaker and Mr. and Mrs. Wertenbaker, I apologize ahead of time for this, but Good God, what were you thinkin'? Okay, Pauline Kael, lock and load!
M: When one used to think of Tree City Players and shows with large casts, one used to want to run screaming into the night, gouging out your eyeballs with a chisel. Thankfully, with their move across the street to The Kent Stage, this is no longer the case and now up to six actors can be onstage with only slight discomfort.
I: To the audience.
M: And speaking of slight discomfort to the audience, Tree City is currently doing a production of Our Country's Good, which was without a doubt, one of the oddest theatrical experiences I've had since I took Ike to see Mumenchantz.
I: Aw, hell, the pain's back.
M: Sometimes it's a drama, sometimes it's a comedy, sometimes it's just eerie, most of the time it's depressing. The show is done as individual scenes, and they're almost like little plays into and of themselves, because you have to completely adjust your emotional state for each one.
I: I stayed at a level uninterested.
M: I thought you weren't going to talk!
I: I lied. So Australia is just one big limey prison colony, huh?
M: Well, not anymore obviously.
I: So you actually sent your convicts, most of whom were convicted of things like stealing a sheep, to God forsaken, uncolonized hellholes.
M: Well, we hadn't discovered the benefits of canabalism yet.
PAUSE
I: You are kiddin,' right?
M: Maybe.
I: And these convicts actually did this other play.
M: Yes, The Recruiting Officer. It's quite funny. I saw it in London, I believe.
I: Done by convicts?
M: No, professional wrestlers. Triple H was amazing as Plume.
I: So then this show is pretty historically accurate.
M: Let's see. Right names, right play, killing off the indiginant people with small pox. Yes, I'd say pretty accurate.
I: I had no idea Scottish men were so large and bald.
M: It's a genetic thing.
I: I also had no idea that there were so many identical twins back then.
M: Be nice. One of the actors in the original production played three characters!
I: Yeah, but how much Jeff Holland do we really need?
CONTEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!: Loyal readers. Ike here. Now's your chance to be a big time comedy writer and come up with the same crap we do. I just set up a nice little insult. Since God knows the limey ain't funny, I want you to give me his return quip. Send your one liners to rdoughnuts at yahoo.com and put Yo, Ike! in the subject. Deadline for entries is October 1st and the winning joke will be announced during the next review after that. By the way, just so ya don't think you're doin' sumthin for nothin,' there will be a prize. Dunno what yet, but it'll be cool. We now rejoin your regularly scheduled review already in progress.
M: And in conclusion, I'd just like to say I thought that Brent Houston Rhines did a thoroughly wonderful job as Ketch, the slightly pathetic but likeable hangman.
PAUSE
I: Where the hell did that come from?
M: He slipped me a C-note.
I: You are such a whore.
MIKE AND IKE LIVE: This Thursday night at Midnight. In Room 28 of the basement of Guzetta Hall at the University of Akron. ROLLING DOUGHNUTS (Comedy for the drug addled and the elderly) will be performing as part of the Theatre Guild's IMPROV-A-THON. During the intermission, meet Mike and Ike. Come see why they've been banned from 30 newspapers, 10 websites, and at least 2 YWCA's.
The Geauga Lyric Theater Guild will be =
Postponing
The orientation class for =
Directors
&
Producers
That was scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, September 21, = 12:00-3:00pm
We = regret any inconvenience.
We look forward to seeing you on the new = date
Saturday,
November 2, 2002
So = please mark your calendars now!
With
questions, or to apply to the GLTG for those positions, =
Please continue to contact:
Pete Percassi at
Peter.Percassi at voyager.net=
THANK =
YOU
And see you in =
November!
Friday, September 20, =
2002
Cleveland Jewish News
'Parade' triumphs at Beck = Center
Sandra Emerick and Keith Gerchak star =
as Lucille and Leo Frank in Beck Center's moving production of =
"Parade."
By FRAN HELLER
When "Parade" fizzled on = Broadway two months after it opened in December 1998, a number of = naysayers questioned the appropriateness of the subject matter, the Leo = Frank lynching, as fitting material for a musical.
That question is laid to rest at the = Beck Center for the Arts, where "Parade" is being presented = through Oct. 6. The more intimate theater setting changes the focus from = musical spectacle to a moving and tragic story set to music. From the = outset we are swept up in the inexorable tide of events and emotions = that triggered the worst incident of antisemitism in American = history.
Music director Larry Goodpaster and a = great-sounding orchestra illuminate Alfred Uhry's book and composer = Jason Robert Brown's innovative score and lyrics. Director Scott = Spence's fluid staging and a peerless, albeit heavily miked cast do the = rest. The result is a production that is not merely entertaining but = deeply felt.
The setting is Atlanta, Georgia, 1913, = where Leo Frank, a Brooklyn, New York, Jew, is a manager of the National = Pencil Factory. (The factory belonged to Alfred Uhry's = great-uncle.)
The college-educated Frank is clearly a = fish out of water in a town where, he says, "Jews are not like = Jews." The townfolk are equally resentful of Leo's Yankee = ways.
When Mary Phagan, a 13-year-old = employee in Frank's factory, is found dead, it isn't long before Leo = Frank is linked to the murder, fanned by a virulently antisemitic press = and a bruised South still licking its wounds from the Civil = War.
There is also the disagreeable = character of Frank himself, an uptight, prissy man who is intellectually = arrogant, an exacting employer, and an emotionally distant husband. When = Frank first sees Mary's dead body, his greater concern is for his = factory and reputation rather than the murder, arousing suspicion from = the outset.
Keith Gerchak is a shoe-in for the = mousy, bespectacled Frank, and his strong voice reaches the rafters with = every song he sings.
The role is a challenging one because = the character of Leo is not that of a tragic figure of heroic = proportions. While Frank is innocent beyond doubt, his unpleasant nature = elicits little sympathy for his plight.
Leo's growth from rigid self-absorption = to a man of passion and compassion is fully realized in Gerchak's = portrait.
As Lucille Frank, the lovely-to-look-at = Sandra Emerick has a voice as big as Gerchak's. Lucille and Leo are like = two strangers, locked in a marriage. While Leo hides behind his work, = Lucille comes across as a shallow woman who marries for security rather = than love.
But adversity draws them together, and = Lucille's efforts to free her husband lead to a deepening of their = relationship and enduring love. Their beautiful love song, "All the = Wasted Time," is a highlight.
As the bond between Lucille and Leo = grows, a gallows is being built in the background, heightening the = impending sense of tragedy.
A governor worried about his political = standing; a prosecutor concerned about his future; an antisemitic = rabble-rousing publisher; a public sympathetic to child labor conditions = (Mary worked six days a week and was paid 10=A2 an hour). All conspired = against Frank who was hanged by the press before he was tried in = kangaroo court proceedings.
Every "character" type is = played well, including Ian Atwood as the bored and sodden reporter = looking for a story in a town where the weather or a cat up a tree is = "Big News!" Colin Cook is outstanding as the sweet-talking and = singing Frankie in the catchy melody, "The Picture Show," who = later thirsts for revenge after Mary is killed.
Kyle Primous blends humor and menace as = a double-dealing ex-con not above lying to save his skin. Primous leads = the chain gang in the stirring blues-y number, "Feel the Rain = Fall."
Robert Gibb is excellent as the = conscience-stricken governor who commutes Leo's sentence, thereby = sacrificing his political future. The act also triggers a wave of = physical violence against Jews and the smashing of windows of Jewish = businesses in the town. The unleashing of such virulent antisemitism led = to the formation of the Anti-Defamation League.
The ensemble scenes are terrific, from = the opening parade to the courtroom fracas and the governor's tea dance. = Erik Seidel's imaginative lighting turns a cot and a wall into a jail = cell and reality into fantasy in the courtroom scene when Leo is = portrayed as a lascivious employer in the delicious number, "Come = Up to My Office."
Ace production values include Alison = Hernan's veritable parade of costumes cloaking a 30-plus member cast and = the creative use of Don McBride's minimalist props to maximize = setting.
The leads received a standing ovation = the night I attended.
The Beck Center for the Arts is located = at 17801 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood. For information and tickets, call = 216-521-2540.
NORTH CANTON PLAYHOUSE
Center For The Performing Arts
Announces It's 2002-2003 Season Opener:
"FIDDLER ON THE ROOF"
Directed By Mary McManaway
September 26th - October 13th
Curtain: 8:00 pm - Sunday Matinee's: 2:30pm
THE CAST INCLUDES:
Kevin Wells as "Tevye"
Marilyn Roberts as "Golde"
Kari Ringer as "Hodel"
Raina Semivan as"Tezitel"
Lauren Carter as "Chava
You're Sure To Enjoy This Fabulous Cast Of
As They Perform All Your Favorite Songs
>From This Beloved Musical!
FOR RESERVATIONS & INFORMATION
Call The Theatre At: 330-494-1613
525 7th St. NE. North Canton, OH
Actors' Summit offers night of great songs Rodgers and Hammerstein revue filled with romance, nostalgia
By Kerry Clawson
Beacon Journal staff writer
Actors' Summit's Rodgers and Hammerstein revue, A Grand Night for Singing, doesn't have a lot of pizzazz, but it's full of romantic, nostalgic classics that make for a pleasant evening.
The 1994 Broadway revue, nominated for two Tonys, celebrates the work of these famous collaborators, featuring tunes from Oklahoma, Cinderella, The King and I, South Pacific, The Sound of Music, Allegro, Pipe Dream, Carousel and Flower Drum Song.
The Actors' Summit production is a fast-paced performance with seamless transitions. Four actors/singers are backed by an excellent four-member band, led by music director/pianist Marc Baker, obviously a consummate musician.
Baritone Greg Violand is the anchor in this musical production, as a soloist, in duets and in ensemble numbers. He's the most accomplished singer of the four, having sung with Cleveland Opera Company and in a number of Northeast Ohio musicals. The rest of the singers have generally enjoyable voices.
The charming Violand excels in the lovely We Kiss in a Shadow and as the lead singer in Honey Bun, one of the most delightful numbers of the evening.
Here, he begins with a cute verbal disclaimer to this song that extols a woman's great figure: `No offense to anybody. It was the times, you know.''
In this bouncy, jazzy number, the rest of the cast serves as a girl backup band, dancing and miming playing instruments.
Other lively songs include That's The Way It Happens with MaryJo Alexander, Violand and Wayne Turney and the ensemble's perfectly polished show stopper, Kansas City.
Alexander and Maryann Nagel also offer a lot of fun in the jazzy, lounge-style I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out-a My Hair.
Too often, alto Nagel and tenor Turney sound a bit forced and flat. That pairing makes their duet, Shall We Dance, one of the show's weakest numbers.
All of these cast members are good actors, though. They offer very honest emoting in Alexander's tender Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful and Turney's painful Love, Look Away. Director Neil Thackaberry has added a number of niceties to the show, including plenty of cute patter between numbers. There's a good flow of actors from different entry points into the stage area, and choreography is simple yet effective.
Costumer Alexander presents a beautiful array of gowns for both her and Nagel, adding great elegance to the show.
Rodgers and Hammerstein lovers will want to tap their feet and hum along with some of this revue's best-known numbers. The actors all look starry-eyed in their finale, Impossible/I Have Dreamed, which features beautiful four-part harmony.
Theater critic Kerry Clawson may be reached at 330-996-3527 or by e-mail at kclawson at thebeaconjournal.com.
Greetings and Salutations!
You're INVITED to see our show.
You might just learn a little,
Of facts you?d never know.
If this at all seems boring,
Don?t hold back your yawn.
For you?re about to embark on,
A trip with Henry and Tom.
Now Tom we have to thank,
For all of those things we care.
The light bulb, the telephone, the cinema,
The electric bills we so despair.
And Henry with his boat on wheels,
sailing down the road.
With a beep . . .
And a squeak . . .
And a black shiny streak . . .
America?s now in the mode.
Henry and Tom go camping,
annually each year.
But, this camping trip is different,
As they smack into a deer!
Another guest will accompany us,
along with the two major greats.
Warren G. Harding is 29th ,
Among the Presidents of the United States.
So this is where I leave you,
Take caution of certain conditions.
You may want to feed the wild life,
DON?T FEED THE POLITICIANS!
Make sure you bring your sleeping bag,
Your toothbrush, and your song.
To dance around the campfire,
With Warren, Henry and Tom.
---Terry M. Sandler, Director
CHAGRIN VALLEY LITTLE THEATRE
Presents:
Camping with Henry and Tom!
By Mark St. Germain
Directed by Terry M. Sandler
When
September 20-October 12 (Fridays & Saturdays, 8pm)
Box Office
(440)-247-8955 (40 River Street, Chagrin Falls)
Seeking an actor to play the one remaining open role in Cast of Characters
The Tale of the Allergist's Wife
by Charles Busch
Directed by Fred Sternfeld
at Dobama Theatre
(the rest of the cast is listed below)
Mohammed is the doorman in the Taub's upscale apartment building. He is from Iraq and in his early twenties. Actors who can believably play someone of Middle-Eastern ethnicity will be considered. This is a paid position.
If you are interested in auditioning, please contact Fred Sternfeld at 216-360-0708 for an appointment. Or, if you know someone who may be appropriate for this role, please forward this message to them.
Mohammed --
Marjorie Taub -- Jeanne Task
Ira Taub -- Greg Violand*
Frieda -- Myrtle Silverman
Lee Green -- Laura Perrotta*
In an intricate comedy of manners a well-heeled couple regains their sense of adventure - with hysterical consequences. Known for his contemporary outrageous comedies and biting social satire, Busch's Broadway hit makes its OHIO debut.
"An intelligently funny satirically relevant uptown comedy." New York Times
Rehearsals
The rehearsal period will be a total of four weeks and will begin the week of either December 9 or 16, 2002. It will be split into two segments allowing for a one to two week break at the end of December.
Production Dates
January 17- February 9, 2003
CLEVELAND=20
PUBLIC THEATRE PRESENTS
PREMIERE=20 OF NEW MUSIC ENSEMBLE
Mystical Connections
an=20 Evening of Music led by Margaret Brouwer
Wednesday, September 18, 2002 at 8:00pm
Executive=20
Director James A. Levin and Artistic Director Randy Rollison are proud =
to=20
present Mystical=20
Connections, an=20
evening of music led by Margaret=20
Brouwer.=20
The evening will feature the premiere of a new Cleveland based music =
ensemble=20
named Connections=20
as well as performances by African singer/dancer Ceco Selinas and =
clarinetist=20
Amitai Vardi. Mystical=20
Connections will=20
be presented for one night only on Wednesday=20
September 18, 2002 at 8:00 p.m.=20
Tickets are $15.00 and $10.00 for seniors and students. For more box =
office=20
information, please call Cleveland Public Theatre at 216.631.2727.
Mystical =
Connections is not a concert so much =
as a total=20
experience. The newly founded ensemble explores the art of communication =
and=20
understanding between cultures as well as the acceptance and celebration =
of=20
differences. Featuring a combination of works composed by Margaret =
Brouwer and a=20
cross selection of various world music, the event is a unique attempt to =
thread=20
connections between seemingly disparate cultures and explore the =
possibility of=20
a world that speaks a common language of hope. =93In the aftermath of =
Sept. 11th,=20
we lowly musicians wondered what we could do to help. The result is =
simply this:=20
an honest exploration of how connections can be made through music,=94 =
says=20
Margaret Brouwer.
Brouwer approached various =
local=20
musicians last winter about connecting with other cultures through music =
and=20
=93was thrilled to find that these musicians all very much wanted to be=20
involved.=94 For the core =
of her=20
Connections ensemble, she successfully assembled four recent graduates =
of the=20
Cleveland Institute of Music and two members of Cleveland=92s =
Apollo=92s=20
Fire, conductor and founder Jeannette Sorrell and singer =
Sandra=20
Simon. In conjunction with Brouwer=92s ensemble, will be modern and=20
traditional African music performed by local African drummers and =
singer/ dancer=20
Ceco Selinas, and Klezmer music performed by local clarinetist =
Amitai=20
Vardi. Under the belief that music operates on a level beyond the =
language=20
of politics and religion, Brouwer views this work as a response to the=20
preponderance of violence between cultures. Her hope is that =93when we =
get away=20
from words, communication may be easier.=94 =20
Cleveland=20
Public Theatre=92s Presented Series=20
is=20
made possible through the generous support of The George Fund =
Foundation, The=20
Ohio Arts Council and the Cleveland Foundation/BASICS program and =
Continental=20
Airlines. Cleveland Public Theatre is one of 17 arts organizations =
participating=20
in BASICs; a five-year program of the Cleveland Foundation. BASICs =
organizations=20
receive operating support, customized technical assistance and grants to =
help=20
build capacity to manage the necessary risk-taking of their art=20
forms.
The=20
mission of Cleveland Public Theatre is to inspire, nurture, challenge, =
amaze,=20
educate and empower artists and audiences, in order to make the =
Cleveland Public=20
a more conscious and compassionate community.
Jeff Syroney
Director of Marketing and Public=20
Relations
Cleveland Public Theatre
216.631.2727 ext.=20
203
jsyroney at cptonline.org
www.cptonline.org =
Chuck=20
Davis
Sept.=20
24 =20
You=20
are invited to join=20
Chuck Davis, founder and artistic Director of the African Dance =
Ensemble, as he=20
visits
To=20
spread the ensemble's motto of "Peace, Love, and Respect for =
Everybody," Chuck=20
Davis will have everyone out of their seats as they celebrate =
traditional=20
African culture, aesthetics and values to encourage interracial =
cooperation,=20
cross-cultural understanding and societal=20
analysis.
In=20
his workshops, Chuck will create an energetic atmosphere as he uses =
traditional=20
African and African American dance and music and the art of =
storytelling. Whether a =
student,=20
teacher, artist or all three, the workshop will enhance our =
sensitivities for=20
others -as we dance, sing, and stomp around the room. In Chuck's =
own=20
words, "Become an ambassador for =
peace."
Space=20
is limited and cost is $15.00. To register, call Ray Gargano at 216-348-7912 or email garganor at playhousesquare.co=
m.
For=20
more information about Chuck Davis, visit his website at http://users.vnet.net/aade=
/main.html.=20
Ray=20
Gargano
Education Outreach=20
Manager
216.348.7912
garganor at playhousesquare.com
Jeff Syroney
Director of =
Marketing and=20
Public Relations
Cleveland Public Theatre
216.631.2727 ext.=20
203
jsyroney at cptonline.org
www.cptonline.org=20
THE GEAUGA LYRIC THEATER GUILD =
IS PROUD
TO PRESENT WORKSHOPS ON
STORYTELLING
Presented by professional
storyteller
Robin Echols =
Cooper
A three session workshop =
that
will focus on the nuts and bolts of =
storytelling
From folktales to family
tales…wonderful for creative =
children!
Classes will be held at =
The
Chardon Chalet
October 16, 23 & =
November 6
7:30-8:30pm
Open to ages 8 and =
over
Fee: =
$25.00
VOICE
Presented by Robert =
Sprafka
This workshop will focus =
on
proper breathing, projection & stance =
A must for those serious =
about
performance!
Wednesdays: October 9, 16, =
23
& 30
7:00-9:00pm
At 106 Water Street, =
Chardon
(2nd floor of =
the
Coldwell Banker Building)
Open to ages 14 and =
over
Fee: $40.00 =
TO =
REGISTER
In person, Saturday =
September 28
from 9-11am at Geauga Theater
e-mail Education Director =
Keith
Douglass at : kadoug at alltel.net
By Mail: Checks payable to =
GLTG,
9574 Wildwood Dr, Chardon OH, 44024
The original non-musical version of the classic = Dickens=20 tale returns to the Mainstage. Watch the magical transformation of = mean-spirited=20 Scrooge as he is visited by Christmas Past, Present, and Future in this=20 heart-warming holiday tradition.
Directed by John Capocci
Friday, October 18 at 7 PM
Saturday, October 19 at 7:00 P.M.
Performance dates: November 29 - December = 22
Auditioners should be prepared to read from the = script and=20 to sing a traditional Christmas Carol. They will be asked to affect a = British=20 accent. They may also be asked to do a few simple dance steps. No = appointment is=20 necessary.
For further information, please call the Players = Guild=20 Business Office at (330) 453-7619.
____________________________
Players Guild=20
Theatre
1001 Market Avenue North
Canton, Ohio 44702
Box Office:=20
330-453-7617
Main Office: 330-453-7619
URL: www.playersguildtheatre.com=
A> =
Visit us online at www.playersguildtheatre.com<= /A>=20
____________________________
Players Guild=20
Theatre
1001 Market Avenue North
Canton, Ohio 44702
Box Office: 330-453-7617
Main =
Office:=20
330-453-7619
URL:=20
www.playersguildtheatre.com
Do you like to work in a
casual yet fast paced,
fun and focused,
humorous and serious environment?
Sound paradoxical?
Curious?
Sounds like Cleveland Public Theatre!
We are looking for volunteers to answer phones during the day,
taking reservations and fielding calls.
We especially need help on weekdays, but have hours to fill on the weekends too.
J If you are interested in diving in to the CPT family J
even for a couple hours at a time,
contact Mia Stromberg at imymdray at cs.com or (216) 631-2727 ext. 362
Thank you!
Come=20 party with The Bluescasters and your = closest friends=20 at one of Tremonts hippest, fun, cool bars!!!
Saturday, Septmber 21st @10:00pm- = 2:00am
Edison=92s Pub: =20 Saturday, September 21st- 2373=20 Professor St. Cleveland, Ohio; Tremont District 44113-4629;=20 216-522-0006.
See=20 ya There! The Bluescasters: Tom, Bob, Pete and Jim
See=20 Cool Photos and Listen to MP3 clips @ www.bluescasters.org= P>
The
Geauga Lyric Theater Guild
Will be holding open auditions for
“The =
Dealer”
Monday, September =
30
and
Tuesday, October =
1
7:00-9:00pm
at the
Chardon United Methodist Church =
515 North Street, =
Chardon
Needed are actors age 12 and over for this =
locally written,
original play
This show will play during a school day for 4 =
& 5
graders of Chardon Schools
So please insure you are a student of good =
standing
This show will be performed at the =
Geauga
Theater
101 Water Street, =
Chardon
Wonderful for the individual who loves =
performing live
theater,
but does not have a month worth of weekends to =
donate
for the actual performance!
This show will play in mid November. =
For those in GLTG’s production of =
“A Christmas Carol”:
there is no conflict!
Please e-mail if any =
questions
See you then!
The Beck Center for the Arts
Presents
PARADE
Book by = Alfred Uhry, Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
Production Dates
September = 13 - October 6, 2002
Thursdays, = Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.
Sundays at = 3:00 p.m.
Tickets
Call = 216-521-2540
$19.00 Adults / = $16.00 Senior Citizens / $10.00 Students (college must have = i.d.)
=93BUY ONE TICKET AND GET ONE FREE=94
This offer available to subscribers of NEohioPAL for this = weekends perfomances:
Thursday, September 19th - Sunday, September = 22nd
Mention NeohioPal to receive this discount.
=93Parade=94 is the tragic true story of the Brooklyn-born Jew = wrongly accused
of the = murder of 13-year old Mary Phagan in 1913 Georgia. His only = defenders are the governor and his wife who ultimately become his = greatest champions.
The Cast
Leo Frank - = Keith = Gerchak
Lucille = Frank - Sandra Emerick
Jim Conley = - Kyle = Primous*
Mary Phagan = - Hannah DelMonte
Frankie = Epps - Colin Cook
Newt Lee - = Walter = Hazzard
Hugh Dorsey = - Brian = Etchell
Governor = John Slaton - Rob Gibb
Sally = Slaton - Jennifer Clifford
Britt Craig = - Ian = Atwood
Tom Watson = - G.A. = Taggett
Young = Confederate Soldier/Fiddlin John - Ryan Bergeron
Old = Confederate Soldier/Judge Roan - John Lynch
Iola Stover = - Jamie = Hoffman
Monteen - = Maria = Eleo
Essie - = Julie = Marx
Luther = Rosser/Ensemble - Jim McCormack
Mrs. Phagan = - Mia = Knerly-Hess
Lizzie = Phagan - Emily Grodzik
Angela/Ensemble - Debra Rose
Riley/Ensemble - Howard Pippin Jr.
Detective = J. N. Starnes/Ensemble - James Robert Smith
Officer = Ivey/Ensemble - Curtis L. Young
Floyd = McDaniel/Ensemble - Paul Kroeger
Mr. = Peavy/Ensemble - Dennis Sullivan
Prison = Guard/Ensemble - Patrick J. Carroll
Aide/Ensemble - Sean Szaller
Assistant/Ensemble - Anne Marie Pinto
Nurse/Ensemble - Lucy Bredeson-Smith
Ensemble - = Tiffany = Gates, Elizabeth H. Huff,
Cindi Verbelun, Killeen Vogel
*Appears Courtesy of = Actors Equity Association
Production Staff
Director - = Scott = Spence
Music = Director - Larry Goodpaster
Set Design = - Don = McBride
Light = Design - Erik M. Seidel
Costume = Design - Alison Hernan
Sound = Design - Roland Massatti
Stage = Manager - Tod Huffman
The Beck Center for the Arts
17801 Detroit Road
Lakewood, OH 44107
216-521-2540
Box Office = Hours are Monday - Friday: 9am - 6 pm
Saturday: 9 = am - 8 pm; Sunday: 1 pm - 3 pm
Hey!
Want to make some easy = cash and have a=20 great time doing it?
Want to see some of the = best theatre in=20 town for free?
Want to meet some of = Cleveland's most=20 interesting people?
"Why you can't beat that = deal with a=20 stick."
I know.
"How is this done?" you = ask. "Tell me=20 more..."
Well, okay...
Cleveland =
Public Theatre is=20
looking to hire someone to help take phone reservations as well as =
assist the=20
box office through December 31, 2002.
The ideal candidate =
possesses good=20
phone and people skills, has had some experience with databases and =
general=20
record keeping and the ability to work in a fast paced, yet fun=20
environment.
Hours are Mondays and Fridays from 10:00am to 3:00pm =
as well=20
as flexible weekend hours on show nights. Starting wage is $8.00 per=20
hour.
Interested candidates should phone = Vince DePaul,=20 Patron Services Manager at 216.631.2727 ext. 209.
BOB NAVIS JR RETURNS TO THE
HARMONY BAR AND GRILLE
THIS SATURDAY, SEPT 21, FROM 9-12 MIDNIGHT
WARNING: THE FOLLOWING REVIEW HAS BEEN RATED PG-13 BY THE ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST OF THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE. THE SAME REVIEW WAS GIVEN TO THE ORIGINAL CAST OF CARRIE--THE MUSICAL AND THEY RATED IT XXX, EXCEPT FOR BETTY BUCKLEY, WHO HAS A THING FOR MIKE AND GAVE IT A G--Jeff Holland
WARNING: THE PRECEEDING WARNING WAS REWRITTEN BY J MICHAEL TROY.
IKE: No, I ain't sayin' a damn thing. You're on your own, limey.
MIKE: Isaac.
I: Forget it. I'll keep seein' shows and makin' appropriately mockin' comments, but I am officially on a review strike!
M: For the love of-- What is it this time? Shannon Tweed not doing Body Chemistry 6?
I: The Sci-Fi Channel has cancelled Farscape!
M:(Flatly) Eek! That news has rendered me sterile.
I: Good thing. That show is the most interestin,' surprisin,' consistantly entertainin' thing on television right now not created by Joss Whedon. It's not fair. I'm pissed, and I could really care less right now about a play that has a bunch of limey convicts doin' a PLAY! Good God, man, what were you thinkin'?
M: Fine. This will be a monologue.
I: All I'm going to say is the play was written by a woman named Timberlake Wertenbaker and Mr. and Mrs. Wertenbaker, I apologize ahead of time for this, but Good God, what were you thinkin'? Okay, Pauline Kael, lock and load!
M: When one used to think of Tree City Players and shows with large casts, one used to want to run screaming into the night, gouging out your eyeballs with a chisel. Thankfully, with their move across the street to The Kent Stage, this is no longer the case and now up to six actors can be onstage with only slight discomfort.
I: To the audience.
M: And speaking of slight discomfort to the audience, Tree City is currently doing a production of Our Country's Good, which was without a doubt, one of the oddest theatrical experiences I've had since I took Ike to see Mumenchantz.
I: Aw, hell, the pain's back.
M: Sometimes it's a drama, sometimes it's a comedy, sometimes it's just eerie, most of the time it's depressing. The show is done as individual scenes, and they're almost like little plays into and of themselves, because you have to completely adjust your emotional state for each one.
I: I stayed at a level uninterested.
M: I thought you weren't going to talk!
I: I lied. So Australia is just one big limey prison colony, huh?
M: Well, not anymore obviously.
I: So you actually sent your convicts, most of whom were convicted of things like stealing a sheep, to God forsaken, uncolonized hellholes.
M: Well, we hadn't discovered the benefits of canabalism yet.
PAUSE
I: You are kiddin,' right?
M: Maybe.
I: And these convicts actually did this other play.
M: Yes, The Recruiting Officer. It's quite funny. I saw it in London, I believe.
I: Done by convicts?
M: No, professional wrestlers. Triple H was amazing as Plume.
I: So then this show is pretty historically accurate.
M: Let's see. Right names, right play, killing off the indiginant people with small pox. Yes, I'd say pretty accurate.
I: I had no idea Scottish men were so large and bald.
M: It's a genetic thing.
I: I also had no idea that there were so many identical twins back then.
M: Be nice. One of the actors in the original production played three characters!
I: Yeah, but how much Jeff Holland do we really need?
CONTEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!: Loyal readers. Ike here. Now's your chance to be a big time comedy writer and come up with the same crap we do. I just set up a nice little insult. Since God knows the limey ain't funny, I want you to give me his return quip. Send your one liners to rdoughnuts at yahoo.com and put Yo, Ike! in the subject. Deadline for entries is October 1st and the winning joke will be announced during the next review after that. By the way, just so ya don't think you're doin' sumthin for nothin,' there will be a prize. Dunno what yet, but it'll be cool. We now rejoin your regularly scheduled review already in progress.
M: And in conclusion, I'd just like to say I thought that Brent Houston Rhines did a thoroughly wonderful job as Ketch, the slightly pathetic but likeable hangman.
PAUSE
I: Where the hell did that come from?
M: He slipped me a C-note.
I: You are such a whore.
MIKE AND IKE LIVE: This Thursday night at Midnight. In Room 28 of the basement of Guzetta Hall at the University of Akron. ROLLING DOUGHNUTS (Comedy for the drug addled and the elderly) will be performing as part of the Theatre Guild's IMPROV-A-THON. During the intermission, meet Mike and Ike. Come see why they've been banned from 30 newspapers, 10 websites, and at least 2 YWCA's.
The Geauga Lyric Theater Guild will be =
Postponing
The orientation class for =
Directors
&
Producers
That was scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, September 21, = 12:00-3:00pm
We = regret any inconvenience.
We look forward to seeing you on the new = date
Saturday,
November 2, 2002
So = please mark your calendars now!
With
questions, or to apply to the GLTG for those positions, =
Please continue to contact:
Pete Percassi at
Peter.Percassi at voyager.net=
THANK =
YOU
And see you in =
November!
Friday, September 20, =
2002
Cleveland Jewish News
'Parade' triumphs at Beck = Center
Sandra Emerick and Keith Gerchak star =
as Lucille and Leo Frank in Beck Center's moving production of =
"Parade."
By FRAN HELLER
When "Parade" fizzled on = Broadway two months after it opened in December 1998, a number of = naysayers questioned the appropriateness of the subject matter, the Leo = Frank lynching, as fitting material for a musical.
That question is laid to rest at the = Beck Center for the Arts, where "Parade" is being presented = through Oct. 6. The more intimate theater setting changes the focus from = musical spectacle to a moving and tragic story set to music. From the = outset we are swept up in the inexorable tide of events and emotions = that triggered the worst incident of antisemitism in American = history.
Music director Larry Goodpaster and a = great-sounding orchestra illuminate Alfred Uhry's book and composer = Jason Robert Brown's innovative score and lyrics. Director Scott = Spence's fluid staging and a peerless, albeit heavily miked cast do the = rest. The result is a production that is not merely entertaining but = deeply felt.
The setting is Atlanta, Georgia, 1913, = where Leo Frank, a Brooklyn, New York, Jew, is a manager of the National = Pencil Factory. (The factory belonged to Alfred Uhry's = great-uncle.)
The college-educated Frank is clearly a = fish out of water in a town where, he says, "Jews are not like = Jews." The townfolk are equally resentful of Leo's Yankee = ways.
When Mary Phagan, a 13-year-old = employee in Frank's factory, is found dead, it isn't long before Leo = Frank is linked to the murder, fanned by a virulently antisemitic press = and a bruised South still licking its wounds from the Civil = War.
There is also the disagreeable = character of Frank himself, an uptight, prissy man who is intellectually = arrogant, an exacting employer, and an emotionally distant husband. When = Frank first sees Mary's dead body, his greater concern is for his = factory and reputation rather than the murder, arousing suspicion from = the outset.
Keith Gerchak is a shoe-in for the = mousy, bespectacled Frank, and his strong voice reaches the rafters with = every song he sings.
The role is a challenging one because = the character of Leo is not that of a tragic figure of heroic = proportions. While Frank is innocent beyond doubt, his unpleasant nature = elicits little sympathy for his plight.
Leo's growth from rigid self-absorption = to a man of passion and compassion is fully realized in Gerchak's = portrait.
As Lucille Frank, the lovely-to-look-at = Sandra Emerick has a voice as big as Gerchak's. Lucille and Leo are like = two strangers, locked in a marriage. While Leo hides behind his work, = Lucille comes across as a shallow woman who marries for security rather = than love.
But adversity draws them together, and = Lucille's efforts to free her husband lead to a deepening of their = relationship and enduring love. Their beautiful love song, "All the = Wasted Time," is a highlight.
As the bond between Lucille and Leo = grows, a gallows is being built in the background, heightening the = impending sense of tragedy.
A governor worried about his political = standing; a prosecutor concerned about his future; an antisemitic = rabble-rousing publisher; a public sympathetic to child labor conditions = (Mary worked six days a week and was paid 10=A2 an hour). All conspired = against Frank who was hanged by the press before he was tried in = kangaroo court proceedings.
Every "character" type is = played well, including Ian Atwood as the bored and sodden reporter = looking for a story in a town where the weather or a cat up a tree is = "Big News!" Colin Cook is outstanding as the sweet-talking and = singing Frankie in the catchy melody, "The Picture Show," who = later thirsts for revenge after Mary is killed.
Kyle Primous blends humor and menace as = a double-dealing ex-con not above lying to save his skin. Primous leads = the chain gang in the stirring blues-y number, "Feel the Rain = Fall."
Robert Gibb is excellent as the = conscience-stricken governor who commutes Leo's sentence, thereby = sacrificing his political future. The act also triggers a wave of = physical violence against Jews and the smashing of windows of Jewish = businesses in the town. The unleashing of such virulent antisemitism led = to the formation of the Anti-Defamation League.
The ensemble scenes are terrific, from = the opening parade to the courtroom fracas and the governor's tea dance. = Erik Seidel's imaginative lighting turns a cot and a wall into a jail = cell and reality into fantasy in the courtroom scene when Leo is = portrayed as a lascivious employer in the delicious number, "Come = Up to My Office."
Ace production values include Alison = Hernan's veritable parade of costumes cloaking a 30-plus member cast and = the creative use of Don McBride's minimalist props to maximize = setting.
The leads received a standing ovation = the night I attended.
The Beck Center for the Arts is located = at 17801 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood. For information and tickets, call = 216-521-2540.
NORTH CANTON PLAYHOUSE
Center For The Performing Arts
Announces It's 2002-2003 Season Opener:
"FIDDLER ON THE ROOF"
Directed By Mary McManaway
September 26th - October 13th
Curtain: 8:00 pm - Sunday Matinee's: 2:30pm
THE CAST INCLUDES:
Kevin Wells as "Tevye"
Marilyn Roberts as "Golde"
Kari Ringer as "Hodel"
Raina Semivan as"Tezitel"
Lauren Carter as "Chava
You're Sure To Enjoy This Fabulous Cast Of
As They Perform All Your Favorite Songs
>From This Beloved Musical!
FOR RESERVATIONS & INFORMATION
Call The Theatre At: 330-494-1613
525 7th St. NE. North Canton, OH
Actors' Summit offers night of great songs Rodgers and Hammerstein revue filled with romance, nostalgia
By Kerry Clawson
Beacon Journal staff writer
Actors' Summit's Rodgers and Hammerstein revue, A Grand Night for Singing, doesn't have a lot of pizzazz, but it's full of romantic, nostalgic classics that make for a pleasant evening.
The 1994 Broadway revue, nominated for two Tonys, celebrates the work of these famous collaborators, featuring tunes from Oklahoma, Cinderella, The King and I, South Pacific, The Sound of Music, Allegro, Pipe Dream, Carousel and Flower Drum Song.
The Actors' Summit production is a fast-paced performance with seamless transitions. Four actors/singers are backed by an excellent four-member band, led by music director/pianist Marc Baker, obviously a consummate musician.
Baritone Greg Violand is the anchor in this musical production, as a soloist, in duets and in ensemble numbers. He's the most accomplished singer of the four, having sung with Cleveland Opera Company and in a number of Northeast Ohio musicals. The rest of the singers have generally enjoyable voices.
The charming Violand excels in the lovely We Kiss in a Shadow and as the lead singer in Honey Bun, one of the most delightful numbers of the evening.
Here, he begins with a cute verbal disclaimer to this song that extols a woman's great figure: `No offense to anybody. It was the times, you know.''
In this bouncy, jazzy number, the rest of the cast serves as a girl backup band, dancing and miming playing instruments.
Other lively songs include That's The Way It Happens with MaryJo Alexander, Violand and Wayne Turney and the ensemble's perfectly polished show stopper, Kansas City.
Alexander and Maryann Nagel also offer a lot of fun in the jazzy, lounge-style I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out-a My Hair.
Too often, alto Nagel and tenor Turney sound a bit forced and flat. That pairing makes their duet, Shall We Dance, one of the show's weakest numbers.
All of these cast members are good actors, though. They offer very honest emoting in Alexander's tender Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful and Turney's painful Love, Look Away. Director Neil Thackaberry has added a number of niceties to the show, including plenty of cute patter between numbers. There's a good flow of actors from different entry points into the stage area, and choreography is simple yet effective.
Costumer Alexander presents a beautiful array of gowns for both her and Nagel, adding great elegance to the show.
Rodgers and Hammerstein lovers will want to tap their feet and hum along with some of this revue's best-known numbers. The actors all look starry-eyed in their finale, Impossible/I Have Dreamed, which features beautiful four-part harmony.
Theater critic Kerry Clawson may be reached at 330-996-3527 or by e-mail at kclawson at thebeaconjournal.com.
Greetings and Salutations!
You're INVITED to see our show.
You might just learn a little,
Of facts you?d never know.
If this at all seems boring,
Don?t hold back your yawn.
For you?re about to embark on,
A trip with Henry and Tom.
Now Tom we have to thank,
For all of those things we care.
The light bulb, the telephone, the cinema,
The electric bills we so despair.
And Henry with his boat on wheels,
sailing down the road.
With a beep . . .
And a squeak . . .
And a black shiny streak . . .
America?s now in the mode.
Henry and Tom go camping,
annually each year.
But, this camping trip is different,
As they smack into a deer!
Another guest will accompany us,
along with the two major greats.
Warren G. Harding is 29th ,
Among the Presidents of the United States.
So this is where I leave you,
Take caution of certain conditions.
You may want to feed the wild life,
DON?T FEED THE POLITICIANS!
Make sure you bring your sleeping bag,
Your toothbrush, and your song.
To dance around the campfire,
With Warren, Henry and Tom.
---Terry M. Sandler, Director
CHAGRIN VALLEY LITTLE THEATRE
Presents:
Camping with Henry and Tom!
By Mark St. Germain
Directed by Terry M. Sandler
When
September 20-October 12 (Fridays & Saturdays, 8pm)
Box Office
(440)-247-8955 (40 River Street, Chagrin Falls)
Seeking an actor to play the one remaining open role in Cast of Characters
The Tale of the Allergist's Wife
by Charles Busch
Directed by Fred Sternfeld
at Dobama Theatre
(the rest of the cast is listed below)
Mohammed is the doorman in the Taub's upscale apartment building. He is from Iraq and in his early twenties. Actors who can believably play someone of Middle-Eastern ethnicity will be considered. This is a paid position.
If you are interested in auditioning, please contact Fred Sternfeld at 216-360-0708 for an appointment. Or, if you know someone who may be appropriate for this role, please forward this message to them.
Mohammed --
Marjorie Taub -- Jeanne Task
Ira Taub -- Greg Violand*
Frieda -- Myrtle Silverman
Lee Green -- Laura Perrotta*
In an intricate comedy of manners a well-heeled couple regains their sense of adventure - with hysterical consequences. Known for his contemporary outrageous comedies and biting social satire, Busch's Broadway hit makes its OHIO debut.
"An intelligently funny satirically relevant uptown comedy." New York Times
Rehearsals
The rehearsal period will be a total of four weeks and will begin the week of either December 9 or 16, 2002. It will be split into two segments allowing for a one to two week break at the end of December.
Production Dates
January 17- February 9, 2003
CLEVELAND=20
PUBLIC THEATRE PRESENTS
PREMIERE=20 OF NEW MUSIC ENSEMBLE
Mystical Connections
an=20 Evening of Music led by Margaret Brouwer
Wednesday, September 18, 2002 at 8:00pm
Executive=20
Director James A. Levin and Artistic Director Randy Rollison are proud =
to=20
present Mystical=20
Connections, an=20
evening of music led by Margaret=20
Brouwer.=20
The evening will feature the premiere of a new Cleveland based music =
ensemble=20
named Connections=20
as well as performances by African singer/dancer Ceco Selinas and =
clarinetist=20
Amitai Vardi. Mystical=20
Connections will=20
be presented for one night only on Wednesday=20
September 18, 2002 at 8:00 p.m.=20
Tickets are $15.00 and $10.00 for seniors and students. For more box =
office=20
information, please call Cleveland Public Theatre at 216.631.2727.
Mystical =
Connections is not a concert so much =
as a total=20
experience. The newly founded ensemble explores the art of communication =
and=20
understanding between cultures as well as the acceptance and celebration =
of=20
differences. Featuring a combination of works composed by Margaret =
Brouwer and a=20
cross selection of various world music, the event is a unique attempt to =
thread=20
connections between seemingly disparate cultures and explore the =
possibility of=20
a world that speaks a common language of hope. =93In the aftermath of =
Sept. 11th,=20
we lowly musicians wondered what we could do to help. The result is =
simply this:=20
an honest exploration of how connections can be made through music,=94 =
says=20
Margaret Brouwer.
Brouwer approached various =
local=20
musicians last winter about connecting with other cultures through music =
and=20
=93was thrilled to find that these musicians all very much wanted to be=20
involved.=94 For the core =
of her=20
Connections ensemble, she successfully assembled four recent graduates =
of the=20
Cleveland Institute of Music and two members of Cleveland=92s =
Apollo=92s=20
Fire, conductor and founder Jeannette Sorrell and singer =
Sandra=20
Simon. In conjunction with Brouwer=92s ensemble, will be modern and=20
traditional African music performed by local African drummers and =
singer/ dancer=20
Ceco Selinas, and Klezmer music performed by local clarinetist =
Amitai=20
Vardi. Under the belief that music operates on a level beyond the =
language=20
of politics and religion, Brouwer views this work as a response to the=20
preponderance of violence between cultures. Her hope is that =93when we =
get away=20
from words, communication may be easier.=94 =20
Cleveland=20
Public Theatre=92s Presented Series=20
is=20
made possible through the generous support of The George Fund =
Foundation, The=20
Ohio Arts Council and the Cleveland Foundation/BASICS program and =
Continental=20
Airlines. Cleveland Public Theatre is one of 17 arts organizations =
participating=20
in BASICs; a five-year program of the Cleveland Foundation. BASICs =
organizations=20
receive operating support, customized technical assistance and grants to =
help=20
build capacity to manage the necessary risk-taking of their art=20
forms.
The=20
mission of Cleveland Public Theatre is to inspire, nurture, challenge, =
amaze,=20
educate and empower artists and audiences, in order to make the =
Cleveland Public=20
a more conscious and compassionate community.
Jeff Syroney
Director of Marketing and Public=20
Relations
Cleveland Public Theatre
216.631.2727 ext.=20
203
jsyroney at cptonline.org
www.cptonline.org =
Chuck=20
Davis
Sept.=20
24 =20
You=20
are invited to join=20
Chuck Davis, founder and artistic Director of the African Dance =
Ensemble, as he=20
visits
To=20
spread the ensemble's motto of "Peace, Love, and Respect for =
Everybody," Chuck=20
Davis will have everyone out of their seats as they celebrate =
traditional=20
African culture, aesthetics and values to encourage interracial =
cooperation,=20
cross-cultural understanding and societal=20
analysis.
In=20
his workshops, Chuck will create an energetic atmosphere as he uses =
traditional=20
African and African American dance and music and the art of =
storytelling. Whether a =
student,=20
teacher, artist or all three, the workshop will enhance our =
sensitivities for=20
others -as we dance, sing, and stomp around the room. In Chuck's =
own=20
words, "Become an ambassador for =
peace."
Space=20
is limited and cost is $15.00. To register, call Ray Gargano at 216-348-7912 or email garganor at playhousesquare.co=
m.
For=20
more information about Chuck Davis, visit his website at http://users.vnet.net/aade=
/main.html.=20
Ray=20
Gargano
Education Outreach=20
Manager
216.348.7912
garganor at playhousesquare.com
Jeff Syroney
Director of =
Marketing and=20
Public Relations
Cleveland Public Theatre
216.631.2727 ext.=20
203
jsyroney at cptonline.org
www.cptonline.org=20
THE GEAUGA LYRIC THEATER GUILD =
IS PROUD
TO PRESENT WORKSHOPS ON
STORYTELLING
Presented by professional
storyteller
Robin Echols =
Cooper
A three session workshop =
that
will focus on the nuts and bolts of =
storytelling
From folktales to family
tales…wonderful for creative =
children!
Classes will be held at =
The
Chardon Chalet
October 16, 23 & =
November 6
7:30-8:30pm
Open to ages 8 and =
over
Fee: =
$25.00
VOICE
Presented by Robert =
Sprafka
This workshop will focus =
on
proper breathing, projection & stance =
A must for those serious =
about
performance!
Wednesdays: October 9, 16, =
23
& 30
7:00-9:00pm
At 106 Water Street, =
Chardon
(2nd floor of =
the
Coldwell Banker Building)
Open to ages 14 and =
over
Fee: $40.00 =
TO =
REGISTER
In person, Saturday =
September 28
from 9-11am at Geauga Theater
e-mail Education Director =
Keith
Douglass at : kadoug at alltel.net
By Mail: Checks payable to =
GLTG,
9574 Wildwood Dr, Chardon OH, 44024
The original non-musical version of the classic = Dickens=20 tale returns to the Mainstage. Watch the magical transformation of = mean-spirited=20 Scrooge as he is visited by Christmas Past, Present, and Future in this=20 heart-warming holiday tradition.
Directed by John Capocci
Friday, October 18 at 7 PM
Saturday, October 19 at 7:00 P.M.
Performance dates: November 29 - December = 22
Auditioners should be prepared to read from the = script and=20 to sing a traditional Christmas Carol. They will be asked to affect a = British=20 accent. They may also be asked to do a few simple dance steps. No = appointment is=20 necessary.
For further information, please call the Players = Guild=20 Business Office at (330) 453-7619.
____________________________
Players Guild=20
Theatre
1001 Market Avenue North
Canton, Ohio 44702
Box Office:=20
330-453-7617
Main Office: 330-453-7619
URL: www.playersguildtheatre.com=
A> =
Visit us online at www.playersguildtheatre.com<= /A>=20
____________________________
Players Guild=20
Theatre
1001 Market Avenue North
Canton, Ohio 44702
Box Office: 330-453-7617
Main =
Office:=20
330-453-7619
URL:=20
www.playersguildtheatre.com
Do you like to work in a
casual yet fast paced,
fun and focused,
humorous and serious environment?
Sound paradoxical?
Curious?
Sounds like Cleveland Public Theatre!
We are looking for volunteers to answer phones during the day,
taking reservations and fielding calls.
We especially need help on weekdays, but have hours to fill on the weekends too.
J If you are interested in diving in to the CPT family J
even for a couple hours at a time,
contact Mia Stromberg at imymdray at cs.com or (216) 631-2727 ext. 362
Thank you!
Come=20 party with The Bluescasters and your = closest friends=20 at one of Tremonts hippest, fun, cool bars!!!
Saturday, Septmber 21st @10:00pm- = 2:00am
Edison=92s Pub: =20 Saturday, September 21st- 2373=20 Professor St. Cleveland, Ohio; Tremont District 44113-4629;=20 216-522-0006.
See=20 ya There! The Bluescasters: Tom, Bob, Pete and Jim
See=20 Cool Photos and Listen to MP3 clips @ www.bluescasters.org= P>
The
Geauga Lyric Theater Guild
Will be holding open auditions for
“The =
Dealer”
Monday, September =
30
and
Tuesday, October =
1
7:00-9:00pm
at the
Chardon United Methodist Church =
515 North Street, =
Chardon
Needed are actors age 12 and over for this =
locally written,
original play
This show will play during a school day for 4 =
& 5
graders of Chardon Schools
So please insure you are a student of good =
standing
This show will be performed at the =
Geauga
Theater
101 Water Street, =
Chardon
Wonderful for the individual who loves =
performing live
theater,
but does not have a month worth of weekends to =
donate
for the actual performance!
This show will play in mid November. =
For those in GLTG’s production of =
“A Christmas Carol”:
there is no conflict!
Please e-mail if any =
questions
See you then!
The Beck Center for the Arts
Presents
PARADE
Book by = Alfred Uhry, Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
Production Dates
September = 13 - October 6, 2002
Thursdays, = Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.
Sundays at = 3:00 p.m.
Tickets
Call = 216-521-2540
$19.00 Adults / = $16.00 Senior Citizens / $10.00 Students (college must have = i.d.)
=93BUY ONE TICKET AND GET ONE FREE=94
This offer available to subscribers of NEohioPAL for this = weekends perfomances:
Thursday, September 19th - Sunday, September = 22nd
Mention NeohioPal to receive this discount.
=93Parade=94 is the tragic true story of the Brooklyn-born Jew = wrongly accused
of the = murder of 13-year old Mary Phagan in 1913 Georgia. His only = defenders are the governor and his wife who ultimately become his = greatest champions.
The Cast
Leo Frank - = Keith = Gerchak
Lucille = Frank - Sandra Emerick
Jim Conley = - Kyle = Primous*
Mary Phagan = - Hannah DelMonte
Frankie = Epps - Colin Cook
Newt Lee - = Walter = Hazzard
Hugh Dorsey = - Brian = Etchell
Governor = John Slaton - Rob Gibb
Sally = Slaton - Jennifer Clifford
Britt Craig = - Ian = Atwood
Tom Watson = - G.A. = Taggett
Young = Confederate Soldier/Fiddlin John - Ryan Bergeron
Old = Confederate Soldier/Judge Roan - John Lynch
Iola Stover = - Jamie = Hoffman
Monteen - = Maria = Eleo
Essie - = Julie = Marx
Luther = Rosser/Ensemble - Jim McCormack
Mrs. Phagan = - Mia = Knerly-Hess
Lizzie = Phagan - Emily Grodzik
Angela/Ensemble - Debra Rose
Riley/Ensemble - Howard Pippin Jr.
Detective = J. N. Starnes/Ensemble - James Robert Smith
Officer = Ivey/Ensemble - Curtis L. Young
Floyd = McDaniel/Ensemble - Paul Kroeger
Mr. = Peavy/Ensemble - Dennis Sullivan
Prison = Guard/Ensemble - Patrick J. Carroll
Aide/Ensemble - Sean Szaller
Assistant/Ensemble - Anne Marie Pinto
Nurse/Ensemble - Lucy Bredeson-Smith
Ensemble - = Tiffany = Gates, Elizabeth H. Huff,
Cindi Verbelun, Killeen Vogel
*Appears Courtesy of = Actors Equity Association
Production Staff
Director - = Scott = Spence
Music = Director - Larry Goodpaster
Set Design = - Don = McBride
Light = Design - Erik M. Seidel
Costume = Design - Alison Hernan
Sound = Design - Roland Massatti
Stage = Manager - Tod Huffman
The Beck Center for the Arts
17801 Detroit Road
Lakewood, OH 44107
216-521-2540
Box Office = Hours are Monday - Friday: 9am - 6 pm
Saturday: 9 = am - 8 pm; Sunday: 1 pm - 3 pm
Hey!
Want to make some easy = cash and have a=20 great time doing it?
Want to see some of the = best theatre in=20 town for free?
Want to meet some of = Cleveland's most=20 interesting people?
"Why you can't beat that = deal with a=20 stick."
I know.
"How is this done?" you = ask. "Tell me=20 more..."
Well, okay...
Cleveland =
Public Theatre is=20
looking to hire someone to help take phone reservations as well as =
assist the=20
box office through December 31, 2002.
The ideal candidate =
possesses good=20
phone and people skills, has had some experience with databases and =
general=20
record keeping and the ability to work in a fast paced, yet fun=20
environment.
Hours are Mondays and Fridays from 10:00am to 3:00pm =
as well=20
as flexible weekend hours on show nights. Starting wage is $8.00 per=20
hour.
Interested candidates should phone = Vince DePaul,=20 Patron Services Manager at 216.631.2727 ext. 209.
BOB NAVIS JR RETURNS TO THE
HARMONY BAR AND GRILLE
THIS SATURDAY, SEPT 21, FROM 9-12 MIDNIGHT
WARNING: THE FOLLOWING REVIEW HAS BEEN RATED PG-13 BY THE ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST OF THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE. THE SAME REVIEW WAS GIVEN TO THE ORIGINAL CAST OF CARRIE--THE MUSICAL AND THEY RATED IT XXX, EXCEPT FOR BETTY BUCKLEY, WHO HAS A THING FOR MIKE AND GAVE IT A G--Jeff Holland
WARNING: THE PRECEEDING WARNING WAS REWRITTEN BY J MICHAEL TROY.
IKE: No, I ain't sayin' a damn thing. You're on your own, limey.
MIKE: Isaac.
I: Forget it. I'll keep seein' shows and makin' appropriately mockin' comments, but I am officially on a review strike!
M: For the love of-- What is it this time? Shannon Tweed not doing Body Chemistry 6?
I: The Sci-Fi Channel has cancelled Farscape!
M:(Flatly) Eek! That news has rendered me sterile.
I: Good thing. That show is the most interestin,' surprisin,' consistantly entertainin' thing on television right now not created by Joss Whedon. It's not fair. I'm pissed, and I could really care less right now about a play that has a bunch of limey convicts doin' a PLAY! Good God, man, what were you thinkin'?
M: Fine. This will be a monologue.
I: All I'm going to say is the play was written by a woman named Timberlake Wertenbaker and Mr. and Mrs. Wertenbaker, I apologize ahead of time for this, but Good God, what were you thinkin'? Okay, Pauline Kael, lock and load!
M: When one used to think of Tree City Players and shows with large casts, one used to want to run screaming into the night, gouging out your eyeballs with a chisel. Thankfully, with their move across the street to The Kent Stage, this is no longer the case and now up to six actors can be onstage with only slight discomfort.
I: To the audience.
M: And speaking of slight discomfort to the audience, Tree City is currently doing a production of Our Country's Good, which was without a doubt, one of the oddest theatrical experiences I've had since I took Ike to see Mumenchantz.
I: Aw, hell, the pain's back.
M: Sometimes it's a drama, sometimes it's a comedy, sometimes it's just eerie, most of the time it's depressing. The show is done as individual scenes, and they're almost like little plays into and of themselves, because you have to completely adjust your emotional state for each one.
I: I stayed at a level uninterested.
M: I thought you weren't going to talk!
I: I lied. So Australia is just one big limey prison colony, huh?
M: Well, not anymore obviously.
I: So you actually sent your convicts, most of whom were convicted of things like stealing a sheep, to God forsaken, uncolonized hellholes.
M: Well, we hadn't discovered the benefits of canabalism yet.
PAUSE
I: You are kiddin,' right?
M: Maybe.
I: And these convicts actually did this other play.
M: Yes, The Recruiting Officer. It's quite funny. I saw it in London, I believe.
I: Done by convicts?
M: No, professional wrestlers. Triple H was amazing as Plume.
I: So then this show is pretty historically accurate.
M: Let's see. Right names, right play, killing off the indiginant people with small pox. Yes, I'd say pretty accurate.
I: I had no idea Scottish men were so large and bald.
M: It's a genetic thing.
I: I also had no idea that there were so many identical twins back then.
M: Be nice. One of the actors in the original production played three characters!
I: Yeah, but how much Jeff Holland do we really need?
CONTEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!: Loyal readers. Ike here. Now's your chance to be a big time comedy writer and come up with the same crap we do. I just set up a nice little insult. Since God knows the limey ain't funny, I want you to give me his return quip. Send your one liners to rdoughnuts at yahoo.com and put Yo, Ike! in the subject. Deadline for entries is October 1st and the winning joke will be announced during the next review after that. By the way, just so ya don't think you're doin' sumthin for nothin,' there will be a prize. Dunno what yet, but it'll be cool. We now rejoin your regularly scheduled review already in progress.
M: And in conclusion, I'd just like to say I thought that Brent Houston Rhines did a thoroughly wonderful job as Ketch, the slightly pathetic but likeable hangman.
PAUSE
I: Where the hell did that come from?
M: He slipped me a C-note.
I: You are such a whore.
MIKE AND IKE LIVE: This Thursday night at Midnight. In Room 28 of the basement of Guzetta Hall at the University of Akron. ROLLING DOUGHNUTS (Comedy for the drug addled and the elderly) will be performing as part of the Theatre Guild's IMPROV-A-THON. During the intermission, meet Mike and Ike. Come see why they've been banned from 30 newspapers, 10 websites, and at least 2 YWCA's.
The Geauga Lyric Theater Guild will be =
Postponing
The orientation class for =
Directors
&
Producers
That was scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, September 21, = 12:00-3:00pm
We = regret any inconvenience.
We look forward to seeing you on the new = date
Saturday,
November 2, 2002
So = please mark your calendars now!
With
questions, or to apply to the GLTG for those positions, =
Please continue to contact:
Pete Percassi at
Peter.Percassi at voyager.net=
THANK =
YOU
And see you in =
November!
Friday, September 20, =
2002
Cleveland Jewish News
'Parade' triumphs at Beck = Center
Sandra Emerick and Keith Gerchak star =
as Lucille and Leo Frank in Beck Center's moving production of =
"Parade."
By FRAN HELLER
When "Parade" fizzled on = Broadway two months after it opened in December 1998, a number of = naysayers questioned the appropriateness of the subject matter, the Leo = Frank lynching, as fitting material for a musical.
That question is laid to rest at the = Beck Center for the Arts, where "Parade" is being presented = through Oct. 6. The more intimate theater setting changes the focus from = musical spectacle to a moving and tragic story set to music. From the = outset we are swept up in the inexorable tide of events and emotions = that triggered the worst incident of antisemitism in American = history.
Music director Larry Goodpaster and a = great-sounding orchestra illuminate Alfred Uhry's book and composer = Jason Robert Brown's innovative score and lyrics. Director Scott = Spence's fluid staging and a peerless, albeit heavily miked cast do the = rest. The result is a production that is not merely entertaining but = deeply felt.
The setting is Atlanta, Georgia, 1913, = where Leo Frank, a Brooklyn, New York, Jew, is a manager of the National = Pencil Factory. (The factory belonged to Alfred Uhry's = great-uncle.)
The college-educated Frank is clearly a = fish out of water in a town where, he says, "Jews are not like = Jews." The townfolk are equally resentful of Leo's Yankee = ways.
When Mary Phagan, a 13-year-old = employee in Frank's factory, is found dead, it isn't long before Leo = Frank is linked to the murder, fanned by a virulently antisemitic press = and a bruised South still licking its wounds from the Civil = War.
There is also the disagreeable = character of Frank himself, an uptight, prissy man who is intellectually = arrogant, an exacting employer, and an emotionally distant husband. When = Frank first sees Mary's dead body, his greater concern is for his = factory and reputation rather than the murder, arousing suspicion from = the outset.
Keith Gerchak is a shoe-in for the = mousy, bespectacled Frank, and his strong voice reaches the rafters with = every song he sings.
The role is a challenging one because = the character of Leo is not that of a tragic figure of heroic = proportions. While Frank is innocent beyond doubt, his unpleasant nature = elicits little sympathy for his plight.
Leo's growth from rigid self-absorption = to a man of passion and compassion is fully realized in Gerchak's = portrait.
As Lucille Frank, the lovely-to-look-at = Sandra Emerick has a voice as big as Gerchak's. Lucille and Leo are like = two strangers, locked in a marriage. While Leo hides behind his work, = Lucille comes across as a shallow woman who marries for security rather = than love.
But adversity draws them together, and = Lucille's efforts to free her husband lead to a deepening of their = relationship and enduring love. Their beautiful love song, "All the = Wasted Time," is a highlight.
As the bond between Lucille and Leo = grows, a gallows is being built in the background, heightening the = impending sense of tragedy.
A governor worried about his political = standing; a prosecutor concerned about his future; an antisemitic = rabble-rousing publisher; a public sympathetic to child labor conditions = (Mary worked six days a week and was paid 10=A2 an hour). All conspired = against Frank who was hanged by the press before he was tried in = kangaroo court proceedings.
Every "character" type is = played well, including Ian Atwood as the bored and sodden reporter = looking for a story in a town where the weather or a cat up a tree is = "Big News!" Colin Cook is outstanding as the sweet-talking and = singing Frankie in the catchy melody, "The Picture Show," who = later thirsts for revenge after Mary is killed.
Kyle Primous blends humor and menace as = a double-dealing ex-con not above lying to save his skin. Primous leads = the chain gang in the stirring blues-y number, "Feel the Rain = Fall."
Robert Gibb is excellent as the = conscience-stricken governor who commutes Leo's sentence, thereby = sacrificing his political future. The act also triggers a wave of = physical violence against Jews and the smashing of windows of Jewish = businesses in the town. The unleashing of such virulent antisemitism led = to the formation of the Anti-Defamation League.
The ensemble scenes are terrific, from = the opening parade to the courtroom fracas and the governor's tea dance. = Erik Seidel's imaginative lighting turns a cot and a wall into a jail = cell and reality into fantasy in the courtroom scene when Leo is = portrayed as a lascivious employer in the delicious number, "Come = Up to My Office."
Ace production values include Alison = Hernan's veritable parade of costumes cloaking a 30-plus member cast and = the creative use of Don McBride's minimalist props to maximize = setting.
The leads received a standing ovation = the night I attended.
The Beck Center for the Arts is located = at 17801 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood. For information and tickets, call = 216-521-2540.
NORTH CANTON PLAYHOUSE
Center For The Performing Arts
Announces It's 2002-2003 Season Opener:
"FIDDLER ON THE ROOF"
Directed By Mary McManaway
September 26th - October 13th
Curtain: 8:00 pm - Sunday Matinee's: 2:30pm
THE CAST INCLUDES:
Kevin Wells as "Tevye"
Marilyn Roberts as "Golde"
Kari Ringer as "Hodel"
Raina Semivan as"Tezitel"
Lauren Carter as "Chava
You're Sure To Enjoy This Fabulous Cast Of
As They Perform All Your Favorite Songs
>From This Beloved Musical!
FOR RESERVATIONS & INFORMATION
Call The Theatre At: 330-494-1613
525 7th St. NE. North Canton, OH
Actors' Summit offers night of great songs Rodgers and Hammerstein revue filled with romance, nostalgia
By Kerry Clawson
Beacon Journal staff writer
Actors' Summit's Rodgers and Hammerstein revue, A Grand Night for Singing, doesn't have a lot of pizzazz, but it's full of romantic, nostalgic classics that make for a pleasant evening.
The 1994 Broadway revue, nominated for two Tonys, celebrates the work of these famous collaborators, featuring tunes from Oklahoma, Cinderella, The King and I, South Pacific, The Sound of Music, Allegro, Pipe Dream, Carousel and Flower Drum Song.
The Actors' Summit production is a fast-paced performance with seamless transitions. Four actors/singers are backed by an excellent four-member band, led by music director/pianist Marc Baker, obviously a consummate musician.
Baritone Greg Violand is the anchor in this musical production, as a soloist, in duets and in ensemble numbers. He's the most accomplished singer of the four, having sung with Cleveland Opera Company and in a number of Northeast Ohio musicals. The rest of the singers have generally enjoyable voices.
The charming Violand excels in the lovely We Kiss in a Shadow and as the lead singer in Honey Bun, one of the most delightful numbers of the evening.
Here, he begins with a cute verbal disclaimer to this song that extols a woman's great figure: `No offense to anybody. It was the times, you know.''
In this bouncy, jazzy number, the rest of the cast serves as a girl backup band, dancing and miming playing instruments.
Other lively songs include That's The Way It Happens with MaryJo Alexander, Violand and Wayne Turney and the ensemble's perfectly polished show stopper, Kansas City.
Alexander and Maryann Nagel also offer a lot of fun in the jazzy, lounge-style I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out-a My Hair.
Too often, alto Nagel and tenor Turney sound a bit forced and flat. That pairing makes their duet, Shall We Dance, one of the show's weakest numbers.
All of these cast members are good actors, though. They offer very honest emoting in Alexander's tender Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful and Turney's painful Love, Look Away. Director Neil Thackaberry has added a number of niceties to the show, including plenty of cute patter between numbers. There's a good flow of actors from different entry points into the stage area, and choreography is simple yet effective.
Costumer Alexander presents a beautiful array of gowns for both her and Nagel, adding great elegance to the show.
Rodgers and Hammerstein lovers will want to tap their feet and hum along with some of this revue's best-known numbers. The actors all look starry-eyed in their finale, Impossible/I Have Dreamed, which features beautiful four-part harmony.
Theater critic Kerry Clawson may be reached at 330-996-3527 or by e-mail at kclawson at thebeaconjournal.com.
Greetings and Salutations!
You're INVITED to see our show.
You might just learn a little,
Of facts you?d never know.
If this at all seems boring,
Don?t hold back your yawn.
For you?re about to embark on,
A trip with Henry and Tom.
Now Tom we have to thank,
For all of those things we care.
The light bulb, the telephone, the cinema,
The electric bills we so despair.
And Henry with his boat on wheels,
sailing down the road.
With a beep . . .
And a squeak . . .
And a black shiny streak . . .
America?s now in the mode.
Henry and Tom go camping,
annually each year.
But, this camping trip is different,
As they smack into a deer!
Another guest will accompany us,
along with the two major greats.
Warren G. Harding is 29th ,
Among the Presidents of the United States.
So this is where I leave you,
Take caution of certain conditions.
You may want to feed the wild life,
DON?T FEED THE POLITICIANS!
Make sure you bring your sleeping bag,
Your toothbrush, and your song.
To dance around the campfire,
With Warren, Henry and Tom.
---Terry M. Sandler, Director
CHAGRIN VALLEY LITTLE THEATRE
Presents:
Camping with Henry and Tom!
By Mark St. Germain
Directed by Terry M. Sandler
When
September 20-October 12 (Fridays & Saturdays, 8pm)
Box Office
(440)-247-8955 (40 River Street, Chagrin Falls)
Seeking an actor to play the one remaining open role in Cast of Characters
The Tale of the Allergist's Wife
by Charles Busch
Directed by Fred Sternfeld
at Dobama Theatre
(the rest of the cast is listed below)
Mohammed is the doorman in the Taub's upscale apartment building. He is from Iraq and in his early twenties. Actors who can believably play someone of Middle-Eastern ethnicity will be considered. This is a paid position.
If you are interested in auditioning, please contact Fred Sternfeld at 216-360-0708 for an appointment. Or, if you know someone who may be appropriate for this role, please forward this message to them.
Mohammed --
Marjorie Taub -- Jeanne Task
Ira Taub -- Greg Violand*
Frieda -- Myrtle Silverman
Lee Green -- Laura Perrotta*
In an intricate comedy of manners a well-heeled couple regains their sense of adventure - with hysterical consequences. Known for his contemporary outrageous comedies and biting social satire, Busch's Broadway hit makes its OHIO debut.
"An intelligently funny satirically relevant uptown comedy." New York Times
Rehearsals
The rehearsal period will be a total of four weeks and will begin the week of either December 9 or 16, 2002. It will be split into two segments allowing for a one to two week break at the end of December.
Production Dates
January 17- February 9, 2003
CLEVELAND=20
PUBLIC THEATRE PRESENTS
PREMIERE=20 OF NEW MUSIC ENSEMBLE
Mystical Connections
an=20 Evening of Music led by Margaret Brouwer
Wednesday, September 18, 2002 at 8:00pm
Executive=20
Director James A. Levin and Artistic Director Randy Rollison are proud =
to=20
present Mystical=20
Connections, an=20
evening of music led by Margaret=20
Brouwer.=20
The evening will feature the premiere of a new Cleveland based music =
ensemble=20
named Connections=20
as well as performances by African singer/dancer Ceco Selinas and =
clarinetist=20
Amitai Vardi. Mystical=20
Connections will=20
be presented for one night only on Wednesday=20
September 18, 2002 at 8:00 p.m.=20
Tickets are $15.00 and $10.00 for seniors and students. For more box =
office=20
information, please call Cleveland Public Theatre at 216.631.2727.
Mystical =
Connections is not a concert so much =
as a total=20
experience. The newly founded ensemble explores the art of communication =
and=20
understanding between cultures as well as the acceptance and celebration =
of=20
differences. Featuring a combination of works composed by Margaret =
Brouwer and a=20
cross selection of various world music, the event is a unique attempt to =
thread=20
connections between seemingly disparate cultures and explore the =
possibility of=20
a world that speaks a common language of hope. =93In the aftermath of =
Sept. 11th,=20
we lowly musicians wondered what we could do to help. The result is =
simply this:=20
an honest exploration of how connections can be made through music,=94 =
says=20
Margaret Brouwer.
Brouwer approached various =
local=20
musicians last winter about connecting with other cultures through music =
and=20
=93was thrilled to find that these musicians all very much wanted to be=20
involved.=94 For the core =
of her=20
Connections ensemble, she successfully assembled four recent graduates =
of the=20
Cleveland Institute of Music and two members of Cleveland=92s =
Apollo=92s=20
Fire, conductor and founder Jeannette Sorrell and singer =
Sandra=20
Simon. In conjunction with Brouwer=92s ensemble, will be modern and=20
traditional African music performed by local African drummers and =
singer/ dancer=20
Ceco Selinas, and Klezmer music performed by local clarinetist =
Amitai=20
Vardi. Under the belief that music operates on a level beyond the =
language=20
of politics and religion, Brouwer views this work as a response to the=20
preponderance of violence between cultures. Her hope is that =93when we =
get away=20
from words, communication may be easier.=94 =20
Cleveland=20
Public Theatre=92s Presented Series=20
is=20
made possible through the generous support of The George Fund =
Foundation, The=20
Ohio Arts Council and the Cleveland Foundation/BASICS program and =
Continental=20
Airlines. Cleveland Public Theatre is one of 17 arts organizations =
participating=20
in BASICs; a five-year program of the Cleveland Foundation. BASICs =
organizations=20
receive operating support, customized technical assistance and grants to =
help=20
build capacity to manage the necessary risk-taking of their art=20
forms.
The=20
mission of Cleveland Public Theatre is to inspire, nurture, challenge, =
amaze,=20
educate and empower artists and audiences, in order to make the =
Cleveland Public=20
a more conscious and compassionate community.
Jeff Syroney
Director of Marketing and Public=20
Relations
Cleveland Public Theatre
216.631.2727 ext.=20
203
jsyroney at cptonline.org
www.cptonline.org =
Chuck=20
Davis
Sept.=20
24 =20
You=20
are invited to join=20
Chuck Davis, founder and artistic Director of the African Dance =
Ensemble, as he=20
visits
To=20
spread the ensemble's motto of "Peace, Love, and Respect for =
Everybody," Chuck=20
Davis will have everyone out of their seats as they celebrate =
traditional=20
African culture, aesthetics and values to encourage interracial =
cooperation,=20
cross-cultural understanding and societal=20
analysis.
In=20
his workshops, Chuck will create an energetic atmosphere as he uses =
traditional=20
African and African American dance and music and the art of =
storytelling. Whether a =
student,=20
teacher, artist or all three, the workshop will enhance our =
sensitivities for=20
others -as we dance, sing, and stomp around the room. In Chuck's =
own=20
words, "Become an ambassador for =
peace."
Space=20
is limited and cost is $15.00. To register, call Ray Gargano at 216-348-7912 or email garganor at playhousesquare.co=
m.
For=20
more information about Chuck Davis, visit his website at http://users.vnet.net/aade=
/main.html.=20
Ray=20
Gargano
Education Outreach=20
Manager
216.348.7912
garganor at playhousesquare.com
Jeff Syroney
Director of =
Marketing and=20
Public Relations
Cleveland Public Theatre
216.631.2727 ext.=20
203
jsyroney at cptonline.org
www.cptonline.org=20
THE GEAUGA LYRIC THEATER GUILD =
IS PROUD
TO PRESENT WORKSHOPS ON
STORYTELLING
Presented by professional
storyteller
Robin Echols =
Cooper
A three session workshop =
that
will focus on the nuts and bolts of =
storytelling
From folktales to family
tales…wonderful for creative =
children!
Classes will be held at =
The
Chardon Chalet
October 16, 23 & =
November 6
7:30-8:30pm
Open to ages 8 and =
over
Fee: =
$25.00
VOICE
Presented by Robert =
Sprafka
This workshop will focus =
on
proper breathing, projection & stance =
A must for those serious =
about
performance!
Wednesdays: October 9, 16, =
23
& 30
7:00-9:00pm
At 106 Water Street, =
Chardon
(2nd floor of =
the
Coldwell Banker Building)
Open to ages 14 and =
over
Fee: $40.00 =
TO =
REGISTER
In person, Saturday =
September 28
from 9-11am at Geauga Theater
e-mail Education Director =
Keith
Douglass at : kadoug at alltel.net
By Mail: Checks payable to =
GLTG,
9574 Wildwood Dr, Chardon OH, 44024
The original non-musical version of the classic = Dickens=20 tale returns to the Mainstage. Watch the magical transformation of = mean-spirited=20 Scrooge as he is visited by Christmas Past, Present, and Future in this=20 heart-warming holiday tradition.
Directed by John Capocci
Friday, October 18 at 7 PM
Saturday, October 19 at 7:00 P.M.
Performance dates: November 29 - December = 22
Auditioners should be prepared to read from the = script and=20 to sing a traditional Christmas Carol. They will be asked to affect a = British=20 accent. They may also be asked to do a few simple dance steps. No = appointment is=20 necessary.
For further information, please call the Players = Guild=20 Business Office at (330) 453-7619.
____________________________
Players Guild=20
Theatre
1001 Market Avenue North
Canton, Ohio 44702
Box Office:=20
330-453-7617
Main Office: 330-453-7619
URL: www.playersguildtheatre.com=
A> =
Visit us online at www.playersguildtheatre.com<= /A>=20
____________________________
Players Guild=20
Theatre
1001 Market Avenue North
Canton, Ohio 44702
Box Office: 330-453-7617
Main =
Office:=20
330-453-7619
URL:=20
www.playersguildtheatre.com
Do you like to work in a
casual yet fast paced,
fun and focused,
humorous and serious environment?
Sound paradoxical?
Curious?
Sounds like Cleveland Public Theatre!
We are looking for volunteers to answer phones during the day,
taking reservations and fielding calls.
We especially need help on weekdays, but have hours to fill on the weekends too.
J If you are interested in diving in to the CPT family J
even for a couple hours at a time,
contact Mia Stromberg at imymdray at cs.com or (216) 631-2727 ext. 362
Thank you!
Come=20 party with The Bluescasters and your = closest friends=20 at one of Tremonts hippest, fun, cool bars!!!
Saturday, Septmber 21st @10:00pm- = 2:00am
Edison=92s Pub: =20 Saturday, September 21st- 2373=20 Professor St. Cleveland, Ohio; Tremont District 44113-4629;=20 216-522-0006.
See=20 ya There! The Bluescasters: Tom, Bob, Pete and Jim
See=20 Cool Photos and Listen to MP3 clips @ www.bluescasters.org= P>
The
Geauga Lyric Theater Guild
Will be holding open auditions for
“The =
Dealer”
Monday, September =
30
and
Tuesday, October =
1
7:00-9:00pm
at the
Chardon United Methodist Church =
515 North Street, =
Chardon
Needed are actors age 12 and over for this =
locally written,
original play
This show will play during a school day for 4 =
& 5
graders of Chardon Schools
So please insure you are a student of good =
standing
This show will be performed at the =
Geauga
Theater
101 Water Street, =
Chardon
Wonderful for the individual who loves =
performing live
theater,
but does not have a month worth of weekends to =
donate
for the actual performance!
This show will play in mid November. =
For those in GLTG’s production of =
“A Christmas Carol”:
there is no conflict!
Please e-mail if any =
questions
See you then!
The Beck Center for the Arts
Presents
PARADE
Book by = Alfred Uhry, Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
Production Dates
September = 13 - October 6, 2002
Thursdays, = Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.
Sundays at = 3:00 p.m.
Tickets
Call = 216-521-2540
$19.00 Adults / = $16.00 Senior Citizens / $10.00 Students (college must have = i.d.)
=93BUY ONE TICKET AND GET ONE FREE=94
This offer available to subscribers of NEohioPAL for this = weekends perfomances:
Thursday, September 19th - Sunday, September = 22nd
Mention NeohioPal to receive this discount.
=93Parade=94 is the tragic true story of the Brooklyn-born Jew = wrongly accused
of the = murder of 13-year old Mary Phagan in 1913 Georgia. His only = defenders are the governor and his wife who ultimately become his = greatest champions.
The Cast
Leo Frank - = Keith = Gerchak
Lucille = Frank - Sandra Emerick
Jim Conley = - Kyle = Primous*
Mary Phagan = - Hannah DelMonte
Frankie = Epps - Colin Cook
Newt Lee - = Walter = Hazzard
Hugh Dorsey = - Brian = Etchell
Governor = John Slaton - Rob Gibb
Sally = Slaton - Jennifer Clifford
Britt Craig = - Ian = Atwood
Tom Watson = - G.A. = Taggett
Young = Confederate Soldier/Fiddlin John - Ryan Bergeron
Old = Confederate Soldier/Judge Roan - John Lynch
Iola Stover = - Jamie = Hoffman
Monteen - = Maria = Eleo
Essie - = Julie = Marx
Luther = Rosser/Ensemble - Jim McCormack
Mrs. Phagan = - Mia = Knerly-Hess
Lizzie = Phagan - Emily Grodzik
Angela/Ensemble - Debra Rose
Riley/Ensemble - Howard Pippin Jr.
Detective = J. N. Starnes/Ensemble - James Robert Smith
Officer = Ivey/Ensemble - Curtis L. Young
Floyd = McDaniel/Ensemble - Paul Kroeger
Mr. = Peavy/Ensemble - Dennis Sullivan
Prison = Guard/Ensemble - Patrick J. Carroll
Aide/Ensemble - Sean Szaller
Assistant/Ensemble - Anne Marie Pinto
Nurse/Ensemble - Lucy Bredeson-Smith
Ensemble - = Tiffany = Gates, Elizabeth H. Huff,
Cindi Verbelun, Killeen Vogel
*Appears Courtesy of = Actors Equity Association
Production Staff
Director - = Scott = Spence
Music = Director - Larry Goodpaster
Set Design = - Don = McBride
Light = Design - Erik M. Seidel
Costume = Design - Alison Hernan
Sound = Design - Roland Massatti
Stage = Manager - Tod Huffman
The Beck Center for the Arts
17801 Detroit Road
Lakewood, OH 44107
216-521-2540
Box Office = Hours are Monday - Friday: 9am - 6 pm
Saturday: 9 = am - 8 pm; Sunday: 1 pm - 3 pm
Hey!
Want to make some easy = cash and have a=20 great time doing it?
Want to see some of the = best theatre in=20 town for free?
Want to meet some of = Cleveland's most=20 interesting people?
"Why you can't beat that = deal with a=20 stick."
I know.
"How is this done?" you = ask. "Tell me=20 more..."
Well, okay...
Cleveland =
Public Theatre is=20
looking to hire someone to help take phone reservations as well as =
assist the=20
box office through December 31, 2002.
The ideal candidate =
possesses good=20
phone and people skills, has had some experience with databases and =
general=20
record keeping and the ability to work in a fast paced, yet fun=20
environment.
Hours are Mondays and Fridays from 10:00am to 3:00pm =
as well=20
as flexible weekend hours on show nights. Starting wage is $8.00 per=20
hour.
Interested candidates should phone = Vince DePaul,=20 Patron Services Manager at 216.631.2727 ext. 209.
BOB NAVIS JR RETURNS TO THE
HARMONY BAR AND GRILLE
THIS SATURDAY, SEPT 21, FROM 9-12 MIDNIGHT
WARNING: THE FOLLOWING REVIEW HAS BEEN RATED PG-13 BY THE ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST OF THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE. THE SAME REVIEW WAS GIVEN TO THE ORIGINAL CAST OF CARRIE--THE MUSICAL AND THEY RATED IT XXX, EXCEPT FOR BETTY BUCKLEY, WHO HAS A THING FOR MIKE AND GAVE IT A G--Jeff Holland
WARNING: THE PRECEEDING WARNING WAS REWRITTEN BY J MICHAEL TROY.
IKE: No, I ain't sayin' a damn thing. You're on your own, limey.
MIKE: Isaac.
I: Forget it. I'll keep seein' shows and makin' appropriately mockin' comments, but I am officially on a review strike!
M: For the love of-- What is it this time? Shannon Tweed not doing Body Chemistry 6?
I: The Sci-Fi Channel has cancelled Farscape!
M:(Flatly) Eek! That news has rendered me sterile.
I: Good thing. That show is the most interestin,' surprisin,' consistantly entertainin' thing on television right now not created by Joss Whedon. It's not fair. I'm pissed, and I could really care less right now about a play that has a bunch of limey convicts doin' a PLAY! Good God, man, what were you thinkin'?
M: Fine. This will be a monologue.
I: All I'm going to say is the play was written by a woman named Timberlake Wertenbaker and Mr. and Mrs. Wertenbaker, I apologize ahead of time for this, but Good God, what were you thinkin'? Okay, Pauline Kael, lock and load!
M: When one used to think of Tree City Players and shows with large casts, one used to want to run screaming into the night, gouging out your eyeballs with a chisel. Thankfully, with their move across the street to The Kent Stage, this is no longer the case and now up to six actors can be onstage with only slight discomfort.
I: To the audience.
M: And speaking of slight discomfort to the audience, Tree City is currently doing a production of Our Country's Good, which was without a doubt, one of the oddest theatrical experiences I've had since I took Ike to see Mumenchantz.
I: Aw, hell, the pain's back.
M: Sometimes it's a drama, sometimes it's a comedy, sometimes it's just eerie, most of the time it's depressing. The show is done as individual scenes, and they're almost like little plays into and of themselves, because you have to completely adjust your emotional state for each one.
I: I stayed at a level uninterested.
M: I thought you weren't going to talk!
I: I lied. So Australia is just one big limey prison colony, huh?
M: Well, not anymore obviously.
I: So you actually sent your convicts, most of whom were convicted of things like stealing a sheep, to God forsaken, uncolonized hellholes.
M: Well, we hadn't discovered the benefits of canabalism yet.
PAUSE
I: You are kiddin,' right?
M: Maybe.
I: And these convicts actually did this other play.
M: Yes, The Recruiting Officer. It's quite funny. I saw it in London, I believe.
I: Done by convicts?
M: No, professional wrestlers. Triple H was amazing as Plume.
I: So then this show is pretty historically accurate.
M: Let's see. Right names, right play, killing off the indiginant people with small pox. Yes, I'd say pretty accurate.
I: I had no idea Scottish men were so large and bald.
M: It's a genetic thing.
I: I also had no idea that there were so many identical twins back then.
M: Be nice. One of the actors in the original production played three characters!
I: Yeah, but how much Jeff Holland do we really need?
CONTEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!: Loyal readers. Ike here. Now's your chance to be a big time comedy writer and come up with the same crap we do. I just set up a nice little insult. Since God knows the limey ain't funny, I want you to give me his return quip. Send your one liners to rdoughnuts at yahoo.com and put Yo, Ike! in the subject. Deadline for entries is October 1st and the winning joke will be announced during the next review after that. By the way, just so ya don't think you're doin' sumthin for nothin,' there will be a prize. Dunno what yet, but it'll be cool. We now rejoin your regularly scheduled review already in progress.
M: And in conclusion, I'd just like to say I thought that Brent Houston Rhines did a thoroughly wonderful job as Ketch, the slightly pathetic but likeable hangman.
PAUSE
I: Where the hell did that come from?
M: He slipped me a C-note.
I: You are such a whore.
MIKE AND IKE LIVE: This Thursday night at Midnight. In Room 28 of the basement of Guzetta Hall at the University of Akron. ROLLING DOUGHNUTS (Comedy for the drug addled and the elderly) will be performing as part of the Theatre Guild's IMPROV-A-THON. During the intermission, meet Mike and Ike. Come see why they've been banned from 30 newspapers, 10 websites, and at least 2 YWCA's.
The Geauga Lyric Theater Guild will be =
Postponing
The orientation class for =
Directors
&
Producers
That was scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, September 21, = 12:00-3:00pm
We = regret any inconvenience.
We look forward to seeing you on the new = date
Saturday,
November 2, 2002
So = please mark your calendars now!
With
questions, or to apply to the GLTG for those positions, =
Please continue to contact:
Pete Percassi at
Peter.Percassi at voyager.net=
THANK =
YOU
And see you in =
November!
Friday, September 20, =
2002
Cleveland Jewish News
'Parade' triumphs at Beck = Center
Sandra Emerick and Keith Gerchak star =
as Lucille and Leo Frank in Beck Center's moving production of =
"Parade."
By FRAN HELLER
When "Parade" fizzled on = Broadway two months after it opened in December 1998, a number of = naysayers questioned the appropriateness of the subject matter, the Leo = Frank lynching, as fitting material for a musical.
That question is laid to rest at the = Beck Center for the Arts, where "Parade" is being presented = through Oct. 6. The more intimate theater setting changes the focus from = musical spectacle to a moving and tragic story set to music. From the = outset we are swept up in the inexorable tide of events and emotions = that triggered the worst incident of antisemitism in American = history.
Music director Larry Goodpaster and a = great-sounding orchestra illuminate Alfred Uhry's book and composer = Jason Robert Brown's innovative score and lyrics. Director Scott = Spence's fluid staging and a peerless, albeit heavily miked cast do the = rest. The result is a production that is not merely entertaining but = deeply felt.
The setting is Atlanta, Georgia, 1913, = where Leo Frank, a Brooklyn, New York, Jew, is a manager of the National = Pencil Factory. (The factory belonged to Alfred Uhry's = great-uncle.)
The college-educated Frank is clearly a = fish out of water in a town where, he says, "Jews are not like = Jews." The townfolk are equally resentful of Leo's Yankee = ways.
When Mary Phagan, a 13-year-old = employee in Frank's factory, is found dead, it isn't long before Leo = Frank is linked to the murder, fanned by a virulently antisemitic press = and a bruised South still licking its wounds from the Civil = War.
There is also the disagreeable = character of Frank himself, an uptight, prissy man who is intellectually = arrogant, an exacting employer, and an emotionally distant husband. When = Frank first sees Mary's dead body, his greater concern is for his = factory and reputation rather than the murder, arousing suspicion from = the outset.
Keith Gerchak is a shoe-in for the = mousy, bespectacled Frank, and his strong voice reaches the rafters with = every song he sings.
The role is a challenging one because = the character of Leo is not that of a tragic figure of heroic = proportions. While Frank is innocent beyond doubt, his unpleasant nature = elicits little sympathy for his plight.
Leo's growth from rigid self-absorption = to a man of passion and compassion is fully realized in Gerchak's = portrait.
As Lucille Frank, the lovely-to-look-at = Sandra Emerick has a voice as big as Gerchak's. Lucille and Leo are like = two strangers, locked in a marriage. While Leo hides behind his work, = Lucille comes across as a shallow woman who marries for security rather = than love.
But adversity draws them together, and = Lucille's efforts to free her husband lead to a deepening of their = relationship and enduring love. Their beautiful love song, "All the = Wasted Time," is a highlight.
As the bond between Lucille and Leo = grows, a gallows is being built in the background, heightening the = impending sense of tragedy.
A governor worried about his political = standing; a prosecutor concerned about his future; an antisemitic = rabble-rousing publisher; a public sympathetic to child labor conditions = (Mary worked six days a week and was paid 10=A2 an hour). All conspired = against Frank who was hanged by the press before he was tried in = kangaroo court proceedings.
Every "character" type is = played well, including Ian Atwood as the bored and sodden reporter = looking for a story in a town where the weather or a cat up a tree is = "Big News!" Colin Cook is outstanding as the sweet-talking and = singing Frankie in the catchy melody, "The Picture Show," who = later thirsts for revenge after Mary is killed.
Kyle Primous blends humor and menace as = a double-dealing ex-con not above lying to save his skin. Primous leads = the chain gang in the stirring blues-y number, "Feel the Rain = Fall."
Robert Gibb is excellent as the = conscience-stricken governor who commutes Leo's sentence, thereby = sacrificing his political future. The act also triggers a wave of = physical violence against Jews and the smashing of windows of Jewish = businesses in the town. The unleashing of such virulent antisemitism led = to the formation of the Anti-Defamation League.
The ensemble scenes are terrific, from = the opening parade to the courtroom fracas and the governor's tea dance. = Erik Seidel's imaginative lighting turns a cot and a wall into a jail = cell and reality into fantasy in the courtroom scene when Leo is = portrayed as a lascivious employer in the delicious number, "Come = Up to My Office."
Ace production values include Alison = Hernan's veritable parade of costumes cloaking a 30-plus member cast and = the creative use of Don McBride's minimalist props to maximize = setting.
The leads received a standing ovation = the night I attended.
The Beck Center for the Arts is located = at 17801 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood. For information and tickets, call = 216-521-2540.
NORTH CANTON PLAYHOUSE
Center For The Performing Arts
Announces It's 2002-2003 Season Opener:
"FIDDLER ON THE ROOF"
Directed By Mary McManaway
September 26th - October 13th
Curtain: 8:00 pm - Sunday Matinee's: 2:30pm
THE CAST INCLUDES:
Kevin Wells as "Tevye"
Marilyn Roberts as "Golde"
Kari Ringer as "Hodel"
Raina Semivan as"Tezitel"
Lauren Carter as "Chava
You're Sure To Enjoy This Fabulous Cast Of
As They Perform All Your Favorite Songs
>From This Beloved Musical!
FOR RESERVATIONS & INFORMATION
Call The Theatre At: 330-494-1613
525 7th St. NE. North Canton, OH