Mount Carroll, IL--Although the mainstage season for Timber Lake Playhouse (TLP) is coming to a close, the theatre is pleased to announce an upcoming off-season event, An Evening of Art & Music.

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An Evening of Art & Music will take place at Brick Street Coffee, downtown Mount Carroll, in conjuction with Brick Street Days on Saturday, September 1st from 3pm to 8pm.  The evening will include local TLP performers from 3pm-6pm featuring:

2:30pm: Joe Morrow, Mount Carroll, will be kicking off the event outside of the coffee shop on his acoustic guitar. Joe was a participant in the TLP Arts & Music Festival last season. He has performed locally in several events.

3pm: Susie Rogers, Mount Carroll, played Ren's mom in Footloose this season at Timber Lake Playhouse. She appeared onstage at TLP in West Side Story starring Sandra Santiago in 1980. She is a member of the New Spirit Band and owner of Red Rudy Inn in Mount Carroll.  Juliene McCormick will be accompanying by piano, Bill Foley on guitar and Ron Deyo on harmonica for An Evening of Art & Music.

3:30pm: Levi Skoog, Chadwick, has appeared in TLP productions of Footloose, Oklahoma!, The Wizard of Oz, All Shook Up and many others, including a featured role in Children of Eden in 2011. He is a freshman at Milledgeville High School and performs at the Woodland Arts Academy. He is a member of the Triple Threat Team at WAA and was selected to perform at the Waterfront Stage in Downtown Disney, Orlando, FL. He will be performing with Natailie Old who teaches dance at WAA and was Elle Woods in Legally Blonde this summer at Centennial Auditorium Summer theater Academy.

4:00pm: Carissa Heath, Mount Carroll, is a concession stand worker and usher at TLP. She played Maria in the Sound of Music at WCHS in the spring. She will be attending Knox College in the fall, majoring in psychology and minoring in art. Carissa went to IMEA her Junior year for choir.

4:15pm: Liesl Meador, Mount Carroll,  One of the ensemble of Footloose, Played Elsa in the Sound of Music at WCHS in the spring. She plays the clarinet in band and was named the Most Outstanding choir member as a Freshman. Liesl won the 1st timer in a Play award in 2011.

4:30pm: Ben Rogers, Savanna, was in the ensemble in Footloose at TLP this past summer. He played Georg Von Trapp in The Sound of Music at West Carroll High School last spring. He plays at least 15 different musical instruments and was a National Anthem Finalist for the IMEA Honors Choir. He sang the National Anthem at a semi-finals softball game in June.

4:45pm: Katie Woods, Savanna, was in the ensemble of Footloose this season at TLP. She played Luisa in the Sound of Music at WCHS this past spring. She plays the clarinet in band and was named the Best Concert Choir Student of the Year her Sophomore year. Katie made it to Junior IMEA once and Upstate Illini Festival twice.

5:00pm: Brad Field, Mount Carroll, appeared in Guys and Dolls and Footloose this season at TLP. He performs with Northwest Illinois Theatre Coalition and last appeared as in the Mike Craver musical, Oklahoma Hale and Damnation. Brad is Technical Director of the West Carroll School District.

5:30pm: John Chase, Mount Morris, appeared in TLP productions of Oklahoma!, Sunset Boulevard and Working. This Spring, John returned from a short tour to California and Wisconsin with his wife, Beth, performing their 2-person version of The Cotton Patch Gospel that will be sampled at An Evening of Art & Music. Upcoming dates for their 2013 Spring Tour are at www.chaseact.com. John premiers a new musical in October, One More For the Road- A Johnny Mercer Tribute. His other local theatre credits include Performing Arts Guild of  Mt. Morris,  Byron Theatre, Pecatonica Playhouse, and Rockford's Starlight Theatre and Artist Ensemble.

The evening will end with an open mic from 6pm-7:30pm with a guest appearance from TLP's Magic Owl to close out the event. TLP Board member Andy Shaw will be emceeing the event. Admittance is free and donations for the 2013 season will be accepted.
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Mount Carroll. IL- Timber Lake Playhouse (TLP) closes its 2012 season with a stunning collection of compositions of songs from Rodgers & Hammerstein with the show, Some Enchanted Evening. The final production will feature favorite song selections that audiences will love from Oklahoma!, The King and I, The Sound of Music, South Pacific and many others.

Guest Artist Samantha Dubina returns to TLP to perform in this special production. Dubina has been seen in TLP productions for the last 5 years, including White Christmas, All Shook Up, Church Basement Ladies and The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee. She said she is excited to be a part of the upcoming production because "the music is beautiful and it's been such a long time since I've been in a show that's almost all choral singing." Dubina resides and in Chicago, performing with theatre companies such as Griffin Theatre, Bailiwick Rep, Northbrook Children's Theatre, Metropolis Performing Arts, Noble Fool Theatricals, and Bailiwick Chicago, where she serves as Casting Administrator. In the fall, Sam will be playing Rachel Jackson in the Midwest Premiere of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson.

Some Enchanted Evening will also feature newcomer Melissa Griffith from Oklahoma City. She recently received a Kennedy Center Commendation for Distinguished Achievements in Vocal Arrangements for Flipside: The Patti Page Story. Rounding out the small cast will also include TLP residents Henry McGinniss (Ren in Footloose), Dryden Meints (Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls), Analisha Santini (Bertha in Boeing Boeing) and Kyle Brazel (Willard Hewitt in Footloose) who performs and music directs the production.

Some Enchanted Evening performs August 16-26. Performances are at 7:30pm, Tuesday through Saturdays and there are 2pm matinees on Sunday and Wednesday. New this season, there is also a Saturday matinee performance on opening weekends at 2pm. Tickets are available through the box office during regular business hours, 11am - 6pm daily, at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org or 815-244-2035. Timber Lake Playhouse is located at 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll.

Timber Lake Playhouse, What's Your Story?

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This program is partially supported by a grant for the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

Production Sponsors are Kunes Country Auto Group and Compliance Signs.

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Erica Stephan, Resident Performer

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First Season at TLP

Role: Ariel in Footloose; Multiple Characters in Working; Ferguson/Dancer in Guys and Dolls

From: Glen Ellyn, IL

College: Webster University, St. Louis, MO

Last Role in College: Young Wife in Hello Again

 

Why did you choose to come to TLP?

"When I was thinking of working in the summer, the location was important. I like being "in the woods" here. It's like camping. I love being able to do theatre in this environment, it is the ideal theatre experience. Also, the roles I were offered were exciting and challenging."

How did you get started in theatre?

"I was in ballet from ages 4 to 18. I was in my first musical, Annie, in the eighth grade and played Grace. I was in musicals in high school. When I was Amneris in Aida that is when I knew I wanted to theatre for the rest of my life."

You were just in Guys and Dolls. What did you enjoy about being in that production?

"I loved being able to see how quickly a professional show comes together. I realized it in the first musical rehearsal. I saw how talented everyone is and what a strong ensemble we have. It was very exciting."

What is your favorite thing about being in the current show, Working?

"I love being able to observe the guest artists: John Chase, Judy Knudtson and Sharriese Hamilton. They have a different level of excitement and intensity that is interesting to watch. Acting beside them is a blessing."

Why should people see Working?

"Any person in the audience can relate to the characters. Not only is it entertaining but when you are able to personally connect to the characters onstage, it makes the experience more enriching."

How do you like working with guest director, Chuck Smith?

"He gives you a note in rehearsal, you make the slightest change and it brings a whole new life to a character. He makes it a really comfortable atmosphere to work in."

You are currently rehearsing the next show, Footloose. What are you looking forward to, being involved in that production?

"I am looking forward to dancing. Artistic Director, James Beaudry, is directing and choreographing the production. The company is so strong and comfortable with each other. It is like having a fun dance party when we are in rehearsals! I am also excited to work with TLP Alum, Karl Hamilton. He is known for his ATT flash mob commercial. I have seen him on television and it will be exciting to work with him."

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

"I am a huge Harry Potter nerd. I love the books and movies so much that I wish I was a wizard."

Working performs now through June 30th followed by Footloose, July 5th through 15th. Performances are at 7:30pm, Tuesday through Saturdays and there are 2pm matinees on Sundays and Wednesdays. New this season, there is also a Saturday matinee performance on opening weekends at 2pm. Tickets are available through the box office during regular business hours, 11am - 6pm daily, at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org or 815-244-2035. Timber Lake Playhouse is located at 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll.

Timber Lake Playhouse, What's Your Story?

This program is partially supported by a grant for the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

Production Sponsors are Kunes Country Auto Group and Compliance Signs.

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Chuck Smith, Director of Working, the musical

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Eleventh Consecutive Season at Timber Lake Playhouse

From: Chicago, IL

College: Governor State University, Chicago

Currently: Twentieth Year as Resident Director at Goodman Theatre in Chicago

Why did you choose to return to TLP each year?

"Mainly it is one of the few places I can relax and enjoy myself and do the type of shows I wouldn't ordinarily do in Chicago. It is a completely relaxed atmosphere for me."

How did you get started in theatre?

"I had just got discharged from the Marine Corp and some guys I met talked me into being in a play. It was Mack Adam and Eve, a comedy, at a small community theatre group in Chicago."

Out of all of the shows you have directed in your life, which ones stick out to you as your favorites?

"The most recent successes normally stick out in your mind so I would have to say Race by David Mamet that I directed at the Goodman this past year. Over my career, another show that always sticks out in my mind is August Wilson's Ma Raney's Black Bottom. It set a box office record in the 70's at the Goodman Theatre and was my first main stage production."

What was your favorite show that you have directed at TLP?

"The Crucible is probably my favorite. It was my second season here. Artistic Director, Brad Lyons, was in the show and it featured performers from the Mount Carroll community. It was the show that really put me in touch with the people in the community here. I got to know them which is why I come back here...it is like a second home to me."

You are currently directing Working. What can you tell us about that show?

"Doing this show, I am saying, 'I would like to introduce you to some people I know, ordinary people in their jobs.' It was originally a book. I saw it on stage when it was presented in Chicago and thought what a big show from a big book. I saw it remounted again recently with only six characters. Immediately after the show I called James Beaudry, TLP's Artistic Director, and said that this show would work at TLP. I had never asked to do a show before but I knew this show would be great here."

You mentioned that you usually don't pick the show that you direct here at TLP. What is that like for you, directing a show you didn't select?

"It is delightful! It really takes the pressure off of me. I don't pick the show or the cast. I like coming in and directing in the second slot of the season. The company members are still fresh and energetic. This is not easy work for anyone and the company still has a lot of energy. I am a new person coming in to direct and they are always excited about that."

Why should people come and see Working?

"It is a good play and everyone will be able to relate to it. Everyone works. Even if you don't work, there is a housewife represented, so no one is left out. You know these people. They are ordinary people that you run into everyday. The musical numbers are quite wonderful, especially with the six talented people that are on stage. It is my eleventh year and I have never had a show go up so fast. It is because the cast is so good and so talented. It has made my job easy. This group is more effective than the show in Chicago...I would put this production against any show with a big priced ticket."

Working, the musical, runs June 21st through 30th. Performances are at 7:30pm, weekdays and there are 2pm matinees on Sundays and Wednesdays. New this season, there is also a Saturday matinee performance on opening weekends at 2pm. Tickets are available through the box office during regular business hours, 11am - 6pm daily, at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org or 815-244-2035. Timber Lake Playhouse is located at 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll.

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Timber Lake Playhouse, What's Your Story?

This program is partially supported by a grant for the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

Production Sponsors are Kunes Country Auto Group and Compliance Signs.

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TIMBER LAKE PLAYHOUSE

Mount Carroll, IL- Timber Lake Playhouse (TLP) kicks off the 51st season next week. Each year, TLP casts an entire season of shows through auditions around the country. The season opener, Guys and Dolls, features three outstanding performers who have never worked at TLP.

Miami, Florida native, Hanah Rose Nardone, will be playing the leading female role, Sarah Brown. Attending the Chicago College of the Performing Arts, she had heard of Timber Lake Playhouse through other performers.  "I had heard great things about the company. People I knew that had worked at TLP raved about the experience. In the auditions, everyone was nice and welcoming. I am excited to work at TLP because this is the first time I will be working in theatre professionally."

Nardone saw a play when she was eight years old and has been hooked on theatre every since. "I couldn't imagine doing anything else," she said. She is excited to work on Guys and Dolls because she says it is classic, musical theatre. Her character she is playing is very innocent and the classic damsel in distress.

Joe Capstick from St. Louis, Missouri, who attends Southeast Missouri State, takes on the role of Nathan Detroit for the opening production. He states, "I had heard great things about TLP. I auditioned and was offered the awesome job. I am excited to jump into the summer and work on all of these shows."

Joe got started in theatre when he took dancing lessons and fell in love with tap. He says that he would watch movies as a child and would say, "I want to do that!" He will be able to fulfill his childhood dream in the first production. "I love acting with new people. Guys and Dolls has interesting, colorful characters. The show and the company have a great energy and that's what I am looking forward to the most," he said.

Capstick will be opposite, Hayley Gribble, who plays the fun character, Adelaide. Gribble stated that the role she will be playing is the role that made her fall in love with theatre. She played the character in high school in Wichita, Kansas where she grew up performing in community theatres and in a local Wichita dance company.

Gribble is also excited about the costumes in the production. She had heard that resident co-costume designers, Tate Marie Ellis and Katy Freeman, are extremely talented. Hayley has taken a peek at some of the beginnings of the costumes for the show and she feels that the audience is going to be amazed at what they see on stage.

All three performers believe that the audiences for the show will love this classic, musical theatre piece and that it will appeal to a variety of people. Capstick said, "Guys and Dolls is fun and entertaining...everyone old and young will love it!"

Guys and Dolls performances are June 6th through June 17th at Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll. Tickets are available through the box office during regular business hours, 11am - 6pm daily, at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org or 815-244-2035.

Timber Lake Playhouse, What's Your Story?

This program is partially supported by a grant for the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

Production Sponsors are Kunes Country Auto Group and Compliance Signs.

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