20 Apr 2012

Chicago Shakespeare is coming to Moline!

By M. McNeil
Moline--April 20, 2012--Moline High School will host Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's production of The Taming of the Shrew.  The performance will be held in MHS Auditorium on May 1, 2012 at 1:15pm.  The public is encouraged to attend.  Tickets are $10/person and may be reserved through MHS bookstore at (309)743.8833 or purchased at the door.

Short Shakespeare! The Taming of the Shrew is a 75-minute abridged production of Shakespeare's lively battle of the sexes adapted and staged by Jeff Award-winning director Rachel Rockwell. Providing the opportunity for adults to give young people in their lives a high-energy introduction to Shakespeare, the cast of Rockwell's production includes CST favorite Ericka Ratcliff, who performs the role of strong-willed Katherina after appearing in Chicago Shakespeare's Jeff Award-winning Shakespeare "hip-hoptation" Funk It Up About Nothin' at CST, Scotland's Edinburgh Festival Fringe, London and a six-week Australian tour. Performing the role of Katherina's sparring partner, Petruchio, is Matt Mueller, whose credits include numerous productions at the Utah and Colorado Shakespeare Festivals. Five-time Jeff Award nominee Don Forston returns as Baptista after performing the role of Geppetto in Rockwell's acclaimed world premiere CST Family musical The Adventures of Pinocchio last summer. Local comedic actor Alex Goodrich returns to CST to perform the role of Tranio.

The wildly spirited Kate and machismo-driven Petruchio scream, fight and woo their way into one another's heart in Short Shakespeare! The Taming of the Shrew. Drawn together by their strong personalities almost against their will, the unlikely pair ultimately falls in love. Rockwell's production combines an adaptation of Shakespeare's original verse and Elizabethan dress with original rock-inspired music to connect young audiences with the characters' journeys. Immediately following thr performance, actors remain on stage for a discussion with the audience.

For more info: visit the Theater's website at www.chicagoshakes.com/shortshakespeare.

This is the 5th consecutive year that Moline High School will be hosting the tour, which offers a unique opportunity for students and community members to experience professional, world-class theatre within our own community.


About Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Celebrating its 25th Anniversary this season, Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) is a leading international theater company, known for vibrant productions that reflect Shakespeare's genius for intricate storytelling, musicality of language and depth of feeling for the human condition. Recipient of the 2008 Regional Theatre Tony Award, Chicago Shakespeare's work has been recognized internationally with three of London's prestigious Laurence Olivier Awards, and by the Chicago theater community with 62 Joseph Jefferson Awards for Artistic Excellence. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson, CST is dedicated to producing extraordinary classic productions, new works and family fare; unlocking Shakespeare's work for educators and students; and serving as Chicago's cultural ambassador through its World's Stage Series.
20 Apr 2012

Illinois Arts Council Announces Poetry Out Loud State Champion

By Susan Dickson

From a competitive field of nearly 6,000 students from across the state, Carolyn Muller, a senior from Champaign Central High School in Champaign, received the title of 2012 Poetry Out Loud Illinois State Champion at the statewide competition hosted by the Springfield Area Arts Council in Springfield, on Thursday, March 29, 2012.

Muller recited "Infelix" by Adah Isaacs Menken, "Dirge Without Music" by Edna St. Vincent Millay, and "Ovation" by Carol Muske-Dukes. Springfield Southeast High School junior Charday Crawford won  first runner-up, reciting "a song in the front yard" by Gwendolyn Brooks, "A Red, Red Rose" by Robert Burns, and "Conversation" for Robert Lowell by Ai. Ms. Muller will advance to the national competition to be held in Washington, D.C., in mid-May.

The Illinois State Champion Carolyn Muller received an award of $200 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to compete for the national championship. Ms. Muller's school received a $500 stipend for the purchase of poetry books. First runner-up Charday Crawford received $100, with $200 for her school library.

Other contestants in the Illinois State Contest were:
Sam Chao, Niles West High School (Skokie) Final Round; Amanda Clark, Auburn High School (Rockford); Kenneth DuMez, Northside College Preparatory High School (Chicago); Michelle Gonzalez, Maine East High School (Park Ridge); Brianna Gray, United Township  High School (East Moline); Kaniah Jackson, Mather High School (Chicago); Arianna Keleher, Orion High School (Orion); David Kessler, Centennial High School (Champaign) Final Round; Megan Kessler, Clay City High School (Clay City); Xavier Kimbrough, Auburn High School (Rockford); Carly Piland, Springfield High School (Springfield); Zachary Rimkus, Edwardsville High School (Edwardsville) Final Round; Maggie Scudder, Carbondale Community High School (Carbondale); Ryan Serfas, Edwardsville High School (Edwardsville).

18 Apr 2012

On Golden Pond opens The Old Creamery's main stage season May 3

By Rick Martin
Amana - The Old Creamery Theatre opens the touching comedy On Golden Pond, Thursday, May 3 at 3 p.m. on the Main Stage in Amana.

Join Norman and Ethel Thayer as they spend another summer on the shores of their beloved Golden Pond. After 48 years together, the couple discovers that even at their age life can be quite surprising. Written by Ernest Thompson, On Golden Pond is a delightfully funny look at family ties, life and love.

On Golden Pond is directed by Muscatine native Kathe Mull, now of New York. The cast consists of Tom Milligan of West Amana; Kay Francis of Naples, Florida; Eddie Skaggs of Cedar Rapids; Deborah Kennedy of West Amana; Ellis Fontana of Iowa City; Brennan Urbi of Cedar Rapids and Jeff Haffner of Cleveland, Ohio.

Tickets are $27 for adults and $17.50 for students. Show times are Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Call the box office at 800-35-AMANA (352-6262) or visit the website at www.oldcreamery.com for more information or to purchase tickets. Group rates are available. Reservations are recommended. Student rush tickets are available for $12. No reservations are accepted for rush tickets. Come to the box office no earlier than 30 minutes before a performance for this special rate. A student ID is required for rush tickets.

On Golden Pond is sponsored by Melrose Meadows Retirement Community with WMT as media sponsor. The show runs through May 27 and is rated Theatre PG-13.

The Old Creamery Theatre Company is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded in 1971 in Garrison, Iowa. The company is celebrating 41 years of bringing live, professional theatre to the people of Iowa and the Midwest.
18 Apr 2012

SHOP FROM HOME TO HELP THOSE IN NEED!

By Rebecca Wheeler
Davenport, IA? How can purchasing items for your home pay dividends for those in need? Catherine Ross is hosting an online fundraiser and donating 100% of her commissions to the Christian Care Rescue Mission and Domestic Violence Shelter! Being a survivor of domestic violence has fueled her passion for helping organizations like Christian Care that serve the homeless and victims of domestic violence. Not only is she trying to raise funds, she is trying to raise awareness. She hopes to feature a  different shelter each month and eventually expand this event into a nationwide cause. You can help just by spreading the word and getting others involved.

This opportunity ends soon; you will need to place an online order through her website by April 30. If you have any questions, please call Catherine at 563/484-6596 or email her at cmr32186@gmail.com.

To join the fundraiser, go to:  https://wicklesswondersia.scentsy.us/Scentsy/Home  Please be sure to select "Fundraiser for Domestic Abuse Victims" when ordering.

To support the fundraiser on Facebook, go to:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Survivors-of-Domestic-Abuse/218685428230970

Christian Care is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose vision is to transform lives. Through its mission of providing safe shelter, support and resources, Christian Care empowers both the homeless and survivors of domestic violence to make positive changes in every aspect of their lives. Christian Care's two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for women and children and a rescue mission for men?serve homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and those with mental illnesses. If you know someone in need, call the Christian Care Crisis Hotline at any hour of the day or night at 309/788-2273.

For more information about Christian Care, please go to their web site at christiancareqc.org or to Facebook at facebook.com/christiancareqc.
18 Apr 2012

Sneak preview of anti-bullying play

By M. McNeil
A Rock Island Junior High Anti-Bulling Skit is going on the road......

(Rock Island) 17 members of Washington Middle School are heading to Tinley Park, Illinois this Thursday, April 19th to perform the "Stomp Out Bullying" play to 400 educators.  The WJHS Drama Team received state-wide attention for their play when it was featured in an Illinois State Board of Education newsletter last month...and was asked to perform the skit to members attending the 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant Conference.

The Drama Team is funded through the Lights ON Community Learning Grant and Site Coordinator, Kristie Sullivan, says showcasing what her students can do may inspire other afterschool programs to create drama teams.  She and the students are excited to "hit the road" and get the message out that bullying is wrong and should not be tolerated.  The show was written by the students and the drama teacher, Deb Halstead.

Members of the media will get a "sneak preview" of the play on Wednesday, April 18th at 3:00 pm in the school gym.  The students, Site Coordinator and Drama Team Advisor will be available for interviews.

WHO:  Washington Junior High Drama Team
WHAT:  Sneak preview of play, "Stomp Out Bullying"
WHEN: Wednesday, April 18, 2012  3:00 pm
WHERE:  Washington Junior High Gym-3300 18th Ave Rock Island.
17 Apr 2012

The Recliners in Concert at Riverside Theatre to Benefit Music Fund

By Sarah Burnett

Iowa City, IA - On Saturday, May 5, Riverside Theatre will be rockin' with songs from Iowa City's most eclectic ensemble, The Recliners.

With their wide ranging repertoire there will be something for everyone, from classic '60s and '70s numbers to songs by contemporary singer-songwriters, Irish melodies to bluegrass, from Van Morrison and the Beatles to the edgy rock and traditional ballads of Richard Thompson.

Proceeds from this special concert will benefit Riverside Theatre's Janet G. Altman Fund for Music, which was established in 2008 to enhance collaborations in music and sound at Riverside Theatre. The fund celebrates the memory of Janet Altman, a longtime Riverside friend.

The concert is Saturday, May 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Riverside Theatre, 213 N. Gilbert St, Iowa City. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students. To order tickets, call the Riverside Theatre Box Office at 319-338-7672, noon-4 p.m., Monday-Friday.

###
17 Apr 2012

A Rock Island Junior High Anti-Bulling Skit is going on the road......

By Rick Martin
(Rock Island) 17 members of Washington Middle School are heading to Tinley Park, Illinois this Thursday, April 19th to perform the "Stomp Out Bullying" play to 200 educators.  The WJHS Drama Team received state-wide attention for their play when it was featured in an Illinois State Board of Education newsletter last month...and was asked to perform the skit to members attending the 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant Conference.

The Drama Team is funded through the Lights ON Community Learning Grant and Site Coordinator, Kristie Sullivan, says showcasing what her students can do may inspire other afterschool programs to create drama teams.  She and the students are excited to "hit the road" and get the message out that bullying is wrong and should not be tolerated.  The show was written by the students and the drama teacher, Deb Halstead.

Members of the media will get a "sneak preview" of the play on Wednesday, April 18th at 3:00 pm in the school gym.  The students, Site Coordinator and Drama Team Advisor will be available for interviews.

WHO:  Washington Junior High Drama Team
WHAT:  Sneak preview of play, "Stomp Out Bullying"
WHEN: Wednesday, April 18, 2012  3:00 pm
WHERE:  Washington Junior High Gym-3300 18th Ave Rock Island.
13 Apr 2012

ISU Scott County Extension & Outreach Calendar

By Amanda Heitz
10 Apr 2012

Internet Players' THE GUARDIAN

By Nathan Porteshawver

April 6, 2012
DAVENPORT, IOWA

The Internet Players start their rehearsals this week for the upcoming
show, "The Guardian." A boy named Charles sparks a "green" revolution.
A Story told in song, dance and puppetry.

The play's theme, 'A Green Revolution' was developed in collaboration
with the Davenport Community School District, and it was written by
first time IP collaborator, Kevin Straus.

The show will be performed May 10th-20th at the Village theatre in
East Davenport.  Please see attached poster for more details. Tickets
will be on sale online and at the door.

The Guardian is directed and produced by Nathan Porteshawver and Stage
Managed by Diane Franken. The show features an original score composed
and recorded in Boston, MA by Seth Bailin, and IP Musical Director,
Tony Hartman, in Nashville, TN.

Stage Designer John Hayes is an architect and graphic designer based
out of Chicago. Steve Couch is developing special sound effects and
Michael McPeters, veteran lighting designer at The Village theatre,
will design the lights for the show.

The Guardian stars 7-year old Gage McCalester, a student at Jackson
Elementary and Adam Mohr, a well-trained area actor.

Previous IP actors Jamie Em Bencke, and Nathan Porteshawver return to
the Village Theatre, as parents to the wonderful Charles Caine.

Michael King and Susan Perrin-Sallak pair up against Don Hazen and
Connie Bracey. Meghan Smith and Martha O'Connell will play each
other's sister. Emily Jawoisz, a local musician will play the part of
the messenger.

Joel Franken and Ron Bellomy hit the stage to set things right in
their special Cameo appearances and Jennifer Little a 10-year old from
Hopewell Elementary plays aspiring new characters.

Dan Portes, Nathan's father, plays the City's Mayor in his first time
ever performance. Cindy Ramos-Parmley, Miss Illinois Plus America
plays Omaha County's leading reporter.

Student interns include Josie Mumm, Dylan Carr, Lia Bellomy, Mathew
Lehna, Jared Svoboda and Deena Gibbs.

Dates:  May 10th through 13th and May 17th through 20th
Time:  7:30 pm Thursday-Saturday and 2:00 pm Sunday
Address:  Village Theatre of East Davenport, 2113 East 11 St.

Contact:  Nathan Porteshawver, Executive Producer, The Internet Players
theinternetplayers@gmail.com

10 Apr 2012

USGC Global Update for April 5, 2012

By Marri Carrow

Highlights from the Council's Online News Room

News Room:
- USGC's Analysis of USDA's Prospective Planting and Grain Stocks Reports
- Bryan Lohmar Named U.S. Grains Council China Director
Chart of the Week: U.S. Corn Area Planting and Yield
Word from the Ground:
- Council Activities Grow DDGS Demand in Saudi Arabia
- New Buyers Emerge for Brazilian Corn
- An Order for Italian Take-Out
Council News:
- USGC Membership Services Gets Revamped
Council Cast
- Thomas Dorr Audio on China Director
- Wendell Shauman Audio on China Mission

USGC's Analysis of USDA's Prospective Planting and Grain Stocks Reports
Get the U.S. Grains Council's analysis and perspective on USDA's annual publications, Prospective Planting and Grain Stocks. For the full report, CLICK HERE.

Bryan Lohmar Named U.S. Grains Council China Director
The Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Bryan Lohmar as its new director in China. In this capacity, Lohmar will oversee the Council's programs in the country while maintaining and fostering key relationships with Chinese policy officials. READ MORE

Chart of the Week: U.S. Corn Area Planting and Yield
According to the recently released USDA reports, U.S. producers are projected to plant a record 95.9 million acres (38.81 million hectares) of corn in 2012 - the highest corn planted area since 1937. More factoids on the 2012 planting season are available here. READ MORE

Word from the Ground: Council Activities Grow DDGS Demand in Saudi Arabia
In a country whose economy is largely dependent on oil exports, the ethanol industry (and related co-products) is often maligned and a large target of contention and discomfort within Saudi Arabia. READ MORE

Word from the Ground: New Buyers Emerge for Brazilian Corn
We are seeing major changes taking place in buyers of Brazilian corn. The biggest surprise is Taiwan, which leads this period, purchasing almost 250,000 metric tons (9.8 million bushels) of corn. READ MORE

Word from the Ground: An Order for Italian Take-Out
The Council's Japan office participated in the Italian Cuisine Show held last week in Tokyo. More than 3,000 Italian chefs and restaurateurs were on-site to showcase their specialty dishes that featured corn flour as the star ingredient. READ MORE

Council News: USGC Membership Services Gets Revamped
To meet the evolving and expanding demands of our membership, the Council is excited to announce Lyndsey Erb-Sharkey's position with the Council has been reclassified and re-titled to manager of membership. READ MORE

Council Cast:
Listen here to USGC President and CEO, Thomas Dorr on the new China Director
Listen here to commentary by Wendell Shauman, USGC Chairman, on his recent mission to China

COUNCIL ACTIVITY CALENDAR
April 9 - 20: The Council, in collaboration with the Sino-U.S. Dairy Management Training Center, will host a corn silage demonstration program in China to expand the demand for feed grains and co-products in the Chinese dairy industry. Two USGC consultants will conduct on-farm consultations and short-course training sessions for local growers to learn about corn silage techniques and the benefits of incorporating U.S. DDGS in livestock rations. For more information, contact Kyle Cromer, USGC international operations coordinator, at kcromer@grains.org

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