14 Jul 2014

TLP's Comedy Stars Spread 'Rumors'

By Rick Martin

Mount Carroll--Timber Lake Playhouse (TLP) presents the side-splitting comedy Rumors Thursday, July 17 through Saturday, July 26 starring ten performers who have quickly become some of the area's favorite comedic actors.  Derek Bertelsen, who staged last year's Spamalot, returns to direct the play by American comedy master, Neil Simon, about an anniversary party gone hilariously wrong.

Cody Jolly (Dr. Frankenstein in Young Frankenstein) and Allison Hunt (Elizabeth in Young Frankenstein) kick off the mayhem as Ken and Chris Gorman, married lawyers who arrive at the home of the Charlie Brock, deputy mayor of New York City, only to discover that their host seems to have shot himself and his wife is nowhere to be found. As more of their upperclass friends arrive, the Gormans conspire with Lenny and Claire Ganz, played by Matt Webb (Patsy in Spamalot) and Caroline Murrah (Sheila in An Inspector Calls), to make sure that everyone's reputations are kept firmly intact, despite the mounting absurdity.

Analisha Santini and Grant Brown (Frau Blucher and Inspector Kemp/Blind Hermit, respectively,  in Young Frankenstein) are the next to arrive as Cookie and Ernie Cusak, a TV cooking host and her psychoanalyst husband. The farcical accusations and cover-ups continue to spin out of control with Glenn and Cassie Cooper, a bickering political couple, played by Gabriel Brown (Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) and Lexie Plath (Inga in Young Frankenstein).

When the police arrive (Blake W. Price and Christian Chambers), it's time for explanations, no matter how ludicrous they might seem. Director Bertelsen said, "The dream cast we have assembled for this play brings it to new comedic heights. Audiences already love them for their past work at TLP, and I think people are going to continue to be blown away by their talents."

Neil Simon's success as a comedic playwright and screenwriter is unmatched. His work includes The Odd Couple, Barefoot in the Park, Biloxi Blues, The Goodbye Girl, Sweet Charity, The Out-Of-Towners and Promises, Promises. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Lost In Yonkers.

Rumors performs evenings at 7:30 p.m., and there are 2:00 p.m. matinees on Sunday and Wednesday. There is also a Saturday matinee performance on the opening weekend at 3pm. Order tickets through the box office 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily at 815-244-2035 or any time at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org.

This program is partially supported by a grant for the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, through federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

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08 Jul 2014

Brucemore Outdoor Children's Theater Presents: The Land of Lost Toys

By Rick Martin

Brucemore Outdoor Children's Theater continues a tradition of placing imagination center stage with a Joe Link original, The Land of Lost Toys, July 23 - 26 at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. When Aunt Peggy is babysitting, her bedtime stories are usually beyond compare. Children and parents alike will be transported into a magical and mysterious world to help Jack and Jill find their way home to Aunt Peggy before it is too late. The Land of Lost Toys is Joe Link's eighth original production on the Brucemore stage; previous plays include The Incredible Adventures of Captain Spoon, The Forgetful Pirate; The Princess Who Wouldn't Wear Pink; Tyrannosaurus Fetch; and The Amazing Story Machine. Each year, the Brucemore Outdoor Children's Theater promises an engaging performance sure to keep the young audience captivated and the adult audience entertained.

Brucemore's natural amphitheater provides an enchanting backdrop for this 50-minute performance. Children and their adult chaperones are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs; no picnics please. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children under 10. Gates open at 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. Brucemore Outdoor Children's Theater is sponsored by US Bank and media sponsored by ImOn Communications. Purchase tickets online at www.brucemore.org, by calling (319) 362-7375, by visiting the Brucemore Store located in the Visitor's Center, or at the box office the night of the performance.

Experience Brucemore, an unparalleled blend of tradition and culture, located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the heart of the historic 26-acre estate stands a nineteenth-century mansion filled with the stories of three Cedar Rapids families.  Concerts, theater, programs, and tours enliven the site and celebrate the heritage of a community.  For more information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

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07 Jul 2014

'Pinkalicious the Musical' Brings Beloved Books To Life

By Rick Martin

Mount Carroll, IL-- The Magic Owl Children's Theatre at Timber Lake Playhouse (TLP) presents an hour-long version of Pinkalicious the Musical, based on the books by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann July 8, 10, 11 and 12 at 2:00 pm. All tickets for Magic Owl shows are only $6.00 and partially sponsored by the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency. Each year, these subsidized Magic Owl shows introduce thousands of young people to the joy and magic of live theatre.

The musical tells the tale of Pinkalicious Pinkerton, who can't stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor's office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe - a dream come true for this pink loving enthusiast. But when her hue goes too far, and her brother --and some dancing birds and flowers--get involved, only Pinkalicious can figure out a way to get out of this pink predicament. Pinkalicious the Musical is about learning the power of self-control and the importance of moderation.

The cast includes members of TLP's professional resident company from all over the country including Anastasia Arnold, a recent graduate of Millikin University, in the title role. James Kolditz directs with choreography by Bethany Fay.

Pinkalicious the Musical has additional performances August 5, 7, 8 and 9 at 11:00 a.m. TLP is located at 8215 Black Oak Rd. in rural Mount Carroll, IL. Tickets are $6.00 and are available at the box office, by calling 815-244-2035 or visiting www.timberlakeplayhouse.org. The show is appropriate for all ages. Early reservations are suggested, as many Magic Owl shows sell out.



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03 Jul 2014

2014 - 2015 Broadway Season at the Adler Theatre

By Adler Theatre

The 2014 - 2015 Season includes:  JERSEY BOYS, SISTER ACT, GUYS AND DOLLS, BLUE MAN GROUP, and PETER AND THE STARCATCHER.  The special add-on show for the season is MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS by Chip Davis.

Subscriptions to this exciting season are now on sale!  Prices range from $180 to $315 depending on series package and seating choice.  For more information, call 563-326-8522. Tickets for individual shows will go on sale as each performance date approaches.  

New subscriber orders will be processed in the order they are received after all current subscribers' renewal requests have been processed.  All seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

03 Jul 2014

Simon celebrates 50 years since the Civil Rights Act this Independence Day

By Annie Thompson

CARBONDALE – July 2, 2014. Heading into the Fourth of July weekend, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon marked the fiftieth anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

"As we prepare to celebrate our country`s 238th birthday, we should take time to look back on the half century since the enactment of the Civil Rights Act," Simon said. "Today, we should honor the brave struggle of activists like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and the Freedom Riders. We have come a long way, but there is still more work to be done to ensure true equality."

Simon spent part of the day Wednesday, the anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act, at Southern Illinois University, where she spoke to international students about American politics and civil rights.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was conceived by President John F. Kennedy, defended in Congress by U.S. Senator Everett Dirksen of Illinois, and enacted under President Lyndon B. Johnson. Signed July 2, 1964, it ensures equality under the law regardless of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The law has given Americans a tool to fight discrimination in housing, the job market, the courtroom, and at the polls.

Simon continues to support the expansion of civil rights in Illinois. She spoke out in favor of marriage equality, and celebrated alongside activists as the marriage equality law went into effect last month. The law ensures the marriages of same-sex couples are legally recognized in Illinois.

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03 Jul 2014

Volcanoes on the Clinton Showboat

By Clinton Area Showboat Theatre

The Children's Theatre Series at the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre opened each of its shows this month, and they will continue to run each Saturday at noon throughout the summer. The latest production, A Sour Study in Lemonade, included the high school students solving a mystery through science experiments. Kate Struble, a freshman at Clinton High School, plays the lab technician at Max's Lemonade Stand. She explains to the children in the audience how to create ooze, invisible ink, and volcanos by using regular household products. Clayton Melvin, a freshman from DeWitt, plays the owner of the Lemonade Stand that has been sabotaged. His employees, played by Audrey Simpson, Ireland Knapper, and Emma and Cassie Van Zuiden, run a full-scale investigation to solve the mystery. Spoiler alert: there is a volcano that erupts on stage.

The second show of the series is The Beginning of the Armadillo, playing this Friday in a special free performance for Independence Day, and again July 12 and August 2. This charming musical, written by Bill Kincaid of Macomb, Illinois, brings the Rudyard Kipling story to life. Allison Winkel, a junior at Fulton High School, and Matt Espey, a senior at Clinton High School, play the Hedgehog and Tortoise, who try to trick the Jaguar, played by Clinton High junior, Danica Smith. Two more Clinton High School students complete the cast of this exciting new musical: Alice Lind and Savannah Medley.

The first show of the series, A Very Clinton Variety Show, is a vaudeville performance including musical numbers, comedy acts, and sketches outlining the history of Clinton and the Showboat. DeWitt Clinton, played by Kayla Zeimet of DeWitt, even makes an appearance. Hailey Goble, a recent graduate of Clinton High School, helps lead the show as one of the emcees, even helping audience volunteers create an animal symphony on stage. "It's inspiring to see the high school students taking the lead when the younger children want to get involved," says Kristin Katsu, Education Director at the Showboat. "It's different at every show, but they know how to keep the audience entertained."

Each performance leaves the audience of children with an excitement to create their own theatre at home. The talkback sessions give the children a sneak peak into the world of theatre, connecting their lives to the message of each show. The Clinton Area Showboat Theatre definitely builds a curiosity in the children, giving them a reason to create their own science experiments or lemonade stands or animal costumes. The internship program creates productions that inspire the younger children to become life-long learners as well as life-long theatre patrons.

The Clinton Area Showboat Theatre is located on Riverview Road in Clinton, Iowa, and the interns are from Clinton, Fulton, Camanche, and DeWitt. Haley Appel, Kaela Baker, Liv Clark, Erin Hardigan, and Aiden McMinimy complete the cast of high school students that create these outstanding productions. Children's Theatre performances take place on the Showboat stage every Saturday at noon. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at the door. To find out about show times and tickets, visit www.clintonshowboat.org or call the box office today: 563-242-6760.

02 Jul 2014

AUDITIONS AND A TONY-WINNING COMEDY AT THE QC THEATRE WORKSHOP

By Tyson Danner

Having completed its 2013-14 season with the acclaimed production of True West, Davenport's QC Theatre Workshop is gearing up for its third season of performances with two exciting and funny presentations: the Tony Award-winning comedy 'Art,' running August 15 through 30, and Bat Boy: The Musical, with auditions for the October show taking place on July 26.

Translated by Oscar winner Christopher Hampton from the original French play by Yasmina Reza (author of 2009's Tony champ God of Carnage), 'Art' is a biting and hilarious exploration of male camaraderie, competitiveness, and ego. Reza's comedy revolves around the purchase of an enormous white painting, with white lines, that threatens the relationship of three longtime friends: Serge, who can't grasp his pals' disapproval of his new artwork; Marc, who can't fathom the $200,000 purchase of an all-white painting; and Yvan, who can't understand why everyone can't just get along.

Described by the New York Times as "very funny" and "an impeccably tailored piece of work," 'Art' received the 1998 Tony for Best Play and went on to run for 600 performances. The show was also produced by the area's Curtainbox Theatre Company in 2010, and the QC Theatre Workshop's Artistic Director Tyson Danner is delighted that the cast for that production - Adam Michael Lewis, Aaron Randolph III, and Mike Schulz - is returning, in their original roles, for this new take on 'Art.'

"At the Workshop, we are incredibly lucky to attract such stellar performers show after show," says Danner, "and these guys were all eager to reunite. I can't wait for our audiences to see what a riot they will be!"

Each member of the show's acting trio is already acquainted with the Workshop venue: Lewis appeared there in the Prenzie Players' 2013 production of Two Gentlemen of Verona; Randolph was the author of last summer's original drama A Green River; and Schulz performed in the company's springtime presentation of True West.

 

But while this stage reunion is taking place with the full support of 'Art''s Curtainbox director Dave Furness and producer Kimberly Kurtenbach Furness, Danner - who will direct the Workshop's production- stresses that the season-opener is not simply a remount of a previous area presentation.

 

"I am glad we can offer this play to our community again. Having been out of the area during the previous production, I'm looking forward to leading the production with a fresh perspective," says Danner. "Plus, 'Art' will take place exactly two years after our first production, and it couldn't be a better match. I love that we get the chance to produce this comedic flip-side of RED."

 

'Art' will be staged at the QC Theatre Workshop (1730 Wilkes Avenue, Davenport) from August 15 through 30. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday performances are at 3 p.m., and due to occasional strong language, the show is recommended for mature audiences.

 

Meanwhile, three weeks prior to 'Art''s opening, the theatre will host auditions for its October production (performance dates TBA) of the off-Broadway smash Bat Boy: The Musical, which will take place at the Workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 26.

 

Loosely based on the notorious Weekly World News story about a half-boy/half-bat who was discovered living alone in a cave, Bat Boy is the hysterical, clever, and surprisingly touching tale of a strange young creature and the townsfolk who despise him - a genre-bending hit that led the New York Times to rave, "It's remarkable what [this show's] intelligent wit can accomplish."

 

James Fairchild, from last fall's Workshop production of Last Call: The Songs of Stephen Sondheim and director of the District Theatre's A New Brain, will direct Bat Boy. Roles are available for male and female actors of all ages and types, with most characters open to the double- (and even triple- ) casting of performers. Those auditioning should be prepared to read from the script, and should prepare 32 bars, or one verse and chorus, of either a pop-rock song or an up-tempo musical-theatre selection. No monologues will be required, but those auditioning should come prepared to tell a joke.

 

As with the Workshop's eight previous productions, both 'Art' and Bat Boy: The Musical will be presented under the company's popular "Pay What It's Worth" policy, which allows patrons to determine their own ticket prices following each performance.

 

or info@QCTheatreWorkshop.org, or visit QCTheatreWorkshop.org.

 

Bat Boy: The Musical auditions

Saturday, July 26, 1 - 3 p.m.

 

'Art' performances

Friday, August 15, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 16, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 17, 3 p.m.

 

Friday, August 22, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 23, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 24, 3 p.m.

 

Friday, August 29, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 30, 7:30 p.m.

 

QC Theatre Workshop

1730 Wilkes Avenue, Davenport, Iowa, 52804

(563)650-2396

info@QCTheatreWorkshop.org

QCTheatreWorkshop.org

Facebook.com/QCTheatreWorkshop

 

01 Jul 2014

SPAMALOT will open new District Theatre location

By Tristan Tapscott
Rock Island's District Theatre is excited to announce they will be moving to a new location in time for their production of SPAMALOT!
"As we continue to grow we also want to be able to give our audiences the atmosphere they deserve. This move allows us to take our first step in that direction as we work with the city to create a playing space that will take us to the next level in our evolution as a theatre," said Artistic Director Tristan Tapscott. He added, "It also takes us back to the vibe we had when this whole things started in 2008. You will see a variety of configurations for the playing space itself and a more intimate atmosphere."
The theatre is working hand in hand with Renaissance Rock Island on the new location and on future plans for the theatre. Board member Deb Shippy added, "We are thrilled to be working with city on this and couldn't be more pleased with everyone at Renaissance Rock Island."
"The timing couldn't be more perfect," said Board President Matt Mercer. "We have wanted to have a safer space for our performers and a more elegant space for our patrons and supporters and this move - only a few doors down from our current location - allows us to do just that."
Though this relocation will not expand on the number of seats available or the stage itself, but the other amenities make the move the right move at this time.
The building - located at 1623 2nd Ave - formerly housed The Grape Life and allows for more storage, dressing rooms for the actors, a small shop and other necessities for the theatre. The new location is located just a few doors down from the theatre's current space, directly across from Bennigan's and next to Midcoast Fine Arts.
Monty Python's SPAMALOT will be the first show in the new location when it opens August 1! Details on the grand opening and a few changes in the season schedule will be announced soon!
30 Jun 2014

'Young Frankenstein' Brings Hilarity to Life at TLP

By Rick Martin

MOUNT CARROLL, IL -- Timber Lake Playhouse will present the local premiere of The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein beginning Thursday, July 3. From the award-winning team that brought The Producers to international acclaim, this monster musical comedy, which runs through Saturday, June 28, is a dizzy, lavish and fast paced re-imagining of the Frankenstein legend based on Mel Brooks' classic comedy film masterpiece. Former Artistic Director Brad Lyons returns to Mount Carroll to direct the hilarity starring TLP's professional company from all over the country.

The story follows bright, young Dr. Frankenstein (that's Fronkensteen), played by TLP favorite Cody Jolly, as he attempts to complete his grandfather's masterwork and bring a corpse to life. Together with his oddly shaped and endearing helper Igor (that's Eye-gor), played by Matt Webb (Patsy in last year's Spamalot), his curvaceous lab assistant Inga (Lexie Plath), and in spite of his incredibly self-involved madcap fiancé Elizabeth (Allison Hunt), Frankenstein succeeds in creating a monster (Blake W. Price)-- but not without hilarious complications from Frau Blucher (Analisha Santini), Inspector Kemp (Grant Brown), the villagers of Transylvania Heights and, of course, Irving Berlin's "Puttin' on the Ritz."

Enthusiasts of the film have plenty of new surprises to look forward to in the stage adaptation. And musical comedy fans will be in heaven with the new, high-energy songs and riotous dances including "Transylvania Mania," "He Vas My Boyfriend," "Roll In Ze Hay," and "Together Again?For The First Time." The production also features some "shocking" visual effects as well as spectacularly "monstrous" choreography by Cameron Turner (Spamalot).

There are only 11 chances to see Young Frankenstein. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. (except July 4, July 6 and July 7). Wednesday and Sunday matinees are at 2:00 p.m. There is a 3:00 pm matinee on Saturday, July 5. Tickets are $17 for students, $21 for seniors, $23 for single seats and are available at the Timber Lake Playhouse box office, 815-244-2035, or www.timberlakeplayhouse.org.

TLP's Do Something Spectacular: Live The Story campaign continues with Young Frankenstein through the help of Happy Tails Humane Society in Rock Falls, Illinois. Happy Tails operates Whiteside County's only animal shelter.  They are a limited-intake, no-kill facility that shelters and cares for stray and abandoned dogs and cats until they are adopted into loving, permanent homes.  They promote pet adoption and humane education in the region. At each performance of Young Frankenstein, audiences will have an opportunity to help "save the creature!"

This program is partially sponsored by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council through federal funds from the National Endowment For The Arts.
30 Jun 2014

CAST to open Wizard of OZ on July 3rd

By Clinton Area Showboat Theatre

Perhaps one of the best known of all films, the 1939 musical fantasy The Wizard of Oz has become part of American popular culture. The Clinton Area Showboat Theatre will present its stage version of The Wizard of Oz beginning July 3rd. Kansas farm girl Dorothy Gale dreams of what life might be like "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and soon finds out when a tornado takes her to "The Merry Old Land of Oz".

The part of Dorothy will be played by Carly Ann Berg. In her second season aboard the Showboat, Carly has already performed in The Taffetas as Cheryl and as Winnie in Annie Get Your Gun. Robert Rice will bring the Scarecrow to life. A junior at Southeast Missouri State University, Robert is pursuing his B.A. in theatre with a dance minor. Caleb Jernigan, recently seen as Chief Sitting Bull in Annie Get Your Gun, will be the Tin Man. The role of Lion will be performed by Heather Baisley. Heather played Peggy in The Taffetas and Annie in Annie Get Your Gun. In his second season aboard the Showboat, Nathan McHenry, who was Frank Butler in Annie Get Your Gun and Jenna Haimes (Kaye in The Taffetas and Dolly in Annie Get Your Gun), will play major roles which won't be revealed in advance! Jalen Lee will be Uncle Henry, having just completed the role of Buffalo Bill.

A former 3-year intern at the Showboat, Carolyn Hopkins has returned to Clinton from Orange City, Iowa, after completing her first year as a theatre major at Northwestern College. She will play the roles of Auntie Em and Glinda. Returning for her second year as an intern, Hailey Goble is a 2014 graduate of Camanche High School. Hailey will perform as Miss Gulch and the East Witch.

The ensemble for The Wizard of Oz includes: Chris Bruhn (Clinton), Matt Espey (3rd year intern and senior at Clinton High), Clayton Melvin (freshman at Central DeWitt), Jake Hopson (freshman at Iowa State University), Alice Lind (3rd year intern and senior at Clinton High), Kate Struble (intern and freshman at Clinton High), Daxx Jayroe Wieser (musical theatre major at Oklahoma City University), and Kayla Zeimet (2nd year intern and junior at Central DeWitt).

No production of The Wizard of Oz would be complete without Munchkins. Ranging in age from 3 to 13 and from several area communities, the Munchkins include : Brittany Costello, Avery Lynn Davis, Avery Findlay, Ellanore Foltz, Hannah Guilinger, Nathan Hopkins, Paige Lower, Larissa Rose Lesniewski, Vanessa Lesniewski, Gabrielle Mooney, Kira Shaff, Addison Shaw, Marie Shaw, Abby Struble,and Kami Zeimet.

CAST's production of The Wizard of Oz is being directed by Producing Artistic Director Tommy Iafrate. Returning to the Showboat as Musical Director is Laurie Lewis. She has been the Director of Music at MacMurray College for three years. The talented creative team also includes: Choreographer Zachary D'antonio, Scenic Designer Steven P. House,
Lighting Designer Cassie Mings, Costume Designer Jenna Damberger, Stage Manager Nicole Frechette, Assistant Stage Manager Seth Kieser and Kayla McKay, Assistant Director/Dramaturg.

The Wizard of Oz opens at the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre on July 3rd at 7:30pm, followed by a reception. On July 4th there will be a special performance at 6:30pm, ending before the fireworks display. Performances continue at 7:30pm on July 5,10,11,12,17 and 19. Afternoon performances at 3pm take place on July 6,9,13,16 and 20. Tickets cost $23, $20 for seniors and $16 for students and children. The CAST box office is open 11am to 4pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 11am to 7pm on Thursdays through Saturdays and noon to 4pm on Sundays. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.clintonshowboat.org or by calling 563-242-6760.

The 2014 CAST season will continue with Wonderful Town (July 24-August 2) and Alice in Wonderland (August 8-17) .

There are still openings available in two theatre camps for children entering grades 1 to 8. Camp Oz is Monday through Friday, July 7 to 18 from 9am to noon, costing $85. Camp Wonderland is August 4-13th for just $75. Registration is available on line or at the box office. (Scholarships available).

Every Saturday at noon CAST's Intern Company offers Theatre for Children. This year's shows include : A Very Clinton Variety Show, The Beginning of Armadillos, and A Sour Study in Lemonade. Tickets are only $5 and are available at the door.

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