Amana - Can the three little pigs remember their survival skills as they go out into the world to make a living? Join Big, Tweeney and Wee and find out! The Old Creamery Theatre for Young Audiences presents a classic tale with an imaginative and musical twist in The Life and Times of the Three Little Pigs, opening Saturday, March 30 on the Main Stage in Amana.

The cast consists of Maria Bartolotta of St. Louis, MO, T.J. Besler of Manchester, Nicholas Hodge of South Amana, Jackie McCall of Marengo and Stacia McKee of Coralville. The Life and Times of the Three Little Pigs was written by Gene Mackey with original music by Cheryl Benge.

Shows are at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 30 and April 6 and at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 13. Tickets are $8.50 per person and reservations are highly recommended. The Life and Times of the Three Little Pigs is  sponsored by Scheels with Kiss Country 96.5 as the media sponsor.

The Old Creamery Theatre Company is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded in 1971 in Garrison, Iowa. The company is celebrating 42 years of bringing live, professional theatre to the people of Iowa and the Midwest.

Way Off Broadway, Iowa's only professional musical theatre company and the residential company at the Stephen Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts is delighted to announce their Iowa premiere production, the newest version of Cabaret which won the Tony for Best Revival. Cabaret is a musical based on a book written by Christopher Isherwood, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. The 1966 Broadway production became a hit and spawned a 1972 film as well as numerous subsequent productions including a major "re-think" revival in 1998, which WOB will present.

Cabaret is based on John Van Druten's 1951 play, I Am a Camera, which in turn was adapted from the 1939 short novel Goodbye to Berlin by Christopher Isherwood. Set in 1931 Berlin as the Nazis are rising to power, it focuses on nightlife at the seedy Kit Kat Klub and revolves around the 19-year-old English cabaret performer Sally Bowles and her relationship with the young American writer Cliff Bradshaw.  A sub-plot involves the doomed romance between German boarding house owner Fräulein Schneider and her elderly suitor Herr Schultz, a Jewish fruit vendor. Overseeing the action is the Master of Ceremonies at the Kit Kat Klub which serves as a constant metaphor for the tenuous and threatening state of late Weimar Germany throughout the show.

The 1967 original production won 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical and the Bob Fosse movie won 8 Oscars including Best Director. The 1998 version, which is what WOB is producing in its Iowa premiere, won 4 Tony's, including Best Revival Nationally known pop music singer Lyric Benson will make her WOB debut as Sally Bowles and Jonathan Christopher will return after performing in WOB's successful tour of "Plaid Tidings' this past fall. Other WOB favorites include Robert Kemp as Cliff, Margaret Clair as Frau Schneider, Brendan Thomas as Herr Schultz, George Kelley as Ernst,  Natalie Saunders as Frau Kost, The Kit Kat Girls are played by Madeline Sloat, Noel Wotherspoon, Pricilla Marlar, Rebecca Frasier,  Sara Hawthorne, and Nina Benjamin.  Shawn David Walker and Brian Graziani as German Sailors, Mitchel Price plays Max and Gareth West is the Nazi youth.

Cabaret is produced by Paul Praither, will be directed and choreographed by Artistic Director Randal K West and musically directed by Shari Rhoads who will also conduct the live orchestra.

Cabaret will open at the Stephen Sondheim Center in Fairfield, Iowa on March 29 and also play on Saturday the 30th, both at 7:30pm. Another 4 shows run the following weekend Thursday-Saturday April 4-6 at 7:30pm and will close its Fairfield run at 2:00pm on Sunday April 7th. Following the Fairfield dates Cabaret will travel to the new Coralville Performing Arts Center for another two shows on April 12&13 both at 7:30pm. The Sondheim Tickets can be reserved by calling the box office M-F 12-6pm at 641-472-ARTS or going to FairfieldACC.com. The Coralville tickets can be reserved by calling 319.248.9370 or going to coralvillearts.org

With a cast of 80 and a complete orchestra, Moline High School students are putting on the ever-popular Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

(Moline, IL)  Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat] is a popular Andrew Lloyd Webber musical with lyrics by Tim Rice. The story is based on the "coat of many colors" story of Joseph from the Bible's Book of Genesis. The show has little spoken dialogue; it is completely sung-through. Its family-friendly storyline, universal themes and catchy music have resulted in numerous productions of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.  This month, 42 Moline High School student actors along with 38 elementary and middle school students, a supporting crew of dozens of students, and an orchestra of 15 will produce four shows for local audiences.  Dates of the show are March 14, 15 and 16 and the media will get a sneak preview of the show this week.

WHO:  Moline High School Students and the children's choir
WHAT:  Media Preview of the MHS spring musical
WHEN:  Tuesday, March 12,  7:00 pm
WHERE: MHS Auditorium

There will be 4 performances-- Thursday, March 14 @ 7:30 PM; Friday, March 15 @ 7:30 PM; Saturday, March 16 @ 2 PM and 7:30 PM.   $6.00 for students; $8.00 for adults. Tickets are available at the door or in advance at the MHS bookstore. 309-743-8833
This show was the first Lloyd Webber and Rice musical to be performed publicly. Joseph was first presented as a 15-minute pop cantata at Colet Court School in London in 1968 and was recorded as a concept album in 1969. After the success of the next Lloyd Webber and Rice piece, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph received stage productions beginning in 1970 and expanded recordings in 1971 and 1972. While still undergoing various transformations and expansions, the musical was produced in the West End in 1973, and in its full format was recorded in 1974 and opened on Broadway in 1982. Several major revivals and a 1999 straight-to-video film, starring Donny Osmond, followed.

Musical Theatre Productions by the Moline High School Music Department

1961    Pajama Game
1962    Bells Are Ringing
1963    My Fair Lady
1964    Bye, Bye Birdie
1965    South Pacific
1966    The Music Man
1967    The Sound of Music
1968    How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying
1969    Carousel
1970    Li'l Abner
1971    Guys & Dolls
1972    Pajama Game
1973    Hello Dolly
1974    No, No Nanette
1975    The Music Man
1976    Mame
1977    How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying
1978    The King & I
1979    Hello Dolly
1980    Oklahoma
1981    Irene
1982    Li'l Abner
1983    Funny Girl
1984    Little Mary Sunshine
1985    The Sound of Music
1986    Hello Dolly
1987    The Music Man
1988    South Pacific
1989    Guys & Dolls
1990    How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying
1991    Bye, Bye Birdie
1992    Oklahoma
1993    Cabaret
1994    West Side Story
1995    Mame
1996    Damn Yankees
1997    Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
1998    The Sound of Music
1999    Bye, Bye Birdie
2000    Once Upon A Mattress
2001    Grease
2002    Godspell
2003    Phantom
2005        Oliver
2006        A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum
2007        King And I
2008        Cabaret
2009        Beauty and the Beast
2010        The Music Man
2011        Bye Bye Birdie
2012        The Sound of Music
2013        Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Joseph Director, Ron May, has been involved in musical theatre for more than 40 years.  His experience began upon the recommendation of his college advisor.  May was urged to become more knowledgeable about musical theatre if he wanted to be a high school choral director.  Immediately after college, May was cast as Thomas Jefferson in the Quad City Music Guild's production of "1776" and since then has performed additional leading roles in "Damn Yankees", "Cabaret", "Evita", "Godspell", among others.  As an educator, he has directed/produced more than 50 productions.  In addition to educational and community theatre settings, he has served as musical director for professional productions of "Hairspray", "Legally Blonde-the musical", "Whodunit? The musical" (world premiere at Circa 21), "The World Goes Round", and countless other reviews and industrial musical shows.


It was doing a community theatre production of "The Sound of Music" where May met his wife of 36 years.  He and Cindy (a freelance choreographer) have collaborated in nearly all of his educational musical theatre productions.  They are both collaborating on this production.
Students of Mr. May have gone on to successful careers in professional theatre.   Former students have performed in "Miss Saigon", "The Full Monty", and "The Drowsy Chaperone" on Broadway and in national tours of "Peter Pan".  Many former students are currently pursuing a career in musical theatre across the country.   Some current seniors are exploring acting, musical theatre and/or directing in part because of Mr. May's influence.


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Rock Island, IL: History and culture will be brought to life this spring in five free programs at the Rock Island Public Library.

 

Mary Todd Lincoln lived a life filled with triumphs and tragedies, but few people really know her. Aided by actress Laura Keyes, the Rock Island Library shares the first lady's side of the historical story during Women's History Month in Mrs. Lincoln Goes to Washington. The one-woman show, set against the Lincolns' first trip to Washington City in 1847, will be performed from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Monday, March 18 in the Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street.

Laura Keyes graduated from UW-Madison with a Master's Degree in Library Studies, and is currently the Library Director at The Illinois Institute of Art - Schaumburg. Her past stage roles include Mary Todd Lincoln in Mrs. Lincoln, Elizabeth in Frankenstein, Laura in The Glass Menagerie, Claire in Fuddy Meers, Cecily in The Importance of Being Earnest and Titania in A Midsummer Night's Dream.

If Mary Todd's story leaves you wanting to hear more about her famous husband, the library will offer "Lincoln and Liberty, Too," a special performance of Civil War songs and stories in April by Bob Welch of Dubuque. Combining storytelling and history with music on guitar and banjo, Welch's Civil War songs bring history to musical life. The performance is at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, April 2 in the Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street.

With current interest high as a result of the Lincoln movie, and the importance of April in Civil War history, Welch has been particularly busy performing at school and public venues. Past performances have included the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, the American Civil War Museum in Gettysburg, PA, the Sailors Creek Battlefield in Virginia and historic Fort Snelling in St. Paul, MN.

Both the Mary Todd Lincoln and Lincoln and Liberty programs are made possible by sponsorship from the Friends of the Rock Island Public Library.

April also marks the 45th anniversary of the death of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. The library and the Afro-American Heritage Center of the Quad Cities will recognize the event with a film and discussion of "A Ripple of Hope." The independent historical documentary retells the events of April 4, 1968, when King was assassinated outside a Memphis hotel room. The film and discussion will be presented from 5:30 to 7:30 pm on Wednesday, April 3, in the Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street.

A Ripple of Hope retraces the steps of Presidential Candidate Robert Kennedy as he absorbs the news of King's death and responds with courage and compassion. Though advised not to speak, Kennedy delivered a moving impromptu address to a tense crowd in Indianapolis. Featuring digitally restored news footage and original music by John Colby, the Grammy Award winning music director of the Ken Burns Civil War soundtrack, A Ripple of Hope dramatically narrates the events of that tragic day through the eyes of those who were there.

Also in April, the library celebrates William Shakespeare's 449th birthday anniversary with two events.

On April 23, the bard's presumed birthday, Don Wooten and Genesius Guild will present a look at a fascinatingly complex character and play with "Who is Macbeth?" In what is considered to be Shakespeare's shortest and bloodiest tragedy, Macbeth employs themes and elements from all other Shakespearean plays. But who was Macbeth really? What do we know about him? Learn more with this free event on 6:30 pm on Tuesday, April 23, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street.

Next, the library considers Shakespeare's The Tempest, with help from high school student performers from Rockridge High School, and a discussion led by members of Prenzie Players. Students will present a pivotal scene from the play, followed by discussion, at 6:30 pm on Thursday, April 25, at the Rock Island Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street.

All programs are free and open to the public. For more news about Rock Island Public Library events, visit www.rockislandlibrary.org, call 309-732-7323 (READ) or follow the Rock Island Library on Facebook and Twitter. A monthly calendar of library events is available online and at Rock Island Library locations.

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(Des Moines) - Today, the Department of Management released the following information related to cost avoidance the State of Iowa obtained by entering into aggressive, professional negotiations with AFSCME.

 

Key elements of new state contract with the AFSCME bargaining unit:

 

1.       0% across-the-board (ATB) raise for FY 14 and 0% ATB for FY 15

2.       Annual STEP increases for FY 14 and FY 15 included

3.       No change in health insurance

 

Total cost of new AFSCME contract for FY 14 and FY 15:

General Fund:                   $56 million

All State Funds:                 $107 million

 

Key elements of Governor Culver's AFSCME contract for FY 12 and FY 13:

 

1.       2.5% ATB raise for FY 12 and 2.5% ATB for FY 13

2.       Annual STEP increases for FY 12 and FY 13 included

3.       No change in health insurance

 

Total cost of Culver AFSCME contract (if applied to our current workforce):

 

General Fund:                   $104 million

All State Funds:                 $202 million

 

Savings to State of Iowa resulting from new AFSCME contract:

General Fund:                   $48 million

All State Funds:                 $94 million

 

According to available data, the FY 14 -15 AFSCME contract represents the first time since the inception of public sector collective bargaining in Iowa that the State has successfully negotiated no across the board pay increases in both years of a contract. Clearly, Iowa taxpayers have benefitted from having a seat at the table during the collective bargaining process with Iowa public sector unions.

 


The State's Position in Arbitration:

The State and ASFSCME agreed on 0% ATB raise for by FY 14 and FY 15.

 

The State and AFSCME agreed on annual STEP increases for FY 14 and FY 15.

 

The State and AFSCME reached an impasse on health insurance.  The arbitrator ruled in favor of the AFSCME position regarding health insurance.

The State's final offer on health insurance was a 20% employee contribution for all health plans. Employees would have the opportunity to earn a credit of $90 per month towards their share of the health insurance premium by participating in a wellness program.

 

The State's final offer on health insurance still exceeded the average of other states when the wellness premium incentive is included.  In comparing Iowa's wage and benefits using data provided by the National Compensation Association of State Governments:

  • The employer-paid value of the State of Iowa's status quo health insurance benefit is ranked first when compared to other states.
  • The average base pay of State of Iowa employees is 33% above the base pay of other state government employees.
  • The average total compensation (wages and benefits) of State of Iowa employees is 27.5% higher than the total compensation of other state government employees.

 

Had the arbitrator ruled in favor of the State's offer regarding health benefits, the State had estimated additional cost avoidance of approximately $45 million over the 2 years of the contract.

 

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Greetings Friends of THE CURTAINBOX,
I am sending this out to all the actors I know letting you know that I have two fabulous projects ahead that I am casting.  One is a feature film and the other is a training video project.  Both projects have fabulous roles for actors of all ages and all roles are PAID.  I need a headshot and resume sent to me in email form if you are interested in being considered for these projects.  Right now, principal photography looks to start sometime in May  and will be primarily shot in the QC.  We are beginning preliminary casting now.  I will be looking for all ages, types and ethnicities.  Send me your most current headshot and resume to:
Thanks much!! Always a pleasure putting fellow actors and students of mine to work! If you know other people who may be interested in submitting for these projects please feel free to forward this message on.

Historic Davenport hotel "defines the unique guest experience"

Davenport, IA - Hotel Blackhawk management is pleased to announce that effective today it has officially taken its place in the progressive Autograph Collection hotel network.

The Autograph Collection® (www.autographhotels.com), launched by Marriott in 2010 is, "An evolving ensemble of strikingly independent hotels. Each destination has been selected for its bold originality, rich character and uncommon details." Hotels are listed in different categories such as Artistic Getaways, Historic Explorations, Culinary Delight, Urban Excitement and Wedding Celebration. This new affiliation will also enable Hotel Blackhawk to offer and accept Marriott Rewards®.

Joining a network of properties that promotes individuality is another important step for Hotel Blackhawk's role in gaining attention for the City of Davenport and the Quad Cities. This effort has been highlighted with notable achievements such as its recent status as a 2013 Recommended Property in the Forbes Travel Guide, 2012 AAA Four Diamond Award-Lodgings, 2012 TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence Award, the Bix Bistro's 2012 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence as well as 2011 and 2012 Smart Meetings Platinum Choice Award recognition.

"One-of-a-kind hotels in the Autograph Collection serve the discerning tastes of those looking for travel accommodations beyond the ordinary, predictable routine of hotel chains," said General Manager Tim Heim. "Hotel Blackhawk represents the type of singular, high-personality hotel that doesn't just offer guests a unique experience - but actually defines it."

Hotel Blackhawk re-opened December 15th, 2010. The hotel retains its 98-year-old historic character while featuring modern conveniences throughout the 130 guestrooms and extended-stay suites, six meeting rooms and up to 300-person banquet capacity in the signature Gold Room.

Other features include wireless internet, a fitness center, business center, swimming pool, hot tub, Spa Luce (lu-CHAY), Milan Flower Shop, the Bix Bistro restaurant, the Beignet (been-YAY) Done That coffee shop and Blackhawk Bowl & Martini Lounge. In addition to the affiliation with the Autograph Collection, the hotel also is part of the Historic Hotels of America network (www.historichotels.org).

For more, visit www.hotelblackhawk.com or find us on www.facebook.com (Search: Hotel Blackhawk).

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Recent poll examines gun laws/gun violence solutions

Recent poll data shows that there is an overwhelming belief among Illinois voters that the best way to reduce gun violence in the state is to keep guns out of the hands of people who should not have them, and strictly enforce Federal gun laws.

The poll conducted by the Freedom to Choose PAC on February 27, which surveyed 804 registered Illinois voters, found that 95% of respondents would be likely to vote for a candidate who supported reforming mental health laws to keep firearms from the mentally ill.

88% want to charge people accused of violating gun laws under Federal statutes, which require mandatory prison terms if convicted. 

87% agreed the court systems should be monitored to make sure that people charged with gun violations are prosecuted for the violation, and not allowed to plea bargain out of the charges.

Also, 74% said they would be likely to vote for someone who supported conceal and carry legislation for legal gun owners.

"The poll clearly shows that while the people of Illinois want actions to reduce gun violence, it should be not be accomplished by limiting their choices of how they protect themselves, their loved ones and their property," said Josh Powell, chairman, Freedom to Choose PAC. "Action needs to be taken to work with legislators in passing the conceal and carry law mandated by the Supreme Court. This legislation should include the same limitations applied equally for both citizens and lawmakers themselves. It's time Illinoisans have The Choice to protect themselves shared by the other 49 states in the country."

Specifically, the poll indicated that 61% voters would support conceal and carry legislation that contains the same language for private citizens as public officials, but would exclude law enforcement.

Pollsters also delved deeper to determine solutions for curbing gun violence.

Less than a majority, 41 %, believed that banning the sale of fire arms between private citizens would reduce gun violence.

Only 22% believed that economic sanctions, or discouraging banks and investors from investing in Illinois companies that manufacture or distribute assault weapons, were an adequate route to preventing gun violence. Such economic restrictions could force those companies to close, costing Illinois over 5,000 jobs.

87% were for background checks for those buying guns at gun shows.

25% of those polled believe that the current debate is being driven by public safety concerns, versus 45% who believe it's political in nature.

Of those polled, 43% came from households that own a gun, but 54% felt a gun would be the best form of protection against acts of violence like assault, robbery, rape or home invasion, rather than 35% who preferred just calling the police.
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"The Freedom to Choose" poll was conducted by McKeon and Associates, February 27, 2013. The poll surveyed a sample of 804 registered voters in Illinois. Full cross-tabs and additional information can be found by loading the image below, or on www.freedomtochoose.us.

The Rock Island Arsenal Welcome Club (RIAWC) Community Support Chairperson is accepting funding requests from area nonprofit organizations until April 1, 2013.

A fundamental principle of the Rock Island Arsenal Welcome Club is to generate funds to support philanthropic endeavors within the Quad-Cities metropolitan areas. Money for the Community Support fund is raised through club activities such as the Arsenal Attic and other fund raisers. All nonprofit organizations including those who have never received RIAWC funding in the past are welcome to apply.

 

Interested applicants may download an application from the RIAWC Web-Site, (www.riawc.org). They are also available at the RIAWC Arsenal Attic on Tuesday's or Thursday's from 10:00a.m.-3:00p.m.

Completed applications must be sent to:

Rock Island Arsenal Welcome Club

ATTN: Community Support Chairperson

P.O. Box 848

Bettendorf, IA 52722=848

Applications will not be accepted after April 1, 2013

Rock Island, IL: Looking for things to do with your school-aged children during the Rock Island/Milan School District spring break? The Rock Island Public Library has planned a number of programs from March 11 to 22

Programs for children include

Animoto Workshops: Children in grades 3 and up will create their own videos using pictures, video clips and music. Registration is required. Sign up for one of the dates below by calling 309-732-7360.

  • 6:00 to 7:00 pm, Tuesday, March 12, Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street, or
  • 4:00 to 5:00 pm, Tuesday, March 19, Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street.

Writer's Contest Help Session: Children in Kindergarten through 3rd grades can get help with writing an entry for the WQPT PBS-Kids Go! Story Contest. 6:30 pm, Monday, March 18, 30/31 Branch, 3059 30th Street.

Make & Take Days at Your Library: Families can visit the Rock Island Children's areas anytime for drop-in make and take craft sessions. Craft supplies and materials will be available all day on these days and locations:

  • Thursday, March 14, Rock Island Main Library Children's Room, 401 19th Street, and
  • Thursday, March 21, Rock Island Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road.

Book Craft: Children in grades 3rd and up can make a book in a workshop on Friday, March 22 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm in the Rock Island Main Library Children's Room, 401 19th Street. Please sign up by calling 309-732-7360.

Additional activities for children during the school break include 10:30 am storytimes for ages birth to five on Tuesday, March 12 at the 30/31 Branch, 3059 30th Street; Wednesday, March 13 at the Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road,

and on Friday, March 15, in the Main Library Children's Room. An evening storytime for the same ages will be offered at 6:30 pm on Monday, March 18, at the 30/31 Branch. Lego Clubs for children in pre-kindergarten through 6th grades are scheduled for 4:00 pm on Wednesday, March 13 at the 30/31 Branch and March 20 at the Southwest Branch.

Programs for ages 12 to 18 during the Rock Island school break include :

Teen Gaming Night: Tuesday, March 12, 6:00 pm, Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road. Come to the Southwest Branch for snacks, games, and time to play Xbox 360 with Kinect or Wii games. Traditional board games will be available as well.

Teen Movie Day: Thursday, March 14, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, Main Library. Free teen movie on the library's big screen.

Teen OZ Party: Monday, March 18, 6:00 pm, Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road. Celebrate the release of the new movie "Oz the Great and Powerful." Teens will enjoy food, games, and the chance to make some Oz-inspired creations while watching an Oz-themed movie.

Teen Murder Mystery Party, Thursday, March 21, 6:00 pm, Main Library. Here's the scoop: A murder has been committed on library property, and only you can solve the mystery! Follow clues, gather the evidence, and determine who the murderer is; the sleuths who solve the crime will win great prizes!

Programs are free and open to the public. For more news about Rock Island Public Library events, visit www.rockislandlibrary.org, call 309-732-7323 (READ) or follow the Rock Island Library on Facebook and Twitter. A monthly calendar of library events is available online and at Rock Island Library locations.

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