BOX OFFICE: 269-343-1313 BUSINESS OFFICE: 269-343-2280 WEB: www.KazooCivic.com FOLLOW US ON: MAY 2016 Kalamazoo’s Community Theatre Guest Director Leonard Sullivan Brings Loads of ‘Hairspray’ Experience to The Civic! ivic audiences are in for a treat! Hairspray, the larger-than-life 1960’s musical about love and acceptance will dance its way into audiences’ hearts beginning May 6th. Guest Director/Artist-In-Residence Leonard Sullivan is bringing his own Hairspray experiences after performing for a year and a half on the first national tour, as well as six months in the original Las Vegas production, to the Civic cast. Sullivan attended Western Michigan University as a Musical Theatre major, and while at WMU he performed in Civic productions of Rags, Godspell and Company nearly 15 years ago. After moving to New York and auditioning for the Broadway production of Hairspray, he finally landed the First National Tour, playing Thad and ensemble roles. When the tour stopped in Los Angeles, Matthew Morrison ( Glee) and Marissa Jaret Winokur (Broadway’s original Tracy) joined the company for the run in LA, and Leonard had ample opportunity to work with two principal role creators as well as with the original creative team including Director Jack O’Brien and Choreographer Jerry Mitchell. So what does all that mean for the Civic cast? Sullivan feels he is coming full circle. Hairspray is among his favorite shows, and he is thrilled to be passing along the intention of the characters that he learned from the roles’ originators. He added, “This show is also a true tutorial of the 1960’s! The acting is simpler, more straightforward, and maybe a bit more honest.” Hairspray was written intentionally for the 1960’s style of singing, which is new to the young Civic cast. But Hairspray is about much more than teased hair and doo-wop style musical numbers. Sullivan indicated, “The beauty of this piece is the many themes it touches on while being a high-energy hilarious musical comedy. Acceptance C PERFORMANCE DATES: 2015-2016 Season Presenter: Music by Marc Shaiman Lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman Book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan Based on the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters Friday May 6th 7:30pm Saturday May 7th 7:30pm Thursday May 12th 7:30pm Friday May 13th 7:30pm Saturday May 14th 7:30pm Sunday May 15th 2:00pm Friday May 20th 7:30pm Saturday May 21st 7:30pm Sunday May 22nd 2:00pm Production Sponsors: HAIRSPRAY PRODUCTION TEAM: Director: Leonard E. Sullivan Musical Director: Martha Hesse Choreographer: Georgie Reigel Scenic Designer: David Kyhn Costume Designer: Emily N. Brink Hair/Makeup Designer: Kimberly Hutchinson Lighting/Sound Designer: AnnMarie Miller SFX Designer: Katie Anderson Properties Master: Stacy Bartell Technical Director: Phillip A. Miller Stage Manager: Savannah F. Draper Asst. Stage Managers: Maegan Sargeant, William Ross CAST: Tracy Turnblad: Gabriella Smurawa * Corny Collins: Zach Husak * Edna: Preston Misner + Penny Pingleton: Hannah Hesseltine Velma Von Tussle: Sandra Davis + Amber Von Tussle: Kristin Gustavson + Link Larkin: Ken Holda + Seaweed J. Stubbs: Greg Jones Inez: Trinity Posey + Motormouth Maybelle: Myisha Crayton * Wilbur Turnblad: R.J. Soule + Prudy Pingleton/Gym Teacher/Matron: Lynn Hall McLeod + Mr. Pinky/Harriman F. Spritzer/Guard: Dude Gilbert: Darius Ledbetter + Stooie: Michael Peterman + Thad: Karis Clark * + COUNCIL MEMBERS Lou Ann: Helena Baron + IQ: Mitchell Harpenau + Brenda: Amira Kamoo * + Shelly: Allie Ruppert + Fender: A.J. Sharief + Sketch: Mitchell Taplin Tammy: Jada Thrash + THE DYNAMITES Sydni Jackson * Trinity Posey Kamaria Tilley * + ENSEMBLE Daye Alexander * + John Culbertson + Regina McLeod + * Denotes Civic Debut + Denotes Academy of Theatre Arts Student CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 ASL Interpreted performance MOTORMOUTH KIDS Mese Belay * + Cassie Galonsky + Michael Peterman + Courtney Way +
Transcript
BOX OFFICE: 269-343-1313 BUSINESS OFFICE: 269-343-2280 WEB: www.KazooCivic.com FOLLOW US ON:
MAY 2016Kalamazoo’s Community Theatre
Guest Director Leonard Sullivan Brings Loads of ‘Hairspray’ Experience to The Civic!
ivic audiences are in for a treat! Hairspray, the larger-than-life 1960’s musical about
love and acceptance will dance its way into audiences’ hearts beginning May 6th. GuestDirector/Artist-In-Residence Leonard Sullivan isbringing his own Hairspray experiences afterperforming for a year and a half on the first nationaltour, as well as six months in the original LasVegas production, to the Civic cast.
Sullivan attended Western Michigan Universityas a Musical Theatre major, and while at WMU heperformed in Civic productions of Rags, Godspelland Company nearly 15 years ago. After movingto New York and auditioning for the Broadwayproduction of Hairspray, he finally landed the FirstNational Tour, playing Thad and ensemble roles.When the tour stopped in Los Angeles, MatthewMorrison (Glee) and Marissa Jaret Winokur(Broadway’s original Tracy) joined the company for
the run in LA, and Leonard had ample opportunityto work with two principal role creators as well aswith the original creative team including DirectorJack O’Brien and Choreographer Jerry Mitchell.
So what does all that mean for the Civic cast?Sullivan feels he is coming full circle. Hairsprayis among his favorite shows, and he is thrilled tobe passing along the intention of the charactersthat he learned from the roles’ originators. He added,“This show is also a true tutorial of the 1960’s!The acting is simpler, more straightforward, andmaybe a bit more honest.” Hairspray was writtenintentionally for the 1960’s style of singing, whichis new to the young Civic cast.
But Hairspray is about much more than teasedhair and doo-wop style musical numbers.Sullivan indicated, “The beauty of this piece isthe many themes it touches on while being ahigh-energy hilarious musical comedy. Acceptance
C
PERFORMANCE DATES:2015-2016 Season Presenter:
Music by Marc Shaiman
Lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman
Book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan
Based on the New Line Cinema film
written and directed by John Waters
Friday May 6th 7:30pmSaturday May 7th 7:30pmThursday May 12th 7:30pmFriday May 13th 7:30pmSaturday May 14th 7:30pmSunday May 15th 2:00pmFriday May 20th 7:30pmSaturday May 21st 7:30pmSunday May 22nd 2:00pm
Production Sponsors:
HAIRSPRAYPRODUCTION TEAM:Director: Leonard E. SullivanMusical Director: Martha HesseChoreographer: Georgie ReigelScenic Designer: David KyhnCostume Designer: Emily N. BrinkHair/Makeup Designer: Kimberly HutchinsonLighting/Sound Designer: AnnMarie MillerSFX Designer: Katie AndersonProperties Master: Stacy BartellTechnical Director: Phillip A. MillerStage Manager: Savannah F. DraperAsst. Stage Managers: Maegan Sargeant, William Ross
CAST:Tracy Turnblad: Gabriella Smurawa *
Corny Collins: Zach Husak *
Edna: Preston Misner +
Penny Pingleton: Hannah HesseltineVelma Von Tussle: Sandra Davis +
Amber Von Tussle: Kristin Gustavson +
Link Larkin: Ken Holda +
Seaweed J. Stubbs: Greg JonesInez: Trinity Posey +
Motormouth Maybelle: Myisha Crayton *
Wilbur Turnblad: R.J. Soule +
Prudy Pingleton/Gym Teacher/Matron: Lynn Hall McLeod +
Mr. Pinky/Harriman F. Spritzer/Guard: DudeGilbert: Darius Ledbetter +
Stooie: Michael Peterman +
Thad: Karis Clark * +
COUNCIL MEMBERSLou Ann: Helena Baron +
IQ: Mitchell Harpenau +
Brenda: Amira Kamoo * +
Shelly: Allie Ruppert +
Fender: A.J. Sharief +
Sketch: Mitchell TaplinTammy: Jada Thrash +
THE DYNAMITESSydni Jackson *
Trinity PoseyKamaria Tilley * +
ENSEMBLEDaye Alexander * +
John Culbertson +
Regina McLeod +
* Denotes Civic Debut+ Denotes Academy of Theatre Arts StudentCONTINUED ON PAGE 2
ASL Interpreted performance
MOTORMOUTH KIDSMese Belay * +
Cassie Galonsky +
Michael Peterman +
Courtney Way +
‘STILL LIFE WITH IRIS’IN REHEARSAL
‘HAIRSPRAY’ BEHIND THE SCENES
CONTINUED FROM COVER PAGE
Guest Director LeonardSullivan Brings
Loads of ‘Hairspray’Experience to The Civic!
PICTURED: GUEST DIRECTOR LEONARD SULLIVAN, MUSICAL DIRECTOR MARTHA HESSE & GABRIELLA SMURAWA
IN REHEARSAL FOR ‘HAIRSPRAY’
for all mankind, regardless of shape, size, sex,class or ethnicity is the major theme of thepiece, shown to us by a somewhat naïve andunaffected girl.”
When asked what he was most looking forward to staging in this production he repliedwithout missing a beat – “The Madison.” Hewent on to confess, “As a kid, my sister and Iwere obsessed with the 1988 John Watersfilm and used to move the furniture from theliving room to do all the choreography includingThe Madison!”
Sullivan also shared, “Community theatreis important to me. It’s where I got my start.”He enjoys working with adult actors that didn’tnecessarily choose the stage as a career.“There’s a lot to be said for an adult whoworks a full day, then volunteers for 3 hoursevery night after working, all to be in a show.It’s inspiring!”
UPCOMING AT A GLANCE
‘4000 MILES’ PHOTO SHOOT ‘HAIRSPRAY’ IN REHEARSAL‘HAIRSPRAY’ IN REHEARSAL
Academy of Theatre ArtsSUMMER OPEN HOUSEMay 7 (Noon - 2:00pm)
Oklahoma!AUDITIONS
May 15 & 16 at 7:00pm
Inside the CivicFREE AUDITION WORKSHOPS
May 7
Much Ado About NothingAUDITIONS
May 15 & 16 at 7:00pm
AUDITION DATES Sunday, May 15th at 7:00pm Monday, May 16th at 7:00pm
CALLBACKS Wednesday, May 18th at 7:00pm
LOCATION The Carver Center – Muzzi Dance Studio426 South Park Street (Those auditioning are encouraged to arrivethirty minutes prior to audition time.)
CASTING Seeking a cast of between 32-34 men andwomen ages 16 and up.
REQUIREMENTS Those auditioning will be asked to sing 16 to 32 measures of a classic Broadway standard. All may be taught a dance routine and may be asked to read from the script.
FIRST COMPANY MEETINGAugust 8, 2016 at 7:00pm
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE August 8, 2016 – September 22, 2016 (Rehearsals occur from 7:00pm-10:00pm)
PERFORMANCES September 23, 2016 – October 9, 2016 (Potential Holdover thru October 16, 2016)
DIRECTOR CHOREOGRAPHERBen Zylman Georgie Reigel
MUSICAL DIRECTOR Martha Hesse
AUDITION DATESSunday, May 15th at 7:00pm Monday, May 16th at 7:00pm
CALLBACKS Wednesday, May 18th at 7:00pm
LOCATION The Carver Center – Carver Studio426 South Park Street (Those auditioning are encouraged to arrivethirty minutes prior to audition time.)
CASTING Seeking a cast of 18 men and women ages 16 and up.
REQUIREMENTS All those auditioning will be asked to read aBenedict monologue (Act 2, Scene 3) for themen and a Beatrice monologue (Act 2,Scene 1) for the women.
FIRST COMPANY MEETINGAugust 29, 2016 at 7:00pm
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE August 29, 2016 – October 6, 2016 (Rehearsals occur from 7:00pm-10:00pm)
PERFORMANCES October 7, 2016 – October 22, 2016 (Potential Holdover thru October 23, 2016)
DIRECTOR Curt L. Tofteland
FREEINSIDE THE CIVICWORKSHOPSSaturday,May, 7th
Leonard Sullivan, Artist-in-Residencesponsored by Seelye Automotive Group
love the arts. Everything about them - the people, the beauty,
the collaborative atmosphere, and the lessons we learn fromthose experiences. For thepast 22 years I have hadthe pleasure of working at the Kalamazoo CivicTheatre, in a myriad of jobsand disciplines. Every dayhas been an adventure,filled with the challenges ofa nonprofit, and the rewardsof producing live theatre.
And as the years haverolled by here at the Civic,one thing has been a constant – change. Thispast month in particular hasbeen difficult as we’ve saidgoodbye to some beloved friends – JanetStillwell, Fred Gillette, and Robert L. Smith.The passing of each has given me pause toreflect on the bounty of arts and artists wehave in the community, and to be gratefulto have been touched by their talent.
The month of May marks the end of mytenure at the Civic as we conclude our 87thseason! What an extraordinary gift I havebeen given to be able to learn and growand be a steward of this amazing institutionthat has touched so many lives. I can’tthink of a better way to end a great seasonand usher in the new one, than by welcoming the new Executive Director of
the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre – StephenCarver! I know Steve will be working hard tocontinue to bring the same great theatrical
experiences we have allcome to know and expecthere at the Civic.
I also wanted to takethis opportunity to thankall who have supported ourAdvancement Campaign.Because of your generosity,we are nearly at our 5.1million dollar goal thatwill mean so many great refurbishments andenhancements to yourtheatre experience. Thesuccess of this campaignis truly a testament tohow deeply the Civic and
the arts are valued in our community.Thank you. If you haven’t had the opportunity to give, please support thisendeavor. You can donate online atwww.kazoocivic.com/change-lives, orcall us at 343-2280 and we will be glad toassist you.
Next month I will begin a new adventureright down the street at the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. I am truly looking forward to continuing to support the Civicand all arts in our community for some timeto come. Thanks for the many wonderfulmemories I will take with me. – KC
Bidding a Fond Farewell and a Warm Welcome to Our Civic Family!
I
Kristen ChesakExecutive Director
Academy of Theatre ArtsSUMMER CLASSES FINANCIAL AID DEADLINE
June 24 at 5:00pm
‘STILL LIFE WITH IRIS’ IN REHEARSAL ‘HAIRSPRAY’ AT HERITAGE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GALA BEHIND THE SCENES
Academy of Theatre ArtsSUMMER CLASSES BEGIN
July 11
Academy of Theatre ArtsSUMMER DAY CAMPS FINANCIAL AID
July 22 at 5:00pm
“Choose a job you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.”
– Confucius
Stephen Carver hasbeen named KristenChesak’s successoras Executive Directorof the Civic. An actor,director and theatermanager with businessexperience, Carver willassume the positionon May 2.
For the past 12years, Carver has ledthe Longmont TheatreCompany in Coloradowhere his manyaccompl i shments
include a 15% increase in ticket sales, leading severalsuccessful advancement campaigns, and implementinglong-range corporate goals and business objectives.
Carver also previously served as the ArtisticDirector/Manager at the Hidden Hills Playhouse inCalifornia and was a Co-Founder/Artistic Director ofChicago’s Skyline Theatre Co. with Steve Carell. He hasdirected more than 30 plays and worked in radio and television production including roles in the film Liar,Liar and on the television series Star Trek: The NextGeneration, Golden Girls, Diagnosis Murder and Ellen.He has also taught Scene Study & Audition Techniquesas well as improvisation at venues all over the country.
A graduate of Denison University with a degree inFine Arts and Theatre, Carver has deep and lasting ties tothe Civic. Carver grew up observing Civic productionson the back bench of the historic theatre when hisfather, James C. Carver was Managing Director.
Stephen Carver will lead the 38-person Civic staffand the hundreds of volunteers who make the Civicone of the largest, most successful and prestigiouscommunity theatres in the country.
WELCOME STEPHEN CARVER!
“A successful community is not made up of one person, but a collective of bright, eager, passionate
people that love what they do.”– Ralph Burgard
Stephen CarverExecutive Director
‘HAIRSPRAY’ PHOTO SHOOT
VolunteerCELEBRATION
June 4 at 7:00pm
‘HAIRSPRAY’ PHOTO SHOOT ‘STILL LIFE WITH IRIS’IN REHEARSAL
‘HAIRSPRAY’ IN REHEARSAL ‘HAIRSPRAY’ BEHIND THE SCENES
Oklahoma! & Much Ado About NothingTICKETS GO ON SALE
September 1 at 10:00am
Enroll online today at www.KazooCivic.com or call 269-343-2280.
OPENHOUSESaturday, May 7th
Carver Center • Noon-2:00pm
Financial aid is available for students of all ages!
Applications are available online at
www.KazooCivic.com
This summer come home to the Academy of Theatre Arts! You can choose to relax, have fun, and expand your skills in a comfortable
environment—there is something for everyone!
DEADLINE
Academy of Theatre ArtsSUMMER DAY CAMPS BEGIN
August 1
Inside the CivicFREE AUDITION WORKSHOPS
August 27
SAVE THE DATE
DID YOU HEAR?Our 2016-2017 Season closing
production will be:
May 5 – May 21, 2017THE CIVIC AUDITORIUM • MUSICAL
Book by Cheri & Bill Steinkeller & Douglas Carter Beane,Music by Alan MenkenLyrics by Glenn Slater
2015-2016 Volunteer Celebration
will be held on SATURDAY,
June 4th, 2016This event is free to everyone and
begins at 7:00pm in the Civic Auditoriumwith a reception and dancing
immediately following in the Carver CenterStudio and the Muzzi Dance Studio.
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ASL Interpreted performance
PERFORMANCE DATES:Friday May 20th 7:30pmSaturday May 21st 1:00pmSaturday May 21st 4:00pmSunday May 22nd 2:00pmWednesday May 25th 9:30amWednesday May 25th NoonThursday May 26th 9:30amThursday May 26th NoonFriday May 27th 7:30pmSaturday May 28th 1:00pmSaturday May 28th 4:00pm
FOR TICKETS CALL269-343-1313
or visit www.KazooCivic.com
By Steven Dietz
May 20 – May 28THE PARISH THEATRE • CIVIC YOUTH THEATRE PLAY
In the tradition of Alice in Wonderland, this enchanting play chronicles a young girl’s quest to regain her memory and with it her home. Iris begins her amazing journey in Nocturno, a fantastical place where all things one sees by day are made by those who live there at night. With the help of the colorful characters she meets along the way, Iris’ journey recovers more than her past. She succeeds in finding in herself the power of faith and the courage of persistence and these traits will eventually lead her home.
