Wishing You and Yours an Eggcelent Easter Holiday

HAPPY EASTER from SW WA STAR

 Break an Egg

Vancouver Area Theater Alliance (VATA)

A quote from the recent edition of the American Association of Community Theatre's newsletter in regards to community theater companies in general:

"Let us remember that we are not really in competition with one another. We are in competition with other forms of entertainment. Many are perfectly content to see another mediocre movie, to attend another sporting event with their losing team, or to throw yet one more bird at a giggling pig. When considering how to acquire new audiences, don't fight amongst yourselves. Instead, teach more people the joy of theater."

And THAT'S why we have VATA!

VA VA VOOM playing right here in downtown Vancouver on the Serendipity Playhouse stage!

This cast of zany seniors brings 90 minutes of old time radio programs, song parodies, skits and standup comedy. Don McNeill’s Breakfast Club, Fibber McGee and Molly and Duffy’s Tavern. Guest Artist Cousin Minnie Pearl and The Greathouse Musicians.

To be a part of the audience for this two day run call 360-546-5855 to reserve your seat. Serendipity Playhouse is wheelchair and walker accessible. Tickets are $15.00 each and seating is limited so don’t wait!

TWO DATES ONLY!
Saturday, April 27, 2013 - 7:30 PM
Sunday, April 28, 2013 - 2:00 PM

Serendipity Playhouse
500 Washington Street
Vancouver, WA 98660.

VA VA VOOM is sponsored by the Barberton Grange and CDM (long term care for seniors).

COMING SOON for the SW Wash. Spring 2013 Theater Season

Here's a list of shows you might want to catch this season. Can't decide? Read our upcoming opening night reviews.

HARVEY, opens April 5 at Love Street Playhouse (Woodland), directed by Christopher Cleveland.

Elwood P. Dowd is an affable man who claims to have an unseen (and presumably imaginary) friend Harvey — whom Elwood describes as a six-foot, three-and-one-half-inch tall pooka resembling an anthropomorphic rabbit. Elwood introduces Harvey to everyone he meets. His social-climbing sister, Veta, increasingly finds his eccentric behavior embarrassing. She decides to have him committed to a sanitarium to spare her and her daughter Myrtle Mae from future embarrassment. When they arrive at the sanitarium, a comedy of errors ensues.

CAMELOT, opens April 12, presented by Rising Star Productions (Longview) at their theater in Three Rivers Mall (Kelso).

This beloved musical by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Lowe, which played on Broadway for over 800 performances. It is the story of King Arthur, his lovely wife, Guenevere, and his best friend, Lancelot. King Arthur is determined to create a kingdom where might is used for right and the knights are a force for good. This musical includes songs such as: If Ever I Would Leave You, What Would the Simple Folk Do, The Lusty Month of May, How to Handle a Woman and many more.

THE SECRET GARDEN, April 12 presented by Stageworks Northwest (Longview). 

Winner of three Tony® Awards, this enchanting classic of children's literature is reimagined in brilliant musical style by composer Lucy Simon and Marsha Norman, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of "'Night Mother." Orphaned in India, 11 year-old Mary Lennox returns to Yorkshire to live with her embittered, reclusive uncle Archibald and his invalid son Colin. The estate's many wonders include a magic garden which beckons the children with haunting melodies and the "Dreamers", spirits from Mary's past who guide her through her new life. "The Secret Garden" is a compelling tale of forgiveness and renewal.

SHADOWLANDS, opens April 19 at Magenta Theater (Vancouver).

This West End and Broadway hit is the love story of C.S. Lewis - Oxford don and author of The Chronicles of Narnia - and American poet Joy Davidman. Lewis is smug in his convictions about God and His plan for the world until Joy and her young son enter his life. This is a deep, meaty and dramatic play that will touch you.

ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, opens April 25 presented by Prairie-Ground Drama (Battle Ground).

"Once Upon a Mattress" features music by Mary Rodgers along with lyrics by Marshall Barer and book by Jay Thompson and Dean Fuller. The musical original started life off-Broadway, before coming to the mainstream theater in 1959. The musical-comedy script is based on the classic fairy tale "The Princess and the Pea" and features a number of catchy songs. 

REASONS TO BE PRETTY, opens May 3 at the Clark Community College Decker Theater (Vancouver). Directed by Pat Rohrbach.

In "Reasons to Be Pretty," Greg’s tight-knit social circle is thrown into turmoil when his offhand remarks about a female coworker’s pretty face and his own girlfriend Steph’s lack thereof get back to Steph. But that’s just the beginning. Greg’s best buddy, Kent, and Kent’s wife, Carly, also enter into the picture, and the emotional equation becomes exponentially more complicated. As their relationships crumble, the four friends are forced to confront a sea of deceit, infidelity, and betrayed trust in their journey to answer that oh-so-American question: How much is pretty worth?

A MAGICAL MELODRAMA, opens May 3 at Love Street Playhouse (Woodland), presented by Golden Garter Family Theater. Written and directed by magician, ventriloquist and comedian Steve Taylor.

A comedy-spoof-magical adventure, fracturing for fun the conventions of the classic melodrama! The perfect family theater outing, “A Magical Melodrama” was a big hit in all of it’s previous presentations and now you can create a family-friendly event that will give you “memories that will last a lifetime!” Clean enough for kids, clever enough for adults, bring everyone to this hilarious spoof and “laugh ‘til your cheeks hurt!”

CLOUD 9, opens May 22 at the Rose Center for the Performing Arts, presented by Lower Columbia College (Longview). 

A time shifting British-African comedy by Caryl Churchill. Both parody and spoof of the 1880s Victorian Empire and its rigid attitudes towards sex. The play shifts twenty-five* years later to London in 1980 where all the characters' repressed sexual longings have evaporated along with the British Empire. (*Editor's Note: I know, I know, it's not a typo, it's a plot device.)

FUDDY MEERS, by David Lindsey-Abaire, opens May 31 at Serendipity Playhouse (Vancouver).

A woman with a rare form of amnesia wakes up every morning a blank slate. Her husband explains the situation, gives her breakfast and a book of essential information before taking his morning shower. As soon as he’s gone, a man claiming to be her brother arrives, telling her he’s there to rescue her. Like Alice through the looking glass, it’s there that her adventure truly begins.

Watch for our Reviews the day after opening night! If your play is not listed here and you would like it reviewed and advertised on our blog, contact us at swwastar@aol.com.

Two Classes Announced by Serendipity Playhouse

TWO NEW CLASSES are being offered at Serendipity Playhouse. They are:

STAGE COMBAT Instructor: Brian Reed.
For actors, swordsman, class clowns. Come learn some basics of how to perform hand to hand combat and dueling techniques for the stage. Have you ever wanted to drag someone across the room by their hair? Or look like a Musketeer? Come learn how to do that safely and make it look good for an audience.

This class will teach short choreography for both style and safety, and teach how to read written choreography. The class instructor is an actor, stage combatant, and fight choreographer with thirty years of experience. Wear clothes for movement. Class recommended for ages thirteen and up. $35.00 for the class.

April 27, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Serendipity Playhouse, 500 Washington Street, Vancouver, Wash.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

BEGINNING ACTING CLASS Instructor: Tony Broom, Artistic Director for Serendipity Players.

8 Weeks, plus Student Performance, begins April 20 – $150

Step into the spotlight! Have friends told you that you should be on stage or TV? If you’ve always been a ham and wanted to take it to the stage, here’s your chance. Have fun and get comfortable performing in front of an audience, and more confident with public speaking. Acting basics, including physical choices and constructing characters will be taught in an active learning approach. Final class will be a performance for family and friends.

More info and register at: www.serendipityplayers.org/auditions-classes/

AUDITIONS: David Lindsey-Abaire's "Fuddy Meers" at Serendipity

Serendipity Players is holding open auditions for all roles in "Fuddy Meers" by David Lindsay-Abaire from 6 to 8 p.m. on April 1 and 2. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.

No prepared pieces are needed. Headshots and resumes are welcome, but not required. If you can’t make one of these dates, please contact the director and an alternate appointment may be made. It is not necessary to attend both days.

Performance dates are weekends beginning on May 31 through June 23, with one Thursday, June 6. All performances, rehearsals and auditions will take place at 500 Washington St., Vancouver, Wash.

All parts are available to actors of any ethnicity. Everyone is encouraged to audition. The ages stated are guidelines only.

The Roles:

Claire- 40, generally sunny woman with amnesia
Richard- 40, cheery, friendly, sometimes nervous
Kenny- 17, a troubled teen
Limping Man- 40, lisping, limping, half-blind, half-deaf man with secrets
Gertie- 60’s, clear headed woman who’s had a stroke and can’t speak properly
Millet- 30’s or 40’s, an odd man with a puppet
Heidi- 30’s or 40’s, a tough woman in uniform

This is a dark comedy with a bizarre collection of characters. Rehearsals begin the week of April 8. This is a volunteer, non-equity production. There should be a small stipend to cover some expenses.

If you have any questions, please send an e-mail to serendipityplayers@yahoo.com or call Tony Broom at 971-563-3661.

"HARVEY" to be Seen at Love Street Playhouse

If ol' Peter Cottontail don't hop down the bunny trail to your house this Easter maybe you can see "Harvey" at Woodland's Love Street Playhouse.

The play will run from April 5 through April 21, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays.

When Elwood P. Dowd starts to introduce his imaginary friend, Harvey, a 6 ft rabbit, to guests at a society party, his sister, Veta, has seen as much of his eccentric behavior as she can tolerate.

She decides to have him committed to a sanitarium to spare her daughter, Myrtle Mae, and the family from future embarrassment. Problems arise, however, when Veta herself is mistakenly assumed to be on the verge of lunacy when she explains to Dr. Sanderson that years of living with Elwood's hallucination have caused her to see Harvey also. The doctor commits Veta instead of Elwood, but when the truth comes out, the search is on for Elwood and his invisible companion.

"Harvey" questions what it is to be insane, normal and otherwise odd. It has moments of humor and moments that will cause you to think.

Tickets available online at www.lovestreetplayhouse.com

Northwest Debute of Disney's Tarzan: The Musical [PHOTOS]

While unusual, we wish to announce an out of the area theatrical production. Why? Because it is the northwest "debut" (semantics, Disney contract says they can't use the word "premier") of a really great show AND my niece is on the crew.

Springfield, Oregon's NHCC announces its production of  Disney's "TARZAN ® The Stage Musical" originally produced on Broadway by Disney Theatrical Productions. Based on the Disney film with Music and Lyrics by Phil Collins.  Book by David Henry Hwang which was adapted from the story Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs. 

Tickets: www.TarzanEugene.com or 541-521-0739

Dates/Times: 7 p.m., Friday, April 19;  7 p.m., Friday, April 26; 7 p.m., Saturday, April 20; 7 p.m., Saturday, April 27; 3 p.m., Sunday, April 21; and 3 p.m., Sunday, April 28. Admission: $18 Adults, $15 Students/Seniors 

Location: New Hope Center Auditorium, 1790 Charnelton St., Springfield, Ore.

TRUST ME, you do not want to miss this PNW debut! The show is amazing, and should the college do it justice, it will knock your socks off. For the first time ever in the Pacific Northwest, this New Hope production of  “Tarzan: The Stage Musical” is sure to wow audiences of all ages. With its sing-a-long pop score and familiar story line adapted from the blockbuster 1999 Disney animated film and beloved story by Edgar Rice Burroughs, young and old alike will marvel as this jungle story springs to life.

The Story: This classic tale begins when an early 1900 shipwreck leaves an infant orphaned on the West African shore. The helpless baby is taken under the protection of a gorilla tribe and becomes part of their family. When he eventually encounters his first human--Jane Porter, a curious young explorer--both of their worlds are transformed forever. 

"Tarzan®" features the songs from Disney's film as well, as well as nine new songs written specifically for the Broadway production. The show's Grammy Award-winning musical score, written by singer/songwriter Phil Collins, propels the energy and imagination of this literary favorite, making this a "must see".

Cast & Production Team Highlights:

Isaac Frank, in the role of Tarzan, brings his dance and athletic prowess, as well as his powerhouse

vocals, to the stage of Tarzan. Seen last year as Jesus in the NHCC production of "Godspell," Isaac is ready to play one of the most physically demanding roles of his life.

In the role of Jane, Christina Brown of Nanakuli, Hawaii, is no stranger to the stage or television. Brown advanced from among 1000's of auditions in a national audition process to land in the top six contestants in ABC television’s "High School Musical: Get in the Picture."  Appearing weekly for all her fans in homes all across the country, Christina takes all the fame in stride as she pursues a career in the music industry.

Hollywood comes to Eugene, with arranger Larry Kenton playing the role of Jane’s father. Larry’s work in Pixar’s "UP!" resulted in helping land an academy award for its beautiful score. Larry has also been seen around Eugene pursuing his passion of singing in several roles, most recently as Herbie in Cottage Grove’s production of "Gypsy."

Adding an array of color and elegant choreography is the Hosanna Dance Studio. Hosanna Dance Studio is well known for its annual seasonal production of Adventures in Narnia held at the Ragozzino Performance Hall at Lane Community College.

The rest of this talented cast is comprised of Creative Arts majors and other talented singers and dancers from New Hope Christian College.

Having recently appeared in the Shedd and OFAM productions of "The King and I" (Lady Thiang), and "Sound of Music" (Mother Superior), local actress and singer Cindy Kenny, steps off the stage to direct this high flying adventure.

“There’s a powerful and emotional story line that runs throughout Tarzan, and the trick is to bring the heart of that story to life in the midst of all the amazing costumes, choreography, music and orchestra while at the same time keeping it real and believable,” said Kenny. 

Well known for his lighting designs at The Hult Center, Eugene Ballet, and Eugene Opera, Kelly Baum brings his experience and creativity to bear on both the lighting and stage design for this production.

Choreographer Jennifer Knight Dills, having served on the faculty at the University of Oregon and Lane Community College, now brings her artistry and teaching experience to New Hope Christian College and to this Tarzan® production.

For tickets: http://www.tarzaneugene.com/
For a video preview click here. 

New Hope is proud to partner with the following premium sponsors to bring this production to the stage: Anderson Group International, KVAL Television, Bourland Printing, IP Services, BiMart and New Hope International.

Be sure and see our REVIEW Saturday April 20. Both Dennis Sparks and I (Gregory E. Zschomler) will be reviewing the show. And there will be pictures. But don't wait, buy your tickets now for this momentous event, as I expect this will sell out quickly.

REVIEW: Serendipity Players Give us "Proof"

This play has some resemblance to the award-winning film, A Beautiful Mind. The tortured souls of people with extraordinary minds, unable to deal with the everyday, common world and, in this case, trapped in their own obsessive world of numbers.

Is it life, if only lived in the mind? Or, is it madness?

 The Math Path

The story takes place on the back porch of a suburban home in Chicago between 2008 and 2012. It concerns the daughter, Catherine (Valerie Martinka Davis) of a brilliant mathematician, who is not only dealing with her father's, [Robert (David Hudkins)] death, but must come to terms with the legacy he’s left behind. He was, in his final years, obsessed with numbers and may have been slowly going insane.

And she has been his only caregiver, sacrificing her human needs to administer to his. She has also followed in his footsteps, becoming absorbed in mathematical equations herself and may be cutting herself off, too, from the everyday world, as he did.

Has she inherited, not only his genius for numbers, but also his obsession with them? Will she also tumble down that slippery slope to madness? Is this her legacy and, if so, will she embrace it, or will it consume her, too?

Her lifelines to the “real” world are in the form of one of his students, Hal (Michael Lissman), who seems to have found a happy balance between Math and the more common aspects of life. As he becomes immersed in the notes of his dead tutor, her father, they find a more human-like entanglement with each other. And her sister, Claire (Sarah DeGrave) arrives to “rescue” her from a mind-filled but perhaps mind-less life. Being a genius may not be all its “cracked” up to be. If one cannot find a balance, then one may have to choose. “And, therein, lies a tale.”

The story does not concentrate on finding the ultimate proof in a math theory, but more on the purpose of life and the dynamics in relationships. Wisely, Alicia Maria Turvin, the Director, has chosen to find the truth within the characters themselves and how they relate to one another. Finding truth in the role you’re playing and convincing an audience of that truth, is the ultimate “proof” on the stage. And she has exceeded here well, with all four of her cast members.

The Talent

Davis, as the lead, is extremely expressive in showing the inner turmoil and complexities of her character. She seethes with passion, both in her obsessions with math, but also with her feelings for Hal. She is totally believable, playing a very human woman, dealing with the anguish of loss, the cost of being a genius and the need for human warmth. I hope we see more of this talented lady onstage.

 Actors Valerie Martinka Davis (Catherine) and David Hudkins (Robert).

Photo courtesy of Christopher Paradee.

Hudkins, as her father, equals her every step of the way. The different levels he must play in this story, are an actor’s dream. He must act, at the beginning, as his daughter’s conscience; in flashbacks, as a man trying to be a good father, and then slipping uncontrollably into obsession and madness. An acting tour-de-force.

The young man could have been a throwaway role. But Lissman gives it depth, allowing us to see his own struggles with math, the real world and love. And the romantic scenes between he and Davis do touch the heart and have a fire within them.

DeGrave is likewise convincing as the sister of Catherine. In lesser hands she could have come off as the villain, interfering and trying to dominate her sister’s life. But DeGrave shows us also a caring human being, trying to save her loved one from the same fate their father encountered. She, too, is someone to watch in future roles.

The Setting

It is obvious that the director has spent a great deal of time exploring the depths of these characters with her actors. And the porch setting and lighting are nicely done. But, being such a small stage, everything is noticed, therefore, should have purpose.

For instance, there is a lawnmower leaning against the house which is never used, so probably, doesn’t need to be there. Also, the interior of the house is brightly lit but has nothing on the walls, like pictures, to indicate the life within. And, at one point, a party is talked about going on in the home, but no subtle hum of activity is present. Small observations, maybe, and none of this really interferes with the success of the show, but it would have been nice to stretch the reality of it a little further.

I would highly recommend the show, especially for the acting and directing. The opening night show was sparsely attended and deserves a larger audience. If you do go, please tell them Dennis sent you.

"Proof" is written by David Auburn and directed by Alicia Maria Turvin.

Performances

The production run includes performances at 8 p.m. on March 9, 14, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30, with Sunday matinee performances at 2 p.m. on March 10, 17, 24, 31. Thursday, March 14 at 8 p.m. is a "Pay What You Will" performance. All performances take place at The Serendipity Playhouse, 500 Washington St., Vancouver, Wash. Reservations are strongly recommended for all performances, and unclaimed seats will be sold five minutes before start of each show.

WARNING: This play has strong language which some people may find offensive. Although not gratuitous, the f-bomb is part of speech for these characters. The play is not recommend for children.

Tickets

Tickets are $15 general admission and may be purchased online at www.serendipityplayers.org, or reservations can be made by calling 360-834-3588. Tickets are also available at the door. Doors open 30 minutes before the performance.

Serendipity Players is a non-equity, semi-professional theater company.


Review by Dennis Sparks, Guest Reviewer 
www.dennissparksreviews.blogspot.com

VCT Presents 19th Annual One-Act Festival

Vancouver Community Theater

It's that time of year again, when Vancouver Community Theater presents their annual One-Act Festival. This time around (year 19) the troop will present two plays: "Case Closed" a gumshoe melodrama, and a period piece (1775 Paris) "The Invisible Invalid."

"Case Closed" follows detective Paul Pemberton (also an antiques dealer) as he is thwarted by his arch-enemy Smash Snarkley.

"The Invisible Invalid" involves the efforts of Suzette, a wealthy woman who, with the help of her aunt, try to fend off the persistent Clement.

The pair plays 7 p.m. tonight March 1, March 2, 15 and 16 with 2 p.m. matinees March 2 and 16 at the Manor Grange, 17901 NE 72nd Avenue, Vancouver, Wash. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children and seniors. Call 360-892-4292 for more information.