45 Adorable Cats and Kittens — Live on Stage this Weekend Only!

The musical "CATS" will be presented by MPAA's Musical Theatre Program Students Friday, April 18 at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 19 at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 20 at 3 p.m. All performance take place at the Washburn Performing Arts Center, 1201 39th Street, Washougal, Wash.

Click for Directions to the Theatre

The show is based on the universally popular poetry of T.S. Eliot, CATS tells the story, in song and dance, of the annual gathering of Jellicle cats at which time one special cat is selected to ascend to the Heaviside layer. A true musical theatre phenomenon, "CATS" opened at London's New London Theatre on May 11, 1981 and ran for a record-setting 21 years. The show's London success was nearly matched on Broadway where it ran at the Wintergarden Theatre for just over 18 years. The show's most memorable song is "Memory."

Music by Andrew Lloyd Weber, Lyrics by T.S. Eliot, Directed by Noah Scott, Vocal Direction by Barbara Richardson, Choreographed by Jayla Rose Sullivan and Tod Alan.

Tickets can be purchased in advance here or at the Washburn Performing Arts Center box office. The box office will open one hour prior to each performance. All seats $10 in advance or $13 at the door.

MPAA to Present "CATS" Junior

I would have never imagined a CATS, Jr., but here it is presented by MPAA.

The musical is based on T.S. Eliot’s "Old Possum’s Book Of Practical Cats" and is one of the longest running musicals in Broadway and West End history. The Jellicle cats are celebrating at the Jellicle Ball, awaiting Old Deuteronomy’s choice of which cat will be reborn into a new life. One by one, the cats step forward to introduce themselves, auditioning for the chance to take the journey to the Heaviside layer.

Presented by MPAA’s Musical Theatre Program students , one weekend only!

Show Info: Friday, April 18, 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 19, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, April 20, 3 p.m. only. Tickets are $10, all seats. Showing at the Washburn Performing Arts Center, 1201 39th Street, Washougal, Wash. For tickets click here.

Journey East Presents "Thoroughly Modern Millie, Jr." at the Washburn

Journey Theater Arts Group presents THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE JR. a Youth Theater Production that runs two weekends at the Washburn Performing Arts Center in Washougal High School.

THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE JR., based on the zany contemporary musical that took Broadway by storm, is the high-spirited musical romp that has all of New York dancing the Charleston!

In New York City, 1922, young Millie Dillmount has just moved to the big city in search of a new life for herself. It’s a New York full of intrigue and jazz – in a time when women were entering the workforce and the rules of love and social behavior were changing forever.

Filled with fun flappers, dashing leading men and a dragon-lady of a villainess audiences will love to hate, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE JR. is a perfectly-constructed production of madcap merriment. Based on the classic movie, the stage version includes a full score of new songs and bright dance numbers. With the role of Millie Dillmount, musical theatre has found a new heroine for the ages in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE JR.!

Opening the day after Thanksgiving, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE JR. will be a great holiday outing for families! Performances are November 29 – December 8, 2013 at The Washburn Performing Arts Center at Washougal High School. Tickets are on sale now at JourneyTheater.org or by calling 360.750.8550. Pre-sale adult tickets are $12. Youth and senior tickets are $10. The November 30 show is at 7 p.m. is a “family day” performance with all tickets $10 in advance. Tickets for all performances will be $3 more at the door. Best for ages 8 and up.

A School Day Performance will be offered at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 5. Tickets are $6 each for groups of 10 – 99 and $5 each for groups of 100 or more, with one free ticket for every 15 purchased. Call our office to arrange to bring your class or home school group!

About Journey Theater Arts Group:

Journey is the most dynamic theater arts program in the Portland/Vancouver area, offering dozens of classes in drama, dance, voice and more, as well as producing 12 shows in four locations during the school year and a professional-level community theater musical each summer. Journey strives for excellence, while providing a welcoming and encouraging environment where kids ages 6 to 18 and their families can build life-long skills and friendships. Journey is a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational organization, with offices located at 1400 NE 136th Ave, Suite 201, Vancouver WA. Contact at 360.750.8550 or www.journeytheater.org.

Journey Theater Arts Group Presents Irving Berlin’s "Annie Get Your Gun"

Annie Oakley is the best shot around, and she manages to support her little brother and sisters by selling the game she hunts. When she's discovered by Col. Buffalo Bill, he persuades this novel sharpshooter to join his Wild West Show. 

It only takes one glance for her to fall head over heels for dashing shooting ace Frank Butler, who headlines the show. She soon eclipses Butler as the main attraction, which, while good for business, is bad for romance. Butler hightails it off to join a rival show, his bruised male ego leading the way, but is ultimately pitted against Annie in a final shoot-out.

Performances are at The Washburn Performing Arts Center, Washougal High School. May 24 – June 2. Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturday, May 25th at 7 p.m., Saturday, June 1st at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Pre-sale Adult tickets are $12. Youth, Senior and Group tickets are $9. All tickets for the Saturday, May 25th performance are $9. All tickets $2 more at the door. Tickets are on sale now at wwwjourneytheater.org.

Since the production is by youth and for youth there will be a special performances for School Groups on Thursday, May 30th at 9:30 and 11:45 a.m. To reserve seats for your classroom or home school group, call 360.750.8550.

Journey Theater Arts Group Presents the "Annie" Sequel "Annie Warbucks"

The world's favorite orphan returns in "Annie Warbucks," the sequel to the international smash hit Annie. All the ingredients that made Annie so successful are here once again, with an old-fashioned romance thrown in for good measure!

The action picks up right where Annie leaves off, when Child Welfare Commissioner Harriet Doyle arrives on the scene to inform Daddy Warbucks he must marry in sixty days so the newly adopted Annie can have a proper mother.

Run is February 22 – March 3. Fridays at 7 p.m.; 7 p.m., Saturday, February 23; 3 and 7 p.m., Saturday, March 2; and Sundays at 2 p.m. Performances at The Washburn Performing Arts Center, Washougal High School,1201 39th St., Washougal, Wash.

Pre-sale Adult tickets are $12. Youth, Senior and Group tickets are $9. All tickets for the Saturday, February 23 performance are $9. All tickets $2 more at the door. Tickets are on sale now at www.journeytheater.org.

Special performances for School Groups 9:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m., Thursday, February 28. To reserve seats for your classroom or home school group, call 360-750-8550.

Running time is two hours for public performances, one hour and thirty minutes for school day performances. Best for ages four and up.

REVIEW: CYT's "Bugsy" Bugged Me, But...

There are several good things (mainly the look, the kids and the direction) about the CYT* production of "Bugsy Malone", but there are also a few things that could have and should have been done better (like the sound and the dance).

Becca Weinberg as Blousy Brown and Sam Stringer as Bugsy Malone

Description: A slapstick musical comedy following the rivalry between two half-witted street gangs and the washed up, well-intentioned, one-time boxer who steps in to take control of Fat Sam’s gang and give Dandy Dan and his boys what they’ve got coming. In this film noir spoof, the message is one of good, clean fun; the characters are wonderful 1920's cartoon cutouts; and the weapons of choice are "splurge" whip cream guns, flour bombs, and custard pies. Written to be performed by younger cast.

Kids will like this show, and so will the parents and friends of the kids in it. CYT productions are great for building talent and character in the participants. They provide a much needed training ground. They have kids of all levels and they help them become better. You have to start somewhere, after all.

And there is definitely talent in the ranks of this production. There’s a lot more budding talent as well. Practice makes perfect they say. And that’s the whole idea.

Mikayla Merrell as Tallulah, center.

Ah, You Dirty Rat

Sometimes I really hate to be the critic because I genuinely like to encourage and inspire people. Still, I have chosen to do this for that very reason. But you can’t always be the voice of praise if you want people to grow. It is also important to me to be honest with the public. That might not always make me or my blog popular with some, but I have to tell it like it is—that’s my duty as a reliable reviewer.

In a nut shell this production was riddled with problems, but that has little to do with poor acting, dancing or singing. Yes, there could be improvement in those areas. Still, a number of the leads were rather good and even some chorus members stood out. On the other hand there were some that simply walked through their parts and one, in particular, who seemed bored and distracted. 

Look Ma, I'm On Top of the World!

Henry Martin (far left) and Calvin Whitney (top center)
were the show's top actors.

Standout performances were given by Becca Weinberg as Blousy Brown, Ben Almquist as Fat Sam (though he wasn’t fat), Mikayla Merrell as Tallulah, Henry Martin as Cagey Joe, Calvin Whitney as Leroy, and Calvin Pugh was delightful and energetic as one of the chorus/gang members. Both Alex Havens and Cole Peterson as police officers were rather amusing.

Weinberg sang wonderfully and acted well. Almquist was great; he delivered his lines really well and I liked his acting, but his performance was greatly hampered by his mic (which, when it worked at all made him sound like a Cylon).

It was Martin and Whitney who were my favorites; both were great actors. Martin was "punchy" and put his all into the role. Whitney was just a quality performer all around. Sam Stringer as Bugsy delivered nicely as well. All the leads sang well enough. Karlson Drendel carried his lines and singing well, but physically, he seemed under-expressive and restrained. None were particularly good at dancing. 

The play itself has a few nice numbers, but isn’t that special in dialogue or pace. There were several moments that bored me and others that simply kept me waiting. “So You Wanna Be a Boxer” was the show’s standout number. “Show Business” was its weakest number. Blousey’s songs were all nicely delivered, and the duet with Bugsy was particularly well done by both. 

Karlson Drendel (Dandy Dan), Sam Stringer (Bugsy Malone) and
Ben Almquist (Fat Sam).

For Two Cents I'd...

The biggest problem area is the technical side of things. While several aspects of the lighting and staging were quite good other areas, like sound, scene changes and some of the lighting fell short. Micing was the biggest issue. It basically stank. The show was SIGNIFICANTLY hampered by poor sound quality. Mics cut in and out frequently and sound cues were off.

Dance numbers generally lacked zip. The choreography was quite basic, but not mastered. The dancers were seldom in sync and lack of technique was apparent. It needed a firmer hand and more rehearsal. Tighter dance performances would have went a long way in improving the show. The dance styles also showed little effort and attention to period. I do suggest a vigorous dance pick-up rehearsal before next week’s performances. 

The unit set, costumes, colorful lighting and the band (back left)
were impressive as were many of the lead performers.

It's Like This, See

I did like the basic unit set and the use of color and patterns in the mood lighting. However, several times the actors walked out of the lighting pools. A scrim was used nicely as well as effects lighting. To its merit, the band, led by Alicia Dunn (a skilled pianist), was excellent and well balanced. The overall direction, by Starleen Benke, was generally good. Costumes were great!

CYT (*now Journey Theater Arts Group) offers "Bugsy Malone," at the Washburn Performing Arts Center, 1201 39th St., Washougal, Wash. Performances continue Saturday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 11 at 2 p.m., Friday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 17 at 3 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m.

Click here for directions

Advance Ticket Information: Adult (ages 19 and up) - $12, Youth (ages 2 to 18) - $9, Senior (ages 62+) - $9. Groups of 10 or more - $9 and Family Day $9 (November 10 at 7 p.m. only). Sales at the Door: $14. - Adult (ages 19 and up), $11. - Youth (ages 2 to 18), $11. - Senior (ages 62+), $11. - Groups of 10 or more. Family Day $11. each (Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. only).

School Day Performances have been CANCELED! 

Purchase tickets at: https://www.cytvanport.org/gettickets.aspx

By Gregory E. Zschomler
All photos provided

CCT's Fabulous "Footloose" Fans the Floor at Washougal's Washburn

Wow! Intense!

This show cut loose right from the opening and never let up until the intermission curtain. While the second act was somewhat more introspective, the delightful songs kept the magic alive. The show ended with the same intensity with which it began.

Frankly, (and disappointingly) it’s getting harder and harder to find great, large-scale musicals being presented in Clark County. CCT’s “Footloose” is, therefore, a rare gem. Absolutely stunning!

I had not seen “Footloose”—either the film or stage production—until now. I misunderstood it as a story of religion bashing, racy dancing and wanton rebellion. (I wondered why a Christian theater company would undertake such a production.) Boy, was I so wrong. This is a tale of hurt and healing made through courage and change.

Getting Into the Swing

The ensemble of CCT's "Footloose."

Of course I knew it was a dance show so a high level of expertise is required and expected. I didn’t hold out much hope, but again, I was wrong. The choreography (by Chelsea Nicole) was top notch and the execution stellar.

In fact everything about this show was fantastic! The sets and set changes (coordinated by Mark Martin), the lighting (by Curtis Mueller), the acting, the vocals, the band—absolutely everything—was near perfection. Yes, this is indeed “must see” theater. The band (led by Jeff and Brooke Baker) was spot on and did not overwhelm the vocalists. There were virtually no wireless mic problems (yes, Virginia, this is possible). The costumes were good, but not much more than street clothes.

Claire Flatz and Larry Taylor have a tiff.

The set changes, however, were a model to all SW Washington theaters (watch and learn). The lighting design (while decidedly “old school,” utilizing color scrollers rather than newer LED RGB fixtures which offer a much larger color pallet and smoother changes) was the best I have seen by a local production. The flexible set was pretty cool and utilized extremely well.

Tapping Into Greatness

Every principle shined and the chorus ensemble nearly as wonderful. And the direction by J. Scott Lapp? Oh, wow, wow, wow! (I truly wish I could direct crowd scenes this well.)

As I said, every performance was great, but there were some stunning standouts. In the acting department were Karl Johnson, Amy Michelle Tyler and Kristi L. Foster—who was the cream of the crop. Additionally, her vocals were the very best of the bunch. That is not to say the other leads were not marvelous. Star Robert Head’s dancing was…well, words escape me.

Robert Head and Claire Flatz sing a duet.

There are many great songs in the show, but the most striking numbers were the title song (of course), “Let’s Hear it for the Boys” (which lacked some oomph from the band), “You Can’t Back Down,” and the lovely duet “Almost Paradise” by Head and Claire Flatz, was moving.

However, to be clear, I liked every song and every delivery, though some of the chorus numbers were a tad muddy (so lyrics could be missed). The harmonies were tight and the vocal direction, by Kristi L. Foster, beautifully styled.

All Jazzed Up

The script does offer up some mild profanity and the dancing (occasional I wondered if God was honored by some of the gyrations), was slightly racy at times, plus there is one comedic number that was a bit bawdy. There is some teen drinking and smoking. Still, the show has several important lessons to offer and is decidedly moral in its message.

CCT’s “Footloose” gets my hands down vote for SW Washington’s best musical production of the year—maybe of the decade. I laughed, I cried, I was blown away. Again, this is absolutely a “must see” so cut loose and make room in your schedule.

The run continues 7 p.m., 17, 18; 3 p.m. Aug. 18 and 2 p.m. Aug. 12 and 19 at the Washburn Performing Arts Center, 201 39th St., Washougal, Wash. Admission is $15-18 adults, $12-15 seniors  youth and groups. $10-13 Aug. 11. 360-750-8550. www.cytvanport.org

By Gregory E. Zschomler
All photographs provided

CCT 's "Footloose" Hits the Floor August 10

Christian Community Theatre presents the musical "Footloose," adapted for the stage, 7 p.m. August 10, 11, 17, 18; 3 p.m. Aug. 18 and 2 p.m. Aug. 12 and 19 at the Washburn Performing Arts Center, 201 39th St., Washougal, Wash. Admission is $15-18 adults, $12-15 seniors  youth and groups. $10-13 Aug. 11. 360-750-8550. www.cytvanport.org

VSAA's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," Several Other Groups Shows' Continue this Weekend

The Vancouver School of Arts and Academics continues its run of William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" 7 p.m. Friday, May 19 and Saturday, May 20, May 17 at the Royal Durst Theatre, 3101 Main Street, Vancouver, Wash.

Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for students/seniors. For more information see the VSSA website.

Other shows continuing this weekend:

• "Rabbit Hole" at Clark College"
• Enchanted Sleeping Beauty" at Fort Vancouver HS
• "Pridelands" by CYT at Camas HS's Washburn Performing Arts Center
• "Snow White in the '70's" at Hudson's Bay HS

Local CYT Stages “Enchanted Sleeping Beauty” and “Pridelands” in Vancouver and Camas, Wash.

CYT presents the musical “Enchanted Sleeping Beauty” at Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E. 18^th St., Vancouver, Wash. from May 18-27, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

The production tells the tale of Princess Briar Rose born to the king and queen of Never Nod. The witch Evilina, who lives with a giant spider, puts a sleeping curse on the babe and the kingdom. Sixteen years later, Prince Alexander comes to the rescue. Facing a wall of thorns, a false princess and the exalted Dark Knight, the prince awakens the princess and kingdom in this zany telling of the classic fairy tale suitable for all ages.

Advance adult tickets are $12, youth, senior and group tickets are $9. On the May 19 Family Day all tickets are $9. Tickets are an additional $2 at the door. For tickets visit www.cytvanport.org,  phone 360-750-8550 or email info@cytvanport.org

Inspired by “The Lion King,” CYT presents “Pridelands” a celebration of music, dance and harmony. It will play at the Washburn Performing Arts Center, 1201 39^th St. in Camas, Wash. from May 25-June 3.

The production incorporates African dance rhythms and colorful comedic characters in a heart-warming coming-of-age story that is also suitable for all ages.

Performances are Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturday, May 26 at 7 p.m., Saturday, June 2 at 3 and 7 p.m. and at 2 p.m. Sundays. Advance adult tickets are $12, $9 for youth, senior and group tickets. All seats for the Saturday, May 26 show are $9. Tickets are $2 more at the door. Tickets are available at www.cytvanport.org.

Two special school group performances will be presented at 9:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. on May 31. School groups, including home school groups, are encouraged to make reservations by calling 360-750-8550.

Two More High Schools Get Into the Act with "Quilters" and "Snow White in the '70s"

Two more high schools offer spring productions this week. Washougal High School adds "Quilters" to the list of student performances running this weekend and Hudson's Bay High School's rendition of "Snow White in the '70s" begins May 11.

"Quilters," written by Barbara Damashek and Molly Newman, is a musical that celebrates the lives of American pioneer women through stories and songs grouped by 16 quilt blocks. Performances runs May 4, 5, 11, and 12 at 7 p.m. and May 12 at 1 p.m. at the Washburn Performing Arts Center, 1201 39th St., Washougal, Wash. Tickets are $8, $6 for students and seniors. For more information call 360-954-3107 or visit www.washburnpac.org/whsdrama.html.

"Snow White in the '70s," written by Wade Bradford is the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs set in the 1970s disco era with many a twist. The show runs May 11,12, 18, 19, 25 and 26 at 7 p.m. and there is a free performance at 2 p.m. on May 26. All shows are at the Hudson's Bay High School Commons, 1601 E. McLoughlin Blvd. Vancouver, Wash. Tickets are $5, $4 for students and seniors. For more information call 360-609-8285.

REVIEW: Metropolitan presents Disney's "Beauty and the Beast, Jr." Tonight and Tomorrow ONLY

"It was a face that only a mother could love." You've heard the saying. Well, this was a production that only a mother could love. Don't get me wrong, there were some things to like about this show, but I didn't LOVE it.

The cast performs "Be Our Guest." Photo by Gregory E. Zschomler.

First of all I didn't know what to expect. I'd never been to a Metropolitan Performing Arts Academy production, but I knew it would be children performing all the roles. MTI rents a variety of junior show packages including an array of Disney classics.

These are truncated versions of the Broadway musicals that come with just about everything you need to put on a show but the set, costume and props, but you can even rent some of those.

I admit, I'm not a big fan of amateur kid shows, especially when I have to shell out more than five bucks to see one (this was nearly $12 with the ticket fee). They don't tend to be all that good and to really get jazzed you need to know someone in the to-do. I didn't.

And yet, this production had some charm. The chorus numbers were very nice. They were full of energy, sounded great and the dance numbers were pretty tight. The costumes were great, too! (I do believe that Disney imposes particular standards on certain things, so that you get a classic Disney experience.)

The female leads, while sometimes slipping from the written melody or key, sang well enough. The young men? Not so much. Out of a cast of around 40, only eight were boys and the show calls for "mostly men." It seems beggars can't be choosy--you take what you get and work with it.

The entire cast at curtain call. Photo by Gregory E. Zschomler

And that's the nature of Metropolitan: Parents sign their kids up for classes and pay for them to go. All the kids get to be in the show which is both good and bad. It builds confidence, skill, self-esteem and more, but it can't create talent. It can bring it out and hone it, but if it isn't there to begin with...

The Good

You have to admire the director (Noah Scott, directed) that would take on a show like that. He's gotta love kids and believe in them and...well...have LOTS of patience. I am reminded of the words of W.C. Fields: "Never work with children or animals." I imagine it's a lot like herding cats. And that does not take into account of having to deal with "stage moms" (which should include hazard pay).

But I digress. 

The best lead performance of the show was given by Bridgette McCarthy in the role of Lumiere. Her accent was fun, her singing nearly dead on and her acting delightful. Kiara (what a pretty name) Kennington, as Mrs. Potts, also gave a winning performance all around, though she began her solo a little shaky. I'm sure it was performance anxiety; there's a lot of pressure in singing the well-known title song.

The very lovely Aubrey Porter starred as Belle and did nicely in the role. She has a nice voice and with some more training she will learn to keep it on pitch. I THINK that Mardee Willman (Cogsworth) sang well, but most of the time her mic wasn't working. Sigh.

"Silly Girl" Kelly Jung

The stand out performance of the entire production was delivered by Kelly Jung who was one of the Silly Girls that fawn over Gaston.

She was a pure delight.

The energy, the facial expression, the acting, the dance moves--everything was star quality right down to her dimple. I can envision this kid in a real Disney production. 

The Not So Good 

The show was NOT well lit--the castle scenes, especially, were difficult to see. But the real irritation came from a generally bad audio mix and a lot of malfunctioning wireless mics. Pretty much what could go wrong, did go wrong. They hummed, the crackled, they boomed, they fell off, they weren't turned on... 

I really felt bad for the kids; that sort of thing doesn't help your confidence level. [You'd think after more than a dozen different shows over a three year period they would have worked out these kinds of bugs.]

And the set needed textured and detailed to bring it completely to life.

All in all, the production has such a great story and the music is so well written (by Alan Meken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice) that you can't help but be moved. Even with the simplified effects (quite a bit less magical than the professional tour) and technical distractions, the show was uplifting and fun.

The show plays again 7 p.m., Saturday, March 31 and Sunday April 1, 2012 at the Washburn Performing Arts Center in Washougal, Wash. Tickets can be purchased by calling 360-975-1585 or at www.metropaa.org. "Anything Goes" opens in April. See the website for more information about classes, shows and auditions.

Here's a short video of "Be Our Guest" from the show.

Story, photos and video by Gregory E. Zschomler

Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" at the Washburn Performing Arts Center

The Metropolitan Performing Arts presents a limited engagement of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" at the Washburn Performing Arts Center, 1201 39th St. in Washougal, Wash. Show dates are Friday, March 30, 2012 at 7 p.m. - Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 2 p.m

Details and tickets at: http://bandbjr.eventbrite.com/

I'll post a review Saturday morning.
By Gregory E. Zschomler