“There is nothing that compares to an unexpected round of applause…” SEPTEMBER 2023 ISSUE 13 Francis Wilson Playhouse THE SOUND OF MUSIC September 1 - 17, 2023 West Coast Players THE BUTLER DID IT September 1 - 17, 2023 SAGES DENYING GRAVITY September 9, 23, & 30, 2023 St. Petersburg City Players MARY POPPINS September 29 - Oct. 8, 2023
Well we weathered thru Idalia! Oh, we do like our crazy weather here in Tampa Bay... Remember, if you are in a show, pass the word to new cast members to the area about sending their emails to receive APPLAUSE to: [email protected]
“Try to remember the kind of September When life was slow and oh so mellow“ Dunedin Showcase Theater (DST) Venue Actor Studio (VAS) c/o Mike Cote 5124 9th Avenue N 1920 Pinehurst Road St. Petersburg, FL 33710 Dunedin, FL 34698 727-822-6194 727-417-0035 [email protected] [email protected] West Coast Players (WCP) Eight O’Clock Theatre (EOT) 21905 US 19 North Central Park Perf. Arts Ctr. Clearwater, FL 33765 105 Central Park Drive 727-437-2363 Largo, FL 33771 wcplayers.org PO Box 297, Safety Harbor, FL 34695 727-587-6751 SAGES Theater (SAGES) [email protected] c/o Linda Goldman www.eightoclocktheatre.com 727-536-7076 [email protected] Francis Wilson Playhouse (FWP) sagestheater.org 302 Seminole Street Clearwater, FL 33755 Tarpon Springs Performing 727-446-1360 Arts (TA) franciswilsonplayhouse.org 324 Pine Street Cultural Center The Ghostlight Young Company (GYC} 101 S. Pinellas Avenue c/o Rachel Fennell Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 3010 51st Street South 727-942-6605 Gulfport, FL 33707 tarponarts.org (978) 930-3804 www.ghostlightyc.org Richey Suncoast Theatre (RST) 6237 Grand Blvd. Gulfport Community Players (GCP) New Port Richey, FL 34652 1619 49th Street S 727-842-6777 Gulfport, FL 33707 richeysuncoasttheatre.com gulfportcommunityplayers.org St. Petersburg City Theatre (SPCT) 4025 31st Street South St. Petersburg, FL 33712 727-866-2059 spcitytheatre.org “TRY TO REMEMBER” (1962)
THEATRE: FRANCIS WILSON PLAYHOUSE AUDITIONS PLAY/MUSICAL: ELF THE MUSICAL AUDITION DATES & LOCATION: Sunday, September 10th and Monday, September 11th at 7PM at the theatre - 302 Seminole Street, Clearwater Auditioners will do private singing audition first. Must be 32 Bars of a Broadway Song. Must bring Sheet Music OR sing selection from ELF score. (NO tracks or prerecorded music). After vocals you may be invited to read from the script. There will also be a Dance Audition. The show does have a Tap Number but not all characters require tap. (Theatre is currently hosting FREE Tap Classes to prepare for this musical. Check our Facebook for details.) Available Roles: Buddy - Born a human but raised at the North Pole as a Christmas Elf, Buddy is eager to find his place in the world. He is a child at heart and that child-like curiosity makes him both endearing and gets him into trouble. Age: 25 to 35, Vocal range top: C5, Vocal range bottom: Ab2 Jovie - Buddy’s girlfriend. She works at Macy’s and has a bit of a cynical outlook on life and love because of the men she’s dated. She is caught off guard by Buddy’s genuinely big heart. Age: 20 to 35, Vocal range top: D5, Vocal range bottom: G3 Walter - Buddy’s workaholic father. He is a Children’s book writer, but lacks any of the childlike spirit that Buddy has. He is selfish, tense, and generally angry with life. Age: 50+, Vocal range top: G4, Vocal range bottom: A2 Emily - Walter’s wife. Though she is sweet and willing to take him in, she thinks Buddy is crazy at first. Wishes her husband would spend more time with the family. Age: 45+, Vocal range top: Eb5, Vocal range bottom: F3
ELF THE MUSICAL (cont’d) Debbie - Walter’s secretary. Takes an instant liking to Buddy simply for the novelty of it. Though she aims to please and is a bit of a suck-up, she feels under appreciated, Vocal range top: Eb5, Vocal range bottom: D4 Manager - A heavy-set manager at Macy’s. He is a good, friendly guy just trying to do his job and get by. Vocal range top: F#4, Vocal range bottom: B2 Greenway - Walter’s boss. He is what Walter will become if he continues down the path he is on. A tyrannical, workaholic who cares nothing about the people around him or who work for him. Santa - Just another workingman. Loves his job and Christmas, but also likes to kick-back and watch the game when a rare opportunity arises. A natural storyteller. Age: 55+, Vocal range top: E4, Vocal range bottom: A2 Chadwick - One of Walter’s right-hand men. He is desperate to keep his job, and perhaps the dumber of the two. Matthews - One of Walter’s right-hand men. He is desperate to keep his job and is the schemer of the two. Ensemble roles include: Mrs. Claus, Elves, Charlie, Shwanda, Mr. Narwhal, Teenager, Employees, Security Guard 1&2, Customer 1&2, Saleswoman, Store Elf 1&2, Fake Santa 1 & 2 & 3, Mother, Policeman 1&2, Sarah, Jim, Vendor, Waitress, Charlotte, Man, Woman NORTH POLE ELVES will be played by a Children’s Ensemble who will double as other ensemble parts PERFORMANCE DATES ARE: November 30th through December 17th, 2023
THEATRE: EIGHT O’CLOCK THEATRE PLAY/MUSICAL: XANADU Music and Lyrics by Jeff Lynne & John Farrar CAST LIST Production Dates: October 27 - November 5 at the Central Park Performing Arts Center. Visit http://www.Eightoclocktheatre.com for more information DIRECTOR & MUSICAL DIRECTION BY: James Grenelle MUSIC DIRECTOR: Susan Robinson CHARACTER ACTOR CAST Kira Isabelle Lunsway Sonny Ashton Cote Danny Rand Smith Melpomene Natalie Ness Calliope Lauren Dykes Thalia Joel Ferrer Euterpe Lisa Malloy Erato Madison Schatz Terpsicore Jackson Stoe SKATING ENSEMBLE Arbie Ignacio, Gillian Isibue, and Elily Moinaro
THEATRE: ST. PETERSBURG CITY THEATRE PLAY/MUSICAL: MARY POPPINS THE BROADWAY MUSICAL CAST LIST Production Dates: September 29 - October 8, 2023 DIRECTOR: Jeff Lukas MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Dawne W. Eubanks CHARACTER ACTOR CAST Mary Poppins Tammy D. Lukas Bert Bill Shideler George Banks Dave Davis Winifred Banks Kendra Van Wynserghe Michael Banks Sebastian Kuoch Jane Banks Josie Yanda Mrs. Brill Sandra Huerta Robertson Ay Xavier Molina Delgado Katie Nanna Brianna Middleton* Miss Lark Nona Edelson* Admiral Boom/Chairman Alan Rosenthal Miss Smythe Grace Hood* Von Hussler Shaun Cleppe* John Northbrook Rudy Gonzales* Valentine Benjamin Eisenhour* Willoughby Leyla-Jade Curbelo* Mrs. Corry Sara Heller The Bird Woman Stacie Steinke Miss Andrew Jovana Zaremba Neleus Willow Barner* Policeman/Parkkeeper Vaughn Wassmer* Queen Sharon Davis* ENSEMBLE Cassidy Bellville, Campbell Burnett, Polly Croucher, Sarah Duncan, Georgia Dunning, Candice Hughes, Taylor Landau, Jeff Morris, and Richard Walters *Denotes Ensemble as well
THEATRE: FRANCIS WILSON PLAYHOUSE PLAY/MUSICAL: RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S THE SOUND OF MUSIC CAST LIST MORE INFO: August 31 - September 17, 2023 at Francis Wilson Playhouse, 302 Seminole Street, Clearwater, FL CHARACTER ACTOR CAST Maria Nickie Berlage Captain Von Trapp Asher Carlson Mother Abbess Mary Anne Boone Elsa Schraeder Nicole Lodge Max Detweiler Peter Barlow Sister Sophia Marissa Nicole Koch Sister Margaretta Chloe Mastro Sister Berthe Megan Jetter Franz Alex Lodge Frau Schmidt Janet Ando Rolf Gruber Jacob Sundstrom The Von Trapp Children: Liesel Shawna Hopper Friedrich Jaxton D’Rion Louisa Jade Granger Kurt Tyler Rogers Brigitta Mya Simpkins Marta Maddy Smith Gretl Charlotte Smith ENSEMBLE Fallon Ahmed, Tim Blakely, Mackenzie Comer, Cienna Currier, Sabrina Gordon, Elli Harmon, Matt Howard, Matt Kosinski, Rachael McCann, Jeffrey Prell, Maggie Scott, Kathryn (Katie) Smith, Emma Tighe, and Dennis Winchester DIRECTOR: Jason Fortner MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Emi Stefanov
THEATRE: WEST COAST PLAYERS PLAY/MUSICAL: THE BUTLER DID IT By Tim Kelly CAST LIST MORE INFO: September 10 - September 17, West Coast Players, 21905 US 19 North, Clearwater, FL CHARACTER ACTOR CAST Haversham Victorya Santosa Rita Liz Brawner Miss Maple Michelle Wallace Father White Nick Wilbur Chandler Eric Weber Louie Fan Mike Bruno Rick T.J. Venieris Laura Laura Carpenter Peter Flimsey Bruce Taylor Charity Noel Wood The Butler Did It parodies every English mystery play ever written, but it has a decidedly American flair. Miss Maple, a dowager with a reputation for “clever” weekend parties, invites a group of detective writers to eerie Ravenswood Manor on Turkey Island where they are to impersonate their fictional characters. The hostess has arranged all sorts of amusing incidents: a mysterious voice on the radio, a menacing face at the window, a mad killer on the loose. Who is that body in the wine cellar anyway? Why do figurines keep toppling from the mantel? Then, a real murder takes place and Miss Maple is outraged. She offers an immense reward to the “detective” who can bring the killer to justice. And what an assortment of zany would-be sleuths! When they’re not busy tripping over clues, they trip over each other! Laughs collide with thrills, and the climax is a real seatgrabber as the true killer is unmasked and almost everyone turns out to be someone else! DIRECTOR: Jamie Bierchen
THEATRE: FRANCIS WILSON PLAYHOUSE PLAY/MUSICAL: SAME TIME NEXT YEAR By Bernard Slade CAST LIST MORE INFO: October 12 - 22, 2023 Francis Wilson Playhouse, 302 Seminole Street, Clearwater, FL 33755 727-446-1360 franciswilsonplayhouse.org CHARACTER ACTOR CAST Doris Sadra Bostick George Travis Moore One of the most popular romantic comedies of the century, the plot follows a love affair between two people, Doris and George, married to others, who rendezvous once a year. Twenty-five years of manners and morals are hilariously and touchingly played out by the lovers. Winner of Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards. DIRECTOR: Jason Fortner
THEATRE: SAGES PLAY/MUSICAL: DENYING GRAVITY By Linda Goldman CAST LIST MORE INFO: September 9 - 30, venues and addresses shown below CHARACTER ACTOR CAST Narrator Lee Catalfomo Claire Letty Mendoza Pat John Tatum Sherry Gina Santamaria Susan Marina Spears Megan Jane Muhrlin Caitlyn Amy Lyn Howell Mae Linda Horrell Denying Gravity provides a roller coaster ride with twists and turns between comedy and drama. A minor misstep interrupts the good life “Claire” has been living and she is annoyed (yet somewhat amused) to find herself challenged until she realizes she has entered a “twilight zone” of The Unexpected. Sept 9 – Tarpons Springs Cultural Center, 101 S Pinellas Ave, Tarpon Springs. For this show only, reserve seats by calling the box office at 727-942-5605 Sept 23 – Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Rd, Tampa ; and - Sept 30 – 105 Central Park Dr, Largo FL (with ASL Interpreters) For these 2 shows, Reserve seats at sagestheater.org DIRECTOR: Christine Hamacher
THEATRE: TARPON ARTS PLAY/MUSICAL: BLITHE SPIRIT By Noel Coward CAST LIST MORE INFO: FRI, OCTOBER 20, 27 ● 7:00 PM SAT, OCTOBER 21, 28 ● 2:00 PM SUN, OCTOBER 22, 29 ● 2:00 PM Tarpon Springs Cultural Center 101 S. Pinellas Ave. (Alt. 19) Tickets: $20 | Member: $17; visit TarponArts.org (tickets on sale now!) CHARACTER ACTOR CAST Edith Laura Lane Ruth Condomine Niki Workman Charles Condomine Jason Freeman Dr. George Bradman Rick Kastel Violet Bradman Rosalyn Savel Madame Arcati Janice Creneti Elvira Erin Kearns Synopsis: When cantankerous novelist Charles Condomine remarries, he and his new wife, Ruth, discover that they are haunted (literally) by the ghost of his late first wife, Elvira, who was summoned by an eccentric “happy medium”. Mayhem ensues as personalities clash, only to be interrupted when tragedy strikes, and Ruth is accidentally killed. When Ruth “passes over” she joins Elvira, and the two “blithe spirits” haunt the hapless Charles into perpetuity. DIRECTOR: Madison Claire STAGE MGR.: Carli Kosloski
THEATRE: ST. PETERSBURG SUNSHINE SENIOR CTR. PLAY/MUSICAL: LOVELY LITTLE MURDERS By David Middleton CAST LIST MORE INFO: Production will be October 27 & 28 at 7PM. Location is at the St. Petersburg Sunshine Senior Center, 330 5th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Call 727-893- 7133 or visit the website http://www.stpeteparksrec.org/sunshinecenter/ Tickets are $10 and will be available at the Sunshine Senior Center starting September 20th. It’s Halloween aboard the “love boat.” Wear a costume to the performance and receive a special treat - no trick! CHARACTER ACTOR CAST Edie Howard Peggy Beane Josie Patterson Linda Palmer Sarge Letty Mendoza Lola Anderson Lorie Friedland Archie Stone John Segars Karen Stone Bernadette Drouin Rudy Parmagiano Allen Coyle Paige Turner Norma Caltagirone Rita Booke Geri Eaton Marge Barbara Sines Elderly Gentleman Max Roberts The Captain Richard Isaacs Julie Norma Murphy Gopher Danny Murphy Bartender/DJ Connie Brown Murderettes Gina Santamaria / Janice O’Day / Barbara Casey / Maggie Gouldin The show, written and directed by David Middleton, is a comedy with music artfully staged and lip synced. Join the continuing adventures of the regulars from last Spring's play, Eating at Edie’s, as they set sail on the “love boat.” Find out what happens when they cross paths with a famous mystery writer and her scheming assistant with murder on their minds! DIRECTOR: David Middleton
THEATRE: WEST COAST PLAYERS PLAY/MUSICAL: THE CRAZY TIME By Sam Bobrick CAST LIST MORE INFO: October 20 - November 5, 2023 @ 7:30 PM Sat & Sun and 2PM on Sunday. West Coast Players, 21905 US 19 North, Clearwater, PA. 727-437-2363 wcplayers.org CHARACTER ACTOR CAST Miles Gladstone Mark Myers Kate Gladstone Devon Murray Jerry Conroy Kelly DiMauro Susan Maggie Phillipi Dirk Rey Gracia Synopsis: This is a play about men trying to understand women, and how they never will. Miles Gladstone, a man in his mid-fifties, has left his wife of thirty years and married a young woman half his age. Six months later his new wife leaves him, his business partner has screwed him, and his first wife, who is looking better than ever, wants to buy his modern apartment for her and her extremely young boyfriend. Struck by his first wife's fabulous appearance and new vivacious attitude, Miles offers to go back to her. He's shocked that she's not interested. The play ends with Miles, his partner who screwed him, and the young lover all living together and trying to figure out women. DIRECTOR: Mary Kay Cyrus
SHOW REVIEW THEATRE: EIGHT O’CLOCK THEATRE PLAY/MUSICAL: BARNUM “Every crowd has a silver lining.” Or so said P. T. Barnum. One of a few favorite quotes from the man who made circuses famous. The show BARNUM brought to the stage at Eight O’Clock Theatre was absolutely phenomenal! With a cast of stellar performers, it would be difficult to find any fault for sure. Led by Domenic Bisesti as Barnum, he is as good as they come. Perfection ordered and delivered. A song-and-dance man deluxe, he ruled the stage and brought effervescence to every scene. His lightning patter in the “Museum Song” almost put one in a trance, trying to catch each word. Truly a magnificent performance! Portraying Charity Barnum with much style and grace was Lisa Prieto. Her character endeared us to her, watching her gentle mannerisms with Mr. Barnum. Especially effective was the pairing of the two of them in “The Colors Of My Life.” Joice Heth/Blues Singer (Katrina Young), Chester Lyman (Jay Allen), Amos Scudder (Tony Schmitt), Sherwood Stratton (Sam Kantrowitz), Mrs. Stratton (Lizzy Pereda Camp), Wilton (Greg Bowen), Humbert Morrissey (Leila Wilson), Edgar Templeton (Fox Gomer), First Woman (Katelyn DeVries), and Second Woman (Anabela Johnson) were just terrific in their supporting roles. Special kudos to Sarah Dunn as Tom Thumb and Victoria Baumann as Julius Goldschmidt. Pivotal roles such as these in Barnum’s life held much importance in his story, and they were portrayed uniquely by these actors. Great job! And Jenny Lind, beautifully rendered by Gloria Rice. If she isn’t an angel, she should be. Her voice is from heaven itself. Of course no circus would be complete without a Ringmaster! And this one was the BEST! James Grenelle, simply personified his role in dress and in manner. With booming voice, he paraded the stage, eagerly enticing the audience into the tented hall of Greatest Show On Earth! You just couldn’t refuse him! Cont’d
SHOW REVIEW THEATRE: GHOSTLIGHT YOUNG COMPANY PLAY/MUSICAL: THE LIGHTNING THIEF BARNUM (cont’d) And the aeralists deserve an outstanding mention - they defied gravity on huge hoops above everyone, creating exquisite forms of beauty for us to behold! Visuals are everything and BARNUM’s set tantalized you in every way! The lighting design by Dalton Hamilton were outstanding. The rousing sound of the orchestra pulled you in. Thanks to director Jason Tucker for bringing this seldom-seen musical to our area. The pleasure was all ours! THE LIGHTNING THIEF at Ghost Light Young Company proved to be an unusual presentation of music, song, and talent. Twelve-year-old Percy Jackson is on the most dangerous quest of his life. With the help of a satyr and a daughter of Athena, Percy must journey across the United States to catch a thief who has stolen the original weapon of mass destruction — Zeus’ master bolt. Along the way, he must face a host of mythological enemies determined to stop him. Most of all, he must come to terms with a father he has never known, and an Oracle that has warned him of betrayal by a friend. Percy is portrayed by the multi-talented Owen Stewart. His voice is rock-star quality and he belts it to the audience with vigor. His energy is contagious. Thea Fennell plays Percy’s friend Annabeth. She is a dynamo, especially during the song, “My Grand Plan.” Her voice is as big as her character and she’s a natural. Another friend, Grover, is portrayed by Samantha Lee. Ms. Lee is at ease on stage and is witty, naturally reactive, and shows her stage experience. These aforementioned three actors were perfectly cast in their roles and added much to the comradery of the plot.
SHOW REVIEW Playing a series of characters, Curt Fennell shows his versatility as an actor. He conquers each profile effectively and we clearly see each individually. Not a task easily maneuvered. Kudos, Curt! Also performing multiple roles is David Warner. Mr. Warner has appeared with Gulfport Community Players as well as appearing in local area productions. Always a pleasure to see, he executes his roles flawlessly and brings his wealth of talent to each and every one. Another role to be noted is that of Luke, rendered by Landon Moore. He steps up and plays opposite Percy very persuasively. Always aware of his surroundings, he counters Percy and never overshadows him. Mr. Moore shows the traits of a strong, upcoming actor. The supporting cast should be lauded for their superb talent – Savannah Ford-Myers, Gayle Hession, Brianna LeRoux, Gabrielle LeRoux, Larissa Loren, Rich Mutkoski, and Cecilia Ortega. We thank director Rachel Fennell for bringing this production to us. It was a joy to experience. Thanks for Ghost Light Young Company in their quest for new and different theatre encounters. We welcome them and look forward to more! THE LIGHTNING THIEF (cont’d)
9/1 - 17 WCP - Production - 7:30 PM - THE BUTLER DID IT 9/1 - 17 FWP - Production - 8:00 PM - THE SOUND OF MUSIC 9/9, 23 & 30 SAGES - 2:00 PM - DENYING GRAVITY 9/10 & 11 FWP - Auditions - 7:00 PM - ELF - THE MUSICAL 9/29 - 10/8 SPCT - Production - 7:30 PM - MARY POPPINS ANNUAL MEETING Friday, October 6, 2023
West Coast Players - THE BUTLER DID IT This comedy parodies every English mystery play ever written with a decidedly American flair. When they're not busy tripping over clues, they trip over each other! Laughs collide with thrills, and the climax is a real seat-grabber as the true killer is unmasked, and almost everyone turns out to be someone else! Performances Sept 1 - Sept. 17, 2023 Directed by Jamie Bierchen wcplayers.org SAGES - DENYING GRAVITY Denying Gravity provides a roller coaster ride with twists and turns between comedy and drama. A minor misstep interrupts the good life “Claire” has been living and she is annoyed (yet somewhat amused) to find herself challenged until she realizes she has entered a “twilight zone” of The Unexpected. Performances Sept 9, 23, & 30, 2023 Directed by Christine Hamacher sagestheater.org Francis Wilson Playhouse - THE SOUND OF MUSIC The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta von Trapp, follows an ebullient postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision. Winner of 5 Tony Awards including Best Musical Performances August 31 - Sept. 17, 2023 Directed by Jason Fortner franciswilsonplayhouse.org St. Petersburg City Theatre - MARY POPPINS One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a hit Broadway musical! Now in its 5th acclaimed year at the New Amsterdam Theatre on 42nd Street, Mary Poppins has dazzled and delighted millions of theater audiences. Come experience the enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers and astonishing stagecraft that makes this the musical that soars high above the rest. Believe in the magic of Mary Poppins and discover a world where anything can happen if you let it! Performances September 29 - October 8, 2023 Directed by Jeff Lukas spcitytheatre.org ON THE BOARDS!
THE MAGIC OF DOMENIC BISESTI BARNUM EIGHT O’CLOCK THEATRE THE GRANDEUR OF JAMES GRENELLE BARNUM EIGHT O’CLOCK THEATRE
Debbi Yones, September 5th Ginger King, September 5th Michael Silvestri, September 10th Stephen Riordan, September 10th Amanda Eland, September 13th Seth Travaglino, September 13th Jill Smithers, September 14th Tom Costello, September 14th George Steffens, September 15th Stephen Fee, September 18th Lona Hensley, September 18th Jeff Lukas, September 20th Isabel Bertram, September 21st Ben Taylor, September 22nd John Timberlake, September 22nd Mary Anne Boos, September 22nd Helen Techler, September 24th Richard Prada, September 27th John D. Hooper, September 27th Rebecca Hoffman, September 28th List formed from Facebook Listing
Sat Sep 30, 2023 - 2 & 8pm CELEBRATING 1947 - The war had ended. Harry S. Truman was President and television was just starting to catch on. It was also a milestone year for new shows and writers, including Lane & Harburg’s Finian’s Rainbow, Lerner & Loewe’s Brigadoon, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Allegro, Kurt Weill’s Street Scene, plus varied fare such as Up In Central Park, High Button Shoes, Angel In the Wings, Barefoot Boy With Cheek, Bonanza Bound, Bloomer Girl and many more. CONCERT SERIES