rome little theatre backstage pass april/may 2014
DESCRIPTION
Rome Little Theatre Backstage Pass April/May 2014TRANSCRIPT
BACKSTAGE PASS APRIL/MAY 2014 Page 1
SPOTLIGHTon shows
APRIL/MAY 2014
I appreciate the opportunities in theatreexperiences that RLT gives me, and one
of my most recent delights was to get to spendsome time with my dear friend VirginiaMcChesney, the director of the upcoming “TheDixie Swim Club.”Virginia and I met ina costume class atthe University ofGeorgia theatredepartment in 1970,and of courseneither of us havechanged a bit! Shewent on to get anMFA from thedepartment and Igot my BFA there.Of course we neverknew that we wouldboth end up inVirginia’s hometown and at RLTtogether! She hasdirected me severaltimes and I havedirected her—and itis always a joy to sitand reminisceabout the times wehave sharedtogether the past 44years. So now she’s the “coach” for these fiveamazing women who will share the stagetogether as the “team” of the “Dixie SwimClub.” Virginia has lost count of how many showsshe has been involved in during her theatrecareer, but she thinks it is in the neighborhoodof 120 productions, in varying roles from actor,director, lighting operator, bathroom cleaner—whatever needed doing to help the theatre.She usually directs at least one show eachRLT season, and usually appears in at leastone as an actor. She usually chooses showsto direct that have a little more “meat” to them,preferring dramas to comedies most of thetime. This is the first show she has directedfrom the writing team of Jones-Hope-Wooten,one of my favorite writing teams, and she likedthis script because it is really the “meatiest” oftheir many comedies. She likens this script to“Steel Magnolias,” a Southern poignantcomedy that is about the relationship of agroup of women who might not have beenfriends otherwise, but who are related to eachother not by blood, but by heart. The play isset on the Outer Banks off the coast of NorthCarolina, and covers a vast period of time. Her joy has been in working with thisspectacular cast, because they all genuinelylike each other and all had the chops todevelop into the characters they are playing.Some were not initially excited about being
cast in the roles they were selected for, but asrehearsals went on, they saw that their coachhad seen things in them they did not see, andnow the ensemble has truly become a team.The ladies did some team-building exercises
that brought them alltogether, and now they arehaving so much fun atrehearsals that no onewants to go home oncerehearsal is over—similarfeelings I have seen inmany of the comedies Ihave directed. Thecharacters are very varied,but together they becomestrokes in the medley thatmakes a team and by theend of the show they havebecome the dearest offriends ever. Virginiahopes that the audiencewill leave with a sensitivityto the problems of agingand the meaning of sincerefriendships. But no morespoilers! There definitely weresome challenges toovercome for thisproduction, as the womenare 44 years old at the
beginning of the play and are 77 by the timethe play is over, so 33 years go by in oneevening onstage. But with the efficientsupervision of the coach’s boss, producer NealBrackett, the set has come together and all ofthe details added to make the show believable.Neal, an RLT Board Member, is such an assetto RLT, as are all five members of his family.The Bracketts are a perfect example of a familythat got involved at RLT because their childrengot cast in a play, and now many of them havewon Roman Awards, have performed in theorchestra pit, onstage, backstage and on thelighting board, and we can’t get rid of them!Truth be told, RLT could not do without them,and they are the essence of what communitytheatre is all about. Virginia was especiallyexcited about the fact that not only is there anall female cast for this show, but there is alsoan almost all female crew backstage! Virginia is not clear on the details of what’sup next for her, but she does know that she willbe directing a local production of “Night ofJanuary 16th” in the fall of this year, reprisingher direction of this show at RLT many yearsago, and she is scheduled to direct theJanuary/February 2015 production of “TheOutsiders” at RLT. One thing is for sure:whenever Virginia McChesney is the “coach” ofwhatever “team” she is directing, thebeneficiary is the rest of us—her audiences. «
Yes, Virginia,There is a Dixie Swim Club CoachBy Wendell Barnes
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Page 2 ROME LITTLE THEATRE/HISTORIC DESOTO THEATRE FOUNDATION
ROME LITTLE THEATRE
PassAPRIL/MAY 2014
2013-2014 Board of DirectorsOfficersPresident
Chuck [email protected]
VP of MembershipCarol [email protected]
VP of ProductionTiff Magruder
VP of Public RelationsNeal [email protected]
VP of CommunicationJohn Barnett
TreasurerWayne Jones
SecretaryTammy Childers
Immediate Past PresidentJason Fordham
Members at LargePaul Culotta
David [email protected]
Suzanne [email protected]
Mandy [email protected]
Chris [email protected]
Mary [email protected]
Executive DirectorMegan Keating
Office ManagerMary Ortwein
CostumierBecky [email protected]
Event CoordinatorTracy Hellriegel
Rome Little TheatreAt the historic DeSoto Theatre530 Broad St. Rome GA 30161
Mailing Address:PO Box 1063 Rome GA 30162
romelittletheatre.comFacebook.com/RomeLittleTheatre, Inc.
706-295-7171
Backstage Passis published bimonthly and is free to
Rome Little Theatre andHistoric DeSoto Theatre Foundation
members and Contributors.
With Mary Ortwein,RLT Office Manager
Where, oh where, has this season gone?Our final production, The Dixie Swim
Club, will open on Thursday, May 29th, with aLadies Night Out event, and run until June 8th.Before we know it, we'll be celebrating "FromBroadway to Broad Street" at the Gala onSaturday, June 28. Look for more informationsoon. Our condolences go out to the family andfriends of Mary Doster, who passed away inApril. Mary was an active RLT actress andvolunteer for many years. Several years agoshe moved closer to her son in Loganville, butkept in touch through our newsletters. Mary hadcelebrated her 90th birthday with her family inDecember, before she came down withpneumonia. Sad to say she never completelyrecovered from that illness. This is a commentthat was made during Mary's funeral service:When the angels looked down to earth on theday Mary was born, they yelled, "Watch outbelow!!!!" If you knew Mary Doster, then you canunderstand what it means… Rest in Peace,Mary. Ruby's Row Fund has $1533! We're well onthe way to our $10,000 goal, the amount weneed to purchase the first row of seats upstairsbehind the railing. HDTF continues to collectName a Seat contributions for individual seats.
We have added about 20 seats in theauditorium, so we now have a full house of 500in the DeSoto. Renovations to the building have slowed fornow. The new red seats have really increasedthe beauty of our auditorium, and new carpetingis in the works. RLT'S office space has beenupgraded, and we have a second box officewindow open during shows. We're hearing lotsof praise for the improved restrooms, galleryand concessions area. Two new shows have been added to ourschedule: Legally Blonde the Musical (July 11-20) and Beauty and the Beast, Jr. (December 5-14). The Nutcracker will perform at the CityAuditorium (November 21- 22). RLT YoungActor's Audition Workshop is scheduled forMay 31, and RLT Young Actor's SummerWorkshops will be held June 9-13 and 16- 20.Plans for some adult classes are in the works. The Reading Committee has been reading,reading, reading the scripts that have beensuggested for the 2015-16 season. We willknow the results of their hard work and be ableto vote for our favorites soon. The NominatingCommittee and the Finance Committee havealso been working hard for us. «
See you at the Theatre!
cast of
Marie KindredVernadette
Jeanette LongLexie
Donna RiordanDinah
Liz TierneyJeri Neal
Mary WalkerSheree
thethe
We now have a quick way for you toaccess all-things-RLT! Need tickets? Aquick link to Facebook? Contactinformation? Download the new RLTapp on your smart phone, and alwayshave us in your palm!romelittletheatre.appsme.com
Download the new RLT App
BACKSTAGE PASS APRIL/MAY 2014 Page 3
also been working hard for us. «
Rome Little Theatre is offering an Audition class in ourYoung Actor’s Workshop Series
Saturday, May 31, from 9am to 3pmat the historic DeSoto Theatre.
Students will have a fun-filled,educational day learning
about what it takes to audition.We will have 2 classes,
with one for students ages 6 to 9and one for students ages 10 to 18.
Just $25 per student.Our instructors, Michael Hillman and Chris Parker
are veteran actors and teachers.Sign up online at romelittletheatre.com or
call 706-295-7171
at the historic DeSotoTheatrewith
Hello! I’m Jordan Poe. I’m 9 years old, andI love acting. I started acting when I was
6 years old. I also love to write, and I was giventhe opportunity to write about something new atRome Little Theatre. Recently, RLT addedRome Little Theatre, Jr for kids ages 5 to 18,who love acting, just like me. The first play thatRLT Jr is doing is The Little Mermaid Jr. Inaddition to the plays that RLT Jr will be doing,there will also be Young Actor’s Workshops,where kids can learn more about acting.Recently, I attended the Winter Workshop.Young Actor’s Workshops teach you to be bold and ACT! Youalso play cool acting games. Plus you get to meet new peopleand make new friends.
At auditions for the The Little Mermaid Jr, I got thechance to interview my friend, Liz Suffill, who playedGladys Herdman in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.JP-“How old were you when you started acting?”LS-“4”JP-“What is your favorite play?”LS-“Charlotte’s Web”JP-“Did being Gladys make you proud?”LS-“Yes”JP-“Are you sad when you don’t get a part?”LS-“Sometimes”JP-“What concluding sentence would you like to add?”
LS-“I love acting!” Check back with me next time to learn more about anotherRLT Jr actor. «
RLT YOUNG ACTOR’SAUDITION WORKSHOP
BE BOLD!
MAY 31, 2014 • 9 AM - 3 PM
RLT YOUNG ACTOR’SSUMMER WORKSHOP
JUNE 9 - JUNE 20, 2014 • 9 AM - 3 PM
BE BOLD!
From 9am to 3pm, Monday through Friday,students will be immersed in the theatrical experience,as they learn about the craft of acting and the collaborativeart of theatre. Students will learn about preparing a monologue forauditions, how to do a “cold-read,” how to study a scene,and how to develop a character beyond simply reciting lines.Students will also be instructed in various aspectsof stagecraft and stage etiquette.
There will also be a free performance for friends and familyat 7pm on Friday, June 20 at the theatre.
We will have 2 classes, with one for students ages 8 to 10and one for students ages 11 to 18.Just $125 for 1 week or $200 for 2 weeks.
Our instructors, Michael Hillman, Mandy Maloney, Chris Parker andChris Davidson are veteran actors and teachers.
The Backstage Pass welcomes new Cub Reporter,Jordan Poe to our staff. She will be keeping us up
to date on all things RLT Jr.
Page 4 ROME LITTLE THEATRE/HISTORIC DESOTO THEATRE FOUNDATION
It’s summer time again, and whatbetter way to start the summer that
spending six nights or so with “The DixieSwim Club!” I’m so glad to finally get tosee a production of this comedy by myfavorite comedy writers, Jones-Hope-Wooten, and just wish that my summerschedule allowed me to see everyperformance. And if your schedule doesallow it, I’m sure you will see all sixperformances because the laughs willabound! But just in case you are lookingfor some more theatre to entertain you andto get you out of the humidity and you needa dark, cool place to rest, come with me ona journey to some other theatres “Beyondthe RLT” and find out what they have tooffer. Of course the local colleges are dark thissummer, but this year we have a specialtreat coming up: RLT Summer Stock!“Legally Blonde,” the hilarious musicalversion of the hit movie, will trod the RLTboards July 11th-20th. I have seen thismusical many times and it is just as freshand funny each time I see it, so you willwant to see it several times too. So far thisis the only other production that I know of inRome this summer. But in nearby Calhoun, there is a specialproduction coming up at the Harris ArtsCenter just a half hour away. The
Northwest Georgia YouthTheatre Company directed byEd Reid is doing a productionof “Pygmalion,” the GeorgeBernard Shaw play that is thebasis for the wonderfulmusical, “My Fair Lady.” Theywill be presenting it in theHAC May 22nd-24th at 7:00
p.m. each night, with a matinee at 1:00p.m. on May 28th, and tickets are only$5.00. I saw this group do an excellentproduction of “The Importance of BeingEarnest” a year or two ago, and they’ve gotthe chops to pull it off. The Calhoun LittleTheatre will be presenting their summershow, a reprise of their hit musical“Nunsense,” August 22nd- 31st. Please callthe Harris Arts Center at 770-773-0723 ifyou are interested in these productions andneed more details. Also nearby in Cartersville, the activePumphouse Players have begun a juniortheatre group like RLT, and they will bepresenting two shows this summer. Firstup is “Round the World Tales” June 20th-22nd, to be followed by a production of aplay about two of Beverly Cleary’s mostloved characters, “Henry and Ramona,”July 11th-13th. The Players are offeringtheir next adult production, the classiccomedy about Elwood P. Dowd and hisbest friend, a six foot three and a half inchrabbit named “Harvey” to open their 40th
season on August 8th, and this show willrun through the 23rd. More informationabout all these productions is available atwww.pumphouseplayers.com.
A little further away in Marietta, thewonderful all musical Atlanta Lyric Theatreis presenting their final musical of theseason, the hilarious “Monty Python’sSpamalot”. This musical is based on themovie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,”and you may want to see it as a previewsince RLT will be doing the show in Marchof 2015. It opens at the Lyric on June 13th
and will run through the 29th. The newseason will open on August 8th with theAndrew Lloyd Webber classic, “Cats,”which will run through August 24th.Remember that they are now performing atthe Cobb Civic Center, in the Jennie T.Anderson Theatre on the Marietta Parkway(Loop SR 120.) They have another greatseason in store. More information can befound at www.atlantalyrictheatre.com.Performing at the old Theatre in the Squarelocation at 11 Whitlock Street just off thesquare in downtown Marietta, the MariettaPlayers are also presenting a big modernmusical, the musical version of the hitmovie, “The Full Monty” June 5th-15th. Isaw this show on tour several years ago atthe Fox and it is a treat. More informationcan be found at www.mariettaplayers.com.The Next Stage Theatre Company inMarietta is dark this summer. The CobbEnergy Centre in Marietta does not haveany shows, operas or ballets scheduled forthe summer either, but you can check outthe list of upcoming concerts andappearances atwww.cobbenergycentre.com.
(Continued online )http://romelittletheatre.wordpress.com/2014/05/18/beyond-the-rlt-mayjune2014/
In accordance with the Rome Little Theatre By-laws, the following persons were selected by the Nominating Committee,and approved by the Board of Directors, as candidates for the following positions:
Vice President of Membership: Tracy Hellriegel (Two year term to end June 30, 2016)Vice President of Communication: Chris Parker (Two year term to end June 30, 2016)Treasurer: Matt Shoemaker (Two year term to end June 30, 2016)
Members at Large of the Board of Directors:
David Clonts (Incumbent, to serve a two year term to end June 30, 2016)Mandy Maloney (Incumbent, to serve a two year term to end June 30, 2016)Chris Davidson (Two year term to end June 30, 2016)
Any member of Rome Little Theatre who desires to stand for election to one of these positions may follow the RLTElection procedures.
Additionally, the Board of Directors has approved one proposed amendment to the Constitution and four amendmentsto the By-Laws. The proposed amendments will allow us to create a Vice President of House Management, with theposition beginning July 1, 2015.
More information will be arriving in your mailbox soon.
RLT Board announces selection of 2014-2015 season candidates
BACKSTAGE PASS APRIL/MAY 2014 Page 5
You are cordially invited to the
Rome Little Theatre Annual GalaFrom Broadway to Broad Street
Saturday, June twenty eighthTwo Thousand Fourteen
Six o’clock in the evening
DeSoto Theatre530 Broad StreetRome, Georgia
Pre-Gala ReceptionCocktails and hors ‘d oeuvres
Six o’clock to Seven o’clock in the evening
General Admission Seatingadmission to the Gala with general seating and Pre-Gala Reception
$15 per person (members) $25 per person (non-members)$10 per child (ten and under)
$50 Family (Mom, Dad, Kids)
Premium Reserved Seatingadmission to the Gala with reserved seating and Pre-Gala Reception
$25 per person (members) $35 per person (non-members)$15 per child (ten and under)
$80 Family (Mom, Dad, Kids)
Please note that a meal is not providedEvening will also include:
Silent AuctionLive Auction
Business MeetingLive Entertainment
Presentation of Roman AwardsDance and Karaoke After-Party (all ages)
Adult Gathering After-Party (Seven Hills Great Room)
Semi Formal/Dressy Attire
For Tickets, please call 706-295-7171or go to romelittletheatre.com
● The Board voted that RLT Jr show budget is $7,000 per show.
● Briefly discussed applicants for Director/Producer for Beautyand the Beast, Jr. There will be no interviews as the applica-tions are very detailed. The Board will vote in May.
● Leadership Day will be held on August 2, 2014. It is open tothe entire RLT Membership. All Vice-Presidents need to checkcalendars and be present. Tentative agenda: Info session inthe morning, lunch, committees meet and plan for the year.Probably will be from 10am – 4pm, held at RLT. There are sev-en committees and may be others as deemed necessary.
● The Board voted to approve the Directors’ and Producers’ re-ports for both Grease and Little Mermaid, Jr.
● We have paid royalties for 4 of the 6 shows next season.
● TeenWork – an internship program. The Board agreed thatwe’d like to see the intern program grow.
● The Gala will be held at RLT, also utilizing the Seven Hillslarge room.
● The Board voted to approve the Gala Budget as presented.
● Planning the Board retreat.
● The Board voted to approve the Treasurer’s report (pendingaudit) and the consent agenda, including amended MarchMinutes.
● Nutcracker/R.O.M.E. Collaboration. They need RLT fortickets/box office, graphic design, promotion and generalsupport. Berry College is now involved and will help withcostumes and resources.
~Tammy Childers, RLT SecretaryEdited for space
A moment with theRLT MINUTES
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Page 6 ROME LITTLE THEATRE/HISTORIC DESOTO THEATRE FOUNDATION
withTracy Hellriegel
On May 29th, Rome Little Theatre will have a soft opening of ourproduction of The Dixie Swim Club to benefit The Magnolia
Foundation with a Ladies Night Out.
The Dixie Swim Club focuses on five Southern women, whosefriendships began many years ago on their college swim team, whoset aside a long weekend every August to recharge thoserelationships. Free from husbands, kids and jobs, they meet at thesame beach cottage on North Carolina’s Outer Banks to catch up,laugh and meddle in each other’s lives. The Dixie Swim Club focuseson four of those weekends and spans a period of thirty-three years.
Doors open at 6pm, show begins at 7:30pm
Tickets: $50Receive a ticket to the show, wine, coffee and heavy hors d'oeuvres.First 100 patrons receive a Swag Bag.
Menu provided by Ole Tymer Barbeque
December 5 – December 14, 2014School Shows: Tuesday, December 9,
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Auditions: August 25, 26, 27, 2014Music by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, Tim Rice.
When Belle’s father becomes lost in the woods on the wayto present his latest invention at a local fair, he seeksshelter in an old castle but is soon taken captive by themaster of the house, a horrible Beast. Belle surrenders herfreedom to save his life and, by taming the Beast, teacheshim the meaning of love.
Director–Mandy Maloney, Producer-Tina Brinson
Show times: Fridays at 8pmSaturdays and Sundays at 2:30pm
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Jr andAladdin, Jr added to RLT Jr Schedule
Disney’s
July 17 – July 26, 2015Auditions: April 18, 19, 20, 2015
Music by Alan Menken. Lyrics by Howard Ashman and TimRice. Book Adapted and Additional Lyrics by Jim Luigs.Music Adapted and Arranged by Bryan Louiselle. Based onthe 1992 Disney film Aladdin
Welcome to Agrabah, City of Enchantment, where we'reabout to begin the fantastic tale of the street rat whobecame a prince!
All of your favorite characters from the hit Disney film -Aladdin, Jasmine, Iago, Jafar, the Genie, and more, arehere in a musical adventure filled with magic, mayhem,and flying carpet rides.
Roman Awards GALA – June 28Leadership Day – August 22014/2015 Board Retreat – August 16Fundraisers – September 12, 13 & ?
BACKSTAGE PASS APRIL/MAY 2014 Page 7
Because the costs of producing high quality shows arerising, we will be slightly increasing the prices of tickets
and subscriptions next season.
However, we are offering “Early Bird” deals ifyou join us before June 30, 2014.
Season Subscription entitles you to:● Tickets to all season shows● 20% discount on all RLT Extra-Season productions● Discounts for certain DeSoto Theatre events● Surprise offers throughout the season● A bimonthly newsletter● An invitation to the annual Awards Gala● Voting rights for the Roman Awards● Free Notary Public Service● Free WiFi
OMELITTLE THEATRE
at the historic DeSoto Theatre
530 Broad St • Rome GA • 706-295-7171Tickets: romelittletheatre.com
REAL. LIVE. THEATRE.
2014-2015 PRODUCTIONS
Nov 21 & 22, 2014Rome City Auditorium
Show times: Friday at 8pmSaturday at 2:30pm and 8pm
Jan 30 – Feb 8, 2015 Mar 20 – Mar 29, 2015 May 29 – June 7, 2015
THE NUTCRACKER
All performances are on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2:30pm unless otherwise noted
RLT Summer Stock and RLT Jr Extra-Season Productions
THE MUSICAL
Disney’s
Summer
July 11– July 20, 2014 Dec 5 – Dec 14, 2014
July 17 – July 26, 2015
Summer
All Rome Little Theatre Season Subscribers receive a 20% discount off ticket prices for Extra-Season Productions
Beauty & the Beast and AladdinShow times: Fridays at 8pm
Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30pm
BUMSBLEACHER
Oct 24 – Nov 2, 2014Aug 22 – Aug 31, 2014
“Early Bird” RLT 2014-2015 SeasonSubscription Prices:Adult - $60(save $36)
Senior (65+) – $55(save $29)
Student (w/ Student ID) – $55(save $29)
Family of 3 - $1402 Adults & 1 Student(Student must be under 18)(save $136)
Family of 4 - $1702 Adults & 2 Students(Students must be under 18)(save $190)
Family of 5 - $2052 Adults & 3 Students(Students must be under 18)(save $239)
Prices include ticket processing fees.
After June 30, 2014 RLT SeasonSubscription Prices:Adult - $70(save $26)
Senior (65+) – $60(save $24)
Student (w/ Student ID) – $60(save $24)
Family of 3 - $1602 Adults & 1 Student(Student must be under 18)(save $116)
Family of 4 - $2002 Adults & 2 Students(Students must be under 18)(save $160)
Family of 5 - $2402 Adults & 3 Students(Students must be under 18)(save $204)
Prices include ticket processing fees.
Groups - 25% Discount(10 or more)
Page 8 ROME LITTLE THEATRE/HISTORIC DESOTO THEATRE FOUNDATION
The purpose of this organization is to present amateur theatrical productions, encourage interest in drama, and contribute to the culturaland educational life of the community. The Rome Little Theatre, Inc. is an active supporter of the arts in Rome and Floyd County.«
MISSION STATEMENT
P.O. Box 1063Rome, GA 30162-1063www.romelittletheatre.comrltoffice@bellsouth.net706-295-7171
ROME LITTLE THEATRE
Pass
AUDITIONS
Aug 22 – Aug 31, 2014
THE MUSICAL
July 11– July 20, 2014
Jan 30 – Feb 8, 2015
Mar 20 – Mar 29, 2015
Oct 24 – Nov 2, 2014
Nov 21 & 22, 2014Rome City Auditorium
THE NUTCRACKER
Disney’s
July 17 – July 26, 2015
May 29 – June 7, 2015
BUMSBLEACHER
Dec 5 – Dec 14, 2014
2014-2015 SEASON& Extra-Season Shows
romelittletheatre.com
Monday and Tuesday,June 2 and 3 at 7pm
at the DeSoto Theatre
with call backs onWednesday, June 4
Auditions are open to ages 10 to 19.
Please go to romelittletheatre.com for more info and to safely and easily submit your audition registration form online.
Saturday, July 19 - 10am - 12pm & 2pm - 5pmon stage at the DeSoto
Registration will open at 9:30amSunday, July 20, 2014 -- By appointment only --
Beginning at 5pm, upstairs at the DeSotoPlease contact the director, Tracy Hellriegel
if you need to schedule your audition on Sunday404-797-5212 [email protected]
July 21, 2014 -- Callbacks –If you are requested for a callback,please arrive no later than 6:30pm at the DeSoto