UPCOMING PRODUCTIONSPAGE 5

SPOTLIGHT PAGE 2

VOLUME 8 ISSUE 2 // SPRING 2015

S E A S O N 2 0 1 5

LEND ME A

TENOR

2

Hershey Area Playhouse at Country Meadows is

located on Sand Hill Road at Cherry Drive.

Visit us online at HersheyAreaPlayhouse.com.

Contact us at 717.533.8525, P.O. Box 703, Hershey,

PA 17033 or INFO at HersheyAreaPlayhouse.

com. For more information on volunteering,

contact us at volunteer@HersheyAreaPlayhouse.

com, or for marketing/communications, contact

us at marketing@HersheyAreaPlayhouse.com.

The Magazine of Hershey Area Playhouse

is published quarterly and is a benefit of

membership in Hershey Area Playhouse.

Special thanks to ChocolateCovers for the design and printing.

Anthony Pingitore • Jeff MillerCory Wilkerson • Jill PanyardEd Wallace • Jennifer Feldser

Alex Roca • John MessmerEric Mansilla • Matthew Ford

Lisa Greene •Mark CuddyMike Ritter • Randy Kline

Jim Bush • Jeff CartwrightSusan Cerminara • Randy Kline

Susan Cort • Derek Dunham Jack Hartman •Christine Hepler Ellen Kellner • Michael Lazorcik

Jennifer Lear • Joan May Debbie Nifong •George Nye Bernie Resnick •Nan Resnick

Michele Robertson • Patrick Seeley Ken Skelly • Leona Tinkey Sunday Gallagher Strange

Paul Thompson • Jennifer Schlener Theresa Ridge

PAST BOARDMEMBERS

Skip Becker, Founder

BOARD OFDIRECTORS

CONTRIBUTORSSusan Bianchi

IN MEMORY OF HER SON, MATTHEW

Dave and Gillian Jenkins

SUSTAINERS

Marjorie Bicknell and Ed Shapiro

Elaine Ester Dye

Johnson Control Foundations

Thomas and Susan McGarrity

Todd and Linda Pagliarulo

Sean and Denise Young

Deb SchaferTricia Falgoust

Landi Annibali-EichelbergerAmanda Beck

THERESA RIDGEMEMORIAL FUND

CONTRIBUTORS

CONTENTS

PAGE 1

NOTES FROM THE CHAIR

PAGE 2

SPOTLIGHT

PAGE 4

PAST PRODUCTION

PAGE 5

UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS

PAGE 7

OLIVER

PAGE 9

KIDS' CORNER

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During that production run, we will be recognizing one of our veteran volunteers with our annual Spotlight Award which was initiated in honor of our friend and original founding member, Theresa Ridge. This year, our honoree is Tim Banis. Tim has been a part of Hershey Area Playhouse since 2002 as our sound engineer as well as our “in house” electrician. His dedication to our efforts cannot be underestimated. Please see the following article on his credits over the years.

The Theatre Academy, sponsored by The Hershey Company, is in the midst of its spring program and is preparing for the summer program, which includes our third annual participation with Hershey Gardens in their summer camp.

Our summer production is going to be the wonderful story of “OLIVER” directed by Cory Wilkerson. Audition details and character definitions are shown on the following pages.

Finally, look for the comments by Levi Snyder in the Kids Corner section of this edition. Levi is one fine young man and we look forward to his future contributions to our theatre.

We appreciate all your support in our goal to be the best of the best in central PA community theatre. I believe we are on our way to achieving that goal thanks to you and a significant group of dedicated volunteers that make us work.

All the very best from our dedicated volunteers,

Anthony PingitoreSPRING 2015

Well, as it is often said, “better late than never.” I am referring to our new website which was promised in the winter issue. We now have our new website online and it is a significant improvement to our original site. We hope you agree. Thanks to Nate Grumbine, Susan Cort and Danielle Klinger for their superb effort and patience in achieving this milestone.

2015 is off to a fine start despite the winter. While our February production of “The Fantasticks” drew audiences almost level with last February despite one show cancellation, our V-Day performance of “The Vagina Monologues” and our most recent performance of “EDGES” have resulted in good attendance figures through the first 3 months. I want to pay particular attention to the Milton Hershey School who supported the “EDGES” performance with over 200 students in attendance. Thanks to Ed Varner and Mike Kinney of the Milton Hershey School for their support in providing this opportunity to their high school students.

Our next production is “LEND ME A TENOR” which is directed by Jeff Cartwright. Please read his comments on the following pages. It will be a very funny production.

NOTES FROM THE CHAIR

A J Pingitore

Chair, Hershey Area Playhouse

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S P O T L I G H TVolunteer

Hershey Area Playhouse is pleased to announce that Tim Banis is the 2015 recipient of the Spotlight award. The Spotlight award will be given each year to a volunteer who embodies the spirit of the late founding board member, treasurer, lighting designer and performer Theresa S. Ridge. The recipient is passionate about Hershey Area Playhouse and gives over and above the average volunteer. The volunteer also nurtures other volunteers and encourages and empowers them to be more involved. In addition, the Spotlight award winner helps set the standard for volunteering at the Playhouse.

Tim Banis has provided unwavering service to Hershey Area Playhouse since 2002. Tim has been the chief audio designer and operator for virtually every main stage show and special event the Playhouse has held since he got involved. Tim embodies the spirit of volunteerism and is an excellent representative of our Playhouse.

"We are thankful that Tim's second home is the Playhouse. We could not do what we do every day at the theatre without Tim. We are grateful for his dedication, passion and talents and are proud to present him with the second annual Spotlight Award in memory of Theresa Ridge," said Playhouse Chairman Tony Pingitore.

Tim will be presented with his award on Friday, April 18 during that evening’s Lend Me A Tenor performance. Please join us if you can. We thank you, Tim, for giving your time and talents to the Playhouse and congratulations on winning the Spotlight award for 2014.

BY LISA GREENE, VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

• Tim Banis•

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EDUCATIONAL REPORTS

BY JENNIFER FELDSER, JILL PANYARD, LAURIE MILLER PETERSEN, & CORY WILKERSON

The campers of our Theater Academy are busy, busy, busy! Our winter just wrapped up with a performance by our K-3 and 4-6 groups performing African tales at Derry Township's International Fair.

The spring classes are already "rolling" with their film sessions. Up next, our Summer session!

We will continue our partnership with M.S. Foundation for a third summer. We will be turning the Children's Garden of Hershey Gardens into our own special version of Sherwood Forest.

MONDAY- FRIDAY

MORNINGS JULY 27- AUGUST 7! Garden camp is for 4th-8th grades only.

MONDAY-FRIDAY, JUNE 15-26

Camps are for K-3, 4-6, and 7-12.

Online registration is now available!

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PAST PRODUCTION

THE LADIES BACK ROW: Christiana Varner, Carol Purdom, Jenny Piper, Jennifer Feldser, Laura Birkin, Renee Swayne

Howard, Amy Jo Brixius, Madeline Barber, Kate Ramsey, Kelly Strange

MIDDLE ROW: Patti Uhrich, Wendy Lubell, Valerie Lynn Schrader, Micaela Sisco, Rita Smith

FRONT ROW: Aleax Olivera, Tanya Leshko, Stephanie Trdenic

Thank you To everyone who supported this year's V-Day at Hershey.

We raised nearly $3,000 to be divided among the Playhouse and the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg!

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UPCOMING PRODUCTIONs

On the Forbidden Broadway: Goes to Rehab C.D., the creator and writer of the hit Off-Broadway series, Gerard Alessandrini, ends the disk with a song based on a well quoted phrase. “Dying is easy, comedy is hard!”

This helps to summarize the April production at the Playhouse. Last April, our audiences roared with laughter over the antics in Ken Ludwig’s comedy, Leading Ladies. This year, we get to present another farce by the same author: Lend Me a Tenor. It is amazing how much time is devoted to working out the timing of something that only takes 20 to 30 seconds during the run of a show.

Comedy is hard, and the cast of eight have been working very hard on lines, timing and door slams. Ludwig’s

writing goes well beyond just telling a story. Last year the performers had to learn sword fighting, Tango dancing, roller skating, Shakespearian dialogue, and do ‘drag.’ This year the accent comes from Italy, and the performers have to deal with Italian Opera. Comedy is hard. I won’t give away too much of the plot by saying there may or may not be a death of an important character in the midst of Italian Opera. Dying is easy!

Making the comedy look ‘easy’ is a talented cast with many other productions to their credit. Marjorie Bicknell, Elieen Daub, Larry Dorf, Barabara Ellis, Gene Ellis, Renee Howard, Rob Kopko, and John Messmer will transport you to the happenings surrounding the 10th

Anniversary Celebration of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company.

Joining director Jeff Cartwright in organizing this zany show, are many who worked on last year’s Leading Ladies. Producer Lisa Greene, Stage Manager Patt Roth, Vocal and Italian Diction Coach Roger Lentz, and JoAnn Wallace on costumes. Rounding out the production team are Tim Banis on sound, Set Designer Carlton Hoke, and Set Builder Jeff Miller.After this past few months of the “Winter of Discontent”, plan on coming to Hershey Area Playhouse in April where your spirits will be lifted, your funny bone tickled and after seeing Lend Me a Tenor, you’ll wonder what is so hard about doing comedy!

LEND ME A TENOR BY JEFF CARTWRIGHT, DIRECTOR

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6

Julia(Marjorie Bicknell), Larry Dorf (Bellhop),

Maggie (Eileen Daub) are attempting to ease drop

on Saunders (Rob Kopkp) & Max's (John Messmer)

conversation in the next room.

Saunders (Rob Kopkp) & Max (John Messmer) envolved in a heated conversation

Tito (Gene Ellis) & Maria (Barbara S. Ellis) - 2 Italians

involved involved in a lovers quarrel.

Diana (Renee Howard) trying to pull Max (John Messmer) back into the bathroom.

PHOTO CREDIT: NATHAN GRUMBINE

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Sun May 3rd 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Auditions for children & any adult that can't make the weekday times

Mon May 4th 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Auditions for Adults

Tues May 5th 6:00 - 9:00 PM Auditions for Adults

Mon May 9th 7:00 - 9 PM First Casting meeting

Please check our website for available roles.

Call backs (by invitation only) will be held on Wednesday May 6th beginning at 7:00 PM

• Persons are asked to bring a prepared monologue. Young children may improvise if they do not bring a prepared monologue. • Persons auditioning will also need to prepare 32 bars of a song that shows off their voice, and they

will need to bring either sheet music or a cd of an instrumental accompaniment. There will also be a short dance combination taught to determine how well you move. • Those auditioning for Oliver and the Artful Dodger should able to dance/move very well.

• All other orphans and main adult characters: No dance training necessary, but should be able to move and pick up choreography quickly.

AUDITIONS TRACEY FORD

Hershey Area Playhouse announces auditions for the musical Oliver!

Auditions to be held: May 3rd, 4th, 5thas follows:

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CAST OF CHARACTERSROLE VOICE TYPE

SOPRANO

BARITONE

SOPRANO

ALTO

BARITONE

BARITONE

SOPRANO

BARITONE

SOPRANO

NON- SINGING

ALTO

NON- SINGING

NON-SINGING

SOPRANO

NON- SINGING

NON- SINGING

NON- SINGING

VARIES

ALL

ALL

ALL

DANCE

YES

YES

YES

YES

YES

YES

YES

YES

OLIVER TWISTMajor Role

SWEET & INNOCENT WORKHOUSE BOY

FAGIN

ARTFUL DODGER

NANCY

BILL SYKESMR. BUMBLE

WIDOW CORNEY

MR. SOWERBERRY

MRS. SOWERBERRY

MR. BROWNLOW

BET

CHARLOTTE

NOAH CLAYPOLE

MRS. BEDWIN

DR. GRIMWIG

OLD SALLY

CHARLEY BATES

STREET VENDORS

WORKHOUSE CHILDREN

FAGIN'S GANG

CHORUS

Major Role A CON MAN WHO TRAINS CHILDREN TO BE PICKPOCKETS.

Major Role A TROUBLED YOUTH

Major Role A COCKNEY GIRL WITH A WARM HEART.

Major RoleA VILLAIN.

Supporting Role THE STOUT MAN WHO RUNS THE WORKHOUSE

Supporting RoleTHE DOMINEERING WORKHOUSE MISTRESS

Supporting Role THE UNDERTAKER.

Supporting Role MR. SOWERBERRY’S WIFE.

Supporting Role A KIND AND WEALTHY OLDER GENTLEMAN

Supporting Role NANCY’S LOYAL FRIEND.

Supporting Role MR. SOWERBERRY’S DAUGHTER.

Supporting Role A TALL BULLY WHO IS MR. SOWERBERRY’S APPRENTICE.

Supporting Role MR. BROWNLOW’S FRIENDLY HOUSEKEEPER

Supporting Role

Smaller Role

Smaller Role

Smaller Role

AGE

9-13

50-70

13-16

22-32

30-50

38-50

38-50

45-60

40-60

60-85

FLEXIBLE

13-20

13-20

38-50

30-85

FLEXIBLE

8-16

9-16

9-16

FLEXIBLEStreet Vendors, Bow Street Runners, Night

Watchman, Members of the Crowd

LEVI SNYDERLevi Snyder is in second grade at Hershey Elementary School. He loves being creative and getting into character. He has been in two performances at HAP: Gypsy and A Christmas Carol. He enjoys theatre because he gets to surround himself with people of all ages. Levi’s wit and imagination are evident when he graces the stage. He also loves Legos, soccer, Minecraft and drawing.

1. How did you get interested in theatre? My mom told me about it and I thought it would be

cool!

2. What other "skills" do you have and that you have maybe taken classes on to help you?

I am funny and confident. I take hip hop and tap. I like to be creative and make up characters.

3. What shows have you participated in? Gypsy and A Christmas Carol

4. What's your favorite thing about doing theatre? The shows because they are a lot of fun. I like

being on stage in front of lots of people.

5. What do you find the hardest/most challenging thing about theatre?

Learning how to pronounce hard words.

6. What has been your favorite role/character so far? Ignorance in A Christmas Carol because I got to

be scary.

7. What other areas of theatre are you interested in trying or doing?

Directing but I’m too young and lighting.

8. Do you have a dream role or show you would like to do, what is it?

Oliver.

9. If you were going to encourage other kids to do theatre, what would you say?

You should do it, there are lots of nice people and it is super fun.

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P.O. Box 703Hershey, PA 17033

Visit HersheyAreaPlayhouse.com for the most up-to-date calendar listings.

Calendar

Lend Me A Tenor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 16-19, 23-26, 2015

Oliver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 16-19, 23-26, 2015

The 39 Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .October 8 - 11, 15-18, 2015

It's a Wonderful Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .December 3-6, 10-13, 2015

Charlie Brown Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 17-20, 2015