There’s the age-old debate, fate vs. free will. Margie has made choices in her life, or was it really just her fate?
Good People, running September 9 – 25 at Civic Theater, takes a look into the life of Margie, a single mother who loses her job in the first scene. Her boss Stevie is no tyrant, rather the son of a friend who is only trying to keep “corporate” happy. Margie is chronically late to work, leaving the young man no choice but to let her go. When Margie pleads with Stevie to keep her, we begin to see a glimpse of how Margie’s life has reached this point.
Margie grew up in South Boston, a working class neighborhood where getting out was more the exception than the norm. Like many of her friends, Margie remained in South Boston after she got pregnant in high school. Her baby, Joyce, was born with special needs. This made finding and keeping a job difficult for Margie because there were days where she was unable to leave on time if Joyce was upset. She often relied on friends, who proved to be inconsistent, for daycare. And college? Forget about it. Margie’s parents did not encourage her to try in high school, college was never an option.
But there was someone who made it out of South Boston, Mike. Mike became a doctor, a fertility specialist and he moved to a big house in Chestnut Hill. He married a younger woman, Kate, and together they had a daughter. Margie knew Mike in high school, they even dated for a few months before Mike left for college.
Margie and Mike’s past begins to unfold when Margie seeks out Mike for a possible job in his office. Margie takes it one step further when she shows up at his home for a party that he had explained was cancelled. Part heart-felt reunion, part awkward culture clash, the evening revealed and kept many secrets. It also made you wonder, was Margie’s, or anyone’s, station in life the result of their decisions, or just their fate?
This small cast delivered a huge performance. From the accents to emotions, the cast had it covered. There were a lot of laughs too. The three ladies, Margie, Jean and Dottie are South Boston’s version of Monica, Rachel and Phoebe. They bicker, go to bingo and you can tell there’s a lot of love for each other in there too. Kate’s tenderness balanced Mike’s tough, but understandable attitude toward Margie. She is the voice of reason when the evening of the party takes an uncomfortable trip down memory lane.
Good People, a thought provoking, dramedy, is a must see start to Civic Theater’s amazing 2016-2017 season. Visit the Civic Theater website for more information.
This summer, West Michigan teens are learning theatre through a whole new light. Under the keen guidance of Civic Theatre professionals, students are learning the art of performance through specialized dancing, singing, and acting (Intensive) classes. Those with an interest in the technical aspect of theatre are participating in hands on classes in set and costume design, lights and sound, and backstage crewing. Students will showcase their deepening talents with community performances of Sideways Stories from Wayside School and Into the Woods Jr.
“The Intensive is a six week program that opens possibilities for our students. Some will journey to college in this field, while others will flourish in other career choices” stated Allyson Paris, Associate Director, “this program awakens confidence and creativity in each child, and strengthens their life skills for today and as future leaders.” Students meet and learn from theatre professionals from across the nation. Each week a Friday master class is held and led by renowned artists from the likes of Purple Rose Theatre, Looking Glass Theatre, Broadway cast of Book of Mormon and many Collegiate Theatre Programs including Hope College, Columbia College and Western Michigan University.
Paris noted, “We are proud to be one of the only theatres in Michigan to provide this type of Intensive programming for young people. It is filling a void in our community and is just the tipping point of more exciting educational programming taking center stage beginning this fall.”
The performances run from July 29 – August 7 with tickets costing between $10 -$16.
About the Productions
Sideways Stories from Wayside School is an adaption from the book series by Louis Sachar by the same name. Wayside school is many things, not one of them is anywhere near normal. The school is a thirty-story building with one classroom on each floor. The teachers range from being kind and caring to turning kids into apples for giving a wrong answer, some may or may not even exist. As if grade school wasn’t tough enough these zany characters, they must embark on the bizarre classroom journey that is sure to delight audiences.
Into The Woods Jr is James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim’s collaborative adaptation of many intertwined classic fairytales by Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm. This production first hit Broadway in 1987, where it won several Tony Awards. Since then the musical has been produced many times as well as earning itself a Disney film adaptation. This story follows familiar family favorites like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, the beanstalk climbing Jack, as well as countless other memorable characters in this enchanted tale through a magic wood.
Civic Theater has done it again. They have assembled amazing Grand Rapid’s talent, chosen the perfect actors, created a fabulous set, and put it all together with incredible music for Sister Act.
Julianne Howe-Bouwens has established herself as a powerhouse of talent and continues to amaze, this time in the lead role as Deloris Van Cartier. With comedic timing and that voice (that voice!) she leads the cast through this very entertaining rendition.
Deloris Van Cartier witnesses murder and is sent into hiding in a convent. No one would think to look for this outgoing, sequin-wearing showgirl under the same roof as nuns. Deloris’s zest for performing soon takes hold of the nuns, and before they know it, they are packing the pews of the nearly closed church. It seems that the church has caught “Sunday Morning Fever”.
Deloris stays with the sisters until it is safe for her to leave. Once free, she returns to the convent for one last performance, realizing that she needs the nuns’ friendship as much as they need her voice. They are sisters.
Julianne Howe-Bouwens shines in Sister Act (Courtesy of GRCT.org)
Civic Theater was awarded the right to perform Sister Act along with playing Alan Menken’s original music from the Broadway show. The singing and choreography are perfectly matched with the music’s disco beat. Deloris and her back-up singers perform “Fabulous, Baby” in the beginning of the play. The song is then reprised later in the show with Deloris and the nuns. The music, directed by Wright McCarger, weaves in and out of the story line seamlessly.
Sister Act is directed by Allyson Paris who is the Associate Director of Grand Rapids Civic Theater. She also recently directed the travelling troupe production of The Hundred Dresses. You may remember her as the mean nanny from Mary Poppins.
Much of the glitz and glamour of the show is emphasized by the ensemble dance numbers. Choreographer, Torrey Thomas worked with the groups nightly to perfect the routines. Whether in sequins or pajamas, the nuns put on quite a show.
If you like to laugh, enjoy great music, and are amazed by talented singers, then make sure to catch Sister Act at the Civic. The show runs through March 20 with ticket available online at GRCT.org.
Barefoot in the Park’s small cast gives a large performance in Civic Theater’s rendition of Neil Simon’s 1963 hit. As a Civic regular I have grown accustomed to the big ensembles, choruses, and multi-set-change performances. With this cast you grow to know and love the six performers throughout Barefoot’s two act play.
The story follows newlyweds Corie and Paul Bratter as they begin their life together in a small and drafty, but charming, New York apartment. Corie, played by Civic newcomer Lexee Longwell, sees only the good in everything. No furniture? No problem, it will arrive soon. No heat? No problem, the super will fix it when he has time. Her zest for life puts a positive spin on the five flight climb, snowing skylight and unsavory neighbors.
Corie’s new husband Paul, played by David Hatter, has a differing view on their new surroundings. While Corie lives each moment to the fullest Paul would rather focus on his budding law career.
Life for the Bratters gets a little more complicated when they go on a double date. Corie fixes her prim and proper mother (Nancy Wagner) up with the worldly neighbor Victor Valasco (Don Vanden Heuvel). Victor introduces the group to a number of delicacies including brown salad and Ouzo. And when her mother goes missing, Corie takes the situation more seriously than previous events. Conversely, Paul surprises Corie by coming home drunk and barefoot, shedding his stuffed shirt image, for that day anyway.
It was refreshing to watch Corie and Paul figure out that compromise and listening to your partner will strengthen a relationship. Their differences provide a balance that will make their love last.
Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park ran on Broadway from 1963 – 1967. It was Simon’s longest running play. Come enjoy Civic Theater’s performance from January 15 through January 31. Please visit the GRCT website for all of the details.
Our neighbors moved last summer. My children were very upset by the news, not because we were particularly close but because every December they put a leg lamp in their front window. The leg lamp, made famous in the iconic ‘80s movie A Christmas Story, symbolized victory for the little guy and also made us giggle every time we passed their house.
Civic theater has brought a spectacular rendition of A Christmas Story to its stage. From beginning to end, the audience was engaged, laughing and tapping their toes along to the music. The solos, ensembles and choreography blended well with the storyline. Each character was well played and so enjoyable to watch.
Ralphie (Alex Sullivan) gave such an impressive performance that although you know that he will eventually shoot his eye out, you still want him to get that Red Ryder Carbine-Action BB Gun. When he sings “Ralphie to the Rescue!” he imagines himself saving his teacher Miss Shields (Aimee Workman) from a villain, classmates from bank robbers, and his brother Randy (Ben Lowen) from a prisoner. His daydream is a compelling display of the many reasons he needs a Red Ryder BB Gun.
Once again David Duiven impresses on stage as the Old Man, Raphie’s father. His mutterings about the neighbor’s dogs and the famous tire changing scene brought big laughs from the audience. When the leg lamp arrives, the Old Man sings “A Major Award”, beaming with pride and finding the perfect front window display for his prize. The audience went wild when the Old Man and the cast broke into a leg lamp chorus line with the children holding little leg lamps.
At school Ralphie perfects his Christmas list essay, hoping that if he impresses Miss Shields, she will convince his parents that he should have the Red Ryder BB Gun. His essay seemed to do quite the opposite. Miss Shields transforms from sweet teacher to Broadway starlet, singing “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out”. The audience was dazzled as her big voice delivered the crushing news. The tap dance ensemble added extra drama to this already jazzy number.
A Christmas Story, The Musical combines love and humor, reminding us all of the moments that make the holidays special. This hilarious rendition of a Christmas classic plays on Civic Theater’s stage November 20 – December 20, 2015. Make sure to check out GRCT.ORG for tickets and more details.
The secret’s been out for some time now, but it’s never too late to offer well-deserved kudos to talented, hardworking actors. We are pleased to share the names of the 2015 Grand Awards winners honored during a ceremony held at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre on Sunday, Oct. 11.
In addition to celebrating local community and college theaters, the awards ceremony raises money for the Combined Theatre Scholarship Fund.
Without further ado, here are the 2015 Grand Award Nominees. Bold denotes the winners.
Norma Brink Lifetime Achievement Award:
Jean Reed Bahle
OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL
• Penelope Notter for “Mary Poppins” – Civic Theatre
• Carrie McNulty for “Catch Me If You Can” – Circle Theatre
• Scott Mellema for “Avenue Q” – Civic Theatre
• Jean Reed Bahle for “One Night with Fanny Brice” – Jewish Theatre
• Fred Sebulske for “Company” – Circle Theatre
OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A PLAY
• Jolene Frankey for “Becky’s New Car” – Circle Theatre
• Fred Sebulske for “4000 Miles” – Actors’ Theatre
• Penelope Notter for “The Mousetrap” – Civic Theatre •Fred Sebulske for “Other Desert Cities” – Actors’ Theatre
• Tom Kaechele for “The 39 Steps” – Circle Theatre
OUTSTANDING MUSICAL
• “Avenue Q” – Civic Theatre
• “Catch Me If You Can” – Circle Theatre
• “Company” – Circle Theatre
• “Light in the Piazza” – Actors’ Theatre
• “Mary Poppins” – Civic Theatre
OUTSTANDING PLAY
• “4000 Miles” – Actors’ Theatre
• “The Boatwright” – Civic Theatre
• “The Mousetrap” – Civic Theatre •“Other Desert Cities” – Actors’ Theatre
• “The 39 Steps” – Circle Theatre
OUTSTANDING THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES
• “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” – Civic Theatre
• “Footloose” – Civic Theatre
• “The Jungle Book” – Circle Theatre •“The Little Princess” – Civic Theatre
OUTSTANDING MUSICAL DIRECTION
•Charles Hutchins for “Avenue Q” – Civic Theatre
• Wright McCargar for “Catch Me If You Can” – Circle Theatre
• Charles Hutchins for “Company” – Circle Theatre
• Charles Hutchins for “Mary Poppins” – Civic Theatre
• Wright McCargar for “South Pacific” – Civic Theatre
OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY
• Chris Carnevale for “Avenue Q” – Civic Theatre •Mary Lohman for “Catch Me If You Can” – Circle Theatre
• Kyle Amanda Dutkiewicz for “Company” – Circle Theatre
• William Schutte for “Evita” – Circle Theatre
• Mary Lohman for “Mary Poppins” – Civic Theatre
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
•Jeremiah Postma as Anatoly in “Chess” – Actors’ Theatre
• Larry Young as Bobby in “Company” – Circle Theatre
• Todd Lewis as Carl Hanratty in “Catch Me If You Can” – Circle Theatre
• Kyle Jurassic as Frank Abagnale Jr. in “Catch Me If You Can” – Circle Theatre
• Jacob Reinstra as Princeton/Rod in “Avenue Q” – Civic Theatre
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
• Jolene Frankey as Eva Perón in “Evita” – Circle Theatre
• Sarah LaCroix as Fanny Brice in “One Night with Fanny Brice” – Jewish Theatre •Molly Jones as Kate/Lucy in “Avenue Q” – Civic Theatre
• Kathy Gibson as Margaret Johnson in “Light in the Piazza” – Actors’ Theatre
• Alyssa Bauer as Mary Poppins in “Mary Poppins” – Civic Theatre
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
• Mark Ayers as Brian in “Avenue Q” – Civic Theatre
• Andrew Schneider as Luther Billis in “South Pacific” – Civic Theatre
• Jared Douglas as Fabrizio Naccarelli in “Light in the Piazza” – Actors’ Theatre
• David Duiven as Frank Abagnale Sr. in “Catch Me If You Can” – Circle Theatre
•Kyle Jurrasic as Nicky/Trekkie Monster/Bad Idea Bear in “Avenue Q” – Civic Theatre
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
• Amy Groen as Amy in “Company” – Circle Theatre
• Eva Switek as Bloody Mary in “South Pacific” – Civic Theatre
• Chelsea Herrema as Clara Johnson in “Light in the Piazza” – Actors’ Theatre • Julianne Howe-Bouwens as Gary Coleman in “Avenue Q” – Civic Theatre
• Abbie Westers and Elizabeth Foster as Jane Banks in “Mary Poppins” – Civic Theatre
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A PLAY
• Patrick Hendren as Ben in “The Boatwright” – Civic Theatre •Kyle Cain as Richard Hannay in “The 39 Steps” – Circle Theatre
• Owen McIntee as Leo in “4000 Miles” – Actors’ Theatre
• Patrick Hendren as Willy Loman in “Death of a Salesman” – Jewish Theatre
• Zach Johnson as Romeo in “Romeo and Juliet” – Heritage Theatre
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A PLAY
• Amy McFadden as Becky Foster in “Becky’s New Car” – Circle Theatre
• Teri Kuhlman as Linda Loman in “Death of a Salesman” – Jewish Theatre
• Marti Childs as Vera in “4000 Miles” – Actors’ Theatre
• Carrie McNulty as Brooke Wyeth in “Other Desert Cities” – Actors’ Theatre •Jean Reed Bahle as Polly Wyeth in “Other Desert Cities” – Actors’ Theatre
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A PLAY
• Matt Ablan as Clown in “The 39 Steps” – Circle Theatre
• Dylan Harris as Clown in “The 39 Steps” – Circle Theatre
• Eric Hatch as Christopher Wren in “The Mousetrap” – Civic Theatre
• Jon March as Lyman Wyeth in “Other Desert Cities” – Actors’ Theatre •Kyle Los as Trip Wyeth in “Other Desert Cities” – Actors’ Theatre
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A PLAY
• Sydney Doornbos as Annabella/Pamela/Margaret in “The 39 Steps” – Circle Theatre
• Nancy Wagner as Mrs. Boyle in “The Mousetrap” – Civic Theatre
• Sandy Kirchinger as Nurse in “Romeo and Juliet” – Heritage Theatre • Rose Anne Shansky as Silda Grauman in “Other Desert Cities” – Actors’ Theatre
• Rachel Varley as Mollie Ralston in “The Mousetrap” – Civic Theatre
OUTSTANDING SCENIC DESIGN
• David Len for “Avenue Q” – Civic Theatre
• Christian Poquette for “Light in the Piazza” – Actors’ Theatre
• David Len for “Mary Poppins” – Civic Theatre •David Len for “The Mousetrap” – Civic Theatre
• Christian Poquette for “Other Desert Cities” – Actors’ Theatre
OUTSTANDING PROPERTIES DESIGN
• Mary Jo DeNolf & Val Fischer for “Catch Me If You Can” – Circle Theatre
• Mary Jo Denolf for “Light in the Piazza” – Actors’ Theatre
• Sharon Hayes & Michael Wilson for “Mary Poppins” – Civic Theatre •Sharon Hayes & Michael Wilson for “The Mousetrap” – Civic Theatre
• Jennifer Smith for “Other Desert Cities” – Actors’ Theatre
OUTSTANDING SOUND DESIGN
• Timothy Schmidt for “The 39 Steps” – Circle Theatre
• Sam Johnson for “Avenue Q” – Civic Theatre
• Timothy Schmidt for “Catch Me If You Can” – Circle Theatre
• Timothy Schmidt for “Company” – Circle Theatre •Sam Johnson for “The Mousetrap” – Civic Theatre
OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN
• Kelly Lucas for “Catch Me If You Can” – Circle Theatre
• Bill Dunckel for “Light in the Piazza” – Actors’ Theatre •Robert Fowle for “Mary Poppins” – Civic Theatre
• Robert Fowle for “The Mousetrap” – Civic Theatre
• Kelly Muschiana for “Other Desert Cities” – Actors’ Theatre
OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DESIGN – Co-winners.
• Catherine Marlett Dreher for 4000 Miles – Actors’ Theatre •Thomas V. Lohman for Catch Me If You Can – Circle Theatre •Catherine Marlett Dreher for Light in the Piazza – Actors’ Theatre
• Catherine Marlett Dreher for Mary Poppins – Civic Theatre
• Mark Neumann for The Mousetrap – Civic Theatre
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A COLLEGE PRODUCTION
• Robbie Ellis as Dennis in “From White Plains” – GRCC
• Jerry Jones as Ethan in “From White Plains” – GRCC
• Connor Manion as John Barrymore in “I Hate Hamlet” – Aquinas
• Caleb Jenkins as Mikey in “Up” – Aquinas •Gabriel Reitemeier as Papageno in “The Magic Flute” – GVSU
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A COLLEGE PRODUCTION
•Taylor Nefcy as Blue Girl in “Shout! The Mod Musical” – Aquinas
• Sarah Osborne as Deirdre McDavey in “I Hate Hamlet” – Aquinas
• Kendra McInerney as Helen in “Up” – Aquinas
• Zoe Collenburg as Tilly in “Melancholy Play” – Aquinas
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COLLEGE PRODUCTION
• Myles Messinger-Platt as Gregory in “From White Plains” – GRCC
• Gabriel Reitemeier as Harry in “Company” – GVSU
• Caleb Joyce as Hovstad in “An Enemy of the People” – Cornerstone
• Kenneth Judge as John in “From White Plains” – GRCC •Alexander Williams as Monostatos in “The Magic Flute” – GVSU
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COLLEGE PRODUCTION
• Maggie Bickerstaff as Amy in “Company” – GVSU
• Marisa Purcey as Green Girl in “Shout! The Mod Musical” – Aquinas •Macey Madias as Joanne in “Company” – GVSU
• Giovana Barrett as Maria in “Up” – Aquinas
• Katie Tamayo as Marta in “Company” – GVSU
OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A COLLEGE PRODUCTION
• Tom Kaechele – “Anton in Show Business” – GRCC
• Kathy Gibson – “Shout! The Mod Musical” – Aquinas
• Tom Kaechele – “From White Plains” – GRCC
• Randy Wyatt – “Up” – Aquinas
OUTSTANDING COLLEGE PRODUCTION
•“Anton in Show Business” – GRCC
• “From White Plains” – GRCC
• “The Magic Flute” – GVSU
• “Shout! The Mod Musical” – Aquinas
OUTSTANDING COLLEGE STAGE MANAGER
Each college names one winner. They are:
Bethany Brown – Cornerstone Kendra Jones – GRCC
Caitlin Cusack – GVSU
Ellie Allen – Aquinas
OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER
Recipient: Dirk Grasman
RECOGNITION OF THE PAUL DREHER SCHOLARSHIP
Recipient: Amanda Wright
RECOGNITION OF THE NORMA BRINK SCHOLARSHIP
Recipient: Joshua Regan
RECOGNITION OF DAVID & NICOLETTE SCHOLARSHIP
Recipient: Patrick Nowak
Photos courtesy of Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and Circle Theater
The National Community Theatre Festival, entitled AACTFest, kicks off June 23 – 27, at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. AACTFest, a program of the American Association of Community Theatre, includes twelve winning theatre productions from across the country and U.S. Armed Services, educational experiences, workshop opportunities and networking opportunities for theatre enthusiasts. Theatre productions will be presented at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre after advancing from previous state and regional festivals across the United States.
“The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre is thrilled to be hosting AACTFest 2015,” says Bruce E. Tinker, Executive and Artistic Director with Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. “Inviting theatres from all over the country and our Armed Forces abroad to join us and celebrate our art form in a city that supports so many local theatre companies is a wonderful opportunity.”
During AACTFest 2015, the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre & School of Theatre Arts will be honored with the Diamond Crown Organizational Award from the American Association of Community Theatre, recognizing longevity and vitality of AACT member theatres that have expanded programming and/or facilities in the past ten years and have the administrative leadership to remain vital to their communities for the next ten years. Lou VanderHave, of Grand Rapids, will also be honored with the David C. Bryant Outstanding Service Award, honoring his significant, valuable and lasting service to the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre.
All community theatre performances are open to the public and continue throughout ACCTFest. For a full schedule of performances and to purchase tickets, visit www.AACT.org. Nationally qualifying performances include:
Orphans by Lyle Kessler – Spokane (WA) Civic Theatre, Spokane, Washington
The 39 Steps by John Buchan and Patrick Barlow – Elkhart Civic Theatre, Bristol, Indiana
God of Carnage by Yasmna Reza – The Lantern Theatre/CCAA, Conway, Arkansas
The Romancers by Edmond Rostand – Dassel-Cokato (MN) Community Theatre
Feeding the Moonfish by Barbara Wiechmann – Rochester’s (NY) Black Sheep Theatre
Freud’s Last Session by Mark St. Germain – Kokomo (IN) Civic Theatre, Kokomo, Indiana
The Nina Variations by Steven Dietz – Platte Valley Players Brighton, Colorado
Winter Flowers by Lily Rusek – Warner Theatre Torrington, Connecticut
Detachments by Colleen Dodson-Baker – SHAPE Performing Arts Centre Mons, Belgium
The Lady of Larkspur Lotion by Tennessee Williams – Theatre Albany (GA)
Lone Star by James McLure – Tupelo (MS) Community Theatre
I Am My Own Wife by Doug Wright – The New Group West Cardiff, California
One of the undisputed classics of musical theater is undoubtedly The Sound of Music. Practically everyone has seen the classic movie on television and video. And now you can see it currently at Grand Rapids Civic Theater Wednesdays through Sundays until December 15th. The cast and crew put on an excellent event that exceeds the film version. A stage show of this caliber is just the thing that the season needs to uplift everyone to approaching holiday spirits.
The settings of this show stand out more than anything. The sets are spectacular, notably that of the mountaintop where the lead songstress Maria sings the title tune and later stages a daring escape from the inevitable Nazi takeover of Captain Von Trapp’s beloved Austria with her new family. The greenery and the granite reproductions restore the atmosphere of the hills of Austria, before the war clouds covered them up. The Von Trapp mansion is also notably reproduced, showcasing a classy grandeur of the Captain and his slew of children, along with their two servants, Frau Schmidt and Franz.
The cast is also excellent, boasting veterans of the stage and newcomers.Jessica Doyle, a voice teacher in the Grand Rapids area, plays the lead Maria with gusto and a pixie-like presence, sweet and nurturing at once.Meanwhile, David Duiven plays the Captain with a restrained formality that showcases professionalism as well as a restricted love that he eventually reveals.The children all give solid performances, especially the eldest daughter Liesl, played by Civic debutante Lydia Blickley, who performs an effortless and classic ballet routine in the number “Sixteen Going on Seventeen”, with her almost beau, the town messenger boy Rolf, played by Josh Regan.Special mention also goes to the unmatched talents of the nuns who open the musical with a wonderful rendition of the 110th Psalm, and the wonderful Darla Wortley reprising her award-winning turn as the Mother Abbess, mixing unquestioned authority with adorable moments of childishness and exquisite vocals to boot!
If you had doubts about this serving as an appropriate holiday theatrical outing, think again.The show has so much zest and upbeat cheer in the face of danger that no one shall leave the auditorium unhappy.Go out and buy your tickets, the show is still proving a popular draw after all these years.
There’s the age-old debate, fate vs. free will. Margie has made choices in her life, or was it really just her fate?
This summer, West Michigan teens are learning theatre through a whole new light. Under the keen guidance of Civic Theatre professionals, students are learning the art of performance through specialized dancing, singing, and acting (Intensive) classes. Those with an interest in the technical aspect of theatre are participating in hands on classes in set and costume design, lights and sound, and backstage crewing. Students will showcase their deepening talents with community performances of Sideways Stories from Wayside School and Into the Woods Jr.
