Tag Archives: Grand Rapids Civic Theater

Impact of incarceration: Arbor Circle offers free panel discussion highlighting systemic racism, poverty and community

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Incarceration deeply impacts communities in several ways (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

Arbor Circle is inviting the community to a conversation about the impact of incarceration on our community, barriers and challenges faced by returning citizens, and ways to support returning citizens.

As our community commemorates Martin Luther King Jr. Day, join Arbor Circle at their third annual Growing Together event from 6-8 p.m. on Jan. 11 for a free panel discussion on the impact of incarceration in our community.

Honoring a legacy, impacting the community

Arbor Circle event panelists (Courtesy, Arbor Circle)

The panel discussion, presented in partnership with Civic Theatre, will take place at Wealthy Theatre with the option for guests to join in-person or virtually. While the event is free to attend, please register to help us plan: Event Registration.

Event panelists include Dee Dee Taylor, Founder and President of Taylor Made Re-Entry; West Michigan Works! Project Manager Wes Selent; Director of Cure Violence Grand Rapids and Member of City of Grand Rapids SAFE Taskforce Richard Griffin, and Mike Cole, Arbor Circle Clinical Manager.

“Bringing this important conversation to our community honors the legacy of Dr. King,” said Enid Gaddis, Director of Equity & Inclusion at Arbor Circle. “The impact of incarceration is felt by individuals, families, communities, and across systems.

“Our panelists will be exploring this impact from diverse perspectives, which include their lived experience and roles as service providers. I am excited to be part of the conversation.”

Don’t leave yet – there’s more!

As an extension of our Growing Together event, Arbor Circle is partnering with Grand Rapids Civic Theatre as they launch their production of Clyde’s, running Jan. 19-28.

(Courtesy photo)

This modern play explores the tremendous hurdles formerly incarcerated folks experience in life outside prison walls. Themes include safe housing, employment, specific support for women of color, and more.

Learn more about the show, Community Resource Night on Jan. 25, and the “pay what you want” opportunity here: https://www.grct.org/clydes/.

The panel discussion is sponsored by Veneklasen Construction, Fifth Third Bank, Grand Valley State University, Horizon Bank, Hungerford Nichols CPAs + Advisors, Mika Meyers PLC, PCE Systems, Sytsma Wealth Strategies – Raymond James, and Urban League of West Michigan.

Snapshots: Wyoming and Kentwood weekend news you want to know

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Food, Going Local, Holidays, Kids Activities, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, ,

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

Quote of the Day

"Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all."
  
                                                 ~ Stanley Horowitz

Pumpkin Path in Wyoming

The City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department is excited to once again host the 15th annual Pumpkin Path, a free event for kids and families on Saturday, Oct. 13, at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW. The event will be held from 4-6 p.m. Local businesses, clubs and organizations will host spaces along the path and will hand out candy, coupons and other goodies. Not only should children expect to receive treats, they should also look forward to a DJ and dancing, jumping in the bounce house and games. Participants are welcome to come in costume or in regular clothes. Read more here.

 

Woodland Mall’s Fall Fest

Woodland Mall will feature 12 local artisans and other vendors at its first-ever Fall Festival, slated for Saturday, Oct. 13, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Shoppers will have the opportunity to explore handcrafted goods, face painting and kids’ craft activities inside the mall, and enjoy live music by Lana Chalfoun, a 13-year-old singer-songwriter from Grand Rapids. Also featured at the festival will be a free petting zoo on the outdoor plaza, which is located between Celebration! Cinema and Barnes & Noble. Read more here.

 

And on a more serious theme

What is bravery? How can one person make a difference? These are a few of the questions this Newbery Medal award-winning novel, “Number the Stars,” asks its readers and now its audience.  For the first time on Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s stage, this powerful story of a young Christian girl’s willingness to risk her life to save her Jewish friend is told. Set in Copenhagen, Denmark, during World War II, the story reflects our world’s dark history in an effort to remind us all, good and light continues to be found. Grand Rapids Civic Theatre presents “Number the Stars” Oct. 12 – 21 at its theater, 30 N. Division Ave.  Read about it here.

 

Fun Fact:

In 1584, after French explorer Jacques Cartier explored the St. Lawrence region of North America, he reported finding “gros melons.” The name was translated into English as “pompions,” which has since evolved into the modern “pumpkin.”
And some still think they are 'gross' to eat. Source.

South Christian grad takes the lead in upcoming Grand Rapids Civic Theatre production

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In character: Audrey Filson as Tracy Lord in Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s “The Philadelphia.”

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

When actress and South Christian graduate Audrey Filson talks about Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s upcoming production of “The Philadelphia Story,” she likes to refer to it as “The Education of Tracy Lord.”

 

“Tracy has a pretty well developed sense of morality,” said Filson, who portrays the headstrong and spoiled daughter of a privileged family in the production that runs through Jan. 29. “She starts with a world view of black and white and as she goes through the story, she starts to see that not everything falls that way.”

 

And Filson can relate well to her character’s change of view. Bitten by the acting bug at the age of nine when she went to see Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s production of “Peter Pan,” Filson started auditioning for shows and even decided to make acting a career after graduating high school in 2006. But a few years ago, Filson, who parents live in Kentwood, moved back to Grand Rapids, enrolled in graduate school and is now a counselor at the non-profit 3rd Chair.

 

“I think everyone’s life changes,” Filson said. “You receive new information and other interactions all of which makes you take a look at who actually am I. I’m still learning and through that I have added this new part to my life and I am still able to incorporate the acting into that as well.”

 

Acting up: Audrey Filson in rehearsal. (Photos courtesy of Grand Rapids Civic Theatre)

The acting certainly bug did not leave Filson and she periodically checks out the shows coming up at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre to see if there is a part that might be a good fit, which was the case of Tracy Lord in “The Philadelphia Story.”

 

Originally written for Katharine Hepburn, the story takes place in 1939 and centers around Tracy Lord, a Philadelphia socialite. After a recent divorce, she is engaged to a wealthy snob. A society weekly sends a reporter and female photographer to cover the wedding with Tracy having feelings for the reporter. All is going well, until Tracy and the reporter are caught by her fiancée and ex-husband taking an evening swim.

 

“When I read the script, I was very intrigued by the character in that she was complicated but someone you could grow to love,” Filson said, adding that Tracy is a woman before her time as by 1939’s as well as today’s standards she would be considered a strong and independent person.

 

The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre production stays true to the original script with the setting in the late 1903s and while a period piece, Filson said the story of relationships will resonate well with today’s audience.

 

“It’s a romantic comedy,” Filson said, noting that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. “It’s a wonderful story that allows the audience to escape from their life and journey with the character as she learns about humanity and all the people in her life, providing lessons that are still great for the community today.”

 

The story also takes place in June, which according to Filson “might warm you up on these cold January days. At least, I am going with that.”

 

Actress Julianne Moore’s storybook character comes to life on Civic’s stage

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Byron Center's Abbie Westers plays Freckleface Strawberry in Grand Rapids Civic Theatre's upcoming production "Freckleface Strawberry the Musical," running April 22 - May 1.
Byron Center’s Abbie Westers plays Freckleface Strawberry in Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s upcoming production “Freckleface Strawberry the Musical,” running April 22 – May 1.

Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

When Allyson Paris got hired as the new Grand Rapids Civc Theatre associate director, she learned right away about the spring children’s production Freckleface Strawberry the Musical and immediately went out and purchased all the books in the series.

 

“I was familiar with the first one but quickly went out and got my hands on all the ones I could find,” said Paris who directs the upcoming show which runs April 22 – May 1.

 

Freckleface Strawberry the Musical is based on the New York Times best-selling children’s book written by actress Julianne Moore. Moore – whose nickname when a child was Freckleface Strawberry – has stated that the story is based on her childhood memories and those stories have resonated well with both young and old as the original book has now grown into a book series with two apps and the musical. Paris did not know about the apps.

 

“Oh my gosh, I’ve been schooled,” she said with a laugh. “I’ll have to tell the cast about them. More research.”

 

Freckleface Strawberry (played by Byron Center’s Abbie Westers who was in Civc’s production of Mary Poppins and Junie B. Jones) is just like every other girl, except she has bright red hair and, according to her, something far worse, freckles. She will do anything to get rid of her freckles until her schoolmates help her learn a valuable lesson: everyone is different and that’s what makes everyone special.

 

“I feel the message of valuing what makes us different and celebrating ourselves is great for kids,” Paris said, quickly adding “and adults.”

 

Paris said Freckleface is part of the new generation of musicals. “It’s a smart, funny, musical,” she said. “It is upbeat, modern and really refreshing.

 

“It also has a broad range. Should you bring your five-year-old, absolutely. Should you bring your 15-year-old, of course.”

 

And despite it being about a 6-year-old girl, who by the way is kind of tomboyish, Paris can attest that the story is relatable to both boys and girls as her main reading partner with all those books she purchased was her six-year-old son “and he loves the Freckleface books.”

 

Freckleface Strawberry is a children’s musical appropriate for children ages four and older. The production is an hour long, which Paris noted is great for a first-time theater experience. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, 30 N. Division Ave. It is recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled performance. Tickets are $10 – $16. For more information, visit grct.org or call the theater’s box office at 616-222-6650.

This nun is fun: Sister Act premiers at the Civic Theater

Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Reviews, Upcoming Events, , , ,

susanne_albaitisCivic 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
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’s Small Cast Gives a Large Performance

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susanne_albaitisBarefoot 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.

BarefootinPark

 

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.

A Christmas Story The Musical, Love and Laughter for the Holidays

Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Recreation, Reviews, Upcoming Events, , , ,

A Christmas Storysusanne_albaitisOur 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.

A Christmas StoryRalphie (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.

A Christmas StoryAt 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 Great Gatsby is a cautionary tale about the perils of the American Dream

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Civic Theater Great Gatsby

By: Victoria Mullen

Set in a world of privilege, prohibition, decadence, wealth, colliding social worlds, and the incompatible contradictions, The Great Gatsby portrays an ill-fated quest for the American Dream.

Kicking off its 90th year, the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre (GRTC) opens this stage play Sept. 11, which runs through Sept. 27. Described as a cautionary tale, the production is recommended for teen and adult audiences. It closely follows the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald and includes original dialogue.

First published in 1925, Fitzgerald’s 50,000-word novel focuses on 10 individuals living in the non-existent town of West Egg on prosperous Long Island in the summer of 1922. Mysterious, self-made millionaire, Jay Gatsby is consumed by his passion and obsession with a beautiful, high-society girl, Daisy Buchanan. Driven to recreate himself as something astounding, and believing that fiction can be transformed into truth, the young man becomes ensnared in a trap of deception that costs him the ultimate sacrifice, as he passionately pursues the enigmatic Daisy Buchanan in a story of danger, greed, and obsession.

Inspired by the wild parties he reveled in on Long Island’s north shore, Fitzgerald started planning the novel in 1923. Writing was slow going, and the author completed his first draft after he moved to the French Riviera in 1924.

Fitzgerald died thinking his book was a failure
Fitzgerald died thinking his book was a failure

Upon publication, The Great Gatsby received mixed reviews; it sold only 20,000 copies the first year. When Fitzgerald died in 1940, he believed himself a failure and his work forgotten. Then, the novel enjoyed a resurgence during World War II and became required reading in American high schools. Over the years, many stage and film adaptations were produced, including the 2013 film starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Fitzgerald based many of the novel’s events on his own early life experiences. He grew up in Minnesota, and like Nick, he attended an Ivy League school, Princeton (in Nick’s case, Yale).

As with Gatsby, Fitzgerald was seduced into a life of decadence as he sought to prove himself to the object of his obsession. As a second lieutenant stationed at Camp Sheridan in Montgomery, Alabama, Fitzgerald met and fell in love with a tempestuous teenaged beauty named Zelda Sayre. Zelda’s insatiable desire for fun, leisure, and wealth caused her to delay marrying Fitzgerald until he could prove to her that he was a success.

As he attained celebrity status, Fitzgerald tumbled into a wild, irresponsible lifestyle of parties and self-indulgence, all the while writing to earn money in a desperate struggle to please Zelda. Similarly, Gatsby amasses a great deal of wealth at a young age, and applies himself to procuring possessions and hosting lavish parties designed to win him Daisy’s love.

Gatsby embodies Fitzgerald’s struggle to confront his clashing feelings about the Jazz Age. As with Gatsby, Fitzgerald was propelled by his obsession for a woman who epitomized everything he wanted, even as she led him toward everything he loathed.

The case of The Great Gatsby
The case of The Great Gatsby

The GRCT production stars Brian Peerbolt as Jay Gatsby, Audrey Filson as Daisy Buchanan, Whitney Dykhouse as Myrtle Wilson, Sydney Doorbos as Jordan Baker, Matthew Swartz as Tom Buchanan, David Cobb as Nick Carraway, Patrick Hendren as George Wilson, Linnae Caurdy as Mrs. McKee/Michaelis, Liam Tichelaar as Mr. McKee/Cop, and Leo Zainea as Meyer Wolfsheim.

WHEN: September 11-27
WHERE: Grand Rapids Civic Theater, 30 N. Division Ave., Grand Rapids
Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.
Call 616.222.6650 or purchase tickets ($16-$28) online
Link to commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIV1PjRWaYk&feature=youtu.be
The 2015/16 Season Ticket Pages are on sale now. Learn more here.

Grand Rapids Civic Theater Opens Their New Season in September

Local Entertainment, Our Cities,

Civic TheaterGrand Rapids Civic Theater is opening their 2015/16 season on September 11th and will run through June 19th. The youth plays will finish up the season on August 7th. Make sure to check out the full line-up of plays and plan your schedule accordingly! You won’t want to miss what the Grand Rapids Civic Theater has to offer!

GatsbyThe Great Gatsby – September 11 – September 27

A stage play, adapted by Simon Levy, with exclusive approval from the Fitzgerald Estate. Based on the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel of the same name, this play brings to life an honest and powerful rendition of the quest for the American Dream during the Roaring Twenties. Jay Gatsby, a young and mysterious character is consumed by his passion and obsession with a beautiful former debutante, Daisy Buchanan.  Driven to recreate himself as something magnificent and the belief that fiction can be willed truth, Gatsby becomes entangled in a web of deception that will cost him the ultimate sacrifice. Buy Tickets.

SleepyHollowSleepy Hollow a Musical Tale – October 23 – November 1

A new musical version of the classic Washington Irving story, this updated spin begins in the present day on Halloween night as three modern-day children find themselves thrust into the mysterious village of Sleepy Hollow, in Colonial New England. The children encounter a slew of colorful characters, and even a confrontation with the infamous Headless Horseman himself.  As the children sing and dance their way through the world of the 18th century they find the origins for traditions that are celebrated today as they unveil the haunting allure of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Buy Tickets.

ChristmasStoryA Christmas Story, The Musical – November 20 – December 20

Civic Theatre has secured exclusive West Michigan rights for this seasonal delight just in time for the Holidays.  Ralphie Parker only wants one thing for Christmas: an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200 shot Range Model Air Rifle (with a compass in the stock and this thing which tells time) and he is on a quest to make sure this gift ends up under his Christmas tree.

A Christmas Story, The Musical is recommended for children and adults, ages eight and older. For an even greater theatre experience, read the Jean Sheppard short story and follow that with a movie viewing! Buy Tickets.

BarefootinParkBarefoot in the Park – January 15 – January 31

Neil Simon, an American playwright and screenwriter has left his comedic footprint in the world of arts and culture. One of his shining stars is found in the 1963 stage play, Barefoot in the Park. Paul and Corie Bratter are newlyweds in every sense of the word. He is a straight-as-an-arrow lawyer and she is a free spirit always searching for the newest trend.  Team this relationship with an overpriced and under-performing New York apartment, a nosey mother-in-law, a zany neighbor and the result is some of Simon’s best work. Barefoot in the Park will bring laughter and warmth to the cold West Michigan January. Buy Tickets.

SisterActSister Act – The Musical – February 26 – March 20

After a successful Broadway tour, the Civic Theatre has been awarded the performance rights to this musical sensation. Original music by Tony and Oscar-winning composer, Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors) brings this comedic sensation to life.  Deloris VanCartier is a wanna-be diva who witnesses a crime. Her only chance of surviving is to go deep into hiding, in one of the most unlikely places The Holy Order of the Little Sisters of Our Mother of Perpetual Faith: a convent full of tone-deaf singing nuns. Buy Tickets.

frecklefaceFreckleface Strawberry – April 22 – May 1

This children’s musical is filled with entertainment and an important message for children of all ages.  This play comes straight from the pages of the New York Times Best Selling book, written by celebrated and award-winning actress, Julianne Moore. Freckleface Strawberry is just like every other girl, except she has bright red hair and something worse… FRECKLES! She will do anything to get rid of her freckles until her schoolmates help her learn a valuable lesson: everyone is different – and that’s what makes everyone special.

A children’s musical appropriate for children ages four and older. For an even greater theatre experience read the series of Freckleface Strawberry books written by Julianne Moore. Buy Tickets.

carolineorchangeCaroline,  Or Change – June 3 – June19

Race, rage and civil rights are at the heart of this deeply personal (semi-autobiographical) story by Tony Kushner (Pulitzer Prize for Angels in America).  This is the story of Caroline Thibodeaux, a divorced mother of four, middle-aged African-American maid who works for a Jewish family – the Gellmans – in (1963) Louisiana. Caroline, a woman resistant to change and conflict, finds herself in the middle of a Gellman family conflict and changes in the world around her. The nation is in the middle of conflict and change: Vietnam, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the Civil Rights Movement. Buy Tickets.

youthplaysSideways Stories from Wayside School – July 29 – August 7 – Youth Play

Welcome to Wayside, a thirty-story building with one classroom on each floor. The zany characters will take you on a bizarre classroom journey that promises to thrill and excite the entire family. Buy Tickets.

Into the Woods – July 29 – August 7 – Youth Musical

The Brothers Grimm hit the stage with an epic fairy tale about wishes, family and the choices we make. Buy Tickets.

Visit GRCT.org for more information!

“Mousetrap” keeps audiences guessing

Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Recreation, , ,

susanne_albaitis The world’s longest running play, Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap,” is now showing on Grand Rapids Civic Theater’s stage.  This same play has been running continuously in London’s West End for sixty-three years.  Christie adapted the play from a radio show called “Three Blind Mice.”

 

The curtains open to a very impressive set.  Two open arches, two arched doorways, thick wooden trim, period furniture and snow falling outside the window take the audience to an English inn so many decades ago.  All of these details bring the viewers into the scene and make the characters even more believable.

mousetrap 4
Nervous house guests try to survive a vacation that’s become murder.

A radio broadcast sets the stage with a startling bit of information that a murderer is close by.  A pledge is exacted from the audience to keep the ending a secret, then the play jumps right into the first murder scene.  The audience is left with an eerie whistling of “Three Blind Mice” and the guessing begins.

 

We are introduced to each of the inn’s guests one at a time.  Wren, an odd, child-like architect, is the first guest to arrive.  He brings comic relief to every scene, but also great suspicion because of his attachment to nursery rhymes, like “Three Blind Mice.”

 

Mrs. Boyle and Major Metcalf are next to arrive, followed by Miss Casewell and then Mr. Paravicini.  Some of the guests have reservations and a few do not.  As each guest arrives, many suspicious hints are given.  And each is dressed exactly as the murderer is described on the radio report. No one is quite who they appear to be. Everyone has secrets.

 

Like other Christie tales, everyone is trapped in the same house with no way to call for help. Yet it’s frighteningly clear the murderer is among them. And then what happens…?

 

Come enjoy the suspense that has made “The Mousetrap” London’s longest running play.  The play runs January 16 – February 1.  Show times are Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 PM; Sundays matinee at 2 PM.

“The Mousetrap” keeps Audiences asking ‘Whodunnit?’

Local Entertainment,

susanne_albaitisCivic Theater’s Inside Dish shares suspense!

The world’s longest running play, Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap”, captures the stage at Grand Rapids Civic Theater January 16 through February 1st. This suspense-filled murder mystery will have you guessing Whodunnit? right up to the final curtain.

The Inside Dish on "The Mousetrap" - suspense!
The Inside Dish on “The Mousetrap” – suspense!

 

Several guests arrive at an English boarding house during a snowy winter storm.  Within this cast of characters is a murderer and the audience is as swept up in the need to solve the crimes as are the guests.  Christie’s plot twists and turns keep the suspicions shifting.  The guests become ill at ease with each other knowing that one of them is responsible for the crimes.  Tensions run high among these snow-bound travelers and even the strongest bonds are tested.

 

This record-holding play had its humble origins as a radio show titled “Three Blind Mice”.  Christie changed the name to “The Mousetrap” on the insistence of Emile Littler who had produced a play by the same name prior to Christie’s.  When “The Mousetrap” began its run in the West End, there was little in the way of entertainment in people’s homes.  In its original run, the play lasted upward of four hours and was three acts long.  Modern times has forced the play to down scale a bit, now running for two acts in about half the time.

 

Come to the Civic and see for yourself why the suspenseful plot and intriguing cast of characters has kept “The Mousetrap” running continuously in London’s West End for 63 years.

 

Showtimes are Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 PM, with a Sunday matinee performance at 2 PM.  Tickets are available by phone at (888) 695-0888 or on line at www.grct.org/purchasetickets.html.

The Winds of Change are Bringing Mary Poppins to Town

Citizen Journalism, , ,

susanne_albaitisJust in time for the holidays, Mary Poppins soars onto Grand Rapids Civic Theater’s stage, reminding us all about the important things in life: love and family.

 

November 14, 2014 through December 14, 2014, this beloved children’s story comes to life for the first time ever on Civic’s stage. Grand Rapids Civic Theater was only one of six community theaters in the country given the rights to perform Mary Poppins.

Mary Poppins
Alyssa Bauer as Mary Poppins

 

The seasoned cast includes Civic alum, Alyssa Bauer who transforms herself from perky wife and mother into the proper, boot and hat wearing nanny, Mary Poppins. Her sweet, yet powerful songs will have you believing that a spoonful of sugar will make the medicine go down. You may recognize her from her previous roles at the Civic including Cinderella in Cinderella, Maria in The Sound of Music, Martha Washington in 1776 and Mary Hatch in A Wonderful Life.

 

Villainous nanny, Miss Andrews is played to perfection by Allyson Paris, a musical theater and voice teacher at Civic. Miss Andrews is hired to replace a missing Mary Poppins, but her tyrannical discipline style differs greatly from Mary’s sweet disposition. Watch for the funny, yet dramatic “duel” between Mary Poppins and Miss Andrews.

 

The accomplished and talented William Schutte plays Bert, Mary Poppins’s life-long friend. Schutte’s stage career has taken him around the world. He was also cast in the touring productions of A Chorus Line, Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita.

 

His accomplishments extend beyond the stage; for years Schutte has choreographed shows at Civic and has won a number of Grand Awards for his productions. His role in Mary Poppins will return him to the stage where his passion for tap and theater will surely shine.

Set Design
Civic Theater being transported back to 1900’s London

 

Set design is another important piece of this spirited musical. Turning Civic Theater into 1900’s London is the work of scenic designer, David Len. Len uses a paintbrush with a four-foot bamboo extension to paint and splatter his way back to Edwardian London. Watching the backdrops come to life is an impressive show in itself.

 

The dancing penguins from the movie are absent in the play, but there are however statues that come to life. This holds true to the book series, Mary Poppins, written by P. L. Travers.

 

Auditions for the show were particularly difficult because performers needed to have singing, acting and tap dancing skills; the triple threat. Tap dancing is a bit of a lost art in the new millennium, but who knows, Civic’s four week run of Mary Poppins may just have Grand Rapids residents tap dancing in the streets.

 

Tickets are available on line at http://www.grct.org/purchasetickets.html or by calling (888) 695-0888. Grand Rapids Civic Theater also offers a number of ticket packages on their website.  Mary Poppins Case

The Hills Are Alive with the Sound of Music

Local Entertainment,

Beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein Family Musical Returns on Stage at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre

Sound of Music

By Nancy Brozek

The Sound of Music is returning to the Grand Rapids Civic Stage, November 15 – December 15.  The show features music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. The beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein Family Musical was based off the memoirs of Maria Augusta Trapp’s “The Trapp Family Singers”.

 

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s final collaboration has become cherished by family audiences around the world. The musical’s fame inspired the creation of the most popular movie musical of all time, making the show in high demand.

 

“The message to take away from the show is that I hope people would value family, courage and sticking together,” said Penelope Notter, director of The Sound of Music, “This is a brave family, who would not tolerate evil and instead risked their lives to get away. It’s a pretty compelling story. And it is true.”

 

The Sound of Music follows the story of Maria Rainer, a spirited young woman who was dispatched from a convent to serve as a governess for seven children of the widowed Captain von Trapp. Gradually, the relationship between the stern Captain and Maria grows into a marriage. The couple returns from their honeymoon to find Austria invaded by the Nazis, who call upon the Captain’s service. The story concludes as the family narrowly escapes to Switzerland on the eve of World War II, creating one of the most thrilling and inspirational finales ever presented in theatre.

 

Ticket Prices $18 – $35

 

See events calendar for specific days and times: http://grct.org/eventschedule.html

 

For information on the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre or to purchase tickets, call 616-222-6650 or visit www.GRCT.org.