Thursday, November 13, 2014
Review: CTGSC's The Roar of the Greaspaint - The Smell of the Crowd
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| L-R: Alec Medlock and Sean Smith. Photos by Sherry Linn |
Typically, Children’s Theatre Group of Southern California produces shows that feature its young company members who range in age from 8 to 18. Participants in CTGSC’s long-established and well-respected educational program learn the craft of theatre and then put their skills to use by auditioning for mainstage musicals like Godspell, Jr. and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. I had the pleasure of seeing both of those shows previously and they were charming, upbeat, and engaging productions; the kind that put a smile on your face and make you glad you made the effort to go to the theater.
This time around they tackle something with a little more bite and a lot more social awareness – Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley’s The Roar of the Greasepaint, the Smell of the Crowd. It’s the second of the duo’s three major collaboration, sandwiched between Stop the World I Want To Get Off and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and the one least familiar. It isn’t often produced, which makes it an interesting choice for a company like this.
Adult actors take on the leading roles but the chorus of Urchins (Lola Michelle Brown, Tess Cooley, Alexa Druyanoff, Langdon Janos, Vera Wheatley) and The Kid (Liam Daniels), are played by the youths. These street kids act as a singing and dancing Greek chorus, always watching the main action and jumping into play when a song calls them forth. They are considerably younger than the original teens who played the roles on Broadway, which gives the piece an interesting twist. Their hopeful smiles and bright-eyed optimism underscore the disparity between the haves and have nots in a way I found extremely intriguing. Kay Cole, who co-directs (with Bonnie Hellman) and does the delightful musical staging, was one of the original Urchins on Broadway. Cole and Hellman handle the story’s unpleasantries with finesse.
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| [L-R] Front: Lola Michele Brown and Vera Wheatley. Rear: Tess Cooley, Liam Daniels, Alec Medlock, Alexa Druyanoff, and Langdon James |
Roar of the Greasepaint is an allegorical tale in which two British blokes, Cocky (Alec Medlock) and Sir (Sean Smith), are stuck on an eternal merry-go-round, playing the game of life – literally. Sir always wins and Cocky always loses. That’s because in this game Sir calls all the shots, making the rules and changing them whenever he pleases. His art of manipulation is so well conceived that poor Cocky doesn’t even realize Sir never actually plays the game himself. All he does is set up the rules so that Cocky can never win a round, and thus, can never gain control of the game.
Medlock and Smith are a well matched pair of cultural emblems. Medlock embodies the optimism of the lower class with all its good humor and innocence while Smith’s haughtiness reflects the character of an entitled upper class. Bricusse & Newley’s score favors the common man with their best and most recognizable songs going to Cocky. Medlock’s joy is infectious on the uplifting “A Wonderful Day Like Today,” and there is a genuine camaraderie between him and the urchins, whose cherubic, soot-stained faces beam as they sing and dance alongside him. He is strongest in these upbeat moments, a song and dance man with a Vaudevillian flair for comedy and a self-deprecating charm.
Two other songs will be particularly recognizable: the emotional “Who Can I Turn To?” which has been sung by everyone from Tony Bennett to Sammy Davis, Jr., and one of my favorites, “Feelin’ Good,” recorded by both Nina Simone and Michael Bublé.
Two other songs will be particularly recognizable: the emotional “Who Can I Turn To?” which has been sung by everyone from Tony Bennett to Sammy Davis, Jr., and one of my favorites, “Feelin’ Good,” recorded by both Nina Simone and Michael Bublé.
Medlock handles the songs nicely, though he has more control over his mid-range than high notes. The sing-song pattern of Smith’s speaking voice becomes appropriately irritating adding a pomposity to Sir that makes it even easier to sympathize with the likable Medlock. Each time he plays the game, it is with a different motivation. First it’s for food, then a job, love, and finally, once he sees an outside player win at the game, to get revenge on Sir.
The dream girl Cocky fancies is Caitlin Gallogly, a waif who ends up being another of Sir’s pawns used to control Cocky. Gallogly keeps it simple, making her brief appearance in the show a moving addition to Cocky’s plight. Her singing is a sheer delight, and the delicacy of her soprano lines float hypnotically over the audience creating a beautiful effect. Scenes with two additional characters who arrive in the second act, The Stranger (Marc Antonio Pritchett) and The Bully (Phil Biedron) become turning points for Cocky as the game starts to spin out of control.
CTGSC steps up its game with this latest production. It offers its young actors and its audience an opportunity for growth by stimulating the kind of critical thinking that only a socially-conscious work of art can. I found myself smiling at their cheerful confidence with the material, inspired by the company’s pluck, and impressed with their desire to stretch beyond what they have tackled previously. This is a successful expression of CTGSC’s bigger commitment and an enjoyable experience from beginning to end.
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| Alec Medlock and Caitlin Gallogly |
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| L-R: Sean Smith, Marc Antonio Pritchett, and Alec Medlock |
THE ROAR OF THE GREASEPAINT, THE SMELL OF THE CROWD
November 1 - 23, 2014
Children’s Theatre Goup of Southern California at
The Eclectic Company Theatre
5312 Laurel Canyon Blvd.
Valley Village, CA 91607
Tickets: $15 (818) 508-3003 or
www.eclecticcompanytheatre.org
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Labels: ctgsc, eclectic company
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
What's Happening Around Town for Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Athens University is in the midst of a thirty-year losing streak, so Lyssie J. and her girl-power posse won’t “give it up” to their basketball-playing boyfriends until they win a game. The hilarious dialogue and upbeat score from five-time Tony nominated playwright Douglas Carter Beane and Lewis Flinn is an electric combination of Mean Girls, Glee and Pitch Perfect. The Opening Gala on Saturday, Feb. 15 includes a post-show reception at Chance Theater’s new location, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, CA 92807. For tickets, call (714) 777-3033 or visit www.ChanceTheater.com.
Getting to Know….Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, the authorized version of the classic musical Cinderella for young people, will take place in North Hollywood Feb. 28 – March 23. The show features book & lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, music by Richard Rodgers, and is adapted by Tom Briggs. Presented by the Children’s Theatre Group of Southern California and The Eclectic Company Theatre, it is directed and choreographed by Kay Cole, and features vocal direction by Ben Enright. The cast includes Ava Benavente, Lola Michelle Brown, Zoe Busenberg, Sabrina Grace Carr, Tess Cooley, Ella Grane, Griffin Gunn-Myers, Langdon Janos, Justin Knott, Savannah Miller, Cleo Riley, Vera Wheatley and Jenna Zuckerman. Costume design is by Tricia Berry. Set and lighting design is by John Dickey. Produced by Sherry Lynn and Robert Briscoe Evans. For tickets, call (818) 508-3003 or go to www.ctgsc.org.
Hippolyta rules as Queen of the Amazons, where women are warriors and men keep house, raise the kids, and buy new hats. The source of the queen’s power is the girdle of the goddess Diana, in the possession of and worn by Hippolyta. The gods have decreed that Hercules, as one of his assigned Twelve Labors, must relieve Hippolyta of the girdle and spirit it away so Hercules heads for Amazonia in the company of the Greek army. The fun has just begun. By Jupiter’s cast includes Saratoga Ballantine, Troy Guthrie, Patricia Jaramillo, Devra Korwin, Gerald Lancaster, Evan McNamara, Kerry Melachouris, Barbara Minkus, Anne Montavon, Donald Moore, Michael Pammit, Linda L. Rand, Nick Santa Maria, Sandra Tucker, and Sarah Ann Vail. For tickets, visit www.theatrewest.org.
William Finn & Rachel Sheinkin’s The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will run Feb. 14 – Mar. 1 at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood, directed by Kristin Towers-Rowles, with musical direction by Jake Anthony. The cast includes Nicole Barredo, Tavis Dixson, Leigh Golden, Kimberly Hessler, John Devereaux, Craig McEldowney, Chuck McCollum, Erik Romney and Emily King Brown. www.elportaltheatre.com
MUSICAL THEATRE CLASSES: Dan Callaway’s Musical Theatre Workshop & Dinner is back, beginning Tuesdays, January 21st. Bring any song you’re working on, need to prep for an audition, or are adding to your book and work it. An accompanist is provided and Dan’s new structure is even easier than before. Class is $45 (It used to be $75/class, $300/month and there is a week-by-week sign up with no monthly commitment. Dinner at 6:00 pm. Class is 7:30 – 9:00 pm. Eight participants max. Location: Dan’s home in Eagle Rock. Click Here for more info and how to sign up.
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Labels: chance theater, ctgsc, el portal theatre, mainstreet theatre company, riverside rep, theatre west
Friday, February 1, 2013
What's Happening Around Town for February 1, 2013
The Old Globe has announced the complete cast and creative team for the world premiere of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, a new musical comedy with book by Robert L. Freedman, music by Steven Lutvak and lyrics by Freedman and Lutvak. Former Old Globe co-artistic director Darko Tresnjak returns to the Globe to direct the production. Based on the novel Israel Rank by Roy Horniman, the musical also features choreography by Peggy Hickey. The musical runs March 8 – April 14, with opening night on Wednesday, March 13 at 7:00 pm.
When Monty Navarro (Ken Barnett), the black sheep of the D’Ysquith family, finds out he is ninth in line to inherit a dukedom, he decides to eliminate the other eight heirs standing in his way – all played by Tony Award winner Jefferson Mays (I Am My Own Wife). Set in England’s elegant Edwardian era, this witty music hall comedy was proclaimed “gorgeous, funny and melodious” by the Harford Courant. Named one of the top 10 “Hottest Tickets of the Year” by The New York Times, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder explores how low we’ll go to make it to the top. The cast also features Chilina Kennedy (Phoebe D’Ysquith), Lisa O’Hare (Sibella Hallward) and Heather Ayers, Rachel Izen, Kevin Ligon, Kendal Sparks, Price Waldman and Catherine Walker (Ensemble). Tickets can be purchased at www.TheOldGlobe.org.
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Happily Never After: a fairy tale gone bad by Nick DeGregorio (music & lyrics) and Scott Guy (book), will open March 1st at the Eclectic Company Theatre. Produced by Sherry Lynn and Robert Briscoe Evans for the Children’s Theatre Group of Southern California, it will be directed and choreographed by Kay Cole, with musical direction by Roy Leake, Jr. The family musical features favorite fairy tale characters like Hansel and Gretel, Sleeping Beauty, The Three Little Pigs, Chicken Little, Prince Charming, Mother Goose, but the story has a twist. The Big Bad Wolf and his cohorts, the Gingerbread Witch, the Queen of Hearts, and the Thirteenth Fairy, have kidnapped Mother Goose and the rest of the Good Guys. Luckily Chicken Little and the Wolf’s kid brother are still free and, though they’re little, they endeavor to save the day.
The cast includes Ava Benavente, Zoe Rae Calamar, Sabrina Carr, Carlis Shane Clark, Jesse Clem, Catherine Crouch, Stephanie Dimont, Jake Foster, Ella Grane, Jordan Greenbaum, Sara McMahon, Alec Medlock, Daniela Rodrigo, Lana Schwartz, Vera Wheatley, and Mikaela Zelinger. Happily Never After runs March 1- March 24, Fri. & Sat. at 7:00, Sun. at 2:00. For reservations call (818) 508-3003. The Eclectic Company Theatre, 5312 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Valley Village, CA 91607.
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Nationally recognized actor and vocalist Gia Mora (a four-time Helen Hayes Award nominee), will appear in the world premiere her new solo show, Einstein’s Girl, at The Gardenia Restaurant and Lounge in Hollywood on Thursday, February 21, at 9pm. Einstein’s Girl explores the “science of love... theoretically speaking.” Mora turns her signature wit and intellectual prowess on an unlikely paring of human languages ... love and mathematics. In her hilarious show, she investigates dating in the digital age through a journey to the edges of the universe and the interior of your heart. Mora will be joined by special guests Charlie Barnett and Devin Kelly. Tickets are $20, plus a two drink minimum and are on sale now by calling 323-467-7444. Click Here for more information. The Gardenia Restaurant and Lounge is located at 7066 Santa Monica Boulevard, in Hollywood (at the corner of Santa Monica and La Brea).
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Friday, November 9, 2012
Godspell, Jr., A Joyful Celebration From CTGSC
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| L-R: Sara McMahon, Zoe Calamar, Daniela Rodrigo, and Jake Foster. Photos by Sherry Lynn |
The optimism of youth radiates from each of the enthusiastic performers who make up the cast of Godspell, Jr., the Stephen Schwartz musical that is taking the stage at Eclectic Company Theatre in North Hollywood. Directed by Bonnie Hellman, and featuring the talents of Children’s Theatre Group of Southern California’s young actors, it is a joyful celebration of love and faith told through a series of familiar parables like The Good Samaritan and The Prodigal Son.
The musical was originally conceived by Michael Tebelak and based on the Gospels according to St. Matthew and St. Luke. Fans of its full-length parent musical Godspell will find most of the songs present here in this lighter student version, including such favorites as “Day By Day,” “All For the Best,” and “All Good Gifts,” plus “Beautiful City” from the 1973 film.
Hellman, musical director Roy Leake, Jr. and choreographer Terry J. Barto (with additional choreography by Shauna Markey) have brought the material to life with contemporary references and humorous touches that enhance the teachings and allow this capable group of up-and-coming young actors plenty of opportunity to show their skills. The result is a fun, uplifting, and thoroughly enjoyable one act production that will appeal to the whole family.
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| Noah Meyers and Livia Blum |
Jake Foster (Jesus) leads the way with a sweet, warm manner that brings this rag tag group of street kids lovingly together as a community and Noah Kennedy Meyers shows off his expertise with comedy, in addition to more serious turns as John the Baptist and Judas. His “Light of the World” is a highlight, as is Zoe Rae Calamar’s rousing call to action, “We Beseech Thee.”
The energetic cast also includes the very talented Livia Grace Blum, Addison Bouquet, Catherine Crouch, Sara McMahon, and Daniela Rodrigo who are featured in numerous dance and vocal specialties making this a true ensemble show.
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| L-R: Daniela Rodrigo, Catherine Crouch, Sara McMahon, and Addison Bouquet |
GODSPELL, JR.
Now through November 18
Children’s Theatre Group of Southern California @
The Eclectic Company Theatre, 5312 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Valley Village, CA 91607
Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm, Sundays at 2pm
www.ctgsc.org
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Labels: ctgsc
Sunday, September 23, 2012
What's Happening Around Town for September 23
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The cast has been announced for San Diego Musical Theatre’s production of Footloose directed and choreographed by Robert Marra which will run September 28 - October 14 at the Birch North Park Theatre. The Tom Snow/Dean Pitchford musical will star Anton Fero as Ren McCormack, Emma Degerstadt as Ariel Moore, Cris O'Bryon as Reverend Shaw Moore, Laura Dickinson as Vi Moore, Jon Eidson as Willard Hewitt, Kaitlyn Etter as Rusty, Aleksander D'Avignon as Chuck Cranston, Meagan Flint as Urleen, Catie Marron as Wendy Jo, Debra Wanger as Ethel McCormack, Michael Pinning as Garvin/Cowboy Bob, Daniel Filippi as Jeter, Ricardo Cota, Jr. as Bickle, Kevin McDonald as Travis, David Crane as Lyle, Jeni Hawkes as Lulu Warnicker, Kasey Viani as Betty Blast/Eleanor Dunbar, Charles Maze as Wes, Ted Leib as Coach Roger Dunbar, and Ed Hollingsworth as Principal Clark. The ensemble includes Cassie Bowerman, Courtney Fero, Tiffany Loui, Danny Dwaine Wells II, and Matthew Williams. Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92104. For more information and tickets call 858-560-5740 or go to www.sdmt.org.
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Godspell, Jr., the authorized version of the Broadway hit for young audiences, acted by young performers opens at the Eclectic Company Theatre October 26. Godspell, Jr. features music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and was conceived by John Michael Tebelak based on the Gospels According to St. Matthew and St’ Luke. It will be directed by Bonnie Hellman, with musical direction by Roy Leake, Jr., and choreography by Terry J. Barto and is produced for the Children’s Theatre Group of Southern California by Robert Briscoe Evans and Sherry Lynn. The cast includes Livia Grace Blum, Zoe Calamar, Catherine Crouch, Jake Foster, Addison Landsburg, Sara McMahon, Noah Meyers and Daniela Rodrigo. The Eclectic Company Theatre, 5312 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Valley Village, CA 91607 (between Chandler and Magnolia Blvds.) October 26- November 18. Fri. & Sat. at 7pm, Sun. at 2pm. Admission is $15. For reservations and more information please call (818) 508-3003 or go to www.ctgsc.org.
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Performance Riverside is holding open call auditions for professional non-union performers in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, September 30 at 6pm, with callbacks the following day. Auditions will take place at Landis Performing Arts Center on the Riverside City College campus, 4800 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside. Director: Matt Neves. Music Director: David Lamoureux. Prepare 16-bars to showcase comic skills. Bring photo/resume and sheet music; an accompanist will be provided. Come prepared to list any conflicts you have with the rehearsal schedule. All roles are open. Click Here for more information.
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And if you’re in New York, Theatre Unleashed's production of Super Sidekick: The Musical has extended its run in the Fringe Encore Series. Only about one in ten of the Fringe shows gets invited back, and Super Sidekick is the only children's show to receive this honor in the history of the festival. Two performances remain on September 29 and 30. Click Here for tickets.
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Labels: ctgsc, performance riverside, san diego musical theatre, theatre unleashed
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
SNOOPY Opens March 2 at Eclectic Company Theatre
Several seasons ago, Children’s Theatre Group of Southern California presented You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, the first of the two musicals derived from the popular comic strip Peanuts, and now the company presents the second, Snoopy! The show will run March 2 – May 25 at the Eclectic Theatre Company in North Hollywood. You’ll see all your favorite characters including Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Sally, Peppermint Patty and Woodstock in a musical that feature everyone’s favorite beagle.
Snoopy lives on stage just as you remember him in your favorite Peanuts comic strip stories. He’s the great American writer. He’s the canine companion to Linus waiting for The Great Pumpkin. He watches clouds with the kids. And he ultimately receives his appointment as The Head Beagle.
The cast includes Major Curda, Lucy Gilbert, Addison Landsburg-Putman, Jack O’Dea, Ava Penner, Peter Wolf and Mikaela Zelinger directed and choreographed bythe award-winning Kay Cole.
The creative team includes the work of Michael Harris (set design), Tricia Berry, (costume design), John Dickey (lighting design) and assistant director is Katie Scarlett.
Snoopy is based on the comic strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz featuring book by Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates, Warren Lockhart, Arthur Whitelaw and Michael L. Grace, lyrics by Hal Hackady, and music by Larry Grossman. It is produced by Sherry Lynn and Robert Briscoe Evans and presented by Children’s Theatre Group of Southern California and The Eclectic Company Theatre. Eclectic Theatre Company is located at 5312 Laurel Canyon Blvd. (between Chandler and Magnolia), Valley Village, CA 91607.
CTGSC’s shows sell out so get your tickets now at www.ctgsc.org/ or call 818-508-3003.
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Labels: ctgsc
Saturday, March 19, 2011
CTGSC's Spelling Bee is a Winner
Kayla Ray & Peter WolfPhoto credit: Noelle Gilbert
CTGSC has a winner with its spring musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee by Rachel Sheinkin and William Finn.
This company of young actors fills the stage with every ounce of enthusiasm, energy, and joy they have in them and the result is truly astonishing. Helmed by director and choreographer Kay Cole and musical director Scott Harlan, they have created a smart, professional production that is both full of laughs and full of heart.
The musical is normally performed with adults in the roles of the students of the Spelling Bee but here the students do a reverse take on the show and play all of the roles, including the adults. Each fresh-faced youngster also puts his or her own spin in the character, adapting it to highlight their own special qualities.
They are: Robby Word, utterly charming as boy scout and returning champion Chip Tolentino, who finds that puberty can be a complication when a pretty girl catches his eye; Sophie Lachman, who plays quirky Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere with a straightforward comical intensity; Jake Foster, adorable as an emphatically earnest Leaf Coneybear who goes into an instant trance when spelling his words; Jack O’Dea, deliciously droll as William Barfee, whose secret to spelling is his “magic foot;” Julia Jade Hollander as a very human Marcy Park, the classic over-achiever who is a champion athlete, speaks six languages, plays the piano, sleeps three hours a night, hides in the bathroom cabinet, and is tired of winning at everything she does; and Ella Fanger, sweetly honest as Olive Ostrovsky, whose of mother is in an ashram in India and is saving a seat for her father…just in case he gets there in time.
Powerhouse belter Kayla Ray plays returning moderator and former Spelling Bee champion Rona Lisa Perretti with confidence and style, and Peter Wolf’s portrayal of slightly disturbed Vice Principal Douglas Panch is a scene stealer. Kelly Moran’s take on comfort counselor/rapper Mitch Mahoney also has some great moments.
The remaining cast members are equally as engaging and are featured throughout the show. They are Lynette Aslanian (Carla Tenee), Chris Gates (Jimmy Cleveland/Olive’s Dad/Jesus), Lucy Gilbert (Fiona Carter/Olive’s Mom), Ava Penner (Cleo Greenleaf), Nicholas Sparks (Donnie Sparko/Carl Dad), and Mikaela Zelinger (Terra Winthrop).
I highly recommend this production of Spelling Bee. The company’s love of the craft of acting, and its detail in constructing a top-notch, professionally produced evening of theatre is a positive reminder of what is possible when everyone works together as a team. It's also a really FUN time. Producer Robert Briscoe Evan and co-artistic director/founders Sherry Lynn and Bonnie Hellman are definitely doing more than just a little something right!
This company of young actors fills the stage with every ounce of enthusiasm, energy, and joy they have in them and the result is truly astonishing. Helmed by director and choreographer Kay Cole and musical director Scott Harlan, they have created a smart, professional production that is both full of laughs and full of heart.
The musical is normally performed with adults in the roles of the students of the Spelling Bee but here the students do a reverse take on the show and play all of the roles, including the adults. Each fresh-faced youngster also puts his or her own spin in the character, adapting it to highlight their own special qualities.
They are: Robby Word, utterly charming as boy scout and returning champion Chip Tolentino, who finds that puberty can be a complication when a pretty girl catches his eye; Sophie Lachman, who plays quirky Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere with a straightforward comical intensity; Jake Foster, adorable as an emphatically earnest Leaf Coneybear who goes into an instant trance when spelling his words; Jack O’Dea, deliciously droll as William Barfee, whose secret to spelling is his “magic foot;” Julia Jade Hollander as a very human Marcy Park, the classic over-achiever who is a champion athlete, speaks six languages, plays the piano, sleeps three hours a night, hides in the bathroom cabinet, and is tired of winning at everything she does; and Ella Fanger, sweetly honest as Olive Ostrovsky, whose of mother is in an ashram in India and is saving a seat for her father…just in case he gets there in time.
Powerhouse belter Kayla Ray plays returning moderator and former Spelling Bee champion Rona Lisa Perretti with confidence and style, and Peter Wolf’s portrayal of slightly disturbed Vice Principal Douglas Panch is a scene stealer. Kelly Moran’s take on comfort counselor/rapper Mitch Mahoney also has some great moments.
The remaining cast members are equally as engaging and are featured throughout the show. They are Lynette Aslanian (Carla Tenee), Chris Gates (Jimmy Cleveland/Olive’s Dad/Jesus), Lucy Gilbert (Fiona Carter/Olive’s Mom), Ava Penner (Cleo Greenleaf), Nicholas Sparks (Donnie Sparko/Carl Dad), and Mikaela Zelinger (Terra Winthrop).
I highly recommend this production of Spelling Bee. The company’s love of the craft of acting, and its detail in constructing a top-notch, professionally produced evening of theatre is a positive reminder of what is possible when everyone works together as a team. It's also a really FUN time. Producer Robert Briscoe Evan and co-artistic director/founders Sherry Lynn and Bonnie Hellman are definitely doing more than just a little something right!
The production staff also includes assistant director Katie Scarlett, set design by Marco DeLeon, lighting design by John Dickey, and costume design by Tricia Berry.
Children's Theatre Group of Southern California's The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee runs through March 27 at the Eclectic Company Theatre, 5312 Laurel Canyon Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91607. For reservations call 818-508-3003 or go to
www.ctgsc.org/.
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Labels: ctgsc
Friday, March 4, 2011
Sherry Lynn Talks CTGSC, Spelling Bee, and the Joy of Children's Theatre
Sherry Lynn (Evans) loves what she does. You can hear it in her voice when she talks about her theatre company, the Children’s Theatre Group of Southern California, co-founded with business partner Bonnie Hellman some nine years ago. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is their latest in a long line of successful productions, set to open March 4th at the Eclectic Company Theatre.
The company is based on a summer program Sherry and her husband, Robert Briscoe Evans, originally started in 1999 and is now called Southern California Arts Program. Back then she says she was just a mom looking for a way to make the arts more available for her own children. Today the summer program is still going strong in a new location, and her passion has evolved into a thriving children’s theatre company that holds classes, puts on showcases, and mounts two full-scale productions a year.
“This isn’t a ‘pay your money, do a showcase’ kind of program at all,” says Sherry, “CTGSC functions much like a professional adult company would. The students learn all the basics and we place a lot of emphasis on improv, scene study and monologue work in our classes. Our kids range in age from 8 to 18 so we take them through three different class levels - beginning, intermediate, and classical, (where they learn Shakespeare in preparation for college). All of the students participate in showcases during the year, and then twice a season they audition for our mainstage production.”
Co-founder Bonnie Hellman directs many of the company’s productions but they also like to bring in guests periodically so the students have a chance to experience working with a variety of directing styles.
“We get some amazing guest directors and choreographers and musical directors that come to work with us,” Sherry says, “For example, watching Kay Cole direct Spelling Bee has been such a great learning experience. She has challenged our kids to work hard and be the very best they can be. She also wanted to get to know the kids she cast because she wanted them to make the characters their own. She’s not duplicating what’s already been done; this is going to be their show.”
Above right: Kelly Moran (Dan Dad), Nicholas Sparks (Carl Dad), Sophie Lachman (Schwartzy) Photos by Noelle Gilbert
There is a method to how the company chooses what shows they will produce. The fall shows are geared more for their younger members and younger audiences, like their past productions of Annie, The Princess Plays, and Cinderella. For some children in the audience, it’s their very first chance to see a show.
Above Left: Lucy Gilbert (Olive’s mom), Ella Fanger (Olive), Chris Gates (Olive’s Dad)]
In the spring, shows are geared more for the older kids and older audiences, and the material is a little bit more challenging. These shows have included Into The Woods, The World Goes Round, and their current production of Spelling Bee.
While one of Sherry’s goals is to prepare students for a professional career in theatre, there is another reason she feels the company is special. “One of the things I’m most proud of is that some of these kids have no desire to become professional actors. For them it’s a place to come each week where they feel safe to be who they are, to find out about themselves, and not feel threatened that they’re going to be judged. School can really be a war zone for these kids and our company is a safe place where they can develop confidence and the ability to stand on their own two feet. We also integrate the ages as much as possible because it really brings a family feel to the company."
That she is passionate about what she does is obvious because she has continued the program even though her own daughters are adults. “My girls are now acting professionally and my youngest, Katie, is working as an assistant director for Kay on Spelling Bee.
That’s fun too because we like to challenge our students even after they’ve completed our program. One of our kids is now at Yale and he directed one of our last mainstage productions right before he left. Another student, Coby Getzug, was cast in The Lieutenant of Inishmore at the Ahmanson last summer and is now on tour with Spring Awakening.
As for expansion plans in the future, she isn’t afraid to dream big, “My wish in the universe is that we could have our own theatre and building someday. I would love to see areas for a dance studio, music studio, and a costume area so the members of the company could really get the full spectrum of what is involved in theatre.
I feel so lucky to get to do this. It sounds corny but I love these kids so much and I love what we get to create together. The joy they have for theatre is what keeps me going. I get to watch them grow up and come into their own, and when they go off into the world I get all weepy like they’re my own kids. They make me so proud.”
CTGSC’s production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, book by Rachel Sheinkin, music & lyrics by William Finn, runs March 4 – 27 at the Eclectic Company Theatre, 5312 Laurel Canyon Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91607. For reservations call 818-508-3003 or go to
www.ctgsc.org/. Cast: (in alphabetical order) Lynette Aslanian, Ella Fanger, Jake Foster, Chris Gates, Lucy Gilbert, Julia Jade Hollander, Sophie Lachman, Kelly Moran, Jack O’Dea, Ava Penner, Kayla Ray, Nicholas Sparks, Peter Wolf, Robby Word and Mikaela Zelinger.
Directed and Choreographed by Kay Cole, Musical Direction by Scott Harlan, Assistant Director: Katie Scarlett. Set design: Marco DeLeon. Lighting design: John Dickey. Costume design: Tricia Berry. Produced by Sherry Lynn and Robert Briscoe Evans.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
CTGSC Young Performers present Once Upon a Mattress
The Eclectic Company Theatre and Children’s Theatre Group of Southern California will present Getting to Know…Once Upon a Mattress October 29 – November 21, 2010. Produced by Sherry Lynn and Robert Briscoe Evans, the production will be directed by Bonnie Hellman, musical directed by Roy Leake, Jr., and choreographed by Katie Scarlett.
The musical is based on the classic fairy tale of The Princess and the Pea and the Rodgers estates have authorized a new version of the show especially designed for young performers. (Composer Mary Rodgers is the daughter of Richard Rodgers).
The cast will feature Lynette Aslanian, Livia Blum, Jesse Clem, Gaby Edwards, Jake Foster, Chris Gates, Lucy Gilbert, Nathan Herbst, Julia Jade Hollander, Sara McMahon, Noah Meyers, Jack O’Dea, Ava Penner, Daniela Rodrigo, Nicholas Sparks, Sophie Wilks, Peter Wolf, Martine Wolfe and Robby Word.
CTGSC was founded by Bonnie Hellman and Sherry Lynn and is dedicated to producing and training young performers, and helping them establish professional standards.
Performances of Getting to Know….Once Upon a Mattress will take place at The Eclectic Compnay Theatre, 5312 Laurel Canyon Blvd. (between Chandler and Magnolia), Valley Village, CA 91607. For tickets and more information CTGSC go to http://www.ctgsc.org/.
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