More than football has been kicking off recently. Local production companies have been and are getting theatre seasons rolling. Springfield Contemporary Theatre got The Cripple of Inishmaan started last weekend and CATS opens on Friday at the Landers. There’s a lot happening on stage in SGF this year. So you have plenty of options. Juanita K. Hammons Hall is loaded with productions – my list is topped by the Aluminum Show and Monty Python’s SPAMALOT (based on the Holy Grail movie). Nathan Shelton is back to direct the Vandivort’s Halloween production, Rocky Horror Show, so it will no doubt be a crowd pleaser. Of course, Springfield Little Theatre is full of Broadway hits this year with the aforementioned CATS and Chicago in the spring. Hopefully this quick glance reference will help you know what’s coming up throughout the theatre season. Enjoy.

I’m still trying to reach somebody at Evangel as there is nothing listed for them. Are you a part of a student production or lowkey performance? Let me know and we’ll get it listed (Brett@TAGsgf.com). Thanks.

Drury

At Studio Theatre

• The Birthday Party by Harold Pinter
  October 6-8, 8 pm
  October 9, 2 pm & 8 pm

At Wilhoit Theatre

• Company (Musical) by Stephen Sondheim and George Furth
  November 10-12, 8 pm
  November 13, 2 pm & 8 pm

• Rumors by Neil Simon
  March 2-4, 8 pm
  March 5, 2 pm & 8 pm

• Richard III by William Shakespeare
  April 13-15, 8 pm
  April 16, 2 pm & 8 pm

• The Broadway Cabaret – A Musical Revue
  May 4-6, 8 pm

Missouri State

At Balcony Theatre

• The Laramie Project by Moises Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater Project
  September 23-24, September 26-October 1, October 3-5, 7:30 p.m.

• Musical of Musicals (The Musical!) by Eric Rockwell and Joanne Bogart
  February 10-11, 14-17, 21-24, 7:30 p.m.
  February 13, 2:30 p.m.

At Carrington Auditorium

• Wiley and the Hairy Man by Jack Stokes
  November 4-6, 7:30 p.m.
  November 7, 2:30 p.m.

At Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts

• Fiddler on the Roof
  Oct. 15, 8 p.m.
  Oct. 16, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• A Midsummer Night’s Dream
  November 1, 7:30 p.m.
• White Christmas, playwright by David Ives, Paul Blake
  December 3-4, 8 p.m.
  December 5, 2 p.m.
• Tomie dePaola’s Strega Nona
  January 18, 7:3 p.m.
• Beauty and the Beast
  February 11, 8 p.m.
  February 12, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• Bus Stop
  February 24, 7:30 p.m.
• The Aluminum Show
  April 1, 8 p.m
  April 2, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• Star Trek Live
  April 11, 7 p.m.
• Monty Python’s Spamalot
  April 29, 8 p.m.
  April 30, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

At Coger Theatre

• The Beaux Stratagem, Adapted by Thornton Wilder and Ken Ludwig
  April 7-9, 7:30 p.m.
  April 10, 2:30 p.m.

Springfield Contemporary Theatre

Vandivort Center Theatre

• The Cripple of Inishmaan
  September 9-11, 16-18 7:30 p.m.
  September 12, 2 p.m.
• Rocky Horror Show
  October (Halloween show, dates not announced)
• The Secret Garden
  November 19-21, 25-28, December 2-5, 7-12

Springfield Little Theatre

At Landers Theatre

• CATS
  September 10-26
  Thursday at 7:30pm (September 16 & 23)
  Friday at 7:30pm (September 10, 17, & 24)
  Saturday at 2:30* and 7:30pm (*Matinee only on September 18; Evening on September 11, 18 & 25)
  Sunday at 2:30pm (September 12, 19, and 26)
• Treasure Island
  October 7-17
  Thursday at 7:30pm (October 7 & 14)
  Friday at 7:30pm (October 8 & 15)
  Saturday at 2:30 and 7:30pm (October 9 & 16)
  Sunday at 2:30pm (October 10 & 17)
• Sordid Lives
  November 5-14
  Wednesday at 7:30pm (November 10)
  Thursday at 7:30pm (November 11)
  Friday at 7:30pm (November 5 & 12)
  Saturday at 7:30pm (November 6 & 13)
  Sunday at 2:30pm (November 7 & 14)
• Miracle on 34th Street
  December 2-12
  Thursday at 7:30pm (December 2 & 9)
  Friday at 7:30pm (December 3 & 10)
  Saturday at 2:30 and 7:30pm (December 4 & 11)
  Sunday at 2:30pm (December 5 & 12)
• Big River
  January 28-February 13
  Thursdays at 7:30pm (February 3 & 10)
  Fridays at 7:30pm (January 28, February 4 & 11)
  Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30pm (January 29, February 5 & 12)
  Sundays at 2:30pm (January 30, February 6 & 13)
• Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr
  March 3-13
  Thursdays at 7:30pm (March 3 & 10)
  Fridays at 7:30pm (March 4 & 11)
  Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30pm (March 5 & 12)
  Sundays at 2:30pm (March 6 & 13)
• Chicago
  April 1-17
  Thursdays at 7:30pm (April 7 & 14)
  Fridays at 7:30pm (April 1, 8 & 15)
  Saturdays at 7:30pm (April 2, 9 & 16)
  Sundays at 2:30pm (April 3, 10 & 17)
• The Foreigner
  May 6-15
  Wednesday at 7:30pm (May 11)
  Thursday at 7:30pm (May 12)
  Fridays at 7:30pm (May 6 & 13)
  Saturdays at 7:30pm (May 7 & 14)
  Sundays at 2:30pm (May 8 & 15)
• Children of Eden
  June 10-26
  Wednesday at 7:30pm (June 15)
  Thursdays at 7:30pm (June 16 & 23)
  Fridays at 7:30pm (June 10, 17 & 24)
  Saturdays at 7:30pm (June 11, 18 & 25)
  Sundays at 2:30pm (June 12, 19 & 26)

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Springfield Little Theatre Education Director, Lorianne Dunn

Lorianne Dunn has been involved in Springfield Little Theatre for nearly eight years. A true SGFer, she was originally hired by SLT as a Volunteer Coordinator, but quickly moved into the role of Education Director. While Dunn has been involved in an unreal number of stage productions at the Historic Landers Theatre, but is currently preparing for her favorite – Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award winning and world renowned CATS – as both director and choreographer. It’s SLT’s first run at the song and dance musical, which features a large onstage cast. TAGsgf.com caught up with Dunn as she continues to prepare for SLT’s season opener on September 10.

TAGsgf.com: CATS is right around the corner, everybody knows the name, but what make this such a special performance?

Lorianne Dunn: Based on the whimsical poetry of T.S. Eliot (Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats), CATS, through spectacular song and dance, tells the story of the annual gathering of Jellicle cats at which time one special cat is selected to ascend to the Heaviside layer (a sort of “cat heaven”).  The multiple Tony-award winning CATS, composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber (composer of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Phantom of the Opera, etc.), has conquered the world as the longest running musical in history, been translated into 20 languages, and features a magical score including “Memory.”  The energy and elegance that has elevated CATS to world popularity makes it a purr-fect show for the whole family to experience.   A true musical theatre phenomenon. A first for Springfield Little Theatre.

This is SLT's first production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's popular musical.

L.D.: CATS is entirely told through music and dance, so it is a natural fit for the choreographer and the director to be the same person.  I am also extremely lucky to have the constant support of a wonderful Musical Director, Susan Gravatt.

TAG: Is there a singular role you prefer?

L.D.: It just depends on what kind of show it is.  If it is a show like Once On This Island, Seussical, or the upcoming Children of Eden — a show that I very much connect with on an emotional level and features more music than text — I prefer to be the Director/Choreographer.  If I’m serving as Choreographer on a “book” show with another Director, I enjoy the collaboration, the discoveries that only that kind of synergy can bring, and the opportunity to learn from the way another director works and communicates with their cast.

TAG: Springfield Little Theatre is different from the touring productions with the “amateur” label. Everybody’s working other jobs, but has an incredible level of commitment to the production. Is it ever difficult to get everyone on the same page?

L.D.: We have assembled a very talented and dedicated group of volunteers.  They believe in their craft and are committed to doing their very best.  They excel because they are passionate about their art, and they hold each other to a very high standard.  Many of the cast members have an extra special fondness for the show, claiming seeing a production of CATS was their first exposure to musical theatre.  They are thrilled to now, not only have the opportunity to tackle such challenging material as performers, but also, to perhaps give another young audience member an experience similar to their own.

Cast members of CATS: Gary Lyons (center) as Monkustrap; Emily Bowen as Grizabella; and Anna Kicker, from Petra Ballet Company, an ensemble member.

TAG: There’s a lot of talent in the area. What are the names of some people we should keep an eye out for?

L.D.: CATS features 41 onstage performers and 6 offstage vocalists.  I anticipate our audiences will be impressed with all of them!  Principle players include Gary Lyons as Munkustrap, Alberta Smith as Jennyanydots, Josh Inmon as Rum Tum Tugger, Emily Bowen as Grizabella, Dean Price as Bustopher Jones, James Brandon Martin and J. Mackenzie Huley as Mongojerrie and Rumpleteazer, Derrick DeVonne King as Old Deuteronomy, Taylor Haverstick as Jemima, Dale Haverstick as Gus, Jana Thomas Coffman as Jellylorum, Cody Collier as Skimbleshanks, Chris Jasinski as Macavity, Mackenzie Lollar as Demeter, Sally Trtan as Bombalurina, and Kim Alvarez as Magical Mr. Mistoffelees.  We are also thrilled to have seven members of Petra Ballet Company in the cast of CATS.

TAG: You’ve been involved in a lot of productions, are there any that stick out as your favorite?

L.D.: The production I’m currently working on ALWAYS has to be the favorite.  I love the work.  Looking back, I have so many “favorites”— Curtains (a top notch cast and funny, funny show), Once On This Island (the most beautiful music and stellar storytelling), Seussical (crazy fun cast of 97 performers and delightful material), The Full Monty (a radical departure for SLT at the time), Beauty and The Beast (elevated the standard of production at SLT), and Godspell (new orchestrations and inventive staging), to name a few.

TAG: How did you get started in theatre, was stage production always your passion?

L.D.: I was terribly shy as a child.  I began ballet lessons at the age of 8 with Springfield Ballet and soon ballet became my life.  At the age of 11, I attended my first summer program away from home at Missouri State Ballet’s Webster University camp.  I, then, would sometimes ride the bus back and forth from Kansas City to take classes with their company.  At 13, I began attending the School of American Ballet (Balanchine’s official school of the New York City Ballet) summer workshop and then at 15 was invited to stay for the school year.

I studied there for the entirety of my sophomore year while attending academic school just a couple of hours a day at Professional Children’s School, an academic school that is accommodating to a young person’s professional schedule.  After coping with an injury, I decided to come home and finish out high school as a “normal” kid.  That’s when I became involved in theatre.  I had always loved theatre and living in NY had given me the opportunity to see a lot of incredible theatre.  I attended Missouri State University, was active in their Theatre and Dance Department, did Tent, taught, choreographed, and then became involved with SLT.  There were a couple of other chapters in there, too, along the way, but for the most part, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it…and the rest is history!

TAG: Have you ever hit the mental panic button when a show is about to open? What’s the nerve factor backstage right before a show opens?

L.D.: No, my anxiety always hits closer to the beginning of the process.  “What have I gotten myself into?”  “Why are my ideas not flowing freely?”  “Why can’t I commit to this choreography?”  “Have we taken on too much?”  Blah blah blah.  Usually, by the time a show is about to open, I am so confident in the work that we have done to get to that point, that I am THRILLED for the cast to finally have an audience to share it with.  They truly crave it by that point.  The energy backstage is definitely tangible.  The actors have to channel that nervous energy into positive energy.  I just pray for their health and safety and leave the rest to God.

TAG: The curtains close and it’s time to blow off some steam, where do you head in SGF to relax?

L.D.: After the show—either the Mud Lounge (where everybody knows your name) or Harlow’s (please don’t tell, no one knows me there and it’s great) or my own front porch swing.  On a “dark” (meaning a non-show day in the middle of the run) day—Bodhi Salon for a massage.  After the production run—the lake!!!!

TAG: Favorite musician?

L.D.: My parents.  My mom and dad are both musicians.  My mother is a pianist and my dad started his career in education as a band director.  Music was a huge part of our family life growing up, at home and at church.  I owe my musicality and my love of music to them, and their examples of hard work, dedication, and follow through have made me a better teacher and creative artist.

TAG: Favorite author(s)?
L.D.: Stephen Schwartz, Alan Menken, Tim Rice, Stephen Flaherty, Lynn Ahrens

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This Is Our Youth

Nungesser plays Warren Straub, a young man who was just kicked out of his father’s house. Dark memories aren’t far from recall for Straub. Those thoughts weave into comedic moments with drug dealing friend Dennis Ziegler, played by Watt. The chemistry between the pair of offstage roommates is prevalent. Straub and Ziegler try to decide how to spend/return a large sum of stolen money. Cocaine is the answer they frequent.

Straub is unassuming, easy to relate to, but the volatile Ziegler makes it difficult to like either of them. It’s not that they’re bad people, they’re just trying to figure it out. They certainly represent (at least to a certain extent) the life of confused males after high school. It’s portrayed in foul mouthed humor, girl chasing and the search of head changing drugs and alcohol to chase away the past.

Of course, there’s a love interest for Straub, Jessica Goldman (played by Merri Yeager). It’s fun to recall your own first date jitters as Straub makes awkward advances.

This community theatre-esque production of This Is Our Youth is very well acted. The set consists of items from Nungesser and Watt’s home. It’s performed on no budget in tight quarters. Unless you’re in the front row, it’s difficult to see what’s happening, but conversation carries the play. If drug use and potty mouths offend you, this isn’t in your alley, otherwise do yourself (and your wallet) a favor and check out this free show. It shows tonight and Saturday as well.

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This Is Our Youth opens Thursday at Drury's Studio Theatre

This Is Our Youth follows Warren Straub through 48 hours of his life as he tries to figure out what to do with 15-thousand dollars in stolen cash. Straub gets direction from Dennis Ziegler a drug-dealing friend and his love interest Jessica Goldman.

Straub, played by Drew Nungesser, is a college dropout searching for the right path. Stage Manager Paige Deragowski said, “it’s more of his journey trying to get everything he wants, but he’s not sure how.”

Ziegler is played by Ben Watt, while Merry Yeager plays the role Goldman. This Is Our Youth opens Thursday, August 26, at 8 p.m. at Drury’s Studio Theatre in Springfield Hall with performances on Friday and Saturday, also at 8 p.m. All performances are free.

“People should expect to walk in and remember parts of their youth that they don’t want people to know about,” Deragowski said. “It’s very bold and open.”

Directed by Greg Marshall, the show contains mature dialogue and content, while testing the struggle to simultaneously resist and attain adulthood.

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The cult classic stage production prompted the film.

Nathan Shelton is back to direct The Rocky Horror Show, a cult favorite live production which prompted the film, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Shelton is sure to drop his touches into Richard O’Brien’s classic, and you can join the cast. Auditions continue tonight at 6 p.m. at the Vandivort Center Theatre. Springfield Contemporary Theatre asks those wishing to audition to prepare 64 bars of a rock song from the 1970s or 80s. Callback with be held Tuesday (August 3). Performances run October 8-9, 14-17, 21-24, 28-31, 2010, with music directed by Brooke Stephens

.

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Song of Singapore runs until August 15 at the Vandivort.

Reet

– “good, proper, excellent,” 1934, jazz slang, (adj.).

Keen

– “great, wonderful, marvelous,” 1930-35, slang, (adj.).

Swell

– “styllish, elegant, fashionably dressed, or socially prominent,” informal, (adj.)

Zoot

– Sally’s personal favorite, but no official definition found. In further research I found the obvious “zoot suit” is the style of suit men commonly wore to these jazz clubs, but also attractive women could be a “zoot girl” of a “zoot woman”, and in some circles, people would smoke “zoots” or marijuana cigarettes in the 1940s. So, you can draw those together to form your own definition.

Enjoy tonight’s show, but don’t smoke your zoot in public.

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Sally Trtan in Song of Singapore

Sally Trtan grew up in the arts, surrounded by singers, actors and musicians. The ubiquity of music paved her a certain path.

“My father was an actor and my mom is a cellist. All of my brothers and sisters have sang or been involved in some type of musical,” Trtan, exempting her oldest brother said. “This is what I’ve always known.”

That didn’t necessarily prepare her for crazy.

When Song of Singapore opens tonight at the Vandivort Center Theatre, Trtan will be center stage of the 1940s jazz club, playing a fun, if unfamiliar, role – club chanteuse, Rose.

“I’ve never played the really goofy character. I normally play the sidekick,” Trtan laughed, because Rose definitely qualifies as goofy. “She suffers from amnesia and doesn’t really know what’s going on.”

Though Rose changes after a band member (played by Ned Wilkinson) hypnotizes her, Trtan said she recalls “blond moments (she) would normally have” to prepare for the role – one which required study deeper than hair color.

Springfield Contemporary Theatre’s set, and, in a way, the cast, of Song of Singapore is designed to include the audience. To emulate a true club and put the audience directly in the atmosphere, two rows of tables are set directly against the stage.

“We go into the crowd and interact,” Trtan said. It creates a dialogue with the crowd. “I had to do a little more research to know what some of the lingo was and be able to improvise naturally.”

Trtan is also in rehearsal for Springfield Little Theatre’s Cats which opens in mid-September.

Song of Singapore, directed by Gretchen Teague opens tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Vandivort. First weekend tickets are just $16 for every seat in the house. You can meet the cast, too, in the lobby after the show for drinks and snacks. It runs through August 15.

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Song of Singapore opens Friday at Vandivort Center Theatre, the first production of the jazz comedy in SGF. Springfield Contemporary Theatre released the promotional video (check it out below). Meet the cast in the lobby following the show during opening weekend for complementary food and beverages.

Showtimes: July 30-31, August 6-7, 13-14 at 7:30 p.m. August 1, 8, 15 at 2 p.m.

Tickets: (ringside tables available)
Opening weekend, July 30-August 1, all seats $16.
The following two weekends: $22 Adult, $18 Senior (55 and over) & Student. Group Rates Available for 12 or more on second two weekends.
Student Rush Tickets $14 (if seats are available) 30 minutes before each performance, with I.D. Military and School Faculty members half price on Sunday matinees.

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Press Release: For the serious student who aspires to pursue a career in theatre, the SLT Education program functions as a formal training ground, a springboard and a home base. SLT now hosts seven auditioned training groups/performance ensembles: Y.E.S. Troupe (high school students), Junior Varsity Y.E.S. Troupe (high school students), Youth Players (middle school students), Showstoppers (Middle School students), Young Artists (elementary students), Landers Kids (elementary students) and Troupers In Training (elementary students).

Audition schedule:

Monday, July 26, 4:30 p.m.

2nd-5th grade students are invited to audition for SLT Troupers In Training, Landers Kids, and Young Artists. They are asked to prepare a one-minute vocal selection and a monologue (short cutting from a play or story book). They will be led through creative movement/dance and improvisational exercises at the audition.

Tuesday, July 27, 4:30 p.m.

6th- 8th grade years of school and in High School for Junior Varsity and Varsity Y.E.S. Troupe. In addition each student should prepare the following:

-1 minute vocal selection, bring sheet music. A piano player will be provided. Broadway music preferred.
-1 letter of reference from a teacher
-A 500 word essay explaining your interest in the arts.
-A recent photograph.
-A one minute monologue
-Wear clothes and shoes that will allow you to move freely. If you have dance shoes of any kind, please bring them.

Wednesday, July 28, 4:30 p.m.

9th- 12th grade years of school and in High School for Junior Varsity and Varsity Y.E.S. Troupe. In addition each student should prepare the following:

-1 minute vocal selection, bring sheet music. A piano player will be provided. Broadway music preferred.
-1 letter of reference from a teacher
-A 500 word essay explaining your interest in the arts.
-A recent photograph.
-A one minute monologue
-Wear clothes and shoes that will allow you to move freely. If you have dance shoes of any kind, please bring them.

Find out more from Springfield Little Theatre online.

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Operations of Vandivort Center will not be effected by the pending foreclosure the building, despite “misreported news”, according to managing artistic director Richard Dines. “Ultimately, what this means for us is that we might be getting a new landlord in the immediate future. Likely, this change will only effect behind-the-scenes building issues that impact (executive producer) Lou Schaeffer and myself on a daily or weekly basis.”

Building owner AGB, LLC and the note-holding bank are handling the issue, as Vandivort staff awaits further development. So don’t fear, fans. No productions will be impacted and Song of Singapore will open July 30.

As we are spending our season restructuring and building our own organization for the future, we continue to remind our patrons and friends the most important thing you can do is attend and support local arts organizations. The richness and diversity of our community thrives on the vibrant and active arts community we are all working to build. – Dines

Letter from Richard Dines

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After a summer of comedy at the Vandivort Center Theatre, the venue is changing shape to become a nightclub in Singapore for the jazz musical <em>Song of Singapore</em>. It premieres Friday, July 30, and runs through August 15, as ringside tables put the audience in the middle of the action.

Sally Trtan leads as Rose, the club’s chanteuse who has lost her memory. She’s joined by the club’s band (Daniel Bush, Andy Sun, Larry Teague, Shawn Teague and Ned Wilkinson) as they search for jewels with the Japanese on the cusp of attack.

Song of Singapore will play Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM. Reserved seat tickets and ringside tables are priced $22 Adult, $18 Students and seniors. Reduced priced tickets are available for opening weekend performances, July 30-August 1: all seats are priced at $16. Military and school faculty members receive half price tickets on Sunday matinee performances. Group rates are available for 12 or more tickets for the second two weekends. Reservations can be made in person at the Vandivort Center Theatre Box 0ffice, 305 E. Walnut St., or by calling 417-831-8001 (out of town: 888-452-0930).

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Vandivort Center Theatre opened up new flex passes with which you can save a little dough. For $80 you can pre-order single tickets to all five of this season’s shows. That’s about $10 cheaper than if you purchased each separately (tickets are $18 for adults). Also available are 10 show flex passes which includes next year’s shows for $150.

2010 schedule:

Out of Order (June 25-July 10), Song of Singapore (July 30-August 15), The Cripple of Inishman (September 3-18), The Rocky Horror Picture Show (October 8-31), The Secret Garden (November 19-December 12)

Call Vandivort Center Theatre for more information (831-8001) or visit online.

Vandivort Box Office (305 E. Walnut St.) open Tuesday-Friday, 12-5 PM.

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The 4th Annual Springfield Shakespeare Festival begins tonight and thanks to the Skinny Improv, Swan Repertory Theatre Company and viewers like you it’s still (mostly) free.  The festival has two parts.

The first:  The Comedy of Errors directed by Bryan Moses presented by Shakespeare in the Park; May 20-30, Thurs.-Sun., 8:15 p.m. at Jordan Valley Park

If you attend The Comedy of Errors you can pick up discount tickets for the second part: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) directed by George Cron, with Jeff Jenkins, Clayton Avery, and Ryan King; May 22-June 6, Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. at Vandivort Theatre Center; Regular tickets is $15 Reserved seating and $12 for students.

However, if you donate (keep the arts alive!), you pay no more to get into both events, and will get listed as a “Friend of Will” in the program for The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged).

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3. Want in to the TAG Magazine launch party Thursday FOR FREE? Read this now!

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Local celebs and businessfolk make guest appearances in this live murder mystery.

5/6 Andy Lear, Partner BKD

5/7 Kirk Elmquist, Partner Morelock-Ross Companies

5/8 Ned Reynolds, Sports Anchor KY3

5/9 J. Fotsch, Morning Buzz host Power 96.5

5/13 Randy Stewart, Fine Arts Producer KSMU

5/14 Dr. Norm Ridder, Superintendent Springfield Public Schools

5/15 Jack Stack, President & CEO of SRC Holdings

5/16 Bucky Bowman, Arts Patronage Initiative

Tickets:

Adult – $25.00
Senior/Student/Military – $22.00
Children (14 & under) – $15.00

Show Times:

Thursday-Saturday – 7:30 p.m.
Sunday – 2:30 p.m.

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2. CONFIRMED: Murder By Death returns to SGF in September

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The DruryTheatre double feature runs through this weekend only.

The Drury Theatre double feature of Tom & Jerry (Rick Cleveland) and Killer Joe (Tracy Letts) opened last night at Wilhoit Theatre and set the bar high for the run of the shows. “It was a pretty spectacular opening night,” DU Theatre Department chair and Killer Joe director Robert Westenberg said. “There were a couple minor glitches, but that’s going to be at every opening.”

Westenberg described the killer-themed one-act thrillers as “David Mamet-meets-Quentin Tarantino-meets-Sam Shepard“, an incredible trio to be sure. The comparison doesn’t exactly evoke thoughts of sunshine and rainbows on stage. The two plays are edgy, violent, sexual and contain language Westenberg called “extraordinarily strong.” Needless to say, this double isn’t for the whole family.

For non-students, it costs the same as a 3D feature at Hollywood Theater and it’s in real 3D. Imagine that!

Student Drew Nungesser directs Tom & Jerry after being selected from a class to do so.

Show times
April 29-30 – 8 p.m., May 1 – 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.

Tickets
(Contact the Box Office at 873-7255, M-F 1-5 p.m.)
G.A. – $10, Seniors – $5, non-Drury students – $5, Drury staff & students – $2

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Weed from the Devil's Garden ... set to music.

Reefer Madness the Musical is heading to SGF for a three weekend stay brought to you and housed by the Springfield Contemporary Theatre at the Vandivort Center. It’s the first time for the live production based on the cult hit and marijuana-smear film released in 1936, Reefer Madness, to hit SGF.

This raucous musical comedy takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the hysteria caused when clean-cut kids fall prey to marijuana, leading them on a hysterical downward spiral filled with evil jazz music, sex and violence. This show will go straight to your head! It contains adult humor, religious parody, and drug use, as well as suggested violence and sexual explicitness. – It’s All Downtown

Show times: April 23-25, 29-May 1, 6-8 at 7:30 PM, May 2 at 2:00 PM

Box Office is Open: Tuesday-Friday, 12-5 p.m. Located in the theatre lobby, 305 E. Walnut St., 4th Floor. Walk in or call 417-831-8001 for reservations.

Reserved Seat Tickets: Opening weekend, April 23-25, all seats $15.
The following weekends: $20 Adult, $17 Senior (55 and over) & Student.
Group Rates Available for 12 or more on final two weekends. Student Rush Tickets $12 (if seats are available) 30 minutes before each performance, with I.D. Military and School Faculty members half price on Thursdays. On Sale Now.

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Pinocchio at Springfield Little Theatre

Starring:

PINOCCHIO – Ruth Ann Chaney

GEPPETTO – Don Patterson

MASTER CHERRY – Dale Haverstick

BLUE FAIRY – Angie K. Carroll

FIRE EATER – Chris Jasinsky

CANDLEWICK – Chris Deeds

CRICKET – Megan Yarnell

Production Dates: March 4-14, 2010

Run Time: Approximately 1 hour

Audience: Pinocchio is appropriate for all audience members.

Ticket Prices:

* $11.00 Adult
* $11.00 Senior (62+)/Student/Military
* $9.00 Children (ages 14 and under)

Show Times:

* Thursday at 7:30pm
* Friday at 7:30pm
* Saturday at 2:30pm and 7:30pm
* Sunday at 2:30pm

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Director Nathan Shelton is out to change the perception of live theatre. Especially in SGF, it has developed this lingering sense of monotony with storylines geared toward older generations. With chilling, uncut productions like Bug, Shelton has audiences squirming. I caught up with Shelton to ask him a few questions about his current project at the Vandivort.

Bug is playing now at the Vandivort

TAG: Tell me about Bug. What can audiences expect?

Shelton: It’s very adult – (looks at) an interesting side of human nature that’s not really explored in theatre, how unchecked desperation can lead to drastic actions. It was written by Tracy Letts, a Chicago native, who is becoming very popular. They made a movie based on the script in 2007, and Hollywood turned it into a horror film. We took a very literal approach to the script and it’s more of a hardcore drama, though it’s still very graphic.

TAG: What’s the basic plot?

Shelton: It’s about a down-and-out actress who is recovering from a tragedy who is introduced and hits it off with a guy named Peter. He’s AWOL from the Army and believes the government is after him and has planted computer microchips (bugs) in his skin. She gets sucked into the paranoia, and things aren’t really connected. The question is raised whether everything (going on) is real or not. The audience never knows for sure if it’s really happening.

TAG: How big of a production is Bug? Who are the leads?

Shelton: Dawn McClain with 96.5 FM plays Agnes while T.J. Pederson plays Peter. It’s a small cast – of just five, and I’ve worked with them before. We only auditioned one part, the rest were invited for specific roles. They all have a different energy and have different ways of doing their art. It’s very exciting to watch, because these are the best actors in Springfield, and they’ll be doing something much bigger, so it’s great that we get to enjoy their work for a little bit. Pederson actually works in L.A. and flew in to do this production.

Nathan Shelton

TAG; Have you always been a director?

Shelton: I’m an actor first and foremost – a member of the Actors Equity Union – but it’s hard to get equity work in Springfield, so I do direct a lot. I’ve been a professional actor for 16 years, and have been involved in all aspects of theatre. I started doing special effects when I was 12. I’m a big special effects guy.

TAG: Are there any effects in Bug?

Shelton: It’s loaded. We have a man onstage ripping out a molar in front of the audience. It’s pretty difficult to pull off, but I think we do a pretty good job of making it look realistic. People do a lot of damage to themselves throughout the show.

TAG: What’s the most difficult part of directing this production?

Shelton: It’s a dark play to work on, personally. And inn order to pull strong performances from people you have to confront things within yourself. That led to some pretty tense moments in rehearsals. The last two shows I’ve done were a comedy and a musical, so this was entirely different – ultra dramatic. I don’t get a chance to do that very often.

TAG: How does the Vandivort work for Bug?

Shelton: It’s my favorite theatre to work in here. (Springfield Contemporary Theatre) doesn’t make you cut things out, and I don’t like to shy away from material. The show definitely pushes the envelope, nice to have a contemporary that will allow you to come in a do a show like this in Springfield.

TAG: What’s your background?

Shelton: I was born in Springfield, then moved to Texas when I was six, and came back in 1990. I’ve been doing theatre since 1992. I graduated high school in ‘99 and have been going to (Missouri State) ever since. I have all of my hours completed for my Bachelor of Fine Arts, but still have five gen eds (general education courses) I never took, so I haven’t graduated with a degree, but pretty much have the degree.

TAG: What were some of your favorite projects in Springfield?

Shelton: Well, I try to push myself with every project I take. I’ve done Dracula twice here (2005 and ‘08) and we did Evil Dead around Halloween. The effects were fun in that, because we had a splatter section. I wanted to do something nobody in Springfield had ever seen.

TAG: How do you decide your next project?

Shelton: I don’t want to take a job just because it will pay. If it doesn’t scare me a bit and doesn’t look too challenging, it’s probably not worth taking. I feel like as an artist you should do the work you love, with the people you love. That’s what we should all be striving for.

TAG: What’s the best part for you?

Shelton: I love to watch the audience and see them react and how we‘re able to reach them. Most directors stay with the show through opening night. I have a hard time doing that. I come in and do special effects. I watch it every night. I get nervous for the actors and for certain moments. I get excited when it feels right and everything locks into place.

TAG: Why should people go to the Vandivort instead of a movie?

Shelton: Theatre is much more compelling than film in so many ways. When you are sitting in an audience, you have a truly shared experience between the audience and the actors. The action is happening live, immediately in front of you. People have an idea that theatre is boring, but it’s much more alive than film. Tickets cost about the same amount of money anymore.

Shelton's choice weapon in World War Z

TAG: Finally, and most importantly,  it’s the Zombie Revolution and you get the choice of just one weapon. What is it?

Shelton: A lobo (a blade and shovel combined) – zombies are my irrational fear. I saw Night of the Living Dead when I was eight and it was horrifying. My mom and dad almost took me to therapy. I’ve been fascinated with zombies ever since. I would love to have a shotgun, but guns run out of ammunition. I have received several gifts for when it does happen (including swords and a crow bar), so I’ll be ready. Planning escape routes and what we would do pretty much got me through college.

Bug opened January 8 and runs through Jan. 23. For showtimes and tickets, visit the Vandivort website.

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SLT opens with The King and I

Springfield Little Theatre and the historic Landers Theatre will open its 2010 season on Feb. 5 with the Rodgers and Hammerstein smash hit “The King and I”. Featuring Richard Rodgers’ head-sticking songs in the Broadway classic, Cara Hampton will star as Anna – the widowed teacher, while Derrick D. Hampton will play the King of Siam – where the story is set (current day Thailand). Familiar tunes, such as “Getting to Know You” and “Whistle a Happy Tune” keep the crowds pleased during the somewhat convoluted, but predictable (go easy, it’s 1862) storyline, which loosely goes something like this:

Anna is commissioned to tutor the king’s children in Siam – teaches them geography – the king doesn’t like what she’s teaching (think evolution in American school systems) – he calls her “servant“ – she doesn’t take it well – some arguing – some changes to the king’s “barbaric” perception – all live happily ever after – or do they? You’ll have to see for yourself.

The show’s running time is right around two hours Oscar Hammerstein II wrote the adaptation from Margaret Landon’s novel “Anna and the King”.

Springfield Little Theater will have five weekly showings from Thursday-Sunday, and is scheduled to run for the bulk of the month, Feb. 5-Feb 21.

Ticket Prices:
Adult – $25
Senior/Military/Student – $22
Children – $15

Show times:
Thursday – 7:30 p.m.
Friday – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday – 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday – 2:30 p.m.

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