If you caught any of the 2010 Emmy Awards you likely saw two shows dominate the proceedings: The Fox musical dramedy Glee and AMC’s hip hit drama Mad Men, centering around the lives of employees at an advertising agency in the early ’60s. Believe it or not, the latter program could give one SGFer the chance to appear in a walk-on role in the near future, and you can help make it happen.

Banana Republic is currently sponsoring the Mad Men Casting Call contest, in which people can register, upload an appropriately period-looking photo (as long as it meets with the contest’s official rules) and be voted on for a spot on an upcoming episode of the show. Local actress Sarah Jenkins, whom you can see onstage locally during The Skinny Improv‘s Mainstage Show and in numerous independent films, is a contestant for that opportunity, and you still have a chance to send your fellow SGFer on to the next round between now and 5 p.m. ET on Friday, September 17 when voting ends. You can go to the voting page by clicking here.

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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
  Oct. 8-9, 14-16, 21-24, 28-31 at 7:30 p.m.
  Oct. 17 at 2 p.m.
• The Secret Garden

  November 19-21, 25-28, December 2-5, 7-12

• Julie Bunny Must Die!
  Jan. 7-8, 13-15 at 7:30 p.m.
  Jan. 9, 16 at 2 p.m.
• Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
  February 11-12, 17-19, 24-26, March 3-5 at 7:30 p.m.
  February 13, 20, 27 at 2 p.m.
• The Oldest Profession
  March 25-26, 31-April 2, 7-9 at 7:30 p.m.
  April 3 at 2 p.m.
• Amadeus
  April 29-30, May 5-7, 12-14 at 7:30 p.m.
  May 1, 8 at 2 p.m.

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)

Other

At Gillioz Theatre

• Hank Williams: Lost Highway
  October 27-30, 7:30 p.m.
  October 31, 2:30 p.m.

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The college galleries are back after a summer snooze, and Randy Bacon Photograpy Studio and Art Gallery is hosting an outdoor fashion show. This is your starter guide for tonight’s September edition of the First Friday Art Walk in downtown SGF. These are the places we won’t miss – check out the whole schedule here.

Artists/Exhibits

* Second Annual Fall Into La Mode Stree Fashion Show at Randy Bacon Photography Studio and Art Gallery (600 W College) – Local boutiques, major retailers, and Missouri State designers are featured in a street fashion show and reception. Shawn-Weston McLaughlin will have paintings on display inside.

* Pumpkin Party at Springfield Hot Glass Studio (314 S Campbell) – Studio artists Terry and Gabe Bloodworth create blown glass pumpkins. Always a favorite stop, especially when making the seasonal favorites.

* R. Brannon Estis at Smart Group and Gallery (405 W. Walnut) – Brannon Estis captures images in a number of styles – portraits, still life, color-enhanced and black-and-white. Big Mike’s Crab Shack will be back with food and drink.

Galleries

* Springfield Pottery (416 S. Campbell) – More than 45 artists (specializing in clay, wood, metal, glass, fibers, photography, printmaking and jewelry) have their work featured at the community clay center.

* Canvas (315 South Ave.) – Featured at Canvas are muralist Tarah Wilson and photographer Mike Williams.

Other notes

* College galleries open: Drury Pool Art Center Gallery, MSU Brick City Gallery, MSU International Center, MSU Student Exhibition Center and OTC Fine Art Gallery are back. See what the students have been up to.

* Sertoma Beer Garden (near Campbell and Walnut): Beer, brats, hot dogs and live music at the beer garden to benefit Sertoma charities.

* Closed: Inveno Health

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You can remove the word “annual” from the third annual Springfield Little Film Festival. The fest, in which local directors submit a variety of short films and offer up contests such as last year’s competition for local bands to become films’ soundtracks, has been moved from the fall 2010 date declared at the time of our preview vid post to a provisional listing of February 2011, according to the event’s newly relaunched website, meaning there will be no 2010 edition. The site remains only a splash page at the moment, promising more concrete info when it becomes available, but it’s a little sad to know we’ll all have to wait that much longer.

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We just received the official announcement from the Gillioz Theatre that executive director Jeff Jenkins will be stepping down and Michael Owens (currently the Director of Operations) will be taking his place.

Official announcement:

Executive Director Jeff Jenkins announced he will be resigning from his position at the Gillioz Theatre effective immediately. Jeff has been with the theatre since November of 2009 and has made significant strides to help re-brand the historic theatre as a premier arts destination in downtown Springfield. While Mr. Jenkins has been at the helm, local favorites such at Ozark Mountain Dare Devils, and nationally known acts such as Blues Traveler, Dar Williams and Switchfoot (performing Friday, August 20) have been booked to perform at the Gillioz. Jeff will be focusing his time on The Skinny Improv and other personal projects.

David Roling, President of the Gillioz Board stated, “The past several years have demanded a business operating model for the Theatre that is responsive to the communities thirst for entertainment and the arts. Jeff has helped to build a platform that continues to distinguish the Theatre as one that delivers the variety and quality expected of this remarkable and unique Ozark gem. The Board and I are enthusiastic and confident in the professionalism and leadership of Michael Owens as the Theatre’s Director as we enter the Theatre’s fall schedule of programming and beyond. While the Board continues to embrace challenges associated with the operating debt associated with the Theatre’s renovation, our management and operating team has achieved continued progress in identifying entertainment that is responsive in terms of much needed revenue for the Theatre while achieving operational efficiencies. With this trend, the future of the Theatre is indeed very promising. ”

Michael Owens, Director of Operations, will assume the role of managing the theatre. Michael is a graduate of MSU’s Entertainment Management program and comes from an entertainment and venue management background, including experience with the global concert promotion company, Live Nation.

Dr. Philip Rothschild, Gillioz Board member and professor of Entertainment Management at MSU, stated, “We’ll miss Jeff Jenkins. He has been an asset to the Springfield community. I am confident Michael Owens will step into this leadership role, and serve the Gillioz and Springfield area well.  We expect great things to come from Michael’s direction.”

Jeff Jenkins continues his work with The Skinny Improv and various theatre productions including the Springfield Shakespeare Project.

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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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Jerry Van Dyke will star in the SGF production of The Sunshine Boys.

Jerry Van Dyke was nominated for four different Emmy’s as Best Supporting Actor in the late 80s and 90s for his role as Luther Van Dam in the popular series Coach. In November, he’ll star in the local production of The Sunshine Boys at the Gillioz Theatre.

Van Dyke and local theatre producer Jeff Jenkins, of Skinny Improv, are looking to fill out the cast and are holding auditions at Gillioz on Sunday (August 22) at 2 p.m.

Van Dyke will play the part of Willie Clark. The roles of Al and Ben have been filled but he will be looking for all other parts, including:

• Willie’s Nurse: African American Woman in her 40s or 50′s
• Sketch Nurse: Buxom, Attractive woman
• Sketch Patient: Male
• Eddie: Assitant Televsion Director

For more information contact by email: info@theskinnyimprov.com

Auditionees will do cold readings from the script.

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The winner of tonight’s MOPoetry Slam at Nathan P Murphy’s will claim a spot in the Individual World Poetry Slam – the mecca of spoken word poetry. That puts a lot of pressure on the poets, but it’s the audience who will be making the decision. Every MOPoetry event is judged by members of the crowd, whose scores are persuaded by the rest of the crowd.

Featured poet Matthew Mercer will open the evening and acoustic musician Devlin Pierce will provide post-poetry entertainment. Doors are at 7 p.m. with a $5 cover (poets competing in the slam must also pay).

The iWPS is in Charlotte, N.C., in December and tonight’s winner will represent the area with entry and travel expenses paid by MOPoetry Slam Springfield. Some food and entertainment fees won’t be covered.

Rules for tonight’s Qualifier:

Round 1 – All poets may read a poem of 1 minute in length
Round 2 - All poets may read a poem of 4 minutes in length
Round 3 – All poets may read a poem of 2 minutes in length
Round 4 – All poets may read a poem of 3 minutes in length

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The Cripple of Inishmaan makes its SGF debut at the Vandivort Center Theatre on September 3. It is a riotous comedy set in the 1930s Irish town of Inishmaan. The town gets word that a Hollywood director is coming to a nearby island to film a movie and gossip/excitement stirs hi jinx. The production is directed by Springfield Contemporary Theatre’s Richard Dines and features several local actors.

Performances

September 3, 4, 9-11, 16-18
Showtimes are each evening at 7:30 p.m. with just one matinee on Sunday, September 12 at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets

Opening weekend, September 3-4, all seats $14.
Following weekends: $18 Adult, $16 Senior (55 and over) & Student.
Student Rush Tickets $10 (if seats are available) 30 minutes before each performance with I.D. Military and School Faculty members half price on Thursdays.

For tickets call (417) 831-8001 or (888) 452-0930.

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2. Josh Turner coming to Hammons Hall March 25; tickets go on sale this Thursday

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3. CONFIRMED: Shinedown comes back to Springfield March 28, tickets go on sale tomorrow

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Springfield-Drury Civic Orchestra

Under the direction of Dr. Christopher Koch, the Springfield-Drury Civic Orchestra performs three concerts annually.  The group includes a mix of professionals (educators and performers), advanced high school and college students, and “dedicated enthusiasts”. SDCO is looking for new members for the upcoming 2010-11 season. All string, woodwind, brass, and percussion players are invited to audition. The orchestra normally rehearses on Tuesday or Thursday nights on Drury campus. Contact Koch by email -ckoch@drury.edu – or by phone at (417) 873-7298.

SDCO 2010-11 Scheduled Performances:

Petruschka by Igor Stravinsky, November 14 at Central High School

Rhenish by Robert Schumann, February 17 at Stone Chapel, Drury

Pastoral by Ludwig van Beethoven, April 1 at Clara Thompson Hall, Drury

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Did somebody say beer garden? Two words: Hell yes. Your new first stop of First Friday Art Walk starts at 5:30 p.m. (the official start of FFAW is still 6 p.m.). The garden is hosted by Queen City Sertoma with beer, brats, and a hot dog wagon. Proceeds benefit Boys and Girls Club. It’s a busy night with two new spots joining the walk.

Galleries

* Canvas (315 South Ave) – Inaugural FFAW show presents Open for Business by various local artists with music by Postmodern Minute.

* Red Door Studios (313 Park Central East, Suite 201) – Another debut, Red Door is comprised of three photography companies in a combined studio. Live entertainment paired with food and wine sounds like a winner.

* Abundant Life Covenant Church (157 Park Central Square) – Four exhibits continue including Chris Wood’s series For Everything There is a Season.

* Farmers Gastropub (431 S. Jefferson, Suite 160) – The bistro is converted into a replica of Place du Tertre (Montmartre, Paris), with artists working live at their easels accompanied by French music and food.

Artists/Exhibits

* Art Factory 417′s Art-a-thon at LemonDrop (416 W Commercial St) – Chad Thomas, Justin Gault and H.E. Croan worked overnight on July 17-18, with the public stopping in to check it out. Head to LemonDrop to see the final products.

* Virginia Trammell at Good Girl Art (325 E. Walnut, Suite 101) – Trammell works in ceramics and her On the Inside collection demonstrates a microscopic look at the body and cells.

Other notes

* College galleries closed: Drury Pool Art Center Gallery, MSU Brick City Gallery, MSU International Center, MSU Student Exhibition Center and OTC Fine Art Gallery will reopen for the September Art Walk.

* In case you forgot, tonight Sertoma has a …

Beer Garden!

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Let's just hope Jeff Jenkins sports a sweet Bob Eubanks suit.

Public Service Announcement for Male Contestants in The Not-So-Newlywed Game:

If you can’t find that little recall switch men sometimes (err, frequently) turn off, prepare to protect yourself. You’ve seen the gameshow. You know what happens. The husband gets hit. Often. Open hand slaps to the back and chest, fists to the shoulders and backhands to the head. Keep an eye out for any guy who hesitates when answering “wife’s favorite Ben and Jerry’s flavor in June of 2006″ Friday night (August 5) at Historic Landers Theatre. He might be in trouble. MC Jeff Jenkins will quiz couples to see who truly pays attention. Doors open at 6 p.m. for a silent auction, show at 7 p.m. to benefit Ozarks Counseling Center. Tickets are $25.

Competing couples

Ethan and Sara Forhetz
Jerry and Jean Harmison
Matt and Nichole Lemmon
Kevin and Heather Robbins
Dr. Douglas and Dr. Alison Kirar

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sold

Downtown indie film house Moxie Cinema has been sold to new non-profit entity Downtown Springfield Community Cinema. There won’t be any marked differences immediately for patrons, though founder Dan Chilton said there were some likely improvements to come. The only real change is that it’s not for profit and run by a board with Mike Stevens (of former local music fame with Honky Tonk Chateau) at the helm. “I’m confident that our customers will see, just as we have, that he’s going to be a perfect fit for the Moxie. ,” Dan Chilton said. “There are no drastic, business-changing plans in store, so you can expect the same great Moxie experience you’ve come to know over the last five years.” Dan and Nicole Chilton opened the Moxie in 2004. The move will allow the Moxie more opportunity to grow into the arts community, while affording the founding family more family time.

Read Dan Chilton’s blog entry for more information.

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Brice Johnson during Laughing Stock No. 6.

Several of SGF‘s best known comedians and bravest newcomers filled a pack Outland with LOLs on Tuesday night during Laughing Stock, hosted by Merr. From Old Man Willey‘s tales of being elderly and (not very) sexually active to the debut of Dan Willey, this video provides just a taste of the evening’s comedy. There is a small dose of adult language, so earmuffs for the kiddos.

Laughing Stock, 8-3-10

(Contains some NSFW language)

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Tonight's Laughing Stock with Merr is the 6th monthly installment

The first Tuesday of every month the Outland is transformed into a comedy club and the mic gets hijacked by SGF comic Merr. Tonight’s August edition of Laughing Stock with Merr will feature around 15 stand-up comics in a pseudo open mic format. The majority of the time goes to trained (mostly self-trained) comedians who are working out new material, but newbies can get in on the act too. Get there early and get your name on the list to try your hand. The show begins at 10 p.m., with a $3 cover.

Tonight’s confirmed comedian list:

Mark Auvil
Matt Barnes
Ginny Bell
Angel Canizalez
Doug Driesel Jr.
Brice Johnson
Tim Messersmith
Sarah Osten
Seamus Pennington
Tyler Snodgrass,
Dan Willey
Old Man Willy

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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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Donald Walkingbear was raised on the words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Edgar Allen Poe and William Shakespeare, as read to him each night. Walkingbear stopped listening and began writing when his age could still be counted on two hands. Since he hasn’t shied from a topic, just spun each into its own rhythm. Tonight, Walkingbear (AKA “The Man with the Green Hat”) is the featured poet at the MOPoetry Slam at Nathan P Murphy’s, for what could be his curtain call. A health condition makes it difficult for him to properly breathe. “One of the cysts on my liver has grown sizable enough to intrude into my diaphragm,” Walkingbear said. If you’re curious about Slam or have never been to a MOPoetry event, make sure to get out of the house tonight – cancel the mental image of Michael Myers in So I Married an Axe Murderer. Also featured is musical guest Cornfed Chronicles. Tickets are just $5, show starts at 7 p.m. Walkingbear will be releasing his first CD, The Best of Green Hat. Vol. 9 as well, with half the proceeds going to Ozarks Food Harvest.

TAGsgf.com: These events aren’t like people see in the movies (candles, finger snapping, etc.), what can the audience expect from a slam in SGF?

Donald Walkingbear: There’s a general mood of good-natured rowdiness among both performers and audience members. I’ve had folk tell me on their first attendance to a Slam that they felt as if they had walked into a family reunion…a family of which they were readily accepted by and drawn into.

TAG: Tell me a little about your background as a poet and how the art of spoken word drew your attention?

D.W.: My stepfather had a library of classic poets from which he would read aloud of an evening. Although born in ’55, my upbringing was a 19th century one; no television or radio. He instilled in me the seeds to perform from those evenings of Longfellow, Poe and Shakespeare.

TAG: How would you describe yourself as a poet and who influenced your style?

D.W.: I’m a scatter-shot poet…nothing too sacred or profane to miss poetic observation I feel. I’ve been compared to (literally) any poet you may think of. I stopped reading poetry at the age of nine when I began to write my own. I’d like to think that living has influenced me the most.

TAG: Which local poets do you enjoy most?

D.W.:I’ve never met ANY poet not worth listening to. I enjoy every one I meet and am privileged to hear.

TAG: How has the scene grown or changed since you got involved?

D.W.: Well, Mike Sowers brought the integrity of slam poetry, here on the local scene, back into line with that of the national scene. On my return to the city a couple of years ago the increased number of open mics was immediately noticeable and most welcome.

TAG: Do you have any places that really get the creative juices flowing? What’s your ideal setting for inspiration?

D.W.: Anywhere. Everywhere. Seriously.
I’ll let it rip
I’ve got the roar
Lay on the lip
like never before
Give you quick
or a soft slow down
Or lullabye sing
a feeling around

TAG: Most recent album you listened to?

D.W.: Probably the triple album “Yessongs” by the group Yes back in the mid-70′s. Although I do listen to Last Radio and Pandora on the Internet I prefer my music as I do my poetry; live and in person.

TAG: Most recent book you read?

D.W.: The Player of Games by Ian M Banks.

TAG: Best piece of advice you can give or have received?

D.W.: Any and all moralizing advice is wrong.

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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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