Sunday, December 23, 2012

Tickets available now for Run For Your Wife

Online tickets are now available for the hilarious British Farce, Run for Your Wife.  Tickets can be purchased through our ticket provider, Brown Paper Tickets or by phone at 1-800-838-3006. 

Tickets are reasonably priced at $15, with special pricing of $12 for Opening Night, Thursday Shows, and Group Tickets. 

This show is for ages 18+ due to mild adult content.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Additional Les Mis Audition Information

Are you thinking about auditioning for the show but don’t know where you would fit in?

It is only natural that many actors see themselves in the signature roles of Javert, Valjean, Marius, Cosette, Eponine, Enjolras, or Fantine. You may be thinking that if you don’t easily fit into one of these lead roles that there is not a place for you in the show. Here is information that may help you decide whether or not you wish to audition.

Remember that the show is a complete “sing through.” There is no spoken dialog. The cast of Les Miserables will be living in an alternate universe where singing is the primary means of vocal communication rather than speech. The show is not a typical musical where the characters speak between musical numbers as a lead-in to the musical numbers. In Les Miserables everyone the audience sees will be singing… advancing the plot lines in song with characterization, blocking, business, and movement. This type of staging will be challenging yet provides an opportunity to push creative and performance boundaries. Every role will be demanding and require full character development.

To be more specific…

1. Adult Male Ensemble Roles.

Many of the male roles will be doubled.

There are named roles including The Bishop, two Policemen, Grantaire (a rebel student who drinks often), Bamatabois (gentleman who attempts to purchase Fantine’s services), Fauchelevant (falls under a cart), Champmathieu (falsely arrested as Valjean), Brujon (a member of Thenardier’s gang), Claquesous (another Thenardier gang member), Montparnasse (younger member of Thenardier’s gang), Combeferre (a philosopher student), Feuilly (working-class member of the student revolt), Coufeyrac (a friendly student), Joly (a medical student), Jean Prouvaire (youngest member of the students), and Lesgles (second in command of the students).

Other male ensemble roles include the chain gang, unemployed workers, factory workers, members of Thenardier’s gang, street beggars, the rebellious students, citizens of Paris (seeking the “pleasures” of the night), customers at Thenardier’s Inn, and wedding guests.

2. Adult Female Ensemble Roles.

Many of the female roles will be doubled.
Roles include ladies of the night, street beggars, citizens of Paris, customers at Thenardier’s Inn, and wedding guests.

3. Teenage Girls.

Roles include street beggars, members of citizen families, helpers for the student rebels. Some will be ladies of the night.

4. Teenage Boys.

Roles include street beggars, members of citizen families, helpers for the student rebels.

5. Boys and Girls. Age 7-12. (Other than Young Cosette, Young Epoinine, and Garvroche)

Roles include street beggars, helpers for the student rebels, members of citizen families.

A few words about the “adult nature” of the show. Even though there are dark moments in the show that deal with abuse, violence, the hardships of life on the streets, abandonment, and despair, we will still present Les Miserables with our usual commitment to the physical and emotional safety and respect of the show’s participants. Violent and suggestive situations on stage will be handled with appropriate discretion.

You can see that there are many roles to be filled to be able to perform Les Miserables with the richness, and “reverence” that this legendary production requires.

It is quite probable that Les Miserables will only be available for performance by community theaters for a very short time before it is again restricted. For most of us, irrespective of our age, this is the only opportunity we are likely to have to be part of this epic show, the most successful musical of all time.

We suggest that you not limit your aspirations to the lead roles only and commit yourself to being part of the show- no matter what role you play. We are certain that come opening night you will be happy and grateful to be part of the cast of Les Miserables at Imagination Theater. We hope to see you at auditions!

Peter Wolfe, Director
Lanny Langston, Producer

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Join us for the final shows of A Little Princess

Thursday, December 20 at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, December 21 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 22 at 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 23 at 2:00 p.m.

Better seating is available for the Thursday and Friday evening shows.  Don't wait until Sunday to get tickets for the closing show!

Online ticket sales close 12 hours prior to show time.  Tickets available online or at the door. 

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

CAST Alumni Event - January 12

You are cordially invited

To our first IT! CAST* Party
(*Committed Alumni Supporting the Theater)

Imagination Theater
Saturday, January 12th
6pm-9pm

Please bring dessert or bottle of wine to share

All casts, crews, and production teams from all shows at I.T. are invited
(members under 14, please bring a parent or responsible older sibling)

Come join us as we stretch our imaginations and cast off our perceived limitations with the help of a supportive and appreciative I.T. CAST family. Participate in games, sharpen your skills, stand in the spotlight and deliver something that no one knew you could do. Or, just sit back and enjoy the good company.

IT!’s motto: Telling Good Stories, Sharing Good Times with Good Company.

IT! CAST motto: We’re the Good Company

Want to get involved?

• Improv/Theater Games: We’re looking for anything that builds skill, focus, confidence, and relationships. If you have a 10-15 minute game or activity you would like to lead, please e-mail us and tell us about it. Include run time, setup, and a brief explanation.

• Talent Presentation: If you want to prepare a presentation for your peers, please contact us in advance, and plan to provide any accompaniment or props you may need. The sound system, a keyboard and mics will be provided.

• Bartending: We are asking for adult volunteers to take shifts tending the wine bar. Anyone under 30 wishing to partake should be prepared to show ID.   Soft drinks will also be available.

The program will be pre-arranged on a first come first served basis, so reply as soon as possible. And please come prepared—“winging it” is discouraged.

We hope to see you there, but if you can’t, please know that there will be IT! CAST Parties in the not-so-distant future. If you prefer not to be contacted in the future, simply let us know and we’ll remove you from our list. Whatever your preferences, please pass this invitation on to anyone in your cast/crew who may not have been contacted due to email address changes, etc. We don’t want to leave anyone out!

Email us: ImaginationTheaterCAST@gmail.com
Join our Facebook Group: IT! CAST
Or call the IT! Box Office and your message will be passed on to us. 530-642-0404

Sincerely,

Your IT! CAST Party Committee: Michelle Harwell * Marc Bonham * Kate Barba * Sean Widing

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Les Miserables at IT! in 2013

Les Misérables, the world’s longest-running musical, seen by over 60 million people in 42 countries and 21 languages around the globe is coming to Placerville’s Imagination Theater. In what is likely to be an unprecedented worldwide celebration of musical theater in 2013 due to the release of Les Miserables for community theater productions, Imagination Theater, now in its thirteenth year of productions, has been approved by the show’s owners, Music Theater International in New York City, to perform the show in November and December, 2013. Planning for the local production is already underway in earnest.
Due to the success of first-class productions in the West End in London, on Broadway, on tour and around the world, the opportunity to license and produce the full-length version of Les Misérables has not previously been available to professional and amateur groups. Based upon the novel by Victor Hugo, Cameron Mackintosh’s now legendary classic musical story sweeps its audience through an epic tale of passion and destruction in 19th century France. Les Misérables tells a story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – having become a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit.

Ex-convict Jean Valjean is hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever. The score features classic songs including, “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars,” “Bring Him Home,” “Do You Hear the People Sing?,” “One Day More,” “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables,” “Master Of The House” and others.

Les Misérables has just been released as a major motion picture and theatrical productions have played in over 300 cities. Les Miserables has played over 47,000 professional performances giving a total audience figure of more than 60 million people worldwide. The show has won over 70 major theatre awards including an Olivier, a Tony and a Grammy.

Imagination Theater producer and co-owner, Lanny Langston plans for the local production to mimic the grand scale of the show itself. Placerville’s Les Miserables production will include a live orchestra, an accompanying choral group, a cast of 30 actors, singers, and dancers, a massive set, and a very experienced team of creative artists and designers. Dr. Jeff Nelson of Placerville is assembling an orchestra of local musicians. Award-winning lighting designer, David Patrick of Placerville, will be lighting the production. Dr. Dale Wallerstein of Placerville will be the vocal director.

Placerville’s Les Miserable will be directed local architect Peter Wolfe who will also provide the scenic design for the production. Wolfe has directed many shows at Imagination Theater including Beauty and the Beast, the Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, Little Women, and most recently, The Little Princess.

Imagination Theater is actively seeking corporate sponsors for Les Miserables and for volunteers to assist with the production.

Auditions for the production will be held in April.  Additional information about Les Miserables is available at the Imagination Theater Box Office, (530)642-0404.

Auditions for Les Miserables (Holiday 2013 Show)

Imagination Theater Presents the Full Broadway Production Version 
“Les Miserables”
Now you can dream the dream!
A U D I T I O N    N O T I C E

--- TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2013, 6:30 pm (Check-in at 6:00 pm) ---
VOCAL AUDITIONS FOR BOYS & GIRLS (7-15 YRS.) FOR PRINCIPAL ROLES OF YOUNG COSETTE, GAVROCHE, & CHILDREN ENSEMBLE/CHORUS:

  • AUDITIONERS FOR YOUNG COSETTE MUST SING “CASTLE ON A CLOUD”
  • AUDITIONERS FOR GAVROCHE MUST SING “LITTLE PEOPLE”
  • ALL OTHER AUDITIONERS MAY SING ANY MUSICAL THEATER SONG OF THEIR CHOICE
--- SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2013, 9:00 am (Check-in at 8:30 am) ---
VOCAL AUDITIONS FOR PRINCIPAL ADULT MALE & FEMALE ROLES
 (MALES, 18YRS. & OLDER & FEMALES 16 YRS. & OLDER):

AUDITIONERS FOR PRINCIPAL ROLES MUST SING A SONG FROM THE SHOW
 (PRINCIPAL ROLES AVAILABLE ARE JEAN VALJEAN, JAVERT, FANTINE, EPONINE, MARIUS, COSETTE, ENJOLRAS, BISHOP)

…THE ROLES OF THENARDIER & MADAMME THENARDIER ARE ALREADY CAST…
  
--- SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013, 6:30 pm (Check-in at 6:00 pm) ---
VOCAL AUDITIONS FOR ADULT FEMALE (18 YRS. & OLDER) ENSEMBLE/CHORUS ROLES:

AUDITIONERS MUST SING A MUSICAL THEATER SONG (NOT FROM THE SHOW)
OF THEIR CHOICE

--- MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2013, 6:30 pm (Check-in at 6:00 pm) ---
VOCAL AUDITIONS FOR ADULT MALE(18 YRS. & OLDER ENSEMBLE/CHORUS ROLES:

AUDITIONERS MUST SING A MUSICAL THEATER SONG (NOT FROM THE SHOW) OF THEIR CHOICE

  --- TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013, 7:00 pm ---
CALL-BACK AUDITION & FINAL CASTING

AUDITIONERS MAY NOT USE PRE-RECORDED TRACKS THAT INCLUDE VOCALS.  A KEYBOARD PLAYER WILL BE AVAILABLE.  AUDITIONERS MAY PERFORM WITH LIVE ACCOMPANIMENT OR USE A CD OR I-POD.

THE AUDITIONS WILL BE HELD AT IMAGINATION THEATER
ON THE EL DORADO COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS IN PLACERVILLE, CA

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR DIRECTIONS, CALL THE THEATER AT 530-642-0404

PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION SCHEDULE

PERFORMANCES IN NOVEMBER & DECEMBER, 2013

VOCAL & CHARACTER REHEARSALS FOR PRINCIPALS BEGIN IMMEDIATELY UPON CASTING

VOCAL REHEARSALS FOR CHORUS ROLES BEGIN IN JUNE, 2013

BLOCKING REHEARSALS FOR ENTIRE CAST BEGIN IN JULY, 2013

A LIVE ACCOMPANIMENT ORCHESTRA IS PLANNED FOR THE PRODUCTION

“Les Miserables” Named Characters in Order of Appearance

Character Voice and Description

Jean Valjean, dramatic tenor
Prisoner 24601. Released from imprisonment after serving 19 years (five for stealing a loaf of bread and fourteen for multiple escape attempts). He decides to break his parole and turns his life around, proving that the corrupt can make themselves virtuous once more. He changes his identity, becoming the wealthy mayor of a small town. He later adopts Cosette, the daughter of Fantine. At the end he dies and the spirit of Fantine thanks him for raising her child.

Inspector Javert, baritone or bass-baritone
Respects the law above all else and relentlessly pursues Valjean, hoping to bring the escaped convict to justice. He firmly believes that humans cannot change for the better. In the end he commits suicide.

The Bishop of Digne, baritone
Houses Valjean after his release from jail and gives him gifts of silver and absolution. His acts of kindness inspire Valjean to improve himself and escape the label of "criminal."

The Factory Foreman, baritone or tenor
Foreman of Valjean's factory in Montreuil-sur-Mer which employs Fantine and other workers. The Foreman fires Fantine from the factory when she persists in resisting his overt sexual advances and because it is discovered that she is the mother of an illegitimate child (Cosette) living elsewhere.

Fantine, mezzo-soprano
A worker who loses her job and becomes a prostitute in order to pay the Thénardiers for the welfare of her daughter. As she dies of consumption, she asks Valjean to look after her child Cosette. Ultimately she appears as a spirit and escorts the dying Valjean to paradise.

Bamatabois, baritone or tenor
A young gentleman who tries to buy Fantine's services and is responsible for her arrest.

Fauchelevent, baritone or tenor
Fauchelevent appears in the Cart Crash scene, where he is trapped under the cart and rescued by Valjean. He is an elderly man who has fallen upon hard times.

Champmathieu, silent
A man who is arrested and on trial because he is believed to be Jean Valjean. Valjean, still under the name Madeleine, confesses his true identity at the trial in order to save the man.

Young Cosette, treble
The daughter of Fantine, the eight-year-old Cosette is forced to work by the Thénardiers.

Madame Thénardier, contralto
Thénardier's unscrupulous wife.

Young Éponine, silent
Eight-year-old Éponine is the pampered daughter of the Thénardiers. She grows up with Cosette and is unkind to her.

Thénardier, baritone or tenor
A second-rate thief, Thénardier runs a small inn.

Gavroche, boy soprano
Gavroche is a streetwise urchin who dies on the barricade helping the revolutionaries. He is actually the abandoned son of the Thénardiers, though this is not mentioned in the play.

Enjolras, baritone or tenor
Enjolras is the leader of the student revolutionaries and a friend of Marius.

Marius Pontmercy, baritone or tenor
Marius, a student revolutionary, is friends with Éponine, but falls in love with Cosette. He is later rescued from the barricades by Valjean, who ultimately gives Marius and Cosette his blessing, allowing them to be married.

Éponine, mezzo-soprano
Daughter of the Thénardiers, Éponine, now ragged and a waif, secretly loves Marius. She is killed while returning to the barricades to see Marius. In the end she appears as a spirit and guides the dying Valjean to heaven.

Cosette, soprano
Cosette, the daughter of Fantine, has become beautiful under Valjean's adoptive care. She falls in love with Marius, and he returns her love.

Brujon, baritone or tenor
The brutish and cowardly but dissatisfied member of Thénardier's Gang, Brujon's role in the musical expands to cover Gueulemer.

Babet, baritone or tenor
A foreboding member of Thénardier's Gang.

Claquesous, baritone or tenor
Quiet and masked, expert at evading the police, Claquesous might in fact be working for the law.

Montparnasse, baritone or tenor
A young member of Thénardier's Gang, Montparnasse a handsome man appears to be close to Éponine.

Friends of the ABC, baritone or tenor
Student revolutionaries who lead a revolution and die in the process, the Friends of the ABC become martyrs for the rights of citizens. (See Members listed below)

Combeferre, baritone or tenor
Combeferre is the philosopher of the ABC group.

Feuilly baritone or tenor
Feuilly is the only member of the Friends of the ABC who is not a student; he is a workingman. An optimist who stands as a sort of ambassador for the "outside," while the rest of the men stand for France.

Courfeyrac  baritone or tenor
Friendly and open, Courfeyrac introduces Marius to the ABC society in the novel.

Joly, baritone or tenor
A medical student and a hypochondriac; best friends with Lesgles.

Grantaire, baritone or tenor
Grantaire is a member of the Friends of the ABC. He is the opposite of Enjolras and believes in nothing other than his worship of Enjolras. He is an alcoholic and appears drunk in most of the scenes throughout the musical. In the musical, he has the second most important role among the students, after Enjolras; and the two appear to connect during "Drink With Me."

Jean Prouvaire, baritone or tenor
Prouvaire is the youngest student member of the Friends.

Lesgles, baritone or tenor
Enjolras' second-in-command. Best friends with Joly.


Jean Valjean
male tenor 35 – 60 lead

Javert
male baritone 40 – 60 lead

Fantine
female mezzo 21 – 35 lead

Eponine
female belt 18 – 21 lead

Marius
male tenor 20 – 28 lead

Cosette
female soprano 16 – 25 lead

Young Cosette
female mezzo 7 – 12 supporting

Madame Thenardier
female mezzo 35 – 55 supporting

Thenardier
male tenor 40 – 60 supporting

Gavroche
Young boy or girl tenor 9 – 16 supporting

Enjolras
male tenor 21 – 28 cameo

Bishop
male baritone 35 – 70 cameo


 

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Run for Your Wife - Tickets Available Dec 20

This madcap British farce is the story of mischievous London cab driver, John Smith, who has two wives, two lives and a tight schedule to keep! Trouble brews when Smith is mugged and ends up in the hospital. When two addresses are discovered, the police investigate and Smith becomes hilariously entangled in his own hopeless attempts to explain himself. This show is for 18+ due to mild adult content.


Show Dates:
Friday, February 15 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 16 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 17 at 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 21 at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, February 22 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 23 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 24 at 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 28 at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, March 1 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 2 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 3 at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets for this clever, fast paced farce will be available mid-December. All tickets are $15 at www.imagination-theater.org. Opening night, Thursday shows, and group tickets are $12.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

A Little Princess - Four Shows This Weekend

Did you know all girls are princesses?   Find out more. . .tickets are available at the door.  The box office opens a half hour prior to the start of the show.

Thursday, December 6, 7:00 p.m.
Friday, December 7, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 8, 2:00 p.m..
Sunday, December 9, 2:00 p.m.


"How to Audition" Workshop Scheduled

Join us for this timely workshop on April 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Imagination Theater.  These topics will be covered:

• audition skills for dramas and musicals
• stage etiquette
• preparing a monologue
• cold script reading tips
• improvisation
• preparing songs

This workshop is for kids ages 10+ and adults and is free.  We look foward to seeing you at the workshop!