IT! receives three Elly Nominations

Photo: Jan Le Pouvoir as Miss Skillon in See How They Run

Otto Coelho as Tito Merelli, the famous opera singer with his wife, Maria (played by Lori Whittle)

Imagination Theater is pleased to announce they have received three Elly nominations for two of their productions in the 2015-2016 season. Jan Le Pouvoir received a nomination for best supporting actress in her role as the uptight Miss Skillon in the British farce, See How They Run.  Two nominations were received for the comedy, Lend Me a Tenor.  Otto Coelho received a nomination for best supporting actor for his role as the opera star, Tito Merelli and Becky Jo Adams for Costume Design. 

The Elly Awards are presented annually by the Sacramento Area Regional Theatre Alliance (SARTA) and honor outstanding achievements of community theaters and artists in the Sacramento area. The Elly Awards are named for the late Eleanor McClatchy, who was a devoted patron of the local arts.  Awards will be presented on September 25 in Sacramento.

Imagination Theater, a nonprofit organization, is now in the sixteenth season of presenting live theater in El Dorado County.  The theater has one more week of The Complete Works for William Shakespeare (Abridged) closing Sunday, August 28.  Upcoming productions include A Christmas Story, The Musical, playing November 25-December 21 and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland in February 2017.  Tickets and information about these shows can be found at www.imaginationtheater.net.

Imagination Theater, located on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, brings quality, live, local community theater to Placerville and El Dorado County. 

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare continues through August 28

Come and see all of Shakespeare's plays in 90 minutes.  A talented cast of five will weave their way through all the Bard's plays.  

Thursday, August 18 at 7:00 p.m. ($13)
Friday, August 19 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 20 at 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 25 at 7:00 p.m. ($13)
Friday, August 26 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 27 at 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 28 at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets available online:  www.imaginationtheater.net, by phone 1-800-838-3006, or at the door.  

Alice in Wonderland Audition - Sept 24-25

Imagination Theater is pleased to announce general auditions for Alice in Wonderland to be held Saturday, September 24 at Imagination Theater. All auditioners must check in from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m.  The General Auditions will last from 9:00 a.m. to noon with Call Backs the following day.  

As Alice in Wonderland is not a musical, auditions will consist of cold readings from the script, improvisations, and basic stage movement.  35 roles are available for children and adults.  Minimum age for children is 8 years old. The cast also includes roles for eight young dancers with strong movement and reading skills.  The role of Alice will be double cast.  All auditioners interested in being considered for the role of Alice must prepare a one-minute monologue (not from the show) for the General Auditions.  

Primary rehearsals will begin in January, 2017.  Alice in Wonderland will run from April 7 through May 8, 2017.  Perusal scripts will be available for check out from the box office in September.  More information can be found at www.imaginationtheater.net

Alice in Wonderland is an encore of the original Elly Award-winning production written by Peter Wolfe and Sarah Wolfe.  It was first performed at Imagination Theater in 2001 and includes all of the familiar and fanciful characters from the Lewis Carol novel; the White Rabbit, Caterpillar, the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, the Door Mouse, the Queen and King of Hearts, the Queen’s Card Soldiers, the Queen’s court, and many more fun characters.

Imagination Theater, located on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, brings quality, live, local community theater to Placerville and El Dorado County. 

Introducing Charllee of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged

Charllee the Stage Manager - I've been doing theater since I could walk practically, thanks to the Beverly Rose Gidlow Productions and my mom. I've been doing crew work since 2013 when I was "Curtain Kisser" for Les Miserables, and hopefully will be doing something like it all my life. Thank you to all the people who have worked so hard to make this show possible: Peter, Karen, Lanny and so many others (You know who you are) and all my friends and family (again, you know who you are).

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged opens August 12 and runs through August 28.  Tickets are available online, by phone (1-800-838-3006), or at the door. 

Introducing David Zarka of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged

Dave is glad to be back on stage at IT!

Dave Zarka   Growing up in San Jose, California, as the middle child among a family of seven siblings, Dave Zarka honed his acting skills at an early age.  In theaters in the Bay Area, he performed a number of roles, including Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls, Snoopy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and Henry II in The Lion in Winter.  Then, life happened, and he married his wife, Deb; and they moved to the Greater Sacramento area, where they raised two daughters, Elaina and Ana, and he established a civil law practice.  So, it was that after taking up residence in El Dorado County, and on the urging of Deb, Dave terminated his theatrical hiatus and joined Imagination Theater’s 2015 season, landing the role of Sir Galahad in Spamalot.  Since then, he portrayed Bert in IT’s 2015 Christmas season production of Mary Poppins.  Having himself read at least two books of the Bard of Avon, Dave is thankful for the chance to tread the boards with his fellow talented cast mates in this production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged).

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged opens August 12 and runs through August 28.  Tickets are available online, by phone (1-800-838-3006), or at the door. 

Introducing Lori Whittle of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged

Lori Whittle Lori lives and teaches in Placerville. She has acted, directed, managed the stage, run lights, mopped, barfed, and cried at Imagination Theater.  Her first experience at IT was when she was cast as the winkie general in the Wizard of Oz. It seems she is destined to be a man. "Get thee to a nunnery!"  Lori would like to thank Lanny Langston and Peter Wolfe for keeping Imagination Theater a community theater that gives idle hands something creative to do.  She also sends out a big “Thank you!” to her husband and children for supporting her desire to play.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged opens August 12 and runs through August 28.  Tickets are available online, by phone (1-800-838-3006), and at the door. 

Introducing Holly Salvestrin of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged

Holly is excited to return to the IT! stage 

Holly Salvestrin   Holly feels incredibly honored to have the opportunity to share the stage with the wonderful cast and crew of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged. She starred in countless major musicals in her younger years. Her incredible stage abilities were evident in the fact that she never even flinched when the 8-track tape would switch tracks in the middle of her solos, and fortunately, her dog Charlie hardly noticed either. Holly has had the great privilege of performing for audiences besides Charlie in such plays as Grease, Anything Goes, Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast, Quilters, A Little Princess and Mary Poppins. Her favorite role of all time was the part of Fantine in Les Miserables, Holly is eternally grateful for the love and support from her family, and for the incredible opportunities that IT has offered her over the years. For never was there a more wonderful theater than the one that is owned by Lanny and Peter. Enjoy the show!

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged opens August 12 and runs through August 28.  Tickets are available online, by phone (1-800-838-3006), and at the door. 

Introducing Tom Loeprich from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged

Tom Loeprch joins IT! for another comedic romp!

This is Tom's third show at Imagination Theater and he is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful theatre company here in our community!  Tom's previous IT! appearances include Reverend Arthur Humphrey in See How They Run and various roles in Spamalot.  He has performed many notable roles in regional and professional theatre productions all over including roles in Nicholas Nickleby, Oedipus Rex, Rhinoceros, Noises Off, and American Buffalo. 

When Peter Wolfe approached Tom about doing some Shakespeare, Tom was ecstatic.  Finally, a chance to bring some dignified and refined culture to our wonderful little area!  In order to reassure Peter that he wasn't simply some novice actor but an experienced interpreter of the great Bard's work, Tom listed his previous extensive Shakespeare roles: Claudio in Much Ado About Nothing, Tybalt in Romeo & Juliet, Lucio n Measure For Measure, Richmond in Richard III etc.. , Peter looked at him and then replied , "Can you fake barfing?"  The rest is history.   Tom holds an MFA in Acting from California State University, Fullerton and has taught Intro to Theatre and Beginning Acting courses at various campuses in the Los Rios Community College District.  In addition Tom and his family run a local bed & breakfast in historic Placerville. 

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged opens August 12 and runs through August 28.  Tickets are available online, by phone (1-800-838-3006), or at the door. 

Introducing Paul Bott from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged

Paul Bott joins IT! for another mad cap role!

Paul Bott began his training at the age of 12, studying dance. For many years Paul studied at the Miami Conservatory of Ballet, Miami Dade College, The American College in Paris, The Dance Theater Workshop in Chattanooga TN, Fusion Dance Company in Miami, the Atlanta Contemporary Dance Company as well as classes in NYC.

Paul's resume of performance includes the world premiere of Darious Milo's The Creation of the World for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, modern dance performances at Westbeth in New York City, performances with the New York Baroque Dance Company, The Lyon Opera Company for the Festival of Dance and Music in Aix-en-Provence.   He has performed in The King and I and Oliver! at the Alliance Theater in Atlanta,  Hello Dolly, West Side Story, and as "Tony" in The Boyfriend.

Locally he has appeared as the madcap, Mr. Herzog in Green Valley Community Church's production of The Christmas Post,  more mad cap roles in the Imagination Theater’s production of Spamalot, as well as the mad cap Bishop of Lax in See How They Run. (He loves crazy mad cap Characters!)  Performing in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged will be his third production with the IT! and he is scheduled to choreograph A Christmas Story, the Musical this year.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged opens August 12 and runs through August 28.  Tickets are available online, by phone (1-800-838-3006), or at the door. 

Thank you event donors!

We couldn't have our Evening to Remember without the support of local businesses and individuals in our community. Please be sure to support those who have supported us.

Adeline Penn, Placerville Aviation, AAA, Adventure Connection, Affordable Furniture, Albert Shafsky House, Allez!, Ambiance, Anytime Fitness, Apple Mountain Golf Resort, Applebee's, Arnolds for Awards, AT&T Mobility, Back Forty Texas BBQ, Barbara Garagay, Bel Air Market Cameron Park, Bennett Sculpture, Beyond Insomnia, Big 5, Boeger Winery, Capital Sierra Catering, Carl Hagan Insurance, Carol Cramer, Circus Center, Chrissie Addison Coaching Studio, Cordelia Smythe Murder Mysteries, Costco, Crystal Basin Cellars, Dan Clark, David Girard, Diamond Springs Fire Dept., Diane Wilkinson Catering,  DK Cellars, doTerra Wellness Advocate, El Dorado Arts Council, El Dorado Disposal, Equiguide, FART Bus, Foothills Dance, Future Homes and Real Estate, Gold Lotus Yoga & Pilates, Green Acres Nursery, Green Works, Hey Day ,Home Depot, Imagination Theater, Jodar Vineyards, Karen Wolfe, Kate Barba, Kayla Rigsby Photography, Lanny and Tish Langston, Laura Bonham, Lighthouse Nature Store, Lorrene Baum-Davis Designs, Madrona Winery, Maureen Focht, Mini's House of Pain, Narrow Gate Vineyards, Olive Garden, Paint Spot, Palissandro Vineyard & Winery, Paul Bott, Perry Creek Winery, Personal Fitness by MJ, Pizza Bene, Pizza Factory -  Placerville, Placerville Bike Shop, Placerville Flowers on Main, Placerville Hardware, Pottery World, Randolph Jewelers, Regal Entertainment Group, Riebes Auto Parts, River Cats, Robinson's Pharmacy, Round Table Pizza, Runquist Winery, Safeway, Scott Harvey Wines, Sean Conley-Widing, Seven Up Ranch, Sierra Vista Winery, Skinners Winery, Snooty Frog, Sorensen's Resort, Stephanie Rael, Stymeist, Target, The Spoon Man, The Tudor Guild, The Wine Smith, Trader Joe's, True Value Hardware, True Vine, Vino Noceto Winery, Whitney Lindsay, Windwalker Vineyard, Winery by the Creek, Winterhill, Wooden Revolutions

We hope to see you at the theater tonight (August 5 at 7:00 p.m.)!  Tickets are available at the door.  

Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged opens August 12

All of the Bard's plays in under 90 minutes! A cast of five weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare’s comedies, histories, and tragedies in one wild ride that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter. An irreverent, fast-paced romp for Shakespeare lovers and haters alike! 

August 12-28, 2016

Thursdays and Fridays at 7:00 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

Opening weekend: 2 tickets for $25
Thursdays and groups of 10+: $13
Regular Admission $17

*No show Sunday, August 21 due to event at the fairgrounds

Get your tickets now!  

Evening to Remember Live Auction Items

Supporters like you make quality, live theater in our community possible.  Join us for our 9th Annual Evening to Remember this Friday, August 5 at 7:00 p.m.  Enjoy delicious food from Capital Sierra Catering and Diane Wilkinson Catering and wines from local El Dorado and Amador County vines.  And let's not forget about amazing entertainment from past shows and a sneak preview from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged and A Christmas Story the Musical.

Palissandro Winery

Wine Makers Lunch for 8 with a guided tour around the vines

Oregon Shakespeare Festival Getaway

(donated by The Langston Family)

4 day and 3 night stay in Ashland at Anne Hathaway’s Bed and Breakfast.  Includes 3 shows and a backstage tour.  Dinner for 2 at The Lark.  Personalize your getaway by selecting dates and shows from 2017 season.

Ravioli Dinner and Tasting for 8 at Madrona Vineyards

Homemade pasta with wine and friends, what could be better?!

The Inn on First in Napa

(donated by the Shafsky House and Langston Family)

3 Day 2 nights stay includes fireplace, private bath with whirlpool tub for 2, full breakfast each morning

Diamond Springs Firehouse Dinner

Tour, Dinner and dessert for 8 at the newly renovated firehouse,

prepared by Chief Ransdell

Seven Up Guest Ranch with Skinner Wine Tasting

3 days 2 nights with delicious breakfast . Enjoy the B&B along with a private tour, tasting, and box lunch for 2 at nearby Skinner Winery in the heart of Fairplay.

Sorensen’s Resort in Hope Valley

 3 days and 2 night stay including $75 gift card for meals and/or gifts

Celebrity Chef Dinner for 8 with Paul Bott

A custom designed 5 course dinner for 8, prepared in your home

by celebrity chef and event designer, Paul Bott