Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Returns to the IT! Stage

Join us this February as Alice's Adventures in Wonderland returns to the IT! stage. This Elly Award winning adapted script, written by Peter and Sarah Wolfe, was originally produced in 2001 to wide acclaim.   This show is a delight for all ages.  

Friday, February 3 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 4 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, February 5 at 2 p.m.

Thursday, February 9 at 7 p.m.
Friday, February 10 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 11 at  2 p.m.
Sunday, February 12 at 2 p.m.

Thursday, February 16 at 7 p.m.
Friday, February 17 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 18 at  2 p.m.
Sunday, February 19 at 2 p.m.

Thursday, February 23 at 7 p.m.
Friday, February 24 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 25 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, February 26 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available at www.imaginationtheater.net or by calling 1-800-838-3006.

Meet Chrissie Addison, Director and Co-Writer of SouthFork Confessions

Meet long-time director, actor, and vocal/drama coach Chrissie Addison! Chrissie has co-written and is directing the original musical SouthFork Confessions, which boldly explores themes of love, redemption, and community in a historical Gold Rush setting.

1.    You’ve helped many in the IT community as a vocal/drama coach. Can you tell us more about your theater background?

I first got hooked into a school play in 5^th grade. At university I majored in drama & music, which rolled right into a career as a high school drama and music teacher. I’ve been fortunate to have participated in Placerville’s civic theater community as a director, actor, and coach for 37 years now, along with several other community and professional venues.

2.    What are your favorites among shows that you’ve directed or been in and why?

I’ve learned from and enjoyed working on every one! Les Mis was hard to beat for being in the total, immense, group plunge. I also felt empowered to perform for a U.S. President as Lisa Doolittle in My Fair Lady. The show I had the most fun directing was Canterbury Tales. The show that pulled the most heart strings was Quilters. SouthFork Confessions has been the most work, so far, but I think it will top the list in many aspects!!

3.    Is SouthFork Confessions your first original musical, and what kind of challenges did you encounter?   

Yes and yes!  It’s daunting! Writing scenes for school or Sugarloaf was easy. Full length musicals are crazy! Especially the challenge of weaving together the amazing true stories and fates of so many strong characters from a colorful time.  Then the layering – plugging in monologues, comedic aspects, allusions, poetic touches and music. With an original musical, every creative staff member plugs in strongly from music to lights and collaborates effectively with the whole picture. This production will be a showcase of what IT! players can do from scratch!

This show has a creative staff to die for. I’ve learned so much this time around -- sharing the joy and my learning curve with co-author Peter Tyner, an experienced and gifted local writer with much prestige.

4.    What shows are still on your “bucket” list?

I would like to direct Calendar Girls very stylishly with outrageous settings. I’d love to nail a blockbuster My Fair Lady, and co-direct Mamma Mia. I know every inch of Romeo & Juliet and would love that journey, along with a contemporary twist as in Six Women with Brain Death. I still like to walk the boards when a show comes along I love.   

5.    What is your motto when it comes to theater?   

Be kind, be nice, be a little crazy too. Remember, nobody is irreplaceable.

When not doing working on music or drama in her Coaching Studio or at IT!, she collects antiques and will refinish “anything not moving.”  A film buff, she also gardens, practices Tai Chi, and treasures time with family and friends.   

Imagination Theater Announces New Board of Directors

The Founders and original Board Members of Imagination Theater, Lanny Langston and Peter Wolfe are pleased to announce that at a meeting held on December 1, 2016, the following were approved, and appointed as new members of the Board of Directors of Imagination Theater effective February 1, 2017:

David Zarka, President (2-year term);  Wayne Campbell, President-Elect (2-year term);   Rita Timewell, Vice-President (3-year term);  Maggie Bush, Treasurer; Chief Financial Officer (3-year term);  Marsha Myers,  Secretary, (2-year term);  John Zachry,  Marketing Director (2-year term);   Betsy Prescott, House Manager (2-year term);     Jeff Cameron,  Member-at-Large (1-year term);  Alisyn Gularte , Member at Large (2-year term); and Peter Wolfe, Artistic Director (4-year term)

Upon completion of these initial term appointments to the Board, all terms will be staggered and filled through election in accordance with the Imagination Theater Bylaws.  All new Board Members have accepted their appointments.

Imagination Theater's long-standing mission statement, "To tell good stories well in an atmosphere of trust, respect, personal growth, and challenge" will remain as the guiding principles for the organization.  The Imagination Theater bylaws have been revised to reflect the new board organization.  Among its first orders of business, the new Board of Directors will spend its early months preparing a comprehensive new Policy and Procedures Manual for the theater.  The new Board will also be seeking participants on standing committees including Marketing, House, Finance, and Artistic Advisory Committees.

Meet Virgil Toothacher - Master Carpenter and Asst. Designer for SouthFork Confessions

Q:  What experience in your background brings you to creating sets for Imagination Theater? 

A:  I have been a hands-on person since my childhood.  Growing up on a dairy farm teaches you that.  After leaving the US Air Force, I went into construction trades and later as a contractor. I have always had the ability to visualize what I want to create and that lends well to an award-winning theater set design.

Q:  Why SouthFork, in particular? 

A:  When Chrissie ask me to help, I thought it would be interesting to create a period cemetery that also becomes a character of the play.

Q:  What shows on your “bucket list” would you like to design/create?          

A:  I have had the privilege over the years to help with creating many of the sets that brings an imaginative story to the community for their enjoyment.  I am not sure I have any particular show in mind, but will welcome any time to participate in bringing life to a story on stage.

Q:  What is the biggest challenge with SouthFork set creation?

A:  Probably, not accomplished yet, will be making a cemetery move on stage.  You will have to wait and see how it will be done.

Q:   Rumors say you like to act as well; what would be your ideal role to play on stage?  

A:  My being a stage manager would put me at every show so sometimes I would fill in on a character, especially if it needs to be an ‘older’ person.  I am not accomplished enough to be a main character, but maybe in the future with a little courage. . .  I admire all those people who remember all those lines.

Q:  In one sentence what is your motto in theater? 

A:  Have fun and help give that pleasure to others for a few hours to enjoy the magic of theater.

Q:  What other activities do you enjoy besides theater?

A:  I have been enjoying living with horses and the cowboy lifestyle, in between working for a living, and seeing America on horseback.  That lifestyle includes writing and reciting cowboy poetry.

Q:  Any advice for newcomers who want to explore civic theater? 

A:  Do it for the magic.  Any part from swinging a hammer to singing your heart out.

Meet Betsy Moore - Composer/Vocal Director for SouthFork Confessions

Q:  How did you come to be the composer for this original musical at Imagination Theater?

A:  A mutual friend of Chrissie Addison's and mine, mentioned me to Chrissie as someone who might be interested in helping with the music. After meeting with Chrissie and theQ &  band director we discussed the possibility of writing original music. 

Q:   What kind of music have you written for the musicians and vocalists in SouthFork?

A:  So far, I have written two ballads for the play, an A capella trio and another piece that is very energetic and a little bit sassy!   I would describe the overall style of the songs in the show as eclectic.

Q:   The band will be singing and acting with the cast.  Are you ready for this?

A:  I'm ready and eager to work with the cast.  It will be fun stepping away from the keyboard to join the fun on stage!  I'm also very excited to work with Jeffrey Nelson, the Music Director.  The musicians in the band have extensive professional performing backgrounds and stage experience. 

Q:   Do you perform locally anywhere?

A:  Yes. I sing and play keyboards with a jazz/latin combo called “The BlueTones.” I direct the contemporary music band at Federated Church in Placerville and am also the composer in residence at that church.  I have recorded a CD of original music, called The Fullness of Time. 

Q:   What is your “day job”?

A:  I am a social worker for Alta California Regional Center in Placerville. I work with developmentally disabled children and their families coordinating services and supports to help them reach their greatest potential at home and in the community. 

Q:  You’ve been part of the script development by a creative team. What was the most fun aspect of seeing SouthFork evolve into a stage-worthy musical?

A:  I have really enjoyed the readings of the play as the script developed.  I'm amazed at the depth of talent in this small community and I'm looking forward to working with, what will be, a wonderful ensemble.

Q:   What else do you do for community involvement and fun? 

A:  I am a Certified Music Practitioner and work part time for Snowline Hospice.   I also enjoy being with friends, hiking in our beautiful Foothills and playing music with local musicians.  

SouthFork Confessions Scripts Now Available

It happened. SOUTHFORK script is done.   No chorus or supporting roles: All leads. Great Gold Rush band, original songs, 19 great roles for men and women including one role for male and female 18 - 25. 

Kickin' story on a new thrust stage in the world's best costumes possible, designed by two artists, managed by a star, props by a princess, built by a miracle-worker, lit by a genius and sound by a hero. What's not to love! 

Oh, and directed by a dedicated, hard-working woman; that'd be me . . .

Contact Chrissie Addison  and I'll email you a copy of the script.  

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Opens February 3

"Those who don't believe in magic will never find it." 

Join us next month as Alice's Adventures in Wonderland returns to the IT! stage. This Elly Award winning adapted script, written by Peter and Sarah Wolfe, was originally produced in 2001 to wide acclaim. 

Order your tickets now.  All tickets for all shows $12.

Friday, February 3 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 4 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, February 5 at 2 p.m.

Thursday, February 9 at 7 p.m.
Friday, February 10 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 11 at  2 p.m.
Sunday, February 12 at 2 p.m.

Thursday, February 16 at 7 p.m.
Friday, February 17 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 18 at  2 p.m.
Sunday, February 19 at 2 p.m.

Thursday, February 23 at 7 p.m.
Friday, February 24 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 25 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, February 26 at 2 p.m.