May 2011
Dear Imagination Theater Supporters, Sponsors, and Friends:
Imagination Theater is excited to hold our fourth annual Silent and Live Auction, An Affair to Remember on Friday, August 19 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at a new location—the Smith Flat House, located on Smith Flat Road. Please join us for a wedding themed evening of food, wine, and desserts from local businesses. The reception features the cast from our September production, Father of the Bride.
We want to make this event as successful as possible and with your help it can happen. This is our major fundraiser so your support is greatly appreciated. We are a non-profit, 501(c)3 corporation and our tax I.D. # is 680448569. Your financial support or product donation is a tax deduction. The money raised will help toward our outreach programs in the community as well as workshops and theater improvements.
We also hope you will attend and bring your friends and family. Grab that bridesmaid dress or tuxedo in your closet and join us for this fun-filled event. We have already started receiving some unique and interesting auction items, and we look forward to including your donation in the mix!
All contributors will be given recognition in the auction program. Thank you in advance for your help. We hope to see you on August 19. If you have any questions related to this event, please contact Lanny at (530) 903-6361.
Lanny and Tish Langston
Peter Wolfe
Board of Directors of Imagination Theater
Current information about Imagination Theater in Placerville, CA. A backstage pass behind the scenes and a front row seat for the latest show.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
White Christmas Auditions This Saturday
Don't miss auditions for the holiday favorite, White Christmas. Auditions will be held May 14 at 9:00 a.m. with callbacks following on May 15 at 1:00 p.m. Please come with a song prepared from the 1940's (Irving Berlin songs preferred). The audition will also consist of dance combinations and cold readings. Wear comfortable clothes and appropriate dance shoes (Character, Jazz, and/or Tap). No acapella singing will be allowed. Please provide a back-up CD or sheet music for our accompanist. Visit i-Tunes and search “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” for song samples.
This play has many ensemble parts for adults of all ages and some children. Actors interested in lead roles for Bob, Phil, Judy and Betty need to be between the ages of 20 and 35 (or look those ages!) with singing and dancing experience. Supporting roles open for adults of all ages, with two roles (one man and one woman) for adults over 50, and one child role for a girl aged 8-12. Strong Tap and Jazz dancers needed for chorus parts. The show dates are December 2-23, 2011. The play is directed by Vanessa Lathrop and more information is available by contacting her at foothillsdance@directcon.net or (530) 676-9800.
This play has many ensemble parts for adults of all ages and some children. Actors interested in lead roles for Bob, Phil, Judy and Betty need to be between the ages of 20 and 35 (or look those ages!) with singing and dancing experience. Supporting roles open for adults of all ages, with two roles (one man and one woman) for adults over 50, and one child role for a girl aged 8-12. Strong Tap and Jazz dancers needed for chorus parts. The show dates are December 2-23, 2011. The play is directed by Vanessa Lathrop and more information is available by contacting her at foothillsdance@directcon.net or (530) 676-9800.
HGTV Casting You and Your Living Room (for your friends in LA)
CASTING: Fun, energetic, creative homeowners or renters* to appear on an HGTV design series (mid-20's - mid-40's)! Submit, asap!
We're primarily interested in LIVING ROOMS, but are open to bedrooms or other bonus rooms! Space must be fairly large & visually interesting (structurally, architecturally). Must have interesting pieces (furniture or other)!
Selected participants get an awesome room makeover (valued at thousands of dollars) AND will be featured on an HGTV show! MUST be open to 'out-of-the-box' design ideas & live within LA county.**
*Renters must obtain permission from property owner BEFORE applying. **Preferred Locations: Beach Cities (Redondo, Hermosa, Manhattan, Marina Del Ray, Venice, Santa Monica), Culver City, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, central LA, Century City, Westwood, Brentwood, Inglewood, Los Feliz, Echo Park, Silver Lake. However, we are open to other areas.
If you'd like to submit, you MUST:
- Email to 3clcasting@gmail.com (don't just reply to this). Include your first/last name and city in the subject line. Example: Jane & John Doe, Culver City.
- In the body of your email, you must include:
Your name (include names of all applicants & your relationship), contact info (cell, home, etc) & complete address, including your neighborhood/area.
Confirm you own your home or have received permission to participate from property owner (verifiable).
Type & size of room. Include condition of flooring & big furniture.
List all indoor/outdoor pets.
Brief description of applicants, what you do for a living (& for fun) and what makes you unique! Sell your personality!
3-4 wide photos of the space featuring different angles, AS IT IS NOW!
Note cool collections, interesting pieces, ANYTHING STRUCTURALLY OR ARCHITECTURALLY INTERESTING (include condition). If you have special or meaningful items, tell us what & why.
CURRENT photos of applicants (big personality)!
Parking situation (nearby lot, permit only, big driveway, etc), general neighborhood - we need space to off-load trucks!
Photos & size of front yard, back yard, driveway. We do projects in the yard, so it helps to understand access & dimensions. It's great to have a visually interesting outdoor space to work in.
Additional Notes:
Homeowners must be willing to appear on camera & provide strong opinions about their likes/dislikes as it relates to design. The show features imaginative room makeovers reflecting a variety of styles that appeal to design-savvy viewers. Our designers & contractors "do" the work. Homeowners do NOT pay for anything! The professionally designed room will include thousands of dollars in materials & labor. This isn't about shopping showrooms, but it IS about getting a cool, sophisticated look that is customized to the homeowners needs, personalities and tastes.
It'd be great to have a few pieces of furniture to work with! We'd like to feature favorite items (special to you) or something personal you want to work into the room!
Best wishes!
Adam DeLisi Casting Director
Tynan Coleman Casting Associate
Jonathan Zermeno Casting Asst
212-330-9357
We're primarily interested in LIVING ROOMS, but are open to bedrooms or other bonus rooms! Space must be fairly large & visually interesting (structurally, architecturally). Must have interesting pieces (furniture or other)!
Selected participants get an awesome room makeover (valued at thousands of dollars) AND will be featured on an HGTV show! MUST be open to 'out-of-the-box' design ideas & live within LA county.**
*Renters must obtain permission from property owner BEFORE applying. **Preferred Locations: Beach Cities (Redondo, Hermosa, Manhattan, Marina Del Ray, Venice, Santa Monica), Culver City, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, central LA, Century City, Westwood, Brentwood, Inglewood, Los Feliz, Echo Park, Silver Lake. However, we are open to other areas.
If you'd like to submit, you MUST:
- Email to 3clcasting@gmail.com (don't just reply to this). Include your first/last name and city in the subject line. Example: Jane & John Doe, Culver City.
- In the body of your email, you must include:
Your name (include names of all applicants & your relationship), contact info (cell, home, etc) & complete address, including your neighborhood/area.
Confirm you own your home or have received permission to participate from property owner (verifiable).
Type & size of room. Include condition of flooring & big furniture.
List all indoor/outdoor pets.
Brief description of applicants, what you do for a living (& for fun) and what makes you unique! Sell your personality!
3-4 wide photos of the space featuring different angles, AS IT IS NOW!
Note cool collections, interesting pieces, ANYTHING STRUCTURALLY OR ARCHITECTURALLY INTERESTING (include condition). If you have special or meaningful items, tell us what & why.
CURRENT photos of applicants (big personality)!
Parking situation (nearby lot, permit only, big driveway, etc), general neighborhood - we need space to off-load trucks!
Photos & size of front yard, back yard, driveway. We do projects in the yard, so it helps to understand access & dimensions. It's great to have a visually interesting outdoor space to work in.
Additional Notes:
Homeowners must be willing to appear on camera & provide strong opinions about their likes/dislikes as it relates to design. The show features imaginative room makeovers reflecting a variety of styles that appeal to design-savvy viewers. Our designers & contractors "do" the work. Homeowners do NOT pay for anything! The professionally designed room will include thousands of dollars in materials & labor. This isn't about shopping showrooms, but it IS about getting a cool, sophisticated look that is customized to the homeowners needs, personalities and tastes.
It'd be great to have a few pieces of furniture to work with! We'd like to feature favorite items (special to you) or something personal you want to work into the room!
Best wishes!
Adam DeLisi Casting Director
Tynan Coleman Casting Associate
Jonathan Zermeno Casting Asst
212-330-9357
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Father of the Bride Cast - Congratulations!
Mr. Banks
Dennis Murry
Mrs. Banks
Kathleen Mini
Kay Banks
Michelle Mansour
Ben Banks
Casey Elis
Tommy Banks
Gavin Sellers
Youngest Banks Sister
Samantha Garaygay
Buckley
David Taylor
Peggy Swift
Danelle Aros
Delilah, the maid
Cynthia Flaherty
Ms. Bellamy
Michelle Harwell
Ms. Pulitzki
Darcy Hall
Buzz Taylor
Austin Bell
Ms. Massoula
Matti Mackenzie
Joe
Martin Sherin
Asst. Seamstress
Sarah Bennett
Furniture Movers
Gwen Lacher
Beth Howard
Diana Erickson
Auditions were held in April. The show opens in September. Tickets go on sale in Mid-May.
Dennis Murry
Mrs. Banks
Kathleen Mini
Kay Banks
Michelle Mansour
Ben Banks
Casey Elis
Tommy Banks
Gavin Sellers
Youngest Banks Sister
Samantha Garaygay
Buckley
David Taylor
Peggy Swift
Danelle Aros
Delilah, the maid
Cynthia Flaherty
Ms. Bellamy
Michelle Harwell
Ms. Pulitzki
Darcy Hall
Buzz Taylor
Austin Bell
Ms. Massoula
Matti Mackenzie
Joe
Martin Sherin
Asst. Seamstress
Sarah Bennett
Furniture Movers
Gwen Lacher
Beth Howard
Diana Erickson
Auditions were held in April. The show opens in September. Tickets go on sale in Mid-May.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Theater Box Office Open Until Mid-May
Friday, April 29, 2011
Father of the Bride Coming this September
Tickets will be available in May for Father of the Bride. Below is a list of the show dates to help you make your plans...
Friday, September 8 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 9 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, September 10 at 2 p.m.
Thursday, September 15 at 7 p.m.
Friday, September 16 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 17 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, September 18 at 2 p.m.
Thursday, September 22 at 7 p.m.
Friday, September 23 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 24 at 2 p.m.
Saturday, September 9 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, September 10 at 2 p.m.
Thursday, September 15 at 7 p.m.
Friday, September 16 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 17 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, September 18 at 2 p.m.
Thursday, September 22 at 7 p.m.
Friday, September 23 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 24 at 2 p.m.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
New Location for our Fourth Annual Fundraiser
Mark your calendar now for a great evening of fun, friends, and food at this year's new location, the Smith Flat House. Support your local homegrown community theater. The theme for this year’s event is based on our upcoming show, Father of the Bride. Come to the best wedding reception in town! If you are interested in supporting the fundraiser, consider donating an item or service for our auction. Tickets will be $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Contact the box office for details 530-642-0404 or itplacerville@yahoo.com.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Chicago at Studio 81 (EDHS) this May
Looking for an evening out at the theater this spring? Come see the talented cast of Chicago at El Dorado High School. Additional information and tickets can be purchased here.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Charter Smith Flat Presents Pride and Prejudice
Showing 1: THU 19th Advanced Drama Performance 7:00PM ShowShowing 2: FRI 20th Advanced Drama Performance 7:00PM Show
Showing 3: SAT 21st Advanced Drama Performance 2:00PM Matinee Show
Tickets: $5 Adult, $3 Child
Charles Brown Educational Campus, 6520 Oak Dell Road, El Dorado, CA
Doors open 6:30PM (Th & F) & 1:30PM (Sat)
Reserve your ticket here.
A Spring Catare Choral Concert, May 15
George and Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Randall Thompson, William Shakespeare, and more!
May 15, 2011 at 4:00 p.m.
Pollock Pines Community Church
6361 Pony Express Trail
Pollock Pines, California
Adults: $10.00 Students: $5.00
Tickets available from Cantare members or at the door
Contact us at: CantareChorale@yahoo.com or check the website at: http://www.CantareChorale.com
May 15, 2011 at 4:00 p.m.
Pollock Pines Community Church
6361 Pony Express Trail
Pollock Pines, California
Adults: $10.00 Students: $5.00
Tickets available from Cantare members or at the door
Contact us at: CantareChorale@yahoo.com or check the website at: http://www.CantareChorale.com
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Closing Quilters Show This Weekend
Calling All Artists - El Dorado Arts Council
CALL TO STUDENT & EMERGING ARTISTS of El Dorado County. EDAC ArtSpace Student /Emerging Artist Art Exhibit (Aug 2 – Sept 3, 2011). Ages 13 – 21; All Media. El Dorado Arts Council ArtSpace, 459 Main Street, Placerville, CA 95667. Contact Susan for details at artspace@eldoradoartscouncil.org or 530-295-3496.
CALL TO ARTISTS: Abstracted at EDAC ArtSpace, June 28th – July 30th, 2011. All Media Abstract art by El Dorado County artists. El Dorado Arts Council ArtSpace, 459 Main Street, Placerville, CA 95667. Contact Susan for details at artspace@eldoradoartscouncil.org or 530-295-3496.
CALL TO ARTISTS: Abstracted at EDAC ArtSpace, June 28th – July 30th, 2011. All Media Abstract art by El Dorado County artists. El Dorado Arts Council ArtSpace, 459 Main Street, Placerville, CA 95667. Contact Susan for details at artspace@eldoradoartscouncil.org or 530-295-3496.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Miscellaneous casting call...
On behalf of the official casting department of "I Hate You Dad," we'd like to inform you of a major casting call. Feel free to forward!
SONY PICTURES and HAPPY MADISON are seeking 13 & 18 year old boys WHO LOOK EXACTLY LIKE ADAM SANDLER for roles in the new Adam Sandler feature film "I Hate You Dad" shooting June 2011. No experience necessary.
Dates: Sat, April 16th AND Sat, April 23 from 10am - 4pm.
Location: 5933 W. Slauson Ave, Culver City, CA 90230
Bring: One non-returnable current photo.
Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Feel free to call our office with any questions or if you'd like to receive an official flyer to post, we will send you one!
Note: This is an "R" rated movie.
Sincerely,
Debbie DeLisi, Casting Assistant
Rachel Tenner Casting
310-244-0144
There is never a "fee" to audition. Any such claim is fraudulent & should be reported at once.
Here is more information about the project.
SONY PICTURES and HAPPY MADISON are seeking 13 & 18 year old boys WHO LOOK EXACTLY LIKE ADAM SANDLER for roles in the new Adam Sandler feature film "I Hate You Dad" shooting June 2011. No experience necessary.
Dates: Sat, April 16th AND Sat, April 23 from 10am - 4pm.
Location: 5933 W. Slauson Ave, Culver City, CA 90230
Bring: One non-returnable current photo.
Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Feel free to call our office with any questions or if you'd like to receive an official flyer to post, we will send you one!
Note: This is an "R" rated movie.
Sincerely,
Debbie DeLisi, Casting Assistant
Rachel Tenner Casting
310-244-0144
There is never a "fee" to audition. Any such claim is fraudulent & should be reported at once.
Here is more information about the project.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Auditions for Father of the Bride This Saturday
Imagination Theater in Placerville has scheduled auditions for the timeless comedy, Father of the Bride, April 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with call backs April 10 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The show is directed by Peter Wolfe. Cold readings from the script and improvisation will be asked of those auditioning. The cast must be available for rehearsals beginning April 30. Full schedule is available at the audition. (No Rehearsals during holiday weekends or Sugarloaf camp sessions).
Please indicate to fairground parking staff that you are attending the auditions and you will be directed where to park (no charge). Please see event link for additional details and share this information with your theater friends! 530-642-0404 or itplacerville@yahoo.com
Cast Details for Father of the Bride
Father of the Bride – Casting/Crew Requirements
Director: Peter Wolfe, 306-1205
Performance run September 9-25, 2011
Men/Boys
1 Mr. Banks – the Father
2 Ben Banks – elder son, Peggy’s boyfriend
3 Tommy Banks – younger son
4 Buckley Dunstan – Kay’s fiancée
5 Buzz Taylor – friend of Tommy, same age
6 Mr. Massoula – wedding planner
7 Joe – assistant wedding planner
8 Red – furniture mover
9 Pete – furniture mover
10 Tim’s man – flower shop delivery guy
Women/Girls
1 Mrs. Banks – the Mother
2 Kay Banks – daughter/bride-to-be
3 Peggy Swift – Ben’s girlfriend
4 Delilah – the Maid
5 Miss Bellamy – Mr. Banks’ secretary
6 Mrs. Pulitzki – seamstress
Cast must be available for rehearsals beginning April 30; see schedule (No Rehearsals during holiday weekends or Sugarloaf camp sessions in July)
Crew- if interested, please call Director
1 Lighting operator; no exp req, must be reliable, age 16+
2 Stage manager; prior exp only, attend rehearsals from 8/8
3 Property manager; props (1940’s period) complete by 8/15
4 Stage crew; no exp req, must be reliable, age 14+ Crew must be available for tech rehearsals beginning August 15; see schedule
Director: Peter Wolfe, 306-1205
Performance run September 9-25, 2011
Men/Boys
1 Mr. Banks – the Father
2 Ben Banks – elder son, Peggy’s boyfriend
3 Tommy Banks – younger son
4 Buckley Dunstan – Kay’s fiancée
5 Buzz Taylor – friend of Tommy, same age
6 Mr. Massoula – wedding planner
7 Joe – assistant wedding planner
8 Red – furniture mover
9 Pete – furniture mover
10 Tim’s man – flower shop delivery guy
Women/Girls
1 Mrs. Banks – the Mother
2 Kay Banks – daughter/bride-to-be
3 Peggy Swift – Ben’s girlfriend
4 Delilah – the Maid
5 Miss Bellamy – Mr. Banks’ secretary
6 Mrs. Pulitzki – seamstress
Cast must be available for rehearsals beginning April 30; see schedule (No Rehearsals during holiday weekends or Sugarloaf camp sessions in July)
Crew- if interested, please call Director
1 Lighting operator; no exp req, must be reliable, age 16+
2 Stage manager; prior exp only, attend rehearsals from 8/8
3 Property manager; props (1940’s period) complete by 8/15
4 Stage crew; no exp req, must be reliable, age 14+ Crew must be available for tech rehearsals beginning August 15; see schedule
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Quilters Tickets Selling Briskly
If you have not already made your reservation (purchased) tickets for Quilters, consider doing this soon. As the stage and theater has been altered for this production, there are almost half the seats available from our regular shows. It doesn't take long to have "good seats" available to a "few off to the side and some singles" available. www.it-tickets.org or 530-642-0404
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Quilters Opens this Friday, March 25
Friday, March 25, 7:00 p.m.Saturday, March 26, 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 27, 2:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 31, 7:00 p.m.
Friday, April 1, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 2, 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 3, 2:00 p.m.
Friday, April 8, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 9, 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 10, 2:00 p.m.
Friday, April 15, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 16, 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 17, 2011, 2:00 p.m.
Get yer tickets online at www.it-tickets.org with PayPal. You can also see the seating availability should you wish to pay at the door. Or, contact the box office at 530-640-0404.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Quilters needs cowhides
Our production, Quilters, is in need of some cowhides. If you can help, please contact the theater.
Facebook for Artists Workshop at EDAC
How to use Facebook Workshop.(to get found & get customers)
Lead by Susan Keale, EDAC ArtSpace Coordinator.
Saturday, April 23rd 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Free to EDAC members. $35 for non-members
The fee includes workshop and membership.
Limited space available.
El Dorado Arts Council ArtSpace
459 Main St.,
Placerville, CA
Contact: Susan Keale 530-295-3496
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
An Interview with Quilters' Director, Chrissie Addison
1. Why have you chosen to bring Quilters back to IT? I was in Theatre El Dorado’s production of Quilters back in ’87. It was a memorable experience for me and for most folks attending the show. When acting, I grow to love most of the characters I’ve played, and some have been real characters from history – like playing Annie in Annie Get Your Gun a few years back. Quilters is a vibrant celebration of real roles women played in settling our country and are an important part of her-story... (get it? his-story)
2. Why is this an important story to tell? To me, it’s important to know about where we’ve come from – as a collective culture and as a country. And living in the West, I love stories about those who died trying to get here to the magical draw the West held.
2. Why theatre in the round? With the audience surrounding the stage, the experience will be more intimate, more real. Also, I wanted to be a part of the fun challenge of doing it for the first time. And, for God’s sake, it is a challenge.
3. Why is there a 12 and up age audience rating? Being that all 16 stories (and many short pieces, monologues) are real, the action depicts death, fires, struggle, loss and such. The show is full of hope and determination, but it’s not a children’s show in general. Children over the age of 12 are more suited for this material.
4. What kind of an impact are you hopeful the viewers of Quilters will come away with? I would hope people feel uplifted and entertained, if not more knowledgeable about our living history in America. Quilters isn’t a typical show like most Broadway musicals. The music is actually more difficult than most musicals. It’s unlike anything most of us have seen on stage before; it’s an experience one shares along with the actors.
5. What is it like directing an all-female cast? This is the third show I’ve directed with all women. The same challenges and hard work ethic are required of all of us in any show, regardless of one’s sex, but I will say this: a group of determined women can make a strong cast. What I do enjoy seeing is the camaraderie and fun they can spontaneously share together. I usually end up wishing I could join them onstage.
6. With El Dorado County steeped in history of the “Quilters” period, many docents and history buffs will likely be attending. How have you found the nexus between historical accuracy and artistic direction? In all aspects the artistic staff has striven to be as accurate historically as possible: costumes, props, stage design, staging and the like. I only wish I could visit 1870 for a day and hear their dialects, slang and see their body language and ways of being. On those levels we only guess. The audience coming to most shows is not just interested in seeing a “museum” piece; they want to be entertained as well. We’re striving to do all of this.
7. What has been the most challenging part of directing the show and what has been the most fun? Every aspect of directing this show has been challenging – especially with putting it in the round. Accomodations and adjustments have to be made everywhere. I’ve enjoyed this process. Being on stage and working the action with the gals is my reward for all the planning and prep work. Once we get rolling, I love watching them warm up and get their energies together to deliver a good show.
8. Do you identify with any one of the characters in particular? Which one and why? I see pieces of my life entertwined throughout the script. Twenty three years ago I had favorites I played on this same stage; this time I relate to them all more and more.
9. What will be done with this production of Quilters that will set it apart from most musical productions? First it is non-fiction – verbatim scenes from real diaries of the westward movement. Also, it is all women playing 98 different roles. And the music is different and enjoyable. No walls or major scenery will seem different. And having a covered wagon on stage will seem unique! Most aspects of the production will seem “different”. I hope to see all theater fans there!
Tickets are available now by phone at 530-642-0404
or online (PayPal only) at www.it-tickets.org
2. Why is this an important story to tell? To me, it’s important to know about where we’ve come from – as a collective culture and as a country. And living in the West, I love stories about those who died trying to get here to the magical draw the West held.
2. Why theatre in the round? With the audience surrounding the stage, the experience will be more intimate, more real. Also, I wanted to be a part of the fun challenge of doing it for the first time. And, for God’s sake, it is a challenge.
3. Why is there a 12 and up age audience rating? Being that all 16 stories (and many short pieces, monologues) are real, the action depicts death, fires, struggle, loss and such. The show is full of hope and determination, but it’s not a children’s show in general. Children over the age of 12 are more suited for this material.
4. What kind of an impact are you hopeful the viewers of Quilters will come away with? I would hope people feel uplifted and entertained, if not more knowledgeable about our living history in America. Quilters isn’t a typical show like most Broadway musicals. The music is actually more difficult than most musicals. It’s unlike anything most of us have seen on stage before; it’s an experience one shares along with the actors.
5. What is it like directing an all-female cast? This is the third show I’ve directed with all women. The same challenges and hard work ethic are required of all of us in any show, regardless of one’s sex, but I will say this: a group of determined women can make a strong cast. What I do enjoy seeing is the camaraderie and fun they can spontaneously share together. I usually end up wishing I could join them onstage.
6. With El Dorado County steeped in history of the “Quilters” period, many docents and history buffs will likely be attending. How have you found the nexus between historical accuracy and artistic direction? In all aspects the artistic staff has striven to be as accurate historically as possible: costumes, props, stage design, staging and the like. I only wish I could visit 1870 for a day and hear their dialects, slang and see their body language and ways of being. On those levels we only guess. The audience coming to most shows is not just interested in seeing a “museum” piece; they want to be entertained as well. We’re striving to do all of this.
7. What has been the most challenging part of directing the show and what has been the most fun? Every aspect of directing this show has been challenging – especially with putting it in the round. Accomodations and adjustments have to be made everywhere. I’ve enjoyed this process. Being on stage and working the action with the gals is my reward for all the planning and prep work. Once we get rolling, I love watching them warm up and get their energies together to deliver a good show.
8. Do you identify with any one of the characters in particular? Which one and why? I see pieces of my life entertwined throughout the script. Twenty three years ago I had favorites I played on this same stage; this time I relate to them all more and more.
9. What will be done with this production of Quilters that will set it apart from most musical productions? First it is non-fiction – verbatim scenes from real diaries of the westward movement. Also, it is all women playing 98 different roles. And the music is different and enjoyable. No walls or major scenery will seem different. And having a covered wagon on stage will seem unique! Most aspects of the production will seem “different”. I hope to see all theater fans there!
Tickets are available now by phone at 530-642-0404
or online (PayPal only) at www.it-tickets.org
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