Erika Maruri (Ensemble)

After a ten year performance hiatus, Erika has rediscovered her affinity towards live theatre. She has enjoyed being a part of the Les Miserables production process as well as being present to see the tremendous growth and progress of her talented fellow cast mates.  Erika has appeared in the past  IT productions of: The Secret Garden and Deathtrap. She will also appear in the forthcoming IT spring production of You Can't Take it with You. Erika has been warmly welcomed into the diverse, creative, encouraging and multi-generational community that is Imagination Theatre. As both a performer and  as an educator herself, Erika has seen the profound positive impact that community theatres  impart upon  the entire community. She encourages the community to support and become active participants in their local fine arts organizations. Since 2006, Erika has been a part of the teaching faculty at Mountain Creek Middle School located in Somerset, CA.

"...And there are those who have little and give it all. These are the believers in life and bounty of life, and their coffer is never empty..." -Khalil Gibran

Ali LaVanway (Ensemble)

What is your role in Les Mis?  

I am in the ensemble. I pick on Fantine in the factory, I imbibe wine at the inn, and I support the students' cause at the barricade.  

What have you enjoyed the most?

This is my first foray into theater since high school, and my first real hobby since I became a stay at home parent 8 years ago. I'm relatively new to Placerville and, after moving around the country for the last 10 years, it has been so rewarding to finally feel at home in my community. 

What has been your greatest challenge?

My greatest struggle has been finding babysitters for the nights my husband isn't available to care for our three children. I've been away from home more in the last 4 months than I have in the whole of the past 8 years! 

What other shows have you been in?  

This is my first show at IT! but definitely not my last. I'll be playing the role of Essie Carmichael in IT!'s spring production, You Can't Take it With You. 

What is your motto or final thought to say?

One thing I love about theater is the reminder to play, not just on stage, but also in every day life. 

Will Evans (Ensemble)

Will Evans is thrilled to be participating in his first IT show.  He is a 7th grader at Rolling Hills Middle School in El Dorado Hills where he can be seen weekly as the anchor/reporter for the school's webcast news.  He has also performed in several other shows including Bugsy Malone, Alice in Wonderland, and, most recently, as the Scarecrow in Wizard of Oz.  

When he's not onstage, you can find Will making movies and parodies for his youtube channel.  He loves to swim for the Broadstone Barracudas and play soccer. His soccer season was cut short by a broken foot this year and he spent much of rehearsal in a hot pink cast.  That didn't slow him down or stop him from climbing his beggar's tower.  He also found a passion for falling from Javert's Bridge.  Cast and all!

He has loved this experience and is looking forward to many more shows with his IT family!  

Trinity Harwell (Ensemble)

What is your role in Les Mis? 

I am in the ensemble. I'm the girl that cries a lot in the barricades.

What have you enjoyed the most?

The Barricade scenes are my favorite to perform in because there is so much energy and a variety of emotions. 

What has been your greatest challenge? 

My greatest challenge has been getting up in the morning! I am involved in a lot of extracurricular activities, so I spend most days going from one thing to the next. But I love it! 

What other shows have you been in?  At Imagination Theater I have been the Coroner of Munchkinland in Wizard of Oz, Chip in Beauty and the Beast, Goldilocks in Goldilocks and the Three Bears and Little Red Riding Hood, Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden, and Sara Crewe in A Little Princess.  This year I was a presenter at the Youth Elly's and nominated for my role in A Little Princess

What is your motto?

Safety Third! Just kidding--that's my motto for sports!

Gigi Knochenhaur ( Ensemble)

Giguette (Gigi) Knochenhauer -- Factory Worker, Begger, Student Helper and Wedding Server.  This is Giguette's third show with IT having been in the cast of The Wizard of Oz, A Little Princess, and now Les Mis.  She has also been in the cast of CATS and A Christmas Carol with EDMT and helped usher and work back stage with other productions at IT!.

 

When Giguette heard IT! was going to put on Les Mis, she was excited beyond belief and is honored to be a part of this magnificent production -- thank you Peter and Lanny for making this possible.  The very first play that Giguette ever saw was Fiddler on the Roof at TED in 2000 when she was only two years old-- since that time she has been addicted to musical theater.

 

Giguette is a sophomore at Ponderosa High School where she enjoys singing in choir and participating in FFA.  Giguette earned her Girl Scout Silver Award last year by working with Sierra Wildlife's Baby Bird Nursery and is looking forward to working on her Gold Award.  Her other hobbies include sailing Hobie Cats, camping, skiing, fostering dogs for Golden Gate Basset Rescue, playing the violin and watching Dr. Who.

 

Enjoy the show!!!!  

MIchelle Harwell (Ensemble)

What is your role in Les Mis?  

I start as a factory worker in Montreuil, and then I transform into the old woman who buys Fantine's necklace at the docks. Then I become a beggar in Paris, and finally a mother who helps the students at the barricades. 

What have you enjoyed the most?

I love singing with this ensemble full of musically gifted people.  Especially because two of them are my daughters!

What has been your greatest challenge?

With such a large cast, I was dreading the crowding and foot traffic that seemed inevitable backstage. But it's actually quite roomy back there. For a cast of 70, plus crew and orchestra, it is surprisingly easy to get around for scene changes. Peter put a lot of thought into the set design behind what the audience sees, and we have a beyond-excellent stage crew who run a tight ship.

What other shows have you been in?  

I have been cast in Imagination Theater productions as a crabby apple tree in Wizard of Oz, an operatic armoire in Beauty and the Beast, an obsessively organized secretary in Father of the Bride, a mischievous magical queen in Camelot, and a melodious apparition in The Secret Garden. Performing on stage, especially musicals, is something that my family did together while I growing up, and now I am able to share it with my children. It is a lot of work but very rewarding.  

What is your motto or final thought to say?

There are no small parts. The amount of lines you have in the script, or the amount of time you have onstage, does not define how important your character is.  You get out of it what you put into it. Put your heart and soul into your character, and it will come to life and be noticed. My youngest daughter was cast as a butterfly in a show with about 15 seconds of stage time, and no lines. But she put everything she had into that butterfly, including creating her own makeup design, and her own interpretation of what a butterfly would be. She moved so beautifully, so gracefully, and then died so tragically. It was very moving. It was just a child's play. But she created something that no one else has ever done nor will ever do again the same way.  That is the art of performing. 

Katherine Okey (Ensemble)

“Hi!  I’m glad, at 34, to have the chance to appear in Les Miserables, because I know what a rare and epic show it is, and that it will be awhile before the performance rights to the show are once again available!  I portray three separate Ensemble characters (A saleswoman named Lisette, a factory worker named Rochelle, and a student helper named Chandelle in our production of Les Miserables.

I have truly enjoyed making new friends at Imagination Theater; I’ll never forget the new friends that I now know via my involvement with the show.  I’ve also had fun creating, naming, and developing all three of the characters that I play...and applying the famous “stage dirt” that makes the Les Mis makeup routine somewhat unique!

I have to admit that creating that internal Les Miserables snowstorm of anger, fear, and sorrow is a true challenge, which can easily test one mentally, emotionally, and physically.  Of course, I also believe that if an actor successfully invests as close to 100% of themselves as possible onstage, they can grow as an actor, and the audience can enjoy the results of their efforts.

Les Miserables is the first Imagination Theater production that I’ve ever been involved with, but I already know that I’ll never forget my experience with this world-famous show, or with the theater staff that gave me the opportunity to appear in the show!”

Hanna Bush (Beggars' Chorus)

I love being a part of Les Mis. The cast and crew are so amazing.  I enjoyed having to have a chance to build up my character and her backstory.  My role in Les Mis is that of a beggar who gets the opportunity to fight for what she believes is right.  I really have enjoyed all of the different costumes and sets.  This is my second show at IT.  My first was Little Mermaid, and I have been in numerous Christmas at Federated Church.  I hope that you enjoy the show!

Ben Kiekhaefer (Beggars' Chorus)

I'm very happy to be in Les Mis for my first on-stage performance.  My character, Jacque Pierre is the one of two unknown brothers of Gavroche, and sings in the Beggars' Chorus. I have learned a lot about music, singing, acting, and how to work with such a large cast to make an incredible show. My favorite song  is Empty Chairs at Empty Tables - it really makes me feel sad for all the French people who died fighting for their rights in 1800s.  I really like singing, science, art, playing 'Master of the House' on my trombone,  acting out different Les Mis scenes with my siblings, and building Lego creations!

Meg Dockter (Beggars' Chorus)

Meg says "I love being a part of IT! Getting to meet new people and try new things is so much fun. I have been in two past shows, Little Princess and Little Mermaid and loved it. Besides Imagination Theater, I take horseback riding lessons, play volleyball, write stories and read. But that is second to IT! and Les Miserables. I love Imagination Theater!"

Jeff Jackson (Ensemble)

Jeff Jackson is loving his first community theater experience. He's in the men's Ensemble for Les Mis, singing and dancing, moving tables and barricades, catching "bodies" and changing costumes (lots of those!) He's very grateful to Peter, Lanny, Dale, and Dr. Jeff for giving him the opportunity and leading this monumental undertaking so expertly; the entire cast and crew and orchestra for selflessly contributing so much time and talent; and especially his wife Jennifer for getting him into this (and for letting him smooch her on stage.) 

Brenden Carlson (Beggars' Chorus)

This is Brenden's first performance at Imagination Theater. He performed in a lead role in "One Quiet Night" a Christmas Cantata in Placerville last year. He also performed in "Jungle Book, Jr" at Runaway Stage productions in Sacramento. He has enjoyed the experience at IT! and now considers himself to be a professional pick-pocket.

Kathryn Carlson (Beggars' Chorus)

This is Kathryn's second performance at Imagination Theater. She had fun learning to squawk and dance with flipper feet as a seagull in The Little Mermaid, Jr. Now she enjoys getting dirty and ragged in the beggars' chorus. She loves singing Les Miz songs at the top of her lungs and is seriously considering understudying for the role of Jean Valjean. 

Adeline Penn (Ensemble/Chorus)

Adeline has had a life long love affair with theater starting with organizing neighborhood shows as a child, participating in high school plays, earning a BA degree majoring in theater, working professionally as a stage manager, veering sideways into a spot as an on air radio personality, orchestrating family life, and finally joining the IT family in several capacities behind the curtain along with a turn out front as a Nosferatu in Dracula. 

Adeline is enjoying the Les Mis experience immensely working props as well as several characters on stage.  Watch out for those scissors! She thanks her family for their continued love and support.

Kate Barba (Factory Girl, Bar Dancer, and Reluctant Revolutionary)

Kate is thrilled to be a part of Les Miserables.  She portrays Factory Girl (Queen Mean Girl), a bar "dancer," and a reluctant revolutionary.  This is Kate's sixth appearance on the Imagination Theater stage; her favorite roles include Meg in Little Women and Rose in The Secret Garden.  She is also active behind the scenes at the theater, notably as AD for Beauty and the Beast and as a CAST committee member.  

Outside the theater Kate enjoys travel, yoga, wine, and outdoor adventures with her family.  She thanks her husband Pete and their three year old twins, Gwyn and Drew, for giving her the "me-time" and support to follow her bliss.  

Ned Heaney (Ensemble)

Ned says, "At this time I will be a fill-in in a few scenes due to the fact I had to leave the show due to health in mid summer.  My biggest challenge has not been anything with the show, but I have had the challenge of living with cancer for now and wanting to continue with the show. I was excited that I was able to return to the show in a small way.  I played Rufus in Lil' Abner and Uncle Henry in the Wizard of Oz at Imagination Theater.    I love doing theater and very proud to be associated with the Imagination Theater family."

Bob Steele (Ensemble)

Bob's favorite role is one of the revolutionaries on the barricade, "Professor "Jean Prouvaire, who has joined his students to oppose the monarchy of King Louis-Phillipe.  Previously, he has performed in IT productions of The Diary of Anne Frank as Mr. Kraler, Camelot as Sir Sagramore, and The Little Princess as Ram Dass.  His favorite line in the musical score is "Somewhere beyond the barricade is there a world you long to see?"

Bob thanks all the members of the IT family for their creative passion, team-spirit, and commitment to nurturing each cast member's musical/dramatic development and his dear wife, Diana , for her inspirational support and understanding.

Cindy Nelson (Ensemble/Chorus)

Cindy says "It’s been roughly 20 years since I’ve had the opportunity to be in a musical or opera. So when one of vocal students told me about the auditions for this show, I thought why not…I’ve missed it!   I love to challenge myself  and to continually grow as a musician. In the  last 25 years I have been able to teach in my own studio voice and piano, record a CD in Nashville TN, perform in various bands, as well as acquire  a music publishing deal.  Although I have found working on this show to be daunting at times, it has been well worth it. The cast and crew have been fantastic, kind, and extremely helpful. I’ve meant so many new people, and have learned more about myself. I am so very thankful the opportunity to be apart of this creative process!"  Cindy's many roles in Les Mis include a Factory Worker, Drinker, Chorus, and Ensemble.

Susan Felton (Ensemble/Chorus)

Susan is delighted to be a part of her third show with Imagination Theater.  She loves being in the ensemble/chorus because of the variety of parts.  She is the innkeeper's wife, Factory worker, Old Beggar Woman and a Turning Woman.  Susan also assisted with costumes.  Her previous shows at IT! include Annie and Big River.  Susan has the distinction of being one of the oldest, if not the oldest, cast members.  This goes to show that one is never too old to 'dream the dream'.  She is thankful to Peter Wolfe, Lanny Langston and the entire cast and crew for all the help and good times.  

Tamalisa Carlson (Lovely Ladies, Ensemble)

This is Tamalisa's fourth production at Imagination Theater. She first appeared as Marmee in Little Women, the Musical, then the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz, and most recently as Queen Guenevere in Camelot.  For Les Miserables, she is cast as one of the lovely ladies and ensemble. This is the first time the Carlson family has shared the stage together. Tamalisa has enjoyed sharing her passion for theater with her husband and children.

Sarah Jessica Bennett (Beggar, Factory Worker, Student Helper)

"My favorite part of the Les Miserables experience is the amazing cast and crew. The costumes are phenomenal, they help so much with the development of my characters, and bring the show to life!"

Sarah has been in several shows at El Dorado High School (42nd Street, Chicago, and The Terrible Tragedy of Peter Pan) and Imagination Theater--including The Secret Garden, Grease, and Wizard of Oz.

Les Miscellaneous!

It is crazy busy at the theater as we prepare to open Les Miserables in 30 days...and it's actually sooner than that because of the Gala Premiere show on November 23 (which you do not want to miss!).  Meanwhile we have several of opportunities available to you...

Consider advertising in the Les Miserables program: $200 Full Page, $150 Half Page, $50 Business Card size.  Deadline to submit jpeg ready artwork: November 12.  No exceptions.

Tell your friends, family, neighbors about the Gala Premiere on Saturday, November 23 at 6:00 p.m.  Local wines, appetizers, coffee and desserts.  In addition, you get to meet and greet an incredible cast who have been preparing for this huge show for months!   The tickets are $75 and a chunk of that is tax deductible ($57).  It's a great deal to see a great show and support the theater at the same time.

Want to get involved?  We are looking for people to help in the box office.  It's a fun job meeting others in the community.  The time commitment is from approximately 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. or 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.   We would hope that you could join us for 2-3 shows during the run of Les Mis.

Want group tickets?  This is the time to buy them.  Order online or through the box office.  Tickets are $12 for groups of more than ten.  Get all tickets at:  www.imaginationtheater.net

Any questions, contact us at itplacerville@yahoo.com

Come to our Special Gala Preview Show of Les Miserables!

You Can't Take It With You - Cast List

Thank you to all who auditioned for You Can't Take It With You.  It's a great cast!

Penny Sycamore – Lorrene Baum Davis

Grandpa  – John Prock

Alice Sycamore – Amanda Anderson

Tony Kirby – Steven Kliner

Mr. Kirby – Rick Gaylord

Essie Carmichael  – Ali LaVanway

Boris Kolenkhov – Sean Widing

Paul Sycamore – Blake Lawton

Ed Carmichael – Erick Lindley

Mr. DePinna – Dan Clark

Mrs. Kirby – Kathleen Mini

The Grand Duchess Olga Katrina– Erika Maruri

Gay Wellington – Jody Wills

Rheba - Toni Conley-Widing

Donald – Jeff Jackson

FBI Agent - Diana Granger

Wilbur Henderson – TBD

G-men –TBD

Reminder!

We do not have a Thursday show of Deathtrap this week.  This is our closing weekend.  Our next show is on Friday, September 27 at 7:00 p.m.   Two more matinees for your viewing pleasure on Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.  Tickets are available at the door.  Box office and theater doors open a half an hour prior to show time.

You Can't Take It With You Audition Form Link

Get a head start and complete this audition form and bring it to the audition on October 5.

Meet the Cast of Deathtrap: Paul Sobelman as Porter Milgram

Porter Milgram raises some suspicions
in the Bruhl household.

Paul has been involved with this theater for over 18 years, and has performed in many shows, mostly musicals, including being the Wizard in The Wizard of OZ and Sir Dinaden in Camelot.  He is thrilled to be part of this murder mystery and working with it's talented cast.   He gives thanks to his wife, Stevie, for her continued support and to Sam, his youngest son, who introduced him to theater.

Deathtrap continues through September 29.  Tickets available online, by phone 1-800-838-3006, and at the door.

It's beginning to look a lot like fall...

As fall begins, we reflect back on this past summer and we are grateful for those who supported us at our fundraiser this past August.  We appreciate those who have invested so much of their time in bringing Good Stories! Good Times! and Good Company! to your community theater.

If you haven't had a chance, come and see Deathrap, one of Broadway's longest running plays.  Not all is as it appears in this clever story.  It will keep you guessing!

We are also pleased to announce a special Gala Preview Show of Les Miserables on Saturday, November 23 at 6:00 p.m.  Tickets are $75 that are partially tax deductible.  Meet the cast and a special guest.  There will be wine and appetizers, with dessert and coffee at intermission.   The show opens the day after Thanksgiving on Friday, November 29 and runs through the end of December.

Tickets for all of our events are available online.

Also, if you are more comfortable on stage, we have a couple things coming up for you.

Auditions for You Can't Take It With You are on October 5.  Details and information about that is here on our blog.

If you have been involved in an Imagination Theater production, you are invited to come to the IT CAST Party on the evening of October 5 at 6:00 p.m.  The theme is Villians!

Meet the Cast of Deathtrap: Lori Whittle as Helga ten Dorp

Lori is a Placerville resident who teaches fourth grade by day and acts out psychic predictions by night.  She is over the moon about portraying “Helga” and thankful that Grant Stellflug has given her the opportunity of bringing such a nutty character to life.  Some of her other experiences with Imagination Theater include stage managing Beauty and the Beast, acting in The Diary of Anne Frank, script supervising for Dracula, directing Goldilocks and the Three Bears and Little Red Riding Hood , and lighting for The Secret Garden.  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 Mike, Aaron, and Ashleigh for supporting her desire to play.

Deathtrap continues through September 29.  Tickets available online, by phone 1-800-838-3006, and at the door.

Meet the Cast of Deathtrap: Jonathan Rutz as Clifford Anderson

Johnathan is an experienced actor from Studio 81 at El Dorado High School. He took part in the productions: 42^nd Street, Wild Oats, and Cats. He enjoys theater and plans to pursue it in college. This is his first play with Imagination Theater, and he is very excited to tackle such a big role so early on in his acting career. This is his first play outside of a school affiliated theater, and he is very excited to go on as Clifford Anderson in Deathtrap.

Deathtrap continues through September 29.  Tickets available online, by phone 1-800-838-3006, and at the door.

Meet the Cast of Deathtrap: Erika Maruri as Myra Bruhl

Myra begins to feel uneasy
hearing Sidney's ideas.  

A classically trained musician since the age of thirteen, Ms. Maruri’s performance background extends from comedic musical theatre to tragic opera. Trained in the Italian vocal technique of Bel Canto, Ms. Maruri has performed as both a soloist and as an ensemble member with various vocal ensembles throughout both Northern California and in Europe. She holds a Bachelors of Music degree in Vocal Performance from California State University, Stanislaus.  An Associate of Arts in Music from Yuba College and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from California State University, Chico.  Ms. Maruri’s first debut with Imagination Theater was as Mrs. Medlock in the 2012 production of The Secret Garden.  Born in the Bay Area and raised in the Central Valley, Ms. Maruri now calls the Sierra Foothills her home.  Since 2006, Ms. Maruri has been a part of the teaching faculty at Mountain Creek Middle School located in Somerset, California.

Deathtrap continues through September 29.  Tickets available online, by phone 1-800-838-3006, and at the door.

Meet the cast of Deathtrap: Philip Pittman as Sidney Bruhl

Not all is as it appears in the thriller, Deathtrap
Philip Pittman as Sidney Bruhl

This is Philip’s first production for Imagination Theater.  Philip has appeared in numerous productions (35, but who’s counting) over the last eight years and was most recently seen in Why Torture Is Wrong And The People Who Love Them in Sacramento.  He has performed at theaters in Sutter Creek, Jackson, Woodland, Winters, Roseville, Folsom and a multitude of  theaters in Sacramento.  He spent many of his youthful summers in Pollock Pines and Lake Tahoe, and his mother’s side of the family ranched in the Latrobe area.  Philip wishes to extend his sincere thanks to the people behind the scenes at Imagination Theater, and his director, and fellow cast members who instantly made him feel welcome and valued.  The Placerville region has been graced with a gifted theater company and hopes you will continue to support the talent it showcases.

Deathtrap continues through September 29.  Tickets available online, by phone 1-800-838-3006, and at the door.

Get caught in a Deathtrap this weekend.

   Thursday- Saturday at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.  Tickets available at the door.

Deathtrap continues three more weekends in September. Tickets are available online, by phone 24/7 (1-800-838-3006), and at the door.

You Can't Take It With You - Character Information for the Audition

“You Can’t Take It With You” Characters
(in random order)

Penelope “Penny” Sycamore (246 lines)
Preferred age: 40 and up
Usually goes by Penny, Penelope is the mother of Essie and
Alice, wife of Paul, and daughter of Martin. She writes plays
and paints as hobbies because it makes her happy, but is
terrible at both. Penny is a loving mother and wife and is
constantly concerned with the welfare of her family. Her
main goal is to make sure everyone is happy, particularly her
daughter Alice. A huge part! On stage almost all the time.

Martin “Grandpa” Vanderhof (207 lines)
Preferred age: 60 and up
Referred to mostly as Grandpa in the play. Father-in-law to
Paul, father of Penny, grandfather of Alice and Essie. He is
an eccentric happy old man who has never paid his income
tax because he doesn't believe in it, as he feels that the
government wouldn't know what to do with the money if he
paid for it. He lives his life by the philosophy: “Don't do
anything that you're not going to enjoy doing.” He goes to
circuses, commencements, throws darts, and collects
stamps. A challenging role indeed, but most of your blocking
is…sitting in a rocker.

Alice Sycamore (181 lines)
Preferred age: 18 and up
Fiancé of Tony Kirby, daughter of Paul and Penny,
Granddaughter of Martin, sister of Essie. She the only
"normal" family member. She has an office job, and is rather
embarrassed by the eccentricities of her family when she
has Tony and his parents at her house, yet she still loves
them. She tends to be a pessimist. The actress for Alice
needs to show characteristics of love, embarrassment,
worry…and many more.

Tony Kirby (136 lines)
Preferred age: 18 and up
Fiancé of Alice, Son of Mr. and Mrs. Kirby. He sees how,
even though the Sycamores appear odd, they are really the
perfect family because they love and care about each other.
His own family is very proper and has many issues none of
them will admit. He is vice president of Kirby and Co. This
actor will need to have an adorable properness to him. The
audience will need to be on Tony’s side right from the start.

Anthony W. Kirby (107 lines)
Preferred age: 45 and up
Husband of Mrs. Kirby, father of Tony. He is a very proper
man who is president of Kirby and Co. and secretly despises
his job. His hobby is raising expensive orchids. He is also a
member of the Harvard Society, the Union Club, the National
Geographic Society, and the Racquet Club. Being rich and
borderline snobby is a good start for an actor to experiment
with for this role. Whoever has this role will also need to not
laugh when hilarity ensues.

Essie Carmichael (87 lines)
Preferred age: 25 and up
Wife of Ed, daughter of Penny and Paul Sycamore,
Granddaughter of Martin, sister of Alice. She is childish. As a
hobby she makes candy that Ed sells. Essie dreams of being
a ballerina. She has spent 8 years studying with Boris
Kolenkhov, but is a terrible dancer. Actresses who perform
these embarrassing, bad dances need to keep a very
straight face, and is willing to dance intermingled with
Kolenkhov. Hilarity will ensue.

Boris Kolenkhov (83 lines)
Preferred age: 30 and up
A Russian who escaped to America shortly before the
Russian Revolution. He is very concerned with world politics,
and the deterioration of Russia. He is the ballet instructor of
Essie, aware that she is untalented at dancing, but knows
that she enjoys dancing so he keeps working with her. He
likes the Greeks and the Romans, questions society, and is
interested in world affairs. He is opinionated and often loudly
declares that something "stinks"! This actor can be either
very large and boisterous, or small and flamboyant. Will
need to be able to support Essie physically, and keep a
straight face.

Paul Sycamore (68 lines)
Preferred age: 40 and up
Father of Essie and Alice, husband of Penny, Son-in-law of
Martin. He is a Tinker who manufactures fireworks in the
basement with the help of his assistant Mr. De Pinna. His
hobby is playing with erector sets. It will help have an age
appropriate actor for this role. A common, fatherly character
is all Paul needs.

Ed Carmichael (65 lines)
Preferred age: 25 and up
Husband of Essie, son-in-law of Paul and Penny. He is a
xylophone player, and distributes Essie's candies. Ed is an
amateur printer who prints anything that sounds good to him.
He prints up dinner menus for his family and little quotes that
he places in the boxes of Essie's candy. He also likes to
make masks. The actor will need to be confident in all his
crafts, but show meekness when he is later confronted with
a visit from the feds.

Mr. De Pinna (55 lines)
Preferred age: 30 and up
The iceman who came inside to speak to Paul five years
before, and never left. He helps Mr. Sycamore build
fireworks, and moonlights as a model in Mrs. Sycamore's
paintings. He is a nutty guy. This is kind of a side-kick role
to Paul. Witty, random jokes. A perfect role for someone
who can have a lot of fun designing a uniquely written
character.
Donald (46 lines)
Preferred age: 25 and up
The boyfriend of Rheba, who seems to serve as volunteer
handyman for the Sycamores. In the words of Mrs.
Sycamore, "The two of them are really cute together,
something like Porgy and Bess." The characters of Donald
and Rheba, according to the script, are African-American.
These roles, and their dialogues, can be altered freely.

Rheba (44 lines)
Preferred age: 25 and up
The maid and cook to the Sycamore family. She is dating
Donald. She is onstage a lot, but doesn’t necessarily say
anything. The characters of Donald and Rheba, according to
the script, are African-American. These roles, and their
dialogues, can be altered freely.

Wilbur C. Henderson (34 lines)
Preferred age: 25 and up
An employee of the IRS. He comes to collect the tax money
owed by Grandpa, and can't understand why the latter won't
pay income tax. A one-scene role that has brought out tons
of laughs and stomach cramps from audience all over.
Perfect for someone who wants to act, but may not have a
lot of time to commit.

Miriam Kirby (33 lines)
Preferred age: 45 and up
Wife of Mr. Kirby, mother of Tony. She is an extremely prim
and proper woman and is horrified by the goings-on in the
Sycamore household. Her hobby is spiritualism. A small,
female role, but one that shows a great deal of emotion.

The Grand Duchess Olga Katrina (20 lines)
Preferred age: 40 and up
She was one of the Grand Duchesses of Russia before the
Revolution, another being her sister, the Grand Duchess
Natasha. Since then she has been forced to flee to America
where she has found work as a waitress in Childs
Restaurant. The rest of her family has had a similar fate,
such as her Uncle Sergei, the Grand Duke, who is now an
elevator man. She loves to cook as a hobby. This character
will appear later in the play, and the actress needs to be able
to be a bit over-the-top, but not over do it. A memorable, not
necessarily overwhelming, Russian accent is desired.

Gay Wellington (9 lines)
Preferred age: 25 and up
An actress whom Mrs. Sycamore meets on a bus and invites
home to read one of her plays. She is an alcoholic, gets very
drunk and passes out shortly after arriving at the Sycamore's
home. A very small role, but onstage for several scenes.
The actress mustn’t be afraid to be physically carried by
another actor, and can act “passed out”, in hilarious
positions, without breaking character.

G-Man 1 “The Man” (18 lines), G-Man 2 “Jim” (3 lines),
G-Man 3 “Mac” (2 lines)
Preferred age: 21 and up (Triplets would rock!)
Three agents who come to investigate Ed because of the
communist things he p

Looking for a few more ushers...

Deathtrap opens September 6.  Though we have plenty of ushers for opening weekend, we are still looking for a few during the show's run.  Ushers are able to view the show and assist our patrons in this valuable service.  To sign up go to this very long link  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B084DA5A62FA20-deathtrap  If you have questions regarding ushering,  please contact our house manager, Sean at it.house.mgr@gmail.com

Audition Notice - You Can't Take it with You

You Can't Take It With You
by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman

One of the most popular and successful plays of modern times.  Winner of the 1937 Pulitzer Prize.

Audition dates are:

Saturday, October 5th - 2:30 -6:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 6th - 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for Call Backs
Comedy: 9 men, 3 extras (playing age 20s-70s),  7 women (playing 20s-60s)

Audition will consist of cold readings from the script and improvisation.  Resumes and headshots will be accepted, but are not required.

At first the Sycamores seem mad, but it is not long before we realize that if they are mad, the rest of the world is madder. In contrast to these delightful people are the unhappy Kirbys. The plot shows how Tony, attractive young son of the Kirbys, falls in love with Alice Sycamore and brings his parents to dine at the Sycamore home on the wrong evening. The shock sustained by the Kirbys, who are invited to eat cheap food, shows Alice that marriage with Tony is out of the question. The Sycamores, however, though sympathetic to Alice, find it hard to realize her point of view. Meantime, Tony, who knows the Sycamores are right and his own people wrong, will not give her up, and in the end Mr. Kirby is converted to the happy madness of the Sycamores, particularly since he happens in during a visit by an ex-Grand Duchess, earning her living as a waitress. No mention has as yet been made of the strange activities of certain members of the household engaged in the manufacture of fireworks; nor of the printing press set up in the parlor; nor of Rheba the maid and her friend Donald; nor of Grandpa's interview with the tax collector when he tells him he doesn't believe in the income tax.

Show Dates:  March 28-April 20, 2014

Imagination Theater is organizing a tour to New York City September 14-20, 2014. This will be the theater’s fourth trip to the Big Apple. See three Broadway shows, visit Central Park, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building, Radio City Music Hall, and much more. Contact Lanny Langston at (530) 903-6361 for further information. Register early and save.

IT Imagination Theater, 100 Placerville Drive in Placerville, on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, brings quality, live, local community theater to Placerville and El Dorado County.

Find out "Whodunnit" at Imagination Theater this September

CAUGHT IN a "Deathtrap," front left to right, Clifford Anderson (Jonathan Rutz), Porter Milgrim (Paul Sobelman), standing left to right, Sidney Bruhl (Philip Pitman), Myra Bruhl (Erika Maruri) and Helga ten Dorp (Lori Whittle) confront each other in the Imagination Theater production opening Friday, Sept. 6. Democrat photo by Shelly Thorene

Tickets ($12-15) are available online, by phone, or at the door.

Elly Award Ceremony Information

Youth Division
- Broadway Bound!
Sunday, September 8 at 7:00pm
Roseville Theatre Arts Academy
241 Vernon Street, Roseville
This ceremony celebrates the Education and Young People's categories. Entertainment will be provided by Elly nominated theatres. Refreshments will be on-sale to benefit the theatre.
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/443843

Adult Division
- Come to the Cabaret!
Sunday, September 22nd at 7:00pm
Red Lion Inn - Woodlake
500 Leisure Lane, Sacramento
Elegant surroundings, delicious appetizers, refreshing adult beverages and a cabaret atmosphere.
This ceremony celebrates the Drama, Comedy, Musical and Original Works categories.
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/445363

Tickets for both ceremonies are on sale now!

Congrats to IT's Elly Nominees!

Congratulations to those at Imagination Theater who received Elly Award nominations for SARTA's 2012-2013 Season.

Lanny Langston - Direction-Comedy, Run for Your Wife
Chris Celestin - Supporting Actor-Comedy, Run for Your Wife
Virgil Toothaker - Set Design-Comedy, Run for Your Wife
Carol Cramer - Costume Design-Musical, The Secret Garden
Karen Wolfe - Costume Design-Young People's Musical, A Little Princess
Kim Havercroft and Pam Harrison - Costume Design-Young People's Musical, The Little Mermaid, Jr.
Marc Bonham - Sound Design-Young People's Musical, The Little Mermaid, Jr.
Dale Wallerstein - Leading Actress (Adult)-Young People's Musical, A Little Princess
Tori Kientz - Supporting Actress (Adult)-Young People's Musical for A Little Princess
Trinity Harwell - Supporting Actress (Child)-Young People's Musical for A Little Princess


Thank you to all who have worked so diligently on stage and behind the scenes. You are all winners!

See you at the Elly awards: http://www.sarta.com/

Kids wanted for Local Video Project

Kids Wanted for Local Video Project Ages 8 to 12

TEEF (Trevor's Eco Education Foundation) Is a pending non-profit organization whose mission is to: Help youth discover the interdependence of all living things and inspire actions that will protect, nurture and sustain our planet.

We are creating a fund-raising video for Kickstarter.com in order to help raise funds to help launch our first book in our series books entitled: Trevor’s Travels Eco Adventures – The Ocean Calls

This project is being done in conjunction with the students from the Art Institute of Sacramento.

We need approximately 15 kids of all ethnicities and gender, ages 8 to 12 to participate in this video. This video will be a narrative so no speaking parts are necessary. This will be an outdoor shoot that will involve kids playing, running and kite flying.

Shoot Date & Time: Wednesday Aug 21st from 8 am to 12 pm (if needed) Saturday Aug 24th 2013 from 12 to 5pm

Location: Kalithea Park in El Dorado Hills

If you are interested and would like your child to participate in this amazing project or need to learn more…Please contact:

John Mellberg, Executive Director
john@trevorfoundation.org
916-240-4540

Items await your bid at IT's fundraiser this Friday (8/16)

You won't want to miss out on bidding for some wonderful items. Proceeds will keep live theater thriving in our community! Join us this Friday, August 16 at 7:00 p.m. for a fun evening. Tickets are $25 and are available at the door.

Palissandro Wine Makers Lunch for 8
Wine Makers Lunch for 8 with a guided tour
around the vines or a game of Bocce Ball
Value - $400

Flemings' Wine Country Retreat
3 day/2 nights stay in Fairplay for two couples
Includes bottle of wine and $25 Gift Card to Gold Vine Grill in Somerset
Value - $800

Mini's House of Pain
Certificate for 2-month personal fitness training in El Dorado Hills
Value - $600

South Lake Tahoe Vacation
4 day/3 night stay in South Lake Tahoe home.
15 min from Heavenly Valley or Sierra at Tahoe resorts
Sleeps 8. Exp. 7/1/14
Value - $750

Ashland, Oregon Getaway - October 10-13, 2013
Includes 2 tickets to the Heart of Robin Hood and
My Fair Lady, backstage tour for two, 2 tickets to
Oregon Cabaret Show, S'Wonderful, plus 4 days/3
nights at Ann Hathaway's Bed and Breakfast.
Value - $1200

Vacation in Tulum, Mexico
Vacation Home in Tulum, Mexico (south of Cancun)
Airfare not included
Value - $1700

Foothill Area Rapid Transit (FART) Wine Tasting Tour
Ride the FART bus for wine tastings at

Iverson Winery
DK Cellars
Toogood Winery

The bus leaves at noon for a group of up to 14 people
on the day of your choice.
Value - $800

White Water Rafting
One day rafting trip for two plus lunch on the river
Value - $250

Hope to see you at the fundraiser this Friday!

Trip to The Big Apple - September 2014

Join Imagination Theater on an amazing trip to NYC! Start planning now!

SEPTEMBER 14 THRU 19, 2014 (NEXT YEAR)

THE TRIP INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING

Round trip airfare
Hotel accommodations near the Theater District
Three Broadway Shows
Breakfasts
Dinners
Overnight Security at the Hotel
Professional liability coverage
24-hour on-tour emergency support number
Full-time Tour Director
Tour of Radio City Music Hall
Tour of Statute of Liberty and Ellis Island
City tour on a bus
Ground Zero
Theater workshops with professional actors
CBS studios, Top of the Rock, Rockefeller Center
Empire State Building and much more. . . .

COST: $2,994 per student (under 20 at time of tour)
or less than $200 per monthly payments
$3,369 per adult or around $260 per month

Call Lanny Langston at 530 903-6361 for more information and how to enroll. Limited space!

Elly Nomination Summary from SARTA

The Elly nomination party was a big hit and the Elly judges did a great job announcing all 455 names.

Here are some interesting Elly nominee statistics: Sacramento Area Regional Theatre Alliance (SARTA) 2013 Elly Award Nominations Statistics

82 participating theatres submitted 272 productions
47- Comedy
40 -Drama
38 -Education (16 Education Musicals plus 22 Education Plays)
51 -Musicals
25 -Original Works (14 Original Scripts plus 11 Adapted Scripts)
71 -Young People's Theater (39 Young People's Musicals plus 32 Young People's Plays)

Nominations
455 Nominations for 92 Elly Awards 58 Theatres received nominations (71% of participating theaters were nominated)
123 Productions received nominations (45% of productions submitted were nominated)

Theaters receiving the most nominations
Sutter Street Theatre (44) (39 Youth Programs, 5 Adult)
Woodland Opera House (29) (20 Youth Programs, 9 Adult)
Sheldon High School (24) (All Youth Programs)
St. Francis High School (21) (All Youth Programs)
El Dorado High School (20) (All Youth Programs)
Runaway Stage Productions (19) (18 Youth Programs, 1 Adult)
The Acting Company (17) (10 Youth Programs, 7 Adult)

Productions receiving the most nominations:
Youth Programs
Into The Woods, St. Francis High School (18)
Peter Pan, Woodland Opera House (15)
Seussical, The Musical, Flying Monkey Productions (14)
The MISER, Paris Texas, Sheldon High School (14)
13, The Musical, Stand Out Talent (12)
Cats, El Dorado High School (12)

Productions receiving the most nominations:
Adult Programs
Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street, Stockton Civic Theatre (11) Journey To The West, Community Asian Theatre Of The Sierra (11)
Hairspray, Davis Musical Theatre Company (10)
A Lie Of The Mind, San Joaquin Delta College (10)
The Drowsy Chaperone, Woodland Opera House (9)

Want to receive our newsletter and theater updates? Sign up now!

Find out the latest information happening at Imagination Theater. Please take a moment to submit your name and email to receive our monthly newsletter and updates from the theater. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Sign Up Today!

* required

Email Address: *

First Name:

Last Name:



Email & Social Media Marketing by VerticalResponse