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