Shadowlands

I'll be catching Shadowlands at Contemporary Theatre of Dallas tomorrow night. A good friend of mine, Jessica Wiggers, is in the cast. Jessica just took home the Column Award for Best Actress in a Play (Non-Equity). This will be the first show I've seen at CTD. I've heard great things about the company, so I have high hopes.

Run Away

I went this morning and got my tickets to see Monty Python's SPAMALOT at Dallas Summer Musicals. Local radio station 98.7 KLUV was onsite at the DSM Box Office with show-related games to play. I pinned the limb on the Black Knight and won an Official SPAMALOT cap.

Rehearsals start tonight

We have our first "rehearsal" for Bye Bye Birdie at KCCT tonight. It's really more of a "meet your fellow castmates" kind of thing. We'll be watching the ABC TV version of the show. Tomorrow night we start vocal rehearsals.

I've been stuck in the ensemble because the Director says she needs someone with the talent and flexibility to play multiple roles. We almost weren't able to get this show off the ground, so I was willing to go ahead and agree to step up to the plate.

Is there a future for Community Theatre?

I've been having an e-mail discussion with a friend of mine. I have posited the theory that in areas in and close to major cities, such as Dallas, the concept of "Community Theatre" may be past its time. The folks who used to be the backbone of such endeavors have become too busy with other things, e.g. their kids' soccer games & practices, their kids' baseball or softball games & practices, their kids' piano/ballet/karate lessons, activities related to church, etc. We've heard stories about the "over-programming" of our children's lives. What seems to be lost in many of those discussions is the necessary result of leaving adults with very little time to pursue hobbies or interests of their own.

Maybe there is still room for the Community Theatre. However, in order to survive, I believe they can't demand an inordinate amount of people's time. It's a double-edged sword. If you use local talent, it really takes more rehearsal to put up a good show, but those folks are the ones who don't have the time to commit to several week's of rehearsal. If you start using more of the regular theatre talent, you lose the nature of being a Community Theatre.

I may be completely wrong about the futility of Community Theatre in big cities and their suburbs. I'm not usually pessimistic about anything, but I'm pretty firm in my opinion on this. I'd love to hear some theories or explanations to the contrary.

My Picks for The Column Awards

I'll be voting for the following nominees for The Column Awards. I don't have picks in every category, so I'm open to worthy suggestion.

Best Musical of the Year – Equity

URINETOWN: THE MUSICAL – Water Tower Theatre

Best Musical of the Year - Non-Equity

NUNSENSE – ICT Mainstage

Play of the Year – Equity

BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS – Flower Mound Performing Arts Theatre

Play of the Year – Non-Equity

HARVEY – Repertory Company Theatre

Best Director of a Musical – Equity

Mark Mullino – CITY OF ANGELS – Flower Mound Performing Arts Theatre

Best Director of a Musical - Non-Equity

David Schmidt – NUNSENSE – ICT Mainstage

Best Director of a Play – Equity

Mark Mullino – BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS – FMPAT

Best Director of a Play – Non – Equity

Marianne Galloway – ANGELS IN AMERICA: MILLENIUM APPROACHES – RIT

Best Music Director of a Musical – Equity

Sheliah Walker – URINETOWN: THE MUSICAL – Water Tower Theatre

Best Music Director of a Musical – Non-Equity

Pamela Holcomb-McLain – NUNSENSE – ICT Mainstage

Best Choreographer of a Musical - Equity

Paula Morelan – URINETOWN: THE MUSICAL – Water Tower Theatre

Best Choreographer of a Musical - Non-Equity

Nancy Slater Roberts – NUNSENSE – ICT Mainstage

Best Stage Manager of a Play – Non-Equity

Alan Hanna – DANGEROUS LIAISONS – Richardson Theatre Center

Best Actor in a Musical - Equity

Joshua Doss – URINETOWN: THE MUSICAL – Water Tower Theatre

Best Actress in a Musical - Equity

Stacey Oristano – URINETOWN: THE MUSICAL – Water Tower Theatre

Best Actress in a Musical - Non-Equity

Libby Bogart – NUNSENSE – ICT Mainstage

Best Actress in a Play - Non-Equity

Jessica Wiggers – ANGELS IN AMERICA: MILLENIUM APPROACHES – RTI

Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical – Equity

Andy Gosnell – SINGIN' IN THE RAIN – Garland Summer Musicals

Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical – Non-Equity

Dane Hoffman – GUYS AND DOLLS – Lewisville Community Theatre

Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical – Equity

Allison Rogers – SINGIN' IN THE RAIN – Garland Summer Musicals

Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Play – Equity

Linda Leonard – BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS – FMPAT

Best Featured Actor in a Musical – Equity

Chris Robinson – CITY OF ANGELS – Flower Mound Performing Arts Theatre

Best Featured Actor in a Play – Non-Equity

Josh Hepola – HARVEY – Repertory Company Theatre

Best Featured Actress in a Musical – Equity

Sara Shelby-Martin – URINETOWN: THE MUSICAL – Water Tower Theatre

Best Featured Actress in a Musical – Non – Equity

Delynda Johnson-Moravec – ONCE UPON A MATTRESS – ICT Mainstage

Best Featured Actress in a Play – Non – Equity

Heather Walker – HARVEY – Repertory Company Theatre

Best Costume Design of a Musical - Non-Equity

Suzi Shankle – GUYS AND DOLLS – Lewisville Community Theatre

Chita Rivera Dance Award- Male

Carlos Gomez – THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS – CTD

Chita Rivera Dance Award – Female

Joi Jackson – AIDA – Uptown Players

KCCT Votes to Pay Directors

For the first time in its thirty-five year history, Kaufman County Civic Theatre will be paying the Directors for its shows in the upcoming 2007-08 Season. The Board of Directors voted tonight to approve the payment of Stipends to the Directors who will be selected by KCCT's Production Committee. The shows for KCCT's 2007-2008 Season can be found HERE.

If you are interested in Directing for KCCT, send a résumé to the Vice President of Production, Marty Scott, at mdscott@classicnet.net. All résumés must be received no later than February 15, 2007.

Rainmaker Poster

Not only is Jeff Vaughan a talented Set Designer, he also is pretty good at graphic design. He designed the poster for KCCT's production of The Rainmaker. KCCT is lucky to have such a talented person helping out.

Oh, by the way, he's also in the cast of the show. Multi-talented guy, that's for sure.

Rainmaker Set Pics

I went up to KCCT and shot some pics of the set for The Rainmaker. The pictures do not do full justice to Jeff Vaughan's wonderful set.

The Rainmaker at KCCT

Kaufman County Civic Theatre will open The Rainmaker by N. Richard Nash on February 2nd. I went up to the theatre last night to see how things are going. I didn't see any of the rehearsal because I got there while the Director, Dennis Gullion, was giving notes to his cast. I did, however, see the set. One of KCCT's undiscovered gems is Set Designer, Jeff Vaughan. Jeff designed his own set when he Directed Little Shop of Horrors a couple of years ago, and his use of the space is amazing. I encourage everyone to catch this show if for no other reason than to see Jeff's set.

Major Announcement about The Column Awards

"UGLY BETTY", SAG NOMINEE STAR TO CO-HOST 2007 COLUMN AWARDS GALA

(Dallas Texas) The Board of Directors and the Executive Director/
Producer of THE COLUMN Theatre Awards are extremely proud to announce
this morning that Michael Urie, who portrays "Marc" on the critically
acclaimed, smash ABC Comedy hit, UGLY BETTY has accepted their invita-
tion to Co-Host the 2007 "THE COLUMN" Theatre Awards Gala. The
glittery gala will be held at the Courtyard Theatre in Plano on
Monday February 26, 2007.

Just last week Urie received a 2007 SAG (Screen Actor's Guild)
nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy
Series. The mega hit comedy series also received this month a 2007
Golden Globe nomination for Best Comedy Series.

Last week it was also announced that Tony Award nominee (AVENUE Q)
star Stephanie D'Abruzzo will also be appearing at "THE COLUMN"
Theatre Awards Gala as a special guest star.

When reached for comment about co-hosting and coming back to his home
turf of Dallas, Urie replied, "I'm so excited to co-host with John,
and come back to help honor the theatre town that I grew up watching.
I promise to be more Billy Crystal and less David Letterman!"

Executive Director/Producer John Garcia stated, "Talk about wishing so
far out of the box! I really didn't think Michael would have the time
to come to "THE COLUMN" Awards, let alone co-host the event. Never in
my wildest dreams did I think that one of the stars from one of the
biggest hits on TV this season could fit into a tight shooting
schedule an Awards Gala. When he wonderfully accepted, I think I
screamed so loud that I'm sure my neighbors thought I had put a cat in
the microwave."

"After a long drought of bland, humorless TV comedies, along comes
UGLY BETTY to quench that thirst for great comedy. I became an
addicted fan from episode one. But in all honesty, a major reason why
the show is just so funny is due to Urie's scene stealing, hilarious
performance as Vanessa William's back stabbing assistant", Garcia
went on to say.

"Just take a look at the various fan sites, blogs, and magazines that
highly praise Urie's tour de force comedic performance on the show.
From the ice cold glares, to his colorful fashion attire, to that
side splitting wheezing he does-Urie is brilliant on the show."

"I can't express in words how thrilled the Board of Directors and I
are about Urie coming to this year's awards. Our Gala audience is in
for an amazing, amazing night! But to have Michael as my co-host is a
great honor indeed. He and I have are planning terrific ideas for the
big night!"

Michael Urie is a New York-based actor whose work has taken him from
his home in Dallas to Seattle, San Diego, Washington DC, Austin and
the Berkshires. He has worked off- and off-off-Broadway, and in
commercials and independent film.

The recipient of the 2002 John Houseman Prize for Excellence in
Classical Theatre from the Julliard School, from which he holds an
acting degree, Urie's classical credits include Shakespeare's OTHELLO,
TITUS ANDRONICUS, and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM for the Old Globe's
Shakespeare Festival; ROMEO & JULIET for DC's Folger Theatre; LOVE'S
LABORS LOST for The Judith Shakespeare Company); Jacobean drama (THE
REVENGER'S TRAGEDY for The Red Bull Theatre and THE ROARING GIRLE at
The Foundry); and comedia del arte (THE KING STAG at Seattle Rep). He
appeared in the world premiere of LOVE AND HAPPINEES at Barrington
Stage in the Berkshires in
western Massachusetts.

His film work includes the star turn as Eric in WTC VIEW, which
premiered on LOGO in fall, 2006.

Urie was playing a bearded geologist and getting blown away nightly
by Mt. St. Helens "volcanic explosion in the off-Broadway production
of Phenomenon" when he was cast as Marc in UGLY BETTY. Worlds away, in
every sense of the word. As a producer/co-director, he is currently
in postproduction on "Two Down," his documentary short focusing on
high school speech and debate tournaments.

THE COLUMN Theatre Awards, now in its 8th year, honors excellence in
theater within the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. This year over a 100
theater companies are deemed eligible, while over 300 productions are
in consideration for this year's honors.

THE COLUMN Theatre Awards also serve as a major fundraiser for the
national charity, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids. The Column
Awards organization has now raised over $8,000.00 for BCEFA and is
now part of their Angel Campaign.

There will be a cocktail reception at 6:00 pm, with the awards
ceremony beginning at 7:00pm.

For ticket prices and all other info, please go to their official
website at: www.thecolumnonline.com

The DALLAS OBSERVER named THE COLUMN Theatre Awards as BEST LOCAL
AWARDS SHOW in its 2006 BEST IN DALLAS issue.

GCT announces 2007-08 Season

The Board of Directors at Garland Civic Theatre announced the productions for its 40th anniversary season:

Agatha Christie's WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION-August 23-Sept 15, 2007
STEEL MAGNOLIAS by Robert Harling October 4-27, 2007
DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, November 15 -December 8, 2007
Beth Henley's CRIMES OF THE HEART-January 24 - February 16, 2008
ARE YOU BEING SERVED? by Jeremy Lloyd, David Croft. March 6 - 29, 2008
ALL SHOOK UP-musical. April 17 - May 10, 2008

The theatre's Children On Stage division will also be celebrating a
significant anniversary, its 25th:
TREASURE ISLAND -July 26-August 5, 2007.
THE JUNGLE BOOK -October 31-November 4, 2007
THE VELVETEEN RABBIT- February 27-March 2, 2008.

KCCT Announces 2007-2008 Season

Kaufman County Civic Theatre has selected the shows for its 2007-08 Season:

Once Upon a Mattress

This delightful music will be KCCT's first ever Teen Theatre production. All roles will be cast with actors between the ages of 12 and 19 inclusive.

Brighton Beach Memoirs

Neil Simon's semi-autobiographical look at growing up in New York City is both humorous and poignant.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with the Herdmans, the most unruly bunch of kids you've ever met.

The Philadelphia Story

Find out how the other half lives. The movie version starred Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant, & Jimmy Stewart. A classic comedy the whole family can enjoy.

Guys & Dolls

Back to New York for the story of Sky Masterson, Nathan Detroit, & Sarah Brown. What happens when the Gambling world and the Salvation Army collide?

Updated Resume

Sound of Music, Kurt, KCCT
A Christmas Carol, Collector, KCCT
Medea: A Noh Cycle Based on the Greek Myth, Chorus, THS
The Wizard of Oz Private/Ensemble, KCCT
Years Ago, Mr. Sparrow, THS
The Actor's Nightmare, Sir Henry Irving, THS
Under Jekyll's Hyde, Inspector Seek, KCCT
Macbeth, Macbeth, THS
Loving Molly, Pookie, UNC
My Fair Lady, Butler/Ensemble, KCCT
Twelve Angry Men, Juror #4, KCCT
You Can't Take it With You, Ed Carmichael, KCCT
It's a Wonderful Life, Sam Wainwright, KCCT
Crazy for You, Bobby Child, KCCT
The Odd Couple, Roy, KCCT
To Kill a Mockingbird, Mr. Gilmer, GCT
42nd Street, Bert Barry, KCCT
All My Sons, Chris Keller, KCCT
Anything Goes, Elisha Whitney, KCCT
Little Shop of Horrors, Voice of Audrey II, KCCT
Annie, Bundles/Fred/Servant/Harold Ickes, KCCT
Rumors, Ken Gorman, RCP
The Odd Couple, Oscar Madison, RCP
Kiss Me, Kate, Cab Driver/Priest/Ensemble, GSM
It's a Wonderful Life, Radio Show, William Keighley/Ernie Bishop, KCCT

KCCT=Kaufman County Civic Theatre (previously known as Kaufman County Community Theatre)
THS=Terrell High School
UNC=University of North Carolina
GCT=Garland Civic Theatre
RCP=Rockwall Community Playhouse
GSM=Garland Summer Musicals

Shows I don't Like

I've been listening to tunes from AccuRadio, and I've discovered that no matter how much I like Bernadette Peters, I cannot stand the soundtrack for Annie Get Your Gun. I also don't like Gypsy, which once again featured Peters in the 90's.

Leon Rabin awards

I had a good time attending my first ever Dallas Theatre League, Rabin Awards. It was great seeing some of my friends in the Dallas Theatre community. Personal re-connections included Patty Granville, Buff Shurr, Paula Morelan, Steve Beene, Linda Frank, Linda Leonard, Lindsey Holloway, Alan Hanna, Carlos, Gomez, Blake Davidson, Jackie Lengfelder, Amanda Durbin, Delynda Moravec, Tony Martin, & Christine Cunningham. Thanks to Shannah Silverman for sitting with me so I wouldn't feel alone.

I was sorry none of my fellow singing ensemble members from Kiss Me, Kate were there.

Highlights of the evening were the numbers from WaterTower Theatre's Urinetown, and Uptown Players' Pageant and Tommy. Blake Davidson did a great job on "Where is That Life that Late I Led" of course.

The Orchestra is Tuning

I am curious. Am I the only one who is a fan of musical theatre who absolutely loathes Overtures? Could someone who knows a little more about theatre history explain the purpose of the Overture?

Local Companies

I added several more Theatre Companies to the sidebar on the right. If your company isn't listed, and it wants to be, just let me know. You can leave a comment.

2006 Leon Rabin Nominations

I went to the Leon Rabin Awards nominations announcement party last night up at The Arts Centre Theatre in Plano, new home of Classical Acting Company. Had a great time. Caught up with some friends, namely Linda Frank, Carlos Gomez, Linda Leonard, Andy Redmon, Lindsey Holloway, Celeste Rogers, Alan Hanna, and Patty Granville.

A complete list of nominees is available at The Dallas Morning News.

Congrats to all the nominees. I'm particularly pleased at the nominations of Lindsey Holloway, Buff Shurr, Larry Miller, Blake Davidson, Christine Cunningham, Andy Gosnell, and the rest of my cast and crew mates for Kiss Me, Kate.

I didn't see any of the nominated shows except for the two at Garland Summer Musicals, so I have no idea what will or should win.

City of Angels

I caught City of Angels at Flower Mound Performing Arts Theatre last night. I may give a full review later (when I have my playbill in my hands), but for now, let me just say that if you can get tickets to one of the last three performances (Today, Tomorrow, and Sunday), you most definitely should.

I had been waiting for someone to mount this show. This was my first trip to FMPAT, so I was somewhat surprised at the size of the space. In fact, when we first walked in the theatre, I was very worried that the show would never work. I was wrong. I had always pictured this show on a full stage with things flying in and out and full sets. FMPAT's production should be a lesson to all local theatre companies that just about any show can be staged if you use some creativity.

You Say Tomato

Caught Mesquite Community Theatre's final performance of A Bad Year for Tomatoes. This was my first trip to MCT's Black Box at the Mesquite Arts Center. The space is a bit odd and difficult for staging shows.

The show itself was fine. I had Assistant Directed this play a couple of years ago, but because I also served as Stage Manager, I never really got to see it once we were in full tech and costumes.

In Mesquite, Act 1 lasted an hour and forty-five minutes. I know some of that is just because the Act is written long, but I think the pacing could have been a bit tighter. I saw folks leaving at intermission. I don't know if it was because they weren't enjoying it, or if they just had to get home and were afraid that Act 2 would be just as long. Act 2 only ran 25 minutes, which did make the total time fairly reasonable.

When I was involved with this show, the Director suggested that we move intermission to after Scene 2 of Act 1. That would have made the balance better, but there are costume and makeup issues that would make such a break difficult to pull off. However, it would make more sense because Scene 3 is a couple of months later than Scene 2, and then Act 2 follows Act 1 Scene 3 later the same day. It seems that the entire reason for the Act break is because of the costume and makeup issue.