Volume 2, Issue 8 August, 2017
Debby Boone
issue
A Word From
THE SCOOP
Volume 2, Issue 8 | August 2017
WHITNEY
IN THIS
Four Divo
Debby Boone
The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra 2017-18 Season Glenn Miller Orchestra Don't Tell Nonnie Clint Black Air Play Champions of Magic Songs for a New World The Staff Spotlight Backstage at The Sharon
Whitney Morse, Artistic Director, The Sharon® L. Morse Performing Arts Center
Casting a Wide Net Well it’s that time of year again. It is time to cast our second season at The Studio™. We have been neck deep in head shots, resumes, and video submissions here at The Sharon® Administrative Offices since May. We have 21 roles to cast and we will have seen close to 400 actors for those roles. The ratio is a tough one for the actor, but that’s the way this business works. There are only so many roles to go around, and lots of actors who want them. Our casting process works basically like this: We begin in late May by attending FPTA (www.fpta.net) the Florida Professional Theatre Association’s unified audition. There we saw roughly 300 actors and singers. We then invite ones we think we can use to our callbacks. This season we had two separate call back times because of director availability, but in general we do this all on one mammoth weekend. The callbacks are usually at the end of our local general auditions. At FPTA’s we see folks from all over the state and even the country. When we hold our generals more local actors attend and we also utilize this time to have those we invited to callbacks read sides (scenes from the shows we are casting) and sing songs from our musical (this season it is Company). It is after the final callback that the real nitty gritty work begins. Now we must really decide who we’d like in our shows. Once we have decided that, offers start going out to actors through our Production Manager, Danielle Paccione. As I write this, I am getting ready for our last round of callbacks this weekend and we will finally (hopefully) have all of our shows cast by the time you are reading this. Wish us luck, and we will see you at The Studio™!
Victory Productions The Sharon Performing Arts Academy
Exclusive look at Songs for a New World Page 17
See you at
THE SHARON...
2
$30-$65 AUG 23RD-26TH 3
FOUR DIVO The music of Forte, Il Divo, & Celine Dion
Aug. 23 | 7pm Aug. 24 | 7pm Aug. 25 | 7pm Aug. 26 | 3pm & 7pm
Pia Toscano - This Time
Four Divo is back by popular demand! Featuring AGT Finalists Fernando Varela & Branden James, Craig Irving, Devin Eatmon (winner of Harold Schwartz Music Scholarship) and American Idol Finalist, Pia Toscano (video above). The music of FORTE, Il Divo and Celine Dion have taken the world by storm through their timeless melodies, soaring harmonies and incredible voices. This exciting, accomplished group consists of some of the world’s most promising talent. This year’s world class production features a live orchestra, tons of moving lights, gorgeous video screens, and also marks The Villages debut of American Idol Finalist and favorite, Pia Toscano. Toscano made a name for herself as a vocalist with a rich, emotionally transparent voice, clearly influenced by the likes of Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, & Etta James. Performing since the age of four, Toscano was widely considered one of American Idol’s Season 10 frontrunners
thanks to her powerhouse vocal ability and undeniable beauty. Her elimination was known as one of the most shocking in American Idol history, but that didn’t stop her momentum. Toscano toured with American Idol’s Live, Jennifer Lopez & has performed on The Ellen Show, The Tonight Show, Live with Regis & Kelly, Good Morning America & much more; Toscano is currently performing alongside Jennifer Lopez in her Vegas Residency, All I Have. These powerhouse performers promise to create an unforgettable evening of musical magic, guaranteed to have audiences jumping to their feet.
4
SEPT 8TH
7PM
$20-$50
Debby Boone
5
Three time Grammy Award Winner
In 1977, Debby Boone earned instant fame when You Light Up My Life became one of the biggest songs in history, charting #1 on Billboard for 10 straight weeks and selling in excess of four million albums. That year she received the Grammy for Best New Artist and has since received an additional seven Grammy nominations, winning two more. In 2008, the song was ranked #7 in Billboard’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Top-Charting Songs. In 2013, Debby released her 13th studio album, a take on the songs and experience of the Las Vegas of the ’60’s entitled Swing This. The accompanying show, which premiered at New York’s prestigious Carlyle Hotel in March of that year, has memories and stories shared from Debby’s formative years when her father, Pat Boone, was headlining at the Sands and Sahara Hotels. Swing This is a true reflection of the music, glamour and pure exhilaration of that golden age in Vegas that inspired Debby to be a performer in the first place. The insider stories,
beautiful costumes and fabulous arrangements by the renowned New York arranger, John Oddo, played by a Big Band of top musicians all make up, in Debby’s own words, “The party I’ve been waiting to throw my whole life.” Debby Boone is a joyous blend of delicacy, wit, swinging sophistication, smoky sexiness and unbeatable artistry, often at the same time – all rolled into one swinging musical package. From papa Pat Boone and mother-in-law Rosemary Clooney she may have inherited a powerhouse musical legend, but onstage in the glow of a center spot, she captivates an audience on her own terms. From the frivolity of These Boots are Made for Walkin’ to the torchy blister of Round Midnight, she offers variety, versatility and class all wrapped up in a brightly colored burst of show business knowhow... “one of the few headliners today who is keeping great music alive." - Rex Reed
Debby continues to grow her reputation as a singer of the Great American Songbook, building on her previous release for Concord Records, Reflections of Rosemary. The album is an intimate musical portrait of her late mother-in-law, the legendary singer Rosemary Clooney, for whom Debby had great love and respect. Produced by Allen Sviridoff, Clooney’s own record producer, it is a collection of 14 standards chosen for their significance in Boone’s life with Clooney. Debby has toured Reflections of Rosemary along with John Oddo at Performing Art Centers and Symphony Halls throughout the USA, including an appearance with the Boston Pops at Symphony Hall in Boston. Robert Kaufman, Principal Pops Conductor of Pacific Symphony confirms, “Debby was a shining light on our Pops season, in the tradition of great singers who bring a song to life just the way the composer intended. Her voice is superb and her stage presence endearing.”
(1996). She also toured nationally in Meet Me in St. Louis (1990) and performed the role of Anna in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Center in California (2001). For a number of years, Debby has enjoyed being a part of the Lyrics and Lyricists Series in New York, benefitting the 92nd Street Y. In 2014, she hopes to begin a new recording project based on the songs of her grandfather, the legendary country singer, Red Foley. Debby lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Gabriel Ferrer, who works as an Episcopal priest. They have four grown children, and they recently became grandparents for the first time!
In addition to her recording career, Debby has appeared a number of times on the stage in New York, including Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1982), Lincoln Center’s 30th Anniversary production of The Sound of Music (1989), and in the part of Rizzo in the long-running revival of Grease
6
$20-$60 7PM SEPT 3RD
Pops Concert - Songs List How am I Supposed to Live Without You Superstar I Can't Help Falling In Love With You Poison and Wine New York, New York Empty Chairs and Empty Tables Anthem September Morn Serenade Their Hearts Were Full Of Spring Seventy-Six Trombones The Way You Look Tonight Last Dance At Last Vivo per Lei It's Now or Never American Medley I Will Survive That's Life National Anthem "The Star Spangled Banner" The Stars and Stripes Forever
Featured Guests Autumn Encarnacion Marcella Richardson Norman Lee Sean Stork Christian Cuevas Chris Horn Series prices available at box office windows or call 352-750-5411
7
AUTUMN ENCARNACION Autumn first learned to sing in church when she was just a little girl. She sang along with the choir and the band every Sunday and has been singing every day since. Autumn now works full time for The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center as the Artist Liaison backstage and as the Company Manager for The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol.
NORMAN LEE As a lifelong entertainer, Norman Lee has raised the bar, bringing a faith based presentation to a population striving to find substance in their daily lives. Based out of Central Florida, Norman has toured across the country for many years. His music combines Praise and Worship, Contemporary Christian and Gospel into one spirit filled sound.
MARCELLA RICHARDSON Marcella Richardson started her singing career in Northern Michigan, Torch lake area at a family restaurant called Brownwood. She went on to travel with a 10 piece show band that started from Brownwood called TORCH. Eventually she moved to The Villages, Florida in 2004 with her husband Michael.
SEAN STORK Sean Christopher Stork, lyric baritone, has been a regular guest artist with The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra since 2013 and is a featured artist with Florida Opera Theatre in Orlando, First Coast Opera in St. Augustine, and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.
CHRISTIAN CUEVAS Christian stopped singing outside of his church and chose to stay at home instead of attending college when his father tragically died from liver cancer. After competing on NBC's The Voice, Christian eventually went back to college because he knew his dad always wanted him to get a degree. He feels like music is the tool that taught him to cope with the loss of his father.
CHRIS HORN His top range soars to ABOVE high E. Exqusite musicality. Just back from performances in Italy, Chris Horn dazzles audiences from around the globe. From Puccini to BublĂŠ, Chris Horn represents the finest in world-class tenor talent.
8
$25-$60 7PM SEPT 12TH
Glenn Miller
Orchestra “A band ought to have a
sound all of its own. It ought to have a personality.” – Glenn Miller
The first Glenn Miller Orchestra did not make it at all. It was a total and absolute economic failure. But Glenn knew what he wanted, held to that dedication and relentlessly worked to succeed. He launched his second band – the one that lives on today – in March of 1938. The Glenn Miller Orchestra has been a “hit” ever since.
Force Band. It went to Europe to entertain servicemen performing numerous live and radio shows. On December 15, 1944, Major Miller took off in a single engine plane from Europe to precede his band to France, disappearing over the English Channel, never to be seen again. The army declared him officially dead a year later
The legendary Glenn Miller was one of the most successful of all dance bandleaders back in the Swing Era of the 1930’s and 40’s. A matchless string of hit records, the constant impact of radio broadcasts and the drawing power at theatres, hotels and dance pavilion, built and sustained the momentum of popularity.
Today, the 18 member ensemble continues to play many of the original Miller arrangements both from the civilian band and the AAFB libraries. Additionally, it also plays some more modern selections arranged and performed in the Miller style and sound.
Glenn disbanded his musical organization in 1942 at the height of its popularity to volunteer for the Army. There, he organized and led the famous Glenn Miller Army Air
9
7PM
$25-$60
NNIE
Come sing with us!
Glenn Miller
Orchestra “A band ought to have a
sound all of its own. It ought SEPT 14th, 2017 to have a personality.” Show Time: 7:30pm to 10:30pm Show Glenn er (arrive and–exit at anyMill time)
SEPT 12TH
Time
Doors Open at 7:00pm
Force Band. It went to Europe to entertain The first Glenn Miller Orchestra did not make servicemen performing numerous live and it at all. It was a total and absolute economic Bring sheet music peruse our collection, and shows. On December 15, 1944, Major failure. Butor Glenn knew what he wanted,sing helda songradio Miller took off in a single engine plane that friends, dedication andinrelentlessly cheer fortoyour and between worked specialtoguest Rebecca from Europe to precede his band to France, succeed. He launched his second band – the Morse and Powell will perform some of their favorite disappearing over the English Channel, never oneGary that lives on today – in March of 1938. to be seen again. The army declared him The Glenn Miller Orchestra has been a “hit” cabaret numbers. officially dead a year later ever since.
Cost is $15 includes a free bar. Today, the 18 member ensemble continues to The which legendary Glenn Miller wasdrink one ofat thethe most
play many of the original Miller arrangements successful of all dance bandleaders back in the Swing Era of their the 1930’s 40’s.music A matchless Guests are to bring ownand sheet in their key both from the civilian band and the AAFB string of hitfrom records, the constant impact of sing in libraries. Additionally, it also plays some more (or choose a song Gary's selections) and modern selections arranged and performed in radio broadcasts and the drawing power at the lobbytheatres, while accompanied by Gary on the piano. the Miller style hotels and dance pavilion, built and Tryandthsound. e Signature Drink: sustained the momentum of popularity.
Everyone is welcome to get their chance in the his be musical organization spotlightGlenn or justdisbanded come and entertained. in 1942 at the height of its popularity to volunteer for the Army. There, he organized and led the famous Glenn Miller Army Air
The Nonnie Sour
10
$50-$115 7PM SEPT 15TH 11
Back by popular demand! Prolific singer-songwriter Clint Black has long been heralded as one of Country music’s brightest stars. His many talents have helped shape his long career, as Black has transcended genres to become one of the most successful artists in all the music industry. To date, Black has written, recorded and released more than 100 songs, a benchmark in any artist’s career. An astounding one-third of these songs eligible
for major single release also achieved hit song status at Country radio, while more than 20 million of his albums have been sold worldwide. While it’s well-known that Black is an accomplished singer and guitarist, people may be surprised to learn that he is also proficient on drums and harmonica. Black’s continued success can be attributed in part to his deep sense of Country music history, and his humble gratitude in being an important part of it. The 1989 debut of his critically acclaimed fan favorite, the Triple Platinum Killin’ Time, marked a shift in the industry, with a return to the more traditional sounds of the genre. CMT lists this album as one of the 100 Greatest Albums in Country Music. In addition to his established business ventures and various charity foundation efforts. Black currently serves as Honorary Chair for the IRSF’s “Research to Reality: Funding Progress” campaign, which helps to accelerate treatments and research to find a cure for the developmental disorder.
A modern spectacle that brings to life the very air we breathe. Flying umbrellas, largerthan-life balloons, giant kites floating over the audience, and the biggest snow globe you’ve ever seen will make you gasp in wonder and laugh until it hurts.
The creation of husband & wife team Seth Bloom and Christina Gelsone, Air Play merges their circus and street theater performance art with the sculptural artistry of Daniel Wurtzel. With visual images seemingly sewn from the sky, this poetic ode to childhood will enchant and electrify the young and young at heart.
7PM
Air Play is a circus-style adventure of two siblings journeying through a surreal land of air, transforming the ordinary into objects of uncommon beauty. Fabrics dance in the wind, balloons have a mind of their own, confetti turns into the night sky, and an enormous canopy of hovering silk forever alters their future.
OCT 4TH
Ride the wind and dream with Air Play.
$20-$55 12
$20-$55 7PM OCT 10TH & 11TH 13
The 5 world-class illusionists that make up the Champions Of Magic come to the USA for the first time following 4 years touring the UK with sold out shows, rave reviews, and a run in London’s West End.
With over 20 million online views between them, this cast of Britain’s top magicians includes international award winners presenting incredible mind reading, stunning close-up magic and daring large-scale illusions. Their skills have been seen around the world on TV with appearances on The CW’s ‘Penn & Teller: Fool Us’, CNN’s ‘A Quest For Magic’, NBC’s ‘Caught On Camera With Nick Cannon’. Witness the impossible, including disappearances, levitation, teleportation and a heart stopping finale, all presented with lighting and special effects to rival the biggest theatrical spectacles.
Described by the British Press as “a spectacular family show” (Heart FM) and “slick, clever, funny and amazing” (Hereford Times) Champions Of Magic has been seen by thousands across the UK and in Fall 2017 US audiences will get their first chance to see why British fans return to see the country’s biggest touring illusion show time and time again The Hereford Times called the team “The UK’s top illusionists... fast becoming household names with their high energy and spectacular tricks... theirs is a pulse racing performance like no other”
VIP PACKAGE $50 add-on, limited availability. This VIP package includes:
Tour laminate Backstage Pass • T-shirt • Magic trick • Photos with the cast Magic lesson with some of the cast of the show before the performance The VIP package will be approximately 20 minutes backstage from approximately 6:10pm-6:30pm and is limited to 25 people per performance. VIP package is also on sale 8-16-17 with tickets.
14
See you at
THE STUDIO...
15
Commit with Abandon: What will you gain by letting go?
SE
AS
ON
2
Sept 5th - Deadline to renew subscriptions Sept 12th - New subscriptions will go on sale at 8:30am Sept 19th - Individual tickets will go on sale at 8:30am
The Studio Theatre - Tierra del Sol 806 San Marino Drive, The Villages, FL 32159 www.TheSharonStudio.com | (352) 751-7799 #TheStudioTheatreTDS
16
On Sale Now
$20
Whitney Morse
Josh Kimball
Allyssa Yost
Fernando Varela
The Songs for a New World production is ramping up! Rehearsals are well underway. These four incredibly talented performers will blow you away with powerful and moving songs written by the Tony Award winning composer, Jason Robert Brown. If you haven’t gotten your tickets yet, now is the time. There will only be nine performances and some shows are already sold out. Tickets are only $20 and on sale now. You can purchase tickets right here.
17
Tickets On Sale Now | $20 August 13th - August 29th | 7pm Sundays - Tuesdays
18
THE STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Rachel Whittington
19
Assistant to the Administrative and Production Offices at The Sharon® and The Studio™
What has been your favorite show so far at The Sharon? Although I wasn’t able to see them in person, I was so thrilled when STYX came earlier this year! I got my parents tickets and they loved it!
What has been your favorite experience with a patron?
What is your role at The Sharon® ?
I started working at the Box Office last year, and in my work there and as an Administrative Assistant I have had some really great experiences helping patrons. Most recently, I helped facilitate the addition of an interpreter to one of the shows at The Studio this summer. It’s so rewarding when we can help everyone experience theatre to the fullest! Everyone should have a great experience at the theatre and I am so happy that we can make that happen.
I work as an assistant to the Administrative and Production Offices at The Sharon and The Studio. This means that I help everything run smoothly from scheduling meetings to making copies and anything between. Basically I’m the “catcher;” whatever flies through, I’ve got it!
What got you started in theatre? I’m a performer by trade, and I actually met some of my coworkers doing some shows in Orlando. Even though I work here during the day, I still perform consistently at a variety of Central Florida Theatres throughout the year.
What makes working at The Sharon® unique from other theatres you’ve worked at? This is the first theatre where I have worked as a day job. It’s so great because I can be a part of the process from the ground up! I work with both of our theatres and help in different capacities, which is a lot of fun.
20
BACKSTAGE AT THE SHARON
Intern Spotlight We were so fortunate to havr had not one, but three eager Interns this summer at our theatres. We want to extend a Thank You to all three for their willingness to learn from us!
Rachel Oldfield What got you interested in theatre?
One of the things that led me to theatre was my Grandmother. She started doing theatre in 1983 with The Sound Of Music and went all the way to 2010 before she stopped. My mom would occasionally take me to shows, and when I was about 15, I decided that’s what I wanted to start doing. In high school, through a local tech center, I started an internship/job training program with the local theater, The Croswell Opera House in Michigan. Working as a theater assistant, I did anything they asked me to do. They also gave me a lot of opportunities both on and off stage. When I return to Michigan in August, I will begin rehearsals for my 20th production with them. This time as part of the ensemble for Beauty and the Beast!
What is your role and daily tasks as an Intern of The Sharon/The Studio?
I’m one of the production Interns, so a lot of what I do is carpentry, cleaning, storing set pieces, and working with the resident technical crew. Occasionally I get to go to the hardware store with my supervisors. I think they regret bringing me along at those times because I’m like a kid in a candy store.
21
What have you learned so far?
Well, I’ve learned how to clean lighting instruments like Source Fours, that puttying sets is not my favorite thing, how to wire some plugs onto cables for electrics, that a router is my new favorite tool (makes my life SO much easier), and that one of my supervisors and I share an irrational fear of sloths (they’re creepy).
What do you hope to still learn before you leave? I hope to learn how to operate the fly system. For those of you that don’t know, The Sharon has the only fully automatic fly system in the US. Having that as a resource to learn on is a great opportunity I don’t intend to squander. I would also like to play around with the audio side of technical theatre. This next one isn’t really a learning thing, but I still want to do it: I want to go on a tour of The Sharon with Trevin Cooper. Yes, I clearly have been on a tour already but everyone says he gives the best tours, so that’s on my list. Book a Tour Here!
Kaitlin Strong What got you interested in theatre?
Chase Knapstein What got you interested in theatre?
I come from a very non-theatrical family. I was the only one who did dance lessons, piano, chorus, etc. When I got to high school I felt inspired to be part of the drama club. In my town, there were not a lot of options for me to be a part of a theatre. I actually didn't know anything about Production until I got to college. In college, I was really conflicted about theatre being my major, but once I started I could never look back. My school has now opened doors for me to become more than a performer. I learned how to become a carpenter, which strangely fascinated me. I have found excitement in knowing that I can do something almost no one else I know can.
What is your role and daily tasks as an Intern of The Sharon/The Studio?
I am one of the two Production Interns for the The Sharon/ The Studio. Our job is to help prepare The Sharon and The Studio for the next season. My daily routines really depend on the day. Most days I help build the sets for Season Two of The Studio. Other days, I help with props storage, lighting maintenance, and sound inventory. Primarily it is days of cutting and assembling set pieces.
What have you learned so far?
Most of what I have done in the shop are skills that I have learned at college, but that doesn't mean that I haven't learned anything new during my time here. I have learned new tricks to help handle warped boards and how to properly use a table saw. I have also learned a couple of things about lighting while watching the Assistant Lighting Designer work on maintenance. Lastly, I have learned how to wire cables. The learning I value the most comes from the opportunities I have here that I don't have at college.
I am currently a Senior at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul double majoring in Marketing and Vocal Music. Although my focus within the arts is music, I have always loved theatre. All through high school I was heavily involved in drama club, and our school productions. Now, in college, I have started to get involved with Opera! My favorite thing about theatre is the way it explores the world around us. Theatre provides a forum for asking hard questions and facing the difficult realities of life that everyone struggles through. Theatre is about people exploring what it is like to be people, and I love it!
What is your role and daily tasks as an Intern of The Sharon/The Studio? I am The Sharon’s Administrative intern, so most of my time is spent in the office. I have been working on research projects for two of The Studio’s upcoming plays and learning everything I can about the business behind theatre. I have also gotten to help with auditions for the upcoming season, and learn about the basic paperwork filed through the company.
What have you learned so far?
I have learned so many things that it would be hard to list them all! I have learned how to properly conduct and format research for plays, as well as speak informatively about theatre. I have learned how to read booking contracts and understand theatre budgets. Most importantly, I have learned how a theatre company runs and operates. There is so much hard work that goes into every production you see on a professional stage.
What do you hope to still learn before you leave?
Everything! The people I am working with are very good at what they do, and I hope that I can soak up as much of that as humanly possible!
What do you hope to still learn before you leave?
I hope to learn a little more about lighting and sound before I leave. These are two important components of production that I should have skills for in order to be versatile. This is going to help me be more useful for other projects in the future.
22
THE SHARON SCHEDULE 23
Sept. 12th, 7 pm / $25*, $40-$60
Glenn Miller
Orchestra
SHOWS ADDED!
SEPT 13TH THRU SEPT 23RD
$35
AUG 2ND THRU SEPT 2ND
$33
The above offerings are brought to you by Victory Productions. Tickets can be purchased at www.VictoryProductions.org or at all Box Office locations in The Villages®. All shows at The Studio Theatre™. For questions, please e-mail: admin@victoryproductions.org
24
The Sharon is now oering: Acting Classes, Theatre History Classes, and more! If interested in the Spring Courses to come, please contact our Box Office for early registration.
For questions and registration visit: The Sharon Box Office | www.TheSharon.com/academy | 352-751-7799
FREE professional photography* available in The SharonÂŽ Lobby! * For select shows
Look for the photographer at your next show. Download & Share It
#TheSharon
Performing Arts Theatres of The VillagesÂŽ
The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center has a mission to provide quality entertainment to The VillagesÂŽ and its surrounding communities. www.TheSharon.com #TheSharon
Our mission is to inspire the residents of Central Florida to examine relevant issues by elevating them through innovative and intimate storytelling. Think outside the box, inside the box at The Studio Theatre. www.TheSharonStudio.com #TheStudioTheatreTDS Š 2017 The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center. Prices and availability subject to change without notice.
