noises
Offstage
Winter 2022
In this Edition
Photo Unpacking Mother Rehearsals
A milestone opening night
from the desk of
Michael Cochran
Original Productions Even before Covid, most theatres didn’t produce original scripts. The process to bring a script to life for the first time is challenging. In addition, getting actors to audition for shows they don’t know and audiences to take a chance on an unknown work makes many theatres back away. Covid in many ways was a storm that hit the theatre community really hard. One of the most devoted parts of that community was playwrights with new work. This season, MHT felt that it was important as part of our mission to nurture, develop and share the talent in our local, state, and national theatre community. I recently watched the movie tick, tick... BOOM! about Jonathan Larsen and his journey to writing RENT. If you want to see what a successful playwright's life is like, watch that movie and listen to his agent tell him “the facts” after he gets his big moment. Next Stage Project Another milestone in the theatre’s 12-year journey with our Next Stage Project will be concluding in March/April. This one, however, still needs your help. As part of our efforts to battle the rising costs in construction due to the pandemic, MHT will need volunteers to help us finish the Finkel building! We will need help scraping ceilings, walls, and floors and painting them to finish up the inside of the building. If you can handle a paintbrush or a paint roller, we could use your help. We will be putting out a call as soon as the contractor turns the building over to use and you can help put the finishing touches on the interior. The theatre is also looking to buy some additional lighting, audience risers and masking curtains for the new studio theatre. So, if you are looking for a place to make a donation, MHT could still use your financial help as well!
Last week, Karen Schaeffer came to Paducah for a workshop of her new play, Unpacking Mother. As part of the AACT national NewPlayFest rules, playwrights come two to three weeks before opening to see a few rehearsals of their play and work with the cast and director on any changes needed to fully realize the playwright's vision. Karen flew back to Des Moines, Iowa after the workshop and will return Feb. 9th for the opening weekend of Unpacking Mother. In addition the Education Director of AACT (American Association of Community Theatre) David VanCleave, Linda Lee with the Jack & Frank Ayre Lee Foundation, and a representative from Dramatic Publishing company will be here for opening night. Our guests will give some remarks after the performance to commemorate this show that has been two years in the making! MHT was chosen by AACT in a competition to produce the premiere of Unpacking Mother. We will have some remarks from our VIP guests before the performance opening night. To celebrate the opening of the show that has been two years in the making for the playwright and MHT. All of the actors and production personnel in the show will be in the published version of the script by Dramatic Publishing. Please come on opening night February 10 to help us fill all the seats and celebrate this milestone event!
Pictured Karen Schaeffer (Left) and Kathy Pingle (Right) sit at the director's table to watch the workshop of Unpacking Mother.
Thank you, Alex! Finally, we are saying goodbye to a friend and valued member of our staff, Alex Hilkey. After four years at MHT and a lifetime in Western Kentucky, Alex has found a new home in Pensacola, Florida. She has been so instrumental in helping us with all of our newsletters, programs, social media and print media and marketing and as we wish her well in her new adventure. We will miss her. Joining MHT in the role of Marketing Director is Caleb Buford, who has worked behind the scenes for the past couple of years and has also been doing some of our social media and marketing for events like the Shakespeare in the Park show last summer. Welcome, Caleb!
Thank you so much for your continued support and presence at MarTheatre. | MarketHouseTheatre.org Tickets: Adults: $15, Children (8-12): $8ket House 270.444.6828
a note from the Director & Playright of
When mental illness appears in small increments by the time it’s diagnosed, it’s almost too late. From the outside, a hoarder’s home looks like any other. It’s only when you cross the threshold that it becomes apparent things have been wrong for a long time. The residents, however, have gotten used to the piles, the paths, and the narrow existence they must live as the walls have literally closed in around them. As Cassie and Kathryn prepare to leave the family home, they must deal with the mountain of mess in front of them but, in doing so, also uncover long held and closely guarded family secrets. It’s not as easy as unearthing the truth. They must come to understand how the other has experienced their mother’s compulsive behavior. When they turn their backs on the house, they strive to do so as sisters united, rather than divided, by their pain.
production team, and designers will be listed in the front of the publication as the originators. Karen Schaeffer, the playwright, visited during the rehearsal process to offer her insights and listen to suggestions from the actors who have lived with the roles over the past several weeks. The goal was to polish the dialogue and stage directions so other theatres can follow a clear map.
"It’s not as easy as unearthing the truth."
Unpacking Mother is an AACT NewPlayFest play which means it was chosen from over 300 entries—one of six performed in the 2021-2022 season in community theatres across America. This is a world premiere and will be published by Dramatic Publishing. Therefore, the actors,
Thanks to Michael Cochran, producer and lightning designer; Mark Toebben, composer; Tom Hansen, set designer; Jerome Veit, technical director; Davin Belt, costume designer; Denise Bristol, assistant director/ stage manager; and the dramaturgy team: Brian Johnson and Dr. Caitlin Powell for valued contributions. However, much of the credit for the polish of the production goes to actors Amber Taylor and Anna Tamaoka, who met via Zoom for tablework prior to rehearsals, strove to completely memorize lines by our first run-through to create an unbreakable stage partnership, and even emptied their own cupboards and closets to enhance the look of the set. Their attention to detail, suggestions for line rewrites, and dedication to the process was exemplary. -
Kathy Pingel, Director
Unpacking Mother took seed after a conversation I had with a friend who was struggling with a family member’s hoarding. Hoping to help her, I started doing research on hoarding and was surprised to learn it’s a severe psychological disorder. I felt hoarding and hoarders were misunderstood and wanted to bring it into the light. So began Unpacking Mother. Along with hoarding, the play deals with abandonment, sibling relationships, being an unwilling caretaker, and mental illness. With Unpacking Mother, my wish was to speak a truth for people who aren’t often seen or heard. I hope I have done this.
Pictured Amber Dawn (Left) holds a picture frame while Anna Tamaoka (Right) looks to Amber during a scene performed for the workshop session.
My sincerest thanks to AACT, Market House Theatre and all the people who championed Unpacking Mother. I truly believe it takes a village to bring a play from page to stage and without all of you I could not do what I do. Much love. - Karen
Schaeffer, Playwright
Meet the Cast Amber Dawn | Kathryn
“I can’t tell you what an honor it is to work with such an incredibly talented co-star, director, and playwright to bring this inspiring and beautiful piece to life. We all have so much unpacking to do!” An MHT Veteran, since age 13, Amber began her acting career in ‘95 in Southern California and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Acting and Directing from SEMO. She has performed in TV commercials, radio ads, and movies, as well as on stage and behind the scenes. Amber has been an instructor, director and advocate for the arts for 20+ years. She is a part-time photographer with her own label: New Dawning Photography, is a Freelance Photographer for VUE Magazine, and an Instructor/Care Giver at Explore Learning Academy. She currently resides in Paducah with her favorite little humans, Ealyn and Euriah.
Anna Tamaoka | Cassie
Unpacking Mother is Anna Tamaoka’s first performance since graduating in 2010 from the Boston Conservatory. After receiving her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance, she changed careers and received her Masters in Computer Information Systems from Boston University. Anna loves her job as a Senior Programmer/Analyst, but is thrilled to be back on stage and honored to be portraying the role of Cassie in the World Premiere of Unpacking Mother. Some of Anna’s many hobbies include decorating cakes, making soap, baking, woodworking, board gaming, fishing, playing computer/ phone games, gardening, crocheting, traditional archery, shooting guns, and taking care of her three dogs, two cockatiels, one cat, and one bearded dragon.
Don't miss Opening Night! Unpacking Mother opens Thursday, Feb. 10 with VIP’s from across the nation in attendance for the world premiere. Please join us for the momentous opening night!
AAA Stow-A-Way Storage, LLC • Atlas Door of Paducah • Atmos Energy • Barbara & Jimmy Allen • Eyewear Express • Henneberger & Flynn Insurance Agency, Inc. • Mercy Health Lourdes Hospital • Peel & Holland Insurance • STEWART GIRL MINISTRIES/Rev. Dr. Bernice (Stewart) Belt • Whitlow, Roberts, Houston & Straub • Williams & Roof Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors
From the desk of the Education Director
Emily Griffin
Spring is a busy time for MHT’s Education Department. With Footlights, HA! Comedy Improv Troupe, performances, and a Family Series production, we are providing quality opportunities for all ages. Footlights In Footlights, we are working on The Velveteen Rabbit and Pinocchio, both of which will be performed March 26 and 27 at 2:30pm and 3:30pm respectively. We are also excited to be able to offer classes for the preschool and teen crowds as well. The third session is coming up soon and we can’t wait to meet all of our friends. Check out what classes we have to offer including a teen performance class by visiting our class registration site. Comedy Improv HA! has a show coming up on February 25th at 7 pm on the main stage. We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy an evening of fun and laughs for the whole family! HA! is also hosting some improv game nights for students in grades 6-12 in our studio space. The first one will take place on February 12th from 7-9pm. We encourage you to register in advance via our class registration site. Admission is $10 at the door. These game nights will take place on the second Saturday of each month through May. School Productions MHT Education can also be seen out in our schools including at Lone Oak Intermediate where we are working on Alice in Wonderland Jr., Ballard County Elementary where they are doing a musical called 13 Colonies, Paducah Middle where groups of GTC Drama students are working on 10-minute plays and an improv show, and at Clark Elementary where all students enjoy classroom drama workshops. If you think your child’s school could benefit from a little bit of drama, feel free to reach out to me at egriffin@mhtplay.org. Pippi Longstocking We would also like to invite you to see our Family Series show, Pippi Longstocking, the story of a freckle faced, red-pigtailed, whirlwind of a girl in mismatched stockings. Pippi’s whimsical and silly adventures show us all the whimsical side of life in this musical, perfect for all ages! Thank you for your continued support of Market House Theatre’s Education Department.
Footlights classes still available!
Movement, Music, & Make Believe Grades 1-3 Do you like to sing? Dance? Move and groove? Then this experience is for you! With a strong emphasis on musical theatre, our young performers will learn a wide variety of songs and scenes from kid-friendly musicals. At the end of the last class, they will showcase their work to parents. April 16-May 21, Saturdays, 8am8:55am Fee: $40
Intro to Improv Grades 4-6 Intro to Improv will give students a strong foundation in performance improv. Learn the rules, create characters, and strengthen your creative storytelling skills. This is a great experience for future HA! members, or anyone who simply wants to have fun and be expressive. April 16-May 21, Saturdays, 9am9:55am Fee: $40 Teen Performance: Puffs (One-Act for Young Wizards) Grades 7-12 Magic! Comedy! Drama! And more! Come be a part of the wizarding world of Harry Potter from a whole different point of view- the Hufflepuff dormitory! Ever wonder what the Hufflepuffs were doing when there was a troll in the dungeon, or how any of them found dates to the Yule ball? Come be a part of this hilarious story that you’ll find is full of heart! April 16-May 21, Saturdays, 10am-11:55am Peformances: May 20 & 21 at 7pm Fee: $60
Register today!
For more information or to register, click the Register Now button below or call the box office at (270) 444-6828.
About the Show On the outskirts of town stands a ramshackle house. It may not seem like much ’til you peek through the railings…then, there’s a horse on the porch, a monkey in the kitchen and a freckle faced, red-pigtailed, whirlwind of a girl in mismatched stockings presiding over all! This is the domain of — ready? — Pippilotta Delicatessa Windowshade Mackrelmint Ephraim’s Daughter Longstocking. Meet the Cast! Pippi: Eliza Esper Tommy: Clark Turner Annika: Anya Swenson Mrs. Settergren: Audrey Walton Mrs. Prysselius: Dagny Page Thunder/Sailor: Maxwell Tolar Bloom/Sailor: Jackson Vose Klang: CoryOn Brooks Larsson: Leyton Morris Mrs. Granberg: McKenzie Byrd Angel Mama: Alayna Watkins
Captain: James Turner Carnival Barker: Carson Chesnut Toy Vender: McKenzie Byrd Candy Vendor/Sailor/Soloist: Ashlyn Garner Adolph/Sailor: Aaron Munoz Nicole: Lydia Bates School Children: Lydia Bates, Clare Birdsong, CS Page, Lucia Martin, Carson Chesnut, Ashlyn Garner
Pippi Longstocking is directed by Emily Griffin with music direction by Amy Martin, costume design by Davin Belt and Charlotte Campbell, set & lighting design by Tom Hansen, and technical design/set construction by Jerome Veit. Join the fun! Performances are March 10 & 11 at 7pm and March 12 & 13 at 2:30pm. Tickets are $14 for adults and $8 for children. Tickets are available by calling the MHT Box Office at 270.444.6828, M - F, 10 AM - 5 PM. Masks are required for all patrons ages 4+ for the duration of their time inside the theatre. Performance times and ticket information is also available at MarketHouseTheatre.org.
ENGLISH
The following is a quick reference guide to colors, fonts, and logos. Colors
Market House Theatre's PlayTime presents a virtual presentation of The Mitten! This interactive show, designed for wiggle-giggle audiences ages 3-6 and their caregivers, follows the Clubhouse at the Market House gang as they act out the story of The Mitten - along with the help of the at-home viewer! Learn the secret password, listen for the Word of the Day, and use your magic key to unlock the Rainbow Story Book! Then, play along with the Clubhouse actors as they act out this beloved Ukrainian folk tale of a little boy who lost his mitten in the snow and how that mitten becomes a cozy refuge for a host of animals! Pick up a “play along” resource pack (which includes a copy of the book) from the McCracken Co Public Library while supplies last!
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Heath Bowling, CFP® 1249 Broadway 270-444-6220
Benjamin C Brazzell, CFA Suite C 270-442-5636
AJ Collins 3520 Lone Oak Rd Suite A 270-554-6585
3235 Olivet Church Rd Suite H 270-442-3483
Judd Malone 4975 Alben Barkley Drive Ste 2 270-441-7686
Matthew P Moore 1249 Broadway 270-444-6220
Rick Robertson, AAMS® 88 Plantation Drive 270-554-4361
Bryan Shumate 4740 Hansen Rd 270-554-2083
Chris Sims, AAMS® 222 Kentucky Ave Suite 8 270-444-9867
Mike Sims 88 Plantation Drive 270-554-4361
Blake R Summarell, CFP® 4720 Village Square Dr Suite C 270-554-2082
Logos
Promotional logotype -
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Crissy N Bundren, AAMS®
used for270-898-4830 our HNW category.
Laura A Duff, AAMS®, CRPC® PMS 647C
Watch the Premiere! This program will stream on Market House Theatre's Facebook Page and be available at MCLIBTV on YouTube through February 13. Click the video image to the right to watch on Facebook!
Fonts
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Member SIPC
270.444.6828 // markethousetheatre.org // 132 Market House Square // info@mhtplay.org Box Office Hours: M - F, 10 AM - 5 PM