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BACKSTAGE PASS APRIL/MAY 2014
A bimonthly newsletter for Rome Little Theatre and Friends of the DeSoto members and contributors
ROME LITTLE THEATRE
APRIL/MAY 2014
Yes, Virginia, There is a Dixie Swim Club Coach By Wendell Barnes
appreciate the opportunities in theatre experiences that RLT gives me, and one of my most recent delights was to get to spend some time with my dear friend Virginia McChesney, the director of the upcoming “The Dixie Swim Club.” Virginia and I met in a costume class at the University of Georgia theatre department in 1970, and of course neither of us have changed a bit! She went on to get an MFA from the department and I got my BFA there. Of course we never knew that we would both end up in Virginia’s home town and at RLT together! She has directed me several times and I have directed her—and it is always a joy to sit and reminisce about the times we have shared together the past 44 years. So now she’s the “coach” for these five amazing women who will share the stage together as the “team” of the “Dixie Swim Club.” Virginia has lost count of how many shows she has been involved in during her theatre career, but she thinks it is in the neighborhood of 120 productions, in varying roles from actor, director, lighting operator, bathroom cleaner— whatever needed doing to help the theatre. She usually directs at least one show each RLT season, and usually appears in at least one as an actor. She usually chooses shows to direct that have a little more “meat” to them, preferring dramas to comedies most of the time. This is the first show she has directed from the writing team of Jones-Hope-Wooten, one of my favorite writing teams, and she liked this script because it is really the “meatiest” of their many comedies. She likens this script to “Steel Magnolias,” a Southern poignant comedy that is about the relationship of a group of women who might not have been friends otherwise, but who are related to each other not by blood, but by heart. The play is set on the Outer Banks off the coast of North Carolina, and covers a vast period of time. Her joy has been in working with this spectacular cast, because they all genuinely like each other and all had the chops to develop into the characters they are playing. Some were not initially excited about being
cast in the roles they were selected for, but as rehearsals went on, they saw that their coach had seen things in them they did not see, and now the ensemble has truly become a team. The ladies did some team-building exercises that brought them all together, and now they are having so much fun at rehearsals that no one wants to go home once rehearsal is over—similar feelings I have seen in many of the comedies I have directed. The characters are very varied, but together they become strokes in the medley that makes a team and by the end of the show they have become the dearest of friends ever. Virginia hopes that the audience will leave with a sensitivity to the problems of aging and the meaning of sincere friendships. But no more spoilers! There definitely were some challenges to overcome for this production, as the women are 44 years old at the beginning of the play and are 77 by the time the play is over, so 33 years go by in one evening onstage. But with the efficient supervision of the coach’s boss, producer Neal Brackett, the set has come together and all of the details added to make the show believable. Neal, an RLT Board Member, is such an asset to RLT, as are all five members of his family. The Bracketts are a perfect example of a family that got involved at RLT because their children got cast in a play, and now many of them have won Roman Awards, have performed in the orchestra pit, onstage, backstage and on the lighting board, and we can’t get rid of them! Truth be told, RLT could not do without them, and they are the essence of what community theatre is all about. Virginia was especially excited about the fact that not only is there an all female cast for this show, but there is also an almost all female crew backstage! Virginia is not clear on the details of what’s up next for her, but she does know that she will be directing a local production of “Night of January 16th” in the fall of this year, reprising her direction of this show at RLT many years ago, and she is scheduled to direct the January/February 2015 production of “The Outsiders” at RLT. One thing is for sure: whenever Virginia McChesney is the “coach” of whatever “team” she is directing, the beneficiary is the rest of us—her audiences. « Page 1
R OME L ITTLE T HEATRE
Pass
With Mary Ortwein, RLT Office Manager
APRIL/MAY 2014 2013-2014 Board of Directors Officers President
Chuck Morris charlesmorrisjr@comcast.net VP of Membership
Carol Murchland caej313@yahoo.com VP of Production
Tiff Magruder edenchip@aol.com VP of Public Relations
Neal Brackett nealop@aol.com VP of Communication
John Barnett drb9565@aol.com Treasurer
Wayne Jones wsdj@bellsouth.net Secretary
Tammy Childers tchilders@nwgaresa.com Immediate Past President
Jason Fordham Members at Large Paul Culotta siciliangpa@att.net
David Clonts davidclonts@bellsouth.net
Suzanne Clonts
W
here, oh where, has this season gone? Our final production, The Dixie Swim Club, will open on Thursday, May 29th, with a Ladies Night Out event, and run until June 8th. Before we know it, we'll be celebrating "From Broadway to Broad Street" at the Gala on Saturday, June 28. Look for more information soon. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Mary Doster, who passed away in April. Mary was an active RLT actress and volunteer for many years. Several years ago she moved closer to her son in Loganville, but kept in touch through our newsletters. Mary had celebrated her 90th birthday with her family in December, before she came down with pneumonia. Sad to say she never completely recovered from that illness. This is a comment that was made during Mary's funeral service: When the angels looked down to earth on the day Mary was born, they yelled, "Watch out below!!!!" If you knew Mary Doster, then you can understand what it means‌ Rest in Peace, Mary. Ruby's Row Fund has $1533! We're well on the way to our $10,000 goal, the amount we need to purchase the first row of seats upstairs behind the railing. HDTF continues to collect Name a Seat contributions for individual seats.
suzanneclonts@bellsouth.net
Mandy Maloney mrs.maloney@gmail.com
Chris Parker parkerchris42@gmail.com
Mary Walker mewalker2424@gmail.com
cast of
We have added about 20 seats in the auditorium, so we now have a full house of 500 in the DeSoto. Renovations to the building have slowed for now. The new red seats have really increased the beauty of our auditorium, and new carpeting is in the works. RLT'S office space has been upgraded, and we have a second box office window open during shows. We're hearing lots of praise for the improved restrooms, gallery and concessions area. Two new shows have been added to our schedule: Legally Blonde the Musical (July 1120) and Beauty and the Beast, Jr. (December 5 -14). The Nutcracker will perform at the City Auditorium (November 21- 22). RLT Young Actor's Audition Workshop is scheduled for May 31, and RLT Young Actor's Summer Workshops will be held June 9-13 and 16- 20. Plans for some adult classes are in the works. The Reading Committee has been reading, reading, reading the scripts that have been suggested for the 2015-16 season. We will know the results of their hard work and be able to vote for our favorites soon. The Nominating Committee and the Finance Committee have also been working hard for us. ÂŤ
the
See you at the Theatre!
Executive Director
Megan Keating Megkeat@comcast.net Office Manager
Mary Ortwein rltoffice@bellsouth.net Costumier
Becky Magruder torchybee@aol.com Event Coordinator
Tracy Hellriegel tracy@tracyslack.com Rome Little Theatre At the historic DeSoto Theatre 530 Broad St. Rome GA 30161 Mailing Address: PO Box 1063 Rome GA 30162 romelittletheatre.com Facebook.com/RomeLittleTheatre, Inc.
706-295-7171 Backstage Pass is published bimonthly and is free to Rome Little Theatre and Historic DeSoto Theatre Foundation members and Contributors.
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Marie Kindred Vernadette
Jeanette Long Lexie
Donna Riordan Dinah
Liz Tierney Jeri Neal
Mary Walker Sheree
Download the new RLT App We now have a quick way for you to access all-things-RLT! Need tickets? A quick link to Facebook? Contact information? Download the new RLT app on your smart phone, and always have us in your palm!
romelittletheatre.appsme.com ROME LITTLE THEATRE/HISTORIC DESOTO THEATRE FOUNDATION
at the historic DeSoto The Backstage Pass welcomes new Cub Reporter, Theatrewith Jordan Poe to our staff. She will be keeping us up to date on all things RLT Jr.
H
ello! I’m Jordan Poe. I’m 9 years old, and I love acting. I started acting when I was 6 years old. I also love to write, and I was given the opportunity to write about something new at Rome Little Theatre. Recently, RLT added Rome Little Theatre, Jr for kids ages 5 to 18, who love acting, just like me. The first play that RLT Jr is doing is The Little Mermaid Jr. In addition to the plays that RLT Jr will be doing, there will also be Young Actor’s Workshops, where kids can learn more about acting. Recently, I attended the Winter Workshop. Young Actor’s Workshops teach you to be bold and ACT! You also play cool acting games. Plus you get to meet new people and make new friends.
RLT YOUNG ACTOR’S
AUDITION WORKSHOP B E BO L D !
At auditions for the The Little Mermaid Jr, I got the chance to interview my friend, Liz Suffill, who played Gladys Herdman in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. JP-“How old were you when you started acting?” LS-“4” JP-“What is your favorite play?” LS-“Charlotte’s Web” JP-“Did being Gladys make you proud?” LS-“Yes” JP-“Are you sad when you don’t get a part?” LS-“Sometimes” JP-“What concluding sentence would you like to add?” LS-“I love acting!” Check back with me next time to learn more about another RLT Jr actor. « Rome Little Theatre is offering an Audition class in our
Young Actor’s Workshop Series Saturday, May 31, from 9am to 3pm at the historic DeSoto Theatre.
Students will have a fun-filled, educational day learning about what it takes to audition. We will have 2 classes, with one for students ages 6 to 9 and one for students ages 10 to 18. Just $25 per student. Our instructors, Michael Hillman and Chris Parker are veteran actors and teachers.
MAY 31, 2014 • 9 AM - 3 PM From 9am to 3pm, Monday through Friday, students will be immersed in the theatrical experience, as they learn about the craft of acting and the collaborative art of theatre. Students will learn about preparing a monologue for auditions, how to do a “cold-read,” how to study a scene, and how to develop a character beyond simply reciting lines. Students will also be instructed in various aspects of stagecraft and stage etiquette. There will also be a free performance for friends and family at 7pm on Friday, June 20 at the theatre.
Sign up online at romelittletheatre.com or call 706-295-7171
RLT YOUNG ACTOR’S
SUMMER WORKSHOP BO L D ! E B
We will have 2 classes, with one for students ages 8 to 10 and one for students ages 11 to 18. Just $125 for 1 week or $200 for 2 weeks. Our instructors, Michael Hillman, Mandy Maloney, Chris Parker and Chris Davidson are veteran actors and teachers.
BACKSTAGE PASS APRIL/MAY 2014
JUNE 9 - JUNE 20, 2014 • 9 AM - 3 PM Page 3
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t’s summer time again, and what better way to start the summer that spending six nights or so with “The Dixie Swim Club!” I’m so glad to finally get to see a production of this comedy by my favorite comedy writers, Jones-HopeWooten, and just wish that my summer schedule allowed me to see every performance. And if your schedule does allow it, I’m sure you will see all six performances because the laughs will abound! But just in case you are looking for some more theatre to entertain you and to get you out of the humidity and you need a dark, cool place to rest, come with me on a journey to some other theatres “Beyond the RLT” and find out what they have to offer. Of course the local colleges are dark this summer, but this year we have a special treat coming up: RLT Summer Stock! “Legally Blonde,” the hilarious musical version of the hit movie, will trod the RLT boards July 11th-20th. I have seen this musical many times and it is just as fresh and funny each time I see it, so you will want to see it several times too. So far this is the only other production that I know of in Rome this summer. But in nearby Calhoun, there is a special production coming up at the Harris Arts Center just a half hour away. The
Northwest Georgia Youth Theatre Company directed by Ed Reid is doing a production of “Pygmalion,” the George Bernard Shaw play that is the basis for the wonderful musical, “My Fair Lady.” They will be presenting it in the HAC May 22nd-24th at 7:00 p.m. each night, with a matinee at 1:00 p.m. on May 28th, and tickets are only $5.00. I saw this group do an excellent production of “The Importance of Being Earnest” a year or two ago, and they’ve got the chops to pull it off. The Calhoun Little Theatre will be presenting their summer show, a reprise of their hit musical “Nunsense,” August 22nd- 31st. Please call the Harris Arts Center at 770-773-0723 if you are interested in these productions and need more details. Also nearby in Cartersville, the active Pumphouse Players have begun a junior theatre group like RLT, and they will be presenting two shows this summer. First up is “Round the World Tales” June 20th22nd, to be followed by a production of a play about two of Beverly Cleary’s most loved characters, “Henry and Ramona,” July 11th-13th. The Players are offering their next adult production, the classic comedy about Elwood P. Dowd and his best friend, a six foot three and a half inch rabbit named “Harvey” to open their 40th season on August 8th, and this show will run through the 23rd. More information about all these productions is available at www.pumphouseplayers.com.
A little further away in Marietta, the wonderful all musical Atlanta Lyric Theatre is presenting their final musical of the season, the hilarious “Monty Python’s Spamalot”. This musical is based on the movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” and you may want to see it as a preview since RLT will be doing the show in March of 2015. It opens at the Lyric on June 13th and will run through the 29th. The new season will open on August 8th with the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic, “Cats,” which will run through August 24th. Remember that they are now performing at the Cobb Civic Center, in the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre on the Marietta Parkway (Loop SR 120.) They have another great season in store. More information can be found at www.atlantalyrictheatre.com. Performing at the old Theatre in the Square location at 11 Whitlock Street just off the square in downtown Marietta, the Marietta Players are also presenting a big modern musical, the musical version of the hit movie, “The Full Monty” June 5th-15th. I saw this show on tour several years ago at the Fox and it is a treat. More information can be found at www.mariettaplayers.com. The Next Stage Theatre Company in Marietta is dark this summer. The Cobb Energy Centre in Marietta does not have any shows, operas or ballets scheduled for the summer either, but you can check out the list of upcoming concerts and appearances at www.cobbenergycentre.com.
(Continued online )
http://romelittletheatre.wordpress.com/2014/05/18/beyond-the-rlt-mayjune2014/
RLT Board announces selection of 2014-2015 season candidates In accordance with the Rome Little Theatre By-laws, the following persons were selected by the Nominating Committee, and approved by the Board of Directors, as candidates for the following positions: Vice President of Membership: Vice President of Communication: Treasurer:
Tracy Hellriegel Chris Parker Matt Shoemaker
(Two year term to end June 30, 2016) (Two year term to end June 30, 2016) (Two year term to end June 30, 2016)
Members at Large of the Board of Directors: David Clonts Mandy Maloney Chris Davidson
(Incumbent, to serve a two year term to end June 30, 2016) (Incumbent, to serve a two year term to end June 30, 2016) (Two year term to end June 30, 2016)
Any member of Rome Little Theatre who desires to stand for election to one of these positions may follow the RLT Election procedures. Additionally, the Board of Directors has approved one proposed amendment to the Constitution and four amendments to the By-Laws. The proposed amendments will allow us to create a Vice President of House Management, with the position beginning July 1, 2015. More information will be arriving in your mailbox soon. Page 4
ROME LITTLE THEATRE/HISTORIC DESOTO THEATRE FOUNDATION
You are cordially invited to the
Rome Little Theatre Annual Gala
From Broadway to Broad Street Saturday, June twenty eighth Two Thousand Fourteen Six o’clock in the evening
DeSoto Theatre 530 Broad Street Rome, Georgia
Pre-Gala Reception Cocktails and hors ‘d oeuvres Six o’clock to Seven o’clock in the evening
General Admission Seating admission to the Gala with general seating and Pre-Gala Reception $15 per person (members) $25 per person (non-members) $10 per child (ten and under) $50 Family (Mom, Dad, Kids)
Premium Reserved Seating admission to the Gala with reserved seating and Pre-Gala Reception $25 per person (members) $35 per person (non-members) $15 per child (ten and under) $80 Family (Mom, Dad, Kids)
Please note that a meal is not provided Evening will also include:
For Tickets, please call 706-295-7171 or go to romelittletheatre.com
A moment with the
RLT MINUTES Thursday, April 24, 2014
Silent Auction Live Auction Business Meeting Live Entertainment Presentation of Roman Awards Dance and Karaoke After-Party (all ages)
Adult Gathering After-Party (Seven Hills Great Room) Semi Formal/Dressy Attire
● We have paid royalties for 4 of the 6 shows next season. ● TeenWork – an internship program. The Board agreed that we’d like to see the intern program grow. ● The Gala will be held at RLT, also utilizing the Seven Hills large room.
● The Board voted that RLT Jr show budget is $7,000 per show. ● The Board voted to approve the Gala Budget as presented. ● Briefly discussed applicants for Director/Producer for Beauty and the Beast, Jr. There will be no interviews as the applications are very detailed. The Board will vote in May. ● Leadership Day will be held on August 2, 2014. It is open to the entire RLT Membership. All Vice-Presidents need to check calendars and be present. Tentative agenda: Info session in the morning, lunch, committees meet and plan for the year. Probably will be from 10am – 4pm, held at RLT. There are seven committees and may be others as deemed necessary. ● The Board voted to approve the Directors’ and Producers’ reports for both Grease and Little Mermaid, Jr.
BACKSTAGE PASS APRIL/MAY 2014
● Planning the Board retreat. ● The Board voted to approve the Treasurer’s report (pending audit) and the consent agenda, including amended March Minutes. ● Nutcracker/R.O.M.E. Collaboration. They need RLT for tickets/box office, graphic design, promotion and general support. Berry College is now involved and will help with costumes and resources. ~Tammy Childers, RLT Secretary Edited for space
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withTracy Hellriegel Roman Awards GALA – June 28 Leadership Day – August 2 2014/2015 Board Retreat – August 16 Fundraisers – September 12, 13 & ?
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Jr and Aladdin, Jr added to RLT Jr Schedule
December 5 – December 14, 2014 School Shows: Tuesday, December 9, Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Auditions: August 25, 26, 27, 2014 Music by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, Tim Rice.
When Belle’s father becomes lost in the woods on the way to present his latest invention at a local fair, he seeks shelter in an old castle but is soon taken captive by the master of the house, a horrible Beast. Belle surrenders her freedom to save his life and, by taming the Beast, teaches him the meaning of love. Director–Mandy Maloney, Producer-Tina Brinson
Disney’s
O
n May 29th, Rome Little Theatre will have a soft opening of our production of The Dixie Swim Club to benefit The Magnolia Foundation with a Ladies Night Out. July 17 – July 26, 2015 Auditions: April 18, 19, 20, 2015 Music by Alan Menken. Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. Book Adapted and Additional Lyrics by Jim Luigs. Music Adapted and Arranged by Bryan Louiselle. Based on the 1992 Disney film Aladdin
Welcome to Agrabah, City of Enchantment, where we're about to begin the fantastic tale of the street rat who became a prince! All of your favorite characters from the hit Disney film Aladdin, Jasmine, Iago, Jafar, the Genie, and more, are here in a musical adventure filled with magic, mayhem, and flying carpet rides.
Show times: Fridays at 8pm Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30pm
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The Dixie Swim Club focuses on five Southern women, whose friendships began many years ago on their college swim team, who set aside a long weekend every August to recharge those relationships. Free from husbands, kids and jobs, they meet at the same beach cottage on North Carolina’s Outer Banks to catch up, laugh and meddle in each other’s lives. The Dixie Swim Club focuses on four of those weekends and spans a period of thirty-three years. Doors open at 6pm, show begins at 7:30pm Tickets: $50 Receive a ticket to the show, wine, coffee and heavy hors d'oeuvres. First 100 patrons receive a Swag Bag. Menu provided by Ole Tymer Barbeque
ROME LITTLE THEATRE/HISTORIC DESOTO THEATRE FOUNDATION
B
ecause the costs of producing high quality shows are rising, we will be slightly increasing the prices of tickets and subscriptions next season.
Season Subscription entitles you to: ● Tickets to all season shows ● 20% discount on all RLT Extra-Season productions ● Discounts for certain DeSoto Theatre events ● Surprise offers throughout the season ● A bimonthly newsletter ● An invitation to the annual Awards Gala ● Voting rights for the Roman Awards ● Free Notary Public Service ● Free WiFi
However, we are offering “Early Bird” deals if you join us before June 30, 2014.
“Early Bird” RLT 2014-2015 Season Subscription Prices:
E OM EATRE
Adult - $60 (save $36) Senior (65+) – $55 (save $29)
LITTatLthEe hTistoHric DeSoto Theatre
Student (w/ Student ID) – $55 (save $29)
2014-2015 PRODUCTIONS THE NUTCRACKER Nov 21 & 22, 2014 Oct 24 – Nov 2, 2014
Jan 30 – Feb 8, 2015
Mar 20 – Mar 29, 2015
EA C H E LBUMS
R
B
Aug 22 – Aug 31, 2014
Rome City Auditorium Show times: Friday at 8pm Saturday at 2:30pm and 8pm
May 29 – June 7, 2015
All performances are on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2:30pm unless otherwise noted
RLT Summer Stock and RLT Jr Extra-Season Productions
Su m m e
Disney’s
r
r S um m e July 17 – July 26, 2015 THE MUSICAL
July 11– July 20, 2014
Beauty & the Beast and Aladdin Show times: Fridays at 8pm Dec 5 – Dec 14, 2014 Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30pm
All Rome Little Theatre Season Subscribers receive a 20% discount off ticket prices for Extra-Season Productions
REAL. LIVE. THEATRE. 530 Broad St • Rome GA • 706-295-7171 Tickets: romelittletheatre.com
Family of 3 - $140 2 Adults & 1 Student (Student must be under 18) (save $136) Family of 4 - $170 2 Adults & 2 Students (Students must be under 18) (save $190) Family of 5 - $205 2 Adults & 3 Students (Students must be under 18) (save $239) Prices include ticket processing fees.
After June 30, 2014 RLT Season Subscription Prices: Adult - $70 (save $26) Senior (65+) – $60 (save $24) Student (w/ Student ID) – $60 (save $24) Family of 3 - $160 2 Adults & 1 Student (Student must be under 18) (save $116) Family of 4 - $200 2 Adults & 2 Students (Students must be under 18) (save $160) Family of 5 - $240 2 Adults & 3 Students (Students must be under 18) (save $204) Prices include ticket processing fees. Groups - 25% Discount (10 or more)
BACKSTAGE PASS APRIL/MAY 2014
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R OME L ITTLE T HEATRE P.O. Box 1063 Rome, GA 30162-1063 www.romelittletheatre.com rltoffice@bellsouth.net 706-295-7171
Pass
2014-2015 SEASON & Extra-Season Shows
THE MUSICAL
July 11– July 20, 2014
Aug 22 – Aug 31, 2014
Oct 24 – Nov 2, 2014
THE NUTCRACKER Nov 21 & 22, 2014 Rome City Auditorium
MISSION STATEMENT The purpose of this organization is to present amateur theatrical productions, encourage interest in drama, and contribute to the cultural and educational life of the community. The Rome Little Theatre, Inc. is an active supporter of the arts in Rome and Floyd County.«
AUDITIONS Dec 5 – Dec 14, 2014
Jan 30 – Feb 8, 2015
Mar 20 – Mar 29, 2015
B LE
A C HE R
BUMS
May 29 – June 7, 2015
Disney’s
July 17 – July 26, 2015 romelittletheatre.com Page 8
Monday and Tuesday, June 2 and 3 at 7pm at the DeSoto Theatre with call backs on Wednesday, June 4 Auditions are open to ages 10 to 19.
Saturday, July 19 - 10am - 12pm & 2pm - 5pm on stage at the DeSoto Registration will open at 9:30am Sunday, July 20, 2014 -- By appointment only -Beginning at 5pm, upstairs at the DeSoto Please contact the director, Tracy Hellriegel if you need to schedule your audition on Sunday 404-797-5212 tracy@tracyslack.com July 21, 2014 -- Callbacks –If you are requested for a callback, please arrive no later than 6:30pm at the DeSoto
Please go to romelittletheatre.com for more info and to safely and easily submit your audition registration form online. ROME LITTLE THEATRE/HISTORIC DESOTO THEATRE FOUNDATION