July 2009 Newsletter
The Barn Players Theatre
E-Newsletter -- July 14, 2009
Inside This Issue:
- In The Spotlight: A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Jungle Book
- It's A Wrap: Lucky Stiff; Hot Summer Night Benefit; New Friends of Kansas City; NE Johnson County Chamber Of Commerce
- Upcoming: The Secret Garden
- Audition Notice: Secret Garden
- Call For Scripts: 6x10 Play Festival
- The Barn Players Board Of Directors and Staff
- News & Tidbits
In The Spotlight...
A classic comic evening of fantasy and fun...
By William Shakespeare
Adapted and Directed by Jeremy Riggs
Allen Harkelroad as Theseus, Mike Haskin as Egeus and Mandy
Lagoski as Hippolyta
Young lovers, in order to escape marital law, flee to the forest in order to marry on their own terms. With the interference of a visiting band of fairies and an unsuspecting troupe of actors, chaos and merriment ensue.
Directed and Adapted by Jeremy Riggs
Original Music by Nathan Towns
Asst. Direction and Stage Management by Brandon Ford
Lighting Design by Cat Larrison
Scenic Design by Cynthia Evans
Costume Design by Michelle Stelting-Mauler
Sound Design by Jeremy Riggs
CAST
Theseus : Allen Harkelroad
Hippolyta : Mandy Lagowski
Egeus : Mike Haskin
Hermia : Christina Martin
Helena : Rochelle Herman
Lysander : Adam Luttrell
Demetrius : Christopher Trepinski
Philostrate and Puck : Rachael Redler
Peter Quince : Patrick Craft
Nick Bottom : David Martin
Snug : Jennifer Coville
Francis Flute : David Martinez
Tom Snout : Alexander Salamat
Robin Starveling : Aaron Roose
Oberon : Erik LaPointe
Titania : Emily Green
Cobweb : Laura Roose
Moth : Alicia Henrikson
Peaseblossom : Rebecca Ralstin
Erik LaPointe as Oberon and
Rachel Redler as Puck
All performances are at The Barn Players Theatre,
6219 Martway, Mission, KS.
Ticket pricing:=20
REGULAR - $15.00
SENIORS - $ 12.00
GROUPS (10 OR MORE) - $10.00
STUDENTS (WITH A VALID STUDENT ID) - $7.00=20
The box office opens one hour before curtain time.
The Barn Players Box Office Now Accepts Visa, MasterCard and Discover!
Mark your calendar now! For reservations, please call 913/432-9100 or visit our website at www.thebarnplayers.org
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
at The Barn Players this weekend
By Stephen Nichols
=20Some directors study past performances, personal experiences or even a gut feeling to craft their vision for a show.
And with a show like Shakespeare's comedy "A Midsummer Night's Dream" there are fairies, confusion and a magical forest to factor in, too.
But Aristotle?
That's exactly where director Jeremy Riggs turned for inspiration for his production coming soon to the Barn Players Theater.
"Aristotle had some interesting ideas about theatre." Riggs said. "One of the ideas he had was the concept that good drama consisted of three unities - He used this as rules for dramatic literature."
Even though he decided to cut only about six percent of the script and keep a lot of the archaic sayings and jokes, he's hoping that his version will be one thing: accessible.
"I can't count how many times I'd go [see the show], but I couldn't understand it," Riggs said. "Actors and directors didn't work with the subtext or with going further with the text."
Along with Riggs' unity of action approach, he also focused on a feminist interpretation of the play. He says that within the text, there are hints that imply that something more happens.
For example, in the play Titania has a spell put on her, so she helplessly pursues Oberon. But Riggs is playing with the idea that maybe the love potion affects fairies differently than humans and it's Titania who's in control the entire time.
"We've really focused on the strengths of the female characters, not making them victims," Riggs said.
Rachel Redler, who plays Puck, enjoys her part because in the play she is an observer, almost like another member in the audience.
"It's great because Puck is observing so much more." Redler said. "I'm trying to decode the human condition."
Even with the seriousness of the unity of action, the female interpretation and the observation of the human condition, "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is still a comedy.
That's where Dave Martin, who plays Bottom, comes in.
"I'm basically playing the Keanu Reeves of the Shakespearing world," Martin said. "He doesn't get it all."
One of Riggs' final touches to the script was adding some violence. He and Redler are working together to choreograph some sword fighting and hand-to-hand combat in the show.
To artistic director Eric Magnus this is Shakespeare's most accessible play and one of the most recognized comedies in the world.
"It felt like a play for the summer," Magnus said. "You want to treat it like any other play, but you have so much more work to do."
The Jungle Is Jumpin'!!!
The Barn Junior Series Presents...
July 28, 29 & 30, at 7:30pm
The Barn Junior Series is sponsored by a grant
from:
This Production Generously Underwritten By
The Barn Players are excited to bring you "Disney's The Jungle Book," featuring elementary-age performers in this production from MTI's Kids Collection. Actors ages 8-12 will take on the roles of Mowgli, Baloo, King Louie, and the gang as they swing their way through madcap adventures and thwart the ferocious tiger, Shere Khan. Adapted from the beloved 1967 film, this musical includes all your favorite Disney tunes, like "The Bare Necessities," and "I Wan'na Be Like You."
Music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman
and Robert B. Sherman and Terry Gilkyson
Additional lyrics by Marcy Heisler
Book adapted by Marcy Heisler
Music adapted and arranged by Bryan Louiselle
Directed by Jason Coats
Assistant Direction and Choreography by Scott White
Stage Management by Sarah Wright
Assistant Stage Management by Caitlin Teters & Alexandria Tiller
Featuring:
Karen Axe, Logan Axe, Alexa Breyfogle, Alley Branson, Paige Breyfogle,
Shantha Burt, Reena Burt, Elizabeth Cox, Finoula Emmons, Ryan Emmons,
Connor Ewens, Tessa Hake, Evan Hamlin, Rylee Lynch, James Masoner,
Paul Masoner, Anna O=92Renick, Allyson Pribyl, Lanie Shirck,
Rhiannon Smith, Katie Sullivan, Anniston Tuttle, Madison Underdown,
Alex Vasos & Kaitlyn Vasos
All performances are at The Barn Players Theatre,
6219 Martway, Mission, KS.
Ticket pricing:
ALL ADULTS - $10.00
STUDENTS (WITH A VALID STUDENT ID) - $7.00
STUDENTS UNDER 5 - Free
The box office opens one hour before curtain time.
The Barn Players Box Office Now Accepts Visa, MasterCard and Discover!
Mark your calendar now! For reservations, please call 913/432-9100 or visit our website at www.thebarnplayers.org
It's A Wrap...
Bravo and many thanks to the cast and crew of LUCKY STIFF! The Barn Players
were truly lucky to have you share your talents with us.
Director : Melissa Whitaker-Auvil
Musical Direction by Michelle McIntire
Choreography by Jered Solace
Set Design by Cynthia Evans
Lighting Design by Joseph Taylor
Costume Design by Ric Eberle
Sound Design by Sean Leistico
Props by Ashley Jones
Rehearsal Accompaniment by Casey Carl
Stage Management by Toi Hunt
FEATURING: Alexander Hamilton, Jennie Williams, Julia Moriarty, Scott Powell, Phillip Eatherton, Benjamin Baellow, Wendy Casebier, Matt Gerlaugh, and Norita Taylor
Hot Summer Night Benefit featuring Eric Bikales
Thanks to all who came, contributed and/ or donated items to make "Hot Summer Night" a rousing success for The Barn!
On June 18, our Barn Friends were treated to a musical performance from Kansas City native, Eric Bikales. Mr. Bikales, who currently plays keyboards for Neil Sedaka, played original works along with some of his favorites like Prince and Dave Brubeck. For his finale, Mr. Bikales was joined on stage by his wife, Rachel and the two played a flute duet, accompanied by his daughter, Anna, on the piano. There was also a performance of the musical Lucky Stiff, silent auction, food and wine. Over $3,000 was raised. Our thanks go out to everyone making the evening such a special event.
New Friends of Kansas City and NE Johnson County Chamber of Commerce
We could also thank New Friends of Kansas City and the NE Johnson County Chamber of Commerce for allowing The Barn Players to entertain their groups with a teaser from Lucky Stiff. If you are a member of a group and would like The Barn come to one of your meetings, please let us know. We'd be happy to come out and show your group what we do!
Upcoming...
Book and Lyrics by Marsha Norman
Music by Lucy Simon
Based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Orphaned in India, an 11 year old girl returns to Yorkshire to live with an embittered, reclusive uncle and his invalid son. The estate includes a magic locked garden. Flashbacks, dream sequences, a strolling chorus of ghosts, and some of the most beautiful music ever written for Broadway dramatize The Secret Garden's compelling tale of regeneration. This Tony Award winner is a treasure for children and adults.
Directed by Barbara Nichols
Assistant Director Lynn Reddick
Music Director Martha Risser
Choreographer Rob Reeder
Stage Managers Marsha Golladay and Derek McCracken
Conductor Debbie Allen
Accompanist Marsha Cannday
Props Tamara Kingston
Costumer Pam Blackburn
Sound Sean Leistico
Lights Phil Leonard
Cast
Kevin Bogan as Archibald Craven
Chris Gleeson as Neville Craven
Mosha Clyma as Mary Lennox
Laura Roose as Martha
Austin Stang as Dickon
Ryan Emmons as Colin
Chip Buckner as Ben
Julie O=92Rourke as Lily
Pam Haskin as Mrs. Medlock
Ken Koval as Fakir
Erica Baruth as Ayah
Bridget MacNevin Pfeiffer as Rose
Rob Reeder as Albert
Curt Knupp as Lt. Wright
Lee Finch as Maj. Holmes
Darren Sextro as Lt. Shaw
Rebecca Brungardt as Claire
Catherine Boone as Alice and Mrs. Winthrop
Katherine Stano as Jane
Susan Carriger as Betsy
Melinda Whitman as Esther
Michael Murphy as Tim
Alec Rigdon as James
UPCOMING SEASON TICKET DRIVE
Watch this space for information about our 2010 Season Ticket drive...coming in our next newsletter.
Audition Notice...
By Steven Dietz
Directed by Jocelyn Buckner
AUDITIONS:
=20Saturday, August 22 (1-4pm)
=20
Sunday, August 23 (1-4pm)
EXPECTATION and PREPARATION:
Actors should be prepared to present a 60-90 second memorized monologue of their choosing (not from Private Eyes). Cold readings of selections from the script will also be required.
Also, bring with you ALL of your conflicts from the date of your audition to October 11, 2009. Rehearsals will run Sunday-Thursday, 7:00-10:00PM, so please understand this going into auditions. No Conflicts beginning September 23 to the close of the show will be allowed.
PLEASE NOTE: Your participation in this production requires a huge commitment in both TIME AND PROFESSIONALISM. In order to ensure a production of the HIGHEST POSSIBLE QUALITY, please keep your rehearsal conflicts to a minimum. Also, bring your most current resume (a headshot optional but helpful with casting). These will not be returned to you.
LOCATION:
St. Pius School
55th and Woodson
Mission, KS
3rd Floor
Call For Scripts...
The Barn Players Theater is looking for a few good scripts! Our second annual 6x10 Play Festival will be held December 4-6. The Festival will produce six short plays, each roughly ten minutes in length and all by local writers. So get your creative juices flowing -- tell a great story in ten minutes and you'll get the chance to see your work performed on our stage.
Playwrights whose scripts are selected will be included in the 6x10 rehearsal process. They will be encouraged to work collaboratively with the director and may modify their script as they watch it take shape on the stage.
NEW THIS YEAR!
The Barn Players will host 3 Short Play Workshops this summer for local playwrights to gather to discuss their plays and hear them read aloud. Playwrights may attend any one or all three workshops. Please bring your script to the Workshop so it can be read and discussed by other writers as well as members of the Barn Players Board.
The Workshops will run from 10am to Noon. The next two are July 25, and August 15 at the Barn Players theater.
Playwrights are NOT required to attend a Workshop in order to submit a script for the Festival. Attending a Workshop does NOT guarantee that a playwright's script will be selected for production.
GUIDELINES
- All playwrights must live within 200 miles of Kansas City.
- Scripts may not have been produced previously.
- Scripts should be easily produced in the context of a ten-minute play
festival (i.e. small casts and simple sets)
- Each playwright may submit up to 2 scripts for review.
- Scripts may be submitted electronically or through the mail.
- Electronic: send to "tenminute@thebarnplayers.org"
- Mail: send TWO copies to "6x10 Festival, The Barn Players, 6219
Martway, Mission KS 66202"
- Please put your name and contact info on a separate page from the text of
the script.
- Deadline for submission is August 31, 2009.
- Selections will be made and all playwrights informed by September 21, 2009.
- Scripts sent by mail will not be returned.
- No comments or feedback on the scripts will be given.
- There is no entry fee.
- By submitting a script for consideration, the playwright agrees
that The Barn Players may produce the script during the festival. The
playwright agrees to waive any royalty for the production of the piece
in the festival and relinquishes all rights to casting decisions or
scenic choices.
The Barn Players Board Of Directors and Staff...
The 2009 Board of Directors are:
Executive Board of Directors
* Vida Bikales, President
* Eric Magnus, Artistic Director and Past President
* Eric Van Horn, Vice-President
* Casey Carl, Secretary
* Denise Carroll, Treasurer
Board Members
* Cecelia Baty
* Rebecca Black
* Ric Eberle
* Rosemary Hartigan
* Toi Hunt
* Mandy Lagoski
* Lynn Reddick
* Nancy Wallerstein
* Melinda Whitman
Advisory Board
* Ross Harmon
* Jim Lane
* Carrie Lenahan
* Beate Pettigrew
* Frank Robertson
* Susie Rowland
* Michael Ruth
Operations Staff:
* Tamara Kingston, Administrative Coordinator
* Bill Wright, Technical Director
* Sean Leistico, Facility Technician and Webmaster
* Jason Coats, Education Coordinator
News & Tidbits...
Prior Attire - Prior Attire's Economic Stimulus Plan: Bail out your wardrobe! LOW prices on everything in the store. Discount Schedule: July 10 - 16 60% off * July 17 - 25 80% off * *Excludes Rebecca's Jewelry, Gold, Clearance Rack & 1/2 price clearance. GOLD! Beautiful real gold jewelry at melt-down prices! Priced at $900 per ounce. That's around $40 less than current scrap pricing! Rebecca's Jewelry - Now 20% off! Take a peek at www.prior-attire.com/Jewelry Prior Attire Resale Boutique & Jewelry Company - 4024 W. 95th (NW corner of 95th & Mission) Prairie Village, KS 66207 913-648-6012. Shop & Donation Hours: Monday- Saturday 9:00 - 6:00 Thursday until 8:00pm; Closed Sunday. All donations help the Barn Players.
Check out The Barn Players
Store! http://www.thebarnplayers.org/store/
We've got cast recordings, scripts, scores for past and present Barn shows, the
ever-popular Barn Players t-shirts, and many other items for theatre
afficiandos. You can even get daily theatre news and podcasts free from 
WANT TO GET INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY THEATRE? PLEASE JOIN US! We have lots of fun opportunities for you! You can volunteer as an usher or assist with the box office, or even work the concessions booth for one of our upcoming performances. Bonus: you get to see the show for free!!! If you're interested, please email your name and contact information to our friendly Volunteer Coordinator Mandy Lagoski at theatremandy@yahoo.com. She'll be happy to hear from you!
For the "latest and greatest" at The Barn Players Theatre, check our website regularly for information about upcoming productions, auditions, and a calendar of future events-or to join our email subscription list-at www.thebarnplayers.org.
See you soon at The Barn!!!
