 Auditions for PCT's summer musical, Disney's"Newsies," will be held at 7 p.m. on May 20-21 at Memorial Auditorium, 503 N. Pine in Pittsburg.
The production will be directed by Kaye Lewis, founder and artistic director of Midwest Regional Ballet. Lewis is a frequent collaborator of PCT, having done choreography for summer musicals such as "Gypsy" (2016), "Evita" (2015), and "Wizard of Oz" (2013). Based on the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899 and nominated for eight Tony Awards, "Newsies" tells the story of Jack Kelly, a rebellious newsboy who dreams of a life as an artist away from the big city. After publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer raises newspaper prices at the newsboys’ expense, Kelly and his fellow newsies take action. With help from the beautiful female reporter Katherine Plumber, all of New York City soon recognizes the power of “the little man.” The score features songs by eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid), and the story is appropriate for the entire family. The show premiered on Broadway in 2010 and ran for more than 1,000 performances before going on a national tour. Tickets to PCT's production will go on sale at May 20. About auditions The cast features 16 newsboys who must be able to sing and dance. Those auditioning should dress comfortably and bring tap shoes. They should be prepared to learn excerpts of choreography to "King of New York" and vocal excerpts from "Seize the Day." Those auditioning for the role of Katherine should be prepared to learn a vocal excerpt from "Watch What Happens." For complete casting requirements (including all character descriptions, suggested ages and genders, vocal ranges, etc.), visit https://www.mtishows.com/full-cast-info/1893 About rehearsals Rehearsals will be held Thursday and Friday evenings and Saturday and Sunday during the day starting the first week of June. Dress rehearsals will begin July 15, with the show opening July 18 and running through July 21. Sunday rehearsals will be held at Kaye's dance studio in Joplin. Those auditioning will be given a detailed rehearsal schedule. Questions? Message us on Facebook at @PittCommTheatre.
0 Comments
 Pittsburg Community Theatre’s first show of the season, “M*A*S*H,” opens next week at Memorial Auditorium, bringing to life iconic characters who first made their appearance in a book by Richard Hooker, then a 1970 film directed by Robert Altman, and finally, a popular long-running TV series. Director Jason Huffman said “M*A*S*H” is a comedy-drama that will be performed by a diverse cast, including several veterans of PCT productions as well as a few newcomers. Among them: Col. Henry Blake is played by Mark Johnson, a real-life professor who has 14 PCT acting credits to his name; Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan is played by Allison Townsend, who grew up on the PCT stage and works for BMO Harris Bank; and retiree James Graham, who is taking on the role of Captain Frank Burns, the irksome chump of the hospital, in his first performance with PCT. Hannah Gatson is somewhat new to PCT — last summer’s “Sister Act” was her first show, and it hooked her — but her role isn’t too much of a stretch: she plays Lt. Nancy Phillips, a nurse, and in real life is a nursing student at Ft. Scott Community College. Audiences will likely recognize the voice of Stephanie Powers, who plays Private Boone — a hospital orderly who “is about as sharp as a marble,” Powers said. But they might not recognize her face: Powers’ real job is as the voice of Weekday Mornings on 96.9FM. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. March 29-30 and 2 p.m. March 30-31. Tickets on the main floor are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and children, and are $8 general admission for the balcony. Tickets may be purchased online at www.memorialauditorium.org or at 620-231-7827, or by stopping by the box office, 503 N. Pine, during business hours.  Tickets go on sale today, June 18, for our summer musical, "Sister Act," to be performed July 19-22 at Memorial Auditorium, 503 N. Pine, under the direction of Jason Huffman.
Sister Act is a feel-good musical comedy filled with powerful gospel music, outrageous dancing, and a moving story. Based on the hit 1992 film, it features original music by Tony- and eight-time Oscar winner, Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors) and was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won't be a found: a convent. Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase, only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. July 19-21 and 2 p.m. July 21-22. Tickets may be purchased four ways: they may be printed online at www.memorialauditorium.org starting today, June 18, by calling the Memorial Auditorium box office at 620-231-7827 or stopping by the box office during business hours Monday through Friday, or at the door prior one hour prior each show. Cost: $12 reserved seating, main floor, adults; $10 reserved seating, main floor, students and seniors; $8 general admission and balcony. We'll see you at the show! Ticket sales are now underway for "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," at www.memorialauditorium.org and by calling 620-231-7827. If the cast lineup is any indication, we predict they'll go quickly! Performing last week as Scuttle in "The Little Mermaid" and last fall as Mr. Cladwell in the state-recognized "Urinetown," Aidan Harries invites you to grab your favorite blanket, find a good thumb to suck on, and sit back and enjoy the show!  You'll recognize him as Flounder in last week's 'Little Mermaid,” and as Bobby Strong in last fall’s award-winning "Urinetown.” Now, Matt Buck, who grew up watching the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and Christmas specials, is portraying Schroeder — and in real life is learning to play the piano!  As a child, Kyra Ketcham loved reading comics in the newspaper. She became a dancer and for the past three years has been lighting up the stage in Pittsburg High School productions. Now, she invites you to dig out your catcher’s mitt and enjoy the fun of her favorite number in this show: Baseball Game!  Joplin native Michaela West is studying theatre at Pittsburg State University. Most recently seen as one of the Heathers in “Heathers: The Musical,” at Joplin Little Theatre, she’s also performed in productions of "Rent," "Cinderella," and "Gypsy." She’s now ready to share the magic of Charles Schulz with you!  A recent graduate of Pittsburg State University, where she was active in her sorority, she’s now pursuing her Master’s in International Business. But Emily Commons is excited to take time to be back on stage, having appeared in high school productions like "Wedding Singer," "Sweeney Todd," and "Legally Blonde." A secret: she’s engaged to Snoopy!  You’ve seen him in PHS and Pitt State Theatre shows including “Legally Blonde, “Sweeney Todd,” and “You Can’t Take it With You,” and now you can see him as the world’s most beloved dog, Snoopy! Kevin is a recent graduate of Pittsburg State University, where he was active in his fraternity, and now is working towards his Masters in Polymer Chemistry. Don’t miss him in this role;  You’ve seen her as Ariel in last week’s "The Little Mermaid," as Gertrude McFuzz in the award-winning "Seussical" and as Penelope Pennywise in the internationally-recognized "Urinetown.” She’s also performed in Kansas City, South Carolina, and New York City, and is set for a show in Wichita this summer! Now see this super crab take on the role of Lucy Van Pelt!  Growing up, Jazmin’s mom would often tell her that her room looked like a pig sty! Now, Jazmin gets to show her mom what a pig sty really looks like by having the opportunity to play the role of Pig-Pen in this fun and family-friendly musical!  Any fan of the Peanuts Gang knows that Frieda has naturally curly hair, of which she is quite proud. She was the only girl on Charlie Brown's baseball team to not wear a cap because it would cover it up. You can see this charming character brought to life by Jocelyn, who is from the Kansas City area and has most recently been seen in “Little Shop of Horrors,” and “Junie B. Jones.”  Franklin was the first African-American character introduced in the Peanuts comic strip in 1968, and his introduction came at a tumultuous time in our history. Neo says performing as Franklin has been a humbling experience. He also can relate to Franklin because, like Franklin, Neo isn’t originally from this town — he moved here. For Neo, making new friends and learning more about the cast is his favorite part of the theater experience!  Charles Schulz one said “Woodstock knows that he is very small and inconsequential indeed. It’s a problem we all have. The universe boggles us…Woodstock is a lighthearted expression of that idea." This is the second time Alexis Daniels has played such a role; you’ll remember her as charming and curious young JoJo in last year’s award-winning “Seussical.”  You've seen her in last week's "Little Mermaid" as the sea witch, Ursula, and in the award-winning "Suessical" as Mrs. Mayor. Now see her bring to life Charlotte, whose first appearance in the Peanuts comic strips was on November 30, 1954. Charlotte was introduced as a female counterpart to Charlie Brown (a role later taken up by Sally), with a very dominating personality, complete with an obnoxious, loud-mouthed voice. Cassie, of course, is anything but!  You may have seen her in the "The Little Mermaid" as Allana, "Urinetown" as Soupy Sue, and "Seussical" as Young Kangaroo. Now see Hannah play Marcie, who is known for her unassuming sweetness and intellect — an insightful but introverted bookworm who refers to her best friend, Peppermint Patty, as “Sir.” As a real-life bookworm, Hannah relates. Marcie was one of her favorite Peanuts characters growing up!  And last but not least: taking a turn from his more serious performance as Jamie in “The Last Five Years,” Mason has become the one and only blockhead, Charlie Brown! Mason believes the beauty of Charlie Brown is that everyone can relate to him. “He faces negatives on a daily basis, but he’s the true illustration of hope and happiness,” Mason says. He welcomes you to view this production featuring all of the beloved Peanuts characters, and hopes you leave with a bit more happiness in your life!   Congrats to the cast of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown! Rehearsals begin Jan. 21 and the show opens March 9, with special daytime performances for schools on March 8!   Emotionally powerful. Intimate. Two New Yorkers in their 20s who fall in and out of love over the course of five years. Cathy, tells her story backwards; Jamie tells his chronologically. They meet once: at their wedding in the middle of the show. And did we mention the music? Breathtaking. Opening Thursday at Memorial Auditorium and Convention Center. Tickets: www.memorialauditorium.org or 620-231-7827. By MJ Harper, Director I was first introduced to The Last 5 Years in college at PSU during a NATS competition. I immediately fell head over heels in love with Jason Robert Brown's raw, emotional writing.
As a vocalist, lyrics generally affect me first, but the orchestration of strings and piano struck a chord with me, too. But one of my favorite things about this show isn't just the music — it's that the story is realistic. Neither Jamie nor Cathy are perfect people. Both of them contribute to the development as well as the destruction of their relationship. Audiences will be able to buy in to this story because even if they've never been in a relationship, they've seen someone close to them go through these same or similar struggles. Mason (Jamie) and Kristina (Cathy) have such a natural chemistry on stage, and their voices fit like puzzle pieces. They're both full of charisma and charm separately, and once they finally get on stage at the same time in the same time, the real stage magic begins. Additionally, we have an ensemble cast of nine that help to further the plot and scenes. They really add that extra level of spice and character to these scenes. Audiences should expect to have their heart strings plucked, torn, and sewn back together. There will be no intermission, so be sure to grab yourself an extra drink at our bar in the lobby to get you through this emotional roller-coaster. As the introduction of the PCT "After Dark" series, be prepared for a mature show that deals with the mature events in a relationship set in the very real now. Tickets are on sale now at www.memorialauditorium.org. Please plan to join us for this show.  Hold on to your purple top hats! We're planning a golden ticket giveaway leading up to “Willy Wonka” in July!
It will begin Monday, and each week through July 15, we'll draw names for a total of five golden ticket winners — just like in the book and film on which the play is based. Each week, we'll share clues to that week's mystery location via our social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram). Fans will have through Friday of that week to visit the mystery location and add their names to the jar. At week's end, Willy Wonka will visit the mystery location and draw the name of one lucky winner, which we'll reveal via Facebook Live. Each of the five winners will receive two premium tickets to the show of their choosing, a tethered hot air balloon ride near Memorial Auditorium before the show, a goody basket filled with candies and treats, a copy of the book "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory," backstage passes, and photos on stage with the cast. Who will be the lucky five?! Auditions for Pittsburg Community Theatre's musical, "Willy Wonka," will be held at 7 p.m. May 22 and May 23 at Memorial Auditorium, 503 N. Pine. Attendance at both nights is not necessary.
Director Jason Huffman encourages those planning to audition to visit the PCT website at www.pctinfo.orgfor specific casting requirements, show details, and to fill out an audition application in advance of the audition. The website also includes a rehearsal calendar and sample tracks from the musical. "Willy Wonka" will be produced July 20-23. |
Archives
May 2020
Categories |
RSS Feed
