Teen Theatre auditions for new musical “13” May 21 & 22

Bellevue Society for the Arts’ Teen Theatre announces auditions for the musical 13, Monday and Tuesday, May 21 and 22 at 7 p.m. at 205 Maple Street. 13 is sponsored by Mike, Donna, Sandy, and Matt Allen.

A grown-up story about growing up! When his parents get divorced and he’s forced to move from New York to a small town in Indiana, Evan Goldman just wants to make friends and survive the school year. Easier said than done. The star quarterback is threatening to ruin his life and his only friend, Patrice, won’t talk to him. The school freak sees an opportunity for blackmail and someone is spreading the nastiest rumors. With an unforgettable rock score from Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown (The Last Five Years), and book by Dan Elish and Robert Horn, 13 is a hilarious, high-energy musical for all ages about discovering that cool is where you find it, and sometimes where you least expect it.

Cast requirements:

ARCHIE	An individual, able to laugh at the world’s problems, loyal and intelligent 13 C3–A4 Tenor *Uses crutches; suffers from a degenerative muscle disease
BRETT	A popular kid and leader, ready to succeed at another’s expense 13 A2–G4 (C5) Baritenor *This cast member should be able to go up to a high C by falsetto for the song “Hey Kendra”
CASSIE	13 C4–F5 Soprano
CHARLOTTE	13 F#3–F5 Mezzo
EDDIE	Part of Brett’s pack of popular kids 13 C3–G4 (C5) Tenor + Falsetto *This cast member should be able to go up to a high C by falsetto for the song “Hey Kendra”
EVAN	Bright, charismatic, a little bit nerdy, in search of a place to truly fit in 13 Bb2–Bb4 Tenor
KENDRA	Bubbly and popular, but slightly naive and impressionable 13 C4–F4 Soprano
LUCY	A smart, popular girl who has learned to manipulate her friends 13 F#3–D5 Mezzo
MALCOLM	Part of Brett’s pack of popular kids 13 B2–G4 (C5) Baritenor + Falsetto *This cast member should be able to go up to a high C by falsetto for the song “Hey Kendra”
MOLLY	13 F#3–C#5 Mezzo
PATRICE	Sweetly shy, intelligent, mature, an outsider looking in 13 Eb3–F#5 Mezzo *Strong vocal control and subtlety required
RABBIS/KIDS	Ensemble (Parts can be doubled)
RICHIE	13 A2–C5 (E5) High tenor *This cast member has to have a high, strong vocal range as indicated by the high notes. The base range should not be in falsetto, although falsetto may be used to reach the high E in “Bad Bad News”
SIMON	13 C2–G4 Tenor

Production dates are July 20, 21 and 22, 2012.

13 is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

BSA unveils 2012–13 season

A DISNEY SPECTACULAR! Dinner Theatre/Revue
Auditions: June 11, 12, 14, 2012
Production: August 17, 18, 19, 2012 (Season Premiere)
Directed by Angela Bickhart-Sommers
Brought to you by the producers of 2011’s Broadway’s Best dinner theatre at BSA, this dinner theatre production features some of the most beloved Disney songs of all time — old and new — performed by talent from all over the area.

THE LION IN WINTER Dramedy
By James Goldman
Auditions: August 27, 28, 2012
Production: October 12, 13, 19, 20, 2012
Directed by David Ailing
King Henry II of England has three sons by Eleanor of Aquitaine: Richard, Geoffrey, and John. He wants the kingdom to stay united after his death, but all three sons want to rule and it is likely to be torn apart by revolution. Henry favors the youngest John, while Eleanor favors the eldest Richard. Middle son Geoffrey hopes to play both ends against each other and come out on top. Henry would like to have another heir by his mistress Alais, but that would only add to the confusion. Uneasy is the head on which the crown lies, and uneasy the truce between a matchless king and queen. Often revived, this play was the basis of the Oscar-winning film which starred Peter O’Toole and Katharine Hepburn. Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. Cast: 5m, 2f

“A work of intelligence, astringent wit, and much theatrical skill.” — New York Times

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS II
Sign-Up: October 7, 2012
Production: November 30, December 1, 2, 2012
Written and Directed by Jimy Foreman
An original production written and directed by professional stage veteran and BSA’s very own Jimy Foreman. No auditions necessary. Just sign up October 7 and be part of the fun!

A STEADY RAIN Drama
By Keith Huff
Auditions: December 3, 4, 2012
Production: January 11, 12, 18, 19, 2013
Directed by Brad Rowe
Joey and Denny have been best friends since kindergarten, and after working together for several years as Chicago policemen, they are practically family: Joey helps out with Denny’s wife and kids; Denny keeps Joey away from the bottle. When a domestic disturbance call takes a turn for the worse, their friendship is put on the line. The result is a harrowing journey into a moral gray area where trust and loyalty struggle for survival against a sobering backdrop of pimps, prostitutes, and criminal lowlifes. Contains mature subject matter and explicit language. Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. Cast: 2m

“Keith Huff’s A Steady Rain offers one of the most powerful theatrical experiences in many seasons.” — David Sheward, Back Stage

CHILDREN’S THEATRE
Auditions: December 17, 18, 2012
Production: February 22, 23, 24, 2013
Directed by Danielle Hayward

Neil Simon’s BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS Comedy
Auditions: March 4, 5, 2013
Production: April 19, 20, 26, 27, 2013
Directed by Anthony Gardner
This semi-autobiographical play is considered the first chapter in what is known as Simon’s ‘Eugene trilogy.’ It precedes Biloxi Blues and Broadway Bound. Set in the Brighton Beach section of Brooklyn in 1937, this coming-of-age comedy focuses on Eugene Morris Jerome, a Polish-Jewish American teenager who experiences puberty, sexual awakening, and a search for identity as he tries to deal with his family, including his older brother Stanley, his parents Kate and Jack, and Kate’s sister Blanche and her two daughters, Nora and Laurie, who come to live there after their father’s death. Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. Cast: 3m, 4f

“Hilarious comedy… His finest play… A delightful and enriching experience.” — CBS-TV

INTO THE WOODS Musical
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by James Lapine
Auditions: May 6, 7, 2013
Production: July 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 2013
Sponsored by The Bellevue Hospital
An ambivalent Cinderella? A blood-thirsty Little Red Riding Hood? Prince Charming with a roving eye? A rapping Witch? They’re all among the cockeyed characters in this fractured fairy tale. When a Baker and his wife learn they’ve been cursed by the Witch next door, they embark on a quest for special objects required to break the spell. Everyone’s wish is granted at the end of Act I, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later, with disastrous results. What begins as a lively, irreverent fantasy becomes a moving lesson about community responsibility and the stories we tell our children. Produced by special arrangement with Music Theatre International. Cast: 9m, 10w

“Total enchantment. A spellbounding score, witty enough to make old stories fresh for adults, lovely enough to enchant youngsters.” — Daily News

TEEN THEATRE
Auditions: June 24, 25, 2013
Production: August 16, 17, 18, 2013 (Season Finale)
Sponsored by Mike, Donna, Sandy, & Matt Allen

All titles pending availability, licensing, rights, royalties, etc. Dates, times, and titles are subject to change.

Make a tax-deductible donation to BSA

Bellevue Society for the Arts is a not-for-profit organization requiring philanthropic support from individuals, foundations, and corporations. We are a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization run 100% by volunteers who freely give their time and efforts to bring you quality entertainment. Consider making a tax-deductible donation for 2012. If you don’t support the arts in your community, who will?

BSA offers music and dance instruction

Bellevue Society for the Arts Education Studio has announced the teachers for the fall schedule.

Ryan Neal — Piano     Ryan holds a bachelor degree in organ performance from Ohio Northern University. He is the music director for Caryl Crane Children’s Theatre at BGSU-Firelands as well as the resident music director at Mercury Summer Stock Theatre. Neal is currently the organist at the First Presbyterian Church in Huron, and has accompanied countless solo and choral performances throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.

Cindy Mira — Voice     Cindy is a well-known music teacher in Bellevue. She has been an elementary music instructor for 24 years as well as singing professionally for over 30 years. She created and directed the Elementary Special Choir for Bellevue, and in conjunction with Bellevue resident Dottie Pickering, founded the BSA Children’s Theatre program. She performs with Terra Choral Choir and is a member of “The Music Staff” teachers’ singing group. Mira holds a bachelor of fine arts in music education and a master’s degree in teaching and curriculum from BGSU.

Cathy Belfiore — Beginning Guitar     Although not a newcomer to the BSA studio, we are pleased to have Cathy return as an instructor. She has been a guitar instructor for the EHOVE Youth Enrichment program for seven years, taught guitar for the Bellevue Music Center, Terra Music Academy, Bellevue Society for the Arts, BGSU Continuing Education, as well as private home-based lessons. Belfiore has been performing professionally for over 25 years. She is currently in her 12th year as a band member and back-up singer with Walt Sanders and the Cadillac Band, and has performed with other local acts such as Dave James and the Alien Blues Project, and Rumours. Belfiore also enjoys working with youth creating Youth Worship Bands. Belfiore has a bachelor of arts degree in interpersonal and public communications, and a master of arts in college student personnel, both from BGSU. She is currently employed by Oberlin College.

Tamara Kagy — Flute     Tamara, also not a newcomer to our studio, will continue to instruct flute at every level of experience. The holder of a master of music degree in music performance, Kagy has been the owner of her private flute studio in Norwalk for 28 years. She is a specialized coach and flute clinician for local high schools and instructor of flute for Terra State Community College. Her performance experience includes freelance soloist, principal flutist of the Firelands Symphony Orchestra, performing at world-class flute master classes, manager and flutist for “The Phoenix Project Wind Quintet”, Terra Community College Chamber Arts Orchestra, Celtic harp/flute duo, and the Huron Playhouse Pit Orchestra.

Jimy Foreman — Adult Tap Dance     Jimy is a veteran actor and dancer, having performed professionally for more than 25 years. Getting his start in the fourth grade with Town and Country Theatre, Foreman went on to Bowling Green State University where he majored in drama and minored in choreography. He started performing professionally right out of college. Foreman has performed in dinner theatres, regional theatre, national tours, feature films, and commercials. His tap dancing skills landed him the lead role of George M. Cohen in a touring company of Yankee Doodle Boy. This tour even made an appearance on the Broadway stage. Jimy now writes, directs and choreographs for local community theatre and school productions. The adult tap class offers a fun way to get exercise and learn some new skills.

Anyone interested in signing up for these lessons, please call 419-484-ARTS (2787) and leave a message. We are hoping to add instructors for other instruments in the future.

Presenting our 2011–12 theatre season

MOVE OVER, MRS. MARKHAM British Farce
By Ray Cooney and John Chapman
AUDITIONS: July 18 & 19, 2011
PRODUCTION: September 2 & 3, 9 & 10, 2011 (Our Season Premiere)
Directed by Brad Rowe
Sponsored by Firelands Federal Credit Union
Philip Markham, a publisher of children’s books, is asked by his business partner, Henry Lodge, if he can borrow the flat for the evening to gallivant with his latest girlfriend. As Philip and his wife will be out, he reluctantly agrees. At the same time, Philip’s wife Joanna is being persuaded by Henry’s wife Linda to let her borrow the empty flat in order to entertain her lover. With some misgivings, Joanna agrees. What nobody knows is that the interior designer who has been decorating the flat for the past three months has decided that this is the night that he and the au pair girl will try out the new oval bed. When the Markham’s evening out is cancelled, it is too late to let any of the parties know and three sets of hopeful lovers all converge on the bedroom at the same time. The situation is further complicated by the arrival of Olive Harriet Smythe, a straight-laced authoress of children’s books. The frantic efforts of the Markhams to hide the amorous goings-on and, at the same time sign up Miss Smythe, lead to a hectic and hilarious evening. Cast: 4m, 5f

“A riot. The laughter hit of the year… I never stopped laughing.” — The People

“The dialogue is risqué and amusing… Splendid.” — London Sunday Express

“You’re a riot Mrs. M. … A slick, frantic riot of an evening.” — Daily Sketch

THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS Musical
Book by Larry L. King and Peter Masterson
Music and Lyrics by Carol Hall
AUDITIONS: September 19 & 20, 2011
PRODUCTION: November 4–6, 11 & 12, 2011
Directed by David Ailing
This happy-go-lucky view of small town vice and statewide political side-stepping recounts the good times and the demise of the Chicken Ranch, known since the 1850s as one of the better pleasure palaces in all of Texas. Governors, senators, mayors and even victorious college football teams frequent Miss Mona’s cozy bordello until that puritan nemesis Watchdog focuses his television cameras and his righteous indignation on the institution. Cast: 13m, 14f, extras

“Utterly charming, lively and genial.” — The New York Daily News

“Humorous and good-natured.” — The New York Post

“A font of fun and friendliness, engagingly rich in regional nostalgia and spiced with delicate bawdry. The country and western score is a delight.” — Time

“Best Broadway musical of the season.” — WABC TV7

AN ADULT EVENING OF SHEL SILVERSTEIN Comedy Collection of Short Plays
By Shel Silverstein
AUDITIONS: November 14 & 15, 2011
PRODUCTION: January 6 & 7, 13 & 14, 2012
Directed by Anthony Gardner
The stories: Welcome to the darkly comic world of Shel Silverstein, a world where nothing is as it seems and where the most innocent conversation can turn menacing in an instant. The nine imaginative plays in this collection range widely in content, but the style is unmistakable. (Some of the shorts contain mature subject matter and explicit language.)
One Tennis Shoe: Harvey needs to broach a delicate subject with his wife. He claims Sylvia is becoming a bag lady, but she protests that her Bloomingdales’ shopping bag doesn’t make her a bag lady. No, says Harvey, but the picture frame, couch cushion and single tennis shoe retrieved from the garbage do. Not to mention the cold cooked oatmeal in her purse. (1m, 1f)
Bus Stop: Irwin stands on a street corner with a sign reading ‘bust stop.’ When Celia passes, he stops her and proceeds to run through the entire list of slang for her breasts, but Celia turns the tables on him with a lengthy and demeaning list of her own. (1m, 1f)
Going Once: In a simultaneously comic and chilling monologue, an auctioneer shows off a woman, who is putting herself up for auction to the highest bidder. (1m, 1f)
The Best Daddy: Lisa’s got the best daddy in the world. After all, he bought her a pony for her birthday. Too bad he shot it dead. Or did he? Maybe it was Lisa’s older sister. (1m, 1f)
The Lifeboat is Sinking: Jen and Sherwin sit safely on their bed, but Jen forces her husband to imagine they are on a sinking boat in the middle of a terrible storm. Waves fill the boat with water; there are no life jackets; and Sherwin must decide whether he should throw his mother overboard or condemn them all to die. (1m, 1f)
Smile: Bender and his henchmen drag Gibby into a room and throw him to the ground. Gibby protests that he hasn’t done anything wrong, but Bender and the others know better. They have found the man responsible for the ’70s smiley face and the phrase “Have a nice day,” and they’re going to make him pay. (4m)
Thinking Up A New Name For the Act: Pete hits on the phrase “Meat and Potatoes” as the perfect name for their vaudeville act, but Lucy doesn’t like it. They get into a terrible fight, and Lucy kills Pete. A police investigation, trial and execution quickly follow. And the only words in this farcical sketch are “Meat and Potatoes.” (1m, 1f, 9m or f.)
Buy One Get One Free: Merrilee and Sherilee are offering the deal of the century. “Buy one, get one free,” the hookers sing to a tempted Lee. It’s a golden opportunity. And it all rhymes. (1m, 2f)
Blind Willie and the Talking Dog: Blind Willie sings the blues and asks passersby if they can spare a nickel or dime to help him and his hungry dog. But his dog can’t understand why Willie refuses to use the fact that he owns a talking dog to make some real money. (2m)

DISNEY’S ALICE IN WONDERLAND JR. (Children’s Theatre) Musical
Music and Lyrics by Sammy Fain and Bob Hilliard, Oliver Wallace and Cy Coban, Allie Wrubel and Ray Gilbert, Mack David, Al Hoffman and Jerry Livingston
Music Adapted and Arranged and Additional Music and Lyrics by Bryan Louiselle
Book Adapted and Additional Lyrics by David Simpatico
Based on the 1951 Disney film Alice in Wonderland and the novels The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll
AUDITIONS: December 12 & 13, 2011
PRODUCTION: February 24–26, 2012
Directed by Danielle Hayward
Sponsored by Kiwanis, Lions, and Rotary Service Clubs
On a perfect summer day in the park, Alice sees a White Rabbit hurrying by. Curious to where he is going, Alice follows him into the dark tunnel, thus beginning her adventure. After the Doorknob counsels Alice to drink from a bottle then eat a cookie, Alice shrinks, thus allowing her to fit through a keyhole, beginning her adventures with the Wonderland creatures. The White Rabbit leads Alice into twin jabbering clowns, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, who teach her some manners. Then, she plays a wild game of musical chairs at the Mad Hatter’s tea party. Following the advice of the Cheshire Cat, she ends up at the Mad Hatter’s tea party along with the evil Queen of Hearts. Waking up, Alice realizes the entire story has been a dream!

DAMN YANKEES Musical
Book by George Abbott and Douglass Wallop
Music and Lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross
Based on the novel The Year The Yankees Lost The Pennant by Douglass Wallop
AUDITIONS: February 20 & 21, 2012
PRODUCTION: May 11–13, 18 & 19, 2012
Directed by Laura Horn
Sponsored by The Bellevue Hospital
Faust meets professional baseball in this All-American Broadway classic from the creators of The Pajama Game. Middle-aged baseball fanatic Joe Boyd trades his soul to the Devil (the charming but devious Mr. Applegate) for a chance to lead his favorite team to victory in the pennant race against the New York Yankees. As young baseball sensation Joe Hardy, he transforms the hapless Washington Senators into a winning team, only to realize the true worth of the life (and wife) he’s left behind. With the help of a handy escape clause and a guilt-ridden temptress named Lola, Joe outsmarts Applegate, returns to his former self and shepherds the Senators to the World Series. Cast: 20+; ensemble

“A truly tremendous musical!” — John McClain, Journal-American

“Here’s a pennant winner if we ever saw one.” — Robert Coleman, Daily Mirror

13 (Teen Theatre) Musical
Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
Book by Dan Elish and Robert Horn
AUDITIONS: May 21 & 22, 2012
PRODUCTION: July 20–22, 2012 (Our Season Finale)
Directed by Jeffrey Thomas Hayward and Jeni Stacy
Sponsored by Mike, Donna, Sandy, & Matt Allen
A grown-up story about growing up! When his parents get divorced and he’s forced to move from New York to a small town in Indiana, Evan Goldman just wants to make friends and survive the school year. Easier said than done. The star quarterback is threatening to ruin his life and his only friend, Patrice, won’t talk to him. The school freak sees an opportunity for blackmail and someone is spreading the nastiest rumors. With an unforgettable rock score from Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown, 13 is a hilarious, high-energy musical for all ages about discovering that cool is where you find it, and sometimes where you least expect it. Cast: 11–20+; ensemble