Bellevue Society for the Arts proudly announces the 2012–13 theatre season, dedicated in loving memory to Jeffrey Thomas Hayward.
A DISNEY SPECTACULAR! A Tribute to the Disney Songs You Love Dinner Theatre/Revue
Auditions: June 11, 12 & 14, 2012
Production: August 17–19, 2012 (Season Premiere)
Directed by Angela Bickhart-Sommers
Sponsored by À La Chic Salon
Dinner by Snooties BBQ of Sandusky
Brought to you by the producers of 2011’s Broadway’s Best dinner theatre at BSA, this new 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. A Disney Spectacular! is a non-dramatic tribute performance featuring songs from Disney films and stage productions. It is produced by Bellevue Society for the Arts pursuant to BSA’s license with ASCAP, and has no relationship with Disney or any of its affiliates.
THE LION IN WINTER Dramedy
By James Goldman
Auditions: August 27 & 28, 2012
Production: October 12, 13, 19 & 20, 2012
Directed by David Ailing
Set during Christmas 1183 at Henry II of England’s castle in Chinon, the play opens with the arrival of Henry’s wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, whom he has had imprisoned since 1173. The story concerns the gamesmanship between Henry, Eleanor, their three surviving sons Richard, Geoffrey, and John, and their Christmas Court guest, the King of France, Philip II, who was the son of Eleanor’s ex-husband, Louis VII. Also involved is Philip’s half-sister Alais, who has been at court since she was betrothed to Richard at age eight, but has since become Henry’s mistress. 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 (AGAIN) FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Sign-Up: October 7, 2012
Production: November 30, December 2, 7 & 8, 2012
Written and Directed by Jimy Foreman
Sponsored by Frontier Communications
An original production written and directed by professional stage veteran and BSA’s very own Jimy Foreman. Home (Again) for the Holidays is a gathering of friends and family celebrating the Christmas season with songs and stories. No auditions necessary. All ages are encouraged to sign up on October 7 and be part of the fun!
A STEADY RAIN Drama
By Keith Huff
Auditions: December 3 & 4, 2012
Production: January 18, 19, 25 & 26, 2013
Directed by Brad Rowe
A Steady Rain explores the complexities of a lifelong bond tainted by domestic affairs, violence, and the rough streets of Chicago. Joey and Denny have been best friends since grade school, and after working together for several years as 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. Contains mature subject matter and explicit language. 18 & older only! 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
THE ODD COUPLE Comedy
By Neil Simon
Auditions: December 17 & 18, 2012
Production: February 22, 23, March 1 & 2, 2013
Directed by Monica Siesel
Sponsored by Mel and Jeanie Miller and Family
Felix Ungar, a neurotic, neat freak newswriter, is thrown out by his wife, and moves in with his friend Oscar Madison, a messy sportswriter. Despite Oscar’s problems — careless spending, excessive gambling, a poorly-kept house filled with spoiled food — he seems to enjoy life. Felix, however, seems utterly incapable of enjoying anything and only finds purpose in pointing out his own and other people’s mistakes and foibles. Even when he tries to do so in a gentle and constructive way, his corrections and suggestions prove extremely annoying to those around him. Oscar, his closest friend, feels compelled to throw him out after only a brief time together, though he quickly realizes that Felix has had a positive effect on him. Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. Cast: 6m, 2f
“Fresh, richly hilarious and remarkably original. Wildly, irresistibly, incredibly and continuously funny.” — New York Daily News
THE BIG BAD MUSICAL: A Howling Courtroom Comedy Children’s Theatre
By Alec Strum
Music and Lyrics by Bill Francoeur
Auditions: March 4 & 5, 2013
Production: April 19–21, 2013
Directed by Danielle Hayward
Sponsored by Kiwanis, Lions & Rotary Service Clubs of Bellevue
The jury must decide the outcome of the biggest trial ever in the fairy-tale world! The notorious Big Bad Wolf is being slapped with a class-action lawsuit by storybooks of quirky characters who want to get even: Little Red Riding Hood, her Grandmother, the Three Little Pigs and the Shepherd in charge of the Boy Who Cried Wolf. With Sydney Grimm as the commentator on live Court TV, the two greatest legal minds in the Enchanted Forest — the Evil Stepmother and the Fairy Godmother — clash in a trial that will be remembered forever after. As our wronged fairy tale characters testify, the wolf seems deserving of all that’s coming. Yet, even though the infamous Evil Stepmother resents doing pro-bono work on such an obviously futile defense, Mr. Wolf makes a good case for himself. Was he born a criminal, or made one? Produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service. Cast: Flexible
INTO THE WOODS Musical
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by James Lapine
Auditions: May 6 & 7, 2013
Production: July 12–14, 19 & 20, 2013
Directed by Jim Jarrell
Sponsored by The Bellevue Hospital
An epic fairy tale where worlds collide! Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine take everyone’s favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless yet relevant piece of musical theatre. The story follows a Baker and his wife who wish to have a child, Cinderella who wishes to attend the King’s Festival, and Jack (of beanstalk fame) who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the spell. Everyone’s wish is granted, 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
BACK TO THE 80’s: The Totally Awesome Musical! Teen Theatre
Written by Neil Gooding
Additional Material by Stuart Smith
Revised Orchestrations and Arrangements by Brett Foster
Original Musical Adaptation by Scott Copeman
Auditions: June 24 & 25, 2013
Production: August 16–18, 2013 (Season Finale)
Directed by Jennifer Gilbert
Sponsored by Mike, Donna, Sandy & Matt Allen
Remember when actors became American Presidents? When Bubble skirts and blue eye shadow were cool? When Atari was cutting edge technology? Back to the 80’s is a ‘totally awesome’ musical that tells the story of the senior class of William Ocean High School that graduated in the 1980’s, as remembered and seen through the eyes of Corey Palmer, who is now 30-something. Throw in a Star Wars dream sequence, high-energy dance routines, the obligatory 80’s party scene, copious amounts of blue eye-shadow, twenty cans of hairspray, as well as some of the most popular songs ever written, and the result is a musical that will delight and amuse audiences of any age.
Reservations may be made by calling 419-484-ARTS (2787) beginning two weeks prior to the event. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees begin at 2:30 p.m., unless otherwise specified.
All titles pending availability, licensing, rights, royalties, etc. Dates, times, and titles are subject to change.
