Onstage With Lisa

Check out the performing arts calendar at OnstageWithLisa.com to see what’s on the boards and who’s auditioning in the North State.

Monthly Talent Showcase Comes to Redding in 2011

The Westside Performing Arts Company is presenting a Talent Showcase every month in conjunction with Art Hop at Leatherby’s Family Creamery at the South End of the Downtown Redding Promenade.

The purpose is to offer an opportunity for singers and actors to perform in front of an audience, period.

Performers from all companies are invited and encouraged to participate.

Types of Performances They’re Looking For:

-Songs: Solo, duet, or group song with live music or CD/tape track.

-Monologues

-Scenes

-Improv (hint, hint, R.I.P)

-Dance (as space permits)

Guidelines:
-Approximately 5 minutes per performer.
-Keep it PG-13.
-Arrive and be prepared to perform at your schedule time.
-Must sign up in advance to ensure your space in the program.
-After the scheduled program, we will go to Open Mic format as long as we have people who want to perform.

Who they hope will consider performing:
-Theater/Dance companies promoting their upcoming productions.
-Singers/Actors trying out new material or just wanting to perform.
-Students/Instructors as a goal/teaching tool.
-YOU!
Lisa Collins is coordinating the Talent Showcase, contact her to sign up for a slot in January!

Lisa Collins
Lisa@CollinsTalent.com
(530) 224-0953 home
(530) 953-8542 cell

Please help spread the word to anyone who might be interested – all are welcome!

Here are all the dates for 2011:

January 8

February 12

March 12

April 9

May 14

June 11

July 9

August 13

September 10

August 8

November 12

December  10

2010 Shasta High Madrigal Dinner – Simply Stunning

I’ve lived in Redding since 2002, but this is the first year I have found my way to Shasta High School’s annual Madrigal Dinner event – it is certainly my loss!  This year, I attended the opening night – Wednesday, December 1st and What an extraordinary evening it was!  This step back in time is so wonderfully guided by what seemed like a cast of thousands – all high school students at Shasta High School in Redding. We were greeted outside by a beautifully costumed lady in waiting who politely asked to see our ‘parchment’ and wished to know how we would like to be ‘announced’ when we entered the castle (pr: kah-ssle)  (The castle, by the way, was decked with hundreds of flickering candles and hanging banners that really made us believe we WERE in a castle.)  We were then introduced to King Jackson and Queen Krista and grandly escorted to our table where we were greeted and constantly attended to by our table hostess Lady Hailey and the constantly comically-bickering Lord Ryan and Lady Joelle (pictured here.)  For the entire evening this trio stayed in perfect character while serving course after delicious course, from hot buttered rolls to figgy pudding with secret sauce.  They also kept our wassail glasses full and sang with the choir in beautiful voice.  Their youthful energy and exuberance was contagious and they (and the many other servers and hosts) play a huge role in the entire immersion experience. While Ryan, Joelle and Hailey waited on us hand and foot, the Town Crier would frequently announce a request by the King or Queen, such as “The Queen requests the Royal Dancers”, and we would be entertained by none other than the Royal Dancers.  There were Royal Dancers, Royal Singers, Royal Woodwinds, Royal Brass, Royal Strings, Royal Players, and I think a few others – but they were definitely all Royal! The Royal Players treated us with a multi-chapter saga of Prince Shrub, the King’s wayward son who went away to college and came back no more enlightened than when he left, except that he had many big words that he didn’t use quite right, such as “underexpected”.  The  Prince is put in charge of his mother’s birthday party, but mistakenly thinks he is supposed to create a political party, and the advise of his evil advisers, Sir Speakeasy (the speech writer) and Dr. Spin quickly takes the unwitting ‘Shrub’ down a slippery slope.  An astute member of our table observed that she saw certain parallels between Prince Shrub and a certain recent US President . . . hmmmmmmm. While everyone performing was wonderful, they don’t call this a Madrigal dinner by accident.  Everything that was done by the Madrigal singers was exquisite.  I wish I had a list of the songs they sang so I could remember more clearly all the special moments, for there were many.  Their training is impressive, and the experience of hearing those crystal clear young voices with such advanced skills in voice control, dynamics, diction, and breath support is beyond description.  They sang in a formation that put a singer at the head of each of the 40 or so long dining tables, then rotated after each number so that we could enjoy a different ‘close up’ during each song.  The acoustics of the  Frank Lloyd Wright designed Pilgrim Congregational Church lent itself perfectly to allowing us to enjoy the prominence of the voice in front of us, while still hearing the ‘whole’ sound of the chorus as their voices danced in the air all around us. The haunting “Fum, Fum, Fum” and the wickedly clever “My Bonny Lass She Smelleth” were two of my favorites.  Appropriately, the final recessional as the singers and all the players signaled the end of the evening was the most beautiful moment of the night.  After a fabulous ‘concert’ in which we, the audience, were instructed not to clap, but to just sit and absorb the beautiful music that was being presented to us, the entire cast segued into a sweet, delicate and emotional ‘Silent Night’.  The ten people at our table ranged from ages 15 – 70, and everyone of us had tears in our eyes as the singers gracefully glided past us during this amazing closing piece. I’m so sorry to have let so much time pass before getting myself to this extraordinary event, but at least now I know – and now you know!  This is definitely one of the must-sees on the North State  list of the top ten things to do during the Holidays!  

Auditions for TWO New Productions Coming Up in November

Two great opportunities to participate in some good theater locally!

First up is Paradocks Theater auditions for the Oscar Wilde farcical comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest.  Director is Ashley Stander, and auditions will be held Tuesday November 16th and Wednesday November 17th at 7:30pm at the Center for Spiritual Living at 1905 Hartnell Avenue in Redding.  For more information, contact Ashley Stander at ashley@paradocks.net.

Next is the Arthur Miller drama, All My Sons at the Riverfront Playhouse. Directed by Russell Piette, auditions will be held Sunday, November 21st, and Monday, November 22nd at 6:30pm at the Riverfront Playhouse at 1620 East Cypress Avenue in Redding.  Those auditioning are asked to prepare a 1-2 minute dramatic monologue.   For more information, contact Russell Piette at 722-7469.

Final Weekend for M*A*S*H!

This is an event not to be missed for many reasons – some of which are:

• 32 of Redding’s finest actors, together on one stage!
• It is not just a play, but an event!
• The lobby will be filled with interesting booths!
• Military colors will be present.
• Authentic Korean War memorabilia will be on display.
• USO Show will precede the play.
• 100% of profits go to support the Westside Performing Arts Company.

AUDITIONS: THE ONLY CHRISTMAS PAGEANT IN TOWN

“The Only Christmas Pageant In Town”

A Play with Traditional Christmas Music

By Faye Couch Reeves

Produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc., Englewood, CO

Directed by Mack Davis and Ben Van Sickle

(for more information call Mack at 530-524-6632)

Auditions for the Christmas play at Riverfront Playhouse will be held on:

Sunday, September 19^th at 4:30 p.m.

Monday the 20^th at 5:30 p.m.

and very possible Tuesday the 21^st at 5:30 p.m.

Auditions will be at Riverfront Playhouse, 1620 E. Cypress Ave., Redding, CA.

If you’re looking for a holiday activity, fun for all members of your family, consider being a part of another warm and touching Christmas show at Riverfront Playhouse.

Rehearsals will begin on September 27^th

Show runs November 20^th-December 18^th

Synopsis

Every year, the commanding Olive Green directs the Christmas pageant for the Little Church in the Vale, but there is always something missing.  Trying to get it right this year, she hires the flashy Hollywood Theater of Peace and Tidings of Great Joy Traveling Troupe with their real feather angel wings, a band and a camel!  But when a snowstorm keeps Hollywood out, Olive’s friends convince her to create a pageant with the church members already there.  Everyone wants in on the act, from the feuding church board members who suddenly discover harmony, to the women’s auxiliary singing tidings of comfort and pie. The best-loved songs of Christmas and a sweet, funny story filled with memorable characters combine to teach a gentle lesson — Christmas is not in the flash and the feathers but in the true gift of that holy night so long ago.

Cast List

The Angel Sam                        Sent to do a little Christmas work

Little Church In The Vale

Olive Green: Longtime director of the Christmas pageant

Hope:  Olive’s cheerful assistant director

Joy: Olive’s frustrated assistant-assistant director

Mr. Jeeves: Wise and practical custodian

Miss Berry : Director of the children’s choir

Reverend Holly: Just one “L” away from holy

Mr. Stern: Unbending-yet musical church board member

Mrs. Shrill: Church board member with a memorable voice

Mr. Verbose:  “Bottom-line” kind of church board member

Mrs. Stickling: Board member: an alto with an attitude

Merrie Blossom: Member of the Women’s Auxiliary.  Escapee from the 60’s

Martha: Practical member of the Women’s Auxiliary

Kay: Another member of the auxiliary

(Others-there may be other non-speaking members of the auxiliary)

Children In The Choir

Christopher: Elementary-age

Alice: Elementary-age

Albert: Elementary-age

Denise:  Very small girl

Bridget: Elementary-age

Gloria: Elementary-age

Louise: Elementary-age

Ben: Elementary-age

Teens and Parents

Bonnie: Pageant fan

Mrs. Brown: Bonnie’s mother

Annie: Pageant fan

Mrs. White: Annie’s mother

Christy: Faithful (and fun) teen

Sarah:  Teen

Stephanie :  Teen

Tabitha:  Teen

Nan:  Teen

Weary Travelers

Chuck Morris: Civil defense coordinator-in charge of roads

Allen Wiseman: Widowed truck driver from back East

George: Allen’s teenage son

Fred: Allen’s other teenage son

Ole Olsen: Leader of the polka band

Lars Larsen: Musician in the polka band

Nels Nelson: Another polka band member

Olga Oglstad: Another polka band member

Guido Trombino: Musician with a “funny” accent

Maria: Young mother

Joe :   Young father

AUDITIONS: West Coast Premiere of M*A*S*H Right Here in Redding!

Attention all personnel!  This is going to be such a wonderful event – that’s right, not just a play, but an event!  Huge cast (15 men, 15 women) – with opportunity for all levels of acting skills – and incredible community involvement and support to and from our cherished veterans.  Director Wade Riggs invites all who are interested to come to auditions tonight (Monday, August 23rd) and tomorrow night (Tuesday, August 24th) at Sequoia Middle School starting at 5:30pm.  Everyone is welcome to come and watch these open auditions for parts as small as walk-on nurses and GIs, to those famous characters we all know and love: Hawkeye, Trapper, Radar, Colonel Blake, Ho-Jon, Hot Lips, and many more.  Please consider joining us!  CLICK HERE FOR CHARACTER LISTS AND ALL THE DETAILS.

FINAL TWO WEEKS OF ORIGINAL MUSICAL – CLUB DEAD

You only have a few more chances to see this fresh new musical, set on a tropical island in the Bermuda Triangle.  Mystery, music, mirth and merriment make for a magical experience on Club Dead – The Last Resort!  Here is a sample:

Be sure to wear your favorite resort-wear when you come!

Performances are Friday and Saturday nights, August 6, 7, 13, 14 at 7:15pm.   Matinee on Sunday, August 8th at 1:45pm.  Closing Night is Saturday, August 14th with champagne reception preceding the performance.

All performances are located at:

The Riverfront Playhouse

1620 East Cypress Avenue

Redding, CA

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Tickets can be purchased at:

Graphic Emporium
1525 Pine Street
Reservations by phone
241-4278
Credit cards accepted at Graphic Emporium
Summer hours Monday -Friday 9:30 – 5:00

For more information contact:
Lisa Collins, Lisa@GenerationDVDs.com
(530) 224-0953 home  (530) 953-8542 cell

CLUB DEAD – THE LAST RESORT, Shaping Up To Be A “Hot” Show!

The talents and work ethic of the cast and crew of Club Dead – The Last Resort, this summer’s production at the Riverfront Playhouse in Redding, CA, are starting to show.  Still nearly three weeks away from opening night (July 17, 2010) and already the actors are nailing their music and their characters, and the set is starting to come alive!   We are super excited about the music in this show – and we are urging everyone to get their tickets sooner, rather than later – I promise that you will have a blast at Club Dead!

Tickets can be purchased at:

Graphic Emporium
1525 Pine Street
Reservations by phone
241-4278
Credit cards accepted at Graphic Emporium
Summer hours Monday -Friday 9:30 – 5:00

Be sure to wear your favorite resort-wear when you come!

Check out the music video and commercial below.

Auditions For Original Musical Comedy

Auditions for Club Dead – The Last Resort, an original musical-comedy murder-mystery written and directed by Bill and Lisa Collins, will be held on Sunday May 23rd, and Monday May 24th at the Riverfront Playhouse.

Audition Dates/Time:
Sunday, May 23rd, 2010  6:30pm
Monday, May 24th, 2010  6:30pm

Show Dates: July 17th – August 14th

Click here for rehearsal schedule (subject to change).

Location:

Riverfront Playhouse

1620 East Cypress Avenue

Redding, CA

AVAILABLE ROLES:

Fernando Dead – A man age 30-60, Mysterious owner of Club Dead.

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Taboo Tyler II – A man or woman age 20-50.  Colorful island character.

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Tippy Canoe – A woman age 18-40, Bubbly Activities Director

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*Cecil B. DeSwille – A man age 30-60, Hollywood Producer/Director/Arrogant

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Lola Crawford – A woman age 40-70, Fading movie star, married to DeSwille

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Tawny Kitten – A woman, age 18-35, Aspiring Starlet

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*Fuller Krappe (pr. Crappay)   –  A man age 18-35, Accident-prone surfer dude/Scuba instructor

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*Denotes non-singing role.

Click here for Audition sides (scripts)
CLUB DEAD AUDITION SIDES

Click here for Audition Forms:

CLUB DEAD Audition Forms

Those auditioning for singing roles will be asked to sing one song of their choice a cappella.

For more information contact:
Lisa Collins, Lisa@GenerationDVDs.com
(530) 224-0953 home  (530) 953-8542 cell