Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Presents “Mary Poppins”!

From Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s website:

Everyone’s favorite practically perfect nanny takes the stage in this Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious musical adventure.

One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect musical! Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film. Mary Poppins has received nominations for nine Olivier and seven TONY Awards, including Best Musical.

Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren’t the only ones she has a profound effect upon. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that “Anything can happen if you let it.”

Mary Poppins is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, and breathtaking dance numbers.

November 14 – December 14, 2014

Original Music and Lyrics by: Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
Book by: Julian Fellowes
New Songs and Additional Music and Lyrics by: George Stiles and Anthony Drewe
Co-Created by: Cameron Mackintosh

More information and ticket reservations are available at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre website

There is Still Time to Catch “The Boatwright” at GRCT!

The Boatwright, a World Premier, is showing through September 28th at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. See their Facebook page for links to great articles about the production and to GRCT’s website to reserve your tickets.

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and Circle Theatre in the News

Two great articles on local productions were published recently. We’ve posted exerts below, but be sure and click the links to read the full articles:

From stellafly:

The Inside Dish on Civic Theatre’s Nine to Five: The Musical

BY: LAURA BERGELLS
PHOTOS: BRYAN ESLER

The cast of 9 to 5, the musical at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. Photo credit: Byan Esler of stellafly

When 9 to 5 hit the movie theaters in 1980, I hadn’t seen anything like it. I was a teenager, and I went to see it in a West Michigan suburban movie theater with my middle-aged Canadian mother.

We both laughed ourselves silly throughout the entire film — and we weren’t alone. Everyone else in the movie roared at this now classic movie about three working women (played by Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton, and Jane Fonda) who take their revenge on their “…sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot” of a boss (played by Dabney Coleman).

If you haven’t seen 9 to 5, go see it for the laughs. Nine to Five: The Musical will be playing at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre from May 30 to June 15. Even if you’ve seen it at the movies or on TV, go anyway; because this very funny story is now a full-blown live musical with new lyrics and music by the phenomenal Dolly Parton.

Read the full article on stellafly…

From mlive.com

An ‘adult-themed live action cartoon’ takes Circle Theatre’s stage in ‘Don’t Dress for Dinner’

BY: TODD CHANCE

Cast of “Don’t Dress for Dinner” from L to R: Don Vanden Heuvel, Kim Mercatante, Sherryl Despres, Patrick Henderen (Christina.Marie Photography)

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Next up on the Circle Theatre stage is a foreign affair (with an emphasis on the affair) as “Don’t Dress for Dinner” – the sequel to the hilarious French farce “Boeing, Boeing” produced last year at the local theater – debuts on Thursday, June 5.
Once again the plot revolves around the philandering Bernard who has plans to rendezvous with yet another mistress. As those plans go awry, his best friend Robert, wife Jacqueline, and a couple of women named “Suzy” are caught up in the marital mess where finding an innocent isn’t as easy as it seems.

The madcap comedy is directed by Tom Kaechele, who also directed 2013’s production of “Boeing, Boeing.” The cast features Patrick Hendren as Bernard, Don Vanden Heuvel as Robert, Kim Mercatante as Jacqueline, Sherryl Despres as Suzanne, Liene Strautnieks as Suzette, and Eric Hand as George.

Read the full article on mlive.com mlive.com

Awesome Summer Theatre at Actors’, Civic & Circle

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre – 9 to 5 The Musical
May 30 – June 15, 2014

Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton, Book by Patricia Resnick, based on the 20th Century Fox Picture

Based on the hit 1980’s movie, 9 to 5 follows the story of three female co-workers who have had it with their sexist, arrogant, lying boss and plot to take over the company. With music by Dolly Parton, the show is filled with hits such as “9 to 5” and “Backwoods Barbie.”

More information, a video preview and tickets can be found on Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s website: grct.org

Circle Theatre Grand Rapids – Don’t Dress for Dinner
June 5-7, 11-14, 18-21 at 7:30PM
June 15 at 5:00pm

By: Marc Campletti
Adapted by: Robin Hawdon

Bernard is planning a romantic weekend with his chic Parisian mistress in his charming converted French farmhouse, whilst his wife, Jacqueline, is away. He has arranged for a cordon bleu cook to prepare gourmet delights, and has invited his best friend, Robert, along too to provide the alibi. It’s foolproof; what could possibly go wrong? Well…suppose Robert turns up not realizing quite why he has been invited. Suppose Robert and Jacqueline are secret lovers, and consequently determined that Jacqueline will NOT leave for the weekend. Suppose the cook has to pretend to be the mistress and the mistress in unable to cook. Suppose everyone’s alibi gets confused with everyone else’s. An evening of hilarious confusion ensues as Bernard and Robert improvise at breakneck speed.

More information and tickets can be ordered at the Circle Theatre website: circletheatre.org

Actors’ Theatre Grand Rapids – Grey Gardens, the musical
June 5-14, 2014
All Shows Begin at 8:00 pm

Equally hilarious and heartbreaking, Grey Gardens is a musical based on the cult classic documentary of the same name, which explores the true story of Big Edie and Little Edie Bouvier Beale – aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

From glamorous beginnings to a penniless, co-dependent existence, Grey Gardens paints an intimate and not unsympathetic portrait of two of the 20th century’s most notorious recluses.

Get your tickets at Actors’ Theatre website: atgr.org

Children’s Theatre at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and Combat Workshops by Heritage Theatre

Children’s Theatre at GRCT:

Fun times are coming to the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre this month:

JUNIE B. JONES: JINGLE BELLS & BATMAN SMELLS

April 18-27, 2014
Children’s Musical

Adapted by Allison Gregory
Based on the book series by Barbara Park

Celebrate the holidays all year long! First grader Junie B. Jones is having a tough Christmas – when she draws a name for Secret Santa it ends up being her enemy! Junie B. will steal your heart, and brighten your spirits in this laugh-out-loud production.

For more information or to order your tickets, go to the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre website.

For older kids – or the kid in you!  Combat Workshops by Heritage Theatre:

When:
Saturday April 12 (ages college thru adult)
Saturday April 26 (ages high school thru college)

Where:
Aquinas College Theatre Annex

Schedule:
8:45-9:00 Check in
9:00-9:15 Introductions. Break up into groups.
9:15-12:15 Sessions A and/or B, including a 15 minute break
12:15-1:00 Lunch
1:00-4:00 Sessions A and/or B, including a 15 minute break
4:00-4:30 Final thoughts and full group discussion 

Session A – Use the Force… of words! 
Guest Instructor: Katherine Mayberry, Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company
This session introduces participants to the verbal and vocal elements of storytelling, including such topics as the language and style of Shakespearean verse, particularly in its use of iambic pentameter. We will apply these principals to the text of Ian Doescher’s Star Wars: Verily A New Hope, exploring both the use of traditionally Shakespearean themes and how to create the sounds and rhythm needed to bring characters like R2D2 and Chewbacca to life. This session will conclude with useful and practical advice for audition techniques for classical plays, including cold readings, improvised scene movement, and taking risks.

Session B – Fighting with the Force and Character Movement
Lead Instructor: Matt McKay 
This session focuses on the physical elements of storytelling, teaching some very basic concepts of stage combat (partnering and eye contact, casting energy, targeting) and using it to create fantastical light saber battles. We will also explore character movement and its impact on a character’s ability to sit, stand, and walk as well as experience how character movement impacts other elements of the character’s life, like gestures, speaking, and powers of perception.

Cost for this 1-day workshop: $20 per participant, includes a pizza lunch.

More information can be found on the Heritage Theatre website.