An Evening At The Theatre

Tonight I had the overall pleasure of seeing Kernersville Little Theatre's production of "The Drowsy Chaperone." This musical is a huge undertaking for any theatre, let alone a community theatre. I was worried when I first heard the show was going to be part of their season.

Fortunately, under the direction of Stan Bernstein, Maggie Gallagher as music director and choreographer Benji Starcher, the show was very impressive. Katrina Meeks and Amanda Coltrane put together the best costumes I've even seen in a KLT production.

Chad Edwards played the pivotal role of "Man In Chair." Save a few flubbed lines, he was spot on. Chad was honest and hysterical. I could barely contain my laughter during a particular tirade.

Katie Jo Icenhower was perfect as the Drowsy Chaperone. She also played a spot on monkey. Scott Icenhower was quietly funny as the Underling. David Bowen and Jack Holbrook as Gangster 1 and 2, respectively, were fittingly cast.

John C. Wilson was adorable as George. I loved his tap dance number and giggled myself silly for a full minute when he handed the groom a pair of skates. (John was originally cast in Theatre Alliance's production of Xanadu but had to drop out when he broke his ankle during a roller skating rehearsal.)

Ken Ashford was solid as Feldzig, the put upon producer and his rendition of a monkey was second to Katie Jo's portrayal. Cameron Williams was charmingly smarmy as Aldolpho, the Latin lover.

Photo courtesy of Gray Cassell

There was only one character I had a difficult time liking and that was Mary Lea Williams' Janet Van DeGraffe. There is no dispute that Mary Lea is a very talented singer. Unfortunately, for me, there was nothing genuine about her portrayal of Janet. I understand the show is "a comedy in a musical" and a "show within a show", but I felt Mary Lea overacted even the caricature of her role. One of my favorite numbers "Accident Waiting To Happen" lacked honesty.

Still, despite some extremely distracting mic problems, the show was affably successful. If it weren't for the talented casting by Stan, Maggie and Benji the show might have been a disaster.

The Battle of Shallowford

Due to my show and the SETC Convention, I was not able to see Kernersville Little Theatre's production of The Battle of Shallowford. If you didn't see it either we both missed out on a great production.

I did receive some pictures, from the wonderful Cathy Marion who dressed the set. And I must say, it's one of the best sets I've seen at KLT in a while.



The cast:
Burton - Mark Walek
Ruthie - Rene Walek
Clunette - Jordan Googe
Lonny - Guido Portel
Roy - Dick Strohmeier
Fred - Don Scarborough
Newsome - Randy Morris
DooDad - Justin Attkisson
Dewey - Gray Bobbitt

An Evening At The Theatre

Tonight, my Moonlight and Magnolias cast/crewmates were treated to Kernersville Little Theatre's production of Don't Cry For Me, Margaret Mitchell. Both shows deal with the story of how the Gone With The Wind screenplay was written.

Having just closed our production, I tried to view things as objectively as I could. I had also heard this production might be representing NC during SETC's Community Theatre Festival. I tried to watch as if I was an impartial adjudicator.

The set was nice, and it was a very good use of the Folly stage. Bill and Kathy Cissna designed lights, and it was very nice to see more than just off/on at the Folly.

Judith Gillis, who played Mrs. Peabody, was my favorite. She was spot-on in her realistic portrayal of Mrs. Peabody.

I don't know whether it was because it was a Wednesday performance or whether they were nervous because the playwright was also in attendance, but the guys had some line issues. That, combined with very poor pacing, made the production painful to watch at times.

I was also surprised that neither the actors (save Peabody who had at least 5 costume changes) nor the set showed signs of wear and tear during the 7 days. And while Hecht lamented about being starved on a diet of bananas and peanuts, Selznick was the only one who partook. (Peabody must have been very efficient-no banana peels, peanut shells - no litter at all!)

It was a good production for the normal KLT audience, and they were appreciative in their response. I think the overall production, especially the male actors, need some more work if the production is selected to represent NC.

Something I've Suspected For Years...

The Folly is home to Kernersville Little Theatre's fall productions. As such, I've spend a great deal of time in the Folly rehearsing and performing shows. It's a very interesting house, but when the sun goes down it becomes downright creepy. I have absolutely no problem being there at night, as long as there are at least 5 other people with me!

Results Of Investigation Revealed Wednesday

KERNERSVILLE, NC -- The Southern Paranormal and Anomaly Research Society has officially declared Kernersville landmark Korner's Folly to be haunted.

The group, which investigates what it calls paranormal activity, spent time at the house several months ago.

"At first they actually toured the house with some basic meters to see if it warranted an investigation, and then they decided based on collaboration that it was worth inspecting," said Korner's Folly executive director Bruce Frankel.

The investigators said they captured several paranormal activities, including an unexplainable light and a child's voice saying the phrase "peek-a-boo."

"To get so much evidence that we just can't explain is phenomenal, and it exceeded our expectations," said SPARS investigator Deonna Kelli Sayed.

The group held a news conference inside the house Wednesday morning to present their findings.

Sayed called the haunting a "gift," noting that the buzz surrounding the news has created public interest in the house.

"The investigation has been very beneficial for the property itself. It's increased public interest," she said.

The 22-room house on Main Street was built in 1880 by Jule Jorner, an interior designer, decorator and painter.

Sayed said the property was chosen because it was so unique. "About 80 percent of the furnishings are original, which is always ideal for paranormal investigations," she said.

Frankel said historical records show nothing that would be indicative of a haunting happening inside the house.

"There is no historical evidence of anything but positive things that happened in this house," he said.

The home, which boasts interesting nooks and crannies as well as no two alike doorways, is open to the public. The landmark is known as the "strangest house in the world."

Copyright 2009 by WXII12.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

KLT Auditions

We, and by we I mean Kernersville Little Theatre, had a great turn out tonight for You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown auditions. I was so excited that AJ came out. It was great to see some KLT regulars - Liz, Jean and her daughter Elizabeth, Lee Ann, and Jean. I was thrilled to see Zach, Carlos and Gwen. They've done a number of shows with West Side Civic Theatre and The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem, so I'm glad they are auditioning for KLT. There were several new faces too.

I queued them for their musical auditions, and then everyone read either the Charlie Brown or Sally monologue. Based on the talent, I believe Lori and Marie, who are our director and music director respectively, will have difficult choices.

Here are a couple of pictures I snapped at auditions.

KLT in the Kernersville Christmas Parade

KLT on the Air!

If you were tuning in to Murphy in the Morning this morning at 8:20am, I hope you heard Myla O'Brien talking about The Queen of Bingo.

Myla is the VP of Marketing for Kernersville Little Theatre and she used this morning's WKZL remote broadcast to promote our current production. Tiffany Joyner and Jean Wentz were on hand for a live teaser performance.

I've know Myla for many years, and I cannot tell you how proud of her I am. To have arranged for an interview during the live broadcast was extraordinary. But to hear Myla talk about KLT - amazing! She was very articulate and very professional. I was smiling and clapping as I listened to my radio.

Outstanding job, Myla!

KLT Award Nominees and My Predictions

Kernersville Little Theatre just announced their nominations for the 2007-2008 Season Awards. Nominations are voted on by season ticket members. Results will be announced during the Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet on Saturday, August 2. My predictions are in pink.

Best Leading Actor
West Stowman (Oscar Madison, Oscar and Felix)
Landon Stamper (Charlie Bradley, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever)
Stephen Swoap (Calvin Rogers, Just Kidding)
Jimmie "JJ" Jeter (Ugly, Honk!)

Best Major Actor
Randall Morris (Felix Unger, Oscar and Felix)
Tyler Canada (Ralph Herdman, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever)
Scott Spencer (Wayne Maybrie, Just Kidding)
Joe Boles (Cat, Honk!)

Best Supporting Actor
Jim Lehman (Murray, Oscar and Felix)
Scott Spencer (Vinnie, Oscar and Felix)
Danny Scruggs (Bob Bradley, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever)
Macon Shirley (Jeff Jones, Just Kidding)
Eric Dowdy (Drake, Honk!)

Best Character Actor
Luke Van Hine (Todd Maybrie, Just Kidding)
Chuck Powers (Chris Gentry, Just Kidding)
Mike Lopp (Bullfrog, Honk!)

Best Leading Actress
Sarah King (Beth Bradley, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever)
Karen Price-Crowder (Jessica Finch, Just Kidding)
Christina Rodriguez (Ida, Honk!)

While Christina is deserving, I'd love to see Sarah win. To be so young, she has extraordinary natural talent.

Best Major Actress
Faith Jeffers (Imogene Herdman, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever)
Kaye Ward (Sandra Rogers, Just Kidding)

Best Supporting Actress
Kelly Wallace (Grace Bradley, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever)
Jean Burr (Monique Smith, Just Kidding)
Marilyn Bledsoe (Maureen, Honk!)
Liz Townley (Queenie, Honk!)

Both Marilyn and Liz were outstanding in their respective roles. I am going with Marilyn because she took on the role of Dot during Tech Week, and created two very different characters.

Best Character Actress
Tana Albright (Ynez, Oscar and Felix)
Rebecca Clark (Hooyla, Oscar and Felix)
Ruth Jeffers (Gladys Herdman, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever)
Morgan Robbing (Jenny Finch, Just Kidding)
Amanda Seibert (Lowbutt, Honk!)
Jean Wentz (Grace, Honk!)

This was the most competitive category, I thought. Ruth was absolutely adorable as Gladys and Jean really impressed me with her characterization of Grace. I'm going with Amanda because her singing was impressive and her comic timing was hysterical.

Best Costume Design
Robin Raines (Oscar and Felix)
Sherri Thornton (The Best Christmas Pageant Ever)
Cast (Just Kidding)
Chris Hughes (Honk!)

While Chris did a wonderful job outfitting ducks, frogs and a cat, I've got to give props to Sherri for the angel costumes that included wings and halos.

Best Set Design/Dressing
Jim Lehman (Oscar and Felix)
Mark King and Cathy Marion (Just Kidding)
Jan Burwick and Cathy Marion (Honk!)

Best Sound Design
Raymond Ruttle (Oscar and Felix)
Ben Wagner (Just Kidding)
Fred Kreig (Honk!)

Best Light Design
Ben Wagner (Oscar and Felix)
Ben Wagner (The Best Christmas Pageant Ever)
Ben Wagner (Just Kidding)
Ben Wagner (Honk!)

Best Production
Oscar and Felix (Juan Fernandez, director)
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Ken Ashford, director)
Just Kidding (Katie Jo Icenhower, director)
Honk! (Robin T. Rich-McGhie, director; Mignon Dobbins, music, Mindy Hudson, choreography)

While I think that Honk! will, most likely, win this category, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever packed in the community.

Yard Sale and Picnic

This year we decided to hold the annual KLT Yard Sale and Volunteer Appreciation Picnic on the same day. We figured since most KLT supporters help out or attend the yard sale, they could head over to Harmon Park after for some hotdogs and fun.

I actually attended my very first KLT yard sale and I did manage to get a few items at great bargain pricing. After securing my treasures, I headed to Wal-Mart to shop for the picnic items. Since this was an appreciation picnic, I had requested our volunteers just bring themselves instead of potluck food. I had a planned menu, so shopping was fairly easy. We received a gift card from Lowe's so I headed there to get the hotdogs.

Glenn was the cook, and Mikey and I were the event servers. I had planned on 75 people and about 50 of our volunteers attended. We had plenty of food, though none left over. We chatted about Honk!, our upcoming production, and introduced the new season. We raffled off several items donated by local businesses. And I made sure every volunteer received my personal "Thank you" and KLT's appreciation.

The entire day was a huge success.

A Night at the Theatre

We just finished seeing Kernersville Little Theatre's production of Just Kidding. As a VP and Board Member of KLT, I should write only the positive things about the production. However, I want to be true to myself and the purpose of this blog; to be as honest as best I can with my experiences. Having said that, I was absolutely disappointed.

The show suffered from major pacing problems. Some of these problems stemmed from a lackluster audience of 87 and some stemmed from particular actors. Kay Ward, who played Sandra Rogers, was one such actor. As soon as she stepped on-stage the air left the room. She desperately needed some cheese to go with her whine! Geez. Yes, I originated Sandra in Burlington, but I assure you, this is not a case of sour grapes. Two minutes into the show, Mallorie whispered, "Mom, you were soooo much better."

I'd like to blame Kay's performance for Stephen Swoap's portrayal of Calvin Rogers. Actors feed off each other and Stephen looked like he was starving. I could see a great deal of potential in his Calvin, but it was a lack of energy that killed his character. Even his "fight" scene with Scott Spencer (who played brother-in-law Wayne Maybrie) looked, well, staged.

Macon Shirley had the honor of playing the best, and funniest, role in Just Kidding. Unfortunately, he never quite rose to the occasion. I simply don't understand how a gay man who is playing a gay man can look so fake. Several times during the show I wanted to go up and yell at him to "Stop acting!! Just be yourself!!"

Scott Spenser and Karen Price-Crowder (who played stage mother Jessica Finch) were as good as they always are. Luke Van Hine was also good as nephew Todd Maybrie. Morgan Robbins was very good as fake daughter, Claire, and her 'sunrise, sunset' was appropriately bad. Jean Burr could have been better as Monique, if only Macon had given her more. The best performance was by Chuck Powers who played Officer Chris Gentry. Perhaps not too ironic is his striking resemblance to KLT regular, Dick Strohemier.

Disappointment aside, I am crossing my fingers that the pacing problems can (and will) be overcome. Just Kidding is a really cute show, perfect for community theatre and community theatre audiences.

The Cast of Just Kidding

Auditions for Kernersville Little Theatre's first production of 2008, Just Kidding, were held last Tuesday and Friday. Since the Just Kidding cast includes two roles for kids, I mentioned auditions, on several occasions, to the cast of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

The promotion apparently paid off. There were 17 kids vying for the two roles, and there was quite a turn out for the adult roles.

Congratulations to the cast of Just Kidding:

Stephen Swoap - Calvin Rogers
Kaye Ward - Sandra Rogers
Scott Spencer - Wayne Maybrie
Luke VanHine - Todd Maybrie
Jean Burr - Monique
Macon Shirley - Jeff
Karen Price-Crowder - Jessica Finch
Morgan Robbins - Jenny Finch
Chuck Powers - Chris Gentry

Show dates are February 22-24 and February 29-March 2. Go ahead and mark these dates on your 2008 calendar. You won't want to miss this show!

(Second) Friday Performance, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

The kids were in rare form last night before the show. Hyper-energized. We had to corral them in the music room where, thankfully, Michael and Mallorie entertained them by telling jokes. At 7:45pm I had a rather harsh chat with the kids about several things.

During tech week we made announcements that costumes were to go back on hangers and placed on the costume rack each night. They were told that costumes left lying around would be confiscated. Thursday night one of our shepherds left his costume on various chairs in the dressing room. His costume was taken, and I had to have a chat with him and his mother. Of course he claimed he did hang his costume. So, the kids were (re)warned again last night.

Last week some incidents involving touching and spitting were brought to my attention. Both issues were addressed last Saturday, but apparently there was still some parental concerns. I reiterated last week's conversation, and advised that if problems continued offending cast members would be replaced.

The threat of being dropped from the show apparently helped some to focus their energy. Last night's performance was even better than Thursday night's show. Ken blogged about it, live.

We've two shows remaining. If you haven't yet attended a show, please purchase a ticket and come early.

Opening Night, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Last night Kernersville Little Theatre's production of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" was brought to life. The Kernersville community, and then some, came out to see the show. There were so many patrons we had to open the balcony. It was wonderful seeing a full house.

The show was wonderful. I was so very proud of the kids. Not a single one of them appeared nervous. The audience loved Ruth, who is a pistol as Gladys. BJ's underwear line got a great laugh from the audience, as did RC's line about his brother. The twins, Nathan and Sean, received applause as they entered as baby angels. Every one of the kids was spot-on.

April's telephone cord disconnected from the phone during her Mrs. Armstrong scene. The malfunction didn't trip her up. Kelly jump a couple of lines, which cut two lines for one of the kids. The audience never knew.

Except for a tizzy during the pre-show concert, technically the show went well. Fred heard all my light cues and Vi and I worked on the sound cues and levels. My backstage crew was ready for the scene changes and they went quickly.

The only bad thing about our opening was how I felt by the end of the night. My head was pounding and my ears were ringing. Yep, now I've got a cold.

If you come see the show, and you definitely should, make sure to come early. The pews fill up fast.

Rehearsal, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Last night was the first night we had a full run-thru without stopping. The show ran pretty smoothly. The scene changes went much better. For the most part, my light cues were tighter. The sound operator got a little flustered, but even if there had been an audience I don't think anyone would have noticed.

I was really proud of the kids. They all nailed their lines. Sarah almost went up on one of her mini-monologues. As soon as she opened her mouth her eyes conveyed a look of uh-oh. Still, she managed to get a sentence out and complete her speech.

Kelly cracks me up at times (especially during a long winded phone call with Mrs. Armstrong) and other times she's this side of overacting. Still, the fact that she can ad-lib without thinking twice is a huge benefit to the show. All the other actors should feel very safe when they are onstage with Kelly. (I know I always did.)

Tonight is final dress and we will have an invited audience. I'm looking forward to this rehearsal, as I'm interested to see what happens when the kids realize there is a "real" audience watching them.

No Rest for the Weary

Since we don't have Steel Magnolias performances until Thursday, tonight I will begin my "official" duties as stage manager for Kernersville Little Theatre's production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. I'm not overly excited about doing this. There are almost 50 people in the cast. Ten or so of them are adults. The rest are kids, and most of the kids are in elementary school.

If you've got any Valium, please share.

KLT Volunteer Picnic

Today was the second annual KLT Volunteer Picnic, held at Harmon Park. Last year our picnic was rained out and had to be moved to Casa de Cissna's. Today the weather was absolutely beautiful, albeit a tad hot.

Lots of KLTers showed up for the picnic. As many years as I've been with KLT, there were still folks I had not met. We feasted on hotdogs and wonderful salads, pastas, and other picnic fare prepared by some of the KLT ladies. There were tons of desserts too.

Mallorie, who has been a KLT volunteer (off and on) since she was 4, chatted up one person then another. She is so at home with theatre people. Cade and I headed to the swing set and we swung for a bit, until I got dizzy. Then he headed to the slide and played with another little girl. He and I eventually headed to shade where we played our own version of Bocce.

All in all it was a very lovely day. It's nice to gather together, to hang out and have fun, without worrying about putting up a show. No lights, cues, or lines. Just good times and good fellowship.

Announcing the Cast...

Congratulations to the following who have been cast in Kernersville Little Theatre's upcoming production of Lying in State:

Karen Price-Crowder will play Edna. Peter Poulos will play Herb. Michael Henry Carter will be Wally. Tana Albright will play Buttons. Dick Srohmeier is Fred, Kelly Wallace will play Margo, and Lee Huggins will be Harry.

Peter and Tana are new to KLT. You've seen Karen in Cotton Patch Gospel and A Christmas Carol. For Michael, Dick, Kelly and Lee it will be a Never Too Late cast reunion. I was also in that show. Man, I should have sucked it up and auditioned.

Pics from Grace and Glorie

Final Performance, Grace and Glorie

I really don't like matinee performances, and I despise closing a show on a Sunday afternoon. Sunday matinee audiences are usually more sedate, which usually means the actors don't have the needed energy from which to draw. Making it worse is the Folly's restriction concerning black curtains over the windows. As a result our stage never gets dark enough, and we can't tell when the lights go up or down, are on or off. Still, Pat and I ended the run on a good note. Today's performance was solid, as evidenced by the sniffling and tears.

Tomorrow I will trade Glorie in for Chelsea as I head over to "Pond" rehearsals. Neither Grace nor Glorie will forgotten. Pat and I will resurrect both for the NCTC competition in November.

So, it's not goodbye, but see you soon!

Last Weekend, Grace and Glorie

Pat and I are finally comfortable with our lines and we've hit our stride. It is an absolute honor working with Pat. She is a true professional.

Take tonight, for example. After the show was over, Pat came to me and started laughing. She was so tickled she couldn't even speak. I started laughing too, and soon she was laughing so hard she had tears streaming down her face. She finally calmed down enough to regain speech.

During the make-up scene, I talk about Eve and the "forbidden fruit". I am supposed to say, "So she cost us our cushy berth in paradise." I apparently flubbed, instead saying "bushy curth". It never registered to me, and hopefully not to the audience, but Pat definitely heard me. For the rest of that piece she fought hard to keep from giggling on stage.