season 2016 - 2017 may 2017 coming...

SEASON 2016 - 2017 MAY 2017

COMINGEVENTSShrek The MusicalMay 18 – June 11

The 26th Annual Golf Tournament to benefit Ocala Civic TheatreMay 19

Annual volunteer picnicMay 20

Auditions for Cry-BabyMay 22-23

Auditions for Space PiratesJune 3

Starfish CircusJune 17

New York City trip June 21-25

Harvey AwardsJune 24

Space PiratesJune 30 – July 1

The Magic Tree House: The Knight at Dawn KIDSJuly 14-15

Cry-BabyJuly 21-30

Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire • Music by Jeanine Tesori Originally produced on Broadway by DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions

May 18 – June 11

Reserve your tickets for opening night and join us on Thursday, May 18 at 7:00 p.m. for a reception before the premiere performance of Shrek The Musical. Complimentary light refreshments will be served, and The Frugal Wine Snob will be open for beer and wine purchases. Come celebrate the excitement of opening night!

OPENING NIGHT

RECEPTION

The funniest fairytale ever after begins “once upon a time” in the faraway kingdom of Duloc, where a hideous green ogre named Shrek (Patrick Stanley) lives all alone in a swamp. At the age of seven, young Shrek (John Meza, Jr.) was sent away by his parents, Papa Ogre (Rey Alvarez) and Mama Ogre (Amanda Harding) and has become bitter, choosing to live in solitude.

Like Shrek, young Fiona (Ava Pizzuti) was only seven when her parents, King Harold (Tom Ferreira) and Queen Lillian (Faith Morales), locked her away in a castle tower guarded by a fire-breathing Dragon (Kelsey Plante), where she must remain until a brave knight frees her. The young princess grows into teen Fiona (Kaitlyn Shoemaker), then into a grown-up Princess Fiona (Joanna Bauernfeind), still waiting for a hero…

Shrek’s solitude is spoiled when the evil little Lord Farquaad (Alex Dagg) banishes to the swamp all the storybook characters of the kingdom: Pinocchio (Joshua Plante), Peter Pan (Matthew Minassian), Gingy (Angie Brahim), the Fairy Godmother (Danielle Posner), the Big Bad Wolf (Joel Brahim), the Three Little Pigs (Rey Alvarez, Gregg Bleam, and Jonathan Williams), the Sugar Plum Fairy (Shannon Guinn), the Wicked Witch (Faith Morales), the White Rabbit (Amanda Vousden), the Mad Hatter (Myla Minassian), Tweedle Dee (Amanda Harding) and Tweedle Dum (Ileana Weyrauch), Humpty Dumpty (Vanessa Quinones), the Ugly Duckling (Kaitlyn

Shoemaker), the Shoemaker’s Elf (Isabella Chevalier), the Three Blind Mice (Shannon Guinn, Isabella Chevalier, Faith Morales), Little Red (Kelsey Plante), and the Three Bears: Papa Bear (Marcus Cote), Mama Bear (Grace Currier), and Baby Bear (Ava Pizzuti). Outraged, Shrek storms off to find Lord Farquaad and demand his swamp back. His epic adventures begin when he rescues and befriends a wisecracking Donkey (Deion Bruce Howard). When Shrek sets out to rescue Fiona, can this end “happily ever after” for everyone?

The beloved animated film magically transforms into a spectacular Tony Award-winning stage musical full of upbeat, feel-good songs. This irreverently funny fairytale is fantastic fun for everyone from older children to young-at-heart adults.

Director and choreographer is Katrina Ploof. Music director is Philip King. Stage manager is Kim Wise. Set design is by Timothy J. Dygert. Costume design is by Maureen S. Demers. Lighting design is by Robert P. Robins. Sound design is by Justin Lewis.

There will be 21 public performances of Shrek The Musical from May 18 – June 11 at Ocala Civic Theatre. Tickets are $25 for adults and $12 for full-time students (student ID required for college students). For tickets or more information, call (352) 236-2274 or go to www.ocalacivictheatre.com.

SPONSORED BY: K-Country 93.7 • Ocala’s Good Life Magazine The Richard B. Salsbury Foundation

CURTAIN RAISERTHE

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26th Annual Golf Tournament to Benefit Ocala Civic Theatre

The 26th annual golf tournament to benefit Ocala Civic Theatre returns on Friday, May 19!

The tournament will be held at Ocala Golf Club (Muni) at 3130 East Silver Springs Boulevard. Registration begins at 11:00 a.m. A deli lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. The tournament begins with a 1:00 p.m. shotgun start.

The cost is $85 per player, which includes lunch, on-course water and sodas, free range balls, greens fees, a cart, and goodie bags. There also will be a silent auction, 50/50, putting contest, pot of gold closest-to-the-pin challenge, and more than 50 on-course and door prizes, with awards immediately following the tournament.

Men and women are both welcome to play. No professionals will be allowed. Players may create their own foursome, or the Theatre will be happy to assist.

There are opportunities to contribute as a corporate, scorecard, hole, raffle, or door prize sponsor. Sponsors will be recognized at the tournament, and a sponsor listing also will be displayed in the Theatre lobby during the run of Shrek The Musical from May 18 through June 11. Ford/Lincoln of Ocala will sponsor the Hole-In-One prizes. Sponsors who donate $100 or more will receive a certificate for future play at Ocala Golf Club. Players may register now. For registration form or to inquire about becoming a sponsor, please contact Mary Britt at (352)236-2851 ext. 104. Join us for a great golf outing!

ANNOUNCING THE

2017-2018 SEASON!SIGNATURE SERIESLa Cage aux Folles

September 7 – October 1, 2017

Over the River and Through the Woods

October 19 – November 12, 2017

I Love a PianoJanuary 11 – February 4, 2018

The ForeignerMarch 15 – April 8, 2018

Mamma Mia! May 17 – June 17, 2018

OVATION SERIESMan Is the Only

Animal Who Blushes… Or Needs To:

An Evening With Mark Twain featuring

Michael EdwardsNovember 16-19, 2017

The GiverFebruary 15-25, 2018

The Legendary Bobby Darin - A Tribute

April 12-15, 2018

SUMMER SPECIALCry-BabyJuly 21-30, 2017

Season Subscriptions On Sale May 1, 2017!CALL 352-236-2274

Auditions for the student production

Book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas MeehanSongs by David Javerbaum and Adam Schlesinger

Based on the Universal Pictures film written and directed by John Waters

May 22-23 at 7:00 p.m. In 1954 Baltimore, rebel with a cause

“Cry-Baby” Walker is the leader of a gang of “drapes,” or leather-clad delinquents. But this bad boy only has eyes for good girl Allison, who is tired of her privileged life and her squeaky-clean boyfriend, Baldwin, the king of the squares. When a riot breaks out between rival squads, these star-crossed lovers are caught in the middle. Based on the cult classic film, this

high-energy rockabilly musical from the writers of Hairspray is a jumping, jiving good time!

Auditions will be held at Ocala Civic Theatre. It is only necessary to attend one night of auditions. High school and college students may audition for Cry-Baby. Students starting 9th grade in the 2017-2018 school year are eligible. Director is Kirstin Kennedy. Music director is Shane Bass. Choreographer is Melanie Tarter. There will be seven performances of Cry-Baby from July 21-30.

Singing a song from Cry-Baby is not permitted for auditions. Students should choose audition songs from musicals with a similar style to Cry-Baby (no pop or contemporary “top 40”). Actors should sing 16 bars in the style of the “drapes” and 16 in the style of the “squares.” (Check out song samples on http://www.mtishows.com/cry-baby.) Come dressed to dance. Full audition details can be found in the May 2017 Cue Sheet or on Facebook at Ocala Civic Theatre – Education Dept.

Notes From The Education Department

We had a terrific turnout at last month’s Open House! Everyone had a great time and enjoyed the face-painting, theatre games, great prizes, and a sneak peek at the fabulous classes and camps coming up this summer in the Education Department.

Speaking of Summer 2017, the brochures are out now and those registrations keep coming in… so don’t wait too long and miss your chance to be a part of summer’s exciting adventures!

For instance, there is no lottery this year for the ever-popular Starfish Circus. Registration is first-come, first-served, so sign up ASAP, as this class will fill up fast. Attention, young Star Wars fans: Padawan Training and Jedi Trials are two other returning favorites which are likely to fill up… don’t miss your trip to a galaxy far, far away. The Art of Performing Magic is another popular class as well. Plus, we have all kinds of fun classes in singing, dancing, acting, comedy, and film-making, plus creative dramatics themed to superheroes, Dr. Seuss, Disney, princesses, and fairy tales. There’s something for all ages and interests!

There are two brand-new performance camps this summer: Space Pirates and The Magic Tree House: The Knight at Dawn KIDS. No experience is necessary for either camp, but Space Pirates is by audition only. Auditions are Saturday, June 3 at 10:00 a.m. Full information about auditions can be found on this page. Enrollment for The Magic Tree House: The Knight at Dawn KIDS is first-come, first-served, with only 30 spaces available. If you have kids who can’t wait to get on stage and perform, this is the perfect opportunity.

Join us this summer to have a blast with theatre!

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The Board of Directors ofACT 4 - Ocala Civic Theatre, Inc.invites you to join them for their

Sometimes Semi-AnnualSometimes Annual

Sometimes Just Because

TASTE OF ACT 4Yes! It’s an old-fashioned potluck supper!

Bring your favorite dish (and enough to share) for an evening of good food

and entertainment featuring John Sherman at the piano.

ACT 4 members, friends of ACT 4 and those interested in finding out more about ACT 4 are all invited.

Date: May 30, 2017Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: Parish HallOur Lady of the Springs Catholic Church

4047 N.E. 21st Street in Ocala

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED.Call President Joan Gustafson

at (352) 622-5315or Vice President Maxine Nelson

at (352) 732-8227to let us know you will be there!

The annual Harvey Awards, Ocala Civic Theatre’s version of the Tony Awards, will be held Saturday, June 24 to celebrate the best of the 2016-2017 season!

The evening begins at 6:00 p.m. with a social hour, hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, and entertainment. The awards ceremony begins at 7:30 p.m. Awards are given for excellence in acting, technical aspects, and volunteer service. Join us to recognize the outstanding work of our volunteers and designers!

Everyone is welcome to attend the Harvey Awards. Dressy to semi-formal attire is suggested. Tickets go on sale May 22. The deadline to purchase tickets is June 19 by 5:30 p.m. For reservations or more information, call (352) 236-2274 or stop by the box office.

Don’t miss this special evening – it’s the social event of the season!

Auditions for the student production

Saturday, June 3 at 10:00 a.m.

Poor Gabby gets picked on during a school trip to the museum – but when an alien spaceship accidentally beams her and her classmates to outer space, where they’re attacked by space pirates, things go from bad to worse!

Auditions are Saturday, June 3 at 10:00 a.m. No experience is necessary, but enrollment is by audition only. Students ages 7-14 may audition and should prepare a short song and monologue. Tuition is $325 for this performance camp.

Class meets Monday, June 19 through Friday, June 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Performances are Friday, June 30 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, July 1 at 2:00 p.m.

June 12-17 Starfish Circus is back in town! In just

one week, students will learn amazing feats of acrobatic skill and comic timing with aerial techniques, hoops, clowning, juggling, balancing, and tumbling. The week ends with two chances to see students show off their new skills in a one-hour circus performance.

There is no lottery this year. Enrollment is first-come, first-served and is strictly limited to 10 students ages 7-9, 25 students ages 10-12, and 25 students ages 13-18. No auditions or experience are necessary. Tuition for this performance camp is $225 and includes a Starfish Circus T-shirt.

Class meets Monday, June 12 through Friday, June 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Performances will be on Saturday, June 17 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

It’s always great when a family volunteers at Ocala Civic Theatre – especially when that family is like Joy, Elijah, and Sam Newkirk.

Joy made her OCT debut in The Full Monty. “I had a terrific time and haven’t stopped since,” she says. Other shows include Rumors, Self-Help, Crazy For You, and Almost, Maine. Her favorite role was in The Kitchen Witches. “I had the time of my life,” she says, adding that Sister Act was a close second: “I’ve never felt a connection with a group of people like I felt with the other nuns.”

Acting is Joy’s favorite volunteer activity. “But I also really love serving on the play selection committee, and I enjoy telling people about the terrific opportunities and talent we have at Ocala Civic Theatre.” Her joyful personality and enthusiasm for theatre make her a great community ambassador, OCT board member, Harvey Awards committee chair, and usher.

Both boys got involved through Education Department classes. Elijah appeared in The Spoon River Project and Twelfth Night – in which his favorite role, the Duke of Orsino, “introduced me to the world of Shakespeare! The best thing about both shows is that I got to work with Kirstin Kennedy, who is a terrific director.”

Elijah also ran spotlight for Into the Woods and Sister Act, assistant stage-managed 13: The Musical, and was a summer intern for the Education Department – his favorite volunteer activity. In future, he’d like to do makeup for a mainstage show.

Sam is a veteran of the OCT stage through shows like Macbeth, The Grunch, and We Are Monsters. Like his mom, acting is his favorite volunteer activity: “I watched my mom doing shows and I knew I wanted to do them, too. Then I got a chance to be on stage, too, and I had a terrific time.” How about a favorite role? “My favorite rolls are

cinnamon (ha ha)… But really, my favorite OCT role is Eric in And a Child Shall Lead. I really learned a lot about the Holocaust for that show, and I really grew as an actor.”

What’s the most rewarding thing for each of them about volunteering here?

Elijah: “Having the opportunity to interact and work with terrific artists, and to make friends with kids who go to different high schools. We see each other at events throughout the county and know each other from our work at OCT.”

Sam: “Getting to make lots of new friends and the thrill of getting to be on stage. It makes me feel really special. I feel great when people recognize me and know me from the theatre. At middle school nobody knows me, but at OCT, lots of people know me!”

Joy: “I love it because I feel at home here. At my day job I always feel like I’m too loud, too over-the-top, too funny, just too much… But when I’m at the theatre I feel like I’m surrounded with people who are like me, understand me, and appreciate me. I can relax, be creative, and have fun. When you’re rehearsing a show, your real life stops for a while and you get to ‘play’ at being someone else.”

Both boys are also involved in theatre through their schools – Elijah at West Port High School, and Sam at Osceola Middle School, where he recently played Friedrich in The Sound of Music. Their father, James, is a proud supporter of his wife and sons’ theatrical pursuits.

When Sam is older, he wants to be a summer intern like his brother: “They always look like they have a lot of fun, and they’re really nice to the students.” Elijah adds, “I have really enjoyed my volunteer time at OCT and look forward to doing more in the future.”

We look forward to that, too. Thank you ALL for all you do… we are so glad your delightful family is a part of the OCT family!

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CURTAIN RAISERTHE

Box Office Hours: Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. On Saturdays with a performance: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The lobby and box office open one hour before each performance.

On sale now: • Shrek the Musical• 2017-2018 Season Tickets

Tickets go on sale:May 15: Starfish CircusMay 22: Harvey AwardsMay 30: Space PiratesJune 12: The Magic Tree House: The Knight at Dawn KIDSJune 26: Cry-Baby

Get information and buy tickets online any time at www.ocalacivictheatre.com (A service charge applies to online purchases.)

Box Office: (352) 236-2274Administrative Offices: (352) 236-2851 Follow us on Facebook! “Like” our pages at Ocala Civic Theatre and Ocala Civic Theatre — Education Dept.

The Newkirks

Golden Troupers“These guys and gals are great! Tremendous talent!”

The Golden Troupers are a terrific group of age 55+ performers who travel Marion County to entertain local audiences with comedy skits and songs. They perform at no charge for non-profit organizations, but donations are gratefully accepted. To join or to book the Troupers for your club or community, call (352) 236-2274 or Marlene Harr at (352) 687-3868.

The Golden Troupers rehearse at the Theatre on Mondays at 1 p.m. from September to May. Join the Troupers – it’s a golden opportunity!

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2016-2017 Board of DirectorsPresidentJim RossVice PresidentPhilip LeppertTreasurerGeorge KirklandSecretaryFrank RzepeckiMembersGarry D. AdelSharon AltanyJ. Scott AndrewsJeffry DavidAna DunwoodyLois KohlweissJoy NewkirkPaulette MillhornPatti MoringHerb SchmollG. Edward Stewart, MD

StaffExecutive DirectorMary H. BrittProduction Manager/ Technical DirectorJeff DavisAssistant Technical DirectorWilliam SprattGeneral Technician/CustodianKen NobleAdministrative AssistantsJanice KirkMelody MurphyBox Office Manager/ Volunteer CoordinatorCraig JamesBox Office AssistantsNancy E. BennettAnn DietrichDirector of EducationKirstin KennedyEducation Department AssistantMelanie TarterDirector of Marketing & PromotionsLarry KiernanSocial Media AssistantJessica WatsonComptrollerMarilyn PriceCostume DesignerMaureen S. DemersCostume Shop AssistantsSherece GerardRebekah Leppert

Hello! Wow, there is lot of excitement and activity at the theatre right now! I’m not sure I can squeeze everything into this month’s column, but I’ll try. First, we have a very unusual cast in the theatre this month. We’ve got an Ogre and a Princess and a Donkey and a Dragon (yes, a Dragon and she’s pink and 18’ long!) and a whole bunch of other fairytale characters singing and dancing around the building as we prepare to open Shrek The Musical on May 18. Plus our phones and lobby are busy with people signing up for season tickets. There are parents and children signing up for our summer classes. Students seem especially eager about the performance classes, like Starfish Circus – a circus camp – but the singing, dancing, and acting classes are filling as well. There will be Space Pirates, Princesses, Knights – both the royal and the Star Wars/Jedi kind – Superheroes, and Magicians. The array of classes almost makes me want to be a kid again. Almost.

Older students (high school and college age) will be auditioning this month for our summer musical, Cry-Baby, which is based on the 1990 film of the same name that starred Johnny Depp. Cry-Baby is a gleefully camp musical that takes us back to Baltimore in the 1950s, where a bad boy with a heart of gold wins the love of a good girl against all odds. There has been a lot of buzz since we announced the show, and I expect large turnout for auditions. Director Kirstin Kennedy says, “Whether you’re a Drape or a Square, the place to be on May 22 and 23 is at the Theatre.” The rest of us get to see the finished production in July.

We have two annual events coming up to celebrate the end of our current season. All the volunteers who helped create our 2016-2017

season, including actors, ushers, backstage crew, painters, box office, set and costume construction volunteers – nearly 500 volunteers – are invited to a picnic on May 20. You can join us for the second celebration, our version of the Tony Awards called the Harveys, on June 24. The event is named in honor of Harvey Klein who was a wonderfully generous and supportive individual and long-time season subscriber. There is more info about these two events in this issue of the newsletter.

The Theatre also is adding a new intern program, so our staff is growing. The Theatre has supported arts education at the college level for over 30 years by offering college scholarships to students majoring in the performing arts. To date, we have distributed more than $130,000 to local students planning to study theatre, music, or dance at the next level. Now we are taking that commitment a step further and offering year-long internships to college students who are pursuing a career in technical theatre – set construction, scene painting, costuming, and other technical skills. Under the guidance of our terrific Production Manager, Jeff Davis, we have two students arriving this summer to work with us for a season. One will be interning as a scenic artist and props fabricator in the set construction department, and the other will be interning in the costume shop. Both students will be able to add practical, hands-on experience to their resumes that will help them prepare for careers in the performing arts.

Perhaps you can help us with setting up the intern program. The Theatre will be providing housing for the students – a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment very close to the theatre. We will need to furnish the apartment and are looking for furniture, dishes, cookware, a flat-screen TV, etc. If you have items in excellent condition, please contact me. Since the students will be here for a year, we’d like to make a comfortable home for them. My email is [email protected].

I knew I’d run out of room! Next month, we’ll give you a report on the Get Up & Go Drawing, the New York trip, the golf tournament, and more. Meanwhile, be sure to reserve your Shrek tickets quickly and subscribe to the magical 2017-2018 Season. Mamma Mia, it’s a great season!

See you at the Theatre!

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NON-PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDOCALA, FL

PERMIT NO. 9

4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala, FL 34470

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

The Curtain Raiser is the official newsletter of The Marion Players, Inc., dba Ocala Civic Theatre. The Theatre is located at 4337 East Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala, Florida, 34470. The Curtain Raiser is published monthly and is available free of charge to anyone who is interested in our activities. For information about the organization or to be added to the mailing list, call (352) 236-2274.

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts & Culture.

CURTAIN RAISERTHE

SEASON 2016 - 2017 MAY 2017

LARGE PRINT

If you have any questions, please contact Mary Britt at (352) 236-2851, ext. 104, or [email protected].

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SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

MAY

Shrek The Musical8pm

Golf Tournament1pm


Volunteer Picnic 12:30pm

Shrek 8pm





Shrek The Musical

2pm & 8pm



Tickets On Sale for

Starfish Circus

Tickets On Sale for

Space Pirates

2017-2018Season Tickets

On Sale

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18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

JUNE

Starfish Circus2pm & 7pm

Harvey Awards6:30pm

Tickets On Sale for

Magic Tree House



Space PiratesAuditions 10am

Shrek The Musical2pm & 8pm







Tickets On Sale forCry-Baby

Space Pirates7pm

Tickets On Sale for Harveys

Cry-Baby Auditions2pm

Cry-BabyAuditions

7pm

season 2016 - 2017 may 2017 coming...

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