Gotta Have Heart Cabaret

On February 7, 2009 Golden Stone Productions is holding a valentine themed Cabaret "Gotta Have Heart" and silent auction at 7PM at Hillside Manor. Tickets are $30 individual or $50 for a couple. Entertainment and light refreshments (hot and cold hor d’oeuvres, desserts, and champagne) are included.

Performers include Hudson Valley favorites and Golden Stone regulars such as: Kevin Archambault(The Cat), Wendell Scherer(Seymour), AnnChris Warren(The Sour Kangaroo), and Jenn Zell(Millie).

To reserve tickets you can call Golden Stone at 845.687.4758 or order online via their website.

Golden Stone productions is the wonderful new theater company serving the Rondout Valley region of New York ( Ulster County) They have put on some wonderful productions including Once upon a Mattress, Little Shop of Horrors, Suessical, Thoroughly Modern Millie.

The Process: Sound of Music Call backs

Sound of Music call backs were today despite the snow & bad weather. We had a few new people to audition as well. I am still amazed by the number of talented young people we had. Call backs ended up being just the children, as most of the adults just fell into place. It also didn't run over as much as both of our other audition days did - Mostly that was because we had fewer people.

Last night I had trouble falling asleep because I was thinking about the show and casting and all the amazing choices we had. I put together my thoughts on how I thought we should begin the really hard process of making some final decisions. This morning I was glad I had that time ... so I was able to offer my suggestions and things went smoothly and quickly today.

I think today went well - It was wonderful to get to spend more time with the candidates. Some stepped it up and were even more amazing then previously and others had a more difficult time then we expected. I'm sure part of it was being in a room full of people (instead of in a smaller room with just five of us. Friday & Saturday it was just the director, myself, the stage manager, the musical director and an accompanist) Today was in front of all of us, the parents and the other candidates. That can be harder or easier, depending on experience and comfort level. Personally, I like it, because it gives me as an actor an audience, and I love an audience. However, I know it can make things much more scary for others.

It also went a lot more in depth, looking at harmony and if people could hold a part. There's a lot of harmony in this show, so holding parts is essential. We tried many many different combos of children - trying to spend as much time as we could with each and giving them an opportunity to shine. Today was easier in a lot of ways because I felt we were better able to concentrate on each candidate. It still ended with lots of difficult choices and discussion, but I'm pretty confident in the final result. I think we will have an absolutely amazing cast, and I am looking forward to getting to know everyone better, as well as working with such wonderful talent.

Everyone who auditioned will be responded to shortly, if they haven't heard already, and the cast will be announced on the 90 Miles Off Broadway website.

I want everyone that auditioned to know that I want to see them again at the next audition - every one! I wish the Von Trapp family had 20 children, so we could have cast more - unfortunately there is only 7 called for in the script.

The Process: Sound of Music Auditions

I am absolutely speechless.

We have had nearly 100 people come to auditions for the Sound of Music in the last two days. I wanted to write an update last night, but got home much too late and much too tired to do so.

We have had some absolutely amazing talent. Almost every single audition was breathtaking in one way or another. We had enough to cast several shows. I wish we could cast more people since we would have no trouble doing so. Today after auditions we decided on callbacks.

Deciding was very difficult. I'm looking forward to tomorrow and taking another look at our choices. We'll be doing more vocal work since harmony is so important in this show, and readings. Tomorrow will end with more really difficult choices.

That's the hardest part of the process on the production side for me. I always wish we could cast more people then we can.

However, given the caliber individuals we have for the cast, this production of Sound of Music should be incredible.

I want to say thank you to all the amazing, energetic, talented people that came to audition. I'd love to see you all at future auditions - and I'm sure I will.

Sound of Music Audition - Update

Location Update!

Auditions for "The Sound of Music" on Friday, January 16th, 7 to 9PM and Saturday, January 17th, 1 to 3PM will be held in the Social Hall, downstairs at The Reformed Church of New Paltz on Huguenot Street.

Help with the production (since I know not everyone wants to be on the stage)
Also needed are people to help out in all aspects of production such as making costumes and painting and building sets.

I look forward to seeing everyone there!

Sound of Music Auditions!

One of my favorite things ... shows will be auditioning this month. Additionally I've been asked to help out on the production side, and am thrilled to be doing theater again. I encourage everyone to AUDITION!!! January 16, 2008 7-9pm January 17, 2008 1-3pm January 18, 2008 1-3pm (Callbacks) at the New Paltz Reformed Church Education Building in the Fireside Room. Tentative show dates and location; May 8, 9, 15, 16, 17 at the New Paltz High School.

It is preferred that people sing from the show or a musical theater number in a similar in style. Auditions will be held in private and auditioners will be asked to read scenes based on the characters they are auditioning for.

PRINCIPALS
3 Women
5 Girls (ages 5, 7, 9, 13 and 16)
2 Men
2 Boys (ages 11 and 14)

FEATURED
4 Women
2 Men

ENSEMBLE
Nuns and contestants at the Festival Concert

CHARACTERS
Maria Rainer - a Postulant at Nonnberg Abbey
The Mother Abbess
Sister Berthe - Mistress of Novices
Sister Margaretta - Mistress of Postulants
Sister Sophia
Captain Georg von Trapp
Franz - the butler
Frau Schmidt - the housekeeper
Liesl von Trapp - age 16
Friedrich von Trapp - age 14
Louisa von Trapp - age 13
Kurt von Trapp - age 10
Brigitta von Trapp - age 9
Marta von Trapp - age 7
Gretl von Trapp - the youngest
Rolf Gruber - age 17
Elsa Schraeder
Ursula
Max Detweiler
Herr Zeller
Baron Elberfeld
A New Postulant
Admiral von Schreiber
Nuns and contestants at the Festival Concert

Synopsis
The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world's most beloved musical. When a postulant proves too high-spirited for the religious life, she is dispatched to serve as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval Captain. Her growing rapport with the youngsters, coupled with her generosity of spirit, gradually captures the heart of the stern Captain, and they marry. Upon returning from their honeymoon they discover that Austria has been invaded by the Nazis, who demand the Captain's immediate service in their navy. The family's narrow escape over the mountains to Switzerland on the eve of World War II provides one of the most thrilling and inspirational finales ever presented in the theater. The motion picture version remains the most popular movie musical of all time.

The show is different then the movie but the scenes are similar. So people can familiarize themselves with the show by viewing the movie.

Local Class on Auditioning

I've taken Dance Classes from Madeline's in the past. From my experience, it is a wonderful place to learn. I thought this might be of interest to you all ....

Madeline’s Dance Center announces master classes in Auditioning for Musical Theater. Taught by professional singer, choreographer, actor and director Alan Palmer.

This four-hour class covers all aspects of the musical theater audition, from song and monologue selection to presentation, to finding auditions both professional and regional

Sunday, February 8th 10-2 Auditioning for Musical Theater for ages 10-18 (exceptions may be made at the discretion of the teacher)

4-8 Auditioning for Musical Theater for Adults (18 and over)

In addition, on the evening of Saturday, February 7th, Mr. Palmer will offer private 45-minute sessions

Master class - $100 ($115 at the door)Private session - $50

To register, call 845-236-7989

Happy New Year!

I hope the Holidays were wonderful for all of you, whatever flavor you choose.

Ours were Hectic but wonderful. Here's to a wonderful 2009 for all!