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Madeline’s Christmas Albany Junior Theatre

– November 18, 2009Posted in: Events, Headlines

MADELINE’S CHRISTMAS AT A GLANCE

WHAT: presented by ACT UP!; Albany’s Junior Theatre

WHEN: Sunday, Nov., 22; shows at 2:30p.m. and 7p.m.

WHERE: Albany Municipal Auditorium

COST: Children $5, adults $10, dress circle $15. Tickets available at Maggie Moo’s and The Carriage Trade. Tickets at the door $10 general admission and $15 dress circle

ACT UP!, Albany’s Junior Theatre, is putting the final touches on a holiday treat for the whole family: “Madeline’s Christmas”. The musical by Jennifer Kirkeby, is based on the children’s classic book by Ludwig Bemelmans, and hits the stage at the Albany Municipal Auditorium this Sunday with shows at 2:30 p.m., and again at 7 p.m. The non-profit theatre company for area children has been bringing delightful programs to life for years, and Director Alicia Croxton is very busy, but excited about this year’s holiday offering, “It takes a lot of work by everyone, especially our young cast members. I’m very proud of all of them!”

The story opens as Miss Clavel takes her class on their morning walk, then back to school for French lessons, only to learn everyone is sick, except for the ever-resilient Madeline. Just when everyone thinks they will not be able to go home for the holiday, there is a magical knock on the door Christmas Eve, and the heartwarming adventure begins.

In the title role of Madeline is Katie Overstreet, a sixth-grader in the Excel program at Merry Acres Middle School. This is not Katie’s first stage performance for Croxton’s group. She has appeared in productions of “Bah Humbug”, “Dear Edwina”, “The Magic in Me”, “The Aristocats”, and “Annie Jr.”. Katie has been performing since she was even younger, in various productions at Lake Park Elementary School, including “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”, playing the leading role of Imogene Herdman. Katie is joined onstage by a cast ranging in ages from 6 to 17.

Miss Clavel is played by 15-year-old Brooks Anne Mitchell. Brooks is also an ACT UP! veteran, and has also performed with the Master’s Academy of Fine Arts productions of

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “The Trial of The Big Bad Wolf”. Twelve-year-old Dottie Ruth Mitchell, also a Merry Acres Excel student, plays Mrs. Murphy. Dottie has many ACT UP! credits including “Children’s Letters to God”, “Oz”, and “Annie Jr.”. Deerfield Windsor’s Hannah Stern has dual roles as Sasha and Madame Brun. Hannah has previously performed in the school production of “Fiddler on the Roof”, as well as the school’s one act, “Little Women the Musical”, going on to perform at the state and regional levels in the National Extemporaneous Speaking Competition, finishing second in the region.

Carstin Hasty plays Juliette. Carstin’s most recent performance was a Gretl in Theatre Albany’s “The Sound of Music”. Isabelle is played by Fallon Croxton. Fallon was in the Junior Theatre production of “School House Rock”, and was a singing doll in the Palladium Players’ presentation of “Big; The Musical”. Celia Croxton plays Domminique, and has appeared in many ACT Up! performances including, “The Aristocats,” “Children’s Letters to God”, and “Thumbelina”. Sherwood Christian Academy’s Emily Brunson takes on the part of Regine. She has appeared in several Junior Theatre productions, and was Louisa in Theatre Albany’s “The Sound of Music”. Emily is also currently rehearsing for SCA’s upcoming production of “Bah, Humbug”. Waverly Wahbeh is returning to the group as Camille, after her performance in “The Aristocats”. New to the stage in “Madeline’s Christmas” are Lillian Cromer, Micaela Knight, and Pate Hancock.

Croxton is co-directing “Madeline” along with Georgia Southwestern University student Casey Perkins. Perkins is also a yoga instructor at Darton and a veteran of area theatre including performances at Theatre Albany. He is also serving as the show’s stage manager. Erin Whatley, also enrolled at GSW, is the choreographer.

Advance tickets can be purchased a Maggie Moo’s or The Carriage Trade; $5 for kids, $10 for adults, and $15 for dress circle. You can also purchase tickets at the door on show day for $10 general admission, and $15 dress circle.

“We work hard to cover all our costs, and keep the ticket prices low so that more people in Albany can come and enjoy the experience of children’s theatre, especially the kids themselves,” said Croxton. “We want more of our young people in Albany to know that this is something they can do too.”

Croxton says that more shows are in development, including a special fund-raiser next year.

IN THE PHOTO ABOVE:  Katie Overstreet.

Tags: arts, theater
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Theatre Albany: Up and running!

– September 14, 2009Posted in: Events

The tradition of non-stop activity at Theatre Albany continues as the staff, performers, and volunteers, wrap up the first offering of the season, continue with rehearsals for the second, and prep for an exciting fund raising event in September. By the time the six main stage performances, two special events, and theatre summer youth camp concludes at season’s end, there are going to be some tired theatre folks around these parts, but they love it. They must, because after just a few days of rest, it will start all over again next August. That’s show biz!

If you’ve been of the mind that live theatre in Albany is something for those that prefer a low-key entertainment venue, then you’ve never experienced live theatre. The energy and excitement that builds between the performers and an engaged and receptive audience, is one of the most thrilling ways to spend a few hours. Even though the 2009/2010 Special Subscription Drive has concluded, you can still get a pro-rated, annual subscription to the remainder of the season, certainly by far, one of the best entertainment dollar values in Albany.

You just missed, “King Mackerel and The Blues Are Running”, a collection of tall tales and rollicking songs of the Carolina Coast, in the Diamond Studs and Pump Boys and Dinettes tradition, penned by Bland Simpson and Jim Wann with Don Dixon and J. L. Mills. The musicians, Steve Strowbridge, Brian Willian, Kevin Blaise, and Charlie Meyer had a blast and it showed. Folks had no idea the group had not played together before, assuming they were an established local band. It’s called talent; something Theatre Albany showcases very well.

Banks and Shane with Jim Durand to perform at Theatre Albany on September 18th.

Banks and Shane with Jim Durand to perform at Theatre Albany on September 18th.

They also know how to bring it in for special events, and on Friday night, September 18th, Theatre Albany will welcome Banks & Shane, with Jim Durand to the stage as they offer up, “A Tribute To The Kingston Trio” as a wonderful fund raiser for the organization. Tickets are on sale now at Theatre Albany and are $25 per person. You don’t want to miss what has been called a “magical” trip down memory lane.

In rehearsals now, and set to open October 9th is, “It Runs In The Family”, from the master of British farce, Ray Cooney. Gathering their comedic talents for this non-stop romp are, Doug Lorber, Francie Michas, Kathleen Stroup, Sara Mackenzie, Bill Mackenzie, Marty Falkner, Ron McGhee, Andrea McCoy, Kevin Armstrong, and Jason Wallace. Rest up, because Cooney’s style will wear everybody out by evening’s end, keeping them moving, and you laughing all night. This is going to be a hoot!

On the marquee for the holidays is another comedy, but southern style, “Christmas Belles”, by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jessie Wooten. The synopsis of the play at theatrealbany.com lays out a plot line that’s sure to get your attention and attendance: “A church Christmas program spins hilariously out of control in this Southern farce about squabbling sisters, family secrets, a surly Santa, a vengeful sheep and a reluctant Elvis impersonator!”

2010 will get off to a rousing, standing room only start in February with the return of Jennifer Varnedoe as country music legend, Pasty Cline, in “A Closer Walk With Pasty Cline”, by Dean Regan. Varnedoe’s previous incarnations as the legendary Cline have been amazing performances to watch, and this one is sure to be a sellout.

In March, Tom Ziegler’s “Grace and Glorie” will bring to the stage a beautifully written, stunningly lyrical, hilariously funny, and heartfelt play about two strong, stubborn women who unexpectedly forge a deep bond despite their disparate backgrounds. Also in March, the Theatre Albany board and volunteers will be holding their annual, and very popular St. Patrick’s Day fund raiser. Details will be forthcoming, so certainly watch for that.

The season’s finale in May, could not get much grander with “Big River, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”. Mark Twain’s timeless characters of Huck and his friend Jim, an escaped slave, will take us on that winding journey down the mighty Mississippi as they race to gain Jim’s freedom at the mouth of the Ohio River. The award winning score from country music giant, Roger Miller, will carry you along with the currents in this heartwarming and touching celebration of pure Americana.

This very active season at Theatre Albany is shaping up to be one of the best in years. For more information on the shows, season ticket purchases, special events, and opportunities for you to get involved, check out Theatre Albany on line at theatrealbany.com.

Tags: theater, theatre
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A little show of their own, horses set stage for safety at Albany Theatre

– September 5, 2009Posted in: Lifestyle

Going on three decades, Joe Monzie and Sandy McDonald have kept watch over the parking areas and grounds at Theatre Albany during performances. The two have served in their “role” as the organization’s mounted security officers since the early 1980s, first as members of the Albany Police Department’s Mounted Patrol, then as private individuals, upon retirement.

About 10 years ago, cutbacks, and changes in APD policy led to the decision to no longer provide security to the theatre because it was a privately chartered, non-profit organization, and not technically a part of city services. But the relationship between the two and Albany’s theatre-going community had been well established, so Monzie and McDonald opted continue offering the service once retired. It’s been a good thing for all concerned ever since.

Artistic Managing Director Mark Costello says the mounted patrol is a welcomed and valuable part of each show, and has come to be a real fixture at Theatre Albany.

“Our audiences take a lot of comfort in knowing they are out there. Joe and Sandy are very helpful,” said Costello, “controlling traffic so folks can cross Pine, getting to and from their vehicles safely.” It’s a task that they enjoy doing, and they are sincerely appreciated for doing it.

The pair certainly provide a valued service, but along with the added security and peace of mind that comes with two trained riders, and former police officers on horseback, is their contribution to the aesthetics of the event. Their own easygoing and personable demeanor, atop their steady steeds, sets a family-friendly and casual Southern tone, as audiences approach the antibellum home at 514 Pine Ave., that is Theatre Albany. It’s a little show of its own, even before you get inside.

McDonald says their horses understand full well when it’s time to go to work. They arrive about one hour before curtain in the back of the theatre where they are bridled, saddled, and brushed out, almost like actors themselves, in preparation for their big entrance. As they stride around to the front of the building, their gate takes on a certain boldness and certainty. They’ve been here for countless performances, they know the ropes, and they know exactly what to do.

“They really come to life”, says McDonald, “like, Oh, it’s showtime!” As theatre guests arrive, they cannot help but be impressed by the steady, confident animals, standing watch over the scene.

“They’re great!” exclaimed long-time Theatre Albany supporter, Dr. Charles Gillespie, as he walked up toward Sandy astride Honeybelle, a 23 year old mare, and retired veteran of APD herself. “Joe and Sandy aren’t bad either!” added Gillespie.

It’s obvious Honeybelle enjoys the attention, as she slightly steps forward, nodding her head as if to say, “Good to see you! Enjoy the show!” The job is as much public relations as it is security for McDonald and Monzie, and their animals seem to know that.

Theatre Albany, the city’s oldest cultural institution and one the highest-rated community theatres in the state, owes a lot of its success to its very small but dedicated staff, longtime patrons and supporters, wonderfully gifted performers, dedicated volunteers, and folks like Monzie and McDonald. They, too, understand that the show must go on.

LonMcNeil 09Written by Lon McNeil. Mr. McNeil is an Albany independent marketing consultant. Find him online at AlbanyOnPoint.

Tags: theater