Leawood Stage Company » Current Productions

Taking Tea with Shakespeare

mnemeth — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 20:42:05 +0000

EIGHTH ANNUAL “TAKING TEA WITH SHAKESPEARE & FRIENDS”

The Leawood Stage Company, Leawood Parks & Recreation, the Magna Carta Chapter of the Daughters of the British Empire and The Barn Players will host the eight annual “Taking Tea with Shakespeare” on Sunday, April 22^nd. There is nothing so quintessentially British as taking afternoon tea while enjoying the literature of Shakespeare.

Tea, along with a vast array of delectable tea sandwiches, scones and other sweets will be served by members of the Magna Carta chapter of the Daughters of the British Empire. During the tea, the Barn Players will present selected scenes from Shakespeare performed by Christiana and David Martin.

Doors of the Community Center will open at 1:30 p.m. and guests will be greeted with live music, Highland dancing, and displays by the sponsoring groups. A silent auction, raffles and door prizes will add to the ambience of the afternoon in honor of the Bard’s birthday.

Some attendees wear hats but there is no required dress code.

Seating is limited. Due to popularity, seats have sold out rapidly each year. Reservations are required and it is suggested that reservations be made early to secure seating for individuals at $17.00 per person or for a group at $96.00 for a table of 6. To make reservations or more information please call (913) 339-6700 x157.

Fiddler on The Roof

mnemeth — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 20:31:59 +0000

The Leawood Stage Company’s production of Fiddler on the Roof will be performed July 12, 13, 14, 15 & 19, 20, 21, at the Ironwoods Amphitheater in Ironwoods Park. Showtime is 8:00 pm, admission is free.

Additional information will be added closer to the time of the production.

“Fiddler on the Roof” Cast List Announced!!

mnemeth — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 22:01:03 +0000

Leawood Stage Company Announces “Fiddler on the Roof” Cast

The Leawood Stage Company is proud to announce the casting of the following people for the Broadway musical Fiddler on the Roof:

The Papas

Tevye	Rick Singers
Lazar Wolf	Ray Zarr
Mordcha	Mark Johnston
Rabbi	David Pendergass
Avarum	Paul Anderson
Nachum	Rod Chapin
Yussel	Ken Kasten
Constable	David Loethen
Priest	Tim Curran

Papa Ensemble

James Azeltine, Mike Brown, Bill Gintzel, David Ras, Forrest White

The Mamas

Golde	Tracy Fox
Yente	Joyce Hess
Fruma-Sarah	Janelle Grimes
Grandma Zitel	Pamela Klifar
Shandel	Cheryl Singers

Mama Ensemble

Corinne Bakker, Theresa DeBrevi, Debbie Huffman, Jami Jensen, Lana Jensen, Kathleen Marx, Lisa Ragan, Ramsey Self

The Sons

Motel	Ethan Platt
Perchik	Marcus Grimes
Fyrdka	Austin Klein
Mendel	Andrew Thompson
Sasha	Keith Klein
Boris	Sam Chapin

Son Ensemble

Levi Gerson, Jack Kelly, Aiden Lewis, Brennan Ragan, JP Smithson

The Daughters

Tzeitel	Meredith Hollan
Hodel	Erin Coleman
Chava	Paris Naster
Shprintze	Lauren Hurley
Bielke	Elizabeth Ragan

Daughter Ensemble

Andrea Azeltine, Hannah Chipchase, Charlotte Gilman, Katie Hagen, Kelsey Knecht, Rachael Phillips, Siena Raaice, Lindsey Reams, Maia Schoenberg, Maddie Smithson, Erin Stamer, Adelyn Stokes, Lauren Stollman

Leawood Stage Company is pleased to welcome Julie Ewing as director of her first production with Leawood. Julie has worked in video and film production and for many of the theater companies throughout the metropolitan area. Julie Ewing has put together an amazing artistic team consisting of Emmy Award winning Music Director, Darin Parker and Choreographer Marc Wayne known to the Kansas City Arts scene for his work with Störling Dance Theater and his own acclaimed contemporary jazz/modern company Maxxas Dance Theatre.

Fiddler on the Roof is simply Broadway at its very best. This musical includes some of the most loved songs the world over. Its celebrated score by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick features songs such as “Sunrise, Sunset”, “If I Were A Rich Man”, and “Matchmaker”.

Based on Sholem Aleichem’s stories by special permission of Arnold Perl, Fiddler on the Roof is rich in historical and ethnic detail. In the little village of Anatevka, Tevye, a poor dairyman, tries to instill in his five daughters the traditions of his tight-knit Jewish community in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia.

The show has touched audiences around the world with its humor, warmth and honesty. The universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy and sadness

The production of Fiddler on the Roof will be performed July 12, 13, 14, 15 & 19, 20, 21, at the Ironwoods Amphitheater in Ironwoods Park. Rehearsals will begin June 3^rd and will run Sunday through Thursday evenings.

Additional opportunities for staff, volunteers and orchestra members are available. For more information contact April Bishop at the City of Leawood, 913-339-6700 x157, or Email stageco@leawood.org, or go to the LSC website at www.leawoodstageco.org.

Fiddler on the Roof Character Descriptions

mnemeth — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:59:41 +0000

Remember, auditions for the Leawood Stage Company’s production of Fiddler on the Roof are March 3rd and 4th! (See the audition announcement here). Below are descriptions of the characters in the show, vocal ranges and the songs they are in.

Tevye, the dairyman Baritone (40 – 60)	Tevye is a likeable, hard-working, pious man who sees the positive side of life. Strong patriarch but gentle father of 5 daughters he has raised according to the Scriptures. He is humorous and relaxed, but when pushed, can show stubbornness and rage. Strong actor who must carry the show and have a good connection with the audience.
Tradition If I Were a Rich Man Sabbath Prayer To Life Tevye’s Monologue The Dream Sunrise, Sunset Tevye’s Rebuttal Do You Love Me? Chava Sequence Anatevka

Golde, Tevye’s wife Mezzo (35 – 60)	Golde is the real strength behind Tevye, the one who keeps the household going. She is very concerned that her daughters make good matches and have easier lives than she & Tevye have had. Good comic timing for very funny lines.
Tradition Sabbath Prayer The Dream Sunrise, Sunset Do You Love Me? Anatevka

Yente, the matchmaker Alto (40 – 65)	Yente is the middle-aged widow who matches up the young people of the village in the hopes that they will marry. She is the village busybody and knows all the news of the town. She is the comedienne of the show.
Tradition Sunrise, Sunset Anatevka

Lazar Wolf, the butcher Baritone (35 – 60)	Lazar is the town’s wealthiest citizen & is the same age, if not older, than Tevye. He wants to marry, by traditional parental agreement, Tevye’s daughter, Tzeitel. Promising to give her a good & secure life. A feisty, comic role.
Tradition To Life Sunrise, Sunset Anatevka

Tzeitel, the eldest daughter Mezzo (18 – 22)	Tzeitel is the first daughter to marry and the first to challenge the traditions. She has a desperate crying scene with Tevye when faced with marrying Lazar Wolf instead of Motel, who she really loves. A strong dramatic actress.
Tradition Matchmaker Anatevka

Motel, the tailor Tenor (19 – 25)	Motel is a rather meek & poor tailor who seeks the hand of Tzeitel, and comes into his own in the process! This is a terrific character role needing a sensitive, nervous but loveable portrayal.
Tradition Miracle of Miracles Anatevka

Hodel, the 2nd eldest daughter Mezzo (17 – 20)	Hodel becomes intrigued with the radical, young student, Perchik. She eventually leaves Anatevka to join him in Siberia where he is imprisoned for his reform activities. Hodel sings a haunting solo as she says goodbye to her father at the train station.
Tradition Matchmaker Sunrise, Sunset Far From the Home I Love

Perchik, the student Tenor (20 – 30)	Perchik is a visitor to Anatevka, and therefore, an outsider. He brings with him radical new ideas that challenge the traditions. He falls for Hodel. This role requires an actor capable of showing intensity and an unfailing commitment to his beliefs.
Tradition Sunrise, Sunset Now I Have Everything

Chava, the 3rd eldest daughter Mezzo (15 – 20)	Chava is the scholarly daughter who loves to read. She falls in love and runs off with Fyedka, a Russian soldier, and breaks her father’s heart. This role requires a capable dramatic actress who can perform an emotional dance.
Tradition Matchmaker Sunrise, Sunset Anatevka

Fyedka, a Russian soldier Tenor (18 – 25)	Fyedka, a strong young soldier, sees past his military obligations and falls in love with Chava. He challenges Tevye’s imposed silence towards him. Fyedka has a solo in “To Life” and dances a Russian dance with his fellow soldiers.
To Life Anatevka

Shprintze & Bielke	The two youngest daughters of Tevye & Golde. They take lessons at home from Perchik & appear in several scenes with some speaking lines.
Tradition Sunrise, Sunset Anatevka

The Constable	This Russian military official stationed near Anatevka, knows the villagers well, and even likes some of them, particularly Tevye. But these superficial relationships don’t prevent him from carrying out violence against the people. This is a non-singing role requiring a strong actor.
Non-singing

The Rabbi Baritone (40 – 70)	Anatevka’s Jewish spiritual leader.
Tradition The Dream Anatevka

Mendel, the Rabbi’s son Baritone (16 – 24)	The Rabbi’s son. He is uncertain of the presence of Perchik in the village.
Tradition Sunrise, Sunset Anatevka

Mordcha, the innkeeper	Runs the bar in town and is a friend of Tevye.
Tradition Sunrise, Sunset Anatevka

Avram, the bookseller	Runs the bookshop in town and keeps the town advised of all of the news in the area.
Tradition Sunrise, Sunset The Rumor Anatevka

Grandma Tzeitel Mezzo (40 – 70)	Grandma Tzeitel is a ghost figure who appears in the Dream Scene and has a wonderful solo, endorsing the marriage of Tzeitel to Motel. It is a very entertaining & memorable role. This actress will also appear as a villager.
Tradition The Dream Sunrise, Sunset Anatevka

Fruma-Sarah Mezzo (25 – 50)	Fruma-Sarah is also a ghost figure who appears in the Dream Scene. She portrays Lazar Wolf’s departed wife & becomes enraged that her husband plans on marrying Tzeitel. It is a show-stopping scene requiring a strong singer (Belter) to carry a challenging solo. This actress will also appear as a villager.
Tradition The Dream Sunrise, Sunset Anatevka

Nachum	The town beggar.
*Chorus songs

Yussel	The town Hatter.
*Chorus songs

Shandel	The mother of Motel
*Chorus songs

Sasha & Boris	Fyedka’s Russian friends & fellow soldiers.
*Chorus songs

Priest	Christian spiritual leader. Will also play a villager.
*Chorus songs

Villagers, Russians & Dancers	These chorus members will portray the people of the village as either Papas, Mamas, Sons or Daughters. Also, Russian soldiers and featured dancers. There will be double casting in these areas as needed. Some smaller speaking roles & solos will be determined during rehearsals.
Chorus Songs Include: Tradition To Life The Dream Sunrise, Sunset Anatevka

Auditions for “Fiddler on the Roof”

mnemeth — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:44:31 +0000

The Leawood Stage Company will hold auditions for Fiddler on the Roof on Saturday, March 3^rd from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm and Sunday March 4^th from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at Leawood City Hall. Enter the building through the north doors. Audition applications will be accepted 30 minutes prior to the end of each time period. Call backs will be held by appointment on Sunday evening March 4th.

Calling all actors, singers and dancers ages 7 through adult.

Leawood Stage Company is pleased to welcome Julie Ewing as director of her first production with Leawood. Julie has worked in video and film production and for many of the theater companies throughout the metropolitan area. Julie Ewing has put together an amazing artistic team consisting of Emmy Award winning Music Director, Darin Parker and Choreographer Marc Wayne, known to the Kansas City Arts scene for his work with Störling Dance Theater and his own acclaimed contemporary jazz/modern company Maxxas Dance Theatre.

We encourage performers with all types of backgrounds, ethnicity and experience from 7 to 77 to audition. Be a part of this fabulous community theater experience where the Leawood Stage Company focuses on family fun for the 14^th year. Fiddler on the Roof features great roles for adults and teens.

Everyone auditioning must be prepared to sing 16 measures from any musical, other than Fiddler on the Roof, with live accompaniment. There will be an accompanist provided so all those who audition are requested to bring sheet music in your key. Everyone should also be prepared to participate in a short dance/movement audition. Comfortable dress and shoes are suggested for the dance audition. Bring a photo and resume if available. No appointment time is necessary.

Playwriting Workshop by playwright Kirby Fields

tracie — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 03:33:44 +0000

Playwriting Workshop
by playwright Kirby Fields

April 2, 2011

Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Oak Room, lower level of Leawood City Hall
4800 Town Center Drive, Leawood, KS 66211

Free Admission!

Leawood Stage Company Presents a Playwriting Workshop

The Leawood Stage Company is pleased to present a free workshop on Playwriting in the Oak Room of the Community Center, lower level of Leawood City Hall, 4800 Town Center Drive beginning at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 2nd.

The workshop will be presented by New York City based playwright, Kirby Fields. He will take participants through a discussion of a play’s structure and apply it to a number of examples. Writers should leave with an idea for a short play of their own.

Kirby Fields received his MFA in Playwriting from Carnegie Mellon University. His plays were developed as part of the Kettle of Inspiration Reading Series, the Michigan Theater Festival, the F.A.C.T. Words & Wine Series and Beginnings at Happy Ending. Fields’ play Flood was featured in the 2010 Samuel French Off Broadway Short Play Festival and another play was accepted at the upcoming NY 15-Minute Play Festival. He is a founding member of the 61A writers group and a regular contributor to PopMatters.com.

After growing up in Joplin, MO, Fields arrived at the University of Kansas for graduate school. While at KU, Kirby fell in with Paul Lim and English Alternative Theater (EAT), a theater company housed within an English department. Inspired by EAT’s commitment to produce student works, Fields decided to put down on paper an idea that had been brewing for a number of years. He wrote his first play over spring break and by fall it was in front of an audience. That was the turning point; playwriting took over Fields’ focus.

The workshop will be held in association with the stage production of Down on Memminger presented by Leawood Stage Company the same weekend. Down on Memminger is an exploration of a young man’s interaction with his family and former girlfriend as he deals with uncontrollable pain resulting from a lifelong physical aliment.

The Leawood Stage Company will host this unique opportunity audiences to learn more about the process of creating a script. As part of our mission, LSC will present this workshop free of charge the education of the community. Space is limited so reservations requested.

See a free staged dramatic reading of Down on Memminger by playwright Kirby Fields in the Oak Room of the Community Cetner, lower level of Leawood City Hall, 4800 Town Center Drive. Friday and Saturday performances will begin at 8:00 p.m. with a Sunday matinee at 2:00 p.m. Following each performance the audience will interact with the playwright in a question and answer period. Discover how Fields was inspired to write the play and about his process.

For more information or to make reservations, contact the Cultural Arts Coordinator at the City of Leawood, April Bishop 913-339-6700 x157.

Theatrical Production of “Down on Memminger”

tracie — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 03:10:26 +0000

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THROUGH April 3, 2011

April Bishop
Cultural Arts Coordinator
(913) 339-6700 ext. 157

Theatrical Production of “Down on Memminger”

April 1, 2 & 3, 2011
Friday and Saturday 8:00 p.m.
Sunday 2:00 p.m.
Oak Room, lower level of Leawood City Hall
4800 Town Center Drive, Leawood, KS 66211

Leawood Stage Company Presents “Down on Memminger”

The Leawood Stage Company is pleased to present a script-in-hand dramatic reading of Down on Memminger by playwright Kirby Fields in the Oak Room on the lower level of Leawood City Hall, 4800 Town Center Drive. Three free performances will be held on Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and a Sunday matinee will begin at 2:00 pm.

Down on Memminger is the story of a young man’s interaction with his family and former girlfriend as he deals with uncontrollable pain resulting from a lifelong physical aliment. Directed by Petra Allen, Down on Memminger features actors Paul Anderson, Whitney Beiler, Irene Blend and Michael Bunn.

LSC will host a unique opportunity for audiences to meet playwright, Kirby Fields. Following each performance the audience will interact with the playwright in a question and answer period. Discover how Fields was inspired to write the play and about his process.

Don’t miss this moving dramatic production and a chance to interact with the playwright. For more information contact the Cultural Art Coordinator at the City of Leawood, 913-339-6700 x157.

Cast List for “Bye Bye Birdie”

tracie — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 02:46:25 +0000

Leawood Stage Company Announces “Bye Bye Birdie” Cast

The Leawood Stage Company is proud to announce the casting of the following people for the Broadway musical Bye Bye Birdie:

Albert Peterson… Mike Saxton

Rose Alvarez… Ashley Wheat

Conrad Birdie… Brian Shortess

Kim Macafee… Ashley Harrell

Doris Macafee… Tracy Fox

Harry Macaffee… Bruce Efron

Randolph Macaffee… Ethan Ellis

Mae Peterson… Irene Blend

Hugo Peabody… Brian Huther

Ursula Merkle… Jamie Lin

Harvey Johnson… Guy Gardner

Teen Ensemble

Kelsey Rodriguez, Haley Knudsen, Sophia Fields, Rachael Phillips, Ashlee Warnke, Edanne Summers, Joy Jansen, Kelsey Knecht, Charlotte Gilman, Molly Lindsay, Hannah Eldred, Rachel Stang, Maia Schoenberg, Katy Hagen, Kali Jackson, Nick Perry, Scott White, John Hanson

Adult Ensemble

Mike Brown, Andy Sprehe, John Van de Voort, Marshall Rimann, Ray Zarr, Max Mauro, James Azeltine, Steve Parder, Ken Kasten, Bill Bergman, Chris Abbick, Timothy Marmon, Annette Fiorini, Jeanne Marx, Debbie Huffman, JoAnna Bledsoe, Kathleen Marx, Corinne Bakker

Children Ensemble

Kylie Brown, Connor Clary, Reena Burt, Andrea Azeltine, Bella Kuehl, Grace Abbick

LSC is pleased to welcome back Eric Van Horn as director for the second time in Leawood. Van Horn last directed Brigadoon for LSC in the summer of 2009. Most of Van Horn’s talented staff has worked for the City of Leawood in past productions. This promises to be a fun filled summer for the Leawood Stage Company and its audiences.

Bye Bye Birdie is a Broadway musical satire of Mid-century Modern America. The story centers around Conrad Birdie, an Elvis Presley type rock & roll singer, who is about to be inducted into the army. Birdie travels to Sweet Apple, Ohio to give a typical teen-age girl from his fan club a good-bye kiss on the Ed Sullivan Show.

With book by Michael Stewart, music by Charles Strouse, and lyrics by Lee Adams, Bye Bye Birdie is a blast of imagination and frivolity. Bye Bye Birdie will be performed July 14, 15, 16, 17, & 21, 22, 23, at the Ironwoods Amphitheater in Ironwoods Park.

Additional opportunities for staff, volunteers and orchestra members are available.

For more information go to the LSC website at www.leawoodstageco.org or contact April Bishop, Cultural Arts Coordinator, City of Leawood, 913-339-6700 x157, or Email stageco@leawood.org.

“Bye Bye Birdie” Auditions

tracie — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 17:50:26 +0000

“Bye Bye Birdie” Auditions

for Leawood Stage Company

Saturday March 5 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and
Sunday March 6 from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Audition applications will be accepted up to 30 minutes prior to end of each time period.

audition location:
Leawood City Hall, Oak Room
4800 Town Center Drive
Leawood, KS 66211

PRESS RELEASE

Leawood Stage Company Sets Audition Dates for“Bye Bye Birdie”

Calling all actors, singers and dancers ages 7 through adult. The Leawood Stage Company will hold auditions for the summer production of Bye Bye Birdie on Saturday, March 5th from 10:00 a.m.to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 6th from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. in the Oak Room of the Community Center, on the lower level of Leawood City Hall (enter the building through the north doors). Call-backs will be held Monday evening March 7th by appointment.

Leawood Stage Company is pleased to welcome Eric Van Horn back as director of this production. Van Horn last directed Brigadoon for LSC in the summer of 2009. Bye Bye Birdie will be a fun show for the cast as well as audiences. Bye Bye Birdie is a Broadway musical satire of Mid-century Modern America. The story centers around Conrad Birdie, an Elvis Presley type rock & roll singer, who is about to be inducted into the army. Birdie travels to Sweet Apple, Ohio to give a typical teen-age girl from his fan club a good-bye kiss on the Ed Sullivan Show.

We encourage performers with all types of backgrounds, ethnicity and experience from 7 to 77 to audition. Be a part of this fabulous community theater experience where the Leawood Stage Company focuses on family fun for the 13th year. Bye Bye Birdie features great roles for teens and adults.

Everyone auditioning must be prepared to sing 16 measures from any musical other than Bye Bye Birdie with live accompaniment. There will be an accompanist provided so all those who audition are requested to bring sheet music in your key. Everyone should also be prepared to participate in a short dance/movement audition. Comfortable dress and shoes are suggested for the dance audition. Bring a photo and resume, if available. No appointment time is necessary.

The production of Bye Bye Birdie will be performed July 14, 15, 16, 17, & 21, 22, 23, at the Ironwoods Amphitheater in Ironwoods Park.

Additional opportunities for staff, volunteers and orchestra members are available. For more information go to the LSC website at www.leawoodstageco.org or contact April Bishop at the City of Leawood, 913-339-6700 x157, or Email stageco@leawood.org.

“Sunday in the Park with George”

tracie — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 23:25:23 +0000

LSC will present the Broadway musical Sunday in the Park with George as a concert style production in the Lodge at Ironwoods Park, 14701 Mission Road, Leawood, KS 66224. Friday and Saturday October 15^th and 16^th, performances will begin at 8:00 p.m. Evening performances will be table seated “Dessert Theater”, featuring dessert and beverages for $10 per person or $70 per table of 8.

A free Sunday matinee on October 17th will be theater style seating with no food or
drinks beginning at 2:00 pm.

Sunday in the Park with George is the perfect date night or an event for a group!

Reservations are required for all three performances. For more information, or to make reservations phone 913-339-6700 x157 or email aprilb@leawood.org.

Leawood Stage Company » Current Productions

Taking Tea with Shakespeare

Fiddler on The Roof

“Fiddler on the Roof” Cast List Announced!!

Fiddler on the Roof Character Descriptions

Auditions for “Fiddler on the Roof”

Playwriting Workshop by playwright Kirby Fields

Playwriting Workshop by playwright Kirby Fields

April 2, 2011

Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Oak Room, lower level of Leawood City Hall 4800 Town Center Drive, Leawood, KS 66211

Free Admission!

Leawood Stage Company Presents a Playwriting Workshop

Theatrical Production of “Down on Memminger”

PRESS RELEASE

Cast List for “Bye Bye Birdie”

Leawood Stage Company Announces “Bye Bye Birdie” Cast

“Bye Bye Birdie” Auditions

“Bye Bye Birdie” Auditions

PRESS RELEASE

“Sunday in the Park with George”

Playwriting Workshop
by playwright Kirby Fields

Oak Room, lower level of Leawood City Hall
4800 Town Center Drive, Leawood, KS 66211