Leawood Parks and Recreation and the Leawood Stage Company are pleased to offer “Will’s Players” a camp presented by the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival. This half-day, one week camp will be held in the Lodge at Ironwoods Park, 147th & Mission Road in Leawood, Kansas, Monday through Friday, July 9 – 13 from 8:30 – 11:30 am.

Campers will explore literature and the life and times of Shakespeare while creating their own version of a play. Drama, visual arts and storytelling come together in this delightful camp.

This Camp Shakespeare offering is a Summer Education Program presented by the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival. The festival’s education faculty includes theatre professionals, actors, and teachers with years of experience teaching and performing Shakespeare.

Will’s Players campers will participate in games, crafts and improvisations. They will share their work with friends and family during the final day of camp.

“Will’s Players” is designed for children ages 5 – 8. The fee for the five day camp is $125.00 per camper.

For more information please call (816) 531-7728 or go to www.kcshakes.org.

Register for “Will’s Players” with either the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival or Leawood Parks and Recreation online at http://webtrac.leawood.org/, or by phone at 913-339-6700 x154.

“Titanic: The Musical” Sets Sail in Leawood

The Leawood Stage Company, in cooperation with Leawood Parks and Recreation, is pleased to present a concert style production of the Broadway musical Titanic: The Musical in the Lodge at Ironwoods Park, 14701 Mission Road, Leawood, KS 66224.  Friday and Saturday, April 13^th and 14^th, performances will begin at 8:00 p.m.  On Sunday, April 15^th the matinee performance will beginning at 2:00 pm.

This opportunity comes along only once every 100 years. This production of Titanic: The Musical will honor the 100 anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. The musical is based on the true story of the maiden voyage from the launching in Southampton, England to the sinking in the Atlantic by an iceberg, played out against the background of the rigid class-distinctions of the Edwardian Age.

The show examines the lives of the actual passengers aboard the great ship focusing on their hopes and dreams and vulnerability in the face catastrophe. The Third Class immigrants dream of a better life in America, the newly-enfranchised Second Class dream of achieving the lifestyles of the rich and famous and the millionaire-Barons of the First Class dream of their supremacy lasting forever.

The ship itself, a dream deemed unsinkable by the ship’s Architect, journeys into legend in the hands of its Captain, and Crew, who reveal their perspectives on why the ship was going too fast, saw the iceberg too late and could not summon help to arrive in time.

Titanic: The Musical opened on Broadway in 1997 and played for 804 performances at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre and won 5 Tony Awards including Best Musical. Titanic’s expressive lyrics by uplifting score by Maury Yetson, and brilliant book by Peter Stone, create a moving and memorable experience for the audiences.

Directed by Shelly Stewart, with music direction by Kevin Hershberger, this Leawood Stage Company production will be presented concert style. The stellar cast of 42 members and full orchestra are comprised of volunteers with amazing talent. Together they will create a theatrical experience that audiences will be talking about for years to come.

Ticket for all performances will be bargain priced at only $5.00 per person (cash or checks only, no credit cards please).  Due to the limited number of seats inside the Lodge, advance tickets are now available for purchase at the Parks and Recreation desk on the lower level of Leawood City Hall, 4800 Town Center Drive, Leawood, KS 66211.

For more information contact the Cultural Art Coordinator at the City of Leawood, 913-339-6700 x157.

The Leawood Stage Company, in cooperation with Leawood Parks and Recreation, is pleased to present a concert style production of the Broadway musical Titanic: The Musical in the Lodge at Ironwoods Park, 14701 Mission Road, Leawood, KS 66224.  Friday and Saturday, April 13^th and 14^th, performances will begin at 8:00 p.m.  On Sunday, April 15^th the matinee performance will beginning at 2:00 pm.

This production of Titanic: The Musical will honor the 100 anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. The musical is based on the true story of the maiden voyage from Southampton, England to the sinking in the Atlantic by an iceberg. The show examines the lives of the passengers and crew dealing with class issues, immigration and vulnerability in the face catastrophe. It opened on Broadway in 1997 and won 5 Tony Awards including Best Musical.

Titanic’s expressive lyrics by uplifting score by Maury Yetson, and brilliant book by Peter Stone, create a moving and memorable experience for the cast and audiences.

Directed by Shelly Stewart, with music direction by Kevin Hershberger, this Leawood Stage Company production will be presented concert style. Ticket for all performances will be bargain priced at only $5.00 per person (cash or checks only, no credit cards please).  Due to the limited number of seats inside the Lodge, advance tickets are now available for purchase at the Parks and Recreation desk on the lower level of Leawood City Hall, 4800 Town Center Drive, Leawood, KS 66211.

For more information contact the Cultural Art Coordinator at the City of Leawood, 913-339-6700 x157 or go to www.leawoodstageco.org.

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.

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

Papa Ensemble

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

The Mamas

Mama Ensemble

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

The Sons

Son Ensemble

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

The Daughters

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.

For the first time, the Leawood Stage Company and Leawood Parks and Recreation Department are teaming up with the Starlight Theatre Academy to offer youth acting classes in Leawood!

SPRING CLASSES begin January 26th!

For class information, contact Starlight Theatre’s Education Department:
(816) 997-1134 or visit www.kcstarlight.com. 
To register, contact Leawood Parks and Recreation:
(913) 339-6700 x 157.

7 week classes only $140 per student! ($145 for non-residents)

All classes are held in conjunction with Leawood Parks and Recreation.

Grades 1-3

Acting I – Adventures in Acting
This class explores the basics of being an actor. Your beginning performer will gain self-confidence as they learn to command a stage and work with classmates to exercise their imaginations. Your child will use improvisation, movement, and storytelling to find character and their own voice. Every student will love this chance to expand their creativity through physical, energizing, and engaging theatre.  Family and friends of Starlight Theatre Academy students are invited to observe the final class session.

Dates:  Thursdays, January 26-March 8
Time:  5:30-6:30 p.m.

Musical Theatre I – Sing Out
This class will guide young singers to share the song in their heart. Children will begin to apply the basics of singing including breath control, vocal projection, pitch and more, in order to craft their skills as a young vocalist. We will work with students to develop confidence on stage and select songs that showcase their fun and unique personalities. Students will be excited to use their voices after learning how to manage and explore their own talents. Family and friends of Starlight Theatre Academy students are invited to observe the final class session.

Dates:  Thursdays, January 26-March 8
Time:  6:30-7:30 p.m.

Grades 4-6

Acting II – Journeys in Acting
This is the next step in developing your student’s acting skills as they explore more techniques in the world of acting with theatre professionals. Your children will stretch their creative thinking abilities by acting with classmates through improvisation and storytelling. Students will apply theatrical vocabulary, various acting techniques, and use of their bodies to create performances onstage. This is the perfect environment for students to build a performance through creativity and cooperation. Family and friends of Starlight Theatre Academy students are invited to observe the final class session.

Dates:  Thursdays, January 26-March 8
Time:  6:30-7:30 p.m.

Musical Theatre II – Showstoppers
Students will strengthen their skills and confidence as vocalists as they sing some of Broadway’s most popular musicals. Students work together to expand their group and solo singing skills through more advanced techniques. Your child will work with instructors to further understand proper breath control, phrasing, tone, and expressing character through song through more challenging selections.  Family and friends of Starlight Theatre Academy students are invited to observe the final class session.

Dates:  Thursdays, January 26-March 8
Time:  5:30-6:30 p.m.

This production of Titanic: The Musical will honor the 100 anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. The musical is based on the true story of the maiden voyage from Southampton, England to the sinking in the Atlantic by an iceberg. The show examines the lives of the passengers and crew dealing with class issues, immigration and vulnerability in the face catastrophe. It opened on Broadway in 1997 and won 5 Tony Awards including Best Musical.

“Titanic’s” expressive lyrics by uplifting score by Maury Yeston, and brilliant book by Peter Stone, create a moving and memorable experience for the cast and audiences.

Directed by Shelly Stewart, with music direction by Kevin Hershberger, this Leawood Stage Company production will be presented concert style. Performances will run, Friday, April 13 thru Sunday, April 15, 2012 at the Lodge in Ironwoods Park at 147^th & Mission Road.  Admission is $5.

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The Leawood Stage Company is proud to announce the casting of the Broadway musical Titanic.

OFFICERS

Eric Magnus                 Thomas Andrews – Designer/Builder

Reed Uthe                      J. Bruce Ismay – Owner

Bob Allen                      Captain E. J. Smith

Gary Stang                    William Murdoch – 1^st Officer

Miles Wirth                   Lightoller – 2^nd Officer

Kevin Rehner                Harold Bride – Radioman

Graham Fairleigh         Fredrick Barrett – Stoker

Ray Zarr                          Henry Etches – 1^st Class Steward

FIRST CLASS PASSENGERS

Bill Ellwood                   Isidor Strauss

Vicky Delaughder      Ida Strauss

Greg Toplikar               John J. Astor

Sarah Montoya            Madeline Astor

Ken Kasten                      Benjamin Guggenheim

Debbie Blinn                 Mme. Aubert

John Van de Voort       John B. Thayer

Diane Garrett                Marion Thayer

Andrew Stout               Jack Thayer

Rob Halifax                    George Widener

Sonja Coombes           Eleanor Widener

Erica Baruth                 Charlotte Cardoza

SECOND CLASS PASSENGERS

Trudy Hurley               Alice Beane

Bill Bergman                 Edgar Beane

Jeff Williams                 Charles Clark

Sara Blakesley              Caroline Neville

THIRD CLASS PASSENGERS

Corey Schooler             Jim Farrell

Rachel Adcock              Kate McGowen

Alisha Garnier              Kate Mullins

Courtney Koval            Kate Murphey

ENSEMBLE

          Michael Abernathy

          JoAnna Bledsoe

          Erin Coleman     

          Jonathan Garnier

          Paula Harms

          Patti Howell

          MB Hurst

          Bianca Jordan

          Julia Kasten

          Rosemary Kasten

          Zach Lofland

          Meghan Newman

          Lexi Pudvan

This production of Titanic: The Musical will honor the 100 anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. The musical is based on the true story of the maiden voyage from Southampton, England to the sinking in the Atlantic by an iceberg. The show examines the lives of the passengers and crew dealing with class issues, immigration and vulnerability in the face catastrophe. It opened on Broadway in 1997 and won 5 Tony Awards including Best Musical.

“Titanic’s” expressive lyrics by uplifting score by Maury Yetson, and brilliant book by Peter Stone, create a moving and memorable experience for the cast and audiences.

Directed by Shelly Stewart, with music direction by Kevin Hershberger, this Leawood Stage Company production will be presented concert style. Performances will run, Friday, April 13 thru Sunday, April 15, 2012 at the Lodge in Ironwoods Park at 147^th & Mission Road.

Leawood Stage Company Presents Play Development Workshop

The Leawood Stage Company is pleased to present a free workshop on the Process of New Play Development in the Oak Room on the lower level of Leawood City Hall, 4800 Town Center Drive beginning at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 29^th.

You’ve seen new plays – but how do they get to the stage?  The American theatre is begging for new models of play development and there is widespread agreement in the field that the choices of new work nationwide are becoming homogenized.

The workshop will be presented by New York City based staff members Morgan Allen and Erin Detrick of New Dramatists, the nation’s premier laboratory for playwrights.  They will take participants through a crash-course in the old models, why they don’t work, and how New Dramatists is working to improve the quality of life for playwrights.

Morgan Allen is in his sixth season as General Manager of New Dramatists, where he oversees and manages bookkeeping/financial accounting, benefits administration and participates in budgeting and financial reporting, as well as coordinating the annual Spring Luncheon, among other responsibilities.  As a playwright, he is the co-author with Mitch Montgomery of Triumph of the Underdog, which was produced during the 2008 New York International Fringe Festival.  His short play, Leap, was featured as part of Prospect Theater Company’s Dark Nights Series in 2006 and can be seen as part of the LSC production of Six One Act Plays.

Erin Detrick is in her fourth season as the Artistic Programs Administrator at New Dramatists, and first had the pleasure of working with the organization as an intern in 2003.  Previously, she was the Publications Director for Playscripts, Inc.  With Playscripts, she co-edited Funny, Strange, Provocative: Seven Plays from Clubbed Thumb and three monologue collections.  As a dramaturge, Erin’s freelance credits include work with Actors Theatre of Louisville, Cleveland Public Theatre, the 24Seven Lab, Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre, and a variety of workshop productions.

The Leawood Stage Company will host this unique opportunity for audiences to learn more about the process of developing a script.  As part of our mission, LSC will present this workshop free of charge for the education of the community.  This New Play Development Workshop will be held in association with the Leawood Stage Company’s production of Six One Act Plays.

See a free staged dramatic reading of Six One Act Plays by four playwrights in the Oak Room on the 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 playwrights in a question and answer period.  Discover how they were inspired to write their plays and about their process.

For more information contact the Cultural Arts Coordinator at the City of Leawood, 913-339-6700 x157.