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Pacific Stageworks Presents “The Mikado” July 5-7

 

Pacific Stageworks, for one weekend only, is presenting Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado”,  July 5-7 at the Heathman Lodge, at 2 pm (Sat. & Sun.) & 8 pm.

A zesty musical comedy sparkling with wit and whimsy, director Tony Bump places the performance of “The Mikado” in a modern cocktail party/fundraiser for a local theatre company.  AudiencPlaye members are encouraged to dress in a kimono and sing along with familiar songs such as “Three Little Maids from School,” “Tit Willow,” and “To Sit In Solemn Silence.”

Ko-Ko learns of a decree from the Mikado (David Hicks of Portland) that, unless an execution occurs within a month, the city will be reduced to the rank of a village. Neither the noble lord Pish-Tush (Gary Bock of Ridgefield) nor the Lord High Everything Else, Pooh-Bah (IZ Darling of Portland), will volunteer to be executed. Complications occur with the arrival of the Mikado, accompanied by the ever-formidable Katisha.

Additional cast members include Jeanna Reed (Battle Ground), Kathleen Jung (Ridgefield), Ashley Hall (Bellingham), Garry Bastian & Zak Campbell (Vancouver), and Kaylen Ostrom (Camas).

Witty lyrics and brilliantly constructed plot twists make this light-hearted tale of forbidden love, deception, and beheadings a favorite among theatre-goers since 1885.

Tickets are $15 in advance or $17 at the door.  Audience members wearing a kimono will receive a $1 discount.  Tickets may be ordered at www.pacificstageworks.com or by calling 360-213-5174.  Please do not contact the Heathman Lodge with questions. The Heathman Lodge is located at 7801 NE Greenwood Dr. Vancouver, WA 98662.

 

 

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“A Place at the Table” Addresses Hunger

CAMAS, WA – The Liberty Theatre, in association with the Camas Farmer’s Market will debut the SW Washington screening of “A Place at the Table” on Wednesday, June 12 following the opening night of the market.

Fifty million people in the U.S.—one in four children—don’t know where their next meal is coming from. Directors Kristi Jacobson and Lori Silverbush examine the issue of hunger in America through the lens of three people struggling with food insecurity: Barbie, a single Philadelphia mother who grew up in poverty and is trying to provide a better life for her two kids; Rosie, a Colorado fifth-grader who often has to depend on friends and neighbors to feed her and has trouble concentrating in school; and Tremonica, a Mississippi second-grader whose asthma and health issues are exacerbated by the largely empty calories her hardworking mother can afford.

Their stories are interwoven with insights from experts. Ultimately, “A Place at the Table” shows us how hunger poses serious economic, social and cultural implications for our nation, and that it could be solved once and for all, if the American public decides — as they have in the past — that making healthy food available and affordable is in the best interest of us all.

Because this is such an important issue, The Liberty management along with the Camas Farmer’s Market is showing the film on a “pay what you can” basis. “We want as many people as possible to see this film” says Rand Thornsley, Managing Director of the Liberty Theatre. Any money raised beyond the cost of licensing the film is being donated to support the Camas Farmer’s Market.   Admission is limited to the theatres occupancy of 350 people. Doors will open at 8 pm and the show will start at 8:15.

Jeff Bridges stars in “A Place at the Table.”
 

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Laugh Out Loud! Short Film Festival at Liberty

This is a one-night only event at the Liberty Theater in downtown Camas, beginning at 8 pm Thursday. According to the Liberty, “The funniest movie you’ll see this year is actually nine movies. In the style of traditional film festivals, the second annual Laugh Out Loud Short Film Fest, features nine hilarious short comedies from some of the world’s best unknown filmmakers.” The directors of these nine films share their outrageous views on familiar topics, such as relationships, drinking, and careers.

As a competition, audience voting will determine which short comedy will win the coveted “Audience Choice Award.” Get in on the fun and vote for your favorite short comedy. Edgy adult humor is the norm, so this film is not for the easily offended.

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Journey Theater Presents “Annie Get Your Gun”

The Journey Theater Arts Group is presenting multiple performances, beginning this Friday, of Irving Berlin’s “Annie Get Your Gun” at the Washburn Performing Arts Center in Washougal.

Annie
Annie Oakley is the best shot around, and she manages to support her little brothers and sisters by selling the game she hunts. When she’s discovered by Col. Buffalo Bill, he persuades this sharpshooter to join his Wild West Show. It only takes one glance for her to fall for shooting ace Frank Butler, who headlines the show.

Annie soon eclipses Butler as the main attraction, which is good for business, but upsets the budding  romance. Butler eventually leaves to join a rival show, and is ultimately pitted against Annie in a final shoot-out. The finale hits the mark in a testament to the power of female ingenuity.

The theater is located at 1201 39th Street, Washougal, WA 98671. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at www.journeytheater.org

 

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Theater: “Once Upon a Mattress” Premieres

Theater performance begins Thursday.

CAMAS — The Liberty Middle School drama team has been hard at work getting ready for their Thursday night opening of their play, “Once Upon a Mattress.”

The musical begins at 7 pm Thursday, May 16 at CHS Theatre, with additional showings on May 17 at 7 pm, and May 18 at 2 pm.

Theater Brilliance

If you thought you knew the story of ‘The Princess and The Pea,’ you may be in for a walloping surprise! Did you know, for instance, that Princess Winnifred actually swam the moat to reach Prince Dauntless the Drab? Or that Lady Larken’s love for Sir Harry provided a rather compelling reason that she reach the bridal altar post haste? Or that, in fact, it wasn’t the pea at all that caused the princess a sleepless night? Carried on a wave of wonderful songs, by turns hilarious and raucous, romantic and melodic, this rollicking spin on the familiar classic of royal courtship and comeuppance provides for some side-splitting shenanigans. Chances are you’ll never look at fairy tales quite the same way again.

To learn more, visit www.camas.wednet.edu

Acting play

Stephanie Knight acts out a scene with her cast mates.



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“Thoroughly Modern Millie” is Brilliant

CAMAS, CHS Theatre — Before I tell you about Skyridge Middle School’s presentation of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” I need to be transparent: I’m not a theatre critic, or an art critic for that matter. I don’t have the credentials. I don’t have the pedigree, but I do know talent when I see it.

The play’s director, Sylvia Manzo, does have the credentials — and her skills clearly bring out the best in the talents that her students personify in this production.

“Thoroughly Modern Millie” is a musical filled with wonderful dancing, singing and acting, and these youth are able to capture the playwright’s vision with style, wit and incredible timing.

Skyridge’s version of “Millie” stars Brooke Moltrum as “Millie Dillmount” — the play’s namesake, who clearly shows she knows what she’s doing with an amazing voice, dance and acting skills. She had many scenes with love interest “Jimmy Smith,” played by Jonah Schmidt, who has his own motives, which are revealed in the production’s final scene. Schmidt demonstrated wit and great timing, as well.

Thoroughly Modern Millie

 

Millie
“Jimmy Smith” played by Jonah Schmidt and
“Millie Dillmount,” played by Brooke Moltrum
act out a scene at Friday’s performance.

Natalie Schmid showed off her range playing the role of Mrs. Meers as she worked to manipulate tenants and control Ching Ho (placed by Forrest Myers-Power) and Bun Foo (Quinn Barret) throughout the performance. Myers-Power and Barret showed off their comedic chops and dance skills as they made the audience laugh multiple times. Myers-Power used his Chinese language skills to bring a layer of depth to his character. And credit has to go to the costume designers and make-up artists because I’ve known Barret since he was two years-old and didn’t realize it was him until I received a program AFTER the play.

Claire Green did a fantastic job portraying “Dorothy Brown” who had her own interests and motives, which were also revealed in the final scene. Amy Osterhage gave such life to character “Miss Flannery” as did JT Tumanuvao in his portrayal of “Trevor Graydon,” who played Millie’s boss.

Much credit also goes to the supporting cast as they clearly worked hard to prepare for the multiple scenes, which combined comedic timing with dance and song. Very impressive.

This is Manzo’s final show and curtain call as she retires in June after 44 years of teaching. She has directed 10 plays at Skyridge and currently works as a guidance counselor at the school. This production is a great way to end this part of her career.

Millie
“Thoroughly Modern Millie” had many good singing and dancing scenes.

The play’s last two performances are Saturday at 2 and 7 pm, at CHS Theatre.

Well done, team.

Quinn Barret
These actors quickly endeared their characters with the audience.
From left: Quinn Barret as “Bun Foo,” Natalie Schmid at “Mrs. Meers”
and Forrest Myers-Power as “Ching Ho.”
Sylvia Manzo
Director Sylvia Manzo with Claire Green who played “Dorothy Brown.”

 

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Skyridge Presents: “Thoroughly Modern Millie”

Come experience the song, dance and fun that is Skyridge’s production of “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” The show premieres at CHS Theatre on Thursday, April 25 at 7 pm.

The show continues on Friday and Saturday at 7 pm with a special matinee on Saturday at 2 pm.


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Special Concert Benefit for Veterans April 27

by Seth Sjostrom

The service our veterans and their families provide our country is heroic even if they (and we hope they don’t) ever see a battlefield. For veterans returning home, they often find they have sacrificed more than we ever could have asked of them. Homes, jobs, physical and mental health are all on the line. War is terrible, coming home shouldn’t be.

DrRickLJacksonMD_2372_162

Dr. Richard Jackson

The Clark County Veterans Court Board is an organization that helps veterans throughout SW Washington who have struggled. Physical injuries and emotional scars can surface in the form of substance abuse, family strife and even aggression. The Clark County Veterans Court Board helps our local veterans reintegrate and thrive when they are at their lowest. Fellow veterans from peer mentorships helping returned soldiers navigate the Veteran’s Administration health, legal and support systems. Judge Darvin Zimmerman understands the challenges veterans face and is the founding judge of the veteran’s court as well as its tireless organizer and advocate.

On Saturday, April 27th, the Luepke Center will be the site of a family friendly multi-act pop and country concert. Headlined by Ricky Lee Jackson with Shawna Quade and the Jackson Band, the concert features two performance times. A matinee kicks off the day at 2 p.m. and is capped by an evening 5 p.m. concert. Joining Jackson and crew are National Fiddler Champ – Cynthia Hamm with Don MItchell, Jesse Wade Holyk, and The Washington Old-Time Fiddlers. Miss Clark County’s Outstanding Teen 2013 Dayzsha Ab-Rahman and The Young Marines will also be taking part in the festivities. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be provided by Goldies BBQ.

Where have you heard of Ricky Lee Jackson? The patriotic, family-focused crooner is Dr. Rick Jackson, owner of Ashbrook Family Medical. His wife, Jeanine, is the founder of Ashbrook Aesthetics. The talent in the Jackson household doesn’t stop with Ricky Lee. Fans of ABC’s “Nashville” will recognize son Jonathan who also fronts the rock band Enation with his brother Richard and bandmate Daniel Sweatt. Prior to the show “Nashville,” Jonathan was a staple on General Hospital for years as “Lucky Spencer”.

Enation’s songs have been featured on the show “One Tree Hill” and MTV.com. Richard has had his regular stint in Hollywood with the show “Ally McBeal”. Ricky Lee’s daughter Candace is a prominent attorney and published author best known for setting the political world straight.

Ricky Lee himself has been on the national stage, performing his song “Freedom, Family and Faith” on the morning show Fox and Friends. Other than practicing medicine and parenting exceptionally talented children, Jackson is most widely known for performing for benefits. Putting his voice where his heart is, Jackson delivers an inspirational message in his music, befitting of the lives the concert hopes to touch. Come support local veterans who can use a hand up. Bring your family and your appetite along with open ears and hearts on April 27th.

The Luepke Center is located at 1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver, WA. Get tickets at www.clarkcountyvetscourtboard.org, Ashbrook Medical Family Practice or Ashbrook Aesthetics located at 5512 NE 107th Ave. Vancouver, WA 98662.

About the contributor: Seth Sjostrom is a local resident and author. His novels Blood in the Snow, and Finding Christmaswere released in 2012. Blood in the Waterreleases this spring. Seth co-produces the children’s magazine Kids Ink NW and I s a regular contributor for Lacamas Magazine. For more information on Seth or his books, visit www.wolfprintpublishing.com.

 

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Spring Benefit Band Concert Tonight for Vida’s Ark

Camas, WA — The Camas High School Band is hosting a Spring Benefit Band Concert for Vida’s Ark tonight at 7 pm at the CHS Theatre.  Come support this vital resource and enjoy the Big Red Machine. The concert organization and charitable event is also the Eagle Scout Project of Austin Kohler.

About Vida’s Ark

Vida’s Ark is a young mother’s shelter in Vancouver that provides a safe, nurturing home for struggling teen mothers in Clark County.
The organization was founded in 2007 as a shelter to provide safe, supportive living conditions while teaching young mothers life and parenting skills to become self-sufficient, educated and healthy and parents themselves.  Our home provide a place for hope, healing and restoration.
The Mission of Vida’s Ark is to assist homeless teen mothers, and their children, by providing a safe, supportive and nurturing home; while teaching them the skills to become self-sufficient and to complete their high school education.
To learn more, visit www.vidasark.org
Vida's Ark

 

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CHS Marching Band Performs at Disneyland

The CHS Marching Band was the lead group during Wednesday’s SOUNDSATIONAL Parade at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. The Papermakers are spending the week in Southern California and are having a great time.

Currently, 135 members of the band have just docked at Catalina Island, which is off the Southern California coast.

Photo courtesy of Alisa Wise.

Disneyland



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