During the upcoming Spring Break, the Camas Public Library is playing five feature films on their big screen. Popcorn will be served, and admission is free.

The shows begin on Monday, April 4 and continue through Friday, April 8. Each film begins at 2 pm.

The following movies will be presented:

Spring Break movies

Wall-E. Image provided by Disney/Pixar.

WALL-E (Disney/Pixar)

Monday, April 4 at 2 pm. Rated: G

In the distant future, a small waste-collecting robot inadvertently embarks on a space journey that will ultimately decide the fate of mankind.

After hundreds of lonely years of doing what he was built for, the curious and lovable WALL-E discovers a new purpose in life when he meets a sleek search robot named EVE.

1 hr. 38 minutes.

 

Spring Break movies

Goosebumps. Image provided by Columbia.

Goosebumps (Columbia Pictures)

Tuesday, April 5 at 2 pm. Rated: PG

Upset about moving from a big city to a small town, teenager Zach Cooper (Dylan Minnette) finds a silver lining when he meets the beautiful girl, Hannah (Odeya Rush), living right next door. But every silver lining has a cloud, and Zach’s comes when he learns that Hannah has a mysterious dad who is revealed to be R. L. Stine (Jack Black), the author of the bestselling Goosebumps series. It turns out that there is a reason why Stine is so strange… he is a prisoner of his own imagination – the monsters that his books made famous are real, and Stine protects his readers by keeping them locked up in their books. When Zach unintentionally unleashes the monsters from their manuscripts and they begin to terrorize the town, it’s suddenly up to Stine, Zach, Hannah, and Zach’s friend Champ (Ryan Lee) to get all of them back in the books where they belong.  1 hr. 43 minutes.

 

The Good Dinosaur (Disney/Pixar)

Spring Break movie

“The Good Dinosaur”. Image provided by Disney/Pixar.

Wednesday, April 6 at 2 pm. Rated: PG

“The Good Dinosaur” is a 3D computer-animated comedy-drama adventure buddy film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and distributed worldwide by Walt Disney Pictures.

Set on a fictional Earth in which dinosaurs never went extinct, the film follows a young Apatosaurus named Arlo, who meets an unlikely human friend while traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape.

 

 

 

 

 

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2

Thursday, April 7, at 2 pm. Rated PG-13

Spring Break movies

“The Hunger Games, Mockingjay, Part 2.”

Realizing the stakes are no longer just for survival, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) teams up with her closest friends, including Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), Gale (Liam Hemsworth) and Finnick for the ultimate mission. Together, they leave District 13 to liberate the citizens of war-torn Panem and assassinate President Snow, who’s obsessed with destroying Katniss. What lies ahead are mortal traps, dangerous enemies and moral choices that will ultimately determine the future of millions.

 

 

 

 

The Peanuts Movie

Friday, April 8 at 2 pm. Rated: G

Spring Break movies

“The Peanuts Movie.” Image provided by 20th Century Fox.

Snoopy takes to the skies to pursue his arch-nemesis, while his best pal Charlie Brown begins his own epic quest back home to win the love of his life. Based on the comics by Charles Schulz. 1 hr. 28 minutes.

To learn more about upcoming Camas Public Library events, go to: http://www.ci.camas.wa.us/index.php/camaspubliclibrary

The Camas High School Drama Department ended its “Brigadoon” run Saturday night at CHS Theatre to an impressed audience.

The two-act play, written by Alan Jay Lerner, with music by Frederick Loewe, was directed by CHS Drama teacher, Sean Kelly, and was filled with a talented cast and crew. The Orchestra, directed by Richard Mancini, had its 15th musical production under his direction, and they, too, made an incredible difference to the play’s overall performance. The CHS choir introduced the play and has performances throughout the evening.

“We thought it was wonderful,” said Louise Wynn, a Camas resident. “They did a great job!”

The students have spent months in preparation for the play, which is a story about love and fear.

“After all,” says director Kelly, “To love someone is to take a courageous leap of faith and entrust another with knowledge of your truest self.”

The story involves two American tourists (Tommy Albright, played by Forrest Myers-Power, and Jeff Douglas, played by Omar Shaufiuzzaman) who stumble upon Brigadoon, a mysterious Scottish village which appears for only one day every hundred years.

The New Yorkers have traveled to Scotland on a vacation, but they quickly get lost. They begin to hear music (“Brigadoon”) coming from a nearby village that does not appear on their map. As they head over there to get directions, they find a fair in progress (“McConnachy Square”), with villagers dressed in traditional Scottish attire. Andrew McLaren (played by John Nelson) and his daughters arrive at the fair to purchase supplies for younger daughter Jean’s wedding to Charlie Dalrymple (played by Andrew Henson). Harry Beaton (played by Jonah Bates) is madly in love with Jean and is depressed at the thought of her marrying another. One of the girls asks Jean’s older sister Fiona when she’ll marry, and she says she’s waiting for the right person (“Waitin’ For My Dearie”).

Eventually, Tommy falls in love with Fiona (Brooke Moltrum), a young woman from Brigadoon, and the challenges ensue.

“And here we find the protagonist,” said Kelly. “An unsatisfied groom-to-be, Tommy, is at the very center of the struggle between succumbing to the modern world’s cynical attitudes and taking a leap of faith into the unknown. His best friend, Jeff, has already resigned the battle and takes solace in the way a young bachelor can. But Tommy just can’t let it go. There simply must be something better out there.”

The students, both on and off the stage, did a stellar job with acting, singing, dancing, set design, and timing. The orchestra was outstanding. The Drama Department didn’t disappoint.

In all, the acting team put on five performances of “Brigadoon” to mostly filled theaters.

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

“Brigadoon’s” History

The original Broadway production, directed by Robert Lewis and choreographed by Agnes de Mille, opened March 13, 1947, at the Ziegfeld Theatre, where it ran for 581 performances. The production enjoyed an extended North American tour.

The film adaptation of “Brigadoon” was directed by Vincente Minnelli and was released by MGM in 1954 with Gene Kelly, Van Johnson, and Cyd Charisse in leading roles.

A TV film starred Robert Goulet as Tommy, Peter Falk as Jeff, and Sally Ann Howes as Fiona. It first aired in 1966.

The play continues to be performed onstage across the United States.

Brigadoon Singing

Tommy (Forrest Myers-Power) and Fiona (Brooke Moltrum) act a scene.

 

Theater

A scene from “Brigadoon.”

 

Theater

This is one of the early scenes in “Brigadoon.”

 

Brigadoon

Jeff, Tommy and Fiona listen to advice on the stage of “Brigadoon.”

The Camas High School Drama Department premieres “Brigadoon” this Friday at the CHS Auditorium, with curtain at 7 pm.

“Brigadoon” Synopsis from Tams-Witmark:

“Once in the Highlands, the Highlands of Scotland, two weary hunters lost their way.” It is this desolate situation which Tommy Albright and Jeff Douglas, two young New Yorkers, are contemplating when the curtain rises on a misty glen in Scotland. As the two exhausted men reflect on what they have forsaken in the States for their present predicament, a lift in the Highland veil reveals to them the awakening village of Brigadoon; a village which comes into being for only one day in each century.

The strained and strange greetings of the villagers bedecked in 18th century costumes, who have gathered in the market square to sell their wares and to discuss the final wedding preparations of Jeannie MacLaren and the boyish Charlie Dalrymple, are softened for Tommy by his encounter with Jeannie’s lovely sister, Fiona, and enlivened for Jeff by his reluctant entanglement with the maid, Meg Brockie.

The blissful occasion is momentarily tinged with gloom when the fate of Brigadoon is threatened by Harry Beaton, Jeannie’s rejected suitor. And Tommy, now burdened with the knowledge of Brigadoon’s secret and enraptured by the gentle charms of the beautiful Fiona, is confronted with the choice of remaining forever at the side of the Scottish lass or returning to the unsatisfying world familiar to him. At the close of the day he is still unable to commit himself without doubt or regret to Fiona and to Brigadoon, and leaves with Jeff for America.

Restless and unhappy in New York, Tommy finally yields to the haunting memory of Fiona and, guided by the faith and strength of his love, finds his way back to Brigadoon.

Production dates are as follows:

March 11, 12, 18, 19, with the lobby opening at 6 pm, and the House opening at 6:30. Curtain is at 7 pm.

Matinee is March 19, with the House opening at 1:30, and the curtain at 2 pm.

Tickets cost $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, ASB, and students 13 and under.

The CHS Auditorium is located at 26900 SE 15th Street, at the Camas High School. Use the South Entrance.

Tickets available online here: https://wa-camas.intouchreceipting.com

Washougal, WA — Journey Theater Arts Group premiered “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” to admiring fans Friday night at the Washburn Performing Arts Center.

The play, based on the iconic comic strip, “Peanuts,” by Charles Shultz was adapted to the stage by Clark Gesner, and was directed by Journey’s Kristi Foster. The theater group, which provides acting opportunities for children ages 8-18, expanded the performance to include dozens of actors.

The kids did an excellent job.

Journey’s performance starred a core group of talented youth, featuring Camas resident, Clayton Lukens, as the play’s titular character, “Charlie Brown.” Dressed in the character’s iconic yellow and black shirt and shorts, Lukens brought “Charlie Brown” to life on stage. This reporter wasn’t sure how that would play out, but these kids far exceeded my expectations.

Emily Warner played “Lucy” and carried her part very well, even down to the way she flirted with “Schroeder” played aptly by 17-year-old, Joshua Bode. Battle Ground resident, Thomas DeBartolo, played Charlie Brown’s confidant and buddy, “Linus” convincingly, carrying and dancing with his blanket in some well-timed and hilarious scenes. There were moments when DeBartolo’s “Linus” stole the show.

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Thirteen-year-old, Hannah Hurley, nailed the sass of “Sally” in her adaptation of Charlie Brown’s little sister. And, Calvin Lieruance’s adaptation of “Snoopy” was his own. Bringing such an iconic animal character to life is its own challenge, and I’ll leave that to each actor to make it their own. Lieruance did that, and brought the audience to laughs several times. He had good timing.

The opening sequence was clever, featuring the core characters, each with their own spotlight. The costumes were nicely done, as was the singing throughout the performance. The sets were simple, and helped illustrate the point of the scene, while allowing the audience to focus on the character, and witty dialogue. It gave fans a chance to see the acting development progress in these young actors.

Lukens’ version of “Charlie Brown” was truly personified during the school lunch scene, where his lack of confidence was on full display as he wore a paper bag over his head, and continued with his ever-lingering self-doubt dilemma. His portrayal of America’s favorite second-guessing, but lovable, klutz, didn’t disappoint.

Sometimes, though, Charlie Brown was upstaged by DeBartolo’s “Linus” whose character was a bit stronger on stage than in the cartoons or comic strips. And that was a good thing. DeBartolo’s love affair with his blanket, as he sang and dance with the object, was also delightful, and downright hilarious. The 15-year-old has good timing, and clearly enjoys his craft.

 

Chair Scene

Emily Warner as “Lucy” has a discussion with Thomas DeBartolo, who plays “Linus.”

 

The vintage Lucy and Schroeder piano scene showed how well these actors have been taught about comedic timing. And, the “Woodstock” birds were an added element throughout the performance.

The one character who made me laugh every time he came on stage was “Pig Pen,” played by Ben Kautz. He didn’t have too many lines, but his costume and demeanor caused this observer to laugh out loud.

At times, you wondered about the plot or direction of the play, but they usually brought it back together with a pertinent message or clever line. I’ll have to take my children with me to another showing.

Journey’s “Charlie Brown” was filled with 30-second skits between major scenes that gave more actors the opportunity to perform and gain valuable stage time. Kudos to Director Kristi Foster for that.

The play’s conclusion was vintage Charles Shulz, with a meaningful message that drew thunderous applause.

Curtain call was just past 7 pm, and the played ended just after 9 pm, with a 20-minute intermission. The play is great for “Charlie Brown” fans of all ages, and it is definitely worth your time and the price of admission. Go see it!

 

Kites

Clayton Lukens, as “Charlie Brown” flies a kite.

 

Reflections From the Cast

“I really enjoy doing this,” said Lukens. “We’ve been preparing for this night, and have practiced a lot.”

This was DeBartolo’s third performance, and it showed. His previous two shows were “Ann of Green Gables” and “Grimm’s Fairy Tales.”

“Acting is great, and it allows me to really express myself,” said DeBartolo, who’s also been an active soccer player. “We started ‘Charlie Brown’ in January, and we put a lot of time into getting this ready. Every Friday and Saturday we’d meet for four hours, and then every day for the past week in rehearsals.”

DeBartolo has been acting for two years, and continues to enjoy the process.

He said his family pays for each acting class (he has three sisters in the Journey program), and then they get the opportunity to audition for roles. His sister, Maria DeBartolo, played “Marcie.”

“I really like the energy we put into this,” DeBartolo added.

Foster has been with Journey since 2002, and serves as the group’s Executive Artistic Director.

“We like to develop each character,” said Foster. “All have stories and relationships. We enjoy the process.”

Foster said the mission of Journey is to “Guide people to Christ through theater education.” She said she enjoys seeing the kids progress.

“They learn about citizenship as they learn about acting,” she added. “Each of the actors attend classes, which are 10-week sessions located all over Southwest Washington and Portland.”

 

“Charlie Brown” Performance Schedule

Performances are through March 13, 2016 at Washburn Performing Arts Center at Washougal High School, 1201 39th Street, Washougal WA, 98671. Tickets are on sale now at journeytheater.org or by calling 360.750.8550. Pre-sale adult tickets are $14. Youth and senior tickets are $10. The March 5, @ 7:00 p.m. showing is a “family day” performance with all tickets $10 in advance per person. Tickets for all performances will be $4 more at the door.

School Day Performances will be offered at 9:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, March 9. Tickets are $6 each for groups of 10 – 99 and $5 each for groups of 100 or more, with one free ticket for every 15 purchased. Call our office to arrange to bring your class or home school group!

Sunday, March 6 @ 2:00 p.m.
Friday, March 11 @ 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 12 @ 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 13 @ 2:00 p.m.

School Day Performances
Wednesday, March 9 @ 9:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.

About Journey Theater Arts Group

Journey is the most dynamic theater arts community in the Portland/Vancouver area, offering dozens of classes in drama, dance, voice and more, as well as producing 12 shows in four locations during the school year and a professional-level community theater musical each summer. Journey strives for excellence, while providing a welcoming and encouraging environment where kids ages 6 to 18 and their families can build life-long skills and friendships. Journey is a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational organization, with offices located at 1400 NE 136th Ave, Suite 201, Vancouver WA, 98684. Contact at 360.750.8550 or www.journeytheater.org

School Bus

Cast members of “Charlie Brown” act out a scene as they drive to school.

 

 

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Youth Theater Production Runs Two Weekends – March 4 – 13, 2016 at Washburn Performing Arts Center at Washougal High School

WASHOUGAL, WA — Join the Journey Theater Arts Group for a year in the life of Charlie Brown as he searches for happiness. This bright and sunny show is packed with upbeat Broadway songs, funny comics and the creative genius of Charles M. Schultz. All your favorite Peanuts characters are here: Linus, Lucy, Snoopy, Woodstock and the entire gang. Whether it’s a baseball game, a day at school, or Beethoven’s birthday- nobody knows how to celebrate like the Peanuts gang.

CB2

 

Theater Performance Times and Location

Performances are March 4 – March 13, 2016 at Washburn Performing Arts Center at Washougal High School, 1201 39th Street, Washougal WA, 98671. Tickets are on sale now at journeytheater.org or by calling 360.750.8550. Pre-sale adult tickets are $14. Youth and senior tickets are $10. The March 5, @ 7:00 p.m. showing is a “family day” performance with all tickets $10 in advance per person. Tickets for all performances will be $4 more at the door.

School Day Performances will be offered at 9:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, March 9. Tickets are $6 each for groups of 10 – 99 and $5 each for groups of 100 or more, with one free ticket for every 15 purchased. Call our office to arrange to bring your class or home school group!

CB5

Public Performances
Friday, March 4 @ 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 5 @ 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 6 @ 2:00 p.m.
Friday, March 11 @ 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 12 @ 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 13 @ 2:00 p.m.

School Day Performances
Wednesday, March 9 @ 9:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.

About Journey Theater Arts Group
Journey is the most dynamic theater arts community in the Portland/Vancouver area, offering dozens of classes in drama, dance, voice and more, as well as producing 12 shows in four locations during the school year and a professional-level community theater musical each summer. Journey strives for excellence, while providing a welcoming and encouraging environment where kids ages 6 to 18 and their families can build life-long skills and friendships. Journey is a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational organization, with offices located at 1400 NE 136th Ave, Suite 201, Vancouver WA, 98684. Contact at 360.750.8550 or www.journeytheater.org.

CB4

 

If you missed it opening weekend, the CHS production of “Grease” is back for its final three showings this weekend.

Times are as follows: Friday at 7 pm, Saturday at 2 and 7 pm. The students and director Sean Kelly will impress you.

Grease

 

CHS Theatre presented its opening night of “Grease” Friday to a packed, euphoric house that was ready for some fun entertainment. Clearly, the students and director Sean Kelly have been hard at work preparing the set, their lines, choreography, and songs.
Although the show experienced one technical glitch at curtain time, it was smooth sailing for the next couple of hours.

Grease

Kelly and company’s version of “Grease” was lively, entertaining, creative, filled with comedic moments, and a little irreverence.

It’s “Grease.”

What impressed me was the timing. These youth have been blessed some amazing talent and it showed during the two-and-a-half hour production.

The actors sprang to life with each scene and appeared to have their lines down quite well. And many had a penchant for singing. It was a lot of fun to watch.

Christian Gmelin did an excellent job portraying “Danny,” whose character’s personal struggles come to life during the performance. His affection and often times confusing relationship with “Sandy,” which was played brilliantly by Rachel Smith, took center stage, of course. Smith was able to switch emotions throughout the show seamlessly.

Rebecca Fitzgerald did an excellent job portraying “Rizzo,” one of the show’s main characters. She was gritty, witty, dramatic and enjoyable. Her timing was perfect.

Ryan Maxfield also delivered a stellar performance playing Kenickie, another troubled, but entertaining teenager. Maxfield had many opportunities to show off his talents, and he didn’t disappoint.

Perhaps Andrew Henson’s character, “Rodger,” stole the show. He had many moments to shine and used his comedic timing to entertain a willing audience. He managed to make his character lovable and hilarious, and was even willing to moon the audience during scene 6. That, my friends, takes guts. Getting pantsed and stuffed into a garbage can also got the audience clapping loudly.

 

Grease
Rebecca Fitzgerald as “Rizzo.”
Jake Rust had ample opportunity to show off his singing and performance skills during multiple scenes. He nailed it.
And we can’t forget Austin Miller’s moment in the spotlight as he played “Teen Angel” in one of the most hilarious, and spot on scenes during the show. Miller’s singing and acting were put on center stage and he delivered.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention JT Tumanuvao’s character “Sonny” and the dancing, singing, facial expressions and timing that added tremendous value to CHS Theatre’s production.
There are too many characters to mention in this short space, so I must give credit to the entire cast for an excellent display of their creative talents. I include the backstage and lighting crew in my gratitude. They’ve spent much time preparing.
 
Christian Gmelin as “Danny” and Rachel Smith as “Sandy” did
a fine job portraying the central characters of “Grease.”
“Grease” debuted in 1971 and was directed by Guy Barille at the Kingston Mine Theater on Lincoln Avenue in Chicago, with a script based on Jim Jacobs’ experience at William Taft High School in the windy city. Warren Casey collaborated with Jacobs and together they wrote the music and lyrics.
Since that time, “Grease” has been performed many times on Broadway and has gone through several incarnations.
This CHS Theatre version continues Saturday at 7 and will have three more productions on March 14 and 15.
 

The Camas High School Drama team, aka CHS Theater, is working countless hours in preparation for the opening night of “Grease,” which takes place on March 7 at 7 pm. Subsequent performances are March 8,14 and 15 with a matinee show (2:00 curtain) on the 15th which will also have A.S.l interpretation.

The house opens at 6:30 for the evening shows with a 7 pm curtain. 
TICKETS ARE ON PRE-SALE at the CHS A.S.B office or at the door.
The play is directed by Bryan Kelly.

Get your CHS Theater “Grease” tickets

Prices are as follows:$10 students without ASB, and adults

$7 for students with ASB, children under 12, and honored citizens.

See you there! To learn more, visit www.camas.wednet.edu

Grease Poster

“Grease” opens on March 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.

 

 

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.”