Tag Archive for: Theater

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.

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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!

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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.

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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.
 

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.”
 

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

 

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.



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.”

 

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.


The final two performances of the play “Into the Woods” by CHS Theatre are happening this Saturday, March 9th at 2 pm and at 7 pm. It’s a fun play that brings your favorite fairy tale characters onto one stage!
CHS Theatre is located at Camas High School. The play is directed by Sean Kelly, and has a great cast.
The play is accompanied by members of the CHS Band, with some great strings.

About the Play

Into the Woods is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine. The musical intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm and Charles Perrault fairy tales, exploring the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests. The main characters are taken from “Little Red Riding Hood“, “Jack and the Beanstalk“, “Rapunzel“, and “Cinderella“, as well as several others. The musical is tied together by an original story involving a childless baker and his wife and their quest to begin a family, their interaction with a witch who has placed a curse on them, and their interaction with other storybook characters during their journey.
The musical debuted in San Diego at the Old Globe Theatre in 1986 and premiered on Broadway on November 5, 1987, where it won several Tony Awards, including Best Score, Best Book, and Best Actress in a Musical (Joanna Gleason), in a year dominated by The Phantom of the Opera (1988). The musical has since been produced many times, with a 1988 US national tour, a 1990 West End production, a 1997 tenth anniversary concert, a 2002 Broadway revival, a 2010 London revival and in 2012 as part of New York City’s outdoor Shakespeare in the Park series.
To learn more, visit camas.wednet.edu

 

Into The Woods Play