June 2002

General Meeting:	Wednesday, June 19 at 8:00 PM.
Hospitality:	Judy and Lee Polak will be providing goodies for this meeting.
Workshop:	This month we will see an excerpt from On Golden Pond, directed by Catherine Ford.

The Man Who Came to Dinner:  This comedy by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman will be directed by Gail Bernardi and produced by Sheldon and Arlene Cohen.  It opens July 5 and plays through August 10.  The following people are in the cast:

Bert:  Shawn Savage	Sandy:  Clay Kugler
Mrs. Dexter:  Arlene Cohen	Mrs. McCutcheon:  Barbara McMurray
Mrs. Stanley:  Calia Mintzer	Lorraine:  Susan Gordon
Miss Preen:  Margie Bates	Professor Metz/Banjo:  Barry Silver
Mr. Stanley:  Harvey Rosenberg	Harriet:  Kim Ash
Beverly:  Michael Cohen	Whiteside:  Jack Rubens
Sara:  Barbara Trenn	June:  Estrella Tamez
Dr. Bradley:  Hal Fisher	Richard:  Steve Maloney
Maggie:  Catherine Rahm	John:  Donald Heath

Costume designer Maria Cohen is also on the lookout for pieces from this time period including three identical men’s jackets (for the convicts), fedoras, and nice looking men’s suits (44 - 48) with big lapels and cuffed/pleated pants.  If you have anything, please let Maria know. 

Blood Brothers:  This year’s exciting musical with book, music, and lyrics by Willy Russell is called “a deeply moving and beautifully delivered piece of theatre” by London Broadcasting.  It is the story of twin brothers separated at birth who grow up unaware of that fact, but become firm friends - and in love with the same girl...until one climactic day.  It has a hauntingly beautiful score.  Casting will be held at the theatre on Saturday, July 6 from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM and on Sunday, July 7 from 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM.  Blood Brothers will open September 6 and play through October 19.  It is to be directed by Ed Cotter and produced by De Cotter and Carla Coppok.  The choreographer is Victoria Miller. Unfortunately, Dean Mora, the musical director had to withdraw his services due to a work obligation.  Character descriptions:

·         Mrs. Johnstone - 25 - 48.  Mother of the twins.  Liverpool accent, blonde, sings several songs, warm personality, loves her children, buys things she can’t afford for them, her heart rules.  She especially loves her twins, Mickey and Edward.  She must not let Edward know she is his mother, but whenever she sees him she wants to touch him, hold him.

·         Mrs. Lyons - 25 - 48.  Wealthy, brunette, upper class, British accent.  Raises twin Edward, whom she loves fiercely.  Sings one song.  Goes from normal housewife to deranged.

·         Mickey - 23.  One of the twins.  Plays ages 7, 14, 18, and 23.  Has a thoroughly engaging personality as he goes through childhood and adolescence.  Liverpool accent.  Sings two songs.  Dynamite part.

·         Edward - 23.  One of the twins.  Has a thoroughly engaging personality.  Wealthy, upper class, British accent.  Sings two songs.  Dynamite part.

·         Narrator - 35 - 45.  Light Liverpool accent.  Charismatic actor.  Must connect with audience.  Sings several songs.

·         Linda - 23.  Plays ages 7, 14, 18, and 23.  Poor, Liverpool accent.  Marries Mickey.  Sings one song.

·         Mr. Lyons - Plays 28 - 51.  Wealthy, upper-class, British accent.  Sings the powerful “Take a Letter Miss Jones”

·         Sammy - 25.  The twins’ older brother.  Plays ages 9, 16, 20, and 25.  Liverpool accent, always in trouble, burns down the school, robs and shoots garage owner.

·         Policeman - 30 - 45.  Vital in final scene.  Must be commanding.  Smaller role.

Ensemble - 5 males, 2 females.  must sing well and act.  It is a vital part of the production from the opening to the final curtain.  Various critical roles will be chosen from the ensemble - teachers, students, creditors, councilors, prison guards, doctors, milkman, mailman, wedding guests, people on dole, policeman, etc.

You are welcome to attend the auditions whether you are reading or not.  Please come!

Father of the Bride:  This comedy by Caroline Francke was approved as a replacement for Philadelphia Story.  It will be directed by Kirk Larsen for November/December 2002.

Noises Off:  The plays reading committee is having a bit of bad luck.  Rights to this comedy that was slated for March/April 2003 were pulled.  A replacement play for director Bill Goldyn will be approved and announced ASAP.

The Women :  Unfortunately we were unable to get the rights to this classic comedy by Clare Luce Boothe which had been approved for the May/June 2003 timeslot to be directed by Cathleen Chapin. Again, a replacement play for Cathleen will be approved and announced ASAP.

Musical Concert Series 2002:  The Pirates of Penzance is the next concert playing in July and August.  It is being directed by Ben Lupejkis.  Performances are Sundays July 14, 21, 28 and August 4 at 7:00 PM.              

Dinner Dance:  The annual Dinner Dance will be held on Saturday, June 22 at the Proud Bird.  It’s a night to dress up, dine on delicious cuisine, and enjoy original entertainment and awards presentations.  Since it is a night to get spiffed up, Maria Cohen encourages all the men out there who need to rent/buy a tuxedo for this or any other event go to Friar Tux and tell them you’re a member of Kentwood Players.  They have been more than generous with their donations to plays and a special thank you is in order! 

This and that (that shouldn’t go unread):  There was a vehicle break-in during the run of The Boys Next Door.  A car window was smashed and valuables were taken.  Please be sure to remove all valuables from your car while attending the theatre.  It pays to be cautious.  If you want to encourage someone to become a member of KP, terrific.  HOWEVER, only the VP/Membership chairperson, Gert Nord, is permitted to accept memberships.  If you know someone who wishes to become a member contact Gert.

Here, There, and Everywhere:  Jaz Davison and her son, Casey (along with Don Schlossman) will be appearing in the Knightsbridge production of Assassins which has been extended through July 28 (Saturdays and Sundays at 6:00 PM).  The Knightsbridge is located at 1944 Riverside Drive.  For reservations call (626) 440-0821.  Jaz will also be directing Much Ado About Nothing (set in Las Vegas 1963) for the Knightsbridge Pasadena Theater July 12 - August 18.  If you are interested call Jaz for information.  Michael Oshins (Mel’s grandson - Deena’s son) recently played Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof at Cathedral City High School.  (Could it be genetic?!) Proud grandpa Mel says he’s “really very good!”  Mary Steelsmith is playing Betty Chumley in Harvey at Palos Verdes Players running Fridays, Saturdays, and every other Sunday through July 13.  PV Players is located at 2433 Moreton St. in Torrance.  For info call (310) 326-2287 or www.pvplayers.org.  Steve Lee will perform and Stephen Carver will direct a staged reading of Mary Steelsmith’s play Isaac, I Am.  The cast includes Jenny Martin and Jerad Callen.  It is being performed at Palos Verdes Players on Saturday, June 29 at 2:00 PM.  Admission is free.  Logan O’Brien, the lad in I Remember Mama and Bleacher Bums, has booked a pilot for ABC “That Was Then” which was picked up for their fall lineup.  He’ll shoot the 12 episodes this summer.  Logan plays a precocious 10 year old whose uncle can go back in time and change the future.

On a Sad Note:  On Memorial Day Charlotte Schildkret’s grandson, Sean, fell 15 feet and was severely injured.  At the time of her message Sean was in a deep coma.  The doctors at Herman Hospital in Houston think he’ll recover, but don’t know how fully.  Sean was born July 17, 1974.  Whenever in town he was sure to come to Kentwood.  I’m sure all your prayers and good wishes will be welcomed. 

Our thoughts and prayers also go out to George Rametta and his loved ones.  George’s mother died on May 22 at the age of 86.  A combined service for his mom and dad (who passed away April 9, 2000) was held on May 31 with a mass and burial for the two of them on June 1.  George thanks everyone who attended the service and sent condolences. 

Celebrations:  Happy June birthday to Carol Follingstad (6/1), Linda Metz (6/4), Jon Abramson (6/10), Klair Bybee (6/12), Dorothy Rochlin (6/17), Jean Jenkins (6/20), Jeff Wallach (6/23), Dick Weiss (6/24), and Rudi Toepfer (6/27). 

Just for the record:  Please...if you want something placed in the bulletin, call (310)204-1838 or e-mail me (N6KOA.J@JUNO.COM)!  I try to write the bulletin the Sunday following the Board Meeting (which is the first Wednesday of the month).  It’s very helpful to have the information before that day.   Until next month!