General Meeting

The General Meeting this month will be on Wednesday, July 20, 2005, 8:00 P.M. at the theater, Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045.

Hospitality

Meeting Hospitality for the July General Meeting will be provided by Michael & Maria Cohen and Julia Maggs.

Workshop

Our July Workshop, SURE THING, by David Ives, will be directed by Carol Becker. According to Carol, actors Rick Galiher and Crystalee Ambersen will play Bill and Betty. Alison Mattiza will be in the booth. So, stick around after the meeting, this sounds good!

Company May/June Production

Company, Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Book by George Furth, is over!

Director Aileen-Marie Scott and producers Larry Jones and Sheridan Cole would like to thank Kentwood, the Board, the cast, Tara Potthoff for stage managing, James Knudsen and Matt Scarpino for set, Richard Potthoff for lights plus plus, Jim Crawford and Melvin Miller for booth magic, Vanessa Romanchuk, Sheridan Cole and Maria Cohen for costumes, Alicja Sprague for lots of help, Joe White for the recording session, Sami Klein for choreography, Bill Wolfe for music direction, John Hyrkas drums, Valerie Cantrell for our wedding dress (she built it), Katie Marquardt for hair and makeup, Robert Newton original graphic design, Barbara Booth for our stewardess outfit, Arlene Cohen for several costumes, Robert Scott, Kenneth Jones birthday cake and Barbara Brophey, Julia Maggs and Sheridan Cole for costume construction and remodeling, and everyone who helped us at Work Sunday.

The Rainmaker July/August Production

Our July/August production of The Rainmaker, by N. Richard Nash, is directed by August Vivirito and is produced by Ed Cotter and Jake Weisbarth.

The Rainmaker opened Friday July 15, 2005, starring Dan Adams, Jeffrey Culp, Beau Puckett, Scot Renfro, Shawn Savage, Christine Joëlle Torreele and Phil Ward.

Opening night was a big success, with outstanding performances across the board. The show was well received by an enthusiastic and appreciative audience, comfortably seated in our NEW seats! This is an excellent production. Kudos to Director August Vivirito, the cast and the crew! Producers Ed and Jake said, "Don't miss this one!"

Work Sunday Attendance

Producers Ed Cotter and Jake Weisbarth would like to thank the following for all their hard work at their "Father's Day" Work Sunday! Miriam Amster, Franczeska Angel, Phil Brickey, Tom Brophey, Candice Cassel, Sheridan Cole, De Cotter, Ed Cotter, Jeff Culp, Marlene Grinde, T.L. Kolman, Gretchen Luna, Julia Maggs, Lori A. Marple-Pereslete, Sheldon Metz, Melvin Miller, Calia Mintzer, Dave Parke, Tony Pereslete, Richard Potthoff, Beau Puckett, Scott Renfro, Shawn Savage, Charlotte Lee Schildkret, Bob Schnauss, Adina Silo, Max Stormes, Christine Torreele, August Vivirito, Philip A. Ward, Jake Weissbarth, Fred M. Wolf. Thank you all so much for helping out on Work Sunday.

Light Up the Sky September/October Production

Our September/October production of Light Up the Sky, a comedy by Moss Hart, will be directed by Kathleen Chapin and produced by De Cotter and Susan Weisbarth

Performances: September 9th - October 15th. Auditions were held Saturday, 7/16 &, 7/17, so we should all find out, at the July Meeting, who got cast. Producer De Cotter is looking for a birdcage, parrot size, but smaller, one which hangs from a floor stand, to be used for the show.

The Unsinkable Molly Brown November/December Production

The Kentwood Board has approved our November/December Production as The Unsinkable Molly Brown, a musical by Meredith Willson, which will be directed by Victoria Miller. Look for scripts to "rent" at the July Meeting.

45 Seconds From Broadway January/February (2006)

The Kentwood Players Board has approved our January/February 2006 production as 45 Seconds From Broadway, by Neil Simon, to be directed by Gail Barnardi.

Romeo & Juliet March/April Production

Our March April 2006 production will be Romeo & Juliet, by William Shakespeare, to be directed by Don Schlossman.

The Fantasticks May/June Production

Our May June 2006 Production will be The Fantasticks, Music by Harvey Schmidt, book and lyrics by Tom Jones, to be directed by Kirk Larson.

Kentwood Dinner Dance, Marcom Mask Awards for the 2004/2005 Season

A wonderful time had by all, good friends, good music, good fun. The entertainment was marvelous, fabulous, top of the line, wow!!
A Big Thank You goes out to the Dinner Dance committee of: Calia Mintzer, Julia Maggs, Charlotte Lee Schildkret, Ben Lupejkis, Barbara Brophey, Tom Brophey, Shellee James, Lori Pereslete. Great job everyone, great evening.
Michele Rosen performed the MC role to perfection and Barbara Brophey handed out trophies, while being ably assisted at the trophy table by Shari Barrett.
Special Board Awards
Also presented at the Marcom Masque Awards Dinner Dance were two Special Board Awards to members for outstanding contributions to Kentwood Players. Special Board Awards are not presented every year, but only when the Board feels there is a member special enough to be singled out for such high accolades. This year we have TWO!

Congratulations to Calia Mintzer, Dinner Dance Chairperson, Theater Parties Chairperson, actor, singer, dancer, who is celebrating 50 years of membership, and Barbara Brophey, Marcom Masque Awards Chairperson, piano player extraordinaire, seamstress magician and always there when somebody needs something, for all their work and time and effort to help make Kentwood Players and the Westchester Theater what we are today. Thank you Calia! Thank you Barbara!

Kentwood and the membership also thanks Barbara Brophey for all her work on the Awards and the balloting process. Thank You Barbara!

Also a really big Thanks to the evening's incredible entertainers: Kathryn Rahm, Ben Lupejkis, Patricia Butler, Rocky & Vicki Miller, with Barbara Brophey on piano. Just WOW!

The following awards were presented at our annual Dinner Dance.

Actor in a Leading Role, Ira Gewant, as Willie Clark in The Sunshine Boys
Actress in a Leading Role, Christine Joëlle Torreele, as Madge Owen in Picnic
Actor Major Supporting Role, Andrew Fitzsimmons, as Smith in Murder on the Nile
Actress in a Major Supporting Role, Susan Gordon, as Rosemary Sydney in Picnic
Actor Minor Supporting Role, Drew Fitzsimmons, as Msgr 7013 in Heaven Can Wait
Actress in a Minor Supporting Role, Margie Bates, as Flo Owens in Picnic
Actor in a Minor Role, Jim Crawford, as Stanley in The 1940's Radio Hour
Actress in a Minor role, Christine Joëlle Torreele, as Nurse in The Sunshine Boys
Actor in a Cameo Role, Max Heldring Stormes, as Lefty in Heaven Can Wait
Director, Rob Duval for A Midsummer Night's Dream
Producer, Victoria Miller and Rocky Miller for The 1940's Radio Hour
Set Design, Tony Pereslete for A Midsummer Night's Dream
Set Decoration Design, Lori A. Marple-Pereslete, A Midsummer Night's Dream
Lighting Design, Tom Brophey, A Midsummer Night's Dream
Sound Design, Richard Potthoff & Rocky Miller, The 1940's Radio Hour
Original Graphic Design, Michael Cohen for The Sunshine Boys
Costume Design, Valerie Wright for A Midsummer Night's Dream

And the Marcom Masque Award for Best Play goes to

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

Congratulations to All!

Certificates of Merit

Production Manager Lori A. Marple-Pereslete handed out certificates of merit for all members who worked technically on two or more shows for the year. Unfortunately I do not have a list of the recipients as of this writing and will have to include them with next month's bulletin. My apologies to the best group of Techies in town!

Fourth of July Westchester Chamber Parade

According to Parade Organizers, everyone who marched in the Westchester Chamber of Commerce Parade had a wonderful time. Charlotte Lee Schildkret said it is a real pleasure to Walk down the Avenue and have the crowd recognize The Kentwood Players. She said the Chamber and the crowd of people lining the parade route appreciate our annual involvement in the parade. Charlotte said as usual the big crowd pleaser was once again our very own Dave Parke as the Big Red Bird. Go Big Bird go.

Kentwood's Own Hal Fisher played the role of Uncle Sam again, representing the Westchester Chamber of Commerce.

Those marching in this year's parade included Francyeska Angel, Shari Barrett, Barbara Boone, Maria Cohen, Michael Cohen, Sheridan Cole, Dave Park-Traditional Big Bird, Michael Grinde, Gretchen Luna, Julia Maggs, Calia Mintzer, Lee & Judy Polak, their daughter, Hilary Polak & grandsons Philip and Dylan, Bob Sherman, Charlotte Lee Schildkret, Adina Silo, Jeanne Spain and Barbara Stone.

Hal Fisher said The Argonaut ran a nice color photo of Kentwood Players on the back page of the July 7 issue. He also said Shari Barratt took some photos, which will be on the Kentwood website.

The day's festivities culminated with a sumptuous barbeque at the home of Shellee James, Kentwood President.

Performance Night Hospitality

Dagmar Schnauss needs lots of hospitality sign-ups for Rainmaker and would like to have volunteers call her at home to schedule. She will need theater managers and ushers to fill out the run of Rainmaker and it is a good way to get points towards membership, so give her a call and get involved! Just do it!

New Seats

In case you have not heard, the theater has NEW SEATS! Way comfortable! We now have an aisle on audience left with steps, so watch your step finding your way to your NEW seat!

Costumes
Maria Cohen would like to thank the following people for their donations of Costumes: Sheridan Cole, Lynn Ingram, Treva Merritt, Rocky Miller, Jeanne Spain and David Whale. Maria said, "If I have forgotten someone, my apologies." She sends a gentle reminder for the Parade People, "Don't forget to return the costumes!!"

Sad News to Report
Margaret Andrews "Peggy" Goldyn, Bill Goldyn's mother, was killed in a traffic accident in Brattleboro, Vermont, Sunday morning, June 19, 2005. Bill asked in lieu of flowers, if anyone would like to make a donation, please contribute to the music program of a local school of your choice. Bill's mother taught music and played at several local churches in her area.

More News to Report
Charlotte Lee Schildkret reports Arnold is doing much better. She said he is now at Berkley East Convalescent Hospital, 2021 Arizona Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90404. Charlotte told us Arnold has already gotten a few cards and looks forward each day to "mail call." She said he is still confined to bed, but has been receiving and responding to intense physical therapy. She said his attitude is very good and he intends to WALK out of there in time for his already made reservation to see The Rainmaker! Get well soon Arnold!

Announcements
Aileen-Marie Scott will be directing, and Michelle Rosen will be performing in "The Cemetery Club" at Stage Door Theatre, 28311 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 http://www.logix.com/stagedoor/. The run will be Thursday thru Saturday evenings with Sunday matinees from July 29th thru Sept. 11th. Tix 818 889 5209. Aileen will also be performing in "The House of Yes" at Tre Theatre (Next Stage Theatre 1523 N La Brea) in Hollywood as Mrs. Pascal (a very unusual mother, to a more unusual and "close" family) performing on Saturday evenings August 12th, 17th, 24th, and Sept. 2nd, with a possible (probable) extension. A very intimate 99 seat equity waiver venue.
The Academy for New Musical Theatre presents The Watercolors of Alice Lunsford - Reception Sunday, July 17 from 2-8 PM, 5628 Vineland Blvd, N. Hollywood.

East Winds/West Winds - Watercolors of Alice Lunsford and Grace Godino, Reception July 31, 4-7 PM, at the Blue 7 Gallery, 3129 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, July 31 - August 31, Mon-Fri : 10am-5pm. Sat: 10am-2pm.

Calia Mentzer sends news of Elizabeth Salback Paddock: She is in a nursing home with end stage Alzheimer's disease, according to Calia. Elizabeth is a past president and an original member of Kentwood Players. Her daughter sent in a $35.00 donation to the Dinner Dance in her mother's name.

Congratulations to Sheldon Cohen winner of the 2005 VIC award for Best Supporting Performance in, IT'S NEVER TO LATE TO LEARN. The VIC awards are presented annually by KLCS, channel 58, in Los Angeles. The awards show was aired in June. It will be rerun on August 31 at 10:00 AM.

Barbara Boone will be singing in Giuseppe Verdi's Opera Tosca to be presented at the Redlands Bowl, August 12th, 8 p.m. in the 2005 Redlands Summer Music Festival. This Festival is the oldest continuous music festival in the United States at which no admission is charged. The outdoor amphitheater seats 6000 people. Since its inception in 1923, an estimated four million people have attended an evening of entertainment under the stars at the Redlands Bowl.

Don't miss Dave Parke, and 12 other actors, in ROOM SERVICE, by John Murry & Allen Boretz, directed by Stephen Alan Carver and produced by Alex Sol, at The Space Theater, 665 No. Heliotrope Dr., Los Angeles, Tix $15, 213 241 9387.

Victoria Miller is choreographing BABY for Theater Palisades, directed by Lewis Hauser. The cast includes Austen Rey (Kiss Me Kate), Cynthia Rothschield (Picnic), Peter Miller (K.M.K., City of Angels and 1940's Radio Hour) and Carol Becker (City of Angeles). Musical Director is Bryan Murphy (1940's Radio Hour). Costume Design is by Maria Cohen, assisted by Arlene Cohen. The show runs June 10th-July 31st, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM and Sunday Matinees at 2:00 PM. Pierson Playhouse in Pacific Palisades. Tickets: 310 454 1970.

If you missed Kristen Miller's guest appearance on CBS' TWO AND A HALF MEN, you can look for it in Summer Reruns, Mondays, 9:30 PM, CBS.

The following letter was received from Marion Kerr (Murder on the Nile/Heaven Can Wait):

June 15, 2005

Dear Kentwood Players,

Hello to everyone! I am very sorry I am not able to attend the Marcom Masque awards and your evening banquet. I was so hoping to go and be able to see everyone again. However, I'm working on a film right now that is shooting on week-ends for the rest of the month, so while I'm happy to be working, I do regret not being able to see you all this Saturday evening.

I just wanted to thank you all for giving me a wonderful theater experience over the past year. Although I have done only two shows at Kentwood, the feeling that has always struck me the most was what a lovely theater community Kentwood has created. I have done a fair amount of theater since I have lived in L.A. and I find it a rare thing indeed to be in a creative environment where so many people put forth so much artistic and technical effort and yet are able to create a genuine family atmosphere at the same time. I have seen just as many personal friendships at Kentwood as I have seen professional collaborations. I have seen all of you support each other, help each other, push each other and stand up for each other while at the same time committing a lot of time and energy into putting together the best show you can possibly do. Everyone is from such different walks of life and yet you all gather together for the same reason, your love of theater. And for an outsider such as myself, to come in and see this, it is a rare, admirable and a very pure thing indeed, Everyone at Kentwood should congratulate themselves on being a member of such a community. I think you also provide a great deal of happiness and support for each other.

Thank you so much to everyone I have met and worked with this year, especially Ed and De Cotter and Sheridan Cole. You guys have made it a lot of fun. I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Love Always, [Signed], Marion Kerr, Oh and P.S. Congrats to all of the winners!

July Birthdays

7/1 Jackie Kotsos, 7/2 Laverne Mizrahi, 7/10 Arlene Cohen, 7/11 Bill Goldyn, 7/12 Charlotte Lee Schildkret, 7/12 Mary Manley Green, 7/18 Maria Cohen, 7/20 Jeanette Lyons, 7/28 Tom Brophey and 7/28 Pat Kelly.

Anniversaries

7/1 Judy & Ron Wisansky, 7/9 Frank & Eleanor Olivadoti, 7/10 Larry & Jeanne Cosgrove and 7/19 Steve Lee and Mary Steelsmith.

New Members

Jeffrey Culp & Candice Cassel
1550 S. Saltair Avenue, #6
Los Angeles, CA 90025
310 710 5376

Kentwood Website

Check out the Kentwood Players Website. Go to www.kentwoodplayers.org. If you have questions or comments regarding the site, please contact Hal Fisher at 310/397-2341 or by email at FisherForPhoto@hotmail.com

Send Stuff

Want it in the Bulletin??????? Please forward submissions to:

Larry Jones, POB 921443, Sylmar, CA 91392
818 833 7207, 818 833 7307 fax, ljonespi@yahoo.com

P.S. For Your Information we have included a copy here of the Responsibilities of Theater Manager and Usher for your perusal and adherence. The document is also posted at the theater for on the job reference.

KENTWOOD THEATER HOSPITALITY
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THEATER MANAGER & USHER

A. Sign your name on sign-in sheet on wall in box office.

B. Make sure coffee is perking and check cue for pouring. Cue is posted on wall near coffee pot.

C. Please stay out of box office booth until box-office person has finished counting the money received.

THEATER MANAGER

1. Should arrive at theater 30 minutes before curtain.
(a) See that heat / air conditioner timers are turned on.
(b) Turn on lights surrounding cast photos in lobby.
(c) Turn on outside lights, if necessary.

2. Stage Manager will advise Theater Manager, via the intercom, when to open the
House and will communicate with Theater Manager regarding the raising of the "curtain," both at the start of the show and after intermission. (Curtain may be held at discretion of Stage Manager, Box Office or Theater Manager.)

3. Theater Manager MUST REMAIN IN LOBBY during show and is responsible for security of theater lobby during performance. Theater Manager should close, but not lock, the driveway gate, and open it after the show.

4. The side door of the lobby should stay OPEN at all times because access is often required. THIS IS IMPORTANT!

5. At show's end, make sure that all patrons have cleared the lobby and rest rooms. Please lock all 3 doors and advise Stage Manager you are leaving. Stage Manager usually turns out the lights. Please open restroom doors before leaving theater.

USHERS

1. Should arrive at theater 30 minutes before curtain.

2. Theater Manager and Usher both stand at theater entrance to hand out programs and both assist patrons to their seats, if needed. Programs may also be passed out to patrons in the lobby before the house is open.

3. Theater Manager and Usher collaborate on serving coffee during intermission. (Box Office personnel makes coffee.) Set out milk, sugar, etc., and after intermission place coffee grounds in dumpster, wash out coffee pot and milk pitchers, return sugar cubes to can and see that counter and table cloth are clean and the lobby is tidy. Usher is then free to leave.