Kentwood Players Bulletin May 2006

General Meeting

The General Meeting this month will be on Wednesday, May 17, 2006, 8:00 PM at the theater, Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045.

Hospitality

May meeting hospitality will be provided by Carol Becker. Thank You Carol!

Workshop
Crossing Delancey, A Romantic Comedy By Susan Sandler. Enjoy a visit with Bubbie and her granddaughter Izzy as they chat over tea and cookies about life, dreams, family, and the importance of getting married. Directed by Shari Barrett and Featuring: Lois Bostwick as Bubbie and Jamaica Crawford as Izzy.

The Fantasticks, Book & Lyrics by Tom Jones, Music by Harvey Schmidt
May/June Production

The show, directed by Kirk Larson and produced by Lori A. Marple-Pereslete, opened May 5, 2006 and continues through June 17, 2006. The cast includes:
Greg Abbott - Hucklebee
Robert Davis - Mortimer
Bevan Michael Haynes - Matt
Ben Lupejkis - Bellomy
Holly Sedillos - Luisa
Jon Sparks - El Gallo
Max Heldring Stormes - Henry
Andrew Zimmer - Mute.

Make your reservations NOW!

Work Sunday for the Fantasicks on April 16, 2005 was attended by following members:
Greg Abbott, Shari Barrett, Carol Becker, Tom Brophey, Arlene Cohen, Maria Cohen, Michael Cohen, Sheldon Cohen, Jim Crawford, Robert Davis, Russell Ham, Kirk Larson, Ben Lupejkis, Julia Maggs, Lori Marple-Pereslete, Treva E. Merritt, Sheldon Metz, Melvin Miller, Calia Mintzer, Gert Nord, Tony Pereslete, Charlotte Lee Schildkret, Holly Sedillos, Adina Silo, Jon Sparks, Max Stormes, Fred M. Wolf. Thanks to All!!

George Washington Slept Here, Moss Hart & George S. Kaufman
July/August Production

Playing July 7, 2006 through August 12, 2006. Work Sunday is scheduled for June 18, 2006.

Our July/August 2006 Production of George Washington Slept Here by Moss Hart & George S. Kaufman, will be directed by Phil Brickey. Producers are Shari Barrett and Charlotte Lee Schildkret. GEORGE WASHINGTON SLEPT HERE chronicles the trials and tribulations of Newton Fuller who craves - and gets - "a little place in the country to call his own," where locals claim George Washington slept during the Revolutionary War. But Newton's dream house turns out to be one of those rundown, waterless, and almost roofless houses that dot the picturesque countryside. Hilarity follows his every move!

After a very well attended weekend of auditions, Phil, Charlotte and Shari are pleased to announce the cast of GEORGE WASHINGTON SLEPT HERE:

Tim Forsyth as Newton Fuller
Susie McCarthy as Annabelle Fuller
Jeffrey Culp as Mr. Kimber
Colleen Lindt as Madge Fuller
J.R. Killigrew as Steve Eldridge
Davina Turnbull as Hester
Vic Helford, as Uncle Stanley
Catherine Rahm as Rena Leslie
Barry Nackos as Clayton Evans
Logan O'Brien as Raymond
Marlene Grinde as Mrs. Douglas
Michael Grinde as Mr. Prescott
Corinne Dorfman as Sue Barrington
Janet Rodriguez as Marian Wilcox
Daniel Bergher as Tommy Hughes
Brett Page as Leggett Frazer.

Most Happy Fella, Music, Lyrics & Book by Frank Loesser
September/October Production

Playing Dates: September 8, 2006 through October 21, 2006. Work Sunday: 8/20/06

Our September October Production for 2006 will be THE MOST HAPPY FELLA, to be directed by Ben Lupejkis. Producers on this production will be Rocky and Vicki Miller.

Nicholas Nickleby, by Gregory Blair
November/December Production

Playing Dates: November 10, 2006 through December 16, 2006. Work Sunday: 10/22/2006.

Our November/December Production for 2006 will be NICHOLAS NICKLEBY to be directed by August Vivirito. The Board has approved Christine Joëlle Torreele as producer for Nicholas Nickleby.

Cinderella, by Blanche Marvin
Children's Production, December 2, 9, & 16, 2006

The board has approved our next Children's Production as Cinderella, to be directed by Carol Becker and produced by Alison Mattiza. The show will be performed on the set of Nicholas Nickleby.

Steve Allen's The Wake
January/February Production

Playing dates: January 13, 2007 through February 18, 2007. Work Sunday: 12/16/06.

The board has approved our January February Production for 2007 as The Wake, by Steve Allen to be directed by Sheldon Metz.

12th Night or What You Will, by William Shakespeare
March/April Production 2007

The board has approved 12th Night, by William Shakespeare for our March/April 2007 Production, to be directed by Bill Goldyn.

Follies, Book by James Goldman, Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
May/June Production

Our May/June Production will be FOLLIES, to be directed by Ed Cotter.

Nominating Committee

Our Nominating Committee for 2006/2007 Officers and Board Members have been named as Sheldon Metz, Margie Bates, Gert Nord, Scot Renfo and Gail Bernardi. Please contact any member of the committee to nominate a candidate for the 2006 - 2007 slate. Nominations can also be made from the floor at the April or May General Meeting. Remember that to nominate a candidate, permission must first be obtained from the candidate one intends to nominate. Slate:

President, vote for one Ben Lupejkis
Sheldon Metz
Vice President Gail Bernardi
Secretary Jeanne Spain
Treasurer Catherine Rahm
Box Office Chair Julia Maggs
Bulletin Chair Larry Jones
House Manager Melvin Miller
Production Manager Lori A. Marple Pereslete
Programs & Postcards Tom Brophey
Technical Manager Jim Crawford
Publicity Shari Barrett
Season Tickets Jenny Boone
Special Theater Parties Calia Mintzer
Workshops/Scheduling Gert Nord
Plays Committee Chair Sheridan Cole
Plays Committee, vote for 2 Alison Mattiza
Vada Foster
Christine Joëlle Torreele

Candidates for contested positions on the board have submitted stump speeches to this humble editor and are forthwith provided:

Statement of Ben Lupejkis, candidate for Board President:

I believe that in any organization, particularly a volunteer organization, it is important to remember to be cordial, kind, and understanding. People are freely giving up of their time, without the expectation of monetary compensation. And even though in the Kentwood Players some long-standing relationships exist that can be described as adversarial, I believe people can change if shown a better way. In any organization I've ever been a part of, from teacher, to principal, to assistant principal, to member, to board member, I have tried to practice what I now propose. As president of this august theatre, I see my purpose as an exemplar of respect and kindness - of support and forgiveness. No member, past or current, should ever walk away from an interaction having felt disrespected and slighted, and in my 2-year term as your president, I will do the very best I can to see that this does not happen. However, organizations with accepted patterns of behavior do not make wholesale changes overnight. Change is made incrementally, sometimes painfully, but if we set a course and maintain it in the face of occasional storms, I believe the Kentwood Players will be a group that the membership, including new and prospective members, may see as a true "functional" family.

Statement of Sheldon Metz, candidate for Board President:

I first came to Kentwood as a member and an actor (I Never Sang For My Father) in 1979 and returned to what I have often referred to as "my home," in 1984, where I have been continuously active ever since.

Some call me a true Renaissance Man. I have chaired several committees, served as Production Manager, for a total of 15 years, and am now a Permanent Member as a result of having served as President from 1994-96. I have directed, designed and built and decorated sets, designed graphics, chaired the 50th Anniversary Event and many Music Halls, rewrote the production manual, taught production classes and more. I have always been active.

As a director, I have directed some of the most renowned shows KP has produced. Over the years, 10 of my 16 KP shows have been listed in the Rave's Top Ten, six have been rated Number One. I have been honored to receive four Best Director Awards. I've brought West Coast and Los Angeles Premiers to our stage with rave results. My 16 shows puts me fourth on the all-time list in total plays directed behind Arky Markham (25), Jerry Silvers (18) and Monty Ash (17). This doesn't count the multitude of workshops and the talented members I've introduced to our stage and membership. As a set designer, I have designed and built 31 sets at KP alone, and garnered six Marcom Mask Awards. I have also received 2 awards for Set Decoration, 1 for Lighting Design (thanks to Richard Potthoff), and 1 for Graphic Design.

I believe in the Kentwood family; allowing people to find their talents and develop them - not with micromanagement, but with support; the freedom of members to participate at meetings; and, to feel and be a part of the theatre, not just a "lookie-loo," sharing in the pride of being the best. I have constantly encouraged people to develop talents they themselves may not have known they had, bringing some Kentwood notables to the stage for their first efforts, whether that be acting, crew, tech or what-have-you. We must expand our talent-base in order to survive.

As a part of the Jan and Arky Marcom years, I remember the "old ways" and the social involvement, and believe in them wholeheartedly. However, there are many new ideas that can and should be incorporated. Ideas such as the drive for new members, members who will design and build and act and produce and direct; the drive to produce new and exciting theatre; producing original productions; the drive to really produce Children's Theatre, not just specials; the drive to develop children's classes; a change in our Dinner Dance format to include more people currently priced out of the market; and, much more.

By the way, children's theatre, for and by the kids, brings in children whose parents follow. We need to develop these parents into participants and members. They are the future of Kentwood, the future we need to cultivate. We are proud of all of our Kentwood Kids, as we refer to them. They've made us proud. Let's develop a whole generation or to help us continue for another 100 years.

Some say a President should just run the meetings. I believe a President should motivate people. . A President should make people feel needed and valued. A President should be a leader with new and creative ideas that will put a stop to the apathy and increase member involvement in an exciting way with a grand goal, while developing a positive program for new member development, and new families, to be part of our wonderful "family."

Statement of Alison Mattiza, candidate for Plays Reading Committee Member

If elected again to the play reading committee, I will do my best to ensure that we provide a well balanced schedule of plays and musicals at Kentwood. I feel it is important to put on productions that our audiences want to see. It is also important to focus on choosing shows that entertain, move and sometimes suprise and possibly even cause audience members to think about life. It is also crucial to find directors that have a passion and vision for the show we are considering.

Statement of Vada Foster, candidate for Plays Reading Committee Member

Kentwood is certainly one of the more successful community theatres in the area, and probably the entire country. The membership have made some very good decisions for the past fifty plus years, and I would very much appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the decision making process. Without a doubt there is a core group within the group that has over the years borne the brunt of the workload. I think it would be a great idea to let some of the burden pass on to some of the newer members.

I have been in theatre since I was in Junior High and have an eye for what works on stage and what does not. And I am aware of the types of shows that Kentwood tends to look for, and will bear that in mind while reading scripts. I would really like to see some shows on the schedule that have not been done by every theatre group since the beginning of time. There are new shows coming along all the time and we should be considering them.

If I were on the committee I would solicit input from Kentwood directors for suggestions about plays they would like to do, and read them and pass on my recommendations to the rest of the committee. The more input we have the better able we will be to pick the best of the best. Thanks so much for your consideration.

Statement of Christine Joëlle Torreele, candidate for Plays Reading Committee Member

My dear fellow Kentwood Members:

My name is Christine Joëlle Torreele, and I am running for one of the open Play Committee positions. It has been my pleasure to be an active Kentwood Member in good standing for the past two years and look forward to many more years to come. The Kentwood shows in which I have acted include: "Picnic", "Murder On The Nile", "The Sunshine Boys", "The Rainmaker" and several Workshops. I have also assisted Shari Barrett in ushering for "The Emperor's New Clothes" and helped with set painting for "Heaven Can Wait" with Lori Marple-Pereslete and Tony Pereslete. And now I am looking forward to extend my services as Producer for "Nickolas Nickleby" next fall.

I'm proud to have earned a Bachelor's Degree in Theatre at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia and an Associates Degree in Acting at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Hollywood, California. My studies and accomplishments include not only acting but directing, set design, costume design, stage management, house management, crew management and producing, just to name a few. Through my years of experience with an extensive resume in theatre education and productions I have personally worked on, I feel I have a wide-range knowledge of playwrights and their earlier period and/or current published works. My current continued studies in acting requires that I keep up on classic and contemporary theatre in Los Angeles.

If elected, I shall be truly honored to serve the Kentwood Players Members and thankfully shall not be alone in this important position. I understand what is expected of me and my Play Committee associates. I am aware and value the significance and impact of how our seasonal production choices shall make for our box office and the growth of our Westchester Playhouse Theatre as well as the continued support of our loyal season ticket holders. For your consideration, I thank you. Christine Joëlle Torreele

Happy Voting!

Dinner Dance

Calia wrote to say, please let her know if you did not get your Dinner Dance Invitations. They have all been mailed. Be sure and keep June 24th open to celebrate with your Kentwood Family. If you are a member and have seen all the plays you will be receiving a ballot from Barbara Brophey so you can vote for your favorites. Ben Lupejkis is working on a fabulous program, which will continue our tradition of great Dinner Dance Programs! We have a great caterer who will provide a marvelous buffet dinner and a excellent Dance Band who will get you up on your feet!

We will be having ads and personal greetings in our program. If you know of anyone who wants to advertise or place a greeting, the prices are as follows: whole page $50.00, half page $35.00, l/4 page $25.00, Business Card or personal line $l0.00. Please enclose your copy or business card with a check made out to Kentwood Players and mail to 830l Hindry Ave, LA 90045, attention Julia Maggs. Julia is in charge of the ads again this year. Julia would like everyone to know it is possible to put an ad in the program, any size ad, even if you are unable to attend the evening's festivities! Thank you Julia. (She thinks of everything!)

Marcom Masque Awards
Barbara Brophey announces that Marcom Masque Award ballots have been mailed to all eligible voters.* If you believe you are an eligible voter, but have not received a ballot, contact Barbara immediately. After you have voted, insert your ballot in the double envelope provided, and don't forget to sign the outer envelope so that your eligibility can be validated. Return your ballot by May 31. (*In order to be an eligible voter you must have seen all six productions from Company to Romeo and Juliet, and you must have become a member before the closing of Company.)

Sad News to Report
Muriel Sidell, the beloved wife of Al Sidell, passed away on "Cinco de Mayo," Al's words. He said she was gardening on April 27, became ill, necessitating an operation. According to Al, the operation was a success, but she died of infection complications on May 5, 2006, after 57 ½ happy years of marriage.

More Sad News to Report
The mother of long time member Hal Fisher passed away in April, just a few weeks prior to her 100th birthday.

More Sad News to Report
According to a few Kentwood members, John Sills, son of long time member Edye Sills Fahringer, passed away on May 1, 2006 at the age of 62. He is survived by two brothers: Steve and Mickey.

Theater Donation
The board has put out a call for anyone who can donate a vacuum cleaner for the good of the theater, especially the upstairs dressing rooms and rehearsal hall! Thanks!

Announcements
Dave Parke has been cast in the leading role of Dan Chandler in an original play entitled Junebug Versus Hurricane, written by Erin Chandler, the granddaughter of Happy Chandler, twice the governor of Kentucky and was the baseball commissioner who let Jackie Robinson play in Major League Baseball. The play opens April 9, 2006 at The Lost Theater, 130 La Brea, Hollywood. According to Dave, Happy's wife was in the theater when the show was cast and thought Dave was perfect casting for her husband! Dave said the casting was done by well known Hollywood casting agent Lisa Pantone. He also said the last cast at this theater, not only did the play, but also did the movie, which was cast and filmed after the play closed! See Dave for tix and times.

Ed Cotter announces he is directing THE BEAUTY QUEEN OF LEENANE, by Martin McDonagh, at The Little Fish Theater, 777 Center Street, San Pedro, CA. The show opens April 28 and closes May 27 and the cast includes some familiar names; Susan Gordon, Don Schlossman, Drew Fitzsimmons and Jo Black. Tickets will be $18/$16 Seniors and Students. Reservations: 310 512 6030. Director Ed Cotter described the play as an Irish Thriller with laughs! According to the Director, the show opened with excellence and everyone needs to see this show!

Phil Massi wrote to say he just became grandpa to #5, Christina Arianna Ruiz, born March 18 to daughter, Lori & son-in-law, Henry--it's their second. In addition to the long-running role of grandpa, Phil has hit the boards again. In Feb he appeared as the 'Wazir' in a concert version of KISMET at the Palm Canyon Theater in Palm Springs. He is presently in rehearsal for the College of the Desert production of GUYS & DOLLS in the role of Nathan Detroit. The show will be performed at the popular McCallum Theater in Palm Desert. Tickets are now available thru the McCallum box office (760)340-2787 tickets range $20-$30. Play dates Fri., Sat., Sun. May 19 and 20, 8:00 PM and May 20-21, 2:00 PM. Phil says, be sure to come backstage and say hi after the show.

Bill Goldyn, Kentwood director and actor, is directing the biggest musical he has ever produced at Hollywood High School, The Who's TOMMY!! This rock opera features non-stop singing, two full choirs, 80 students (incl. many award-winning singers and two child actors!), characters being flown around the stage, a huge multi-leveled set, brand-new lighting instruments, and a finale you'll never forget!! This isn't the (ridiculous) movie some of you may have seen but rather the Broadway production that originally opened in 1992 at the La Jolla Playhouse. He is EXTREMELY proud of his hard-working students and hopes you will make plans to attend. The performances will be June 2, 9, and 10 at 7pm and June 11 at 2pm. The address of the school is 1521 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 90028 and tickets can be purchased by calling (323) 461-3891.

Jon Abramsons sent the following: Just to catch you up on our recent activities here in the desert. Pamla & I recently performed in "Sweeney Todd" at the Palm Canyon Theatre for which Pamla received rave reviews in her role as Mrs. Lovett. She also appeared in Musical Chairs' April production of Jerry Herman Revisited at the Joslyn Theatre and the Annenberberg Theatre. Pamla is currently appearing as Vera in "Stepping Out" at the Palm Canyon Theatre and doing a great job as always. I just finished co-writing and directing "Frolics of 2006" at Sun City Palm Desert which delighted our audiences. Pamla is also busy making personal appearances as Ms. Senior America of California and performing around Southern California; she is enjoying her reign. Along with all of the above we are working very hard as Realtors, if anyone is looking to move out here we would be delighted to help them find a great home. Life here in the desert is fabulous!!! We both send our best wishes to everyone. Jon

Alice Lunsford wrote to say: A 20 minute comedy she wrote, CATCH OF THE DAY, will be part of an evening of 6 20 min. plays at Theatre 40, Beverly Hills High School, 241 Moreno Drive, Beverly Hills, to run from June 8 (Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun) through June 25, Kentwood night to be Sat, June 17, call Alice at 310-392-1579 or alice639@cs.com for rsvr. Tix $15. 5 actors in play, all from Kentwood: Christine Joëlle Toreele , Bruce Schroffel (45 Seconds From Broadway), Meredith Sweeney (Juliet in Romeo and Juliet), Ben Brannon (Mercrutio in Romeo and Juliet) and Alice Lunsford.

According to Alice, she can also be seen in the new Disney TV show "Hannah Montana" on Disney Channel, sometime in June. It shows on Fridays at 7 pm.

Aileen Scot sent the following important information for THE SHADOW BOX: I am playing Beverly in this production and am working with some stellar people. This is the best theatrical experience I have had in YEARS!!! THE SHADOW BOX, Performance Dates: May 26 through June 4, 2006. PHILLIPS HALL THEATRE LOCATION AND PARKING: Phillips Hall Theatre and the adjacent parking lot are located on Bristol, just south of 17th Street on the campus of Santa Ana College. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Call 714-564-5668 or 714-564-5666, PHILLIPS HALL THEATRE (Black Box) SANTA ANA COLLEGE, 1530 West 17th Street, Santa Ana, California 92706, 714-564-5661, www.sac.edu

According to Michelle Rosen, Fire Rose Productions and the Secret Rose Theatre present BOXCAR AND EUGENIA, written and directed by Art Shulman, starring Michelle Rosen: June 2 to July 23, Fri/Sat 8PM, Sun 2PM, 11246 Magnolia Bl, North Hollywood, Reservations 818 782 4224 ($40/ 3 off with flyer or a senior).

Lifetime member, Klair Bybee is playing the cop in the L.A. Premiere of Charles Ludlum's family-value murder, THE ARTIFICIAL JUNGLE, alternating weekends at
Lonny Chapman Group Repertory Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, 91601, starting May 19 to June 17. Call Klair for $10 tickets (818) 768-3331.

Sheridan Cole will be going to Georgia mid-May for a few days to film a short (low budget) independent film, an adaptation of a Flannery O'Connor short story.

Susan Stangl wrote: I have learned of an acting opportunity from a friend of mine and wondered if any of you might be interested or know someone who would be. A friend of a friend of mine is putting together an event at the LA Country Club on Wilshire, Friday, June 23, from 6:30-9:00 pm. They are recreating the early days of the club (1900s) and need two men 40s or 50s to play the founders of the club, Mr. Sartori and Mr. Tufts. They would probably pay a few hundred dollars for the evening, but this is negotiable, and they will provide appropriate period costumes. There will be 500+ guests and the actors would be expected to be familiar with information about the club and be able to mix and mingle with the guests. That's basically all I know. If you are interested, call Roberta Gallina at 310-860-3257 or e-mail gallina@Thelacc.org. Mention my name so she will know where you came from. If you can send headshots and resumes electronically, that would be great.

(Jean) Alexana Thomas from Kentwood's "The Supporting Cast" is the Assistant Producer of Golden Circle's presentation of Michael V. Gazzo's famed 1954 play A HATFUL OF RAIN at the Meta Theater located at 7801 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90046. Originally created in 1954 by members of the famed Actors Studio, including Shelley Winters, Ben Gazzara, Anthony Franciosa, Frank Corsaro and Michael Gazzo, the cast and crew respectfully present this play in memory of Anthony Franciosa and Shelley Winters, who recently passed away within a month of each other. Directed by David Blanchard, performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM and Sundays at 7:00 PM from June 9 - July 16. Tickets for A Hatful of Rain are $20 and may be purchased at www.GoldenCircle.net or by calling 818-509-7200.

May Birthdays

Jeannie Cosgrove 5/1, Phil Massi 5/2, Dagmar Schnauss 5/6, Melvin Miller 5/8, Pauline Harred 5/14, Elisabeth Minihan 5/15, Judy Polak 5/16, Treva Merritt 5/18, Mel Oshins 5/22, Pamla Abramson 5/28, Gloria Rosen 5/30, Dorothea Kavanaugh 5/31 and Rocky Miller 5/31. Happy birthday all!

May Anniversaries

Arnold & Charlotte Lee Schildkret 5/2, Arlene & Sheldon Cohen 5/14 & Rudi & Dorothea Toepfer 5/24.

New Members

Russel Ham, Virginia Mekkelson, Christy Engels and Nikki Corso.

Welcome New Members!

Respectfully Submitted,

Larry Jones