General Meeting

The General Meeting this month will be on Wednesday, October 18, 2006, 8:00 PM at the theater, Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045.

Hospitality

Meeting Hospitality for October will be provided by Alice and Jim Lunsford. Thanks guys!

Workshop

The workshop for this month will our annual Music Hall Workshop, organized and staged this year by Sheldon Metz and, according to Mr. Metz, will include performances by Elizabeth Bouton, Paul Craft, The Flats (Frank Olivadotti, Barry Nackos, Sheldon Metz), Shellee James, Linda Metz, Calia Mintzer, Judy Pollack, Chris Roque, Justin Rozell, Bruce Schroffel, Jeanne Spain, and, “as always, a few very special surprises.....”

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

Playing Dates: September 8, 2006 through October 21, 2006.

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

You better not miss this show and you have only two more chances, October 20 & 21, 2006, THIS weekend!

Cast and Crew:

Rocky Miller Tony
Marie Talley Rosabella
Patricia Butler Cleo
Ryan Black Joe
Greg Abbott Herman
Susan Gordon Marie
Ben Lupejkis Pasquale/Al
Jeffrey Mark Pierce Ciccio/Clem
James Larson Guiseppe/Jake
Jerad Callen Doc
Jim Crawford Postman
Phil Apoian Max/Sheriff, Priest, Ensemble
Drew Fitzsimmons Cashier, City Boy, Truck Driver, Bus
Driver, Principle Dancer, Ensemble
Courtney Crooks Country Girl, Principal Dancer, Ensemble
Kelsey Bullock Principal Dancer, Ensemble
Anna Rubin Woman, Principle Dancer, Ensemble
Francesca Palermo Ensemble
Jeanne Spain Biddie, Ensemble
Robin Rothstein Biddie, Ensemble
Meredith Sweeney Ensemble
McKenzie Becker Little Girl
Creed Stager Little Boy

Director Ben Lupejkis
Producers Victoria and Rocky Miller
Music Director Richard Berent
Vocal Director Scott R. McKenzie
Choreographer Victoria Miller
Set Designer Michael Keith Allen
Costume Designer Valerie Ruel
Light Designer Robert Davies
Sound Designer Rocky Miller
Stage Manager Jim Crawford
Property Manger Sheldon Cohen
Poster/Lobby Design Michael Cohen
Audition Assistants Gert Nord, Sheridan Cole

New Stage Floor

According to President Metz, in addition to all the “Thank Yous” last month for work on the new stage floor, there are Very Special Thanks due Tom Brophey, Michael Cohen and Russell Ham for all their hard work on bringing the excellent new stage floor into existence. Check out the new stage floor next visit to the theater.

Nicholas Nickleby, by Gregory Blair
November/December Production

Our November/December Production for 2006 will be NICHOLAS NICKLEBY, Directed by August Vivirito and Produced by Christine Joëlle.

Director August Vivirito forwarded the following

Charles Dickens’
NICHOLAS NICKLEBY
A New 2-Act Adaptation by Gregory Blair

Directed by August Vivirito
Assistant Directed by T L Kolman
Produced by Christine Joëlle
Costumes by Maria Cohen
Lighting by Tom Brophey
Dialect Coaching by Nathaniel King
Set by August Vivirito and Scot Renfro
Set Decoration by Scot Renfro and August Vivirito
Lighting and Sound Technicians: Mel Miller and Jim Crawford

- THE TROUPE -
(in order of first appearance)

Rosanna Butler Madeline Bray
Skip Pipo Ralph Nickleby
Raymond Lynch Newman Noggs
Margaret Schugt Mrs. Nickleby
Max Dean Nicholas Nickleby
Leslie Rivera Kate Nickleby
Scot Renfro Wackford Squeers
Anthony Mastantuono John (the sneeze boy), Cobby, Folair, Frank Cheeryble
Dave Narloch Mr. Snawley, Lord Verisoft
Frank Kesby Ollie, The Singer, Ned Cheeryble
Scotty Servis Tim, Mobb, Charles Cheeryble
Steve Hallum Smike
Christine Joëlle Mrs. Squeers, Shopper
Kelly Graham Fanny Squeers, Nina Crummles
Justin Rozell Schoolboy
Nathaniel King Lord Mulberry Hawk, Brooker
Philip Apoian Mr. Crummles, Mr. Bray
Vada Foster Mrs. Crummles, Shopper

Young Nicholas and his family have enjoyed a comfortable, country life…until now. Suddenly, Nicholas’ father dies and the family is left penniless. Nicholas’ family travels to London to seek help from their Uncle, Ralph Nickleby, but Ralph’s only intentions are to exploit them. Join in the exciting adventure as Nicholas and his newfound friend Smike escape the cruel boarding school, become theatrical sensations, and encounter secret plots as Nicholas struggles to reunite his family and set the world right.

"While Nicholas Nickleby's director August Vivirito is thrilled to have the support and enthusiasm of Kentwood and its neighbors, he asks that you please resist the temptation of attending rehearsals, including final dress rehearsal. He looks forward to seeing you all on Opening
Night or thereafter, but hopes everyone understands that he'd really appreciate it if you wait for the Opening. On that night, we can all make a really spectacular splash together."

Work Sunday, Nicholas Nickleby

Director August Vivirito forwarded the following message:

Please don't forget that Sunday, October 22nd is WORK SUNDAY for NICHOLAS NICKLEBY! The design team promises a really smooth day as we transform the Napa Valley into the sights and sounds of Victorian London! Be one of the first to glimpse the backdrop for the show that promises to have the town cheering! Plus... a great family lunch including KP leaders and the talented cast and crew of 'Nickleby'! Be there or be square! Thank you!!!

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.

Director Carol Becker forwarded the following for CINDRELLA:

Cast:

Cinderella - Amy Coles
Prince Charming - Andrew Zimmer
Minerva (Stepsister) - Jon Sparks
Angelea (Stepsister) - Robert Davis
Stepmother/Leticia - Susan Gordon
Chamberlain - Greg Jackson
Fairy Godmother/Britannia - Victoria Miller

Crew:

Costumes - Maria Cohen
Choreography/Light Booth - Alison Mattiza
Set Construction - Tony Pereslete

Steve Allen’s The Wake
January/February Production

Playing dates: January 13, 2007 through February 18, 2007. Work Sunday: 12/17/06.

Our January/February Production for 2007 will be STEVE ALLEN’S THE WAKE to be directed by Sheldon Metz and produced by Calia Mintzer. Director Sheldon Metz provided the following:

Cast Breakdowns
Directed by Sheldon Metz
Produced by Calia Mintzer

Time: Circa – 1931.

Auditions will be from the script. The show runs Friday & Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees, January 12 through February 17, 2006. Please audition only if you can meet all of the playing dates.

Auditions: Saturday, November 11, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sunday evening, November 12, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

This story, based upon Steve Allen’s own childhood, centers around a lower middle-class Irish in Chicago. The body of Bridget Scanlon reposes in a casket on stage. Chicago accents needed.

Mike Scanlon – 50 – Very slight Irish lilt. Street smarts, but not a punk. Spent some time in prison. He dreams of a better life.

Josephine Scanlon – 48 – A heavyset woman (?). Same slight lilt as Mike. An antagonist, sarcastic and biting.

Jack Scanlon – 46 – Professional writer. Ultra-progressive for the times. He left the family and moved to NY.

Margaret Scanlon – 44 – Mothering type. The sane voice, she only seeks peace in the family.

Rose Scanlon O’Brien – 42 – She lives her emotions for everyone to see (drama queen).

Belle Scanlon – 39 – Vaudeville actress. The family’s black sheep. Based upon Allen’s own mother, Belle.

David Considine – 9 – The Steve Allen persona as a child. Belle’s son.

John O’Toole – 50 – Working class, with a working class Irish accent. Childhood friend of Mike’s.

Tommy Monaghan – late 40’s – Same As O’Toole. He wears a black eye patch.

Mary McCaffrey – mid-late 70’- Bridget’s oldest friend.

Sarah McCaffrey – Mary’s older sister – Hard of hearing, talks a bit louder.

Father Morrisey – mid 20’s-40’s- Is he con-man or priest? Irish accent.

Nellie Riley – mid-late 30’s – Childhood friend of Belle’s.

Frank Riley, Jr. – 11 – Claire’s stocky, bully of a child.

Theresa Riley – Frank’s younger sister. A little lady.

Producer Calia Mintzer will have scripts at the October Meeting, which can be taken home for a mere $10.00 deposit, happily refunded upon return of the script at auditions.

The Constant Wife, by Somerset Maugham
March/April Production

The Kentwood Board has approved THE CONSTANT WIFE, by Somerset Maugham, for the March/April 2007 time slot, to be directed by Gail Bernardi.

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 and produced by Dee Cotter.

The Mystery of Edwin Drood, by Rupert Holmes
September/October Production

The Board has approved THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, by Rupert Homes, to be our September/October 2007 Production. The show will be directed by Cathrine Rahm.

Publicity

Publicity Chairperson Shari Barrett wrote to let us know Kentwood Players information, including show photos, is now posted on Experience LA. Take a look at: http://www.experiencela.com/destinations/fullprofile.asp?key=20060922111504

According to Shari, there have been six reviewers for MOST HAPPY FELLA.
According to Shari, following is the link to the "Kentwood Players Thriving in Westchester" article in the September issue of The Del Rey News. It includes quotes from Sheldon Metz and information gathered from a press release by Sheridan Cole and Shari. http://www.delreynews.com/html/page_5.html
Shari Barrett announced Kentwood Players now lists our productions with Goldstar Events online at half price. There are only 6 half price tickets offered for each performance, however what's different is that most Sunday matinees are included. The only performances not offered at half price are Opening and Closing nights and the final Sunday matinee. If you are not registered with Goldstar Events, you can go to http://www.goldstarevents.com and register now. You will receive a weekly email from them with a list of events that may be of interest to you. There is a wide range of activities offered, including sporting events, as well as live theatre. Perhaps there is a play you would like to see that is out of your price range - just check Goldstar Events and perhaps you can book a half price seat!

Theater Parties
Calia Mintzer, Theater Parties Chairperson, would like to remind all members to please refer Kentwood Players and our fund raising theater parties to all the organizations you belong to. Theater Parties are a great way for your organizations to raise funds, see friends, have a good time and see a GREAT show!

Points
Please recall it is important to your membership status, as in continuing your membership, to obtain 6 points throughout the year and Hospitality Chairperson Vada Foster would like to remind everyone those all important points are available to members who sign up for and do hospitality. Come on down and pour some coffee and get points!!

Recuperating From Surgery
Sheldon Metz is recuperating from his September back surgery.
Michael Grinde is recuperating from surgery to repair a broken femur in his right leg after a fall at his home. He would welcome calls and cards from members and hopes to be able to make it to the October general meeting.
Hal Fisher is recuperating from major dental surgery, but should be at the October General Meeting.

Announcements
CHARLIE’S AUNT, by Brandon Thomas. Ed Cottter is directing CHARLIE’S AUNT at Theater Palisades. Several Kentwood members are in this delightful, carefree farce including Susan Stangl, Drew Fitzsimmons, Jack Winnick, Andrew Zimmer and Bruce Schroffel. [De Cotter is Script Supervisor.] If you have done your holiday shopping and you’ve seen August Vivirito’s exceptional production of NICHOLAS NICKLEBY, DROP IN AT Theater Palisades and see how much laughter you can actually take without splitting your sides. It plays 11/10/2006 to 12/17/2006, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM. For reservations, call 310 454 9224. (Ed Cotter)
DVORAK IN AMERICA by Alice Lunsford and Janet Barnet, a musical based on the melodies of Czech composer Anton Dvorak, Oct. 6 - Nov 18, playing Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun mat. at Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd (near Woodman), Sherman Oaks. Tix -$28 - 30, seniors & group rates (15 or more in group) - $25. An idyllic family vacation in Spillville, Iowa where Dvorak hopes to find inspiration for his new composition is disrupted by an unexpected visitor. Tickets:(323) 960-4429 or www.plays411.com/Dvorak
group rates call Alice at 310-392-1579. Sets and decor are by Tony and Lori Pereslete. (Alice Lunsford)

Dave Parke was cast and shot two movies in July and August. One called Plant Life where he shares the screen with Sheldon Metz and Barry Silver, and he stars in one called "Dirty filthy pigs." It has a website http://www.shermsthemovie.com/.

Early this year Sheldon Cohen brought a working 27 inch color TV to the theater, to be used as a monitor in the Green Room. Sometime prior to it being hooked up to the camera for use, the TV disappeared. If anyone has any information as to the whereabouts of the TV, let either the Board or Sheldon Cohen know. If you borrowed it return it ASAP. The TV is theater property.

October Birthdays

Michael Plesche 10/4, Phil Brickey 10/7, Pat Gunter 10/7, Julia Maggs 10/10, Hal Fisher 10/16, Wilma Rimson 10/18, Larry Jones 10/22, Eileen Cipriano 10/23, Dave Parke 10/23, Michael Cohen 10/23, Shari Barrett 10/26, Jim Crawford 10/28 and Elizabeth Bouton 10/29. Happy Birthday to us all!!

October Anniversaries

De & Ed Cotter 10/1, Alison & Van Mattiza 10/4 and Alice & Jim Lunsford 10/22. Congratulations!

New Members

Geanne Clark Robyn Rothstein
Los Angeles, CA 90045 Marina del Rey, CA 90292

New Junior Member

The Kentwood Board approved Francesca Palermo as a new Junior Member of Kentwood Players. Welcome Francesca!

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.

Larry Jones