General Meeting

The General Meeting this month will be on Wednesday, November 15, 2006, 8:00 PM at the theater, Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045.

Hospitality

Meeting Hospitality for November will be provided by Adina Silo. Thanks Adina!

Workshop

The November Workshop will be selected scenes from Arnold Schildkret’s Musical, EMERALD CITY IN CONCERT, to be directed by Charlotte Lee Schildkret and will feature great grandson Justin Rozell.

Upcoming Workshops

Our December after meeting festivities will be The Holiday Party, brought to you by The Board.

January Workshop Director Virginia Mekkelson provided the following January Workshop Information:

SHAKESPEARE PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP

Who's afraid of the big bad Bard? Not us! Six Workshop Sessions. Six Scenes from AS YOU LIKE IT
We will present a reading of scenes from AS YOU LIKE IT for the general membership meeting Wednesday 1/17/07.
We'll create character with physical performance technique
(like Commedia dell'Arte), take turns playing all the good parts,
and practice delivering all those long, long speeches.
All script in hand. No audition. Just be there when you can!
Get ready for Shakespeare by the Sea and other summer productions.
Those wishing to practice their audition for other shows are welcome.

Workshop Session Dates:

Sunday 12/3- 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Sunday 12/10 - 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Friday 12/29 - 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Friday 1/5/07 - 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Monday 1/15- 7:30 to 9:30 PM
Tuesday 1/16 - 7:30 to 9:30 PM

It's a busy time of year, so come when you can. Flyers with more information will be available in the lobby and from Virginia Mekkelson at the November General Meeting. Contact Virginia at the November meeting with any questions.

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 closed on October 21, 2006 to a very appreciative audience to conclude a successful Kentwood Run! Producers on this production were Rocky and Vicki Miller.

Thanks to Cast and Crew:
Rocky Miller, Marie Talley, Patricia Butler, Ryan Black, Greg Abbott, Susan Gordon, Ben Lupejkis, Jeffrey Mark Pierce, James Larson, Jerad Callen, Jim Crawford, Phil Apoian, Drew Fitzsimmons, Courtney Crooks, Kelsey Bullock, Anna Rubin, Francesca Palermo, Jeanne Spain, Robin Rothstein, Meredith Sweeney, McKenzie Becker, Creed Stager, Victoria Miller, Richard Berent, Scott R. McKenzie, Michael Keith Allen, Valerie Ruel, Robert Davies, Jim Crawford, Sheldon Cohen, Michael Cohen, Gert Nord and Sheridan Cole.

Nicholas Nickleby, Adapted for the stage 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.

The show opened November 10 and will close on December 16. Bring 10 of your best friends!

Director August Vivirito forwarded the following:
Charles Dicken’s 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.

Work Sunday, Nicholas Nickleby

Thanks much to the following for Work Sunday attendance and help with changing the set: Michael Allen, Franczeska Angel, Chris Becker, Barbara Brophey, Tom Brophey, Rosanna Butler, Geanna Clarke, Maria E. Cohen, Michael I. Cohen, Jack Coppock, De Cotter, Ed Cotter, Jim Crawford, Max Dean, Gypsy Foster, Vada Foster, Kelly Graham, J. M. Green, Charlotte Lee Gunter, Barbara Haberman, Steven Hallum, Russell Ham, Matt Johnson, Frank Kesby, Nathan King, T L Kolman, Gretchen Luna, Raymond Lynch, Julia Maggs, Alison Mattiza, Treva Merritt, Sheldon Metz, Calia Mintzer, Dave Narloch, Skip Pipo, Judy Polak, Lee Polak, Scot Renfro, Leslie Rivera, Justin Rozell, Bob Schnauss, Margaret Schugt, Lynn Schultz, Scotty Servis, Adina Silo, August Vivirito, Fred M. Wolf.

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 ALLENS THE WAKE to be directed by Sheldon Metz and produced by Calia Mintzer.

Auditions for Steve Allen’s The Wake were held at the theater on this past weekend and we may get to meet the cast at our November General Meeting.

March/April Production

To Be Announced.

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. Director Ed Cotter has posted a request for Evening Gowns for Follies and asks anyone, with a gown to lend, contact Costumer Maria Cohen.

The Constant Wife, by Somerset Maugham

July/August Production
The Kentwood Board has approved THE CONSTANT WIFE, by Somerset Maugham, for the July/August 2007 time slot, to be directed by Gail Bernardi. The show was moved from the March/April slot due to problems with getting the Rights.

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.

Sad News to Report

Lifetime Member Paul Mazerov passed away in October and is survived by wife Doris Mazerov and daughter Nancy. Doris said Paul came to Kentwood with former member Dave Mizrahi and current member Harvey Rosenberg to see The Sound of Music in 1975 and joined almost immediately. She said he worked with Dave and Harvey on the set for the next show, The Sunshine Boys, and that is how she and Paul met. Paul has been involved in most jobs at the theater. He was Kentwood Board President 1987/1988. He has built and worked on many sets, acted in many shows, came to most Work Sundays and worked for several years with Hal Fisher on the Kentwood Wall of Fame. Paul’s last time on stage was for our recent production of Molly Brown. In WW II, Paul flew B-24 Bombers. He was stationed in London and flew missions over Germany. Paul Mazarov was 86 at the time of his death and will be missed. Doris sends thanks to all for the lovely cards and sentiment from her Kentwood family.

Sad News to Report

Dave Abrams, 94, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 28, 2006 and was interned at Mount Sinai. He is survived by his wife Estelle, two children, three married grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Dave and his wife were best known for their continual contributions to Kentwood on Work Sundays. Dave was always willing to do any job and Estelle was well known for her cleaning the kitchen as if it were her own. Kentwood will miss this gentle giant of a man.

Marcom Masque Awards 2006/2007

The Kentwood Board would like to ask the general membership for their opinion about our 2006/2007 Marcom Masque Awards Dinner and Celebration. The two choices to vote on at the November General meeting, put together by the Awards Night Committee (Michelle Rosen Sheldon Metz, Charlotte Lee Schildkret, Barbara Brophey, Julia Maggs and Alison Mattiza) are:

Choice #1

At the Theater. Awards, Presenters and Entertainment on the Kentwood Stage 8 PM.
Happy Hour 6 PM to 7 PM. Beer, Wine & Sodas, $2.00 Donation.
Buffet Dinner 7 PM to 8 PM Outdoors in the parking lot, catered.

Food $1,920.00 Approximately $25.00 per person (based on 125 attendance)
Rental 425.00
Staff 200.00
Misc 250.00

Choice #2

At the Theater. Awards, Presenters and Entertainment on the Kentwood Stage 8 PM.
Happy Hour 7 PM to 8 PM Beer, Wine and Sodas. $2.00 Donation
Coffee and Desert in the parking lot after the show.

Food $325.00 Approximately $10.00 per person (based on 125 attendance)
Rental 425.00
Staff 200.00
Misc 250.00

Publicity

According to Publicity Chair Shari Barrett there are six reviewers scheduled to see Nicholas Nickleby, so look for reviews in The Easy Reader, LMU Loyolan, Daily Breeze Rave, Hometown News, Culver City News and Del Rey News.

Shari submitted the following note for the bulletin:

Stephen Schwartz, noted musical theater innovator, attended the Kentwood Players production of "The Most Happy Fella" on Friday, October 20. Invited by Ryan Black, who played Joe in MHF and auditioned for Stephen Schwartz's production of WICKED currently in Hollywood, Mr. Schwartz visited with the cast and crew in the Green Room after the show telling them how much he enjoyed the production. Like many Kentwood audience members, he had never seen a production of this musical before and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Stephen Schwartz was born in New York City on March 6, 1948. He studied piano and composition at the Juilliard School of Music while in high school and graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 1968 with a B.F.A. in Drama. Upon coming back to live in New York City, he went to work as a producer for RCA Records, but shortly thereafter began to work in the Broadway theatre.

Mr. Schwartz’ first major credit was the title song for the play BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE; the song was eventually used in the movie version as well. In 1971, he wrote the music and new lyrics for GODSPELL, for which he won several awards including two Grammys. This was followed by the English texts, in collaboration with Leonard.

Washington, D.C. The following year, he wrote the music and lyrics for PIPPIN and two years later, THE MAGIC SHOW. At one point, GODSPELL, PIPPIN, and THE MAGIC SHOW were all running on Broadway simultaneously. He next wrote the music and lyrics for THE BAKER'S WIFE, followed by a musical version of Studs Terkel's WORKING, to which he contributed four songs, and which he also adapted and directed, winning the Drama Desk Award as best director. He also co-directed the television production, which was presented as part of the PBS "American Playhouse" series.

Next came songs for a one-act musical for children, CAPTAIN LOUIE, and a children's book, THE PERFECT PEACH. He then wrote music for three of the songs in the Off-Broadway revue, PERSONALS, lyrics to Charles Strouse's music for RAGS, and music and lyrics for CHILDREN OF EDEN. He then began working in film, collaborating with composer Alan Menken on the scores for the Disney animated features POCAHONTAS, for which he received two Academy Awards and another Grammy, and THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME. He also provided songs for DreamWorks' first animated feature, THE PRINCE OF EGYPT, for which he won another Academy Award for the song "When You Believe".

Mr. Schwartz provided music and lyrics for the original television musical, GEPPETTO, seen on The Wonderful World of Disney. Recently, he released two CDs on which he sings new songs, entitled RELUCTANT PILGRIM and UNCHARTED TERRITORY. Mr. Schwartz's most recent musical, WICKED, opened in the fall of 2003 and is currently running on Broadway. Under the auspices of the ASCAP Foundation, he runs musical theatre workshops in New York and Los Angeles, and serves on the ASCAP board; he is also a member of the Council of the Dramatists' Guild.

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!

Twenty Year Pin

Come to the November meeting and help us celebrate Twenty Years Membership for Gretchen Luna!

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, pour some coffee and get points!!

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 the theater at 310 454 9224. (Ed Cotter)

Michele Rosen wrote to let us know about her current production of Boxcar and Eugenia: Fire Rose Productions and The Secret Rose Theater present BOXCAR AND EUGENIA, a drunk Santa shows up on the porch of a feisty Jewish widow. Written and directed by Art Shulman with Ester Michelle Rosen, Mike Rademaekers, Lana Ford and Josh Polizzi. December 8, 2006 through January 21, 2007, Fridays and Saturdays at 8, Sundays at 2 PM. Tickets $20, (Mention Kentwood, maybe a discount!) Online tix at www.BoxcarandEngenia.com. Secret Rose Theater, 11246 Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601. Theater: 818 766 3691.

Mary Steelsmith wrote to share an email: This is an email I just received from Maureen O'Connor, my friend in Boulder Colorado. She went to the staged reading of my little play, TRUE BLUE last night. I hope it will be chosen to be produced by NEW TWENTY TWO PRODUCTIONS, so I can visit Maureen and see the show for myself.

Mary, I went to your play last night. What a great time! There were two other plays as well, all of them very different, so it made a wonderful evening. I, along with the rest of the audience, thoroughly enjoyed True Blue, laughed heartily in all the right places, while taking in quite a message at the same time. The stage setting was great, very simple with duct tape down the center of the floor and table. Costumes plain and simple. Acting was fantastic. The two young men were outstanding in their performances. I sat down next to a young woman I recognized as a Naropa student. Turns out she is the girlfriend of the young man who played Jeffery, Matthew Mueller. Fred was played by Patrick Truhler, who was so great at being slow. After the plays were over I happened to see both of them in the hallway, so went up and said, I’m a good friend of Mary Steelsmith, who wrote that play. I just want to thank you on Mary’s behalf for doing such a great job! They were THRILLED, grabbed my hands, introduced themselves, and said, Please tell Mary we want to THANK HER for writing it! They were so cute, I cannot tell you!
It really made my weekend, Mary. Thanks so much for letting me know about it. All love and good wishes! ~Maureen

Dave Parke wrote with a Dave Park Update: Last month I got paying jobs for several Kentwood players through my connection with Zoe Productions, a live event producer. Jared Calen, Hal Fisher, David Parke (my son), Don Schlossman, Stephen Carver and Scot Young (a guy I did Junebug vs. Hurricane with). And everyone got paid! Cool huh? This weekend they put me and Scot Young up at the Del Mar Hilton and paid us a lot of money to use my announcer voice to introduce Magicians at a Qual-Com employee appreciation party at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, San Diego. Yesterday I got a call back and booked a P.S.A. for the state of Washington about Crystal Meth, in which I play "The torturer/Crystal Meth," also paid! So cool. (Dave Parke)

November Birthdays

Sue Carpenter 11/1, August Vivirito 11/2, Michelle Rosen 11/3, Ed Cotter 11/3, Helen Geller 11/6, Mary Buhler 11/7, Jack Lyon 11/9, Barbara McMurray 11/13, Scot Renfro 11/14, Hilary Fitzsimmons 11/17, Tara Potthoff 11/17 and Jenny Boone 11/30. Happy Birthday all!

November Anniversaries

Jeanette & Jack Lyons 11/9, Helen & Irv Geller 11/15 and Jamie Hayes & Jack Weintraub. Congratulations!

Please contact Hal Fisher with any questions regarding the Kentwood Players Website.

Larry Jones