General Meeting

The General Meeting this month will be on Wednesday, December 20, 2006, 8:00 PM at the theater, Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045.

HOLIDAY PARTY!

Our Annual Holiday Party will be Hosted by The Board after the December 20, 2006 General Meeting. The goodies will be provided the Board Members, but any member can bring a dish to share.

Upcoming Workshops

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 with any questions. (310) 306-4871 or mekkelson@earthlink.net

Nicholas Nickleby, Adapted for the stage by Gregory Blair

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

The show opened November 10 and closed on December 16. Hope everyone had a chance to see this excellent production. Many many thanks to Director, Producer, Cast and Crew!

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
Matthew Johnson, 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

Cinderella, by Blanche Marvin

Our fall Children’s Theater Production of Cinderella closed this past weekend after three well attended and well received Saturday afternoon performances. Each performance included a special appearance by Santa Claus and was greatly appreciated by all in attendance. Wishes were shared and pictures were taken. A Big Kentwood Thanks to All; Director, Producer, Santa Claus, Cast and Crew!!

Director Carol Becker
Producer Alison Mattiza
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.

Producer Calia Mintzer forwarded the following Cast & Crew Information:

Josephine Scanlon By Valerie Ruel
Margaret Scanlon By Susie McCarthy
John O ' Toole By Tim Forsyth
Tommy Monaghan By Jeffrey Culp
David Considine.. By Elliot Kang
Mike Scanlon By Ted Pitsis
Mary McCaffrey By Jeanne Spain
Sarah McCaffrey By Barbara Haberman
Rose Scanlon Obrien By Maria Pavone
Father Morrisey By Daniel Farber
Jack Scanlon By Joseph Butler
Belle Scanlon Considine By Davina Turnbull
Nellie Riley By Jenny Boone
Frank Riley Uncast as yet
Theresa Riley By Ritsa Gountoumas

PRODUCTION STAFF

Director Sheldon Metz
Assistant Director Jen Fox
Producer Calia Mintzer
Stage Manager Shari Barrett
Script Supervisor Barbara McMurray
Script Supervisor Hilary Fitzsimmons
Light Design Tom Brophey
Set Design Sheldon Metz
Sound Design Susan Stangl
Costume Design Barbara Haberman
Set Decoration Scot Renfro
Master Builder Frank Olivadoti
Properties Judy Polak
Publicity Photos Hal Fisher
Graphics and Lobby Design Sheldon Metz
Light Booth Paul Croft, Daniel Bergher, Russell Ham

WAKE COSTUME NOTICE AND REQUEST

Barbara Haberman in charge of costumes for "The Wake" needs period clothes of the early 1930's for the show. Please check your closets and bring anything you believe to be appropriate to the General Meeting or call Barbara at 310-821-2787. This includes shoes, ties, vests, dresses in various sizes as we have some petite people and some extra large. There are also some children in the show.

March/April Production

For our March/April Production, the Board has approved Neil Simon’s BILOXI BLUES, to be directed by Larry Jones. The show opens March 9, 2006 and closes April 14, 2006.

Auditions, Hosted by Jeanie Spain and her crew, are scheduled for Saturday, January 13, 2007, 10 AM to 2 PM & Sunday, January 14, 2006, 7 PM to 10 PM.

CAST BREAKDOWN FOR BILOXI BLUES, (7 men, 2 women)

EUGENE MORRIS JEROME

To play 18-22, Jewish, Brighton Beach, NY, slight accent, Observer, Nice, Aspiring Writer, Bright, Leader, Mediator, Virgin.

SGT. MERWIN J. TOOMEY

To play 25-30, Catholic, Career Army, Patriotic, Mean, Rough, Direct, Disciplinarian, Southern Accent, with underlying Care and Concern for his boys.

ARNOLD B. EPSTEIN

To play 18-22, Jewish, Queens, NY, with accent, Intellectual, Sensitive, Well Read, Sickly, yet determined, committed, passively aggressive, principled.

JOSEPH T. WYKOWSKI

To play 18-22, Catholic, Large, Strong, Aggressive, Cretin, Hearty Appetite for food and sex, Leads through intimidation.

DONALD J. CARNEY

To Play 18-22, Catholic, Montclair, NJ, slight accent, Quiet, Follower, Indecisive, Singer.

ROY W. SELRIDGE

To play 18-22, Protestant, Schenectady, NY, slight accent, Base, Physical, Crude, Not Bright, Lax Personal Hygiene, Bad Teeth, Sense of Humor.

JAMES J. HENNESEY

To play 18-22, Catholic, Bayonne, NJ, slight accent, Quiet, Sensitive, Scared, Gay.

ROWENA

To play 25-30, Hooker, Protestant, Married with Children, Southern, Female, Gracious, Sexy, Beautiful, All Business, but caring and tender with First-Timers.

DAISY HANNIGAN

To play 17-20, Senior All Girl Catholic High School, Female, Catholic, Good Looking, Smart, Nice/Sweet, Athletic, Caring, Kind, Concerned, Not Shy, Dancer, Good Sense of Humor, Loves Movies, Books & Plays.

Come On Down! Audition or Watch!

The Crew gathered to date includes the fabulous:

Producer – Jim Crawford
Stage Manager – Trenekia Danielle
Set Design – Sheldon Metz
Lighting Design – Tom Brophey
Sound Design – Richard Potthoff
Costumes – Sheridan Cole
Properties – Russell Ham
Script – Charlotte Schildkret
Accent Coach – Gail Bernardi
Graphic & Lobby Design – DJ Carlile

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

Adored Kentwood Member Vic Helford passed away painlessly in his sleep at 6 PM on November 16, 2006. Vic will be remembered for his wonderful performances at Kentwood in Sunshine Boys, 45 Seconds From Broadway and George Washington Slept Here. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Memorial Services have been arranged as follows:

Date December 28, 2006
Time 11:00 AM
Place Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary
6001 W Centinela Avenue (Between Sepulveda & La Tijera)
Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 641-0707

President Photo Session

Hal Fisher has requested as many Past Kentwood Presidents as possible to attend the December General Meeting to pose for a Past President’s Photo Portrait. According to Hal he will photo any Ex Kentwood Presidents who do not make the December meeting, at the January meeting and he will then blend the two photos for the final product. See you at the meetings!

Costumes

Most Happy Fella Costumer Valerie Ruel submitted a poem.

THANK YOU TO THE LADIES

Julia Maggs made sure each costume spot had a name. She stitched many a hem so intently - but that was because she was listening to a Dodger game.

Yvonne Kainoa stitched away and over a hot iron, costumes she pressed.
So when the time came, our actors were neatly dressed.

Maria Cohen came to lend a hand with all Kentwood costumes filed in her brain. Many times we asked, ‘do we have” or ‘where is’ and she would have them time and again.

Fran Angel did double duty as she held the “on book” chair. She also helped with our costumes with an artistic flair.

Barbara Haberman came to help and brought her spunk and joy. I had a hard time keeping up with her boy oh boy.

Arlene Cohen helped again with her expertise in millinery. She created hats and covered heads with her wizardry.

Sheridan Cole brought her discerning eye and came to do some sewing. Not her favorite thing to do, but she stitched with her smile glowing.

Judy Polak helped by volunteering many a dancing dress. Hooray, that meant construction of a couple costumes less.

And last but not least, Barbara Brophey came to sew. She worked away with her trusty machine in tow. Not only did she sew, she buoyed my spirits and also kept me fed. She brought some of her wonderful cinnamon bread.

This was the team that came together for this cause. Please give them all your warm applause.

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

Congratulations to Gretchen Luna on Twenty Years of Membership. Thanks to you for all you do at Kentwood.

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

Lifetime Member Klair N. Bybee plays the National Football League (NFL) marketing meeting CEO in the National Commercial called The Pitch, currently running. When his committee does not have an idea, he says to the fans, “We need help.”

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. Reservations? Call Art at 818 782 4252. Tickets $20, (Mention Kentwood, maybe a discount!) Online tix at www.BoxcarandEngenia.com. Secret Rose Theater, 11246 Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601. Check with Shellie James at the General Meeting for a planned Kentwood Night at the show on January 6, 2007, with dinner before!

Birthday Bash in the Springs for former President and Lifetime Member Jack Lyons, according to Hal Fisher, turned out a lot of Kentwood members. Hal provided the following note:

What Surprise 75th Birthday Party for Life Member and Ex-President Jack Lyons
Where Mission Lakes Country Club Clubhouse in Desert Hot Springs, CA
When Sunday Evening, November 13, 2006
Why Because he is 75, a golfer and a very popular guy!
Who Attended
Jack and Jeanette Lyons, Life Members; Lisa Lyons, former Kentwood Kid; Charles Briles, Life Member; Hal Fisher, Life Member; Merrill Edelstein, Former Member 19 years; Michelle Rosen, Lifetime Member; Mel & Joyce Oshins, Lifetime Members; Deena Oshins, Former Kentwood Kid; Jon (Ex Kentwood President) & Pamla Abramson, Lifetime Members; Phil Massi and Michael Pleshe, Long Time Members and local friends and fellow golfers!

Dave Parke Update: Staying busy. Shot a commercial for Kroger Supermarket check out line Video last week as Santa Claus. Shot a film for The New York Film Academy as a Murdering Garage Owner and will shoot a re-make of the execution scene from the GREEN MILE as Brutal the Guard on December 7th. Shot a scene also as a Detective on Court TV and got a new Agent for Theatrical AND commercial called Privilege Talent, cool huh? Too much fun, I keep submitting on Actors access and now casting. Also I was on TV on Untold Stories of the ER on November 8, ad nauseam…

December Birthdays

Kim Ash 12/2, Vicki Miller 12/3, Drew Fitzsimmons 12/3, Dave Whale 12/4, Miriam Amster 12/8, De Cotter 12/10, Joyce Oshins 12/11, Doris Mazerov 12/13, Barbara Boone, 12/16, Carol Becker 12/20, Tony Pereslete 12/26, Dave Parke 12 27, Gene Warech 12/27, Calia Mintzer 12/31. Happy Birthday everyone!

December Anniversaries

Pauline & Bill Harred 12/3, Joyce & Mel Oshins 12/10, Fatima & Richard Potthoff 12/27, Linda & Dave Parke 12 / 27, Maria & Michael Cohen 12/30, Roberta & Stan Jones 12/31. Happy Anniversary everyone!

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 by email at FisherForPhoto@hotmail.com

Send Stuff

Larry Jones, POB 921443, Sylmar, CA 91392
ljonespi@yahoo.com