General Meeting

The General Meeting this month will be on Wednesday, December 19, 2007, 8:00 PM at the theater, Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045.

Hospitality/Workshop

Hospitality for December will be our annual HOLIDAY PARTY and will be hosted by the Board. The Board will provide MUCH goodies for the evening, but members are encouraged to bring their favorite dish to share. Okay, we’re way past encouraged to bring. Everyone just bring mass quantities of incredible tasting Holiday fare to share!!! COME ON, LET’S PARTEEEEEE!

Up Coming Workshops

Workshop Chairperson Gert Nord announced the January Workshop will be a Shakespeare inspired evening presented by Kentwood Member Virginia Mekkelson. Stick around for some culture y’all!

Other workshops scheduled in 2008 include efforts by Michael Murphy, Sheridan Cole Crawford, Carol Becker, Shari Barrett and Dave Parke.

After Meeting Workshop Program

Workshop Chairperson Gert Nord said Workshops are available. Contact Gert Nord at 310 453-8381 to schedule a workshop. Kentwood Workshops are a perfect place to show off your talent!

Romantic Comedy, by Bernard Slade

Our November/December Production, ROMANTIC COMEDY, by Bernard Slade, starring our very own Drew Fitzsimmons, closed December 15 on an absolute high note to an incredibly appreciative audience. I hope everyone had TWO chances to see this most improved show. Audiences have been having a wonderful time with this show and congratulations are in order for Director Sherman Wayne, Producers Ed Cotter and Lori A. Marple-Pereslete, stage managers Nikki Corso and Jim Crawford and a great cast including Drew Fitzsimmons, Catherine Day, Kimshelley Garner, Sheridan Cole Crawford, Karintha Touton and Don Fowler.

Congratulations on a great show Everyone!

Children’s Theater

A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE, by Lowell Swortzell, Directed by Michael Murphy, Produced by Shari Barrett, Featuring Andy Abbott, Kimberly Berg, Robert Collier, Hal Fisher, Bruce Schroffel, Max Heldring Stormes and Sheldon Metz as Santa Claus closed on Saturday December 15, after three successful Saturday Matinee Performances. Children and adults alike enjoyed the antics of the lovely Tib, Kimberly Berg, as hilarious Robert Collier in drag, schemed to marry her off to the charming, but not too bright, bird seller Simon, Andy Abbott, with help and hindrance from Bruce Schroffel, Max Heldring Stormes and Hal Fisher. The always seasonally popular Santa Claus, Sheldon Metz, wrapped the post performance party with his surprise appearance as cameras flashed and autographs graphed! A good time was had by all and to all a good night! TWO outstanding debut Kentwood Stage performances were turned in on Closing Afternoon by Hilary Fitzsimmons in the role of Scheming Mother and Marcy Agreen in the role of Tib. Welcome to the Kentwood boards!

Proof, by David Auburn

The January/February 2008 Production is PROOF, by David Auburn, directed by Sheldon Metz and assistant directed by Jim Crawford. Valerie Ruel will produce and Drew Fitzsimmons will stage manage.

The talented all Kentwood cast includes Scot Renfro as Robert, Meredith Sweeney as Catherine, Christine Joëlle as Claire, and Andrew Zimmer as Hal.

Director Sheldon Metz reports all is going exceeding well and suggests folks make reservations NOW for the January 11 Opening Night performance of PROOF!

Work Sunday
Work Sunday for Proof was Sunday December 16 and I am sure there was a great turnout and a great lunch was served. Proof Work Sunday attendees will be announced next month, but super thanks to you all!

Hospitality Coordinator
Charlotte Lee Schildkret will be the Hospitality Coordinator for Proof and will have the sign-up board at the December Meeting. Each show going forward will have a Hospitality Coordinator, responsible for scheduling theater mangers and hospitality people for that particular show.

Charlotte urges all members to contact her and schedule a date to serve coffee as hospitality person or theater manager for a performance of PROOF. It is the easiest and quickest way to get those pesky little membership points!

Gypsy, music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and book by Arthur Laurents.

Our March/April 2008 Production will be GYPSY, directed by Susan Weisbarth and produced by the legendary producing team of Ed Cotter and Larry Jones.

Auditions are set for Saturday January 12, 10 to 2 & Sunday January 13, 6 to 9.

Director Susan Weisbarth says:

Here's a quick breakdown. Please note that we'd like to see the children in the morning, if possible from 10-12. If they can't make it at that time, they can still come later but we'd like to get most of the children auditioned in the morning on January 12. Auditions are on Saturday, January 12 from 10--2 and Sunday, January 13 from 6-9. Actors should be prepared to bring pix, resume and audition music, preferably not from the show. Musical Director Bill Wolfe will serve as accompanist. Actors who are required to dance will be taught a short routine by Choreographer Vicki Miller. Scripts are available by contacting producer Larry Jones or Ed Cotter or they can be purchased online at amazon.com. For further information, contact Director Susan Weisbarth at 310 286-7976 or whatavoice@aol.com.

Please also note that some actors will be required to play multiple roles.

Rehearsal begin January 15, 2008. Show runs March 14 - April 19. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 and Sunday matinees at 2:00.

Rose --Quintessential stage mother - Age 40-50, excellent singing and acting skills a must. The role is demanding both vocally and dramatically.

Herbie - Traveling salesman and talent agent, 45-55, Rose's love interest. Must be able to sing and move well.

Louise - Transitions from shy young woman to confident stripper GYPSY ROSE LEE. Must be able to sing and dance, 20-25.

June - Louise's sister. Considered to be the talented one in the family. Must be able to sing and dance well with lots of personality. 20-25.

Tulsa - Handsome young man and member of the troupe. Must be able to sing and dance. Age 20-25

Yonkers - Young man who can sing and dance. 20-25

LA - Young man who can sing and dance. 20-25

Newsboys Troupe - need 2 to 3 young men who can sing and dance, 20-25.

Hollywood Blondes - Need 4 to 6 girls who can sing and dance. Ages 18-22.

Tessie Tura - Aging stripper with attitude. Must be able to sing and bump it (move well). Age 40-60

Mazeppa - Aging stripper, plays a trumpet very badly, must be able to sing and bump it with a trumpet. Age 40-60

Electra- Aging stripper, who "lights" up the stage. Must be able to sing and bump it with lights. Age 40-60

Baby June - Attractive and talented young performer who can sing and dance with lots of personality. Age 6-12.

Baby Louise - Young actress who must sing and dance and can show some vulnerability. Age 6-12.

Balloon Girl - Young vaudeville performer who wears a costume covered in balloons. Non-singing role. Age 6-12.

Clarence - Young vaudeville performer who plays a clarinet badly. Clarence will also play one of the Newsboys. Must be able to sing and dance. Age 6-12.

Newsboys - Need 4-6 young boys or girls dressed as boys who can sing and dance as members of Baby June's troupe. Ages 6-12.

Pop - Rose's bible thumping father. Non singing role 65-75

Uncle Jocko - Vaudeville master of ceremonies with a licentious heart. Non singing role. Age 35-60.

Georgie - Stage manager of the "Uncle Jocko Show." Non-singing role Age 35-60.

Kringelein - Manager of a run down hotel on the road. Non-singing role. Some physical comedy required. Age 45-65.

Mr. Goldstone - Producer on the Orpheum Circuit. Non-singing role. Mild, little man. Age 45-70.


Miss Cratchitt - Secretary to Mr. Grantzinger. Non-singing role. Age 35- 55.

Patsey - Grizzled Burlesque stage manager--Non-singing role. Age 45-60.

Cigar - Owner of the Burlesque house. Non-singing role. Age 45-70.

Gypsy is loosely based on the 1957 memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, the famous striptease artist. The story focuses on her mother, Mama Rose, whose name has become synonymous with the ultimate show business mother. In particular, it follows the dreams and efforts of Rose to raise two daughters to perform on stage and casts an affectionate eye on the hardships of show business life. The character of Louise is based on Lee and the character of June is based on Lee’s younger sister, actress June Havoc.

Scripts are available from Co-Producer Larry Jones for a deposit of $10.00. See him at the meeting.

A Murder is Announced, by Agatha Christie

The Board has approved, for May/June 2008, A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED, by Agatha Christie, to be directed by Carol Becker. Contact Carol if you are interested in working on this play.

The Lion in Winter, by James Goldman

The Board has approved, THE LION IN WINTER, by James Goldman, to be directed by Ed Cotter for our July/August 2008 Production.

Little Green Men, Book, Music and Lyrics by Scott Martin

The Board has approved our September/October Production as LITTLE GREEN MEN, Book, Music and Lyrics by Scott Martin. Author Scott Martin will helm the project and serve as Musical Director. This production marks Kentwood’s first foray in the world of original works! Go Kentwood!

Anonymous Donation to Kentwood

An anonymous donation to Kentwood Players of $10,000.00 was announced at the December Board Meeting. The donation to Kentwood Players was made in memory of loved long time Kentwood member De Cotter in recognition of her love and devotion for Ed and all things Kentwood. An accompanying tasteful plaque appropriately scribed has found a home in our Lobby. Thank You Anonymous Donor! Your donation is greatly appreciated.

Children’s Theater Classes

Children's Theatre Classes Start soon. The first class for children to be taught by Kentwood members will begin Monday, January 14, 2008, and run for five Mondays from 4 to 6 p.m. If you know interested children between the ages of 8 and 12, please have them call the box office (310-645-5156) and leave the information with Ashley. Any member interested in teaching and/or participating in the classes please contact Sheridan Cole Crawford at 562-789-1026.

Shari Barrett forwarded the following flyer for the Children’s Classes:

Kentwood Players Announces
“Introduction to the Theatre” Classes for Children
January 14 - February 11, 2008
at the Westchester Playhouse

Would your child like to be involved in theatre? Would they be interested in performing or working backstage? Perhaps they would like to learn about acting, directing, stage movement, lighting, props, costumes, set building, or stage management? Would they like to learn about all the different aspects of what it takes to put on a play or musical, with an emphasis on performing? Well now is their chance!

Kentwood Players, the 58-year old and going strong Community Theatre group based at the Westchester Playhouse is pleased to announce a five-week session of weekly classes entitled “Introduction to the Theatre” for children ages 9-12.

Classes will be held on Mondays from 4-6 PM beginning January 14 through February 11, 2008. There is NO CHARGE for this five-week program. All five sessions will be taught by Kentwood Players members, all of whom are experienced actors, directors, and producers. Parents are invited to attend all sessions but are not required to do so.

All classes will be held at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue , in Westchester , CA 90045 . (That’s just two blocks west of the San Diego Freeway and two blocks north of Manchester.)

Don’t wait to register as this course is limited in size and will fill up quickly. For more information and to register, please call the Westchester Playhouse box office at (310) 645-5156, Tuesday through Saturday from 4-7 PM.

All boys and girls ages 6-12 who are interested in auditioning for Kentwood Players productions are encouraged to audition for our spring musical “Gypsy” on Saturday, January 12, 2008 from 10 AM to Noon as there are several roles for young people in the cast. Please note “Gypsy” is a main stage production with mostly adult characters. For more information, please go to the auditions page on the Kentwood Players website at www.kentwoodplayers.org or contact the show’s director, Susan Goldman Weisbarth at whatavoice@aol.com with specific questions. You may also leave your name and phone number with the Westchester Playhouse box office at (310) 645-5156, Tuesday through Saturday from 4-7 PM. Production dates for “Gypsy” are March 14 through April 19, 2008.

For more information about Kentwood Players, our productions and auditions, please visit our website at www.kentwoodplayers.org or www.myspace.com/kentwoodplayers

Publicity

Publicity Chairperson Shari Barrett updates her myspace page daily with Kentwood information and suggests members check it out at: http://www.myspace.com/kentwoodplayers. Lots of cool stuff, check it out!

Lobby Rejuvenation Committee News

Committee Chairperson Charlotte Lee Schildkret announced completion of Phase One of the lobby rejuvenation project. She said Scot Renfro and Frank Olivadoti have announced there are NO MORE LEAKS in the lobby area of the theater. She also said the new air conditioner for the dressing rooms and green room has been installed and has been performing above expectations.

Telephone Tree

Telephone Tree Coordinator Charlotte Lee Schildkret wrote to let us know the telephone tree can also do not sad duties as it recently did when there were, on a Friday night, only 3 reservations for a Saturday performance of A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE. Charlotte said the tree sprang into action, calls were made and with lots of help from the Kentwood Telephone Tree, 51 smiling faces were in the audience the next day! Thanks Tree People Barbara Brophey, Maria Cohen, Hal Fisher, Charlotte Lee Schildkret, Adina Silo and Jeanne Spain!

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 great way for any organization to raise money, have fun and see a great show.

LAX Expansion

To make your feelings about the intended LAX Expansion known, write to Councilman Bill Rosendahl, 11th Council District, 7166 W Manchester Avenue, Westchester, CA 90045.

Announcements

Aileen-Marie Scott wrote to let us know about her latest show: THE FULL MONTY, Book by Terrence McNally, Music and Lyrics by David Yasbeck, at Theater/Theater, 5041 W Pico Boulevard (at La Brea), Los Angeles, CA 90019, Nov 30 thru Dec 22, 2007. Reservations: 310 287 1825 or on line at www.MontyTickets.com.

James Manley Green and Andrew Zimmer are cast in THE CHICAGO CONSPIRACY TRIALS, by Ron Sossi & Frank Condon and directed by Frank Condon at the Odyssey Theater in West LA. Plays 10/13 thru 12/23. For reservations, call 310 477 2055.

Culled from the actual trial transcripts, counter-culture icons Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, Bobby Seale, Tom Hayden, David Dellinger, and others, defy Judge Julius Hoffman in a piece of courtroom drama/comedy beyond anything the mind could have invented. The Odyssey Theatre Ensemble located at 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West Los Angeles, 90025 presents "THE CHICAGO CONSPIRACY TRIAL" written by Ron Sossi & Frank Condon, directed by Frank Condon and produced by Ron Sossi. The show is assistant directed by Carol Becker and features James Manley Green (from City of Angels) and Andrew Zimmer (from The Fantasticks).
Plays October 13 through December 16. Wednesday at 8:00PM - 11/7, 11/14, 11/28, 12/5
Thursday - Saturday at 8:00PM, Sunday at 2:00PM - 10/28, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 12/2, 12/9
Sunday at 7:00PM - 10/14, 10/21, 11/25, 12/16. Prices - $25 Wednesday-Fridays and $30 on Saturdays/Sundays. Student/EQUITY/SAGE/AFTRA discount on Thursdays - $15.
Early Bird Special $15 tickets through October 26, 2007. Reservations 310-477-2055 ext. 2
www.odysseytheatre.com

Lifetime Kentwood Member, Klair Bybee, appearing in the 1955 seasonal comedy THE DESK SET November 20 & 21 (free previews), Fridays & Saturdays 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm (except December 2 at 7pm) until December 29, Lonny Chapman Group Repertory Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601 (818) 700-GURU.

Phil Brickey will direct REHEARSAL FOR MURDER, at The La Habra Depot Theatre 311 S. Euclid St., La Habra, CA 90631. The show opens January 18 and runs through February 9. Fri/Sat @8pm and Sundays @2:30. For Reservations call 562 905 9625. For more info call Phil direct or check the website: www.lhdepottheatre.org/Auditions.htm

Sheldon Metz announced he recently acted as a show consultant for Gordon Davidson, former Artist Director of the Center Theater Group, for the show LESSONS by Wendy Graf starring Hal Linden at the Strassberg Institute.

New Members

Kentwood Players Vice President and Membership Chairperson Gail Bernardi announce the following new members:

Andy Abbott, Jr. member
5000 S. Centinella Ave. #114
L.A., Ca. 90066
310-636-8336

Nikki Graves
357 E. 219th St.
Carson, Ca. 90745

December Birthdays

Kim Ash 12/2, Drew Fitzsimmons 12/3, Vicki Miller 12/3, Dave Whale 12/4, Miriam Amster 12/8, 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 and Calia Mintzer 12/31. Happy Birthday!

December Anniversaries

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

Congratulations All!

Kentwood Website

Check out the Kentwood Players Website. Go to www.kentwoodplayers.org. Andreas Klute is the designer of the Kentwood Players Website and provides ongoing support, however, 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 Please forward Bulletin submissions to: Larry Jones, POB 921443, Sylmar, CA 91392, 818 833 7207 message, 818 833 7307 fax, ljonespi@yahoo.com

Larry Jones