General Meeting

The General Meeting this month will be on Wednesday, January 16, 2008, 8:00 PM at the theater, Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045.

Hospitality

Our meeting hospitality will be provided this month by Jim Crawford. Thanks Jim!

Workshop

Our January workshop will be a shortened version of a Mamat play, Directed by Marie Pavone, with Tiffany Towers and Michael Allen. Be sure to come back after the break for the real treat!

Up Coming Workshops

Up coming workshops are scheduled for Tiffany Towers in February, Shari Barrett in March, Dave Parke in April, Sheridan Crawford in May and Michael Murphy in July. June is still open.

After Meeting Workshop Program

Workshop Chairperson Gert Nord said the June Workshop is currently available. Also the workshops for August and on are open. Contact Gert Nord at 310 453-8381 to schedule a workshop. Kentwood Workshops are a perfect place to show off your talent!

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 is producer and Drew Fitzsimmons is stage manager.

The talented all Kentwood cast of Scot Renfro as Robert, Meredith Sweeney as Catherine, Christine Joëlle as Claire, and Andrew Zimmer as Hal Opened Friday Night January 11.

Hospitality Coordinator

Charlotte Lee Schildkret is the Hospitality Coordinator for PROOF and will have the sign-up board at the January 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 were held on Saturday January 12, 10 to 2 & Sunday January 13, 6 to 9. Director Susan Weisbarth will announce her cast at the January General Meeting.

Hospitality

Hospitality Coordinator for Gypsy is Max Heldring Stormes. Please contact Max or see him at the January meeting to schedule a hospitality date with Gypsy!

Our talented and strikingly handsome crew on this production includes:

Susan Weisbarth, Director
Karintha Touton, Stage Manager
Bill Wolfe, Musical Director
Vicki Miller, Choreographer
Ed Cotter & Larry Jones, Producers
Scot Renfro, Set Design and Construction
Richard Pottoff, Lighting Design
Maria Cohen, Costumes
Judy Polak, Properties
Jon Sparks, Wigs
Susan Stangl, Sound
Virginia Mekkelson, Booth
Russell Ham, Spot

A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie, adapted for the stage by Leslie Darbon

Our May/June 2008 Production is A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED by Agatha Christie, directed by Carol Becker. Lori A. Marple-Pereslete will produce and Liz Reinhardt will assistant direct.

Auditions are set for Saturday, March 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 16 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Callbacks are scheduled for Monday, March 17 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Performance dates will be May 16 through June 21, 2008.

The Chipping Cleghorn Gazette has a peculiar ad posted in the personal section stating, "A murder is announced and will take place on Friday, October the thirteenth, at Little Paddocks - at six-thirty p.m." Everyone living at Little Paddocks is skeptical if this is hoax… or if there is truth to the column. When a mystery man arrives at the aforementioned time attempting to kill Miss Blacklock, a murder does indeed take place, but it is the killer who is found dead. In true Agatha Christie style, this classic whodunit has many suspects, each with their own motives. Inspector Craddock is on the case interviewing those present at the murder while gathering clues and other pertinent details. When another death occurs, the Inspector is assisted by the ultimate sleuth, Miss Marple, who ultimately solves the case.

Director's Note:

Actors should come with a headshot and resume as well as a one-to-two minute monologue. The monologue does not have to be from a mystery, but all actors should be prepared to do the monologue using a standard British accent. Time pending, you may be asked to read sides. Please READ THE PLAY before auditioning so that you have a feel for it. I'm interested in casting excellent character-driven actors who are not only talented, but also have a feel for British humor and the mystery genre. The play has many twists and turns and will call for actors who are comfortable with movement, minimal fight choreography, etc. Scripts are available from producer Lori A. Marple-Pereslete. If you have any questions, contact Director Carol Becker at carolmbecker@mac.com

Rehearsals begin on Wednesday, March 19, 2008.

Character Breakdown:

Miss Marple - While not a formal detective, she is an expert sleuth when it comes to solving crimes. She is the heroine of the play and is always a step ahead of the culprit, diligent and unafraid to speak her mind (age 70+ or can play that age). LEAD. British accent required.

Letitia Blacklock - Intelligent and strong-willed, she is a lady first and foremost. She runs the full gambit of emotions and has established rapports with all characters in the show as they look to her for guidance and support. (age 40-49) LEAD. British accent required.

Inspector Craddock - A gritty, old school detective who has been solving crimes for most of his life. He tries leading the investigations as much as possible and while he is very good at his job, he is not quite as polished as Miss Marple. (age 50-60) LEAD. British accent required.

Dora Bunner (Bunny) - Jittery friend of Miss Blacklock. She is extremely loyal, but is in a constant state of anxiety. She is fragile, quiet, and nervous. She has trouble calming down when riled up. (age 40-49) MAJOR SUPPORTING ROLE. British accent required.

Mitzi - Cook who serves Miss Blacklock. She tends to be on the moody side and feels as though everyone is against her and takes her for granted. She provides much of the comedy in the play and has not quite perfected her English. (age 28-35) MAJOR SUPPORTING ROLE. Eastern European accent required.

Patrick Simmons - Handsome, pompous cousin of Miss Blacklock. He is opinionated and doesn't mind picking fights with his sister, Julia. He is a bit of a young know-it-all. SUPPORTING ROLE. (age 25-30) British accent required.

Julia Simmons - Classic little sister. Pretty, but whiny cousin of Miss Blacklock. She can be sarcastic or sincere depending on her mood. She is equally as opinionated as her brother. (age 25-30) SUPPORTING ROLE. British accent required.

Phillipa Haymes - Beautiful, mature and refined. She has formed a special bond with Miss Blacklock. She is very secretive about her past. (age 25-30) SUPPORTING ROLE. British accent required.

Mrs. Clara Swettenham - She can be a bit of a busybody and defensive depending with whom she is talking. She depends and leans on her son, Edmund. (age 45-55) SUPPORTING ROLE. British accent required.

Edmund Swettenham - He is a writer who is mysterious and serious at the same time. At times, he has a dark, brooding way about him. He loves Phillipa and is often embarrassed by his overzealous Mother. His motives remain a mystery. (age 25-30) SUPPORTING ROLE. British accent required.

**Sergeant Mellors - Male. Helps Craddock with the initial investigation. (open age - must be younger than Craddock) MINOR SUPPORTING ROLE. British accent required.

**Rudi Scherz - Male. The gunman. (25-35) MINOR SUPPORTING ROLE. British accent required.

** Pending auditions, I might double up these roles for one actor to 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. Jim Crawford and Karintha Touton are slated to produce

Ed needs burlap bags to use in the show. Let him know if you have a source. He also needs 1138 Christmas present wrapping material, in case anyone has leftovers laying around!

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! Calia Mintzer and Lori A. Marple-Pereslete will produce.

Children's Theater Classes

Children's Theatre Classes started January 14 and a full report will be provided at the January General Meeting. The first series of classes for children is being taught by Sheldon Metz and he is being ably assisted by Kentwood members. The fun started January 14, 2008, and will 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.

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

Marcom Masque Awards Banquet

Mark you calendars! Our 2007/2008 Marcom Masque Awards Banquet, bigger and better this year, is scheduled for Sunday, June 15, 2008.

Costumes

Maria Cohen reported excellent results from her recent two days of Costumes Review and Discard held at the theater. She announced 17 bags of costumes are now GONE from the theater! Much thanks are in order to Charlotte Lee Schildkret, Cory Hendersen, Gretchen Luna, Marlene Grinde, Michael Grinde, Gail Barnardi, Arlene Cohen, Sheridan Crawford, Julia Maggs, Susan Weisbarth, Hal Fisher and Jim Crawford for assisting. Costumes! It's a love hate relationship. No one wants costumes laying around UNTIL they need costumes for their show!

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!

New Territory

There is a new dawn breaking over Kentwood. In the past Kentwood has shied away from Original Works. No more! The Kentwood Board is accepting ideas and submissions to the Plays Reading Committee for original plays to be mounted at Kentwood. When submitting a musical, the music must accompany the submission.

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.

Social Events Coordinator

The Social Events Coordinator position for Kentwood is open. Kentwood needs a volunteer willing to coordinate Dinner and a Show for groups of Kentwood Members who want to see productions around town with Kentwood Members involved. If this position speaks to you, please contact a Board Member and volunteer to coordinate FUTURE FUN!

Wish List

Kentwood President Sheldon Metz has issued a request for all members to please submit TWO wish list ideas for improvements at the theater. Written requests can be submitted to any board member or directly to the Prez. The Wish List will include, but not be limited to, entries about plant improvements, policy changes, rules changes, additional or fewer board positions. The board will review, discuss and prioritize the wish list as we go forward and the items will be addressed as funds become available. President Metz promised to share the completed list with the full membership at the March General Meeting.

Longevity

According to Kentwood Vice President and Membership Chairperson Gail Bernardi, Kentwood Players currently has 10 members who have been part of Kentwood Players for over fifty years!

Board Member Nominating Committee

The board member nominating committee needs three additional volunteers. Please contact Sheridan Crawford or Calia Mintzer if you can help. There are two board positions to fill at the May Membership Meeting: President and Workshop Chair.

Recovering

Gene Haberman, Barbara's husband, recently suffered a stroke and is reportedly at home and recovering. Calls, notes, cards appreciated.

It has been reported Doris Mazarov recently broke her foot and is recovering. Calls, notes and cards appreciated.

It has also been reported Doris Shoemaker is suffering with some memory problems and was recently transferred to a long term care facility.

Sad News to Report

Long time member Nancy Burrows, passed away in December. Charlotte Lee Schildkret forwarded the following:

Nancy Burrows was a long time active member and great actress taking home many a Marcom Masque Award. Chris Buchanan called to let Kentwood know his Mother had a heart attack and passed away Monday, December 10, 2007. Nancy was one of the blithe spirits in BLYTHE SPIRIT and SEPARATE TABLES was a real standout performance for her. Her interpretations of Lizzie and Rosemary made our first RAINMAKER and PICNIC memorable. SILVER WHISTLE shined with Nancy in it and CLOSE TIES was the tie that binds. With that she retired to New Mexico to be a very real part of the land she loved and only came home when she needed to be close to family. Chris remembers how much Kentwood meant to Nancy and at nine years old his being the newsboy in THE DRUNKARD was a highlight of his boyhood. Nancy also played the lead, and won a best actress award for it, in DETECTIVE STORY for Kentwood with Hal Fisher, Michelle Rosen and Bill Buhler in the cast!

Nancy's son Chris Buchanan wrote the following poem to immortalize his mother:

Echoes of Nancy Be

Whenever possible,
Connect with everyone.
Recycle, rejoice, and dance;
Mistakes are written
Into the script,
Like perfection
Relies on chance.

A seamstress, a mother,
A lover, a rogue-
Nancy could work a room!
She waited on tables
For diners through decades,
With talents 'n' tenderness,
No one could assume.

If I was having trouble
Finding happiness,
She would say, "At least
Have the courage to act";
When I would complain
About life's unfairness.
She would say, "You're right,
Life is unfair,
But it is your responsibility
To be fair in it."

Never expect equal returns,
Be kind for kindness sake;
Be gentle, be gracious and-
Always expand,
And do your best
To replace what you take.

Chris Buchanan, 12/15/2007

Sad News to Report

Another note from Charlotte:

Arden Heide was a long time member of Kentwood Players way back in the 60's. He was a great guy and a good actor who never gave up his association to those who knew him as "Mr. Samuel French" on the west coast. Arden was always available to answer a question or supply a suggestion to the Plays Committee. Arden's keen knowledge and interest was extremely helpful and he could be relied upon to come through for Kentwood whenever possible. He was planning his retirement at the end of 2007 when he passed away November 25. Kentwood will sure miss his expertise.

Thank you Charlotte.

Announcements

Phil Brickey will direct Kentwood actors Jerad Callen and Peter Miller, and some others too, in 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

Shari Barrett wrote: A good friend of mine who has appeared in two workshops at Kentwood is now on the Board of Directors at a new theatre group at the Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro called The Relevant Stage. I received an email from him today with the following job offer. Since I am unable to accept it, I am passing it along to you in the hope that you know someone who might be looking just this type of theatre job. The Relevant Stage is looking for a stage manager for their first production, Acts of Desperation. Will work Jan. 14 through Feb. 3 for $100 honorarium (basically gas money). If you or anyone you know would like a good credit for their resume and to get their foot in the door with a new theatre company, please contact Ray Buffer at ray@therelevantstage.com. For more on The Relevant Stage, please visit their website at www.therelevantstage.com/

New Members

Kentwood Players Vice President and Membership Chairperson Gail Bernardi announced the following new member:

F. Kaye Porter, Frederick Cook II and Karintha Touton
Welcome to Kentwood Players!

January Birthdays

Gert Nord 1/10, Lauren Jarvis 1/13, Dee Turquand 1/13, Jack Weintraub 1/16, Virginia Renfro 1/21, Michael Murphy 1/26.

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