Raue Center School For The Arts presents youth production of “Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens Jr.”

Crystal Lake, IL | November 1, 2022 

 

Raue Center School For The Arts is thrilled to announce the cast of RCSA Presents’ upcoming production of “Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens Jr.” Adapted from book #44 of Mary Pope Osborne’s award-winning fantasy adventure series, “Ghost Tale” follows Jack and Annie as they journey back in time to the foggy streets of London to meet Charles Dickens, world famous writer, who has a severe case of writer’s block. Through a series of fateful interactions and situations, Jack and Annie help Mr. Dickens face his inner demons and ultimately write one of the greatest holiday stories of all time! 

 

At the helm of this production are Director of Education & Cultural Partnerships Robin Irwin as Director, Institutional Advancement Associate Billy Seger as Associate Director & Choreographer, and YMTE Instructor Alayna DeVar as Music Director. Recurring RCSA production members Jessica Urban, Savannah Thomas, and Patty Halajin return as Producer, Teaching Assistant, and Costume Designer respectively. Rounding out the production staff are RCSA newcomers Anna Walker (Production Stage Manager), Adam Milne (Assistant Stage Manager), Trevor Dotson (Scenic Designer & Scenic Artist), Emma Linnea (Lighting Designer), and Chris Tumblin (Technical Manager).

 

“The Magic Tree House series is very near and dear to my heart,“ said Director Robin Irwin. “I’ve read all the books to my daughter, so it’s an honor to bring book #44 to life on the Raue Center stage.”

 

“The talent in this cast is absolutely outstanding,” said Associate Director & Choreographer Billy Seger. “Our students really stepped it up at auditions, making this casting process one of the most difficult during my time with RCSA.”

 

“Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens” runs December 2, 2022 at 7pm, December 3, 2022 at 3pm & 7pm, and December 4, 2022 at 3pm. Tickets are $25 for Adults and $10 for Students. RaueNOW Members receive a 30% discount on tickets. Some restrictions may apply. For more information, please visit rauecenter.org.

 

Details:

  • “Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens Jr.” presented by RCSA Presents, December 2, 2022 @ 7pm, December 3, 2022 @ 3pm & 7pm, &  December 4, 2022 @ 3pm

 

“Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens Jr.” Cast:

Josh Annen – Mr. Dickens

Caleigh Banks – Restaurant Patron #1

Elizabeth Barton – School Girl #1

Serenity Bell – Orphan Soloist

Miranda Bokuniewicz – Henrietta

Liam Burke – Police Officer

Andriana Castle – School Girl #2

Benjamin Chase – Tiny Tim

Mia Clifford – Miss Twigby

Ellie Coughlin – Mary Dickens

Adelaide Daczewitz – Lady-in-Waiting

David Daskalov – Mr. Pinch

Ayla Dempsey – School Girl #4

Charlotte Genegels – Dishwasher

Elizabeth Hannen – Morgan Le Fay

Emma Hartwig – Mrs. Pinch

Bobby Hull – Newsies 

Nico Jensen – Young Dickens

Bennett Jones – Bootblack

Izzabella Jorenby-Behling – Hawker

Nicholas Kasperek – Barber

Elin Kennedy Kaye – Baker

Hazel Kroster – Black Ghost

Maddox Lovick – Oliver Twist

Fiona Miceli – Olive

Maisie Miceli – Queen Victoria

Audrey Molter – Annie

Brad Molter – Merlin

Kara Molter – School Girl #3 

Paige Montanye – Dressmaker 

Brooklyn Morey – White Ghost 

Adeline Morson – Emma 

Averie O’Keeffe – Green Ghost

Maddie Olszewski – Carriage Driver

Kennedy Onopa – Collin

Easton Paulson – Harry

Nolan Paulson – Newsie

Faye Radeni – Caroler #1

Noah Rea – Pickwick

Marybeth Reckamp – Mrs. Tibbs

Margaret Reckamp – Restaurant Patron #2

Ava Richer – Restaurant Patron #3

Veda Rosch – Sara

Courtney Schaal – Butcher

Bobby Schaeffer – Jack

Knox Rose Schneider – Restaurant Patron #4

Anna Snow – Mrs. Dickens

Tyler Sullivan – Francois the Chef 

Charlotte Thompson – Waitress 

Frank Truscott – Newsie 

Maggie Vallicelli – Roberta

Blakely Voight – Caroler #3

Derek Walker – Nickleby

Allie Wightman – Young Caroler

Aubrey Williams – Caroler #2

Caroline Zimmerman – Bookseller

 

Production & Design Team: 

Director: Robin Irwin

Associate Director & Choreographer: Billy Seger 

Musical Director: Alayna DeVar

Teaching Assistant: Savannah Thomas 

Lighting Designer: Emma Linnea

Costume Designer: Patty Halajian 

Scenic Designer: Trevor Dotson 

Production Stage Manager: Anna Walker

Assistant Stage Manager: Adam Milne 

Technical Manager: Chris Tumblin

Producer: Jessica Urban

Artistic Director: Richard Kuranda

 

Ticket Prices:

Standard Adult: $25

Standard Student: $10

*RaueNOW Membership Adult: $17.50

*RaueNOW Membership Student: $7

 

Individual RaueNOW and RaueNOW Family Memberships start at just $60. Each membership tier comes with a unique set of benefits, but all members enjoy the following:

 

  • 30% off two single tickets to most Raue Center events
  • Exclusive access to our member lounge, 26N
  • Early access to newly announced events
  • Behind-the-scenes access
  • The membership fee is tax-deductible
  • RaueNOW Family also includes 25% discount on RCSA classes

 

For more information, contact James Knight at 815.356.9010 x 14 or email jknight@rauecenter.org.

 

*Certain fees & exclusions may apply. Ticket prices may vary according to zone and membership status.

 

Location: Raue Center For The Arts

26 N. Williams Street

Crystal Lake, IL 60014

rauecenter.org

 

Box Office: 815.356.9212 | 2 pm to 4 pm, Tuesdays – Fridays | Closed Saturday, Sunday, and Monday | Open 1 hour 

prior to scheduled performances.

 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

 

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This program is made possible through the generous support of

RCSA MASTERCLASS – DANCING THROUGH LIFE with John Bolton and Marina Lazzaretto

@Raue Center For The Arts
26 N Williams Street, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Monday, November 14 | 6:30 to 8:30p
Registration Fee: $15
Reservations required. Limited Availability. Reserve your spot today!

RCSA’s Masterclass Series, “Dancing Through Life,” welcomes cast members from the current national tour of “Wicked,” now playing at the Nederlander Theater in Chicago. Broadway and television veteran John Bolton (The Wizard), known for his work in the original Broadway casts of “Anastasia” (Vlad) and “A Christmas Story” (The Old Man), and Marina Lazzaretto (Swing), “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Schmigidoon,” as well as “American In Paris,” and “West Side Story” on Broadway, will lead a dance workshop in the style of “Wicked.”

The masterclass will begin with an open dance instruction on stage for all participants featuring choreography inspired by the musical “Wicked” followed by one-on-one demonstrations and a Q&A. All attendees are welcome to join us on stage for the dance portion of the workshop.

If you are interested in receiving one-on-one audition coaching during the workshop, please email rcsaeducation@rauecenter.org directly to reserve your spot. Spots are limited.

Doors will open at 6:00 pm
The masterclass will run from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.

Each installment of the RCSA Masterclass Series is taught by professional artists from across the country, focusing on different arts disciplines and specialties throughout the year. Attendees are welcome to join as either a participant or spectators. Participants may be asked to join our experts on stage for exercises or practice modules in the class discipline. Spectators are encouraged to observe the process and are welcome to participate in the question-and-answer sessions following the workshop.

JOHN BOLTON
John Bolton starred on Broadway as Vlad in Anastasia (Outer Critics Circle, Rivera Awards nominations), The Captain in Dames at Sea (Astaire Award nomination), The Old Man in Christmas Story the Musical (Drama Desk nomination), as both Grady and Cioffi in Curtains, King Arthur in Spamalot, Michael in Contact, Charles Lightoller in Titanic, and J Pierrepont Finch in How to Succeed… He made his Broadway debut alongside Jerry Lewis in Damn Yankees. On tour, he was Horace Vandergelder in Hello, Dolly! and is currently playing The Wizard of Oz in Wicked. He headlined 4 sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall and has been a soloist with the NY Philharmonic at Lincoln Center. On TV, Mr Bolton had recurring roles on The Blacklist, Madam Secretary, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Gossip Girl and All My Children and has guest-starred on Evil, FBI, Elementary, Blue Bloods, Boardwalk Empire, The Good Wife and Law and Order. He is featured in the film Mapplethorpe.
MARINA LAZZARETTO
Originally from Alberta, Canada, Marina Lazzaretto is a New York City-based Dancer, Singer, and Actress. Marina is currently in the national touring company of the hit Broadway show Wicked. She has performed all over the US and Internationally in productions such as The Broadway and First National Touring companies of An American In Paris, the First National Tours of Cats (revival), and Twyla Tharp’s Come Fly Away, The New Yorkers at City Center Encores, the Off-Broadway Companies of Trip of Love and Doctor Faustus and the Broadway Company of West Side Story. Most recently Marina has just finished filming Season 2 of the new Apple TV Musical Series “Schmigadoon”. She has also been seen on television in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”, “Fosse/Verdon”, “The Tonight Show”, “SNL”, “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert”, and “Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris”. Marina has also been fortunate enough to work with the Verdon Fosse Legacy since 2013 honoring the work of the legendary Bob Fosse. For more info visit marinalazzaretto.com Instagram @marinalazz
John Bolton as The Wizard in Wicked. photo by Joan Marcus

Made possible through the generous support of the Jonny Carson Foundation

Cary-Grove Drama presents CLUE

It’s a dark and stormy night, and you’ve been invited to a very unusual dinner party. Each of the guests has an alias, the butler offers a variety of weapons, and the host is, well… dead. So whodunnit? Join the iconic oddballs known as Scarlet, Plum, White, Green, Peacock, and Mustard as they race to find the murderer in Boddy Manor before the body count stacks up. Based on the cult classic film and the popular board game, Clue: High School Edition is a madcap comedy that will keep you guessing until the final twist.

Ticket sales begin 9/26 at 9 am. Tickets are $10. Activity passes will be accepted at the door.
To purchase tickets click HERE.

 

Don’t miss the first show of the 2022-2023 season! Visit carygrovedrama.org for more information.

Raue Center School For The Arts ON STAGE! Presents two youth productions of Seussical the Musical!

photo by Todd Heintz Photography

Crystal Lake, IL | June 15, 2022 

Raue Center School For The Arts is thrilled to announce the casts of RCSA On Stage! summer productions “Seussical Kids” and “Seussical Jr.” Based on the beloved works of Theodor Seuss Geisel, more commonly known as Dr. Seuss, “Seussical” tells the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community are challenged and emerge triumphant!

Although “Seussical Kids” and “Seussical Jr.” follow identical storylines, the productions feature different casts. At only 30 minutes long, “Seussical Kids” is the perfect show for families looking for an introduction to live performance and features a cast of RCSA students ages 7-10. “Seussical Jr” runs approximately 60 minutes and features a cast of students ages 12 and up. Either production is guaranteed to have you dancing in your seats with multi-genre-infused musical theatre scores, imaginative set, and vibrant costumes.

At the helm of both productions are RCSA instructors Billy Seger as Director/Choreographer, Alayna DeVar as Music Director, and Savannah Thomas as Assistant Director/Stage Manager. Emily Ostrowski and Becca Robertson step into Stage Manager and Costume Designer roles after leading the first two weeks of RCSA’s new summer program, Camp RCSA. Director of Production Jarrod Bainter takes the lead on the productions’ technical elements in tandem with Raue Center production staff members Caroline Arana and Commedore Clark. Both productions are produced by Jessica Urban and Kyle Schneider, with Raue Center CEO Richard Kuranda serving as Artistic Director.

“It’s so wonderful to see the new program come to life with so many kids!   The team has done a fantastic job at our new home of St Mary’s,” Kuranda said.  “We consider ourselves lucky to have been invited in. I’m looking forward to seeing both shows!”

“Seussical Kids” runs July 8, 2022, at 7 pm, and July 9, 2022, at 1 pm and 4 pm. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for Students. RaueNOW Members receive a 30% discount on tickets. Some restrictions may apply. “Seussical Jr.” runs July 15, 2022, at 7 pm, and July 16, 2022, at 1 pm and 4 pm. Tickets are $20 for adults and $7 for Students. RaueNOW Members receive a 30% discount on tickets. Some restrictions may apply. For more information, please visit rauecenter.org.

Details:

  • “Seussical Kids” presented by RCSA On Stage!, July 8, 2022 @ 7pm & July 9, 2022 @ 1pm & 4pm
  • “Seussical Jr.” presented by RCSA On Stage!, July 15, 2022 @ 7pm & July 16, 2022 @ 1pm & 4pm

 

“Seussical Kids” Cast:

Cat In the Hat – Penny Kim

Thing 1 – Faye Radeni

Thing 2 – Aubrey Williams

Jojo – Allison Wightman

Horton the Elephant – Bobby Schaefer

Gertrude McFuzz – Kennedy Onopa

Mayzie LaBird – Ayla Dempsey

Mr. Mayor – Tyler Sullivan

Mrs. Mayor – Adelaide Daczewitz

Sour Kangaroo – Audrey Molter

Young Kangaroo – Kara Molter

Bird Girls – Maisie Miceli, Ava Richer, & Blakely Voight

Wickershams – Samantha Erwin, Fiona Miceli, & Adeline Morson

Talk Show Host & Judge Yertle the Turtle – John Robert Hull

Vlad Vladikov & Marshal – Frank Truscott

 

“Seussical Jr.” Cast:

Cat In the Hat – Olivia Zak

Jojo – Noah Rea

Horton the Elephant – Joshua Annen

Gertrude McFuzz – Emma McBreen

Mayzie LaBird – Claire Reitz

Mr. Mayor – Derek Walker

Mrs. Mayor – Addyson Rebman

Sour Kangaroo – Sydney Sullivan

Young Kangaroo – Elin Kaye

Bird Girls – Emma Hartwig, Kendra Heidtke, Emma Kim, & Lila Stewart

Wickershams – Ellie Coughlin, Paige Montanye, Maddie Olszewski, & Catherine Rea

The Grinch & Others – Izzabella Jorenby-Behling

Vlad Vladikov & Others – William Burke

Judge Yertle the Turtle & Others – Mia Clifford

 

Production & Design Team: 

Director/Choreographer: Billy Seger 

Musical Director: Alayna DeVar

Assistant Director: Savannah Thomas 

Lighting Designer: Jarrod Bainter

Costume Designer: Becca Robertson 

Sound Designer: 

Scenic Designer and Artist: 

Props Master: 

PSM: Emily Ostrowski

ASM: Savannah Thomas

Director of Production: Jarrod Bainter

Producer: Jess Urban

Producer: Kyle Schneider

Artistic Director: Richard Kuranda

 

Ticket Options:

Seussical Kids (30 min adaptation) Ticket Price:

Standard Adult: $15

Standard Student: $7

*RaueNOW Membership Adult: $10.50

*RaueNOW Membership Student: $4.90

 

Seussical Jr. (60 min adaptation) Ticket Price:

Standard Adult: $20

Standard Student: $7

*RaueNOW Membership Adult: $14

*RaueNOW Membership Student: $4.90

 

Individual RaueNOW and RaueNOW Family Memberships start at just $60. Each membership tier comes with a unique set of benefits, but all members enjoy the following:

 

  • 30% off two single tickets to most Raue Center events
  • Exclusive access to our member lounge, 26N
  • Early access to newly announced events
  • Behind-the-scenes access
  • The membership fee is tax-deductible
  • RaueNOW Family also includes 25% discount on RCSA classes

 

For more information, contact James Knight at 815.356.9010 x 14 or email jknight@rauecenter.org.

 

*Certain fees & exclusions may apply. Ticket prices may vary according to zone and membership status.

 

Location: Raue Center For The Arts

26 N. Williams Street

Crystal Lake, IL 60014

rauecenter.org

 

Box Office: 815.356.9212 | 2 pm to 4 pm, Tuesdays – Fridays | Closed Saturday, Sunday, and Monday | Open 1 hour 

prior to scheduled performances.

 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

STUDENTS TAKE THE STAGE FOR NEW MUSICAL ENSEMBLE!

[Crystal Lake, IL] – March 29, 2022 – On March 22nd, Raue Center School For The Arts students took the stage at Raue Center to perform their first showcase as members of the newly formed Youth Musical Theatre Ensemble (YMTE)!

A small but mighty team, the six YMTE students performed selected songs from beloved stage musicals such as Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Shrek, The Secret Garden, Next To Normal, and Mean Girls, with each student featured several times throughout the showcase. Additional lights and sound were provided by Jarrod Bainter, Technical Director, and supported by staff members Jessica Urban and Billy Seger to help elevate the aesthetic of the performance.

“The beauty of this class is that every session will be different, with material that gives everyone a moment in the spotlight while learning how to be a good ensemble member as well,” says class instructor Alayna DeVar, Education Coordinator/Lead Instructor for Raue Center. “The performance was highly regarded and the kids quite literally wouldn’t leave the theatre. We will be running this class again and I look forward to seeing how this class grows and evolves over time.”

The Youth Musical Theatre Ensemble, geared toward students aged 14-18, focuses on vocal technique that expands beyond solo singing into small and large group ensembles. Students enrolled in the class can look forward to musical theatre songs they’ve always wanted to sing, but have not had the back up vocals to bring them fully to life . The collaborative atmosphere, paired with DeVar’s rich background in vocal instruction and pedagogy, makes for the ultimate experience in group singing.

Risk. Explore. Create. Raue Center School For The Arts looks forward to bringing this class back in the Fall of 2022. Until then, be sure to check out rauecenter.org/education or visit facebook.com/rcschoolforthearts for updates on more exciting opportunities, including a brand new Summer Camp experience aptly called “Camp RCSA.” Those looking to enroll students in RCSA programs should be reminded that the institution’s RaueNOW Family Membership offers a 25% discount on enrollment fees for all RCSA classes and workshops as well as an additional 30% discount on select Raue Center programming throughout the year. Scholarship opportunities are also available by contacting rcsaeducation@rauecenter.org.

Raue Center currently requires masks for all patrons 2+. For more information, visit rauecenter.org/covid/. For questions or concerns, please contact our Box Office at 815-356-9212.

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

More information and tickets are available by visiting www.rauecenter.org or by calling the box office at (815) 356-9212. For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter.

.

“Always…Patsy Cline” brings live theatre back to Raue Center

Raue Center For The Arts presents “ALWAYS… PATSY CLINE” by Ted Swindley, based on the true story of Patsy’s friendship with Houstonite and superfan, Louise Seger — a friendship that lasted the rest of Patsy Cline’s life. Running March 19 – April 16th at Raue Center!

This moving musical, complete with laughs, down-home country charm, and sisterhood, includes many of Patsy’s unforgettable hits such as “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Sweet Dreams” and “Walking After Midnight”… 27 songs in all! The show’s title was inspired by Patsy’s letters to Louise, which were lovingly signed “Love ALWAYS… Patsy Cline.”

More info at https://events.rauecenter.org/events/category/series/always-patsy-cline-series/

 

Created by Ted Swindley
Directed by Kevin Wiczer*
Assistant Direction and Choreography by Billy Seger
Music Direction by Jake Hartge

Cast:

Sarah Beth Tanner – Patsy Cline
Michelle Tibble – Louise Seger
Autumn Thelander – Understudy Swing

The Band:

Piano – Jake Hartge
Guitar – Michael Lockler
Bass – Marisa Bellie
Drums – Colin Rambert
Violin – Ash Fitzwater

Creative & Design Team:

Kevin Wiczer – Director*
Billy Seger – Asst. Director / Choreographer
Jake Hartge – Musical Director
Kyle Schneider – Company Manager
Caro Arana – Production Stage Manager
Jarrod Bainter – Production Management
William Schmiel – Scenic Design
Rae Melnik– Costume Design
Mickie Marie – Lighting Design
Jonesy Jones – Sound Design
Cris Kingston– Props Master
Kyle Schneider – Audio Engineer
Commedore Clark – Sound Board Op
Brenna McMonigal – Light Board Op
 Matt Claypool – Deck Manager
Matthew Prus – Deck Hand
*Associate Member of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society

Actor Michelle Tibble is Fan-tastic in “Always…Patsy Cline”

Actor Michelle Tibble discusses her role as Louise Seger in Raue Center For The Art’s “Always…Patsy Cline” opening March 19, 2022. 

Can you introduce yourself to our audience?

I’m Michelle Tibble. I’ve been acting professionally since I was in college, so a long time. I’m also a wife and a mom of two cute kiddos. When not on stage you can find me sharing stories and joy through the art of balloons and variety entertainment. I have 20 plus years of improv and variety arts experience and have run my own special events company since 2003 called Awesome Balloon Creations LLC.

I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA with my mom who is a HUGE Patsy Cline fan, and I moved to Chicago in 2004 to focus on Second City. I grew to love the work and the people that I found here and never left. My favorite genre of performance is comedy and musical theatre because it evokes joy and larger-than-life ideas. And if I had to give myself a mission statement it would be to evoke joy.

 

What do you love about this character?  

I love Louise for a lot of reasons, but most and foremost I love that she’s a good storyteller and she has the kind of sense of humor I grew up around. That brash witty honesty. She kind of reminds me of my aunts and my mom, but with a fearless openness that they could only dream of. My mom was a huge Patsy Cline fan. She would listen to Patsy Cline almost every day, just like Louise Seger. There are a lot of similarities between Lousie Seger and my mother. Not so much the brevity and comedic parts of Louise, because my mother is quite shy, but she is a woman, like Louise, who gravitated toward Patsy Cline’s music to help her wash out pain and took comfort in it during a time when not many people around her understood her or her choices. Music can be a form of therapy for a lot of people, and Patsy Cline, I believe, was that for many women. Louise is this single mom, who is raising kids during a time when it was not popular to divorce and it was a man’s world. She and Patsy have that in common. She was definitely a trailblazer on a lonely path, and she saw and heard those traits in Patsy Cline and her music, and it resonated with her. And quite frankly, that also resonates with me. I think we all seek something to pull us toward hope, light, and understanding on a daily basis and even more so during those harder moments, and sometimes that can be music and a celebrity. We all have that one celebrity that grabs us and gives us excitement.

My celebrity is Mariska Hargitay from Law and Order SVU. She fell into my life in a similar way that Louise found Patsy, she even wrote me a letter after I wrote a song about her at Second City, which I have hanging in my office, and the whole letter/celebrity part of this story really speaks to me. Louise also doesn’t dwell on her sorrows, which is the best part of Louise, and she tends to throw herself into things in a “Live in the moment” kind of way, and I love that about this character. Because she could be a tragic character, but she rises above negativity, and that fun-loving open-hearted energy is why I think she got the opportunity to live a dream the night that she runs into Miss Patsy Cline. Had she just sat back in fear, she would have never met Patsy. And don’t we all want that? That feeling to just be so open and carefree that things land in our lap and we just eat it up like a kid in a candy store! I hope that when people are watching her story, they also feel the love and warmth of this character and the music, and take that feeling with them when they leave.

 

What is the first thing you do to research and approach a role?

I dissect the moments and then I try to connect with them.

I go through the script and try to find the things that other characters say about them, what they say about themselves, and also take note of what they talk about.

I try to figure out the details that are not written on the page. The before moments. Sometimes you have to make that up, but it will just help you figure out how to react to all kinds of moments when the lights turn on. 

There is a reason for every word in a script, so you have to know why the author chose those words.

Sometimes the words are exposition, but usually, it’s a little puzzle piece telling us about the character and how they feel.

 

What’s challenging about bringing this script to life?

I can’t believe I’m about to answer this question in the way that I’m about to answer it, but I know that every audience member from here to Texas would want to know the answer to this question, so here goes. The most challenging thing about this script so far has been memorizing all of the ding dang lines! LOL

And the reason I am in disbelief of saying that, is because over the decades, I have done countless talkbacks after all kinds of shows, and it doesn’t seem to matter what play or musical you are doing, you could have left your blood, sweat, tears, and soul on that stage, and felt the audiences swell with laughter and/or tears, and inevitably, the first question an audience member will ask you is…..”how did you memorize all of those lines?” (And that’s when I slap my own head). As an actor, I truly despise that question. It’s an expected question so don’t feel bad if you’ve asked it, but I truly would like to ban it from all talkbacks. Please, for the love of all things right in the world, never ask that question at a talkback.

That being said, this show was really hard to memorize. I’m alone on stage. I’m talking or having to listen intently to the whole show. If I mess up…there is not one person who can save me, not even the band, I just have to talk my way back with spit and a prayer, and hope that Sara Beth knows where I’m going with it all for her next entrance.

So yep. Learning my lines has been the hardest part of this show!

So, how am I doing it? Well, I had a teacher in college tell us to read the play before bed every night. I’ve never had to do that. But I tried that, and he was clearly not a mother of two small children who also runs a business and 15 other people. I just fall asleep the second I hit the bed. So then I started getting up super early to read it. I also tried a script app, but it’s really hard to use those script apps with long monologues. So I would memorize a monologue a day and then for 24-48 hrs I would rehearse that monologue everywhere, mostly while driving. I then run through the whole script daily, while I work or drive. This seems to be working, but repetition repetition repetition seems to be the trick. Like anything else.

 

Why did you want to be involved in this production?

I’ve worked with Kevin, the director once before, and I knew we would collaborate well. He’s supported other shows that I’ve been in, and he reached out to see if I would audition and I thought ‘, sure, why not. I’ll audition.’ I was slightly hesitant because my mother really did over listen to Patsy Cline when I was a kid. LOL. But then I read the script, and I just love Louise! I love this character so much! She really is a challenge and a joy. Sara Beth is the best Patsy Cline you could ask for, both on and off stage. She’s a pro at music, she just knows exactly what she wants from her voice and the band has incredible knowledge about Patsy Cline and is a sweetheart in every way. So I’m very excited to be working out here in Crystal Lake with this incredible team of people and to be putting on this fun show for you all.

 

See Michelle Tibble as Louise Seger in “Always…Patsy Cline,” running March 19-April 16, 2022 at Raue Center For the Arts. For tickets and more information visit rauecenter.org

Something Rotten is coming to Cary Grove High School!

Welcome to the Renaissance and the outrageous, crowd-pleasing musical farce, Something Rotten!  Created by Grammy Award-winning songwriter Wayne Kirkpatrick, and successful screenwriters Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, Something Rotten! was lauded by audience members and critics alike, receiving several Best Musical nominations and hailed by Time Out New York as “the funniest musical comedy in at least 400 years”. Set in the 1590s, Something Rotten! follows brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom who are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as “The Bard.”

When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing, and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz.

Something Rotten! features large song and dance numbers, and a wacky cast of over-the-top characters, each given his or her own special moment in the show to shine.  Throughout its Broadway run, the musical received a show-stopping standing ovation from audiences… in the beginning of the first act!  It’s become clear that “nothing’s as amazing as a musical,” so don’t miss your chance to see it! -Information courtesy of MTI.com

 

Public ticket sales begin February 23rd, at 9 am. Visit carygrovechoirs.org for more information.

Crystal Lake Central High School performing Winter musical “42nd Street”

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL, Feb. 16, 2022- Crystal Lake Central High School will perform 42nd Street for its winter musical. Performances will occur on Thursday, March 10 at 7 pm, Friday, March 11 at 7 pm, Saturday, March 12 at 7 pm, and Sunday, March 13 at 1 pm.

Forty-Second Street is a stage adaptation of the classic 1933 movie with music by Harry Warren, lyrics by Al Dubin, and book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble. The production was nominated for eight Tony Awards, winning two including Best Musical. Come along and listen to the lullaby of Broadway! 42nd Street celebrates Broadway, Times Square, and the magic of show biz with wit, humor, and pizzazz. At the height of the Great Depression, aspiring chorus girl Peggy Sawyer comes to the big city from Allentown PA, and soon lands her first big job in the ensemble of a glitzy new Broadway show. But just before opening night, the leading lady breaks her ankle. Will Peggy be able to step in and become a star? The score is chock-full of Broadway standards, including “We’re In the Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle Off to Buffalo” and “Forty-Second Street.”

This year’s musical is produced by CLCHS choir director Kimberly Scherrer, featuring the choreography of Chesney (Murphy) Lofgren. Chesney has been an integral part of the directing team for over ten years at CLC. Her exceptional talent is showcased through the students in every tap and jazz production number. Leading characters played by CLCHS students include junior Ian Farrell-Freeland (Julian Marsch), junior Raina Thiegs (Peggy Sawyer), freshman Corey Atkinson (Billy Lawlor), senior Natalie Virgil (Dorothy Brock), junior Bethany Sternberg (Ann Reilly), senior Connor Hershey (Andy Lee), senior Evie Iwin (Bert Barry), senior Katelyn Santoro (Maggie Jones), junior Nathan Szadowski (Abner Dillon) and senior Micah Kellerman (Pat Denning).

A strong supporting cast of minor leads and ensemble members carry the weight of the show through tap choreography. These CLCHS students include senior Ida Alt (Gladys), senior Madi Blackmore (Lorraine), freshman Riya Gumidyala (Millie), freshman Ava Heldt (Robin), senior Kiera Majzner (Ethel), senior Maddie Novotney (Phyllis), junior Naomi Virgil (Diane), junior Avery Wilson (Winnie) and several other ensemble members.

In total, approximately 100 Crystal Lake Central students will be involved in the production as part of the cast, pit, and crew. Additional production team support is provided by Cris Kingston (Director), Eric Thiegs (Ensemble Director), Keith Levin (Pit Orchestra Director), Steve Knope (Set Director), Becca Polk (Costume Director/Dance Captain), Steve Scherrer (Lighting Director) and Anders Stadler (Sound Director/Assistant Director).

“We hope this high energy and the infectious show brings you to your feet. The tap choreography has brought new life to our theater following a year of Covid shutdowns. We look forward to having audiences back in our space to root for Peggy and to fall in love with musical theater, just as she does.”

Tickets can be purchased online at www.clchs theater.ludus.com

RAUE CENTER PRESENTS “ALWAYS…PATSY CLINE”

Based on a true story!

Crystal Lake, Ill.: – February 15, 2022 – Based on a true story! Raue Center For The Arts is excited to bring a musical based on the true story of Patsy Cline’s friendship with Houston housewife and fan Louise Seger to the stage! “Always… Patsy Cline” opens on March 19, 2022, and runs select dates through April 16, 2022.

“After so many years in COVID 19 lockdown, we are thrilled to be producing this amazing musical that really celebrates life and friendship,” said artistic director, Richard Kuranda.   “Sara Beth Tanner is a STAR that brings Patsy to life!  Michelle Tibble is funny and charming as Louise Seger. This show is phenomenal thanks to Kevin, our director. He last mounted “The Addams Family” which broke box office records!”  

In 1961, after meeting at one of Cline’s concerts in Houston, the two women struck up a friendship. When Cline finally left for Dallas, her next job, the two women had exchanged addresses and telephone numbers. Seger never expected to hear from Cline again, but soon after she left, Seger received the first of many letters and phone calls from Cline. This pen-pal friendship lasted until Cline’s untimely death in a plane crash in 1963 and is the inspiration for the heartfelt musical. 

“Always… Patsy Cline” focuses on a fateful evening at Houston’s Esquire Ballroom when Seger hears of Cline’s death in a plane crash. Seger supplies a narrative while Cline floats in and out of the set singing tunes that made her famous – Anytime, Walkin’ After Midnight, She’s Got You, Sweet Dreams, and Crazy – to name a few.

The show combines music, humor with the bittersweetness of grief. It offers fans who remember Cline while she was alive a chance to look back while giving new fans an idea of what seeing her was like and what she meant to her original fans.

Raue Center’s “Always…Patsy Cline” is directed by Kevin Wiczer with music direction by Bryan McCaffrey and choreography by Billy Seger. The cast includes Sarah Beth Tanner as Patsy Cline and Michelle Tibble as Louise Seger.

“Always… Patsy Cline” runs select dates March 19 – April 16, 2022.  Tickets are $39.50 (RaueNOW Members get 30% Off) Student discounts are also available. For more information, please visit rauecenter.org.

 

Cast:

Patsy Cline  – Sarah Beth Tanner

Louise Seger – Michelle Tibble

Understudy / Swing – Autumn Thelander

Understudy/ Swing- Rhiannon Palmer

Production & Design Team: 

Director: Kevin Wiczer

Musical Director: Bryan McCaffrey

Assistant Director & Choreographer: Billy Seger

Lighting Designer: Mickie Marie

Costume Designer: Rae Melnik

Sound Designer: Jonesy Jones

Scenic Designer and Artist: William Schmiel

Props Master: Cris Kingston

PSM: Caro Arana

ASM: Rhiannon Palmer

Director of Production: Jarrod Bainter

Producer: Jess Urban

Producer: Kyle Schneider

Artistic Director: Richard Kuranda

Ticket Options: (price per ticket)
Non-Member: $39.50*
RaueNOW Member: $27.65*
Discounts & special offers are available. 

BUY TICKETS

 

Location:
Raue Center For The Arts
26 N. Williams Street
Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Box Office: 815.356.9212 | 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays – Fridays | Closed Sat, Sun. and Mon. | Open 1 hour prior to scheduled performances.

Directions:
Crystal Lake Stop
Harvard Line on the Metra
I-90 to Randall Road Exit

UPDATED COVID POLICY! Raue Center appreciates your help in our efforts to keep the theater a safe environment for all. As of 2.16.22 Raue Center NO LONGER requires vaccination or negative tests for entry to shows and events.  Masks continue to be required while in the theater unless actively eating or drinking. For more information visit rauecenter.org/covid/ For questions or concerns, please contact our Box Office at 815-356-9212.

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter.