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. 

CG Drama presents “Almost, Maine”

ALMOST, MAINE
by John Cariani

April 21 – 23

Tickets on sale April 11th at 9 am!

Join us for the last show of the 2021-2022 season!

Welcome to Almost, Maine, a place that’s so far north, it’s almost not in the United States. It’s almost in Canada. And it’s not quite a town, because its residents never got around to getting organized. So it almost doesn’t exist. One cold, clear, winter night, as the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, the residents of Almost, Maine, find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend – almost – in this delightful midwinter night’s dream.

Tickets are $8 and activity passes will be accepted at the door.

Performances are April 21 – 23 at 7:30 pm.

Visit carygrovedrama.org for more information.

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

Teaching is an Art

Amanda Flahive takes a traditional selfie with students after a showcase performance on Raue Center’s stage. 

Teaching artist Amanda Flahive shares why performing arts education is so important to her.

As a kid growing up in rural Kankakee County, IL, I always knew I loved performing…but didn’t have quite the right place to do that.  I sang “The Sound of Music” into my Fisher-Price tape deck for an audience of stuffed animals, I danced through the living room and entertained everyone who would listen with dramatic interpretations of my favorite Little Golden Books—so it was pretty clear early on that I was headed for the stage!

In spite of my performing ambitions, my small community didn’t offer much in the realm of arts opportunities—it was during my time at college studying for my career as a performer that I discovered my love of sharing the magic of theatre with kids like me.  I love teaching all ages of kids about the joy of theatre and how it can make a difference in their lives, or even become their career.  While I am fortunate enough to call myself a working actor, I often say that teaching is the other half of my “theatre soul.”  As much as I love getting on stage in front of an audience, belting a big number, and digging deep into a role, I also love teaching young performers how to harness that same energy that gets them singing into their hairbrushes in their bedroom mirrors and turn it into a compelling onstage moment. 

As we’ve built the RCSA program, I’ve been fortunate enough to witness many of our students grow from their first class as “dramatic personalities” into confident, vibrant young artists…some of whom have already started incredible professional careers.  While not everyone ends up on a Broadway stage, it’s what we learn along the way that shapes us as human beings—and it is such a gift to meet these kids as they discover their path. Teaching them is my honor and privilege—and I look forward to being part of their journey, wherever it takes them!

Amanda Flahive is an actor and instructor with Raue Center School For The Arts. She will be teaching RCSA’s High School Musical Theatre Workshop June 6 – 17, 2022. For more information about this and Raue Center’s other education workshops and summer camps visit rauecenter.org/education.

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

Actor Sarah Beth Tanner Gets Cookin’

Actor and virtual chef, Sarah Beth Tanner, talks about playing Patsy Cline and how teaching the culinary arts feeds her soul and creativity.

What do you like about acting/singing the most?

  Storytelling through acting and music is the most basic of human art forms, and I love knowing that I am a part of an ancient transformational tradition. Acting – especially in the immediacy of live theatre – helps expand human empathy by challenging the audience’s perception of the world. We are able to get to know characters, hear conversations, and witness situations that we might not be privy to in our real lives. At its best, it’s more than entertainment – it’s a chance to learn and grow.

Can you introduce yourself to our audience?

I’m Sarah Beth – I’m originally from a small town in north Alabama, and I moved to Chicago in 2013 after working for regional theatres across the country. I was looking for a place to settle in after years of bouncing from contract to contract, and Chicago was the perfect fit.

Did you take up any training?

I hold a BA in Musical Theatre from Birmingham-Southern College in Birmingham, Alabama. These days, I try to take at least one acting class a year (many great options in Chicago!), and I regularly work with several vocal coaches.

When did you start acting?

I started acting in high school. ‘Drama Class’ was a natural fit for me, and I had the great fortune of having a dedicated, dynamic teacher who recognized and cultivated my passion for the work we were doing. Thanks, Mrs. McClung!

 What do you love about this character?

Patsy Cline died young, but she was not an overnight success by any stretch. She battled through so many various obstacles throughout her life and career – abusive relationships, tragedy and injury, and rampant sexism to name a few. I admire her tenacious grit in a huge way, but she was also known as a big-hearted and fiercely loyal friend. I love that combo.

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

Every role is different, but I’m a big reader and a proud nerd about details. For this role, I dug into every biography and documentary I could find. I was cast in this role pre-COVID, so I’ve probably had too much time to research! I even made an impromptu pilgrimage to the Patsy Cline Museum in Nashville last summer after a camping trip in the Ozarks. I saw her iconic costumes and her personal handwriting on many of the letters she’d written friends and fans. It was an extremely memorable day for me, and I highly recommend visiting if you’re ever in Nashville!

 What’s challenging about bringing this script to life?

This script is unique in that it’s extremely one-sided. Louise has the vast majority of words to say, and Patsy is somewhat limited to telling her story through her songs. Kevin (our fabulous director) and I have worked hard to bring depth and detail to these songs – especially the ones we’ve all heard many times before.

Why did you want to be involved in this production?

I’ve known I would play this role one day since I saw a production of this show when I was 15. I loved it so much and the pull it had over me solidified my dream of being a professional storyteller and actor-musician.

What’s going to surprise people about this show?

We’ve added so many new ideas to this production – this is going to be unlike any other Always, Patsy Cline you’ve ever seen! I’m so excited for folks to see what we’ve been crafting!

  Besides this one, what’s your favorite stage show?

I’m a serious musical theatre lover, so it’s hard to pick a favorite! I enjoy different shows from different eras, but I always love a folksy vibe with lots of heart. Right now, I’m stuck on Come From Away. I also love the show In the Heights, and I’ve been on a fresh ITH kick since the movie came out last year!

What do you do when you’re not doing theatre?

I’m a Culinary Creative and professional food lover! I work as a recipe developer, food stylist, and content creator, and you can find more about that at sbtcooks.com. I’m also a nature lover and always looking for a chance to get out of the city for some camping or hiking. In the last few years, I’ve gotten into gardening, so in Spring and Summer, you’ll find me working in a city fire escape container garden.

What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage / the curtain goes up?

I take deep breaths and remind myself to trust the good work we put in while preparing and rehearsing. I try to find a reverent, meditative mindset and focus on telling the story instead of worrying about myself. It’s much easier said than done, but it’s what I strive for!

This experience was the carrot on the end of my personal pandemic stick, and I’m just so grateful to finally be living this part of the story.

Photos by Todd Heintz Photography: (Pictured) Cast members Sarah Beth Tanner and Michelle Tibble rehearse with director Kevin Wiczer and music director Jason Hartge. 

See Sarah Beth Tanner as Patsy Cline in Raue Center’s musical production of “Always…Patsy Cline,” March 19 – April 16, 2022. Tickets at rauecenter.org.

Bake for the Arts! Join Sarah Beth Tanner for a virtual Buttermilk Biscuit Class, on April 30, 2022, at 10 am.
Proceeds benefit Raue Center and its educational programs, Mission Imagination and Raue Center School For The Arts. To sign up for this scrumptious online baking class visit sbtcooks.com

RAUE CENTER SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS LAUNCHES NEW SUMMER CAMP SERIES

[Crystal Lake, IL] – February 23, 2022 – Raue Center School For The Arts is excited to announce a brand new summer camp series—aptly named Camp RCSA—for young performers looking to further (or even begin) their arts education in live performance.

“So proud of the team! The pandemic decimated our educational efforts—down from 25,000 students to 3,000 students during the pandemic. We look to bounce back with core standards of safety, inclusion, and a rigorous, intellectually challenging curriculum. We’ll have a lot of different programs this summer and the camps are a great entry for any student. Camp RCSA grows from our core belief of wanting to help families form young people who are well prepared for careers and who will be assets to their communities,” says Raue Center’s Executive Director, Richard Kuranda.

This exciting new summer program will focus on all aspects of live theatre (acting, movement, dance, and vocal technique), fostering students’ creativity and talent, and helping them develop as young performers. The counselors and staff hired by RCSA are professional Chicagoland actors and technicians. Students will learn performance fundamentals in the classroom then put those skills into practice for an audience with a wrap-up performance on Raue’s outdoor Arts On The Green space, located at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Crystal Lake. To further the educational element of the program, Camp RCSA has adopted the “Page to Stage” theme for the summer, granting students the opportunity to perform songs and scenes inspired by musicals based on famous works of literature!

Camp RCSA will run four one-week camps throughout the summer: June 6-June 10; June 13-June 17; July 18-July 22; and July 25-29. These camps run 9am-3pm, Monday through Friday, and are recommended for Grades 2 through 8 (rising). All experience levels are welcome!

The summer fun doesn’t stop there! RCSA is also proud to announce an extension of their popular “Little Stage Stars” program with Camp RCSA Jr.—a half-day camp for Grades K-1 from 9am-12pm! The youngest RCSA stars will spend a half-day playing games, learning songs and dances, and experiencing theatre in a fun, summer camp environment. This camp runs for one week: July 11-July 15.

High school students can look forward to the return of High School Musical Theatre Workshop—a two-week intensive musical theatre program for students ages 15-18 (rising freshman through graduated seniors). Led by RCSA favorite Amanda Flahive, a professional actor and teaching artist who’s appeared in over 25 shows as an original ensemble member of Williams Street Repertory. This advanced, RCSA signature class, allows students to explore all aspects of classic and modern musical theatre, with a focus on the three core performance disciplines unique to the genre—acting, singing, and dance.

Risk. Explore. Create. Enrollment for these classes opened on February 22nd for RaueNOW Family Members and opens to the general public on February 25th. Visit rauecenter.org/education/ for more information on enrollment and financial aid. For specific questions regarding enrollment, email 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.

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