The Secret Garden in Rehearsal

Hello All,
Usually we do rehearsal pictures on the blog for our shows. This show we get to show you some puppet pictures! The artistic team has been hard at work for The Secret Garden creating an amazingly stunning concept for the show. This shadow puppet show is just one of the many beautifully artistic moments in the production. In the song, "Race You to the Top of the Morning" Archibald sings while reading a storybook to his handicapped son, Colin, who is asleep in bed. This promises to be one of the many moving moments in the show. Check out the pictures below!

Kyle Dougan
Light Opera Works Production Associate

Here are the lyrics to Archibald's touching and heartfelt song:

When we left off last night
The hideous dragon
Had carried the maid to his cave by moonlight
He gnashed his teeth, and breathed his fire
The heath quaked, and we trembled in fear.

I said someone must save this sweet raven-haired maiden,
Though surely the cost will be steep.
So we lads all drew lots,
Our insides tied in knots,
And I won, and the rest went to sleep.

So, I picked up my staff,
And I followed the trail Of his smoke
To the mouth of the cave,
And I bid him come out,
Yea, forsooth, I did shout,
Ye fool dragon be gone or behave!

And then under my breath,
I uttered a charm said
To make the worst fiends become kind.
Knaves and knights of dire plights,
Now diminish his sights!
And it worked and the dragon went blind.

And he charged off the cliff
Howling mad and he died,
And the maiden accepted my ring.
And then you came along,
And were brave, bold, and strong,
And in thanks, every night now I sing:

Race you to the top of the morning!
Come, sit on my shoulders and ride!
Run and hide, I'll come and find you,
Climb hills to remind you,
I love you, my boy at my side!

Now, another foul dragon's appeared,
I must leave you.
He's scorching our land with his breath.
From his lair this one taunts me,
He dares me, he haunts me.
Once again, we must fight to the death!

Would to God I could stay and instead slay your dragon,
This beast who sits hunched on your back.
Would God I could wrench him away from your bed,
Or cut off or tear off his terrible head,
Could breathe out my fire on him
'Till he was dead,
Or beg him to spare you and take me instead!

As it is I must leave you in care of my brother,
The wizard, who lives on the hill,
Who has promised his art,
Will soon pierce through the heart
Of this dragon that's keeping you ill.

And I know that your mother, God bless her,
Would want you to do as he says and grow strong.
And you know that as soon as I can I'll return,
So be brave, son and know that I long
To race you to the top of the morning!
Come, sit on my shoulders and ride.
Run and hide, I'll come and find you,
Climb hills to remind you
I love you!
I love you, my boy at my side!




Tickets for The Secret Garden Click HERE

The Visit

Light Opera Works favorite James Harms will perform in a one-night benefit presentation of John Kander, Fred Ebb, and Terrence McNally's new musical "The Visit" starring Chita Rivera tonight in New York.

Read this article for more information. Don't miss the behind-the-scenes video at the end!

Words and Music

Midwest New Musicals will kick off Words and Music, a series of concert readings of original musicals this coming Monday, November 21, 2011 at 8pm with Table Turns by Sheilah Rae and Michele Brourman. The performance will be held at Light Opera Works Second Stage at 1420 Maple (at Lake) in Evanston. Tickets are $15 at the door or by calling LOW's box office (847-920-5360).

Table Turns is a musical evening of five shorts, each with a surprising turn of events in contemporary love and life. The piece was a finalist for the Heideman Award given by the Actors’ Theatre of Louisville. Table Turns features Kelli Harrington, Jasmine Ryan, David Skvarla and Greg Tate. The musical is directed by Jeff Dumas and music directed by Jessica Hunt. The casting director is Allan Chambers. Midwest New Musicals is lead by workshop director John Sparks.

Sheilah Rae, the co-bookwriter and lyricist, co-wrote Funny, You Don’t Look Like A Grandmother. She has written songs for Time, People, Doritos, Beechnut Baby Food and Ben Gay. As a performer she has appeared in Fiddler On the Roof, Applause, The Rothschilds and Company. She has served as past-council for the Songwriters Guild of America, past-president of the League of Professional Theatre Women and is currently the board president of the New York Theatre Barn and a member of the Dramatists Guild. She was born and raised in Chicago and is a New Trier graduate.

Michele Brourman, the composer, is a Johnny Mercer Songwriter Award winner. She is the composer of the new musical Dangerous Beauty. Michele composed the dance and incidental music for the original Broadway production of Working. Her songs have been featured in movies (The Little Engine that Could, Shiloh and Shiloh Season) and television (Land Before Time, Designing Women, Cagney and Lacey). She is a graduate of Northwestern University.

The Midwest New Musicals writers workshop and the new Words and Music series are funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, The ASCAP Foundation, and The Dramatist Guild Fund. Most of the new musicals in the Words and Music series are written by members of the Midwest New Musicals writers workshop and have been developed in the workshop Core Curriculum and development process.

Midwest New Musicals

Are you a composer, lyricist, or playwright interested in learning more about musical theatre structure? Consider taking part in this year’s Midwest New Musicals workshop. Midwest New Musicals is a writers workshop and development program conducted by John Sparks, the Artistic Director for the Academy of New Musical Theatre in Los Angeles, in association with Light Opera Works.

The Midwest New Musicals Core Curriculum is an intensive program that assists writers through the process of creating a new musical. Writers explore the use of music, lyrics, and dialogue through hands-on assignments that introduce them to musical theatre forms and collaborative techniques.

Writers study the structure of the full musical book and score. The study and writing process leads to a mini-musical project where participants create short musicals for a pre-selected ensemble and production team. This project culminates in a formal public presentation and an evaluation.

Upon completion, writers may be invited to an ongoing forum of writing peers to participate in reading intensives, workshops, and to meet with theatre companies and producers locally and across the country.

Midwest New Musicals Core Curriculum program meets monthly on Chicago's North Shore in two four-hour sessions on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am to 1:30pm.

Fall Term: September 24&25 2011, October 22&23, November 19&20, December 17&18, January 21&22 2012

Winter/Spring Term: February 18&19 2012, March 17&18, April 21&22, May 19&20, June 23&24

The Mini-Musical writing, revisions, rehearsals, and performances take place from April through June 2012 on a schedule determined by the writers, actors, and directors involved.

Enrollment Form and Fees Information:

Enrollment forms are available here or at Light Opera Works’ offices at 927 Noyes in Evanston. Along with the enrollment form, applicants must include:

For Bookwriters: Include resume, two short contrasting scenes (or 4-5 pages of prose if you have not written plays/screenplays/musicals) and a brief statement that defines your interest in writing the book of a musical.

For Composers: Include resume, a recording and piano-vocal score of 2 contrasting songs (or instrumental music, including 3-4 pages of piano score or orchestration) and a brief statement that defines your interest in writing music for the theater.

For Lyricists: Include resume, a lyric sheet, and a recording (if possible) for 2 contrasting songs, and a brief statement that defines you interest in writing lyrics for the theater.

Fees: $645 per term or $1,200 if enrolling in two terms in advance. The fall term is the pre-requisite for the winter/spring term. Application fee (non-refundable): $25

For more information on the Workshop curriculum or to discuss your experience level, contact John Sparks at 323-371-8205 or jsparks@light-opera-works.org. For more information on the Workshop fees/payment contact Light Opera Works Box Office at 847-869-6300 or visit our website.

Old costumes never die, they just fray away

Five hundred Heidelberg student uniforms? Reading this in our recent newsletter made me wonder, well, where are they now? Where do all these old costumes end up?

Many of them, sadly, in dumpsters, but many more in private collections, and costume rental houses. Light Opera Works used some original costumes for My Fair Lady, and had vintage Broadway ones for Gigi. Others land in museums, including the Smithsonian. The National Museum of American History has costumes from The Lion King, Hello, Dolly!, Cats, Rent, and The King and I in the museum’s permanent entertainment collections.

Chicago designers have recently come into their own, with amazing award-winning costumes from Lookingglass, Chicago Shakespeare and other innovative houses; these have not found their way into collections or museums yet, but you may be sure they will. Our own designers strive to recreate the authentic look of classic productions, both by using actual vintage costumes from famous productions, and by recreating the look by building new costumes.

Some memorable Light Opera Works costumes include A Little Night Music in 2009 and The Merry Widow from 2005. We built (theater parlance for "made") a lot of the costumes for Carousel.

All of the student's costumes for the current production of The Student Prince were made for us. See what we've done to add to those 500 student uniforms in The Student Prince, opening this week, by purchasing tickets here!

What were your favorite Light Opera Works costumes?

Opening Night

Back in the day, Opening Night meant staying up until the early editions came out, so you could read your reviews. Well, at least in every theater movie I ever saw.

At Light Opera Works Opening Night is a chance to give our wonderful donors, cast and orchestra a great party.

Opening Night for The Student Prince will be after the show on Saturday, August 20 at Campagnola at 815 Chicago Avenue (just south of Main Street) in Evanston, one of our longest and most loyal supporters. If you're a donor at the $250 level, you can join us for great food, drink, and to meet the cast.

Hope to see you there!

In Rehearsal with Light Opera Works: Q&A with Danielle M. Knox

Hello blog buddies! Kyle here. We just began tech rehearsals for THE STUDENT PRINCE, and we're gearing up for opening night on Saturday, August 20th.

We have another exciting cast interview for you, this time with the lovely Danielle M. Knox, who will be appearing as Kathie in our upcoming production of THE STUDENT PRINCE. Seeing a rollerskating musical, a nude Jude Law, and having to kiss your best friend's boyfriend on stage would be enough to turn any young actor away from the theatre, but not so for Danielle.

Full Name: Danielle M. Knox

Hometown: Massapequa, New York on the south shore of Long Island.

Special Skills: I make a good meatball thanks to my grandma.

Skill/talent you wish you had or were better at: Telling jokes. I either mess up the punch line, get lost in the middle, or start laughing at myself. Sad... I know.

First musical you ever saw: Because I lived so close to New York City, I was lucky to see a lot of musicals on Broadway. I think the first was STARLIGHT EXPRESS. There's just something about singers on roller skates.

Current Chicago show you have been recommending to friends: Come see THE STUDENT PRINCE!

Three favorite musicals: Wow, hard to narrow down, but here it goes:

1. WEST SIDE STORY
2. SHE LOVES ME
3. THE MUSIC MAN

Favorite show tune of all time: This always depends on my mood.. "Somewhere" from WEST SIDE STORY.. Beautiful words... Beautiful music.

The one performance you've attended that you will never forget: When I was 13, my whole family went to see a play called INDISCRETIONS. We had no idea what it was about but my mom had heard that it received good reviews. We were seated second row center, and Act 2 begins with a 30-minute nude scene by Jude Law (before he became crazy famous). I will never forget the looks on my parents' faces when he stepped out of the bath tub. Priceless!

What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage? When I was in THE SORCERER, I came out to do a dialogue scene with Alexis, and the train of my dress got caught underneath the house set piece. We did the whole dialogue with me gracefully trying to pull my skirt free. Finally, I heard a lady in the audience say "Oh no, she's stuck." So, I wadded the back of my dress in my fist and gave it a huge tug. I freed myself just in time for my exit with a little less dress as a result.

Most played song on your iPod: Right now, it's a toss up between Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours" and Train's "Hey, Soul Sister." Adele's "Someone Like You" sneaks on as well!

Performer you would drop everything to go see: My sister. She is also a performer, and it would be a great excuse to hang out with her in France.

Tell me the story of your first stage kiss: I was a sophomore in high school playing the role of Laurie in OKLAHOMA! I had to plant a big one on Curly, my friend's boyfriend at the time. She was Ado Annie. Awkward!

Favorite or most memorable onstage role as a child/teenager: I was 9 when I did my first show. I was in a community theater show for children called "Annabelle Broom." I remember coming home from school, and my mom kept calling me Judy. I thought she had lost her mind! Really, she was trying to tell me I got the part. I was beyond excited!

Worst job you ever had: One summer I worked at an ice-cream shop that never had any business. I read a lot of books that summer.

Who would play you in a movie? Hmm.... People say I look like Rose McGowan, but she seems way too scary to play me in a movie. Let's go with Anne Hathaway.

Three things you can't live without: My hubby, my dog, and HBO

Finish this sentence: "I'll never understand why...": I'll never understand why (SPOILER ALERT) the Prince doesn't choose Kathie.

Keep an eye out for more cast interviews next week and be sure to get your tickets for THE STUDENT PRINCE!

A commitment to the next generation

With the curtain closed on the 2011 Musical Theater Summer Workshop, we just wanted to take a moment to thank the wonderful people who keep this program open for everyone, and not just those lucky kids with the family resources to guarantee they can pay the tuition.

This year, the Workshop was able to support 11 full scholarships to eight families through the generous gifts of the Richard and Margaret Romano Charitable Trust , the North Suburban Youth Foundation, the City of Evanston Community Service Program, The Ted Fund, A.R.T. League, and the Blowitz-Ridgeway Foundation.

Children receiving scholarships participated in Annie, Disney's High School Musical, and H.M.S. Pinafore.

Where would you want Daddy Warbucks to take YOU?

It's been another great summer with the kids! Just one more workshop performance this Saturday at 4, of Willy Wonka. It's free, so join us for a great show at our Second Stage, 1420 Maple in Evanston, IL.

One of the things we do every week is to ask our young actors a question relating to the Musical they have been working on. For "Annie," the question was "Where would you want Daddy Warbucks to take YOU?" Check out their answers here:

Katherine: The Weasley’s house
Jensen: Costa Rica
Elana: Somewhere far, far away!
Katerina: The Bahamas to catch lizards
Juliana: Jamaica
Delaney: Jamaica
Lily: Maine
Eva: Washington, D.C. to meet the President
Rileigh: Poland
A. Odeline: The best place in the world
Brianna: To Hawaii
Remy: 6 Flags and Hurricane Harbor
Sofia: Around the world
Corbin: Around the world in every transportation
Isabelle: Boston
Meg: Around the world in a private jet and submarine
Jane: Sanibel Island
Lucy: Germany, Poland, Ireland, Scotland, all around the world in modern times in Disney World
Alexa: Greece
Lillie: Hogwarts
Lily: Cruise around the world
Firouz: Bora Bora, French Polynesia, a 5 ... no, a 10 star hotel
Laurel: Around the world, including 6 Flags and climbing the Eiffel Tower
Aurora: Middle Earth or Candyland
Julia: A beautiful, mystical, relaxing private wonderland island
Katy: Katyland!
Sophie: Hawaii
Madeline: Cape Canaveral
Eileen: Hawaii
Erin: Ireland or the North Pole
Lindsay: Narnia
Gabriel: Camp Echo
Olivia: Africa
Kinsey: Candyland
Olivia: The beach in Cuba
Talia: Every amusement park in the world
Quinn: Rainforest to swing w/ howler monkeys
Katherine: Hawaii
Isabelle: India and the Netherlands
Maya: To take a few friends on a cruise
Claire: To Australia

Gifts from Little Buttercup- HMS Pinafore

This past weekend, our Summer Musical Theatre Workshop students performed their version of Gilbert and Sullivan's "HMS Pinafore." In this operetta, there is a "plump and pleasing" dock vendor named Little Buttercup who comes onto the British warship HMS Pinafore to sell her gifts to the crew. We asked our students what they would buy from Buttercup... and who they would give their gift to!

Ben: Tea for my mom
Kamari: Houses for people in Africa
Claire: Wrigley Field for my brother
Asia: A mansion for my best friend
Abigail: A lifetime supply of KMR (milk substitute) for my best friend
Ben: $$$ for the country
Raina: A million necklaces for people who are worthy
Danny: 2 money making machines (1 for Haiti and 1 for Japan)
Lillian: A rainbow for my family
Molly: A bag of money (never ending supply) for my family
Abigail: A new speedboat for Dad
Quavan: Money for my family
Kayla: A star for my best friends
Erin: A piece of the moon for my cousin
Olivia: A trampoline for my family
Aurora: A unicorn for my science teacher
Katy: A mushroom that keeps growing for my sister
Sophie: Wings for my sister
Raven: A cloud-pillow so my mom could sleep better
Jack: A new surfboard for Dad
William: A pretty dress for my mom
Charlie: A new DS for my brother
Anna: A cloud to give to my entire family

What activity would you like to do.. but are nervous to try?

This past weekend our Summer Musical Theatre Workshop performed Disney's "High School Musical" at the McGaw YMCA's Children's Center Auditorium. We asked the our students " What activity would you like to do... but you are nervous to try?"

Their answers included:
Alice: Waterskiing
Audrey: Flipping around on a trampoline or going on a hot-air balloon
Sydney: Playing on Team Evanston
Sophia: Skydiving
Annika: Catching a giant spider or swimming with sharks
Anja: Going to Cedar Point
Eva: Playing lacrosse
Claire: Riding an ostrich or white water rafting
Madeline: Going on a scary rollercoaster
Annie: Wakeboarding
Mackenzie: Snowboarding on black diamond slopes
Maggie: Playing lacrosse
Lillian: Skydiving
Emma: Zip lining or skydiving or walking a tight-rope
Leila: Surfboarding
Leigh: Playing baseball
Molly: Going out into a blizzard with only a bathing suit on
Isabel: Dancing
Francesca: Flipping or a banana boat or zip lining
Elizabeth: Skydiving
Ele: Playing lacrosse
Elina: Trying new seafood
P.K.: Bungee jumping
Rachel: Singing a solo
Astrid: Swimming with sharks
Kyle: Skiing into an avalanche
Lila: Skydiving or going to the top of the Willis Tower
Katy: Trying to eat an oyster
Zinzi: Singing a solo
Gabriel: Going on a scary rollercoaster
Kinsey: Singing a solo
Talia: Singing in front of my parents
Lily: Playing football
Anika: Flipping off a banana boat
Emily: Horseback riding
Arielle: Parachuting out of a plane
Maddie: Singing a solo

I don't think any of us here at Light Opera Works will be "going out into a blizzard with only a bathing suit on" anytime soon. Maybe it's okay to be nervous about that one.

Many of our Summer Musical Theatre Workshop students conquered their nerves and sang solos in "High School Musical," just as the characters in the show did!

Where would you want Daddy Warbucks to take YOU?

Every week at our Summer Musical Theatre Workshop, we ask our young students a question relating to the Musical they are working on. For "Annie," the question was "Where would you want Daddy Warbucks to take YOU?"

Katherine: The Weasley's house
Jensen: Costa Rica
Elana: Somewhere far, far away!
Katerina: The Bahamas to catch lizards
Juliana: Jamaica
Delaney: Jamaica
Lily: Maine
Eva: Washington D.C. to meet the President
Rileigh: Poland
A. Odeline: The best place in the world
Brianna: Hawaii
Remy: 6 Flags and Hurricane Harbor
Sofia: Around the world
Corbin: Around the world in every transportation
Isabelle: Boston
Meg: Around the world in a private jet and submarine
Jane: Sanibel Island
Lucy: Germany, Poland, Ireland, Scotland, all around the world in modern times in Disney World
Alexa: Greece
Lillie: Hogwarts
Lily: Cruise around the world
Firouz: Bora Bora, French Polynesia, a 5... no a 10 star hotel
Laurel: Around the world, including 6 Flags and climbing the Eiffel Tower
Aurora: Middle Earth or Candyland
Julia: A beautiful, mystical, relaxing private wonderland island
Katy: Katyland
Sophie: Hawaii
Madeline: Cape Canaveral
Eileen: Hawaii
Erin: Ireland or the North Pole
Lindsay: Narnia
Gabriel: Camp Echo
Olivia: Africa
Kinsey: Candyland
Olivia: The beach in Cuba
Talia: Every amusement park in the world
Quinn: Rainforest to swing with howler monkeys
Katherine: Hawaii
Isabelle: India and the Netherlands
Maya: To take a few friends on a cruise
Claire: Australia

I think I'd like to join them on a few of these trips!

Flowers for your favorite star

An (almost) wordless Wednesday big thank you to Ron Lopez of Sun Garden flowers for providing flowers at all the performances of our Musical Theater Summer Workshop.

If you'd like Ron to provide flowers for your event, give him a call at 773-875-2679.

What happens between the shows?

Well, getting ready for the next show, of course, which is The Student Prince, opening on Saturday August 18.

But we're not just getting ready for the next show; we're getting ready for the next generation, with the Musical Theater Summer Workshop.

Last Saturday we had our first performance, of the every popular Annie, and as always, it was a sell out, with parents, friends, grandparents and fellow travelers filling the auditorium at the Second Stage to watch an amazing group of 40 kids perform the Broadway Junior® version of the show.

The Musical Theater Summer Workshop is a full time theater camp held in 5 one-week sessions every summer. Children ages eight to fifteen learn, rehearse and perform an entire show in a single week, with a final public performance at the end of six intense days.

There are still spots for H.M.S. Pinafore, the week of July 11. There are no auditions. To sign up your young thespian just call our box office at 847-869-6300.

Wordless Wednesday: Brigadoon Opening Night

McBing

I think the heat was getting to the interns

Reception at Noyes Cultural Arts Center, sponsored by Whole Foods Evanston.

General Manager Bridget McDonough with Musical Theater Summer Workshop director Anya Plotkin and sound board operator David Bradke.

There are still tickets available for the last three performances of Brigadoon at LightOperaWorks.com or through the box office at 847-869-6300 (Box office hours 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

The reviews are out!

Here are some highlights:

From Chicago Tribune theater critic Chris Jones (who wanted a wee dram to add to the authenticity. Alas for the remnants of dry Evanston): "...this entire 1947 musical is treated with a great deal of respect by director Rudy Hogenmiller — whose production goes further than most .... in offering an impressively substantial choreographic experience." (full review)

"The plaid kilts are in full swirl, the tamoshanters twirling, the “rs” rolling, and the heather in full bloom in Rudy Hogenmiller’s ravishing revival of Lerner and Loewe’s early and evergreen hit." Chicago Theatre Beat (full review)

"The Light Opera Works production is wonderfully directed and choreographed..." nwi.com (full review).

"Under the direction of Roger L. Bingaman (conductor) and Rudy Hogenmiller (choreographer and stage director), this cast sings and dances with vibrant festivity. ChicagoNow.com (full review).

"Those who have only the truncated Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse film treatment from MGM as a reference or who may never have encountered Brigadoon at all are in for the biggest treat. Fans of the musical likewise will rejoice in the exceptionally high caliber of production it has been given by Light Opera Works." Chicago Stage Style (full review).

Where to eat before our shows

Well, that's easy! Several Evanston restaurants are Light Opera Works Dining Partners through their support of our programs.

And some of them offer discounts for theater goers. On show days, show your ticket or ticket stub to the following Evanston restaurants for a discount on your dining!

at 1502 Sherman (south of Grove)
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804 Davis (at Sherman)
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1571 Sherman Avenue

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505 Main Street (between Chicago and Hinman)

In Rehearsal with Light Opera Works:Q&A with Jennie Sophia

Hello once again Blog Buddies! Kyle here again. Last week I chatted with the beautiful Emily Rogers who is playing Jane in our upcoming production of Brigadoon. The show is now in its fifth week of rehearsals. We have now officially moved into Cahn Auditorium! One more week until the show! If you don't have tickets now get them while you can! For our last week of rehearsals before our opening night on June 4th, I have our amazing leading lady, Jennie Sophia. Don't forget to check back next week for another Q and A!



Full given name:Jennie Sophia Grunseth

Hometown: Goshen, IN. Go Hoosiers!

Current audition song:" If I tell you then I will have to kill all the sopranos in Chicagoland."

Special skills: Falling on my face.

Skill/talent you wish you had or were better at: I have always wanted to be a Prima Ballerina so I would need to have greater flexibility, smaller feet, and years of training.

First musical you ever saw: When I was a wee little one, my Grandpa and Grandma Hepler took me to the Wagon Wheel Theatre to see my first production of Annie. I remember saying to myself, "One day, I want to be on that stage!" And guess what? For about 4 magical "summerstock" summers I was.

Current Chicago show you have been recommending to friends: Duh! Brigadoon at Light Opera Works. Oh, and any show or cabaret that has Doug Peck's name attached to it!

Three favorite musicals: Les Miserable, Ragtime, and Man of La Mancha,

Favorite showtune of all time: The Impossible Dream

The one performance – attended - that you will never forget: The one? There are so many!!!!!! Okay, it would probably be my first trip to New York as a teenager and I had front row tickets to Les Miserable. The story, the music, the marching, the flag, the voies, and the passion rendered me speechless, tearful, and outrageously inspired.

What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage? Fell flat on my face in a wedding gown during my final bow as Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls at the Wagon Wheel Theatre. Yes, as I gracefully lilted down the "dog" aisle at the Wagon Wheel (theatre in the round), I somehow missed the step and ended up sprawled upon center stage with every cast member's arm extended to me! LOSER! After a moment on the floor and a million gasps, I gathered up my gown and me and humbly stood to take my final bow. You can only imagine what was said to me in the meet-and-greet (zoo) line afterwards.

Most played song on your iPod: Well my ipod says Viva La Vida by Coldplay and my only explanation for this is that it is the first song on my "workout playlist". I would say Jane Monheit's rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is one of my absolute favorites. Can you tell I'm a dreamer?

Last book you read: Intent To Live by Larry Moss

Last good movie you saw: The King's Speech

Must-see TV show: I don't watch much TV, but I will watch anything that makes me laugh or cry.

Three greatest TV shows of all time: As a kid, it was the Cosby Show.

Performer you would drop everything to go see: Jesse Mueller

Tell me the story of your First stage kiss: Well lets see who was my first? Hmm.... I believe it was Ryan Caldwell in Arsenic and Old Lace at Goshen High School. I remember being very worried about which way to tilt, to the right or the left? Well we both tilted to the right and noses crashed, kids laughed, and to this day I get a little nervous about which way to tilt.

Worst job you ever had: Buffet attendant at Ponde"gross"a

Who would play you in the movie?Oh let's see.....the young Julie Andrews, Shirley Jones, Natalie Wood, or Audrey Hepburn? :) I would like to see Kate Winslet's interpretation of my life. Oh, and a recent reviewer said I looked like Barbara Parkins from A Valley Of Dolls.

Three things you can't live without: My dog, my Dan, and music.

Finish this sentence: "I'll never understand why... Eve ate the apple."

Step back in time

You've wanted to do it-- to step out of modern life into the simpler, forthright past, just like Tommy Albright in Brigadoon. To a time when men were men and women were women and toilets were outdoors.

Okay, maybe not so much.

But you can step into the past, not only with Light Opera Works' upcoming production of Brigadoon, opening on June 4, but also at numerous living history museums scattered throughout the 5-county area.

If Brigadoon gives you an urge to step into the past yourself, try these wonderful local museums:

Graue Mill, Oak Brook, an operating waterwheel grist mill and homestead, is "dedicated to maintaining a bridge between past and present generations in the belief that understanding our history is vital to our future. The Museum provides programs -- for school children and others -- that include milling, spinning and weaving and living history presentations, as well as artifacts which illustrate the way of life of area residents between 1850 and 1890 and the impact mills such as Graue Mill had on our culture."

Kline Creek Farm, DuPage Forest Preserve, where you can back in time and experience what life was like on a DuPage County Farm in the 1890s. You can visit restored farmstead structures and meet the historically-costumed interpreters operating this living-history farm using the tools and techniques of the past. Activities and events at the farm re-create the seasonal rhythms that have governed farm life for centuries.

Perhaps the best known local living history museum, Naper Settlement in Naperville portrays f 19th century community life based on the history of Naperville, Illinois.

Deerfield Historic Village in Deerfield has several buildings including the oldest house in Lake County, a mid-19th century farmhouse, and a one-room schoolhouse as well as antique carriages and farm equipment.

All of Illinois' history museums can be found on this Historic Museum Guide for Illinois.

In Rehearsal with Light Opera Works:Q&A with Emily Rogers

Hello once again Blog Buddies! Kyle here again. Last week I chatted with the beautiful Emilie Lynn who is playing Jane in our upcoming production of Brigadoon. The show is now in its fourth week of rehearsals. On Tuesday we had a designer run thru. So... that means we are getting close to getting into costumes and on a set at Cahn Auditorium! This week, I have interviewed one of the most beautiful dancers I have seen in a while, Emily Rogers, who is playing Jean( I am already humming "Go Home with Bonnie Jean") Well enough humming here is what Emily had to say! Don't forget to check back next Thursday for another Q and A!

Full given name:

Emily Ariel Kass DiVries Rogers

Hometown:

Evanston, IL

Current audition song:

The Lady is a Tramp

Special skills:

Putting babies to sleep, making cappuccinos, playing the piano

Skill/talent you wish you had or were better at:

Remembering things, break-dancing, and sign language

First musical you ever saw:

Anything Goes

Three favorite musicals:

The Last 5 Years, Cabaret, My Fair Lady

Favorite showtune of all time:

Maybe This Time, Cabaret

The one performance – attended - that you will never forget:

Fuerza Bruta

What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage?

While singing the most exciting part of Cabaret, I fell, face first, off of the bench I was standing on. I had to continue the song while swallowing tears, and bleeding from both shins.

Last book you read:

Overcoming Math Anxiety

Last good movie you saw:

Get Him To The Greek

Must-see TV show:

Downtown Abbey, PBS Mini-series

Three greatest TV shows of all time:

Jeeves and Wooster, The Office, Poirot-- A Mobile Masterpiece Mystery

Tell me the story of your First stage kiss:

Junior year of highschool, The Foreigner. I had just broken up with Reverend David Marshall Lee and was also an ex-girlfriend to Froggy LeSeur. The kiss was awkward for the both of us, and my ex-boyfriend watching. It's a fantastic memory to look back on.

Favorite or most memorable onstage role as a child/teenager:

Margot in Stuart Little. The boy who played Stuart was so little, and I was so tall, that he had to climb on my back as I "flew" around the stage. Priceless.

Worst job you ever had:

I was a night nurse for two years, and had to work 11p-7a Monday through Thursday!

Who would play you in the movie?

Shirley Temple

Three things you can't live without:

Liverwurst, sparkling water, and my partner in crime/fiance.

Finish this sentence: "I'll never understand why…"

...people shorten the word 'probably' to 'prolly'. It isn't cute...at all.

Click HERE for tickets to Brigadoon

Another Wordless Wednesday

In Rehearsal with the Brigadoon Cast and Staff!
Click HERE for tickets to Brigadoon

No new stories

The things you find on line. Seems there's an older version of the story of a cursed (or blessed) village that appears only once in a century, and the modern traveler who stumbles upon it at just the right (wrong?) moment.

Alan Jay Lerner denies that he based Brigadoon on this story, but here it is. Judge for yourself.

Germelshausen
by Friedrich Gerstäcker

For tickets to Light Opera Works' production of Brigadoon, opening on June 4, visit us at www.LightOperaWorks.com

In Rehearsal with Light Opera Works:Q&A with Emilie Lynn

Hello once again Blog Buddies! Kyle here again. Last week I chatted with the hilarious Maggie Portman who is playing Meg in our upcoming production of Brigadoon. The show is now in its third week of rehearsals and is looking great. This week I have an interview with the beautiful, and extremely talented performer Emilie Lynn who is playing Jane, Tommy's sophisticated New York fiancee. Don't forget to check back next Thursday for another Q and A!

Full given name: Emilie Rose Frake (now Lynn)

Hometown: Vernon Hills, IL

Current audition song: Just one? “Let Me Be Your Wings” by Barry Manilow

Special skills: I can burp on command.

First musical you ever saw: The Sound of Music…my grandmother was Mother Abbess in the production!

Three favorite musicals: Spring Awakening, Into the Woods, Les Misérables

The one performance – attended - that you will never forget: Spring Awakening in St. Louis. First time I saw it…it just blew my mind. I had never seen something like it…it really opened up a new world of musical theater to me.

What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage? West Side Story in college…I was Maria and it was the last scene right after Tony dies. I screamed “Don’t you touch him” so loud that it “woke up” the dead Tony (he jumped) and everyone on stage started laughing.

MAC or PC? PC

Most played song on your iPod: I don’t own an iPod…wah waaaaaah

Last book you read: Ugh oh, you caught me! I don’t even remember!

Last good movie you saw: "Beauty and the Beast" Yes, that one. ;-)

Must-see TV show: Parenthood!

Three greatest TV shows of all time: "Rugrats", "Friends", "Parenthood"

Performer you would drop everything to go see: Martina McBride. LOVE. HER.

Tell me the story of your First stage kiss: BAHAHAHA. Um, totally awkward. Again, West Side Story…my Tony and I were so awkward kissing that our director instructed me to practice with him off-stage. SO WEIRD.

Favorite or most memorable onstage role as a child/teenager: It has to be playing Maureen in Rent. That cast became family and that role changed me as a performer. I was forced out of my box and had to stretch myself completely. It was so rewarding!

Worst job you ever had: Fitting room attendant at Target.

Who would play you in the movie? Rachel McAdams

Three things you can't live without: My husband, hard candy, red wine

Finish this sentence: "I'll never understand why…" my cats lick plastic.

Click here for tickets to Brigadoon

What pays for a theater?

Not to put too fine a point on it, you do.

Primarily through ticket and subscription purchases, it's the individual patrons who keep a theater alive. The best "fundraising" program in the world is no substitute for loyal ticket buyers who come year after year, and bring their friends and their families.

But as the trope from every fund appeal you've ever gotten says "your ticket purchase does not cover the full cost of our programs."

If they did, every theater would have "downtown" prices, not just for the best orchestra seats, but also for those seats up in the corner of the balcony. The half price tickets for kids, and the subsidized ones for low income and special populations would be a distant memory.

To support these seats, and to keep other prices down, we rely on a long list of sponsors. These include the individual patrons who give us gifts from $10 on up to ones with lots and lots of zeros (wow, thank you!), the retailers and restaurants that help with promotional sponsors and patron discounts, the foundations who support the arts, and our corporate sponsors, who offer cash support in exchange for promotion.

With the new season just weeks from Opening Night, we want to take a moment to thank our sponsors, and to urge you to patronize these businesses first when making your purchasing decisions! A complete list of our sponsors and Dining Partners is on our website. You'll also find them all listed in the program booklet for every show.

Next time you're at one of these wonderful businesses, tell them thank you!

In Rehearsal with Light Opera Works:Q&A with Maggie Portman

Hello once again Blog Buddies! Kyle here again. Last week we gave you a peek at Rob Hunt who is playing Tommy in our upcoming production of Brigadoon. During this week of rehearsals, I have an interview with the funny, and extremely talented actor,singer, and dancer Maggie Portman who is playing Meg! Once we get to the interview you can tell why she was cast so brilliantly as the comic relief of Brigadoon!

Full given name: Maggie Anne Portman

Hometown: Marietta, Georgia

Special skills: I’m a mean roller skater and a great multi tasker!

Skill/talent you wish you had or were better at: Computer skills! I’m like a grandma on those things!

First musical you ever saw: Cinderella was first one I ever saw I was 6 and it was a Cobb County Choral Youth production of it. Stellar!

Current Chicago show you have been recommending to friends: Rodgers and Hammerstein Revue at the No Exit Café with Theo Ubique

Three favorite musicals: Sweet Charity, Hair, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (cheesy I know but come on that show is fun!)

Favorite showtune of all time: "Oom Pah Pah!" from Oliver or "Master of the House" from Les Misérables. I love a great drinkin' song and a dance number full of bar wenches! Ha ha ha!

The one live performance that you will never forget: Seeing Les Misérables with that revolving stage and that huge barricade! Oh and the voices and the show were so emotional, I cried my eyes out! Breathtaking!

What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage? Hello Dolly National Tour, I’m wearing a big pink strawberry shortcake poofy dress and it’s the courtroom scene. Suddenly, and most embarrassing, I need to go to the bathroom so bad I didn't know what to do. I had to try to sneak offstage without being noticed in the middle of a very quiet moment in a big pink poofy dress and bright red wig! and then I had to explain it to our company manager and stage manager and the cast after the show. Aaaaaaahhh!

Most played song on your iPod: Fiona Apple Extraordinary machine “I had to break the window”

Last book you read: Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

Last good movie you saw: 9-5 on rerun TV the other night was most recent! That copy machine scene is my life!

Must-see TV show: Americas Next Top Model

Three greatest TV shows of all time: all time ? really? Uh……. Cosby Show, Golden Girls, Lost

Performer you would drop everything to go see: Patti Lupone

Tell me the story of your First stage kiss: EW! He slipped me the tongue. It was the biggest soap opera drama moment ever! I had all the kids talking about it in our theatre company. I was dating a guy in the cast and I guess this other guy kinda had a crush and decided to take his moment. Unfortunately it was my first stage kiss so I was traumatized for quite a while after that. Took me years to build up trust again. He licked almost my whole face poor guy. He recently contacted me on facebook to apologize for that kiss that happened 20 years ago, literally!! Couldn’t believe he was still thinking about it!

Favorite or most memorable onstage role as a child/teenager: Dorothy in The Wiz

Worst job you ever had: Street surveying. People actually punched me. I have never felt so low in my life. I got screamed at, pushed, punched, and shunned. I don’t envy those people with the clipboards in the street! I called my temp agent and quit on the job!!

Who would play you in the movie? If she was younger than me I’d say Sissy Spacek, now it would probably be Natalie Portman just to piss me off. She stole my last name, it’s a silly petty thing but I’ve never liked her because of that and with my luck that’s what would happen. The universe is a comedian!

Three things you can't live without: Pepsi, Chocolate, my kitty cat Akasha Lily. Just try to take one of these my pretty….just try!

Finish this sentence: "I'll never understand why…" people walk around so unaware of their personal space and surroundings. I’m always shouting like a crazy bag lady about how everyone should be required to take drama classes to learn how to get around without bumping into people or how to weave through people to move through streets faster. And don’t just stop suddenly in the middle of the sidewalk! Look around you. Patience is not one of my virtues!

For tickets for Brigadoon go to www.lightoperaworks.com.

In Rehearsal with Light Opera Works: Q&A with Rob Hunt

Hello Blog Buddies! Kyle here, Production Associate here at Light Opera Works. I'll be interviewing our performers all season throughout each rehearsal period and give you a peek into who the performers are!
This first week of Brigadoon rehearsals, we have Rob Hunt who is playing Tommy Albright in our June production. Rob, who is right off the national tour of South Pacific, sent me a lot of great stuff about his interests and background. Here are the highlights:

Hometown: Ogden, Utah. Spent 13 years in New York City. But I now consider Chicago my hometown.

Current audition song:“If I Can’t Love Her” from Beauty and the Beast and “Wake Up and Dream” by Cole Porter.

Special skills: I play the piano (thanks Mom!), I do basic juggling and I can eat fire! It’s amazing what skills you have to learn in this business.

First musical you ever saw: Oklahoma! It was a production being “put on” by my church when I was a kid. I was amazed sitting there watching the dream ballet and seeing Jud killed right before me on stage. I knew that night this was what I wanted to do.

Current Chicago show you have been recommending to friends: My favorite Chicago theatre experience over and over again is Barrel of Monkeys! If you haven’t seen them, then you must! (NB/Kyle-- what about Light Opera Works! Helloooo)

Three favorite musicals: Les Miserables, Sweeney Todd and Spring Awakening

Favorite showtune of all time: “Move On” from Sunday in the Park With George

What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage? I did an Off-Broadway show several years ago called Boobs! The Musical. In the opening number I wore jazz shoes, a purple sparkly vest (no shirt) and purple stretch velvet bell-bottomed pants. During one scene in the show I played a mad scientist who created a Bride of Frankenstein who had singing breasts. Also, at two different points in the show I was in drag, chest hair and all. I don’t remember any specifically embarrassing moment but I’m sure it must have come during my run in this show.

MAC or PC? MAC all the way.

Most played song on your iPod: OK….I think my iPod is a liar. It says my most played song is “Viva la Vida” by Coldplay. I do admit to going through a phase when I loved this song and played it often, but I don’t think it’s my most played song. I would guess it’s probably “French Café” by Marc Broussard.

Last book you read: The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett.

Must-see TV show: Right now it’s “Parks and Recreation”. I really never miss an episode and I fill up my DVR with back episodes so I can re-watch them – which I often do.

Three greatest TV shows of all time: I would answer this question but I’m afraid it would really date me. Next! (NB/Kyle-- we'll just tell everyone you found it on Netflix.)

Performer you would drop everything to go see: Marc Broussard. I discovered his music several years ago. I’ve seen him in concert three times (and I don’t go to a lot of concerts so three is a lot for me). I love his voice and his song writing.

Worst job you ever had: I take the 5^th to protect the innocent.

Who would play you in the movie? I’m told it would be Timothy Olyphant. But, he’d have to gain at least 30 pounds.

Tell me the story of your First stage kiss: Oh boy! My high school did a production of a holocaust play called I Remember Mama. I was a sophomore and the girl I was playing opposite was a senior. Not only was this my first stage kiss it was also my first real kiss beyond the kissing games played at recess. I remember not being able to sleep the night before we were to rehearse the scene with the kiss. I was so nervous. Where do the noses go? Are there secrets about kissing I couldn’t figure out? Would she (my co-star) be able to tell it was my first kiss ever? The next day I was a wreck, but I kept my calm on the outside, did the kiss, no one knew what had just happened, and rehearsal went on without a stop. Easy!

Three things you can't live without:My dog, My computer, Pretzel M&Ms.

Finish this sentence: "I'll never understand why…" hate and fear seem to win so often.

See ya next week for another Q and A with the actress playing Meg, the wonderful Maggie Portman!