Wichita State News: Theater

Technical theater major chose to work backstage rather than perform

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:15:05 CST

Brandon Holmes spent his summer backstage at Music Theatre of Wichita managing the stage for the company's productions.

Holmes performed in musicals and theater in high school and his community, but at Wichita State University he chose a different path.

"I knew that I wanted to stick with theater because that is what I knew a great deal about," he said. "But I didn't want to perform anymore."

Instead, Holmes chose a field with "great demand for people and great opportunities to do amazing things."

Holmes is a senior in technical theater and design at WSU's College of Fine Arts.

Most of his career at WSU has been influenced by stage management, which is what he wants to do when he graduates. But he can also be seen working on the set.

Holmes said he enjoys seeing a show be built from its feet upward.

"You literally get to see the building blocks of the show and, when all the elements come together, it is such a rewarding feeling," he said.

Holmes spends hours every day working on a show, whether it's paperwork, organizing or being onstage.

"My major (has) a lot of hands-on work," he said. "You have to design something that fits with all elements of theater: costume, lighting, set, props, whatever. You have to find some way to tell the audience about the story from your side without confusing them."

But there are drawbacks to working behind the scenes instead of on center stage.

Holmes grew up as a performer, and the audience was able to see him after the show or at curtain call to applaud his performance.

"But being backstage, no one in the audience knows who you are or the work that you have done for this show to run so well," he said. "But it is still a great feeling to see the audience standing at the end of a show that you have helped put together."

Holmes' management experience started in high school at Shawnee Mission South, but most of his knowledge comes from WSU.

A stage manager keeps the cast and design team informed about the show so once technical rehearsals and performances are under way, everyone is on the same page, he said.

Stage managers call light cues, sound cues and scene shifts. They also make sure everything happens in the way it needs to happen.

David Neville, assistant professor and scenic light designer for WSU's College of Fine Arts, said Holmes was not a bossy stage manager, but he also wasn't a pushover.

"He's got a good head on his shoulders," Neville said. "He's organized. He's smart."

Holmes was assistant stage manager for "The Wild Party" and stage manager for "Medea," "Greater Tuna," "Lady, Be Good!" and "Waltzing in Heaven."

He began working at Music Theatre of Wichita in the summer of 2008. He worked there again last summer.

"It is a summer employment kind of situation, so you don't really know if you will be there until the next year," he said.

He was responsible for taking care and keeping track of props, organizing prop placement and completing theater paperwork. He also made sure scene changes occurred correctly.

He was assistant stage manager for many shows at MTW including "My Fair Lady," "Miss Saigon" and "The Producers."

"'Producers' was fun just because it was a very large show with a lot of fun elements," he said, including the dancing Nazi puppets.

In "Miss Saigon," a Cadillac and a helicopter made stage appearances.

MTW does Broadway-quality shows with real professionals, Holmes said.

"A lot of the people you see in the shows there have been seen and will be seen on Broadway," he said.

As soon as he graduates, Holmes wants to join a touring company of a show.

"I want to be a stage manager because I like to be in charge and physically involved in the running of a show," he said.

WSU Opera & Musical Theatre to present 'Lady Be Good'

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:38:17 CST

The 1924 Broadway musical "Lady Be Good" will be presented by the Wichita State University Opera and Musical Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, April 23-25, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 26, in Wilner Auditorium on the WSU campus.

It is rated G.

George and Ira Gershwin, in their first Broadway collaboration, wrote music and lyrics for the zany production that showcased a young Fred Astaire and his sister, Adele.

With book by Guy Bolton and Fred Thompson, "Lady Be Good" ran for a year, a long run in those days.

The songs includes such Gershwin gems as "Fascinating Rhythm," "The Man I Love" and the title song. The plot abides by all the 1920s' musical comedy rules.

It revolves around an out-of-work dance team, a sister and brother who find both money and romance while entertaining in the homes of the very wealthy.

Two winsome siblings, Dick and Susie Trevor, are kicked out of their posh digs for serial unpaid rent and start attending cocktail parties for food.

Dick proposes to wealthy socialite Josephine Vanderwater, while Susie tries to pass herself off as a Mexican widow to lay hands on big bucks. Add in a Mexican gangster, a shyster lawyer and a presumed dead millionaire, and you have the story.

And with four loving – and singing and dancing – couples, you have an all-star octet.

All roles are played by undergraduate music theatre, dance, theatre and voice majors. Dick and Susie are played by Daxton Bloomquist and Stacy Keele; Shirley and Jack by Christina Hink and Jeremy Wright; Bertie and Daisy by Ross McCorkle and Kacey Armbruster; Josephine and Wattie by Kylie Jo Jennings and Miles Mattal.

Also featured are Maurice Sims as Jeff; Craig Richardson as Rufus; and Lucas Walker as Manuel Estrada. Sims and Sarah Gale are dance captains.

Joining them in the ensemble are Josh Atkins, Ashley Lauren, Laura Leisinger, Alyssa Schmidt, Katelynn Snyder, Casey Violette, Zach Powell, Zak Smith, Casey Wohletz and Brian Yeakly.

Amy Baker

Direction and choreography is by Amy Baker; set design by David Neville; lighting by A.J. Kellison; costumes by Rebecca Maholland.

Nicholas Gilmore is music director and conductor. Brandon Holmes is stage manager; technical direction is by Ed Baker.

'A Midsummer Night's Dream' gets classic treatment at WSU

Wed, 4 Mar 2009 14:04:23 CST

The much-loved William Shakespeare comedy "A Midsummer Night's Dream" will be presented by the Wichita State University School of Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12-Saturday, March 14; 2 p.m. Sunday, March 15, in Wilner Auditorium on the WSU campus.

"A Midsummer Night's Dream" is a Mainstage Theatre production that will be directed by Bret Jones, director of theater for WSU.

Bret Jones

It's the first play Jones will have taken on since he became WSU's director of theater in fall 2008.

He was previously director of theater for East Central University in Ada, Okla., where he earned his bachelor's degree in speech/theatre.

At the University of Oklahoma, Jones earned his master's degree in drama and Ph.D. in education.

Jones, a prolific playwright and novelist himself, loves Shakespeare and said "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is a beautiful play. He is directing a classic version – his preference.

"It's Shakespeare, and the students need to work with classical material," said Jones. "Shakespeare is timeless for audiences. I know some are intimidated by the language, but they shouldn't be – he's accessible and we're working hard to make sure we tell a good story for folks."

The romantic comedy brings lovers, workers and fairies to a forest outside of Athens where the magical antics begin. The entanglement of four pairs of lovers is at the center of the action, and love eventually finds its mark in the mystic forest of Arden.

The role of Lysander will be played by Jordan Love; Demetrius by Andy Woodard; Hermia by Heather Miller; Helena by Sarah Schwartz; Oberon by Casey Wohletz; Titania by Briley Meek; Puck by Alex Johnson; Peaseblossom by Nicole Larsen; Cobweb/2nd Fairy by Jordan Pohlman; Moth/Fairy by Lauren Rust; Mustard Seed by Katie Keckeisen; 1st Fairy by Ashley Lauren; Bottom by John Keckeisen; Quince by Philip Taylor; Flute by Miles Mattal; Snout by Kacey Armbruster; Snug by Ashley Ulmer; Starveling by Abri Geist; Theseus by Todd Mika; Hippolyta by Kylie Jennings; Philostrate by Stacy Keele; and Egeus by Tyler Lessin.

Besides Jones as director, the artistic staff consists of assistant director Jaime Spilker; stage manager Amanda Bowman; assistant stage manager Tyler Lessin; technical director Ed Baker; scenic designer and scene shop supervisor Jason Flanders; lighting designer Nick Smith; assistant lighting designer Brandon Holmes; costume designer Betty Monroe; make-up designer Eric Walker; props designer Kaye Brownlee; and costume shop supervisor Becky Maholland.

For tickets, contact the College of Fine Arts Box Office at (316) 978-3233.

General admission is $10 with discounts available. "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is rated G.

World renowned mime theater calls Wichita home

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 13:20:50 CST

Wichita State University is home to the world renowned Alithea Mime Theatre, and the company will make its debut performance in Wichita.

Nicholas Johnson

Artistic directors Nicholas Johnson and Sabrina Vasquez have put together an ensemble of 10 pieces that will premier at the Orpheum Theatre on Friday, Jan. 23.

"We thought it was time to perform in Wichita," said Johnson.

The Alithea Mime Theatre was founded in 1990 by Johnson and is dedicated to the perpetuation of single and multidisciplinary mime theater.

In recent years, the mime group has traveled to perform in Warsaw, Poland, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Hong Kong. In 2006, the group performed before the United Nations.

"We are probably the only mime company in the U.S. that is touring internationally," said Johnson. "The only other mime company I know of exists in New York and does not tour outside of the city."

Johnson, who studied under the famous mime artists Marcel Marceau and Stefan Niedzialkowski, saw his first mime perform at age 17 at the University of Arizona. He was instantly captivated.

"Marceau was a great friend of mine," he said. "He was my teacher and my mentor."

A late bloomer in the world of dance, Johnson at age 21 began dancing and studying the art of mime. Although at first it did not come naturally to him, he believes if you want something and work hard enough for it, you can achieve it.

"I always dance to be a better mime. Mime was my first love," he said. "Mime is the bridge between dance and theatre. You have to have the athleticism and body of a dancer and the acting skills to be able to communicate without dialogue."

Part of his work through the mime theatre is to correct the misconceptions about mime.

"People think that mimes have to be white face, but they don't," he said. "That was just Marceau's signature."

Because there was no formal mime training in the United States, said Johnson, people began imitating Marceau's style and over time the art form became distorted.

The signature piece of Alithea, "Angels Rising," is one of the pieces that will be performed at the Orpheum.

"It traces man's competitive behavior from the first cell of life, all the way through the Greeks, the Olympiad, into war, the nuclear holocaust, to heaven and beyond," said Johnson, who created the show.

It was "Angels Rising" that Alithea Mime Theatre performed in front of the United Nations in 2006.

The Alithea Mime group consists of current and former WSU students.

The performers include Johnson and Vasquez, directors, and Lindsey Beebe, Richard Issac, Angela Johnsen, Katy Kaufman, David Kellam, Courtney Mertes, Chris Montiel, Zach Powell, Cody Proctor, Jordan Ryan, Maurice Sims, Alex Stoll and Ryan Squires.

A special performance by Johnson's 8-year-old daughter, Zoe, will also take place.

As a performing member of the group, Proctor graduated from WSU in 2006. The theater major currently lives in Chicago and is pursuing an acting career. Proctor credits the blend of theater and dance education at WSU as useful in his career goals.

"The one discipline complements the other," he said.

Kellam, who studied dance at WSU for four years, has been performing with the Alithea Mime group for the past 10 years. A native and current resident of Baltimore, he met Johnson at age 16 at a guest workshop in Arizona.

"Meeting Johnson changed the direction of my life," said Kellam, who had no prior dance experience. "Returning to Wichita to perform is not a business decision. It's coming home to family to do what I love."

Wichita native and dance major Angela Johnsen graduated from WSU in 2005 and has performed with the Alithea Mime group since 2002. She lives in New York and is a professional dancer performing with the Cecilia Marta Dance Company.

Nicholas Johnson's work "brings out everything that is beautiful about being a woman," Johnsen said.

For her, performing with the Alithea Mime group is very fulfilling.

"Performing 'Angels Rising' in front of the United Nations was a very powerful experience," she said. "The first three rows had tears in their eyes."

The word "Alithea" in Greek means truth. To Johnson, his passion for truth in motion would not be possible without the backing of WSU.

"I think we are privileged that WSU has embraced us," Johnson said. "They give us a home and space here, which isn't always easy to find."

Dean of the College of Fine Arts Rodney Miller, and Assistant Dean Wendy Hanes, have been very supportive of the group, he said.

"It's such an unusual thing," Johnson said. "We are like an exotic bird that lives here by the good graces of WSU, and I am very thankful for that."

'Wit' actress to share message on empathy at Wichita State

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:28:45 CST

Actress Megan Cole has a message for medical students, and anyone else dealing with the life-and-death struggle that is cancer: It's not only all right to have empathy for patients, it's a vital part of their care.

Cole will share the message when she performs her solo version of Margaret Edson's Pulitzer Prize winning play "Wit" in "The Wisdom of WIT" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, in Miller Concert Hall.

The event, co-sponsored by the WSU College of Fine Arts, Kansas Health Ethics Inc. and Harry Hynes Hospice in partnership with the KU School of Medicine-Wichita, is free and open to the public.

In addition, Cole will give a free workshop for WSU students from 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Thursday in 209 Hubbard Hall. The workshop, in Tom Frye's Art of the Theatre class, is open to all WSU students.

The Seattle-based Cole, whose acting experience spans classical stage performance to parts in "Seinfeld" and "ER," originated the role of poetry professor Vivian Bearings in the California premiere of "Wit" in 1995. Emma Thompson played the part in the 2001 Mike Nichols' movie.

As Cole portrayed a steely academic transformed by cancer and her brilliant but detached doctors, she went through her own profound change.

She was touched not only by the play's message of compassion and wholeness, but by the audience members who would come backstage to talk to her about their experiences.

That's the short story of how Cole came to develop a course for medical students on empathic listening, based on techniques actors use for getting into the emotions of their characters without losing intellectual control.

She has presented "The Craft of Empathy" to medical students at Texas and New York universities, and hopes to expand the course to physicians in residency.

WSU Opera & Musical Theatre to present 'Iolanthe'

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:28:50 CST

Parody and politics combine for comic effect in Gilbert and Sullivan's "Iolanthe," which Wichita State's Opera and Musical Theatre will present at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 6-8, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, in Miller Concert Hall, Duerksen Fine Arts Center.

Myrna Paris

Myrna Paris, a distinguished WSU alumna and noted interpreter of Gilbert and Sullivan, will guest star as the Fairy Queen in two performances, Nov. 7 and 9.

Her appearances include the New York City Opera, St. Louis Opera Theatre, Music Theatre of Wichita, Houston Grand Opera, Chicago Opera Theatre and Wichita Grand Opera.

Marie King

"Iolanthe" is a "proto-Python parody of that grandest of all German romantic opera composers, Richard Wagner," said Marie King, director of Opera and Musical Theatre.

Gilbert's wacky plot somehow manages to bring a troupe of Valkyries into the British House of Parliament, wreaking havoc and dispensing mirth, King said. And she calls Sullivan's lively score one of his finest, providing a "delightful pseudo-Wagnerian atmosphere" amid the inevitable patter songs and rollicking choruses.

The plot features the fairy Iolanthe who, 25 years earlier, had committed the sin of marrying a mortal, who happens to be England's Lord High Chancellor. For her crime, she was banished from Fairyland. Unbeknownst to her erstwhile husband, the union produced a son, Strephon, who loves Phyllis, a ward of the court.

She is also the object of affection of not only the entire House of Peers, but the Lord Chancellor himself. Complication and suspicions tangle the story, untangled only by myriad legal machinations and fairy transformations.

With the exception of Paris, the cast is composed of current WSU students, with graduate students Stephanie Gilmore in the title role, Mathan Black as the Lord High Chancellor and Dru Rutledge as Phyllis.

Dixie Roberts, also working toward her master's of music degree, alternates with Paris as the Fairy Queen. Undergraduates include Jacob January as Strephon, Aaron Short as Lord Tolloller, Nicholas Gilmore as Lord Montarrarat and Bernie Zuniga as Private Willis.

The production is designed by Rachel Prochaska, sets; Rebecca Maholland, costumes; and Tyler Lessin, lights. Mark Laycock conducts the WSU Symphony Orchestra.

"Iolanthe" is rated G.

Three working together again on WSU play

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:33:34 CST

The last time that Tom Frye, Michael Downs and David Neville were all together to work on a play was 1982, when Frye was drama teacher at Southeast High and the other two were his students. ...

Though they remained close friends and would cross paths occasionally, they wouldn't work together as a team for 26 years.

The three are collaborating on Wichita State University's production of "The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail," which opens Thursday.

Read full story

WSU College of Fine Arts has busy October planned

Thu, 2 Oct 2008 13:39:37 CST

Among the most heartfelt events in the October lineup of WSU College of Fine Arts' offerings is the world premiere of "Waltzing in Heaven," an uplifting musical tribute to the 1970 WSU football team, many of whose members and supporters died in a plane crash that year. The Opera and Musical Theatre production's opening night will be attended by about 100 of the surviving players, parents, coaches and supporters.

The Marcussen organ will be showcased in two "Wednesdays at Wiedemann" recitals with distinguished professor Lynne Davis, and by David Heller in the Rie Bloomfield Organ Series. The Faculty Artist Series will feature mezzo-soprano Deborah Baxter and cellist Jakub Omsky.

Also on tap are the Symphonic Wind Ensemble; Concert Band and Jazz Arts II; Chamber Singers and Madrigal Singers; A Cappella Choir and Women's Ensemble; and the Symphony Orchestra. And the Ulrich Museum of Art will celebrate the installation of a new outdoor sculpture by world-class artist and Wichita native Tom Otterness.

Subscription series or individual tickets for Wichita State's 2008-2009 performing arts series can be purchased in person or by phone from noon-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at the College of Fine Arts Box Office, (316) 978-3233.

Concert: Lynne Davis, organist, Wednesdays in Wiedemann, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, Wiedemann Recital Hall. Free half-hour concert. Information, (316) 978-6218.

Musical Theatre: "Waltzing in Heaven," WSU Opera and Musical Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2-Saturday, Oct. 4; 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, Wilner Auditorium; rated G. Tickets $15, $10, $6. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Youth Outreach: Heartland Choral Festival, WSU School of Music and Wichita Chamber Chorale, 8:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3-Saturday, Oct. 4, Wiedemann Recital Hall. For more information about registration costs and schedule, go to www.wichita.edu/choirs.

Concert: Tracy Hoover, Viola DaGamba and David Brody, guitar, WSU faculty artists, 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, Wiedemann Recital Hall. Tickets $6, $5, $2. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Concert: Deborah Baxter, mezzo-soprano, Faculty Artist Series, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, Wiedemann Recital Hall. Tickets $6, $5, $2. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Youth Outreach: Middle School Band Festival, WSU School of Music, 8:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 10, Miller Concert Hall and Wiedemann Recital Hall. Information, Victor Markovich at (316) 978-6424 or victor.markovich@wichita.edu.

Exhibit: "The Making of the Millipede," Saturday, Oct. 11, through 2008, Ulrich Museum of Art, WSU campus. Free admission. Gallery hours 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 1-5 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays. Information, (316) 978-3664.

Concert: WSU Symphonic Wind Ensemble, 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, Miller Concert Hall, Duerksen Fine Arts Center. Tickets $6, $5, $2. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Concert: WSU Concert Band & Jazz Arts II, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, Miller Concert Hall, Duerksen Fine Arts Center. Tickets $6, $5, $2. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Concert: David Heller, organist, WSU Rie Bloomfield Organ Series, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, Wiedemann Recital Hall. Tickets $7, $6, $3. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Lecture: Paul Bowen Photographer's Talk, 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, Ulrich Museum of Art, WSU campus. Free admission. Gallery hours 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 1-5 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays. Information, (316) 978-3664.

Concert: Jakub Omsky, cello, Faculty Artist Series, 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, Wiedemann Recital Hall. Tickets $6, $5, $2. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Concert: WSU Chamber Singers, Madrigal Singers, guest ensemble, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, Wiedemann Recital Hall. Tickets $6, $5, $2. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Youth Outreach: High School String Day, WSU School of Music, 8:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24, Miller Concert Hall and Wiedemann Recital Hall. Information, Jacquelyn Dillon at 316-978-3359 or jacqueline.dillon@wichita.edu.

Youth Outreach: Men's Choir Festival, WSU School of Music and Senseney Music, 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, Miller Concert Hall and Wiedemann Recital Hall with 3 p.m. concert on same day in Wiedemann. Free admission to concert. Information, Tom Wine at (316) 978-3103 or www.wichita.edu/choirs.

Concert: WSU A Cappella Choir, Women's Ensemble, guest ensemble, 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, Wiedemann Recital Hall. Tickets $6, $5, $2. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Concert: WSU Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, Miller Concert Hall, Duerksen Fine Arts Center. Tickets $6, $5, $2. Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Lecture: Tom Otterness Artist's Talk, 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, CAC Theater, WSU campus. Event begins with refreshments at 2:30; performance by WSU dancers at 3 p.m. Free admission. Information, (316) 978-3664.

Concert: Lynne Davis, organist, Wednesdays in Wiedemann, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, Wiedemann Recital Hall. Free half-hour concert. Information, (316) 978-6218.

Theater: "The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail," WSU Mainstage Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30-Saturday, Nov. 1; 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, Wilner Auditorium. Cost: $10, discounts available. . Box office, (316) 978-3233.

Exhibit: WSU School of Art & Design, 6-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, WSU Shift Space gallery, 803 E. Third St. in Old Town; normal gallery hours 4-7 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Free. Information, (316) 978-3518.

WSU Opera & Musical Theatre to premiere 'Waltzing in Heaven'

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:56:07 CST

A world premiere musical written in memory of Wichita State University football player Ronald Gene Johnson and the WSU Football Team members who died in a plane crash on Oct. 2, 1970, will be performed in conjunction with WSU's 38th annual memorial of the tragic event. The memorial itself will take place at 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, on the WSU campus.

"Waltzing in Heaven" will be presented at WSU at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 2-4, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, in Wilner Auditorium. Johnson's father, Howard Leon Johnson, collaborated with Janie Peak, Rick Lopez, and Vickie and Scott Beck to bring the musical to the stage.

Amid the devastating sorrow, Ronnie Johnson's father just wanted one thing: Howard hoped at least to have the ring Ronnie always wore to remember him by. Thirteen years after the tragedy, the ring was miraculously found and returned to Ronnie's parents. "Waltzing in Heaven" is based on Howard's poetry, which helped to console him in his grief.

"WSU Musical Theater is honored to present this uplifting tribute in memory of all the young lives lost that day," said Marie Allyn King, stage director for the musical.

Last spring, Howard told The Wichita Eagle, "One boy had a stadium named after him. Another had a street. I wanted this to be a way for people to remember my son. Because he was musical – he played the piano and any kind of horn you can name – it seemed appropriate."

The Johnson family plans to be in Wilner Auditorium to celebrate the memory of their loved one.

Though the play deals with sadness and loss, the spirit is uplifting. The characters, all down-home western folk reminiscent of those Howard knew during his days raising Charolais cattle, use humor and faith to move ahead. Jim Rhatigan, dean of students at the time of the crash, said, "It's a life-affirming play – in a country and western setting."

To ensure an authentic country sound, Wichita band The Home Rangers (Richard Crowson, David Hawkins, Stanford Greer, Mike Lee, with fiddler Rob Loren) has been woven into the production, and the musicians will be onstage for the entire show.

An all-student cast is led by Jeremy Wright as Charlie; Jordan Love as Bill; Kim Liebenberg as Aunt Olga; Ross McCorkell as Uncle Olie; Josh Atkins as Don; Jacob January as John; Christina Hink as Mary Lou; Hallie Craycraft as Patty Lynn; Casey Violette as Sal; Kasey Armbruster as Birdie; and Matt Starkey as Buzzie.

In the chorus of "good country folk" are Daxton Bloomquist, Abri Geist, Stacy Keele, Laura Leisinger, Alyssa Schmidt, Sarah Schwartz, Katelyn Snyder, Craig Richardson, Nick Clark, Nicholas Seeley, Zac Winter and Brian Yeakley.

Scenery and lighting design is by David Neville, costumes by Betty Monroe and sound by Nick Smith. Choreography is by Amy Baker, and music direction by JuleAnn Troutman.

"Waltzing in Heaven" is rated G.

'Don Quixote: A 21st Century Look'

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:34:32 CST

C. Nicholas Johnson is back. For 25 years, Johnson has produced a theater camp for kids that culminates in a one-of-a-kind show open to the public.

"It's become quite the Cave Creek event," Johnson said from Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center, where the production is being mounted.

The center is part of the Cave Creek Unified School District in Arizona.

Johnson, who earned a master's of fine arts degree in dance and drama from the University of Arizona, is the director of dance at Wichita State University.

Read the full story

Student crowds in one more opera before graduation

Wed, 14 May 2008 14:02:26 CST

Todd Walters, soon to graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, might not make the walk for graduation. Commencement comes the day after his two-night leading role in Opera Kansas' production of "The Music Master" by G.B. Pergolesi.

Todd Walters

"The Music Master," a comic one-act opera, has other WSU ties, too. One of Walters' School of Music mentors, Marie King, is stage directing, and Kerry Moss, a WSU alumna who earned her master's in music and is an adjunct instructor, has the female lead. Vanessa Whalen, a frequent accompanist for WSU faculty and students, is also in the cast.

Opera Kansas director Ed Ehinger appears as a slightly villainous opera house impresario who attempts to steal away a female student of the voice teacher (Walters).

King, director of WSU Opera and Musical Theatre, said Ehinger became aware of Walters' fine singing and professionalism through the Opera Kansas chorus for "Amahl and the Night Visitors." "The Music Master" is a good part for him.

"Todd was a natural choice for the role of the tenor voice teacher," said King. During his undergraduate years, Walters' vocal talent also has ensured his importance to the WSU opera program, King said.

"While just a sophomore, Todd had a lead role in 'The Merry Widow' and featured parts in 'The Tales of Hoffmann,'" she said. "Over the years, his lyric tenor has been heard in a wide variety of music, from mid-Baroque (as Mercury in 'La Calisto') through contemporary (as Laurie in 'Little Women')." He also portrayed Adam in "Eve's Odds."

For Walters, the opportunity to work with the professional opera company – even as he faced his own finals and graduate school auditions – was too good to pass up. The simplicity of this opera's storyline and presentation appealed to him, too.

"It's just a magical little story," said Walters.

Marie King

King said anyone looking for something different and fun should bring the whole family to "The Music Master" ("Il Maestro di Musica"). It will be performed in English.

The action takes place in Naples in tenor Maestro Lamberto's vocal studio. Lamberto's pupil is soprano Signorina Lauretta, who is secretly enamored of the maestro. But she rebels against his demanding methods on her path to opera stardom and insists that her family's connections will get her an engagement at Signor Colagianni's opera house.

When the cynical and lecherous Colagianni shows up looking for a singer for his new opera, he is taken with Lauretta and offers to lay the opera world at her feet. In exchange, he demands that she "give her heart" to him. The story takes off from there.

Walters plays Maestro Lamberto, with Moss as Signorina Lauretta, Ehinger as Signor Colagianni and Whalen as Ottavio.

With "The Music Master" and graduation over, Walters will concentrate on the future. He grew up in Medicine Lodge, Kan., where his family still lives.

"I'm applying to graduate schools at Juilliard and Rice," said Walters. "They did take me in and heard me; that's a start to anything."

He is also auditioning for the U.S. Air Force Band of Liberty. And, if he's still around Wichita, he would love to do more with Opera Kansas.

Whatever Walters does will definitely involve singing. It's what he loves and does naturally, whether in a staged opera or solo performances. He has been a featured soloist for WSU President Don Beggs close to a dozen times this academic year alone, and has sung "The National Anthem" for major sporting and other events more times than he can count.

Meanwhile, Walters is guaranteed to be around campus for a while longer. He had so much fun volunteering as a camp counselor for the 2007 Kodaly Children's Choir camp that he has signed up again for this summer's camp.

If Walters ends up staying in Wichita, he'll also no doubt continue giving tours for the outdoor sculpture collection as a docent for the Ulrich Museum of Art.

"The Music Master" is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 15, and Friday, May 16, at the Theatre at Prairie Pines, 4055 N. Tyler Road. Tickets are $15 for the general public and $10 for students and senior citizens. The performance, in English, is about 45 minutes and also features complimentary wine, hors d'oeuvres and light desserts.

WSU's chorale, choir and symphony to present 'Elijah'

Fri, 2 May 2008 10:02:14 CST

The Wichita State University Concert Chorale, A Cappella Choir and Symphony Orchestra will host a guest soloist in their performance of Felix Mendelssohn's "Elijah."

The performance is at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 9, in Miller Concert Hall, Duerksen Fine Arts Center. Admission is $6 with discounts available.

Mark Laycock

The orchestra is prepared by Mark Laycock, and the choir is prepared by Robert Glasmann and Tom Wine. The concert will be directed by Wine.

Tony Offerle, director of the opera program at the University of Florida, will sing the title role. Additional soloists for this work are Patrick Greene, Jennifer Crowley-Johnson, Dorothy Crum, Kerry Moss and Pina Mozzani.

"Mendelssohn approaches this text almost like it is music theater," said Wine. "The soloists are dramatic characters with obvious emotional investment in the story. The chorus must play the part of worshipful followers, angry mob and band of angels."

The story of the oratorio presents a country in the midst of a great drought. Elijah promises to bring rain if the town will pray to the Lord. He challenges them to a musical duel between their false gods and his God. In the end, the town accepts the will of the Lord and the waters pour forth.

Tom Wine

"The energy of these combined forces is amazing," said Wine. "The ability of these young musicians to adapt to the variety of musical styles on this program is a real tribute to their talent."

Their guest soloist, Offerle, is a native of Miami, Fla. His credits include performances with the OperaEstate in Rome, Cincinnati Opera, International Chamber Orchestra, Dayton Opera, Wyoming Opera, Charleston Symphony, Savannah Symphony, Evansville Philharmonic and the Piccolo Spoleto Festival. He has sung more than 30 leading operatic roles and is equally at home with musical theater repertoire.

An active concert performer, Offerle has served as guest soloist in London's Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's Cathedral, as well as St. Giles Cathedral in Scotland.

The New York Amsterdam News said of his 2006 recital debut in Manhattan: "Offerle brought to his selections an exceptionally beautiful baritone, fine technical command and considerable interpretive skill. He proved to be a compelling singing-actor."

Shirley Knight, Michael Downs returning to WSU for Premier Day

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:52:09 CST

Performance students from area high schools and Wichita State University will have a chance to be inspired by nationally renowned actress Shirley Knight and designer Michael Downs during Performing Arts Premier Day.

Events are from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Friday, May 2, in Wilner Auditorium on the WSU campus.

Then, from noon-3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3, a film showing and sidewalk cement ceremony will honor Knight at Warren Theatre East, 11611 E. 13th St. in Wichita.

Friday events are free and also open to the general public. Saturday's events, two films and the ceremony, cost $10.

The events are sponsored by the School of Performing Arts theatre program and are being underwritten by Warren Theatres and other donors.

Friday's celebrity workshops and demonstrations will feature Knight, an Emmy and Tony award-winning actress seen recently on television's "Desperate Housewives," and Michael Downs, a professional scenery and lighting designer who has worked all over the world. Both Knight and Downs are WSU alumni.

Downs' workshop will begin with seating in Wilner at 8:30 a.m., followed by introductions at 9 a.m. Including a snack break, it will end at approximately 11:30 a.m.

Knight's workshop will run from 1-2:20 p.m., break for about 20 minutes and resume for questions from the audience from 2:45-3:30 p.m.

Saturday's events will honor Knight with showings of two of her films, at noon and at 12:30 p.m. "Sweet Bird of Youth," with Paul Newman, earned Knight her second Academy Award nomination for best supporting actress. The other film is "Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood," starring Maggie Smith, James Garner, Ellen Burstyn and Sandra Bullock. Knight will answer questions after each film.

At 3 p.m. Knight will be the first inductee to the Warren Theatres' "Sidewalk Walk of Fame" as her handprints and signature go into wet cement for permanent display in front of the Warren Theatre East.

Both professionals have participated in Premier Day events in the past. Besides his ties to WSU, Downs attended Wichita High School Southeast, studying under then drama coach Tom Frye, who now teaches theater at WSU.

"Michael is a veteran environments designer and creative director," said Frye. "His experience spans 26 years, 42 of the 50 United States, 38 nations and more than 450 projects. Michael is a creative hybrid. He brings inventive ideas from the very beginning of any creative process - supporting strategic ideation with fresh, unexpected approaches to bring dimension to a brand, a story, an idea."

Downs has designed sets for the Boston Conservatory of Music, Salt Lake City Opera, Boston University of Theatre, New York City Ballet, Boston Lyric Opera, "Grease" South American Tour, "Crazy for You" European Tour, Lake George Opera Festival and the Berkshire Theatre Festival, among other projects. He has also received an Emmy nomination for his work.

With a long career such as Knight's, it's hard to know where to start, Frye said.

A native of Lyons, Knight also earned an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actress for "Dark at the Top of the Stairs," and won the Tony Award for "Kennedy's Children." She is a three-time Emmy Award winner and holds a Golden Globe Award.

She has had guest roles in "NYPD Blues," "Thirtysomething" and "ER," and received an Emmy nomination for best guest actress on "Desperate Housewives." Her movies also include "As Good as it Gets," among many others.

Tickets go on sale Wednesday, April 30, at the Warren Theatre. Seating is limited, so Frye advises getting tickets early. For more information, call Frye at (316) 978-6667 or cell phone (917) 597-9477.

WSU Opera & Musical Theatre to present 'Hair'

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:31:02 CST

With its 1968 Broadway premiere, the musical "Hair" changed the landscape of musical theater and became a landmark. It generated a movie (1979) and, in its 40-year life, countless productions across the country.

Marie Allyn King

"Hair" at Wichita State University promises a different kind of "Be-In," however, according to director of opera and musical theatre Marie Allyn King.

The musical will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 1-Saturday, May 3, with a 2 p.m. Sunday, May 4, matinee in Wilner Auditorium on the WSU campus. Tickets are $15 with discounts available; it is rated R for adult language and sexuality.

Because "Hair" has left indelible impressions on American culture, helping to spawn stepchildren from "Godspell" to "Across the Universe," audiences will have this familiarity and expectation in mind, King said.

But she said visiting director and choreographer Andrew Palermo has some new ideas that will challenge what people know about "Hair" and reach into new parts of the work's psyche to present a contemporary face and take on the classic work.

"Don't expect flowers and peace signs, and leave the kids at home," said King of the R-rated production.

The cast of 17 features WSU music theater majors Jordan Love, Stephen Craig Barker, Kylie Jo Jennings, Maurice Sims, Miles Mattal, Alex Johnson, Melanie Cadwell, Aaron Glover and Jeremy Wright.

Linda Starkey is the musical director; David Neville designs lights.

Student designers include Shannon Smith (costumes), Megan Richardson (projections), Evan Schmidt (sets) and Nick Smith (sound).

Palermo, who is in residency at WSU as a guest artist, is co-artistic director of dre.dance, a New York City-based contemporary dance company, with childhood friend Taye Diggs.
Palermo was the choreographer for Andrew Lippa's "The Wild Party" last fall. The WSU production has gone on to win regional and national recognition from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.

Outside of dre.dance, his stage choreography credits include "Great Joy" at New Amsterdam Theatre, Kristin Chenoweth at Carnegie Hall, "X'Posed/Jai Rodriquez" at Hudson Theatre, and "Journey to the West" at 37 Arts, among others.

His performing highlights include original Broadway casts of "Wicked" and "Annie Get Your Gun," and the Broadway revival of "How to Succeed Without Really Trying."

Palermo has toured national and internationally with "West Side Story," and performed Off-Broadway in Michael John La Chiusa's "Little Fish." Other performing credits include Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Hollywood Bowl and numerous regional theatres.

For the camera, Palermo has choreographed for Comedy Central's "Stella," the film "Holey Habits," and commercials for G-Shock and The Showtime Network/Apple Computers.

His residency as guest artist at Wichita State has been made possible by The Dot and Harold Hauck Fund and the Brown Charitable Trust Fund.

College of Fine Arts to start May with musical 'Hair'

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:54:49 CST

The Age of Aquarius will hit campus in the form of the '60s musical "Hair."

Graduate art students will star in exhibits on campus at the Ulrich Museum of Art and the Staples Gallery, and off campus at WSU Shift Space in Old Town.

And university ensembles will perform their final concerts for the school year.

That's May in the College of Fine Arts at Wichita State University.

Tickets can be purchased in person or by phone from noon-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at the College of Fine Arts Box Office, (316) 978-3233.

"Hair," Opera & Musical Theatre Series, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 1-Saturday, May 3; 2 p.m. Sunday, May 4, Wilner Auditorium, WSU. Tickets $15 (discounts available). Information, 316-978-3233.

MFA Thesis Exhibition, opening Thursday, May 1, Ulrich Museum of Art, WSU. Free. Gallery hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 1-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; closed Mondays. Information, 316-978-3664 or ulrich@wichita.edu.

Graduate MFA Show, 6-10 p.m. Friday, May 2, WSU Shift Space gallery, 803 E. Third St. in Old Town; normal gallery hours 4-7 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Free. Information, 316-978-7705.

WSU Concert Band and Symphonic Winds Ensemble Concert, university ensembles, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, Miller Concert Hall, Duerksen Fine Arts Center, WSU. Tickets $6 (discounts available). Information, 316-978-3233.

MFA Thesis Exhibition, Thursday, May 8-Friday, May 16, Clayton Staples Gallery, McKnight Art Center, WSU. Free. Gallery hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, or by appointment. Information, 316-978-3555.

WSU Graduate MFA Show, 6-10 p.m. Friday, May 9, WSU Shift Space gallery, 803 E. Third St. in Old Town; normal gallery hours 4-7 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Free. Information, 316-978-7705.

Annual Oratorio Performance, university ensembles and soloists, 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 9, Miller Concert Hall, Duerksen Fine Arts Center, WSU. Tickets $6 (discounts available). Information, 316-978-3233.

WSU Graduate MFA Show, 6-10 p.m. Friday, May 16, WSU Shift Space gallery, 803 E. Third St. in Old Town; normal gallery hours 4-7 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Free. Information, 316-978-7705.