LET THIS 'BLITHE SPIRIT' MOVE YOU!

Kristie Ohlinger is Elvira in EPAC's "Blithe Spirit."

An urbane British writer and his wife. Friends with whom they can spend a witty evening around the séance table. A kooky-but-committed psychic medium. A wacky maid who could crack the four-minute mile in heels. A glamorous, determined ghost of a long-dead wife, conjured from The Great Beyond against her will.

Put these interesting characters in the hands of British playwright Noel Coward, and a great Ephrata Performing Arts Center cast in the hands of director Rich Repkoe, and you’ve got “Blithe Spirit.”

The cast is about halfway through its run of this breezy, paranormal farce, being performed on the stage of the Sharadin Bigler Theatre in Ephrata. The show will transport you to that wonderful, funny, entertaining place in which we all engage our minds and spirits when we’re watching really satisfying summer theater.

I’ve seen the show, and can assure you that you’ll have a great time listening to the witty banter among these players. And you’ll LOVE the special effects once the ghostly gang has its poltergeist-ly way with the props (by Fran Hill and Monica Daniels). 

I cackled aloud listening to Lynne Demers-Hunt and Tim Spiese as Ruth and Charles Condomine toss around a whole lot of bon mots, sometimes along with Dr. and Mrs. Bradman, played by Rob Adams and Tricia Corcoran. Elizabeth Pattey will crack you up as the delightful Madame Arcati, a bicycle-riding medium whose dramatic trances engender unintended consequences.

Emily Martin’s Edith the Maid will delightfully exhaust you with her desperate-to-please-her-employer antics – her fleet feet and her balancing act with trays of drinks.

And wait until Kristie Ohlinger glides onto the stage as the divine Elvira, the ghost of Charles’ first wife! This blithe spirit has got some unfinished business with the corporeal world, and mischief on her mind regarding Charles and Ruth.

And let’s give it up for the design team!  Victor Capecce’s drawing-room set, Josh Starr’s lighting, Andy Babin’s sound and Janell Berte’s stunning costumes work together well to recreate the time period (Coward wrote the play in 1941), and evoke all the ghostly goings-on. Technical Director Beth Lewis and Stage Manager Rachel Snavely have helped Rich Repkoe put together a wonderful night of theater for the EPAC audience.

You have six more chances to see it … so call 733-7966 for tickets (or visit the Web site). The show runs through June 23.

-- Mary Ellen (“Merv”) Wright

'SPRING AWAKENING' IN AUTUMN AT EPAC!!!

"SPRING AWAKENING" IS THE MYSTERY MUSICAL!

Wow! Are you as excited as I am?


Yes! It's true! "Spring Awakening," the coming-of-age rock musical that has thrilled audiences on Broadway and on tour, is coming to the Ephrata Performing Arts Center at the Sharadin Bigler Theatre! It's the fall "TBA" musical EPAC has been promising to tell you about. Now that it's SPRING ... the news is out!


The show, which, on Broadway, starred EPAC veteran Jonathan Groff and fellow "Glee" actor Lea Michele, runs at EPAC from Oct. 25 to Nov. 10. You do not want to miss this one, people! This musical was tailor-made for EPAC, and you KNOW it's going to be a fabulous production. 


Auditions for the show are set for Saturday, June 2. Please see the end of this post, and the EPAC Facebook page, for details.


I've seen "Spring Awakening" off-Broadway, on Broadway and on tour, and I've laughed, cried and marveled at this show more with every viewing. 


The musical is based on German playwright Frank Wedekind's 1892 play, "The Awakening of Spring," which is subtitled "A Children's Tragedy." That says a lot about why this show will grab you by the heart and never let go. It's a story of teenagers grappling with questions about life, love and sexuality, and with their relationships with the adults in their lives. It's both wrenching and uplifting.

"Spring Awakening" peppers Wedekind's story with lovely ballads and exuberant rock tunes by Duncan Sheik (book and lyrics by Steven Sater) that will tempt you to download the Broadway cast album on your way home from the theater!

And, in case you missed Jonathan Groff's statement about EPAC presenting the show that put him on the theatrical map, he said (via e-mail from NYC):


"I am so thrilled that EPAC is including ‘Spring Awakening’ in their 2012 season! ... Being known for their edgy/exciting work and incredibly gifted local artists, they are the best theater in the area to put on this piece.


"It also means so much to me that a theater that gave me a chance to creatively spread my wings while I was growing up in Lancaster, is producing the show that changed my life and started my career in New York. I can't wait to see it!" 


We can't either!! 


The particulars:


Due to content, language and nudity, no one under the age of 16 will be eligible to audition for this production, which is being directed by EPAC artistic director Edward R. Fernandez, with musical direction by J.P. Meyer, and choreography by Kristin Pontz. Anyone under the age of 18 will require proof of parental consent.


Open-call auditions for the student roles (ages 16-22) as well as two adults (one male, one female playing both teachers and parents) will be held on Saturday, June 2, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Callbacks are Saturday afternoon and Sunday, June 3. See the Facebook page for more information.


Any questions should be directed to director Fernandez at (717) 733-7966 or via e-mail to epac@ptd.net.


Show times are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, and 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 25-Nov. 10, with a pay-what-you-will pricing for unsold tickets to the 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, Nov. 10. Regular tickets are $15-$27. No one under 16 will be admitted unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. 


-- Mary Ellen "Merv" Wright

ROCKIN', ROLLIN' 'XANADU' WILL A-MUSE YOU!!

Combine a roller-skating Muse, a catty Greek chorus of inspirational goddesses, a dim-but-sincere artist, some fabulous music from the 1970s and a truly hilarious script and you’ve got “Xanadu,” opening tonight at the Sharadin Bigler Theatre.

I laughed – nay, CACKLED – during the “Xanadu” rehearsal I sat in on early this week. Playwright Douglas Carter Beane, who wrote the show’s book, will do that to a girl. If you were lucky enough to see the EPAC On the Edge staged reading of “The Little Dog Laughed,” you’ll know you can look forward to a really entertaining evening at EPAC.

This is a really fun show with great music. It has something to say about art, love and the creative process, but its message is wrapped up in snappy-snarky dialogue, a singable score, candy-colored costumes, neon lights and a carefree 1980 attitude. It will definitely put a big ol’ smile on your face. EPAC veteran Cody Smith directs and choreographs. 

You may remember the campy 1980 movie musical, “Xanadu,” starring Olivia Newton-John. The plot of the stage musical is similar, but “Xanadu” on stage is a unique creation unto itself. I saw a recent interview with Cheyenne Jackson, who played Sonny on Broadway, and he estimated that only about three lines from the movie actually made it into the play.

You’ll be in a fabulous Newton-John/Electric Light Orchestra haze as the cast rocks out on such pop standards as “Magic,” “Evil Woman,” “Suddenly,” “Strange Magic,” “Have You Ever Been Mellow” and, of course, the title tune. Music and lyrics for “Xanadu” are by ELO’s Jeff Lynne and Newton-John collaborator John Farrar.

In the show, Sonny (Brian Viera) is an artist who’s lost his mojo. Clio the Muse (Katelyn Ann Mullen) assumes human form as Sonny’s roller-skating, Aussie-accented, leg-warmer-wearing earthly muse, Kira. She helps the artist envision his artistic dream: a roller disco! Bruce Weaver plays Danny, a businessman Sonny must convince to help him attain his dream.

But watch out for BD Frey as Melpomene and Wendy Caldwell as Calliope. They’re jealous of sister Clio’s privileged position with daddy Zeus. And they’ve got some wicked, magical curses in their bags of tricks.

Rounding out the spirited cast are Greek-chorus Muses Andi Jo Hill as Euterpe; Jessica Henry as Erato; Alex Weaver as Thalia, and James Barksdale as Terpsicore.

I must give major props to David “Big Daddy” Frey; I am so jealous of how he negotiates that stage in his flowing Muse gown and heels. This cast is heaven on wheels AND heels.

The show runs through May 12; don’t miss it! Call the EPAC box office at 733-7966 for tickets. See you there!

Many, MANY thanks to “Xanadu” show sponsor H&R Block; season sponsor The Farrington Family and Green Mountain Cyclery; and season media sponsor Blue Ridge Communications.

And, remember, your opening-night ticket includes the after-party at the Hill Top Inn, 415 E. Main St., Ephrata; thanks to the folks there for hosting!

P.S. Did you see the TV spot for "Xanadu"?

           -- Mary Ellen “Merv” Wright

A GREAT COUPLE OF WEEKS FOR EPAC ALUMS!

EPAC alumnus Jonathan Groff taps his way through "Anything Goes" at the
 MCC Theater "Miscast" gala in New York 

(photos courtesy of Broadwayworld.com).

EPAC alumnus Eliseo Roman, far right, rehearses with fellow cast members of Broadway's "Leap of Faith" (photo courtesy of Playbill.com).

JONATHAN GROFF TAPS TOES FOR A CAUSE

EPAC alumnus Jonathan Groff (“Honk,” “Bat Boy”) channeled his inner Sutton Foster/Reno Sweeney and his inner Barbra Streisand/Fanny Brice Monday night, as part of the cast of the MCC Theater’s “Miscast” fundraising gala in New York.

Wait until you see his fancy hoofin’!!

Annually, "Miscast" allows Broadway stars to perform numbers they'd normally never be cast to sing. Jonathan, who has long been obsessed with Sutton Foster, performed "Anything Goes" from the show of the same name (which the Ephrata Performing Arts Center at the Sharadin Bigler Theatre will be presenting in December).

You can see the eight-minute video of his high-energy performance here. 

 Jonathan also performed "The Music That Makes Me Dance" from "Funny Girl."

The gala raises money for the MCC Theater (where Jonathan recently performed in the play "Submission"), its Youth Company and its work with New York City public high school students and emerging playwrights.

Jonathan's mom, Julie Groff, was in attendance, and said the show was very elaborate, filled with talented performers, and a lot of fun to watch. Julie said Jonathan worked very hard on his tap-dance number for weeks, while flying back and forth among Los Angeles, New York and Chicago for his varied TV work.

Other Broadway stars performing at "Miscast" included "Smash" star Megan Hilty; "Follies" star Jan Maxwell; Norm Lewis of "Porgy and Bess," and Josh Gad of "Book of Mormon."

You can read more about the gala, and see more pix of its performers, here.

ELISEO ROMAN BACK ON BROADWAY

In more EPAC alumnus news: Lancaster native Eliseo Roman, who performed in “The Fantasticks” and “Jesus Christ, Superstar” at EPAC, and as the “Piragua Guy” in “In the Heights” on Broadway, portrays an Angel of Mercy in the new Broadway musical, “Leap of Faith,” which opens April 3 at the St. James Theatre, 246 W. 44^th St.

 The show, which stars Raul Esparza and Jessica Phillips and has a score by multi-Oscar-winner Alan Menken, is about a flim-flam preacher trying to hustle a small town (till he meets a small-town girl who may just give him something real to believe in, that is!)

Yay, Eliseo! Break a leg!

You can read more about the show here.

"NEXT TO NORMAL" STUNNED; "XANADU" WILL DELIVER THE FUN

All of us who sat in the audience slack-jawed, sobbing and emotionally overcome by the recent run of "Next to Normal" at the Sharadin Bigler Theatre would like to thank everyone who had anything to do with the show -- the director, musical director and choreographer; the cast, the crew, the pit orchestra, the design team ... EVERYONE! You created a true, moving work of art no one will forget. The theater received so many complimentary e-mails and Facebook posts and heard so many effusive comments about that show. KUDOS!


And now, on to "Xanadu," April 26 - May 12!! This musical comedy (based on the campy 1980 movie of the same name) concerns a Greek muse and her efforts to inspire a struggling California artist to create a roller disco.


The show has a book by Douglas Carter Beane (who wrote the wonderful "The Little Dog Laughed" that was a recent "EPAC on the Edge" offering) and music and lyrics by Jeff (Electric Light Orchestra) Lynne and John Farrar (who wrote hit songs for Olivia Newton-John).


Call (717) 433-7966, or visit the Sharadin Bigler Theatre website for tickets or more information.


          -- Mary Ellen ("Merv") Wright

'NEXT TO NORMAL' WILL MOVE YOU

For years, Diana, her family and her doctors have been wandering through a thicket – trying to treat and cope with her bipolar disorder.

We follow them all as Diana tries to make herself whole, gathering pieces of her life and trying to integrate them within her mind and her soul. What important thing can’t she remember? Is her illness in her brain or in her soul?

This is the premise of a powerful rock musical, “Next to Normal,” which is receiving its regional premiere right here at the Sharadin Bigler Theatre (March 8-24).

I watched a recent rehearsal of the show, and I can attest that this Tony Award-winning musical is profound, funny and extremely moving, and that the cast is simply stellar. Wait until you hear this cast wrap its very talented vocal cords around this rock score. They will knock your socks off!

This is a very intense show; it will move you, make you think, make you cry and make you laugh. It will get under your skin, and stay with you for days. Make sure you bring tissues or a handkerchief to the show with you; you will need them!

The show explores themes of memory, love, loyalty, grief, the nature of mental illness and even ethics in psychiatry.

The book is beautifully written and structured, and the music that propels the story forward is powerful. I love the way we, as audience members, are thrown off-kilter by the order in which we learn certain pieces of information about Diana’s psychiatric journey; we gather these pieces as she’s gathering them, and we wonder about so much until mysteries are solved in the final scenes.

The catharsis you’ll experience will be palpable.

It’s no accident that the book won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2010. It’s one of only eight musicals to ever have won that prize.

The show is beautifully cast with marvelous actors and voices:

         

Diana - Roberta (Bobbie) Bear

Dan - Bryon Smith

       

Natalie - Kathryn Williams

         Gabe - Corey Buller

         Henry - Matt Whalen

         Doctor Fine - Bob Breen

The Sharadin Bigler Theatre will present a special performance of “Next to Normal,” part of the proceeds from which will benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness. That show is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14; all seats are $20 apiece.

To order tickets online for that benefit show – a small facility and handling fee will be added – visit this page. You can also call the box office at (717) 733-7966.

For more information about “Next to Normal” – and to see a video and some photos – visit the Sharadin Bigler Theatre website and click on the purple “Next to Normal” logo.

The Sharadin Bigler Theatre would like to extend its deep gratitude for our sponsors for this show:  Philhaven; Green MountainCyclery and BlueRidge Communications.

-- Merv Wright

           

"NEXT TO NORMAL" OPENS MARCH 8

The cast of "Next to Normal," opening March 8 at theSharadin Bigler Theatre

*** I recently saw a rehearsal of "Next to Normal," the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical that's opening March 8 at the Sharadin Bigler Theatre. I'll be posting more information about the show and the cast -- and how FABULOUS and moving this show is going to be -- later today. Above are a couple of photos from the production.

*** Other regional premieres at the Sharadin Bigler Theatre this season include  "Xanadu," "The Who's Tommy" and a recent Tony-winning rock musical, the title of which we'll be able to announce soon. I wrote about the full season here on the blog back in November.

For information on the season, or to order tickets, visit the theater's website, or call (717) 733-7966.

*** "Beauty and the Beast Jr." was a big hit at the Sharadin Bigler Theatre earlier this month. Sell-outs every night! Kudos to director Irving Gonzalez and the whole cast! We have some very talented young people sharing their gifts on this Ephrata stage!

-- Mary Ellen "Merv" Wright

THE PAWS THAT REFRESHES!

Katelyn Mullen as Grizabella and Matt Rush as Old Deuteronomy

in the Sharadin Bigler Theatre's production of "Cats"

Jellicle Cats are Talented Cats

I’ve seen productions of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical “Cats” before, usually in large theaters, on a proscenium stage. Sure, the dancing was heavenly, but I was always, somehow, held at a remove from the action. I couldn’t quite connect with the stories of this varied group of cats vying for a chance to be reborn.

But the delightful production now prowling the Sharadin Bigler Theatre stage made a “Cats” believer out of me. Because this intimate theater space allows the cat characters to have more direct interaction with the audience, I was immediately drawn into their feline world. They brought the poetry of T.S. Eliot's "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" – the source material for the show – to life at Wednesday night's preview performance.

You’ll see some fantastic dancing in the show – by turns mesmerizing, energetic, eye-popping and sexy. But it the acting and singing talent of this cast that made me see this show as so much more than a dance-based entertainment.

I heard some terrific singing coming out of those feline faces during Wednesday night’s preview performance. And the cat characters were clearly connecting with each other, and with all the audience members with whom they were making up-close-and-personal cat’s-eye contact all evening long.

With everyone in a feline costume, under that kitty makeup, it takes a special troupe of tomcats to make that kind of individual connection with the audience. And this SBT production is blessed with just such a special group of performers.

Kudos to them; this is truly an ensemble show, in which many of the feline characters get their own moment to shine in the spotlight. Their characterizations will surely amuse you, thrill you and move you.

Kudos to director/choreographer Kristin Pontz for a beautifully staged and choreographed production. Kudos to acting coach Rich Repkoe and musical director Derek Martin for helping this talented cast add depth to the production. The pit orchestra sounded great, as well!

A salute, too, to the designers, technical professionals, costume, makeup and props teams, who’ve enhanced the action of this show with an interesting set and great effects. Future audience members: Keep your eyes peeled while you’re watching this show. You never know when a cat will be prowling on a platform right above your head, ready to cozy up to the side of your theater seat.

My advice: Get your tickets to the Sharadin Bigler Theatre production of “Cats” now. Once the word spreads about the quality of this production, you don’t want to be left out in the cold this holiday season!

The show opens tonight (Dec. 8), and runs till Dec. 23.

Visit www.ephrataperformingartscenter.com, or call 733-7966, for tickets. And check out the Blue Ridge Communications preview video for the show!

-- Mary Ellen "Merv" Wright