'Anything Goes' at EPAC in December

The Ephrata Performing Arts Center's production of Cole Porter's high-seas musical "Anything Goes" opens Dec. 6.

And be sure to check out subscription information for EPAC’s 2013 season here: Annie Jr. (Feb. 1-3 and 8-10); “Angels in America Part 1: Millennium Approaches” (March 7-9 and 13-16); ““Angels in America Part 2: Perestroika” (March 38-30 and April 3-6);  “Avenue Q” (May 2-4,9-11 and 15-18); “Brighton Beach Memoirs” (June 13-15, 20-22 and 26-29);  “Guys and Dolls” (July 25-27 and Aug. 1-3 and 7-10); “The Glass Menagerie” (Sept. 5-7, 12-14 and 18-21); “Assassins” (Oct. 17-19, 24-26 and Oct. 30-Nov. 2), and “Fiddler on the Roof” (Dec. 5-7, 12-14 and 18-21).

EPAC presents moving, energetic 'Spring Awakening'

EPAC's "Spring Awakening" cast peforms "The Bitch of Living."

Josh Kirwin and Kate-Lynn Scheib portray Melchior and Wendla in "Spring Awakening."

The cast of the moving, spirited musical "Spring Awakening" at EPAC 

I have seen the musical “Spring Awakening” off-Broadway, on Broadway and on tour.

But as I watched the final dress-rehearsal performance of the Ephrata Performing Arts Center’s “Spring Awakening” Wednesday night, I felt as if I were seeing the show for the first time. My heart soared to watch this show that I’m so crazy about – performed by an energetic, talented young cast – on the stage of a community theater I love so much.

The show is funny, frank and touching. I laughed and cried on Wednesday as if I’d never seen the show before – as if it were all the kind of wonderful surprise I felt the first time I saw the show off-Broadway.

Director Ed Fernandez, his talented and energetic cast (with many faces new to EPAC) and the creative team have brought a moving, funny, exuberant and beautiful piece of art to life on the stage of the Sharadin Bigler Theatre. Whether you’ve never seen “Spring Awakening,” or whether you’ve seen it numerous times, you’ll be transported by EPAC’s production.

The musical is based on an 1891 play by Frank Wedekind, which was controversial for its time, as it explored German teenagers’ struggles with their sexuality and the knowledge of it denied them by the adults in their lives. “Spring Awakening,” the musical, takes this serious subject matter and injects it with energy through its modern, rock score.

It’s fun to remember that you’ll be seeing the musical on a local stage on which Broadway’s original Melchior Gabor, Lancaster County native Jonathan Groff, performed in such shows as “Honk” and “Bat Boy: The Musical.” But this cast makes this show completely its own; even if you’ve seen the show on Broadway, you have NOT seen what EPAC can do with the show. And you want to see that – believe me!!

The music, by Duncan Sheik – remember his 1996 hit “Barely Breathing”? – with lyrics by (book-writer) Steven Sater, is marvelous. I own the soundtrack, and have listened to those songs countless times; it’s so great to hear them performed by a great pit orchestra and wonderful voices in this cast, and see them given new life with great choreography. The set, lighting, sound and costume design bring the show into full bloom.

The leads, Josh Kirwin as Melchior; Vince Fazzolari as Moritz, and Kate-Lynn Scheib as Wendla, are wonderful – but, frankly, you're going to love the whole cast!! Fantastic job by all! Special kudos to Susan Barber and Larry Gessler, who play all of the adult characters who influence the young people’s lives.

A caution: “Spring Awakening” is for mature audiences only. Many aspects of teen sexuality are explored in a frank and honest way in this show. There is a bit of partial nudity. And there’s one song filled with a pretty strong curse word.

But if you’re interested in seeing a show that makes you think; that explores issues from the year 1891 that we’re still arguing over during this political season of 2012; that makes you care about its characters, and helps you see these issues from a variety of points of view – this musical is for you. It will rock your world.

Thanks to Green Mountain Cyclery; Blue Ridge Communications; John Matusek, and Steve Sellers for sponsoring the show, and to The Olde Lincoln House for hosting – and Dave Dierwechter and Marcia Stoner for sponsoring – the opening-night party.

You only have until Nov. 10 to see this amazing show, on stage at the Sharadin Bigler Theatre; don’t miss your chance. Call 733-7966, or visit the EPAC Web site for information and tickets.

                   –  Merv Wright

Don't sleep through your chance to see "Spring Awakening" at EPAC!

The cast of “Spring Awakening” at EPAC is ready to make this show its own!

Josh Kirwin and Kate-Lynn Scheib star as Melchior and Wendla in EPAC's "Spring Awakening." 

The original Melchior and Wendla: Jonathan Groff (EPAC veteran!) and Lea Michele starred in "Spring Awakening" on Broadway

'Spring Awakening' will rock EPAC

Ephrata Performing Arts Center's production of the spirited, moving rock musical "Spring Awakening" -- opening Thursday at the Sharadin Bigler Theatre -- has such special significance for the theater. 

It wasn't so very long ago that Lancaster County native Jonathan Groff trod the boards at EPAC, in such shows as "Honk" and "Batboy." When Jonathan went to New York to practice his craft, "Spring Awakening" was the show that really launched his career -- and that of "Glee" star (and Jonathan's BFF) Lea Michele.

Jonathan has continued to perform in New York, in London's West End, on the TV shows "Glee" and "Boss," and in films such as "The Conspirator." 

On Thursday, a great young cast will make the show its own at EPAC!

You can learn more about the show by listening to the "Around the Wood Stove" podcast about it, courtesy of Wood Stove House in Lancaster. EPAC's Artistic Director (and "Spring Awakening" director) Edward R. Fernandez and Josh Kirwin (who plays Melchior in the musical) talk about this edgy show and its challenges.

You can also get a sneak preview of EPAC's production by listening to two songs from the show -- "Touch Me" and "The Song of Purple Summer" -- performed by the cast at Park City last week.

Of the upcoming EPAC production, Jonathan Groff said: "It 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."

There will be more about this show on the EPAC Blog later this week.

Do NOT sleep through your chance to see "Spring Awakening" right here in Ephrata. Visit the Web site or call (717) 733-7966 for tickets. The show runs Thursday through Nov. 10.

-- Merv Wright

A ‘THRILLER’ OF A FUNDRAISER!!

SUPPORTING THE ARTS IS A NO-BRAINER!

The Ephrata Performing Arts Center is playing host to the zombie apocalypse!

Well, actually, it’s the Zombie EPAC-alypse, and it’s going to be a “thriller” of a fundraiser.

The Zombie EPAC-alypse Dance-a-thon is a way to have a fantastic time during the Halloween season AND support the theater we all love! It’s being held at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12, in the ballroom at Lily’s on Main, 124 E. Main St., Ephrata.

There will be dancing, refreshments, a cash bar and prizes for the top fundraisers. Liz Frank, whom you’ve seen perform in such EPAC shows as “Chicago” and “Cats,” will teach everyone the steps to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” dance.

Participants in the dance-a-thon will dance from 7 until 10 p.m., and then watch a fun zombie movie while the fundraising results are being tallied.

Like so many local arts organizations affected by the economic downturn over the past few years, EPAC is always in need of funds to continue presenting the edgy, interesting, provocative, entertaining and soul-shaking theater for which it’s famous. By shaking your zombie booty at the dance-a-thon, you can join fellow friends of EPAC in a fun evening of dancing, laughter, fellowship and fundraising.

To sign up for the Zombie EPAC-alypse Dance-a-Thon, visit the event’s Web site and create a fundraising page. Share it with your friends on social media, and get them to help you raise money for your evening of dancing.

You’ll need to raise a minimum of $75 in order to be admitted to the ballroom for the event; if you raise $100, you’ll get a zombie T-shirt. Gift certificates and other prizes will be awarded for those who raise $200 and $400. And the top fundraisers can choose from prizes including a two-night stay at the Landgrove Inn in Vermont.

Hurry up and register: The names of the first 25 people to register a fundraising page will be put in a special drawing for an additional prize.

Even if you’re unable to attend the event, you can still raise money for EPAC; you can still create a fundraising page and support the theater.

Note: Those under 21 must be accompanied at the event by a parent or guardian.

If you need more information, e-mail questions to: danceathon12@gmail.com. 

     Mary Ellen ("Merv") Wright

OPENING NIGHT OF THE IGUANA!

Top: Kristie Ohlinger and Tim Riggs as Hannah Jelkes and Lawrence Shannon.

Above, Kristie Ohlinger portrays Hannah Jelkes in EPAC's "Night of the Iguana." 

Below: Tricia Corcoran, as Maxine Faulk, pursues Rev. Lawrence Shannon, played by Tim Riggs.

I-GUANA SEE THIS SHOW, AND SO SHOULD YOU!!

Did you ever sit down to watch a play, and found yourself instantly transported into the world of that play?

That’s what happened to me earlier this week, as I watched one of the final rehearsals of Ephrata Performing Arts Center’s production of Tennessee Williams’ “Night of the Iguana.”

Though the air conditioning made the theater cool and comfortable, I instantly felt the heat, the humidity and the sea air as the actors conjured up a summer, 1940, day in the life of some troubled tourists meeting in the seedy Costa Verde resort in Mexico.

Wearing a rumpled white suit, Tim Riggs will make you feel the mental and physical exhaustion of ex-minister Lawrence Shannon, who has led a bus-tour group of griping Baptist biddies (and one sweet young thing) to the hotel.

Shannon, who has already been “locked out” of his former pastorate in Virginia and has been institutionalized for a breakdown, needs a sea breeze on his face and a long rest in a hammock. He’s dragging enough emotional and spiritual baggage to fill that tour-bus 10 times over.

But there’s no rest for the … wicked? … in this play. No one will let Shannon be.

Maxine Faulk (Tricia Corcoran), the pushy, earthy widow of Shannon’s old friend, is trying to get him into her bed in a most un-subtle fashion. Underage Charlotte Goodall (Hannah Smith) is also pursuing him relentlessly, while her guardian, Judith Fellowes (Elizabeth Pattey) browbeats him and tries to get him fired from his low-rent tour gig.

You’ll instantly feel how completely ex-minster Shannon is – like the titular, captive iguana in this play – at the end of his rope

When a destitute, unmarried artist – they called such ladies “spinsters” back then – named Hannah Jelkes (Kristie Ohlinger) and her elderly-poet grandfather, Jonathan “Nonno” Coffin (John Kleimo) check in, the wind shifts.

Characters connect and help each other examine their lives. Shannon is forced to confront his past, his future and his understanding of God.

This is among director Ed Fernandez’s favorite plays, and he’s wanted to direct it for a very long time. He’s clearly happy with how his cast is bringing his vision to life on the stage of the Sharadin Bigler Theatre.

The play is heated and intense, all right, but it’s also funny. Tennessee Williams really understood people – their joys, troubles and wounded psyches. The dude knew how to develop characters, and write dialogue that both wounds and tickles! And this great cast of EPAC veterans knows just what to do with Williams’ great gifts.

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen “Night of the Iguana,” and I have only a vague recollection of how it ends. I still want to be surprised. So, I watched part of the rehearsal – the play is in three acts with two intermissions – and then went home early.

I want to experience “Iguana’s” ending when I can see the full production on its feet later this week.

This show will get under your skin. If you want to experience the world of “Iguana” – learn the characters’ secrets, woes, hopes and motivations as only Tennessee Williams could conjure them up – call the EPAC box office for tickets at (717) 733-7966. You can also order online on the EPAC Web site.

The show opens Thursday, Sept. 6 – hey, that’s tonight! – and runs through Saturday, Sept. 22.

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS!

All those who work for, perform for, volunteer for or enjoy the theater created by the Ephrata Performing Arts Center want to thank John and Mary Hayes from the bottom of our hearts. They’re sponsors for “Night of the Iguana.”


We also thank EPAC’s season sponsors, GreenMountain Cyclery and the Farrington family, and and BlueRidge Communications.

Without support of sponsors like these, EPAC would, quite simply, not be able to boast of such an extraordinary history of well-made, thought-provoking and entertaining theater.

Thanks, also, to Lily’s on Main, 124 E. Main St., Ephrata, which is sponsoring the opening-night after-party tonight. If you’re attending opening night tonight (Sept. 6), your ticket stub will get you into the party after the show. Meet the cast, and enjoy light refreshments, a cash bar and a light-fare menu.

EPAC also loves its loyal subscribers, who also help keep the place humming along.

The theater is always looking for new subscribers and new sponsors, but also for that extra, small donation from new and long-time friends.

Theatergoers’ budgets are tight, and, therefore, times are really, REALLY tough in the arts right now. EPAC can always use whatever support you can give, and will always be extremely grateful for it. Thanks!

THE ROCKIN’ UNDEAD

Speaking of support: EPAC is holding a really fun peer-to-peer fundraiser, called the Zombie EPAC-alypse Dance-a-Thon, from 7-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15, at Lily’s on Main, 124 E. Main St., Ephrata.

Visit this page to learn all about how you can become a dancing fundraiser at this event, which benefits the theater.

There will be prizes for the top fundraisers, and a drawing for a prize among the first 20 people who register their fundraising pages.

You’ll learn the “Thriller” dance, enjoy an evening with people who love EPAC as much as you do, and help raise money to help EPAC continue its important work.

There will be more details in the next blog post.




--- Mary Ellen “Merv” Wright

‘TOMMY': SEE IT, FEEL IT AT EPAC

The cast of EPAC's production of "The Who's Tommy" will dazzle you!

Liz Frank portrays Mrs. Walker in EPAC's production of "The Who's Tommy."

‘TOMMY’: A ‘WIZARD’ 

OF A SHOW AT EPAC

First it was a late-1960s concept album and Los Angeles stage show. Picking up Elton John, Tina Turner, Eric Clapton and Jack Nicholson along the way, it became a trippy 1975 film. It moved to Broadway in 1993, with such Broadway notables as Norm Lewis, Alice Ripley, Sherie Rene Scott and Michael Cerveris in the ensemble.

And now, “The Who’s Tommy” hits the Sharadin Bigler Theatre stage running, as talented director-choreographer Kristin Pontz directs her young, energetic Ephrata Performing Arts Center cast in this venerable rock musical. You know Kristin’s fabulous work from such EPAC shows as “Chicago,” “Rent” and “Cats,” and from concerts by local dance troupes for which she teaches and choreographs: Rev9, Cobalt, e-dance, to name a few.

“The Who’s Tommy” will appeal to the Baby Boomers who fell in love with Pete Townshend and The Who’s music back in the Sixties, and to young adults who love seeing fabulous singing and dancing wrapped around an interesting story. And everyone else in between!!

You know the story: Young Tommy accidentally sees his father kill his mother’s lover at the end of World War II, which leaves the boy catatonic – unable to see, hear or speak. Pain awaits Tommy as his parents seek a cure. Despite – or because of – his senses being stilled, Tommy becomes a “pinball wizard,” and must deal with the consequences and the questions that arise from his fame.

This is a “PG” show; some bad things happen to Tommy that could be disturbing to children. But for everyone else, do yourself a favor and spend the evening rocking out with Tommy and a cast of talented EPAC actors, singers and dancers!

The show opens tonight (Thursday, July 19). You do not want to miss this show; you’ve got until Aug. 4 to see it, but some of the performances are filling up fast. So visit the EPAC Website or call (717) 733-7966 for your tickets!

Don’t forget that, if you’re attending opening night of “Tommy,” your ticket entitles you to enjoy a light-fare menu, light refreshments and a cash bar at the after-party at The Hilltop Inn.

EPAC would like to thank The Hilltop Inn for sponsoring the party. And a huge, HUGE thank you, as always (we can’t thank them enough!!) to Green Mountain Cyclery and the Farrington family, and to Blue Ridge Communications, for being season and show sponsors.

Thanks, also, to everyone who participated in the Pound it Park fundraiser for Parker Harley, on Wednesday’s preview night of “Tommy.” We know the Harley family appreciates your generosity.

BREAK A LEG, JANELL BERTE’!

“Central Avenue Breakdown,” a musical opening tonight at the the New York Theatre Festival, is costumed by local designer Janell Berté. Janell has costumed many shows at EPAC -- making the lovely dresses, for example, seen in this season's "Blithe Spirit." Janell was featured in a spot on WGAL today; she's headed for New York to see her costumes come to life tonight on the stage of the Pershing Square Signature Center on 42nd Street. Read about the show here.

FOUR SHOWS DOWN, FOUR TO GO!

Can you believe EPAC is halfway through its 2012 season? It's been an amazing season so far, and there's a lot more fantastic theater to be made and seen between now and the end of the year. We appreciate our sponsors, patrons and subscribers so very much; without you, there would, literally, be no EPAC. No lights, no sound, no actors, no singing, no dancing ... no shows.

There are a few paid staff members and creative and technical professionals for individual shows. But EPAC runs on thousands of volunteer hours -- from the board, the cast and crew members and lots of miscellaneous volunteers. Those of us who watch all this fabulous theater all year long are indebted to all of them.

That said: EPAC could use more show sponsors and individual donations to keep the theater running, and to keep the wonderful productions of these plays and musicals affordable to our audiences. This theater runs on a shoestring budget; any extra expense that crops up unexpectedly can be devastating to the bottom line of a nonprofit community theater.

So, if you find a few extra dollars in your wallet that you can spare, please put them in the envelope next time you're seeing a show at EPAC, and hand that envelope to Terry Kreider, EPAC's house manager and business manager. You can also use the envelope to write a check to the theater. The folks at EPAC appreciate even the smallest donation, more than you can ever know. Thank you, in advance, for your generosity.

-- Mary Ellen "Merv" Wright, a proud EPAC volunteer.

CAMP FOR CREATIVITY, PREVIEW FOR PARKER

EPAC veteran Eliseo Roman (front row, on the right) figured prominently in the "Leap of Faith" production number at the recent Tony Awards.

Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man! 

Did you see Lancaster native and EPAC veteran ("The Fantasticks," "Jesus Christ Superstar") Eliseo Roman in the "Leap of Faith" production number on the recent Tony Awards telecast? 

From his turn as Judas in EPAC's 1994 production of "Superstar," we knew Eliseo could play a mean tambourine as one of his many marvelous talents. This time, he showed that skill to the whole NATION during his appearance in the number from the Tony-nominated Broadway musical, "Leap of Faith."

Yay, Eliseo!

Calling all Campers!!

If you'd like your kids to experience all the arts this summer, in one FUN camp experience, check out EPAC's Center Stage Summer Theater Camp at the Sharadin Bigler Theatre.

Children completing grades K through 6 can experience music, dance, theater and the visual arts through a camp experience designed to inspire creativity, imagination, risk-taking and storytelling skills.

The camp runs July 9 to Aug. 3. Children can attend from one, two, three or all four weeks, culminating in performances of "Disney's Jungle Book Kids" at 1 and 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 5.

NEW THIS SUMMER: Artistic Director Edward R. Fernandez is offering an Intensive Acting Workshop for students completing grades 7-12. 

The workshop, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 6-17, ends with a 2 p.m. showcase performance on Saturday, Aug. 18.

Click here to register online for the camp.

Visit the EPAC Website, and click on the summer camp logo on the right side of the home page, for camp prices.

Heed the ghost of Noel Coward!

You still have one more chance to see Coward's witty play of beyond-the-grave zaniness, "Blithe Spirit," Saturday, June 23 (today!), at 8 p.m. Kudos to the cast, director, design team and crew for a wonderful run!

Preview for Parker

You may remember a personable young man who helped operate the theater's concession stand during some of EPAC's past special events and preview nights. That's Parker Harley, son of EPAC's former managing director Stephanie Harley.

Parker has been battling some serious health issues over the past few months, and is in need of a liver transplant. So, EPAC is turning the Wednesday, July 18, preview night of "The Who's Tommy" into a benefit performance for Parker.

Your $30 ticket includes a performance of "Tommy" and a summer picnic-themed reception before the show, with food provided by Lily's on Main, The Hill Top Inn and others. Your whole ticket price goes to the Harley family for Parker's future medical needs.

Call (717) 733-7966, or visit the EPAC Website for tickets.

Proud of Pride Performance

The cast and musicians of EPAC's "The Who's Tommy" did a fantastic job performing at Lancaster PA Pride June 16! Visit the EPAC Facebook page for pictures and videos of the performance.

"The Who's Tommy" runs July 19 to Aug. 4 at the Sharadin Bigler Theatre.

                  -- Mary Ellen ("Merv") Wright