'Into the Woods' and EPAC on the Edge

Come “Into the Woods” with EPAC

“Into the woods / Without delay,
But careful not / To lose the way.
Into the woods, / Who knows what may
Be lurking on the journey?
Into the woods / To get the thing
That makes it worth / The journeying. …”

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“Prologue” (Sondheim)

Want to find out what “thing” each of the classic Brothers Grimm fairy-tale characters is journeying “into the woods” to find? Then don’t miss the Stephen Sondheim/James Lapine musical “Into the Woods,” which opens at the Sharadin Bigler Theatre Thursday night (April 28) and runs until May 14.

From a fertility-challenged couple to a spell-casting witch, from a cape-clad girl to a couple of princes in “agony” over their life choices, these characters will get you quickly involved in their sylvan journey.

I sat in on a rehearsal of the show last week, and loved it! Don’t miss the chance to see a great production of an interesting piece of theater. The production is well cast, well acted and well sung … and generally funny, entertaining and touching. Cast members really sink their teeth into that challenging Sondheim score, and travel sure-footedly over some formidable stage geography. This intricate show depends on a large group of actors having great timing – and great traffic control – and EPAC’s production has both in spades!

One of the things I look forward to in each new production of “Into the Woods” is seeing how certain bits of stage business will be handled. How will Little Red be rescued from the Wolf’s stomach? In what form will the birds appear, to speak to Cinderella? What will Milky White (the cow) look like? I can guarantee you’ll be entertained by how cleverly this production deals with it all.

When I start wiping away tears during a rehearsal, I can be confident that the finished show will really get to me. I had remembered the tragedies that befall the fairy-tale characters in Act II. What I didn’t recall until I watched the rehearsal is how touching the songs are in the second act, as sung by a small group of the characters dealing with the consequences of their actions. Watching them bond over their plight – and work together to survive – is a delight.

Finally, every time I see “Into the Woods,” another layer of meaning opens up for me as a viewer. The show touches on the characters’ quests and personal choices, and the consequences of those choices. The show imagines the alternative endings that well-known fairy tales might have in the real world. It’s about the importance of stories and storytellers in our lives. It’s about how we pass life lessons on to children; about the power of community, and about getting on with life after you’ve been dealt a terrible hand.

Be sure to listen carefully to the Baker’s Wife’s song, “Moments in the Woods,” in Act II. Hearing those lyrics during EPAC’s 1995 production of “Into the Woods” helped open up even more layers in the piece for me. We need our quotidian lives in order to appreciate those special moments in the woods, and we need the woods to appreciate what’s special about our everyday lives.

“Oh, if life were made of moments, /
Even now and then a bad one-! /
But if life were only moments, /
Then you'd never know you had one. …”

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"Moments in the Woods" (Sondheim)

To help you get into the mood for the show, check out the promotional video on the EPAC website (click on the "Into the Woods" icon). Check out the EPAC cast of “Into the Woods” here.

Call the EPAC box office at 733-7966, ext. 1, for tickets, or visit the website.

Getting Edgy with EPAC

A Tony-nominated play is the next offering in the “EPAC on the Edge” series of staged readings for adult audiences.

Douglas Carter Beane’s witty, topical comedy “The Little Dog Laughed,” which was nominated for the Best Play Tony in 2007, will be presented at 8 p.m. Monday, May 9. Your ticket includes a 7:30 p.m. wine-and-cheese reception before the show.

The show concerns Mitchell, an actor on the verge of Hollywood stardom; Diane, his sarcastic lesbian agent, and Alex and Ellen, a male hustler and his girlfriend. Diane is worried that Mitchell’s physical relationship with Alex will torpedo his burgeoning career.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Call the box office at 733-7966. NOTE: This show is for ADULTS ONLY; it contains nudity and adult language.

Fascinating fact from this week’s New York Times: Douglas Carter Beane was the script doctor for the new “Sister Act” musical on Broadway. See the Times story here.

Saturday with Suzanne

Columbia-born comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer blew into EPAC Saturday, April 16, amid some hair-raising, stormy weather. But she didn’t let the heavy rain beating down on the theater’s roof stop her from delivering a virtuoso comedy performance that had the audience howling with laughter for close to an hour and a half. The sold-out show was a fundraiser for the theater.

EPAC thanks everyone who came out in the storm to enjoy Suzanne’s unique take on everything from her very religious sister to her recent breakup to the way different generations approach Gay Pride events. We thank Suzanne for graciously posing for photos, signing autographs and chatting with her fans in the lobby for such a long time after the show ended.

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# Mary Ellen “Merv” Wright

"13" IS A LUCKY NUMBER FOR EPAC

Robert Horn, writer of the book for the musical "13," will do a talk-back at EPAC after Friday night's performance.

The energetic cast of EPAC's "13."

TEEN ANGELS

If you want to see a group of really talented teenagers, performing in a smart, funny show with wonderful music, do yourself a favor and come see the musical “13” at EPAC (it opens tonight!) Or, if you’re a teenager who wants to see your story brought to musical life on the stage (or an adult who can look back on his/her teen years with humor, horror and nostalgia) … you’ll love “13”! It’s opening tonight at the Sharadin Bigler Theatre at EPAC, and runs through April 2. The show was written by Robert Horn (keep reading to find out how to see him in person on Friday at EPAC!) and Dan Elish, with music by Jason Robert Brown (whose music you may remember from EPAC’s “The Last Five Years.”)

I saw “13” at the preview performance last night, and loved every minute of it. The music is great, and the book of the musical is hilarious (I laughed a LOT!). Director/choreographer Cody Smith has done a fantastic job of bringing this musical to the stage (and the young people in the cast bring humor and heart to the script; lovely voices to the songs, and all that wonderful, youthful energy to Cody’s clever choreography).

The show centers around the character of nearly-13-year-old Evan Goldman, whose parents’ separation has caused his sudden move from New York City to a small town in Indiana. There, Evan feels compelled to make friends with the “cool kids” and get them to come to his upcoming Bar Mitzvah. In the course of a musical evening, you'll hear about raging hormones; bullies; living with illness (with dignity and humor); friendships broken and mended; who's hot; who's a geek, and how to navigate all of these choppy teenage waters.

Kudos to Cody, the cast (see them here) and the wonderful pit orchestra (under the direction of JP Meyer). If you want to experience a delightful night (or afternoon) at the theater (and enjoy watching talented kids express their creativity on stage), don’t miss this show!

Keep in mind that the show has some PG-13 humor; while you won’t hear cursing, you’ll hear the teens discuss what teens talk about – finding someone “hot,” wanting to get a French kiss from someone, and so forth. But that’s what makes the show so real. The show is recommended for audiences ages 12 and up.

EPAC is very grateful to the sponsors for "13": Terry Bigler & Terry Kurtz; Zeller Travel; Blue Ridge Communications, the Ephrata Public Library, and the Ephrata Recreation Center.

“13” WRITER -- IN PERSON, AT EPAC!!

You’ll have an extra-special treat if you buy your tickets for this Friday night’s performance of “13” (March 25). The writer of the book for the musical, Robert Horn, will be at EPAC for a meet-and-greet reception and talk-back right after the show. Robert’s impressive resume’ also includes screenwriting (the upcoming Disney movies “Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure” (the next in the “High School Musical series) and “The Suite Life Movie” (as in Zack & Cody), and writing/producing for such TV series as “Designing Women” and “Living Single.”

Robert and EPAC’s own Ed Fernandez met in high school, when both were trying out for a production of “Peter Pan.” (Hey … maybe we can get Robert to tell us what Ed was like in high school!) Later, Ed and Robert lived in Greenwich Village, where they evolved as artists (and performed plays in friends’ apartments!). They’ve been friends for decades, but, before their reunion Wednesday night, Ed and Robert hadn’t seen each other in person in about 30 years.

I met Robert Wednesday night at EPAC as he and Ed were (hilariously) reminiscing about their halcyon days in New York. Robert is charming and funny; you’ll see for yourself if you come to Friday’s performance.

Thanks to Expressions Limousine of Lancaster, both for picking Robert Horn up at the airport and bringing him to Ephrata and for promoting EPAC so often (especially in its Facebook postings!).

OPENING NIGHT

If you come to tonight's opening-night performance of "13" (March 24), your ticket includes the opening-night reception following the show. The party will be at the Ephrata Main Theatre, 124 E. Main St., Ephrata, where there will be a cash bar for the adults, snacks for the teens and a free showing of the movie "Rango." Thanks to Green Mountain Cyclery (and an anonymous donor) for sponsoring the opening-night festivities. For tickets, call 733-7966 or visit EPAC's website.

“TEENIE” TICKETS

For theatergoers ages 13-19, EPAC is offering a special “TEENie” ticket price – just $13 -- for the Sunday, March 27, matinee of “13.” The show is at 2 p.m.; call the EPAC box office at 733-7966 for tickets (or visit the website).

# Mary Ellen ("Merv") Wright

IT'S ALL ABOUT "OF MICE AND MEN"!

Above: Rehearsing for EPAC's "Of Mice and Men" are, from left, Timothy Scott Riggs, Matt Rush and Megan Baum.A first-edition book cover of "Of Mice and Men," and a poster for the 1939 film version.

IT’S OPEN SEASON!

EPAC at the Sharadin Bigler Theatre ushers in its 2011 season with John Steinbeck’s dramatic Depression-era masterpiece “Of Mice and Men,” which runs from Feb. 24 to March 5. The show stars Tim Riggs as George and Matt Rush as Lennie – two characters who dream of finding a refuge from their lives as migrant workers. If you’re coming to the show on opening night, Thursday, Feb. 24, your ticket price includes the post-show Opening Night Celebration at Lily’s on Main, 124 E. Main St., Ephrata.

A WORD FOR OUR SPONSORS

EPAC extends its grateful thanks to the 2011 season sponsors, Terry Bigler and Terry Kurtz; to the "Of Mice and Men" show sponsors, The Anne Brossman Sweigart Charitable Foundation and the Lancaster Literary Guild, and to the sponsors of the Feb. 24 Opening Night Celebration, Jenn Farringon and everyone at Green Mountain Cyclery! If you see any of these people (or members of these organizations), please tell them how much you appreciate their support of live, community theater!

Speaking of the Lancaster Literary Guild: There's still time to join the Guild for its Sponsor Night Preview of the show, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23. The event is a fundraiser for the Guild, and also helps support EPAC. Tickets are $30 each. See the EPAC website for more information.

FOOD DRIVE FOR THOSE IN NEED

EPAC’s upcoming production, “Of Mice and Men,” is set during the Depression – a time of economic crisis and personal struggle similar to that being experienced by so many in our community today. To help those in the community who may be struggling to put food on the table, EPAC is holding a food drive for the Ephrata Area Social Services Food Bank throughout the run of “Of Mice and Men.”

All EPAC patrons who donate two or more nonperishable food items will be eligible to enter a drawing to win dinner at The Olde Lincoln House, Ephrata, and two tickets to any 2011 EPAC show. If you’re not attending “Of Mice and Men” but still want to donate, visit the EPAC website or call the box office, (717) 733-7966, extension 1, to find out when you can bring food donations to the theater.

STUDENT TICKETS FOR $10!

Student tickets for all performances of “Of Mice and Men” are just $10; a current student ID is required. Contact the EPAC box office, (717) 733-7966, extension 1, to reserve your seats. Seats are also still available for the school-day performance of the show, on Friday, March 4. Contact Stephanie Harley at sharley@dejazzd.com for more information.

“OF MICE AND MEN”: DID YOU KNOW …?

Ø John Steinbeck originally intended to call his 1937 novella “Something That Happened." He changed the name to “Of Mice and Men” after reading Robert Burns’ 1785 poem “To A Mouse …” That poem, in which the speaker expresses remorse that a mouse’s nest has been disturbed by a plough, contains the lines:
“The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men / Gang aft agley …” (which became the common saying, “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.”)

Ø John Steinbeck originally intended “Of Mice and Men” to be sort of a play in novella form. The structure of the book can be seen as three “acts” of two chapters apiece. Famed Broadway playwright and director George S. Kaufman contacted Steinbeck, soon after the publication of “Of Mice and Men,” about adapting the work to the stage.

Ø The first stage production of the work was written by Steinbeck and staged by Kaufman. Starring Wallace Ford as George and Broderick Crawford as Lennie, it opened on Broadway in November 1937 and ran for 207 performances.The play was revived on Broadway in 1974, with Kevin Conway as George and James Earl Jones as Lennie.

Ø The first film adaptation of “Of Mice and Men” (1939) starred Lon Chaney Jr. as Lennie and Burgess Meredith as George, and earned four Oscar nominations (including Best Original Score for Aaron Copland, and Best Picture).

Ø In 1969, Carlisle Floyd wrote an opera based on the book; it is still produced around the country.

Ø February is a great month for EPAC to present this production. John Steinbeck was born Feb. 27, 1902, and the book was published Feb. 6, 1937.

# -- Merv Wright

EPAC veterans shine!

Above: EPAC veteran Eliseo Roman, portraying “Buddy Garcia,” rehearses with Georgi James (as “Olive”) for La Jolla Playhouse's world-premiere musical "Little Miss Sunshine." Photo from the North Country Times.

Below: Jonathan Groff in a scene from the film “Twelve Thirty.” Photo from the film’s official website.

WHAT’S NEW WITH A COUPLE OF EPAC ALUMNI …

Nonprofit community theater is many things … including a training ground for professional actors and Broadway stars. EPAC is no exception. Here’s what’s new with a couple of stellar EPAC veterans:

ELISEO ROMAN: Beginning tomorrow (Tuesday, Feb. 15), former EPAC actor (and Lancaster native) Eliseo Roman will be appearing in the world-premiere musical “Little Miss Sunshine” (based on the popular indie film) at the prestigious La Jolla Playhouse in California. You might remember Eliseo from such 1990s EPAC roles as Dr. Neville Craven in "The Secret Garden"; El Gallo in “The Fantasticks,” and Judas in “Jesus Christ, Superstar.” Now a New York City resident, Eliseo made his Broadway debut as Piragua Guy in the Tony-winning musical “In the Heights.” He also sings with Broadway Inspirational Voices.

“Little Miss Sunshine” was written by William Finn and James Lapine and is directed by Lapine (a Franklin & Marshall College graduate). Lapine wrote the book for the Stephen Sondheim musical, “Into the Woods,” being presented at EPAC April 28-May 14. The Finn/Lapine team also collaborated on “The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” a 2010 offering at EPAC.

You can see some rehearsal footage from "Little Miss Sunshine" on the website of the The San Diego Union-Tribune. Look for Eliseo at about the 2:20 mark.

JONATHAN GROFF: Fresh from his London West End debut, portraying Clifford Anderson in the play “Deathtrap,” Jonathan Groff can be seen in two upcoming films: “Twelve-Thirty” and “The Conspirator.”

Jonathan, who starred in “Batboy” and “Honk!” at EPAC, earned a Tony nomination for his portrayal of Melchior Gabor in “Spring Awakening” on Broadway, and has appeared as “Jesse St. James” on the TV show “Glee.” Jonathan also appeared in a benefit cabaret for the theater, and was a “prize” (well, a dinner with him) at the theater’s New Year’s Eve benefit raffle. EPAC appreciates Jonathan’s generosity in helping raise funds in order to put on future productions.

Jonathan received great reviews for his portrayal of Michael Lang in Ang Lee's "Taking Woodstock." Starting this month, Jonathan can be seen as Jeff (a young man who affects all of the members of a broken family in the course of one week) in the Jeff Lipsky film “Twelve Thirty.” More information about the film (including a trailer featuring Jonathan) is available at the movie’s official website.

In “The Conspirator,” Jonathan portrays Louis Weichmann, one of the chief witnesses for the prosecution in the conspiracy trial surrounding the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. “The Conspirator,” a Robert Redford-directed film featuring Robin Wright and James McAvoy, is scheduled to open in April. More information about the film is available at the official website. You can see Jonathan briefly at about the 1:40 mark in the trailer for the film.

In addition, Jonathan recently came home to Lancaster County to visit his old middle school (where he first began acting). His visit was covered by the Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era . Jonathan recently gave an interview to Playbill.com, in which he talked about “Deathtrap,” “Glee,” “Twelve-Thirty” and “The Conspirator.” You can read it here.

# -- Merv Wright

Auditions and a benefit event

CASTING CALL!

We all know that The Ephrata Performing Arts Center at the Sharadin Bigler Theatre has an extremely talented group of theater veterans performing in its shows. But the theater is always looking for new talent! Whether you're a long-time performer, or you've always had a hankering to try out but have never quite made it to auditions, EPAC wants to see you a couple of weeks from now.

EPAC will hold its general auditions for the second half of its 2011 season at the following times:

· 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26.

· Noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27.

· 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28

· 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 1.

Volunteers are needed to help run the registration table and assist in other ways during the auditions; if you can help out, please e-mail your availability (days and times) to epac@ptd.net

Those interested in auditioning can get more information about the monologue/song they should prepare by visiting EPAC’s audition web page.

These are the summer, fall and holiday-season shows being cast:

· Two boys are left in the care of their grandmother and aunt in 1940s Yonkers, NY, in Neil Simon’s Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy-drama “Lost in Yonkers.” The coming-of-age play, which opened on Broadway 20 years ago this month, runs June 2-11.

· EPAC reprises the razzle-dazzle of the popular Kander & Ebb musical “Chicago” from July 7-23. This Jazz Age tale of murder, fame and showbiz introduces us to merry murderesses Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, and their slick and clever lawyer, Billy Flynn.

· Four gay young men from a Baptist church in Dallas, Texas, search for acceptance in different ways in EPAC’s Monday, Aug. 8, staged reading of “Southern Baptist Sissies.” This play, part of the “EPAC On the Edge” series of staged readings (for adults only) was written by Del Shores (author of “Sordid Lives,” which EPAC presented during its 2006 season).

· A psychiatrist must discover why a teenage stable hand has attacked and blinded several horses in Peter Shaffer’s dark and complex Tony Award-winning play, “Equus,” being presented Sept. 8-17.

· EPAC’s Halloween gift to its audience this year is the campy, over-the-top “Evil Dead: The Musical,” set for Oct. 20-Nov. 5. A spoof of/homage to Sam Raimi’s “Evil Dead” movie franchise, the show concerns a group of students in a remote cabin, fighting off (and being possessed by) “Candarian demons.”

· The EPAC audience will go down “Memory” lane with the perennial feline favorite “Cats,” which is slated to run from Dec. 7-18). Which singing, dancing Jellicle Cat will be chosen to go up to the Heaviside Layer? Try out to find out!

To register for an audition time, fill out an EPAC audition form online.

EPAC Artistic Director Edward R. Fernandez notes that the age requirements for the casts of these shows are as follows:

· “Lost in Yonkers”: Two male teen actors, ages 13-15; other roles, adults ages 20 and up.

· “Chicago,” “Evil Dead: The Musical” and “Equus”: Ages 18 and up.

· “Cats”: Ages 13 and up.

· “The Evil Dead: The Musical”: Ages 18 and up.

BENEFIT FOR A VERY SPECIAL PERFORMANCE

All of the proceeds from the Women’s Club of Ephrata’s 60th Annual Dinner Dance and Auction will benefit EPAC’s Family Series production of the musical “13,” for those with hearing or sight impairments and those who are physically disabled. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 12, in the Main Ballroom of the American Legion Home in Ephrata, with a cocktail hour (cash bar), followed by the dinner, dancing and an auction. Tickets are $60 per person; call Jean Brodt at 733-0318, or buy them in person from the EPAC Box Office or the Historic Smithton Inn Bed and Breakfast, 900 W. Main St., Ephrata. You can order tickets to the event by downloading an RSVP order form.

# -- Merv Wright

ANOTHER OP’NIN’, ANOTHER SHOW!

(Above: It's time to buy tickets to EPAC's 2011 season! Below: EPAC Board President Terry Bigler accepts the recent Subscriber Party audience's thanks for his financial support of the theater (which now bears his name, along with that of the late Michael Sharadin).

Welcome to the Ephrata Performing Arts Center’s exciting and varied 2011 season, filled with new shows and old favorites, with edgy staged readings and family fare. And all of these marvelous productions will be presented under the banner of a brand-new name for this storied performing space.

WHAT’S IN A NAME? A PAIR OF THEATER ANGELS!

You'll notice something different about the Ephrata Performing Arts Center during this 2011 season: The nonprofit community theater's name has been changed to the Ephrata Performing Arts Center at the Sharadin Bigler Theatre. The theater’s new name is a tribute to EPAC's Ultra Angel, the The Michael Sharadin & Terry Bigler Foundation – a longtime season sponsor here at EPAC. The foundation, named for EPAC Board President Terry Bigler and the late Michael Sharadin, recently made a 10-year, $400,000 pledge of support toward helping EPAC pay off the mortgage debt from the extensive 2003-04 expansion and renovations to the theater. Sharadin and Bigler’s generosity will be celebrated each time a wonderful production is performed at the theater that now bears their names.

You, too, can help EPAC to retire its debt. The theater needs an additional $100,000 to guarantee the full repayment of the mortgage, and a renewed capital campaign is under way to achieve that goal. For more information on how to contribute to the capital campaign (or to sponsor a show or advertise in the program) call EPAC at 733-7966 or visit the website (under “Support EPAC”).

A SEASON OF CAT AND MOUSE

You might say the 2011 season starts with mice and ends with cats; it opens later this month with the play “Of Mice and Men,” and ends with a holiday-season production of the musical “Cats” in December. The season’s first production, “Of Mice and Men” -- the stage adaptation of John Steinbeck’s tragic novel of two migrant farm workers with a dream -- runs from Feb. 24 to March 5.

Opening night is just around the corner. Tickets are now available for individual productions, all of which are listed under the “Shows” menu on the website. Please consider buying one of the various season subscription packages, listed under the “Tickets” menu on the website. Subscribers enjoy discounts on ticket prices; priority seating in the theater; discounts on extra tickets; an invitation to the free, annual subscriber’s party/performance, and much more.

A LITERARY EVENING

EPAC appreciates the Lancaster Literary Guild’s sponsorship of “Of Mice and Men.” You can join the Guild for its Sponsor Night Preview of the show, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23. The event is a fundraiser for the Guild, and also helps support EPAC. Tickets are $30 each, which includes the show and a dessert buffet during intermission. Checks should be sent to: The Lancaster Literary Guild, 113 N. Lime St., Lancaster, PA 17602. Please make checks payable to the Lancaster Literary Guild, and write "Of Mice and Men" in the memo line. Those who are friends of the Literary Guild’s Facebook page can find more information on this event at: http://tiny.cc/vpnp4

WHO’S WHO?

EPAC is known for its talented roster of regular performers, and for the yearly addition of new players upon the stage. On the EPAC website, you can find the cast lists for the first three productions of the season:

§ "Of Mice and Men" (Feb. 24-March 5): http://www.ephrataplayhouseinthepark.org/mice_cast.html

§ The Family Series musical "13" (March 24 - April 2): http://www.ephrataplayhouseinthepark.org/13_cast.html

§ The Stephen Sondheim musical "Into the Woods" (April 28-May 14): http://www.ephrataplayhouseinthepark.org/woods_cast.html

You can find audition information for the second half of the season on EPAC’s website (under "Auditions"); there will be a separate blog post within the next couple of days about those auditions, so stay tuned!

WE NEED YOUR TALENT!

Being a non-profit community theater, EPAC survives and thrives on its enthusiastic volunteers – from the actors to the ushers, from the board members to the scene painters, from the stage crew to the folks who put up flyers and publicize the shows. But a lot more help is always needed from those who love this performing arts center and want to help it run more smoothly. Do you have mad computer skills? Are you fabulous at fundraising? Are you event-planning skills beyond compare? Then please consider being a volunteer; EPAC can use all the talents you have to offer. You’ll love being a part of the EPAC family, and knowing you’ve done your part to help this community theater produce the great art you’ve always admired. You can start the process by visiting the link below and filling out a volunteer form. Thank you, in advance!

http://www.formstack.com/forms/ephrataperformingartscenter-epac_participation_form

# -- Merv Wright

Benefit Bash, Willy Wonka and more: December at EPAC!

Remember when the Ephrata Performing Arts Center was just a summer theater? Wow, have times ever changed! It's a very busy December at EPAC, and we hope you'll enjoy all the theater has to offer during this holiday season.

### RESERVATIONS DUE FOR BENEFIT BASH

To quote the late, great Frank Loesser, "... Here comes the jackpot question in advance: What are you doing New Year's ... New Year's Eve?" EPAC has a great answer to that question! If you want to ring in the new year with the EPAC family (and support the theater at the same time), don't forget to order your tickets to the New Year's Benefit Bash Friday, Dec. 31, at Lily's on Main. Reservations close on Thursday, Dec. 15, so don’t delay. A ticket for the evening costs $100 (which includes hors d'oeuvres at 7 p.m.; a gourmet dinner at 8; live music and dancing from 9:30- 12:30; a midnight ball drop and champagne toast, and a $25 tax-deductible donation to EPAC.) Party-only tickets (for the music and dancing part of the evening) are $25 each.

The evening also includes the drawing for two fantastic raffle prizes. You don't have to attend the Benefit Bash to order tickets for the raffles; tickets are $10 each or $40 for five, and can be bought through the EPAC box office or by visiting the EPAC website: www.ephrataperformingartscenter.com

Raffle prizes are:

*** Dinner for two (at Lily’s on Main) with Broadway, film and television star (and EPAC veteran) Jonathan Groff (of "Spring Awakening," “Glee,” "Deathtrap" and "Taking Woodstock" fame). The prize also includes an overnight stay at the Historic Smithson Inn.

*** Airline Tickets for two to anywhere in the continental United States (courtesy of Zeller Travel).

The Benefit Bash evening also features a silent auction, for which you can bid in advance (once again, you don't have to attend the Bash in order to bid). You can fill out a bidding form here: http://tiny.cc/jrqb1

Items up for auction include a two-night getaway at the historic Landgrove Inn in Vermont; a one-week stay at a guest house in Italy's Tuscany region; a framed, autographed "Wicked" poster; an EPAC redware plate, created and signed by artist (and EPAC veteran) Andrew Loercher, and a handmade brass, gold and white topaz "Grey Gardens" brooch. Visit EPAC's website for more information on these items.

You can order Benefit Bash or raffle tickets online at: http://tiny.cc/7h0j5

### "WILLY WONKA" IS A SWEET TREAT!

I was delighted to take in the opening night of "Willy Wonka: The Musical" Thursday, and I can guarantee a very entertaining evening for kids of all ages! From the adult and child actors to the singing-and-dancing ensemble of young people to the little squirrels and the singing, marching Oompa-Loompas, the cast delivers a lively and enjoyable show. Let Willy Wonka -- author Roald Dahl's creation of "pure imagination" -- take you and your family on a rollicking, musical tour of the craziest chocolate factory you're likely to see. This tasty holiday treat runs through Dec. 19. Call 733-7966 or visit the EPAC website for tickets.

### SANTALAND, REDUX!

If you missed last year's hilarious staged reading of "The Santaland Diaries," don't get your jingle bells in a twist. You have another chance to see this witty piece of dark holiday comedy from the pen of humorist David Sedaris. The play is based on Sedaris' experiences working as a holiday elf at Macy's department store’s Santaland. This performance, part of the EPAC on the Edge series, is set for 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20 (preceded by a wine-and-cheese reception at 7 p.m.). Adults only, please! Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Call the box office for tickets.

### 2011 AUDITIONS

A reminder: Auditions for the first half of the 2011 EPAC season ("Of Mice and Men," "13," "Into the Woods," and a staged reading of "The Little Dog Laughed") will be held Thursday, Dec. 16, through Sunday, Dec. 19. Click on the "Auditions" menu on the EPAC website for more information.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS to everyone in the EPAC family!

-- Merv Wright