Bringing the arts to the streets

A new theme for the year is to bring the arts out of the studio classroom environment and bring it to the community. We see so many children transformed through the performing arts, but we need to CAW that it is happening right here, right now!

Here's our idea. Workshops that engage people. Simple. One day stands. No big commitment. Just come and experience it instead of just watching it. It is crazy good stuff to watch the Hot Mamas Adult Hip Hop dance. Who are they? Not some group on famous hip hop group about to appear on So You Think You Can Dance. What's in a name - they are MOMS! The "hot" part probably has more to do with sweaty than sexy, but they really do glisten at the end of a Thursday night workout with Joe Bell (now he is hot!) Drop ins are always welcome. Give it a try!

Acting - The Art of Transformation is September 28th. Work with Jonathan Siegle, a well known actor, director, on learning how to transform into the body of another. Kind of a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde thing but using theatre techniques you could only experience in a college level course. Maybe you will be inspired to join the Black Feather Players, our new adult theatre company. Not your traditional acting company but when has Upstart Crow ever followed tradition? A chance to experience community theatre. Why? Because it is fun. Not as sweaty as hot mamas but a great place to stretch your wings. September 28th - 5 - 9 PM Ages 16 though adult.

Mask-erade - a fun furlough day for kids ages 7 - 12. Make your own mask and costume and use them acting on stage in Where the Wild Things Are and dancing to Thriller. A full day of no school work, just fun! October 11  9 - 3 PM

We will be doing workshops at the Eugene Public library on December 1 and March 2. We plan to have a Hip Hop Workshop in February. More acting workshops and theatre discussion groups (like a book club only discussing plays) at local brewhouses.

Watch for all the opportunities to engage in the arts. Think outside of the box and explore the world of the arts! Come for the day and just maybe you will stay!

The Black Feather Players

Raven Maven believes that when one door closes, you had better be ready for the next one to open. With the postponement of our summer stock production of Sweeney Todd, that is exactly what has happened.

Sweeney Todd was to be the launch of our new adult theatre company. The struggles to build a new  company, obtain the rights to the property of Sweeney Todd, and finally the illness of our lead, Mrs. Lovett, it seemed that all hope was lost and the work over the past year was for naught. I did not bank on the sturdy constitution of the troupe and the bond that had formed in just a few short weeks.

Unwilling to give up on the momentum they had built in the prior weeks of rehearsal, the company wanted to perform this summer, if the right material could be found. The door opened and The Black Feather Players walked through rising from the ashes of Sweeney Todd to produce Fireside Theatre, a series of ghostly tales to be performed round the campfire.

With a more adult theme to these ghostly stories, the kickoff event will be a Pub Crawl joining with our Brew House neighbors. Hop Valley has just opened down the street and Oakshire Brewery is around the corner on Madison. Our long time supporter, Ninkasi is on Van Buren, making the 1st Avenue Crawl the perfect event to introduce The Black Feather Players. There will be a different performance at each pub on July 25th beginning at 8:00 PM. Check out the web site event page for more information.

Upstart Crow miracles usually happen on a wing and a prayer, so this is no exception. The troupe is excited about the opportunities to work with Jonathan Siegle, a well respected and long time director here in the area. We are delighted to be able to offer our older students and adults a way to continue their dramatic talents. So as the Sweeney Todd door closes, please welcome The Black Feather Players through the new door.

And those of you who were so anxiously awaiting the Sweeney Todd production, never fear. The Demon Barber of Fleet Street may show up on 1st Avenue yet, come June 2014.

If you would like to join The Black Feather Players you must be 16 years of age or older. Call the office for more information.

Adult theatre comes to the Crow

Raven Maven has exciting news for all Crows. Upstart Crow Studios is taking a new direction this summer with adult summer stock. Jonathan Siegle, a well known director and now retired drama teacher at Springfield High, will be heading up the summer stock in its pilot production, Sweeney Todd. This is an exciting position for the Crow to be in and we are thrilled to be able to bring this addition to adult actors/actresses in the community.

With so many of our young people graduating and moving into theater arts programs around the country, we have long seen the Crow as a training ground and feeder system for theatre companies and theatre arts departments. Students have acted in productions at The Shedd, Pleasant Hill Theatre, Cottage Theatre, Lane Community Theatre and UO Robinson Theatre. Some are in theatre, music and film from New York to Los Angeles, and have been invited to workshops and summer courses from some of the top people in the industry. We are proud that their training began here at the Crow, but more so that they have taken flight based on their confidence and talents.

The demand for summer theatre has risen over the past few years and since the Crow is known for its edgey approach to innovative projects, it seemed a good fit to extend the program to adults, recognizing this new emerging market. As young people return for the summer and are looking for challenging work and parents are looking for opportunities to explore their own acting skills, we are lucky to have Jonathan recognize the professional theater setting at the Crow and our ability to produce quality work.

So join us Saturday for auditions for Sweeney Todd. We are looking for adults age 16 and up for this dark look at the streets of London. Contact the office by email or phone and we will send you out the vocal material required for this audition. An accompanist will be available. Auditions will be held upstairs in the vocal department from 1 to 4 pm. Check the web site for more information. We look forward to this new summer stock production and if you are not on stage, please join us in the audience. Prepare to be amazed!

Auditions - Saturday, April 20 from 1 - 4 PM  Vocal audition material supplied on request.
Looking for range and expression. Prepare a short monologue as well as the requested vocal material.

Rehearsals begin in May. Show dates July 18 - 21 & July 26 - 28

Savannah Knight Meigs - Star on the Rise!

Savannah Knight Meigs is our Rising Star this week. Savannah is a great Crow following in her brother, Nick's foot steps, she has been hanging around the Crow since 2007. She has been in 20 shows and that is quite a few when you consider she is only 12 years old.

Savannah is a costume and prop master! Along with her mom, Heidi, Savannah has spent many long hours working in the backstage, organizing costumes and making props. She made the maid hats we used in Annie from laughing cow containers. We have since used those hats in several shows, the latest was Aladdin as the hats for the Sultan's servants.

The best thing about Savannah is that you can always count on her. She is ready to step into a role, pick up lines, come in for extra rehearsals and work with other cast members as well as the crew. Here are her plans for a future in theatre. Can't wait to bring her on a director's role!

"I enjoy sewing, knitting, crafting, and embroidery. Along with swimming, and a little bit of carpentry. I would like to go to the UO with a theater degree majoring in costume, set, and prop design."

Crow Readers vote for The Best Theater In Eugene

Raven Maven here, with some exciting news to Caw about. Thanks to your itchy voting fingers we made it into the final selections for Best Theater in Eugene. Time to shift into high gear and vote us into the number one spot.

There are five nominees in the category of Best Theater. The procedure is the same as the nomination, but now the drop down window will give you choices and we hope you vote for Upstart Crow. Odd pairings with the local movie houses but that is even a better reason to have your vote counted. Bringing the family to a live theatre experience offers kids an opportunity to engage in the arts in a personal and more meaningful way. It is live, not generated. Voting for the Crow demonstrates that these kids have so much to gain from the live theatre experience.

Click here to begin. Scroll to the bottom of the page and hit next. Repeat this until you arrive at the last page and the last category in the Entertainment Field. From the drop down menu under Theater, choose Upstart Crow. Then submit. You may only vote once from your email address. Once you submit the information, you will receive a thank you from the Register Guard for your vote. And a great big thank you from the Raven Maven!

Now get out there and VOTE.

RG Readers Choice Award - Let's hear it for the Crow!

THE REGISTER-GUARD READERS CHOICE — NOMINATE UPSTART CROW!

We’re very lucky, not only to have amazing young people to represent Upstart Crow in the community, but to have a family of supporters. Our hope is that we can show the Eugene/Springfield community why Upstart Crow is the best and most positive theatre experience for kids.

Thanks to The Register-Guard, we have that opportunity. The 2013 Reader’s Choice Awards is underway, and we’d love to be nominated. Wait a minute -- we’d love to win! Only YOU can help make this happen. Here’s what you can do:

1. Click here to nominate us for Best Non-Profit. (link the word HERE to http://ow.ly/hq0ZL
   
2. Scroll to the bottom and click on the blue bar that says CLICK HERE TO START YOUR NOMINATIONS.
   
3. In the dark blue bar, hit the NEXT PAGE button. You'll need to do this six times to get to the Entertainment & Recreation section on page 7 (yes, a VERY tedious process).
   
4. Once you arrive to the Entertainment & Recreation page, scroll to the bottom to the very last category, THEATER.
   
5. Type UPSTART CROW STUDIOS in the box and click 'Next Page'.
   
6. Fill in your name and email address.
   
7. Click SUBMIT.
   

If you've gone through the process correctly, you'll get a 'Thank You' email from The Register-Guard.

The nomination phase goes through February 17th. The top 3 nominated businesses in each category will go through to the next phase. If we make it, we'll need your votes. Voting takes place February 25-March 11. We'll let you know if we're in the final round! Let's get out there and CROW! Thanks in advance for your support. 

Aidan Ziegler Hansen - Our Rising Star

After watching an old video of Aladdin from February 2005, it was striking to see Aidan in a principal role at the age of 10. Realizing he has been involved in the Theatre program at the Crow for over 8 years, is a tribute to the dedication of this young man. From principal to chorus, Aidan has displayed all the Rising Star attributes that say Crow. We recognize Aidan as a Rising Star not because he has been here so long, but because he is "always" here for the staff, cast and students in the building. His passion makes him an artist but his compassion truly make him a Crow. Ask any student at the Crow, and they will tell you they want to be like Aidan. They have seen him or watched him in a role and it has inspired them to take their place on stage. His role at the Studios inspires the younger students to set their own goals, gain self confidence and respect the strengths of the one as you work in a cast of many.

In his own words, Aidan talks about his life as a Crow.

"I plan to study musical theatre in college and become a working professional making a living performing.  

I am currently involved in the South Eugene High School select jazz choir, Dorians; South Eugene Theatre Program, currently working on Roger and Hammerstein's Carousel; Utah Ballroom Dance Company, semi professional touring dance company; All That! Dance Company; just finished working with the Angel Hair Foundation on their fundraiser performance Shall We Dance.

The Crow was the beginning.  That is where I first had the opportunity to perform and develop my love for the stage and performing arts.  The Crow gave me the support to realize my love of the theatre and inspired me to make my passion become my career." 

Aidan graduates this year from South Eugene High School. His rigorous academic program includes AP (advanced placement) classes, completing the highest math class offered at South and he maintains a 4.0 GPA. These are the stories about Aidan you don't hear. But we all know that wherever Aidan flies, the Crow will always be home.

Star On The Rise - Sabrina Gross

Our Star On The Rise this week is the lovely Sabrina Gross! No surprise as to the talent this girl has displayed since her role as Mrs. Pugh in Annie almost three years ago. Recently, Sabrina had an amazing adventure that has taken her dreams of being an actress to the next level.

After meeting with Seattle Talent in October, Sabrina, found herself in a whirlwind of workshops, auditions, vocal lessons and finally on the fast track to IPOP in Los Angeles. The experience was filled with the fast paced life of the Hollywood world. Running from one audition to the next, Sabrina was tested on so many levels of her talent. She was put through the paces in five categories: Singing, Monologue, Commercial, TV Beauty Commercial and Scene. In these categories, the beautiful Miss Gross scored in the Top Ten.

Interviews with managers, agents and talent producers followed, with 18 of them showing an interest in our Crow. Sabrina will be going to Los Angeles for the next three months to work and continue her dream, auditioning in the Pilot Season. She was described as a young Reese Witherspoon. Her school is making it possible for her to continue her studies while she is away and we at Upstart Crow will miss her triple threat talent her in the theatre and the dance studio.

Sabrina and her parents wanted to share their thoughts about her life at the Crow in their own words

"We are grateful and thankful for the growth and learning experience she has gained while at Upstart Crow and All That! Dance. Words cannot even express that enough! (Much of her resume' consists of her performances and experiences with both;-) She will always be a true Crow at heart!! And, if we end up in LA, I'm sure she is going to miss the 'goings on' at the theater and dance studio! It's like a second home to her! Thank you so much to you and everyone there for being the spark, flame, and catapult that directed Sabrina in a path that I'm sure will enrich her life forever!"

All our best wishes as we watch our Crow star, Sabrina Gross, fly away and continue to be on the rise!

A Magic Carpet Ride

Getting ready to welcome parents and cast members tonight for the Winter production of Aladdin. Always fun to start a new production and to see old faces, as well as the new ones. We will be producing this musical here at the Crow's Nest Theatre and at the Hult Center in March. Tonight along with a meet and greet, parents are invited to ask questions to learn more about the logistics of putting on a musical of this caliber.

With a large cast we double cast the principal roles. This gives us an opportunity to offer more roles. It also has the leads playing chorus one night, seeing both sides of the acting world. One of the biggest challenges is casting. The directors work very hard to make sure the role fits the child so that the focus is on their success. Call backs and final auditions will be held tomorrow, with casting decisions made within the week. Rehearsals begin on Thursday with basic acting skills for the new kids and a chance to read and stretch their acting muscles for the return students. Once the cast has been set, we move on to the challenge of costuming so many young people. Last year we had over 80 kids and we expect about the same number this year. Lots of roles in this production, so it will be interesting to see how it all comes together. We are also working on a couple of magical scenes to surprise and delight both cast and audience. So welcome to Agrabar! Hop aboard our magic carpet, sit back and enjoy the ride!

Mya Guerin A Star On The Rise

On this frosty December day, we would like to warm your hearts with our Star On The Rise, Mya Guerin. Mya is such a great Crow kid, that you can't help but feel all warm and fuzzy when you meet her. Her energy fills the room and there is no way this little light will ever be under a bushel. Her latest role was Bandit in the Elves and The Shoemaker. She was one of ten elves who helped the Shoemaker and his family. That is Mya, all over. She is eager to help, always prepared and although she loves to eat, she also loves to share. Mya was also a pirate in the Winter Production of Peter Pan last March. Mya is also in the Vocal class and sings like an angel. She is a quick study, learning lines and vocal cues readily. Also a helper in the Vocal class, she makes sure the others have their lyrics ready and if not, she stands beside them and shares. We look forward to Mya being a cast member of the Winter Production of Aladdin. With her pension for drama and her eagerness to share, she would make a great Genie! Here is what Mya has to say. "I am age 8 and in grade 3. I have been in 2 shows. I like being on stage .. It's fun..and there are lots of fun people at the Crow. I am looking forward to LOTS more shows and to one day have a song to sing by myself at a show."

Welcome Our First Star On The Rise

Welcome to Star On The Rise! This new feature at the Crow will highlight a student, who by virtue of their hardwork and dedication, has definitely passed the Upstart Crow test. Anton Burek has proven his Crow status by working in chorus, as well as lead, and his willingness to step in when needed. Anton Burek is a senior at North Eugene High School. After studying ballet and singing in a local vocal group for several years, a friend told him he should audition for Upstart Crow. Dr. Horrible's Sing-a-long Blog was his first production. Anton played Dr. Horrible's evil sidekick Moist, as well as the Mayor and a member of the Bad Horse Chorus. Last Winter, Anton joined the Peter Pan cast as Starkey the pirate, Captain Hook's second in command. Arrrr! Most recently Anton was cast as the Shoemaker in the Crow's holiday hit The Elves and The Shoemaker. In college, Anton aspires to train as a "triple threat" as a drama major with a minor in musical theatre or dance. He has applied to and been invited to audition at numerous colleges in New York. And although it's too early to make a decision, Adelphi University has already offered a talent scholarship! We know this star is on rise! Here is what Anton has to say about his experience at the Crow. "Upstart Crow means a lot to me because they gave me a start. I'd never acted on stage before Dr.Horrible. And that's when I realized I really, really love theatre," says Anton.

Happy Feet Rehearsal

A bird's eye view of The Elves and The Shoemaker rehearsal last night with most of the towns people of Clankbottom. Trying to fit everyone on stage for the choreography rehearsal of the chorus number. Cast will be performing this number at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts SHOcase on November 15th. Challenges are keeping kids from tripping off an on the stage. With so many and the floor needed repairs, we work with the little ones in the front and have the older kids in the back to help supervise. Parents watch as cast members learn their steps. Some parents video the process to help their child work on the steps at home. Hoping the Kickstarter project-Feathering the Nest is funded so we can replace the stage floor this year and keep the Crows Nest Community Theatre in working order for the kids. Check the link and join the project. A great Halloween treat to put into lots of little hands (and feet!)

Tapping our way into the holiday season

Our holiday production is off to a great start, with 36 young people ready to don their elf boots and tap tap tap to help the Shoemaker and his wife. This musical theatre production, Elves and the Shoemaker, started rehearsals last week. The cast went through several readings and even had their first choreography lesson with Jackie Byers. This week the cast list is up on the web site. With the added characters of the Old Lady in the Shoe and her many children, Hansel and Gretel and Miss Muffet, this will be an interesting dilemma for the Shoemaker, Anton Burek, and his wife, Sabrina Gross. But although it is a mystery with a touch of magic, Shirley Lock and her trusted sidekick, Wanda, will help the little town get a perfect fit for the shoes they need. Tickets are on sale now for this holiday production by Karen Boettcher-Tate with music and lyrics by Bill Francoeur. Shows will be Saturday, December 1st and 2nd and the following weekend, December 8th and 9th. Evening shows on Saturday at 7:00 PM and Sunday matinees at 3:00 PM. Come join us for some hot chocolate and be sure to wear your favorite pair of shoes!

The Raven Maven is Back!

The maven raven is back! Was surprised to see the last post was two years ago! Well, time flies (no crow pun intended) when you are having fun. So let's do a quick update. We are still in the same place, but other than that things have definitely changed for the Crow. We are in our 12th year and continue to expand by leaps and bounds.

Still focused on theatrical productions we ended the 2011-2012 season on a high note with our first performance at the Hult Center with Peter Pan, A British Musical. With a new musical theatre production from the streets of London, the cast of over 80 kids took the stage for two shows and wowed audiences with new music, the sets and the joy that only young people can create on stage. A huge leap of faith for the Crow and a milestone was reached for the directors.

How do you top that? Since the Crow is built on miracles, we have to stop and thank all the generous donations to the theatre program this past year. Jonathan Siegle, well known and admired director in the Eugene/Springfield area, was so taken with our program that he donated and installed a new lighting system to the Crows Nest theatre. Ward Fairburn, sound guy extraordinaire stepped in this year, donating and installing a fabulous new sound system.

But wait, that's not all! Jonathan is eager to build an adult theatre program at the Crow, making our humble abode not only a great place for kids but as a feeder system for adult theatre. We have had several students graduate from the children's theatre department and move on to the UO and Lane Community theatre programs. They are thrilled at the notion that they can continue their careers in acting with such a great mentor and work in the place they have called home for so many years. What an exciting opportunity.

So if you have not been to the Crow lately, you better fly on in (pun definitely intended) and see all that is new this Fall season. We have a new music department offering piano and vocal classes for group and private sessions for all ages. The dance department, All That!, is adding an Acro class combining dance and gymnastics.

No wonder why this raven maven hasn't had time to keep up with the blog. Keep checking back as this raven obviously has a lot to crow about!

Go, Go, Go Joseph

Vocal rehearsals began this week for Joseph and we had fun sitting around determining range and parts for the first act. With so many girly men in the brother cast, we are challenged a bit in the alto and bass parts. Next week more of the cast will arrive and lend a vocal cord or two.

The cast sounded great and enjoyed the new material. Potiphar seems to be the favorite if not the most challenging so far. We worked on Jacob and Sons, although we are still shy a brother. With Stephen Brainard and Josh Byrum sharing the role of Potiphar, we may have a hard time keeping the volume up and the giggles down!

This promises to be a very fun show for all involved. Costume committee meets tomorrow and Dr. Hoolala is designing the Pharaoh headgear and Mandi Bussell is going to be creating the fabulous coat of many colors. Ordering wigs and beards for the manly and girly brothers. A whole new twist to this Biblical tale! Don't miss out on tickets for this one.

Any Dream Will Do!

After two weeks of auditions, we are finally ready to announce the cast for the 2010 Summer Stock Production - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat! And yes, it wall be amazing with this cast line-up! Ready to go? We begin next Monday with vocal rehearsals - check the website for the schedule!

Narrator - Cassie Serra
Joseph - Matthew Stevens
Potiphar - Stephen Brainard/Joshua Byrum
Mrs. Potiphar - Courtney Volta
Jacob - Stephen Brainard/Joshua Byrum
Pharaoh - Jasper Freedom

Brothers
Asher - Cristina Hernandez
Simeon - Jasper Freedom
Benjamin - Conner Criswell
Judah - Coleman Byrum
Reuben - Tom Lindskog
Issachar - Sadie Waddell
Levi - DeeDee Mann
Dan - Jack Brainard
Naphtali - Aidan Zeigler Hansen
Gad - Taylor Dalton
Zebulon - Holley Flora

Wives/Choir
Madeline Blumm
Olivia Buss
Kyaia Owens
Courtney Volta
Nealey Summerfeld
Sabrina Gross
Destinee Robertson
Tanner Zeigler Hansen
Katie Brainard
Holley Flora

Some Assembly Required

April showers bring May flowers but at Upstart Crow Studios there is definitely something growing, and growing...and growing. Yes, Audrey II is in the building. Generously loaned to us from Mary Huls, director of a Junction City theater group. Although these seedlings are neatly potted, the final pod will need some "dental" work. Dr. Hoolala, not a dentist or a botanist, has offered to risk life and limb as he goes inside Twooey and fix the missing tooth.

Rehearsals going well with the cast focused on staying out of the pod as they learn the choreography and songs for this dark comedy of plant versus nerd. The Entr'Actes offer a light hearted look at this people eater and the Doo Wop sisters are certainly doing their best to tell the story of a misunderstood 6 foot man eating plant with sass and class.

You won't want to miss this wild musical theatre production of Little Shop of Horrors on May 21 - 23rd. Be sure to put this people eater on your menu, before you find yourself on his!

Tickets on sale now so no whining when you get to the door and find this Little Shop is closed!

Rave In The Nave

Stage Door took the stage this past weekend in Portland at Rave In The Nave, an annual performing arts series at the Christ United Methodist Church. Joined by the resident dance company, All That! Dance, the students at Upstart Crow Studios performed dance, song and drama surrounded by a live audience on a theatre in the half round stage.

Performing their 20 minute show entitled, Defying Gravity, members of the Stage Door Team appeared to be working the audience with humor and style as they opened the show with Seize The Day, a powerful number from Disney's Newsies. The show is filled with other Disney hits, such as I Just Can't Wait To Be King and Spoonful of Sugar, all defining the character of the upstart crow and the resolve to be the best that you can be while ultimately defying the gravity of being different and unique.

All That! took the stage by storm with a hot salsa number. From modern to ballet to ballroom the crowd watched the dancers move with power and grace across the dance floor. The boys hip hop group brought cheers from the audience as they artfully moved to the beat.

Prior to the performance, Stage Door members had the pleasure of working with Devon Allen, the head of Acting at Portland State University. She along with her partner, Matthew, worked with the students on volume, relaxation, a bit of Shakespeare and some intense work with the chairs!

Stage Door moves into Little Shop of Horrors rehearsals these next few weeks. With Audrey II about to make its appearance, things are about to get creepy at the Crow...if you don't mind being on the menu, why don't you join us!

So Many Shows, So Little Time

The vote is in! We are headed into the Summer Stock season on the coat tails of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat this coming July. It was a tough and close call between Joseph and Singing In The Rain. With Auditions in June quickly approaching, we are gearing up for mounting this show in an intense 3 weeks of rehearsals July 5 - 23rd. You won't want to miss out on this show. So here is a shout out to all the guys - Joseph needs brothers! Stay tuned for audition dates.

Had the unique pleasure of sitting in the audience for Dr. Horrible's Sing-a-long Blog produced by Blue Monkey Theatre Company in Portland. What a fun experience for both audience and cast! This show has been on UCS wish list for the past year and we hope to bring it to Eugene in the 2010 season. If you get a chance, schlep on up to the Pacific Crest Community Theatre and check it out. You can also watch it from Netflix. You may find yourself laughing hysterically or better yet an evil maniacal laugh! Check your freeze ray at the door!

Rehearsals begin for Little Shop of Horrors with Entr'actes highlighting this one act dark humor play. Stage Door Production Team will take the lead on this show with younger members also appearing in the fun entr'actes we have planned. Rather than take reprise numbers entr'acte cast members will have their own show within a show with doo wop and modern day numbers to compliment Audrey II, eating up the audience with song and dance. You don't want to miss out on tickets for this Maneater!

Summer camp listings will also be out this coming week of April 5th. The fun never stops and with camps in How To Tame A Dragon and Mother Goose on The Loose there will be much to crow about! Take your vacation at the Crow!

Great Opening Weekend!

This cast doesn't need to wait till "Tomorrow" to hear the ringing in their ears from the applause of a packed house! Annie opened this weekend to sold out houses. The phone was ringing off the hook and ticket sales for next weekend are going fast!

But the real news is the hard work by cast and orchestra, costume and set committee made this a real showstopper! The raves didn't stop in the lobby. Before I could get out of the office last night, there were phone calls to congratulate us on the work at Upstart Crow Studios. Congratulations to all of the dedicated volunteers to make this show a success.

Backstage the tension is high. Most cast members were focused on picking up their props, being ready on cue and helpful to newbies in the cast. The Entr'Actes were so precious and filled the night with their smiles and delightful performance. Without them, the scene changes would seem endless and the costume changes would be impossible.

The long and short of it - it takes MANY hands to cook this soup! Thank you for making Annie such a huge success!