Archive for April, 2011

43 Photos for 43 Shows

As we’ve mentioned, PlazaCo turned 4 this week. In that time we’ve produced 43 wonderful Mainstage productions starting with YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN all the way up to our 43rd, and current show, HARVEY. We have a terrific flickr site with photos from many of these wonderful shows located at flickr.com/theplazaco. It’s a kick to look back at all of the amazing shows and memories we’ve created over the last 4 years. If you get a chance, head on over to our flickr and take a look. In the meantime, here’s 43 Photos for 43 Shows:

2007

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

Smoke on the Mountain

Oklahoma

Man With the Pointed Toes

The Secret Garden

Arsenic and Old Lace

A Christmas Carol

2008

Forever Plaid

See How They Run

Beauty and the Beast

The Curious Savage

My Fair Lady

Ghost of a Chance

Footloose

Smoke on the Mountain

You Can’t Take It With You

The Sound of Music

A Christmas Carol

2009

Seussical the Musical

Kiss and Tell

Aida

Cash on Delivery

Singin’ in the Rain

High School Musical

Don’t Drink the Water

The Music Man

Beau Jest

Sanders Family Christmas

2010

Will Rogers Follies

Thoroughly Modern Millie

Steel Magnolias

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

Cheaper by the Dozen

All Shook Up

Into The Woods

Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming

Over the River and Through the Woods

A Christmas Carol

2011

Man With the Pointed Toes

Annie Get Your Gun

The Scarlet Pimpernel

Harvey

By the way, most of these photos are by Plaza’s resident photographer Ginny Rodgers. If you like her work, be sure to “Like” her on Facebook (she’s also great for headshots actors).

Wanna see more fun pix? Head over to the Plaza flickr and check it out. Have a great weekend y’all.

2011
04/29
CATEGORY
Producer's Corner
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Four Years Ago Today…

Four years ago today Plaza Theatre Company was born. That’s right, today is PlazaCo’s 4th birthday. On April 26th, 2007, Plaza Theatre Company opened full-time with a performance of YOU’RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN. Here’s a look at that inaugural cast from the lobby of our first building:

We were thrilled to be playing to 16 people that night. And over the course of a 19 show run we played to nearly 350 people. Yep, when you do the math that means we averaged 18 patrons a performance. One night, we played to over 20 – we were ecstatic.

Suffice it to say we’ve grown a little since those humble beginnings. Here are a few notable accomplishments from our first four years in business:

  • Plaza’s current production, HARVEY, is its 43rd Mainstage production.
  • Plaza sports over 900 Season Ticket Holders and nearly 30,000 patrons annually into its 150 seat theatre.
  • Plaza was named “Best Theatre Group” by readers of the Fort Worth Weekly in 2008.
  • Plaza received 32 nominations and 10 wins at the 2009 Column Awards including Best non-Equity Musical for AIDA.
  • Plaza’s Youth Acting Classes, Plaza Academy, have taught almost 500 students.
  • Plaza moved into a brand new facility in August of 2008.
  • Plaza received 41 nominations and 17 wins at the 2010 Column Awards including Best non-Equity musical for INTO THE WOODS (a first in Column Awards history to win Best Musical back-to-back).
  • Plaza Theatre Company was named “Best Theatre Company” in North Texas by voters in the WFAA A-List.

In four years of existence, PlazaCo has seen over 85,000 patrons walk through it’s doors – quite an achievement after those first special 16 on our opening night four years ago.

Of course, the contributions of so many have helped PlazaCo get to where we are on our 4th birthday. To the Board Members, the Downtown Cleburne Association, Donors, Volunteers, Directors, Musicians, Designers, Technicians, Actors, Season Ticket Holders, Patrons we say THANK YOU. We never could have made it this far without the contributions of each and every one of you.

We are honored to be an important part of what makes Cleburne great, and we are looking forward to another spectacular year. Thanks for coming along for the ride.

Sincerely,
PlazaCo founders and Producers JaceSon & Tina Barrus and Aaron & Milette Siler

2011
04/26
CATEGORY
Producer's Corner
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Plaza Theatre Company – Press Release – HARVEY

Plaza Theatre Company – PRESS RELEASE
Plaza Theatre Company to present Harvey opening April 22nd
April 18th, 2011
Plaza Theatre Company is proud to announce the opening of HARVEY on April 22nd, 2011. The production will play Plaza’s newly renovated theatre at 111 S. Main Street in Cleburne, TX opening on April 22nd and playing through May 14th, 2011. The show will be the 43rd produced by Plaza Theatre Company since it’s inception in November of 2006.
“We can’t wait to bring the wit and charm of HARVEY to our audiences at Plaza”, says Aaron Siler, a co-Producer at Plaza and the Director of the production. “One of the things we love about this show is that folks know the title, but may not have actually seen the material and if they have, it’s the movie with Jimmy Stewart that they’ve seen. We know our patrons will love this story of the big white rabbit Harvey and his unflappable friend Elwood P. Dowd.”

Harvey tells the story of an affable man named Elwood P. Dowd and his unseen to all but Elwood, presumably imaginary friend Harvey, a six-foot, three-and-one-half-inch tall rabbit. When Elwood starts to introduce Harvey to guests at a society party, his society-obsessed sister, Veta, has seen as much of his eccentric behavior as she can tolerate. She decides to have him committed to spare her daughter Myrtle Mae and their family from future embarrassment. Comedy ensues when the folks at the Sanitarium have Veta committed instead of Elwood. Theatregoers will recognize this as the play on which the famous movie starring James Stewart is based.

HARVEY is under the direction of Aaron Siler. Costume design for the show is by Ashlie Christenson, Set design by JaceSon Barrus, Lighting design by Aaron Siler and Cameron Barrus, Prop design by Milette Siler and Sound design by Aaron Siler.

The cast for HARVEY is: (double cast where noted)
Veta Simmons – Soni Barrus / Katy Wood
Myrtle Mae Simmons – Milette Siler
Elwood P. Dowd – Jay Cornils
Mrs. Ethel Chauvenet – Trich Zaitoon
Miss Johnson – Judy Barnett / Barbara Rose
Dr. Sanderson – Luke Hunt
Nurse Kelly – Rachel Benham
Wilson – JaceSon Barrus / Michael Hatch
Dr. Chumley – James Long
Mrs. Chumley – JoAnn Gracey / Barbara Richardson
Judge Gaffney – Jodie Barrus
E.J. Lofgren – G. Aaron Siler
Harvey – as Himself
HARVEY will continue the tradition of featuring a special opening night event. Those who attend opening night are invited to a special opening night after party with the cast and crew. Details will be made available to those in attendance. The event will be hosted by Plaza Guild member Barbara Robinson at the Wright Plaza.

HARVEY will play Plaza Theatre Company from April 22nd thru May 14th, 2011 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30pm with Saturday afternoon matinees at 3pm. Ticket prices are $15 for Adults, $13 for Seniors and Students and $12 for children Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 817-202-0600 or visiting the Plaza Box Office between the hours of 10am and 6pm Monday thru Saturday.

2011
04/20
CATEGORY
Productions
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AUDITIONS! – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

AUDITION ANNOUNCEMENT – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

All roles are open for Plaza Theatre Company’s upcoming production of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. An open audition is being held at Plaza Theatre Company to cast the show on April 25th and 26th. JOSEPH boasts a script and lyrics by Tim Rice with Music by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. The show is being directed by JaceSon and Tina Barrus with Choreography by Tabitha Barrus, Musical Direction by Bree Cockerell and Stage Management by Cessany Ford. Auditions are by appointment only which can be made by visiting plaza-theatre.com

Audition Preparation:
Auditioners will be asked to come prepared with 32 (and only 32) bars of music from a MUSICAL in the style of the show. Each auditioner should plan to spend about five minutes auditioning for the Director. A call back audition will be held on Saturday April 30th starting at 9am. Those auditioners who the Directors wish to see further will be invited to the call back audition which may last up to four hours time.

About the Play:
The Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes to vibrant life in this delightful musical parable. Joseph, his father’s favorite son, is a boy blessed with prophetic dreams. When he is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt, Joseph endures a series of adventures in which his spirit and humanity are continually challenged. Set to an engaging cornucopia of musical styles, from country-western and calypso to bubble-gum pop and rock ‘n’ roll, this Old Testament tale emerges both timely and timeless.

Rehearsal and Performance dates:
Rehearsals for JOSEPH will commence on Monday, May 2nd and continue thru opening the show on Friday, June 24th. The show will then play every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening at 7:30pm and Saturday afternoons at 3pm thru July 30th. Some roles may be double cast to accommodate scheduling.

About the Theatre:
Plaza Theatre Company is a non-profit community theatre located at 111S. Main in Cleburne, TX. While performers are provided complimentary tickets and other considerations, they are not compensated financially as Plaza operates as a community theatre.

About PlazaCo’s Annual “Camp Show”:
Plaza Theatre Company produces an annual “Camp Show” in conjunction with it’s Plaza Academy program. Past “Camp Shows” at Plaza have included FOOTLOOSE, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL and ALL SHOOK UP. The summer acting camp for kids (June 6th thru 10th) and for teens (June 13th thru 24th) provides young performers an opportunity to take part in a full Mainstage production at Plaza Theatre Company. ALL young performers who enroll in these camps take part in the Mainstage production as part of the ensemble. ANYONE wishing to play a larger role than the ensemble MUST audition to play these roles regardless of Camp enrollment.

Cast breakdown of available roles:

Narrator (Soprano)
Narrator (Alto)
Joseph

The Brothers
Benjamin
Reuben – “Those Canaan Days”
Simeon
Levi – “One More Angel”
Naphtali
Isacar
Asher
Dan
Zebulum
Gad
Judah – “Calypso”

The Parents
Jacob
Jacob’s Wife

The Others
Potiphar
Potiphar’s Wife
Pharoah
The Baker
The Butler

The Dancers
Pharoah’s Court
Potiphar’s Mansion
Joseph’s Prison Cell

The Ensemble
Adoring Girls
Brother’s Wives
Guards
Servants
Courtiers

2011
04/14
CATEGORY
Casting
Productions
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PlazaCo’s 2012 Season ANNOUNCED!

Last night marked Plaza’s 4th birthday. And as is tradition, PlazaCo celebrated the event with it’s annual “Thank You Party”. Look here later today for a video of the evening’s performances and wonderful attendees. Part of the event, however, is to announce the following year’s season of shows – and last night was no exception. Plaza producers Aaron and Milette Siler and JaceSon and Tina Barrus unveiled Plaza Theatre Company’s 2012 Season to those in attendance. But you can read about the season right here.

So without further ado, Plaza Theatre Company’s 2012 Season of Plays:

THE FOREIGNER ~ December 31st thru January 28th (Directed by Luke Hunt)

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF ~ February 3rd thru March 10th (Directed by Jodie and Soni Barrus)

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE ~ March 16th thru April 14th (Directed by Kyle Macy)

THE HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE ~ April 20th thru May 12th (Directed by Taffy Geisel)

GUYS AND DOLLS ~ May 18th thru June 23rd (Directed by Jay Lewis)

WEST SIDE STORY ~ June 29th thru August 4th (Directed by JaceSon and Tina Barrus)

FOREVER PLAID ~ August 10th thru September 8th (Directed by Kyle and Megan Adams)

ARSENIC AND OLD LACE ~ September 14th thru August 6th (Directed by Kevin Poole)

RAGTIME ~ October 12th thru November 10th (Directed by Aaron and Milette Siler)

A CHRISTMAS CAROL ~ November 16th thru December 22nd (Directed by Christine Atwell)

There they are – all 10 amazing shows. 2012 will be a blast at PlazaCo.

Here they are all stacked up:

Thanks to all who came last night, and Happy Birthday Plaza!

2011
04/13
CATEGORY
Producer's Corner
Special Events
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Today’s Poll Question – YOUR Favorites

Our current production, THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL, is the 42nd show we’ve produced since beginning in April of 2007. Of course we’ve grown since those humble beginnings almost 4 years ago (we celebrate PlazaCo’s 4th birthday next week) and we know which shows have been the most popular from a sales standpoint. We also know which shows have won awards and garnered praise from the artistic community. AND each of us (the JTAM) have our own personal favorites as well. But since we’re here on the eve of unveiling our 2012 season, as well as the show that will be a wonderful milestone for us, our 5oth production, we thought we’d like to hear what y’all think.

Please realize we are equally proud of every show we’ve put in front of Plaza audiences, but we’re sure you have a few that stand out as favorite to you – so lets hear ’em.

Listed below in random order, are all 42 shows (minus any we’ve repeated) since we opened. Please choose your 3 favorites in each category (we’ve separated Comedies and Musicals into 2 different categories). Please only vote if you’re trying to help us out with honest answers – playing around with the poll messes up the data. Thank you for your help.

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2011
04/07
CATEGORY
Producer's Corner
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Combining 2 things we love – The Scarlet Pimpernel and Disney

So, we came across this video and simply had to share it. This is one of the outstanding songs from THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL synced with video of many of Disney’s well-known male characters. Enjoy.

Oh, and if you haven’t reserved for THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL yet – now is the time. Only two weekends left to find out “Who IS the Scarlet Pimpernel”. Call 817-202-0600 to reserve today!

P.S. – We aren’t taking credit for making this video – we just thought it very clever.

2011
04/06
CATEGORY
Producer's Corner
1 comment

Plaza Theatre Company proudly announces the cast for HELLO, DOLLY!

Plaza Theatre Company is pleased to announce it’s cast for the upcoming production of HELLO, DOLLY! Thank you to all the wonderful folks who auditioned. We wish we could cast you all, but alas, we only have the roles we have. The cast list is as follows: (some roles double cast where noted)

Dolly Levi – Susan Metzger, Kristin Spires

Horace Vandergelder – Jay Lewis

Cornelius Hackl – Jonathan Metting

Irene Malloy – Daron Cockerell, Milette Siler

Barnaby – Stephen Singleton, Michael Sylvester

Minnie Faye – Tabitha Barrus, Teran Jones

Ambrose -Andrew Guzman, Daniel Scott Robinson

Ermengarde – Scout Harrell, Annalee Herron

Ernestina – Stacy Blanton, Heather Fobar

Rudolph – Solomon Abah

Mrs. Rose – Sherry Clark, Reecea Henderson

Company –
Julia Ekpo / Mary Vickers
Kasi Hollowell
Suzi Hanford / Abigail Scarborough
Tina Barrus / Betsy Wilson
Caleb Gentry /
Devlin Pollock
JaceSon Barrus

2011
04/04
CATEGORY
Casting
Productions
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