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Spotlight on West Allis
By Steve Makovec and Katherine Beeson
Wednesday, Apr 15 2009, 01:03 PM
West Allis Players is proud to present our spring show, "A Murder is Announced." This Agatha Christie thriller runs at 7:30 p.m. April 17, 18, 24 and 25 at West Allis Central Auditorium, 85th and Lincoln Ave.
This final week -- tech week -- is when it all comes together. The acting, costumes, lighting, sound, set and props all appear through the efforts of a fantastic backstage crew. Our stage manager, Ruth Caves and props mistress, Beth Bland are busy coordinating all the unseen jobs that are so important to the show. (So far, my extra jobs -- in addition to my role -- involve striking the book and newspaper and setting the cigarette box. Got it.) We also have to be careful not to disrupt any drying paint and walk around any working tech people who may be on stage.
Don't forget to use your Entertainment Book coupon which will give you the buy-one-get-one bonus. In addition, any moneys realized from our intermission sales goes to our scholarship fund. This spring one student from Central and another from Nathan Hale will receive a stipend toward their college expenses.
We hope you come to see "A Murder is Announced." If you have been reading our blogs but have never seen one of our shows, this may be the perfect time to check us out. We also hope you patronize our advertisers. Their support is very important to us.
Now, on with the show!
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By Steve Makovec and Katherine Beeson
Tuesday, Apr 14 2009, 03:14 PM
James Lentz is our director for our next production "A Murder Is Announced" Director’s Notes Dear Friends, A Murder is Announced is a classic murder mystery set in post World War II England. In this story, the many motives for murder are included. From greed, to jealousy, and of course passion, this story has it all. The only question is which of the suspects have which motives, and which of these are enough to lead to murder. Please join Inspector Craddock and the enigmatic Miss Marple as they match wits with the person or persons responsible in a tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The above is, of course, a classic teaser for promotional use but is never the less accurate. I was very excited by the prospect of directing a mystery play, since mysteries were among my favorite stories for as long as I can remember. Staying up late on Sundays to see the mystery show on PBS was the perfect way to start the week, or end the weekend. From Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, to Sherlock Holmes and Ellery Queen, this genre has been an important part of my life. I am proud now to help bring to you this story, in which every character is important and every nuance relevant. Whether the ending is a surprise, or the savvy among you get it right off, I hope you enjoy this performance as thoroughly as we have enjoyed bringing it to you. James Lentz Jr.Director
Hope to see at one of the performances at April 17th, 18th, 24th and 25th 2009 7:30 PM (Box Office opens at 6:30 PM) at
West Allis Central Auditorium 8516 W Lincoln Ave West Allis, WI.
Mention our blog and receive an discount off the ticket price. (not to be included with any other discount) Second Paragraph
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By Steve Makovec and Katherine Beeson
Friday, Mar 20 2009, 02:04 PM
West Allis Players is proud to announce our first $250.00 scholarship! This award will be given to one student from West Allis Central High School and one student from Nathan Hale High School. This scholarship will be awarded based on a student's participation in any aspect of a theater production, from acting to backstage work to designing and painting sets to working on a show's programs.
If you are interested in being considered for one of these scholarships please see your guidance counselor at you high school and submit your application by April 1st.
Good luck
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By Steve Makovec and Katherine Beeson
Wednesday, Mar 4 2009, 08:19 AM
The director of our spring show has cast the production -- and I was lucky enough to snare the lead! This is a fantastic murder mystery -- one of Agatha Christie's best. The synopsis of the story is thus: An ad runs in the local village paper to say that a murder will be committed in the home of Letty Blacklock (me) later that evening. The day just happens to be a Friday the 13th. A number of neighbors read the ad and drop in to see what might happen. Then the lights go out and...
We are in Week Two of rehearsals and it is very interesting to be sent back in time to the late 1940s in post-war England. It is also a pleasure to get to "meet" the legendary Miss Marple -- the amateur detective who will solve the crime. Miss Marple is being played by another Players' board member -- the talented Julie Valona.
These mysteries are known as "Cozies" -- meaning that in stories like these, the mysteries are solved by characters usually not in law enforcement. There is very little violence, profanity and gore.
In a few weeks, we will turn over our blog to the director, James Lentz, Jr., to get his take on bringing such a well-known and well-loved character to life and the challenges he faces in staging a Christie production. Our show dates are April 17,18, 24 and 25.
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By Steve Makovec and Katherine Beeson
Monday, Feb 9 2009, 05:03 PM
We are holding our auditions for our spring show, "A Murder is Announced" at 7 p.m. on February 16 and 17 at West Allis Central Auditorium, 8500 West Lincoln Avenue. Five men and seven women ages 18 to 70 are needed. Auditions will consist of reading from the script. Information: (414) 299-0384. The show dates are April 17,18, 24 and 25.
I know it can be intimidating to come out for the first time and audition -- I did it back in 1993. It was also an Agatha Christie murder mystery and I was cast as the housekeeper who had to testify against the suspect in court. I was thrilled to be in the show but was afraid of making eye contact with my family and friends in the audience. My character comes onstage and sits in the witness box looking out over the seats. I solved my problem by asking everyone I knew not to sit in the first five rows. After that, the theater is too dark for us to see any audience members. It worked -- and I have been hooked ever since.
If you need a dose of courage before trying out, come on Monday night just to watch and then come back on Tuesday to audition. Many people do that and it provides just a little more security. Hope to see you there!
I also wanted to mention that I am a former reporter for CNI Newspapers and last week we lost our former managing editor, Mary Lou Stover. Mary Lou could be aptly described as a great old dame -- feisty, interesting and a lot of fun. She hired me back in 1994 and she stayed in touch with many of us after her 1998 retirement. I will miss her.
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By Steve Makovec and Katherine Beeson
Tuesday, Jan 20 2009, 09:28 AM
The West Allis Players have finally decided on our summer musical and we are presenting the blockbuster, "Beauty and the Beast." Besides being wildly enthusiastic about our choice, we are faced with putting together the behind-the-scenes talent to bring it to life.
We are looking for a director. He or she will then be spearheading our search to complete the team.
Our show opens July 17 and runs for six performances. Auditions will be held mid-May and once West Allis Central ends its school year, we have the auditorium for all rehearsals. It is nice theater.
Please contact us if you have an interest in our show and want to be considered. Send along your resume' and complete contact information. These items should be sent to: contact@waplayers.org.
Our group is combining talents with Village Playhiouse of Wauwatosa for this production and two members of each board are on the hiring committee. We need to make a decision as soon as possible, so please contact us immediately! The show must go on!!!
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By Steve Makovec and Katherine Beeson
Monday, Jan 5 2009, 01:42 PM
We have a tradition with two good friends -- going out together every New Year's Eve. On December 31, 2008 we planned our traditional dinner and a movie, with us picking the restaurant and them choosing the flick. We went to Bobu's, a homey steak house in West Allis and the movie they picked was "Slumdog Millionaire." My friends thought it would appeal to me because it is the story of a young man playing India's version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" and I have tried -- and will continue to try -- to get on that show. The movie has garnered the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival but remains something of an art house film here.
I have four words about this film: GO SEE THIS MOVIE! It is phenomenal. The story begins as Jamal is seated in the Millionaire Hot Seat and the Indian host is giving him his questions and choices. It repeatedly cuts to Jamal being tortured and accused of cheating. (He is taken captive after the day's taping while still a contestant.) Through very powerful flashbacks, Jamal patiently explains how he came to know the answers. Will he be allowed to return to the set and answer the final question? There is also a beautiful love story that drives the plot -- and is Jamal's driving force.
Trust me on this one. About 20 minutes into the movie, you may be asking yourself why you decided to see this film, but suddenly you get hooked and the story just draws you in. You will not be disappointed.
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By Steve Makovec and Katherine Beeson
Wednesday, Dec 3 2008, 08:01 AM
Introduce your young children to the theater this weekend with our Children's Series season opener "Hansel and Gretel." This Brothers Grimm fairy tale will be performed by Wauwatosa Teen Troupe.
Our Children's Series shows are a set of live performances scaled down to just one hour -- long enough to be able to tell the story and short enough to keep the attention span of our young audience members.
This is really a wonderful way to expose tiny tykes to the magic of live theater. Tickets are only $3. These shows are at 2 p.m. at Nathan Hale High School, 11601 West Lincoln Avenue. There is plenty of free parking in the school parking lot.
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By Steve Makovec and Katherine Beeson
Tuesday, Nov 11 2008, 10:10 AM
These months -- the time between the end of October and the middle of February -- are the longest our group endures between productions. We are working behind the scenes, of course, but until we start auditions for our Agatha Christie mystery, "A Murder is Announced," it seems we keep a rather low profile.
Many of us are keeping busy elsewhere.
One of our board members, Mary Beth Topf will be holding open auditions for Godspell. Auditions will be held on Monday November 17th and Tuesday November 18 at 7pm, in the church basement hall at Saint Matthias Catholic Parish 9306 W Beloit Rd Milwaukee, WI 53227 phone 414-321-0893.
Only one audition session is needed. Actors ages 12 and up are needed--- no experience necessary. No preparation needed. Auditioners will be taught a short song excerpt from the show and will learn a dance combination. Just come ready to have fun.
Another board member, Ruth Caves, is appearing in the Waukesha Civic comedy classic, "The Philadelphia Story." Playing now through November 23rd at Waukesha Civic Theatre 264 West Main Street, Waukesha, WI 53186 . We did this show a number of years ago and it is one of my all-time favorites. Check the Waukesha Civic web site for more information on show dates and times.
And yet another board member, Scott Girmscheid , is directing West Allis Central High School's production of "Li'l Abner." That's not a show that has been done recently and well worth the price of admission. Performances begin November 14th through November 22nd. Check the WestAllisNow more information on show dates and times.
We are also close to the date of our first Children's Series shows. We will be presenting "Hansel and Gretel" performed by Wauwatosa Teen Troupe on December 7. More details on these shows in an upcoming blog.
As for our board, we are deciding on our summer musical and as soon as our choice has been made, we will let you know.
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By Steve Makovec and Katherine Beeson
Tuesday, Oct 21 2008, 07:44 AM
The West Allis Players would like to thank all those who attended and participated in our last production of Play On! to help make it a success.
" We had a delightful group of actors and crew, some of whom have not acted or worked on a production in several years, says director Dave Dombrowski. This is my 51st production sins starting in 1965 and my 7th production for The West Allis Players . What a pleasure it was to work with the cast and crew ."
Many audience members stated that this was their first time to one of The West Allis Players production and how they liked the performance. We appreciate all your support and look forward to seeing at next production of Agatha Christie's A Murder is Announced. More on this in upcoming blogs and on our web site at www.waplayers.org.
Also check our web site for the Children Series starting in December.
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By Steve Makovec and Katherine Beeson
Thursday, Sep 25 2008, 04:26 PM
We, the West Allis Players, are busy rehearsing our fall show,
Play On!" This comedy concerns a group attempting to put on a play while the overbearing playwright continues to make changes and changes -- and changes. Hilarious complications, anybody?
This is a pretty exciting time for the cast and crew. The set is taking shape and the cast has put aside its scripts. Suddenly -- and almost by magic -- each actor and actress is transformed into their characters. Truly a lot of work -- and a lot of fun.
Come join us in the audience! Our show runs October 3, 4, 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are very reasonable -- $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Use your Entertainment book for big savings. If you have not yet purchased your Entertainment Book, you may do so in the lobby and enjoy the savings immediately!
We have just announced our spring show. We will be presenting Agatha Christie's "A Murder is Announced." I love Christie and am really looking forward to this production. But more on that later.
For now -- to quote the Bard -- "If music be the food of love, play on." We intend to! To director Dave Dombrowski, cast and crew, we say, "Break a................." well, you know.
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By Steve Makovec and Katherine Beeson
Tuesday, Sep 2 2008, 07:25 AM
Our theatrical friends, The Village Playhouse of Wauwatosa, are putting on an early fall show and we wanted to take a moment to tell you about it. Two of our board members, Ruth Caves and Rick Anderson, are part of the cast. It is directed by James Lentz, Jr. -- who directed our spring show and appeared in our fall show last year.
Anyway, the show is "The Mouse That Roared" and it tells the comedic tale of a tiny duchy that decides its economic woes are so great that the only way out of itsdifficulties is to declare war on the United States, lose that war and then accept the generous financial aid that the US is sure to offer. When the tiny empire -- through a complete fluke -- actually wins the war, the real fun starts.
We, the West Allis Players, are creatures of the theater and are happy to be able to promote another great production. The show will be presented at the Wilson Center for the Arts, 19805 W. Capitol Drive and runs September 5,6,12 and 13 -- 8 p.m. curtain on Fridays and Saturdays and a 2:30 p.m. matinee on Saturdays. Call 1-262-781-9520 for complete ticket information.
Now back to OUR show -- Director Dave Dombrowski has cast "Play On" and we will be giving you updates in the coming weeks. We had 40 people audition for our show and our heartfelt thanks to everyone who came to try out. We also have a dynamic crew working backstage and you will be hearing more about them too!
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By Steve Makovec and Katherine Beeson
Friday, Aug 8 2008, 07:12 AM
What happens when a theater group attempts to put on a show and has to deal with the author constantly changing the script? That is the premise for our fall show, "Play On!" The production is a funny look at the backstage antics of a cast trying to deal with an unreasonable playwright as well as a dress rehearsal fraught with problems -- in other words, a community theater's dream of a show!
Auditions for this comedy will be held at 7 p.m. August 18 and 19 at West Allis Central Auditorium, 8516 W. Lincoln Ave.
We will soon be announcing our entire 2008-2009 season as well as highlighting other shows in the area. Theater is such a fantastic experience and we hope you will give us a try!
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By Steve Makovec and Katherine Beeson
Monday, Jul 28 2008, 04:41 PM
We, the West Allis Players, want to express our deep gratitude to everyone who attended our show, "All Shook Up." We had almost 1,000 people in the audience and from the general reaction, it is safe to say that everyone had a fantastic time!
We barely get to catch our breath before auditions begin for our fall show -- but before we write about that, I wanted to invite everyone attending the Wisconsin State Fair to visit my husband's winning SPAM entry. The official title is the Great American SPAM Championship. The theme this year was Best Appetizer and he entered "Ham and Jam and Spamalots," complete with a knight of the Round Table guarding the treats. The appetizer was a won ton base with ham, cream cheese, raspberry jam and little slices of SPAM cut into shields. Too cute! Steve is now entered in the national competition, competing with the winners of other fairs around the country. If -- he makes that or WHEN -- he wins, he gets a trip (and it had better be for two) to the SPAM JAM WAIKIKI in Hawaii in spring of 2009. He appeared on Channel 6 Fox News last Sunday.
Steve just entered four items this year and won two ribbons. I won nine, but his victory is much more noteworthy. I am so proud of him. So if you get a chance, wander over to the Horticultural Building and visit our food.
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By Steve Makovec and Katherine Beeson
Thursday, Jul 10 2008, 10:04 AM
Maureen plays Mayor Matilda Hyde in our upcoming musical, “All Shook Up” and she took a few minutes from her busy mayoral schedule to write an “official” response to the concerns of the townspeople regarding that new phenomenon -- rock ‘n roll music. Sounds like our fair mayor may be getting “All Shook Up.” From the desk of Mayor Matilda Hyde:
It has come to my attention that many citizens disagree with the enactment and enforcement of the Mamie Eisenhower Decency Act. The act was designed to protect our young people from the negative effects of the bebop culture. By prohibiting loud music, tight pants, and public necking, we were trying to keep our community peaceful and decent for everyone. There were some benefits to the arrival of rock and roll in our town, however. A certain level of community spirit took hold where citizens helped one another and engaged in dialogues about the needs of our townspeople. One group has even persuaded me that the old fairgrounds should be reopened to serve as a gathering place for all. I learned firsthand the energizing effects of guitar playing, and have gained the ability to listen to those citizens whose voices are seldom heard. Therefore, let it be known in our community that the Mamie Eisenhower Decency Act is officially abolished. Our musical opens next week! See what all the excitement is about! “All Shook Up” show times are at 7:30 p.m. July 18,19, 25 and 26 and at 2 p.m. July 27.
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By Steve Makovec and Katherine Beeson
Thursday, Jul 3 2008, 07:25 AM
In just a few weeks we will be presenting "All Shook Up" the musical based on the music of Elvis Presley. Rehearsals are underway four nights a week and many more hours are being devoted to set building, costuming and a variety of behind-the-scenes occupations.
We realize that all our efforts do not guarantee a financial success. We are, for the most part, a volunteer organization. We may be working very hard, but we realize that your entertainment dollars only go so far and there is a lot going on every summer competing for your attention.
Let fantasy guide you this month. Plan on escaping your everyday world and experience a live show reminiscent of those light-hearted Elvis movies you watched again and again. The songs in "All Shook Up" are Elvis classics. These are the songs you loved, danced to and turned up the radio to hear.
So save on high ticket prices, parking fees and gas. Our ticket prices are only $15 for adults and $13 for seniors and students. Our theater is located at West Allis Central High School Auditorium at 85th and Lincoln, parking is free on the Lincoln Avenue or in the West Allis Central High School parking lot across the street. Our theater is air-conditioned and refreshments will be sold in the lobby before the show and at intermission.
Steve and I will be working the box office at each performance. We will be the first ones to welcome you and let you know that we appreciate your being at the show. "All Shook Up" runs July 18 the, 19th 25th and 26th, the curtain rises at 7:30. We also have a 2 p.m. matinee July 27. See you at the show!
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By Steve Makovec and Katherine Beeson
Tuesday, Jun 24 2008, 11:22 AM
A few weeks ago, I accompanied the director of our musical, "All Shook Up," Mary Beth Topf, to the attic of the West Allis Historical Society. We have a room full of costumes and clothing up there and we wanted to see what might be appropriate for the fifties-era style of our show.
I could not help but wonder about the stories behind some of these vintage clothing items. What were the weddings like for the two brides whose gowns now hang in our storage room? Chic Jackie Kenedyesque outfits still retain their long-ago elegance. Did these suits see exotic places and meet fascinating people? The row of men's suits span many decades and probably could tell many stories. When the brides donated their dresses, did they also give us the groom's apparel? Did a lawyer argue an important case in one of these three-piecers? Was someone elected mayor of West Allis while wearing in one of these suits? I will bet that the stories connected to these outfits would rival any told on the stage.
If you have sturdy, stage-appropriate garments that you would like to donate, please contact us at 414-327-2388. If your clothing has an amazing story to tell, be sure to let us know.
Remember, "All Shook Up" opens July 18. The curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. Come see the clothes!
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By Steve Makovec and Katherine Beeson
Tuesday, Jun 17 2008, 11:43 AM
We have asked some of the characters from our next production to tell something about the upcoming prodution or themselves. The next several bogs will be from the characters form All Shook up.
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Sheriff Earl (Kid Beat Box)
Sheriff Earl has an interesting relationship with Mayor Matilda after she saved him from his gambling addiction and drinking. With him being the new law of the land, everything is about to change. From the outside, you may see him as a man of little words. However, this is not because of intimidation, as much as it is because he has a lot on his mind. Earl's financial situation is in dire need of a miracle, and he is waiting for the day he can dig his way out from under his financial woes. |
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By Steve Makovec and Katherine Beeson
Wednesday, Jun 4 2008, 07:57 AM
Rehearsals for our summer show, "All Shook Up" are underway and we just wanted to tell you a little bit about the show. Just like "Momma Mia" and the songs of ABBA, "All Shook Up" is a musical built around the songs of Elvis Presley. Although the storyline is based on Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night," the plot is a typical Elvis adventure -- Chad, a wild mysterious biker comes into town with a broken bike and is forced to stay while his motorcycle is being repaired -- by Natalie, a young, beautiful mechanic who has dreams of leaving town to find real adventure. This lovely grease monkey find out that while Chad romances women, he only travels with boys, so Natalie decides to disguise herself as a young man in order to hit the road with the biker. Romantic complications arise with classic Elvis tunes as a bonus.
We, the West Allis Players, know that money is tight these days and really value your support. Why not consider staying in the metro Milwaukee area for a great summer vacation and come to see our summer show? We bet you a pair of blue suede shoes you will love this production!
We open July 18 -- just six weeks away!
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By Steve Makovec and Katherine Beeson
Wednesday, May 14 2008, 09:26 AM
Our West Allis Players website had the wrong dates for the auditions for "All Shook Up" -- and since I took the dates from there... well, you get the picture.
At any rate, the CORRECT dates are 7 p.m. May 19 and 20. Our director, Mary Beth Topf, is looking for a large cast ages 16 and older. You need to prepare one verse of any song and come dressed for movement.
If you google "All Shook Up" you will get a decent synopsis of the show and a list of the songs.
If you are interested in coming to see the show -- fantastic! We open on July 18! More details to follow.
Our board meets next week to plan out our 2008-2009 season. This is where the fun begins for us -- deciding which stories to bring to life. We hope you like our choices.
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