The Gallery Theater Blog

The Complete Works Of William Shakespeare (Abridged)

2009-03-24T22:33:00.000-07:00

By Adam Long, Daniel Singer & Jess Winfield

Directed by Ken Moore
Showtimes: Fri & Sat 7:30PM • Sun 3:00PM

This show embodies one of comedy’s most essential impulses: the adolescent urge to take a baseball bat to the culturally revered. A mix of pratfalls, puns, willful misreading of names and dialogue, clunky female impersonations, clean-cut ribaldry and burlesque. “At its giddiest its tone recalls the fabled Bullwinkle cartoon shows.”

Tickets are on sale now.
You won' want to miss this funny irreverant take on one of theaters greatest authors.

And the award goes to...

2009-01-11T10:04:00.000-08:00

On Satutday, January 10, the 2008 Gallery Theater Awards were held. Below is the compele list of nominees and winners. Congratulations to everyone for a great season.

Musicals:
Leading Male:
___ Jesus Gomez (Troy Bolton) HS Musical
___ Justin Roisom (Ryan Evans) HS Musical
_X_ Richard Pratt (Billy Flynn) Chicago
___ Tommy Stallone (Peter Pan) Peter Pan

Leading Females:
___ Kathleen Van de Veere (Roxie Hart) Chicago
_X_ Ember Eastman (Velma Kelly) Chicago
___ Kathleen Walter ( Reverend Mother) Nunsense
___ Brittney Hoskisson (Gabriella Montez) HS Musical
___ Jasmine Klauder (Sharpay Evans) HS Musical
___ Sarah Carey (Wendy/Jane) Peter Pan

Supporting, Male:
___ Nathan Dunkin (Amos Hart) Chicago
___ Nick Quinteros (Chad Danforth) HS Musical
___ Seth Renne (Jack Scott) HS Musical
_X_ Ken Moore (Captain Hook) Peter Pan

Supporting Female:
___ Jaimie Myer (Taylor McKessie) HS Musical
___ Lindsay Harrop (Kelsi Neilson) HS Musical
___ Kathleen Walter (Mama Morton) Chicago
_X_ Grace Swanson ( Sister Mary Amnesia) Nunsense
___ Tessa Flores (Tiger Lilly) Peter Pan
___ Dawn Graff-Haight ( Sister Mary Hubert) Nunsense

Minor Role:
_X_ Bre Gregg (Mary Sunshine) Chicago
___ Michelle Sanchez (Martha Cox) HS Musical
___ Chris Helwig (Zeke Taylor) HS Musical
_X_ Zach Martin (Smee) Peter Pan
___ Colton Price (John Darling) Peter Pan

Musical Director:
___ Tami Allen (Nunsense)
___ Gary Markham (Peter Pan)
_X_ Kathleen Walter (Chicago)
___ Frank Messina (HS Musical)

Choreography:
_X_ Kathleen Van de Veere (Chicago)
___ RJay Carey (Nunsense)
___ Kathleen Van de Veere (Peter Pan)
___ Kathleen Fraser (HS Musical)

Non Musicals:

Leading Male or Female
___ Don Van Etten (Matthew Brady) Inherit the Wind
_X_ Stephen Dougherty (Henry Drummond) Inherit the Wind
_X_ Danyelle Tinker (Catherine) Proof

Supporting Male:
___ Caleb Kearns (Ty) Sordid Lives
___ Stephen Dougherty (GW) Sordid Lives
___ Ken Moore (Robert, father) Proof
___ Caleb Kearns ( Harold Dobbs) Proof
_X_ Ken Moore (Brother Boy) Sordid Lives
___ Brett Hardee (Reverend Jeremiah Brown) Inherit the Wind

Supporting Female:
___ Kristina Sisto (Rachael Brown) Inherit the Wind
___ Anna Collier Okrasinski (Noleta) Sordid Lives
_X_ Meridith Symons (Sissy) Sordid Lives
___ Debra Wells (LaVonda) Sordid Lives
___ Christy Scattereli (LaTrelle) Sordid Lives
___ Holly Spencer (Claire ) Proof

Minor Role:
___ Ginger Williams (Bitsy Mae) Sordid Lives
___ Chris Benham (Wardell) Sordid Lives
___ Jane Nielsen (Mrs. McClain) Inherit the Wind
___ Brian Jones (Judge) Inherit the Wind
___ Jane Nielsen (Juanita) Sordid Lives
_X_ David Bates (E.K. Hornbeck) Inherit the Wind

“Light Up the Stage”
___ Norm Tognazinni (Bannister) Inherit the Wind
___ Rachel Greycloud (Art Kid and Skater Babe) HS Musical
___ Cassie Gamble (Cheerleader) HS Musical
_X_ Sam Benedict (Aaron/Tap Dancer/The Jury) Chicago
___ Charity Benham (Sister Mary Leo ) Nunsense
___ Jordan Ferry (Nana/Crock) Peter Pan
_X_ (Pirates) Peter Pan

Youth Performance
___ Cast (HS Musical)
___ Billy Cowles (Howard Blair) Inherit the Wind
___ Cast (Peter Pan)
___ Tommy Stallone (Peter Pan) Peter Pan
___ Sarah Carey (Wendy) Peter Pan
_X_ Tessa Flores (Tiger Lily) Peter Pan

Debut Performance on Any Stage:
___ Kari Trickey (Eva the psychiatrist) Sordid Lives
___ Christy Scatterelli (Latrelle) Sordid Lives
___ Emily Ackerlund (Reporter) Chicago
___ Blake Ramseyer (Martin Harrison) Chicago
_X_ Justin Roisom (Ryan Evans,,lead role) HS Musical
___ Jacob Sanchez (Jason.Jock) HS Musical
___ Nathan Muti (Fred Casley) Chicago

Debut Performance on Gallery Stage:
_X_ Caleb Kearns (Harold Dobbs) Proof
___ Stephen Dougherty (GW) Sordid Lives
___ Nathan Dunkin (Amos Hart) Chicago
___ Bre Gregg (Mary Sunshine) Chicago
___ Sam Benedict (Aaron/Tap Dancer/The Jury) Chicago
___ McKenna Twedt (Hunyak) Chicago

Set Design/Creative Use of Space (Arena)
___ Sordid Lives
_X_ Galen Flinn (Inherit the Wind)
___ Galen Flinn (Proof)

Set Design/ Creative Use of Space (Main Stage)
___ Phill Darling (Peter Pan)
___ Paula Terry (Nunsense
___ Mitch Maddox, Seth Renne (Chicago)
_X_ Adam Ewing (HS Musical)

Set Dressing and Painting
___ Sordid Lives
___ Adam and Kari Trickey (Inherit the Wind)
___ Proof
___ Mitch Maddox (Chicago)
___ Paula Terry (Nunsense)
_X_ Peter Pan
___ Adam Ewing and Natasha Osterhout (HS Musical)

Costumes:
___ Proof
___ HS Musical
_X_ Peter Pan
___ Chicago
___ Sordid Lives
___ Inherit the Wind
(Nunsense costumes were all borrowed from Pentacle Theater)

Musicals:
___ HS Musical Director: Adam Ewing
___ Nunsense Director: Faye Trupka
_X_ Chicago Director: Seth Renne
___ Peter Pan Director: Phil Darling

Non Musicals:
___ Proof Director: Ted Desel
_X_ Sordid Lives Director: Carolyn McCloskey
___ Inherit the Wind Director: Galen Flinn

2008 Gallery Awards Nominations

2008-12-21T00:50:00.000-08:00

The Gallery Theater Awards will be presented on January 10th. Here is a complete list of the nominations.

Musicals:
Leading Male:
___ Jesus Gomez (Troy Bolton) High School Musical
___ Justin Roisom (Ryan Evans) High School Musical
___ Richard Pratt (Billy Flynn) Chicago
___ Tommy Stallone (Peter Pan) Peter Pan

Leading Females:
___ Kathleen Van De Veere (Roxie Hart) Chicago
___ Ember Eastman (Velma Kelly) Chicago
___ Kathleen Walter ( Reverend Mother) Nunsense
___ Brittney Hoskisson (Gabriella Montez) High School Musical
___ Jasmine Klauder (Sharpay Evans) High School Musical
___ Sarah Carey (Wendy/Jane) Peter Pan

Supporting, Male:
___ Nathan Dunkin (Amos Hart) Chicago
___ Nick Quinteros (Chad Danforth) High School Musical
___ Seth Renne (Jack Scott) High School Musical
___ Ken Moore (Captain Hook) Peter Pan

Supporting Female:
___ Jaimie Myer (Taylor McKessie) High School Musical
___ Lindsay Harrop (Kelsi Neilson) High School Musical
___ Kathleen Walter (Mama Morton) Chicago
___ Grace Swanson ( Sister Mary Amnesia) Nunsense
___ Tessa Flores (Tiger Lilly) Peter Pan
___ Dawn Graff-Haight ( Sister Mary Hubert) Nunsense

Minor Role:
___ Bre Gregg (Mary Sunshine) Chicago
___ Michelle Sanchez (Martha Cox) High School Musical
___ Chris Helwig (Zeke Taylor) High School Musical
___ Zach Martin (Smee) Peter Pan
___ Colton Price (John Darling) Peter Pan

Musical Director:
___ Tami Allen (Nunsense)
___ Gary Markham (Peter Pan)
___ Kathleen Walter (Chicago)
___ Robin Pederson & Frank Messina (High School Musical)

Choreography:
___ Kathleen Van de Veere (Chicago)
___ RJay Carey (Nunsense)
___ Kathleen Van de Veere (Peter Pan)
___ Kathleen Fraser (High School Musical)

Non Musicals:

Leading Male or Female
___ Don Van Etten (Matthew Brady) Inherit the Wind
___ Stephen Dougherty (Henry Drummond) Inherit the Wind
___ Danyelle Tinker (Catherine) Proof

Supporting Male:
___ Caleb Kearns (Ty) Sordid Lives
___ Stephen Dougherty (GW) Sordid Lives
___ Ken Moore (Robert, father) Proof
___ Caleb Kearns ( Harold Dobbs) Proof
___ Ken Moore (Brother Boy) Sordid Lives
___ Brett Hardee (Reverend Jeremiah Brown) Inherit the Wind

Supporting Female:
___ Kristina Sisto (Rachael Brown) Inherit the Wind
___ Anna Collier Okrasinski (Noleta) Sordid Lives
___ Meridith Symons (Sissy) Sordid Lives
___ Debra Wells (LaVonda) Sordid Lives
___ Christy Scattereli (LaTrelle) Sordid Lives
___ Holly Spencer (Claire ) Proof

Minor Role:
___ Ginger Williams (Bitsy Mae) Sordid Lives
___ Chris Benham (Wardell) Sordid Lives
___ Jane Nielsen (Mrs. McClain) Inherit the Wind
___ Brian Jones (Judge) Inherit the Wind
___ Jane Nielsen (Juanita) Sordid Lives
___ David Bates (E.K. Hornbeck) Inherit the Wind

“Light Up the Stage”
___ Norm Tognazinni (Bannister) Inherit the Wind
___ Rachel Greycloud (Art Kid and Skater Babe) High School Musical
___ Cassie Gamble (Cheerleader) High School Musical
___ Sam Benedict (Aaron/Tap Dancer/The Jury) Chicago
___ Charity Benham (Sister Mary Leo ) Nunsense
___ Jordan Ferry (Nana/Crock) Peter Pan
___ (Pirates) Peter Pan

Youth Performance
___ Cast (High School Musical)
___ Billy Cowles (Howard Blair) Inherit the Wind
___ Cast (Peter Pan)
___ Tommy Stallone (Peter Pan) Peter Pan
___ Sarah Carey (Wendy) Peter Pan
___ Tessa Flores (Tiger Lily) Peter Pan

Debut Performance on Any Stage:
___ Kari Trickey (Eva the psychiatrist) Sordid Lives
___ Christy Scatterelli (Latrelle) Sordid Lives
___ Emily Ackerlund (Reporter) Chicago
___ Blake Ramseyer (Martin Harrison) Chicago
___ Justin Roisom (Ryan Evans,,lead role) High School Musical
___ Jacob Sanchez (Jason.Jock) High School Musical
___ Nathan Muti (Fred Casley) Chicago

Debut Performance on Gallery Stage:
___ Caleb Kearns (Harold Dobbs) Proof
___ Stephen Dougherty (GW) Sordid Lives
___ Nathan Dunkin (Amos Hart) Chicago
___ Bre Gregg (Mary Sunshine) Chicago
___ Sam Benedict (Aaron/Tap Dancer/The Jury) Chicago
___ McKenna Twedt (Hunyak) Chicago

Set Design/Creative Use of Space (Arena)
___ Sordid Lives
___ Galen Flinn (Inherit the Wind)
___ Galen Flinn (Proof)

Set Design/ Creative Use of Space (Main Stage)
___ Phill Darling (Peter Pan)
___ Paula Terry (Nunsense
___ Mitch Maddox, Seth Renne (Chicago)
___ Adam Ewing (High School Musical)

Set Dressing and Painting
___ Sordid Lives
___ Adam and Kari Trickey (Inherit the Wind)
___ Proof
___ Mitch Maddox (Chicago)
___ Paula Terry (Nunsense)
___ Peter Pan
___ Adam Ewing and Natasha Osterhout (High School Musical)

Costumes:
___ Proof
___ High School Musical
___ Peter Pan
___ Chicago
___ Sordid Lives
___ Inherit the Wind

Musicals:
___ High School Musical Director: Adam Ewing
___ Nunsense Director: Faye Trupka
___ Chicago Director: Seth Renne
___ Peter Pan Director: Phil Darling

Non Musicals:
___ Proof Director: Ted Desel
___ Sordid Lives Director: Carolyn McCloskey
___ Inherit the Wind Director: Galen Flinn

Snow Week

2008-12-18T00:37:00.000-08:00

Well, the weather outside is frightful....

Our second week of rehearsals has been quite uneventful as we've had to cancel all of them due to the weather. It's been crazy. Has Oregon ever had a chance for a white Christmas?

Last week we began rehearsals doing a read through of the script and began choreography. I hadn't read through Forum since High School when I last did the show. I forgot how ridiculously funny the show is. I mean I have to stop and laugh just from reading it on paper. I'm so excited for this show. Our cast really is amazing. It is such a joy to get to work with Deborah and Walt again. I haven't done a show with Deborah since Steel Magnolias. Our courtesan girls are all great and beautiful dancers. Kyle Elmer who plays "Hero" is one of the nicest people I have ever met and incredibly talented. Rjay's choreography is going to be wonderful and fun to watch. I hope to able to praise everybody a lot more over the next few weeks as I've only mentioned a few of them here. All in all I'm really itching to get back into rehearsals. I hope this weather clears up soon.

See you at the theater
Seth

A Funny Thing Happened....

2008-12-10T13:47:00.001-08:00

WOW! It's been a long time since we posted anything. I'll try to get this updated as soon as I have some free time.

Last week auditions were held for "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" The show is being directed by Chris Benham. We had a read through last night and I'm pretty excited about the show. Good cast, including some of my favorite people. Here is the cast list:

Pseudolus - RJay Carey
Hero - Kyle Elmer
Philia - Monique Morgan
Hysterium - Seth Renne
Senex - Walter Haight
Lycus - Todd Swanson
Domina - Deborah Johansen
Miles Gloriosus - Tyler Palmblad
Erronius - Glenn Eager
Proteans - Andrew Surber, Jeffrey Mina, April Wilcox, Julia Sargent, Jennifer Dickie, Rebekah Wagner
Vibrata - Kelsey Roesner
Panacaea - Willow Dickerson
The Gemini - Karissa Weeden, Lindsey Weeden
Tintinabula - Kelly Maahs
Gymnasia - Grace Swanson

There should be some recognizable names and a few new ones also. I'm going to take my camera tonight and start filming for some "Fun Forum Video Blogs."

See you at the theater
Seth

ANNOUNCING

2008-08-22T21:12:00.000-07:00

McMinnville Gallery Theatre Present

'CHICAGO'

By Fred Ebb & Bob Fosse, Music by John Kander,Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Directed by Seth Renne, Choreographed by Kathleen Van De Veere

Come experience the murder, mayhem, sex and glamor in this scintillating musical that shows you what it takes to be famous. Parents beware. This is not a family friendly piece of fluff. Our girls and boys spare no expense when it comes to showing you what is hot in Chicago, Illinois.

In the midst of the roaring twenties in the seedy city of Chicago, Roxie Hart, an ambitious chorus girl, passionately murders her lover. Unable to convince her gullible husband, Amos, to take the rap, Roxie becomes a jailbird babe along with the famous Velma Kelly and The Six Merry Murderesses. Both Roxie and Velma seek publicity for the sake of their acquittal and their careers with the help of the vivacious matron, Mama Morton. In the end their tricky lawyer, Billy Flynn, becomes the dazzling ring leader of their misleading courtroom show and produces a stunning verdict that neither Roxie nor Velma could ever have predicted.

September 12th thru October 4th

Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm

Sunday matinee at 3:00pm

210 N. Ford St. McMinnville, OR 97128
Call and reserve your tickets now! They are flyin away fast!

503. 472. 2227.
Senior/Student: $13Adult: $15

Group and Family Rates available, as well as disability seating.

Produced through special arrangment with Samuel French, Inc.
45 West 25th Street, New York, NY 10010-2751 Phone (212) 206-8990 Fax (212) 206-1429

FLASHBACK: Annie Get Your Gun

2008-06-30T17:05:00.000-07:00

Annie Get Your Gun

Published: May 9, 2002
Gallery Theater play runs through May 25
By Starla PointerOf the News-Register

Gallery Theater scores a bull's-eye with "Annie Get Your Gun," a musical comedy based on the real-life love story of Annie Oakley and Frank Butler.

The dance sequence featuring Annie (Jenny Root) and Sitting Bull (Laurel Adams) is worth the price of admission. Lucky for us, it's just one highlight of a thoroughly enjoyable show.

Root is as natural as can be in the title role. Her Annie is fresh and innocent, yet, in many ways, wise beyond her years and her background. She knows all about shooting, taking care of her siblings and "Doin' What Comes Naturally," yet she melts into a teen-age swoon when she first lays eyes on Frank (Eric Ernst).

She's neither the first nor the last female to be dazzled by Frank, but she's the first to stand up and declare that she has talents, too. His condescending attitude toward women - which, in the 1870s, was considered being gentlemanly - just makes her more determined. In fact, she beats him at his own game - marksmanship.

Still, Annie realizes that showing him up isn't the way to win Frank's heart. "You Can't Get a Man With a Gun," she laments, and accepts a secondary role in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show so she can be near him.

He's happy to treat her as an apprentice. And he's overjoyed that she's becoming more ladylike - pinker and whiter, like the china doll he's always dreamed of marrying.

In fact, he's all ready to propose, despite the warnings of his cowboy buddies. It may be Ernst's best great number - "My Defenses are Down," in which Frank looks forward to marriage with the refrain, "Being miserable is gonna be fun." The scene wouldn't be complete without the cowboy chorus, Robin Wirfs, Dylan Sovey, Andrew Wardell and Ian Godbey.

Everything seems to be headed toward a ride into the sunset. But when Buffalo Bill, knowing he can draw a crowd by showcasing Annie's talents, makes her a star, Frank gallops off alone.

Adams make a fine Sitting Bull, a man of few words, every one of them hilarious. Ryan Findley is just right as Buffalo Bill. Josh Harrison and Laura Hilliker make a good team as a sharply contrasting brother and sister, Charlie and Dolly.

Throughout the show, Irving Berlin's hit songs are performed with gusto and tenderness or humor, depending on the number. "I'll Have an Old Fashioned Wedding," in which Annie and Frank present their conflicting views, "Anything You Can Do," "I Got the Sun in the Morning" and several versions of "There's No Business Like Show Business" are among the highlights, of course. The more romantic "They Say It's Wonderful" and "Moonshine Lullaby" are lovely.

Scene changes dragged at times on opening night. The waits weren't unpleasant, though, because the live combo kept playing throughout.

Nice touch, by the way, having the musicians not only visible, but in costume. And oh, what costumes by Carol Burnett, Barbara Millikan and others. They're fabulous. The many costume changes are a visual treat.

The set is just enough to establish the locales, but simple and understated so that the performers are the real stars. The lighting effects in the ball scene are a good addition.

It's been 20 years since Gallery's first production of "Annie Get Your Gun." Whether or not you remember that one, you should see this version. Strong performances under the direction of Jane Maddox, quality music directed by Frank Messina and a good cast - especially Root, and especially in that dance sequence with Adams - make this a show not to miss.

High School Musical (Review)

2008-05-09T08:57:00.000-07:00

Disney's 'High School Musical'
Published: May 8, 2008
Go back to 'High School'
By STARLA POINTER
Of the News-Register

It's a classic story - a handsome young man from one world and a lovely young woman from another meet while on vacation and fall in love. Reunited during the school year, they're torn between being their true selves and fitting in with the crowd. Love wins in the end, and everyone in the whole school is better off.
And they all do the hand jive and sing a lively finale, "You're the One that I Want."
Oops, that's the version of the story from my generation, when "Grease" was the word and we teens were nostalgic for the 1950s, a decade we hadn't actually lived through ourselves.
This generation's version is Disney's "High School Musical," which started as a TV movie and now is a stage play and marketing tour de force. Writer David Simpatico cleverly gives a nod to the genre's genesis by making HSM's much-auditioned-for, but never seen, play-within-a-play a tap-dancing, musical version of "Romeo and Juliet."
This generation makes up almost the entire cast of Gallery Theater's version of "High School Musical." And this generation, along with a good number of parents and grandparents, practically filled the theater for the first three performances - one of the biggest opening weekends ever at Gallery.
The audience, which probably would have loved the show no matter what, was rewarded with a visually appealing production filled with pleasant music and some really good performances.
I may have been the only one in the theater who minded that the show started 15 minutes late or that the intermission stretched almost twice as long as advertised. And even I almost forgave those faux pas when I saw that the school colors in the show were the same as those of my own high school, and the mascot the same as my college. Go Wildcats, indeed.
Once things got under way, director Adam Ewing and his cast did a great job using the entire stage and, in fact, the whole theater.
The set looked great. Even if it hadn't been painted red and black, I would have loved the multiple levels and rolling carts that allowed for quick, effective scene changes.
I enjoyed Kathleen Fraser's choreography, especially the group pieces - the "Head in the Game" number with basketballs, in particular. The dance numbers featuring drama queen Sharpay and her twin also were a treat to watch.
The twins (Jasmine Klauder and Justin Roisom, both excellent) play a central role in "High School Musical," not only in the plot but also in the way the whole story is shaped to be positive and uplifting.
Yes, Sharpay is willing to "improvise" a lie to beat out her rival, and yes, she and her brother act like they are better than everyone else. But we also learn that they, too, are motivated by the same teen angst as their peers. If she can't be the school's star, Sharpay worries, all she'll be is herself, and how boring is that? Naturally, this Disneyesque script teaches us, she deserves understanding, too.
Gabriella (Brittney Hoskisson, who has a lovely voice) and Troy (Jesus Gomez) are the Sandy and Danny of "High School Musical." They would be perfect for the leads in the school play. But to take the parts, they not only will have to out-do Sharpay and Ryan, they'll also have to step out of the roles in which they've been cast in school society - Troy as the basketball whiz and Gabriella as the academic one.
Seth Renne practically steals the show as the "Voice of East High School" who reads announcements over the intercom - a clever way to use a narrator to set the scene.
Pat Meyer and Terri Swanson, who have the only significant adult roles in "High School Musical," do a great job as the coach and the drama teacher. Swanson, in particular, plays her role with all the flamboyance and frustration of an arts-lover trying to promote drama in a sports-oriented world.
Others who stand out were Nick Quinteros and Chris Helwig, Troy's affable basketball buddies; Jaimie Meyer and Michelle Sanchez as members of the academic clique; Lindsay Harrop as the young composer and playwright; Austin Ewing as the Wildcat mascot; and the ensemble as a whole.
Because the cast changed somewhat in the weeks between auditions and opening night, the names of several members were omitted from the article previewing "High School Musical": Jesus Ordaz, Katie Cocchi, Cassie Gamble, Stephanie Sulak, Chelsey Manning, Brittany McKinney, Lamont Jarvis, Stacey Jarvis and Tricia Harrop, who also was stage manager.
The initial cast list also didn't mention the musicians who provide the live soundtrack for the show: pianist Anne Britt; guitarists Aaron Knudson and Seth Schwebs; bass player Shelly Sanderlin; drummers David Quillen and Eric Fellows; saxophone players Ron Bork, Max Dixon and Duane Bond; and brass players Bob Thornburg, Mike Quillen, Richard Manning, David Clark, Doug Ausmus, Larry Hake and Tom Adams.

High School Musical

2008-04-02T18:16:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone, Seth here... I'm just writing to let everyone know that tickets are now available for High School Musical. There are two days completely SOLD OUT and we've had record breaking sales for the past couple days, so get your tickets NOW!!!

Rehearsals have been a blast thus far. You guy7s are in for a real treat when you see the four leads. Jesus Gomez (Troy Bolton) has an amazing voice, Brittney Hoskisson (Gabriella Montez) has a beautiful voice and is one of the sweetest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, and Justin Roisom and Jasmine Klauder (Ryan and Sharpay Evans) are awesome in their roles and great people to have involved at our theater.

I hope to get some video blog footage up soon.

~Seth

What a Bunch of Nunsense!

2008-01-09T11:37:00.000-08:00

Hey ya'll,
It's Grace Swanson here, to give you a little inside scoop about Gallery Theater's upcoming production of Dan Goggin's Nunsense. I'm just thrilled to be involved in this production and I'd like to share with you out there in the World Wide Web just what The Little Sister's of Hoboken are cooking up for their audience.

In case you haven't heard about this show, let me start by giving you a little background info. The original production of Nunsense opened Off-Broadway in 1985 and continued for 3,672 performances, making it the 2nd-longest running Off-Broadway production in history. The show has continued to wow audiences the world over, including a production on the West End. The show has become somewhat of a series with 6 sequels and various incarnations. Surprisingly, the idea for the production actually came from greeting cards that featured Nuns with witty one-liners. In that same spirit of comedy, the show was born.

The story centers around 5 nuns, Sister Mary Leo, Sister Robert Anne, Sister Mary Amnesia, Sister Mary Hubert, and The Reverend Mother (Sister Mary Regina), who are putting on a benefit show to raise money for a rather strange cause. It seems their cook, Sister Julia "child of God," served up a bad batch of vichyssoise soup, causing 52 of the 71 sisters to die instantly of botulism. The remaining sisters returned to the convent, after a bingo night, to find 52 dead sisters. With not enough money to bury the last 4 sisters, they had to be put in the freezer and now they must bury them before the Jersey Board of Health discovers their indiscretion. The resulting benefit is a riotous combination of cabaret, comedy, and Catholicism!

Gallery's production is being directed by Faye Pitman Trupka. Faye hails from Salem and has been very involved in productions out at Pentacle Theatre. Although this is Faye's first experience with Gallery, she is not new to directing or even to Nunsense. She recently directed And Then There Were None, and Forever Plaid, just to name two newer shows AND... you guessed it, Nunsense and Nunsense II: The Second Coming. She has not only directed the show many times, but has also been in it. Reverend Mother has been her favorite role to date. I think that Faye has a special place in her heart for the show, just ask her about it, she's very passionate. It has been quite the pleasure working with someone with so much insight on the show and so much love for the characters. By the way, while I'm at it, I should tell you something cool about Faye, she has a great sense of humor and she LOVES nun jokes. Another “ habit,” is that she has a rather large collection of Nuns, some of which you’ll see in the lobby. If you happen to see her,share any good nun jokes you may have.

Well that's all for now, but keep an eye out cause I'll be back with a production update and more stories about Nunsense! This is going to be a fabulous production and a really entertaining evening for all, so go pick up some tickets for the whole family! While you’re at it, you should check out Proof which opens January 25 in the Arena Theater. For ticket information on both shows visit our web site at www.gallerytheater.org

A Letter from the "Play Selection" Committee

2007-12-30T15:51:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

Seth Renne here and have I got news for you... Gallery Theater is starting the process of selecting our 2009 season and I will be acting as the chair for the play selection committee.

As we enter into our 40th anniversary season, we have some very exciting shows coming our way. I’m especially excited to see some recent theatrical hits being done here on the Gallery stage. Proof is the 2001 Pulitzer Prize Winner for drama. High School Musical is based off the 2006 hit DCOM… Disney Channel Original Movie. The 1996 revival of Chicago is the longest running revival in Broadway history and the film adaptation won the 2003 Oscar™ winner for Best Picture.

Not only are we presenting these exciting newer shows, but some old favorites. Nunsense, Inherit the Wind, and Peter Pan have all been produced here before and are back by popular demand. Over the years Gallery’s patrons have brought many shows like these to our attention through simple suggestion, or through the always fun “play day” many of you may remember from years past. As we look forward to our 2009 season we hope to include shows that you, the patrons want to see.

So here is the deal... If there is a show you are interested in seeing produced here, send your ideas my way and we will give them our full consideration. My commitment to you is to thoughtfully consider all submissions. But please remember, submitting a play for consideration does not guarantee a slot in the 2009 season. Based off the few submissions we have already received, and information gathered from some recent surveys, I can tell you that we are in for a great 41st season.

Submissions can be made to my box at the Gallery Box office, by e-mail to smrenne@hotmail.com OR by leaving a comment here on the blog.

~ Seth

Scrooge "building" momentum

2007-10-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

Hi Gallery Bloggers!

This is actually my first (maybe last) blogging experience, so please enjoy!

Seth asked me to give and update on the upcoming production of Scrooge, The Musical. Mark and Robin Pedersen are directing a cast of 35+ . Mindy Longley and I have been building the set, so we literally run into them occasionally.

They have been rehearsing a few weeks, and but Mark and Robin could let you all know how it is going. It sounds good to me, in between the saw and drill noise.

The set is very complicated and Huge! Bigger than "Sweeney"! If anyone would like to help decorating the "Dickens Town on Wheels" I am so open to that. Mindy and I are usually there after work 5:30 to 7:45 Monday through Thursday. I've given Mindy Halloween off this week.

Saturday and Sunday work times are negotiable, and have been happening. Last Saturday, two families from the cast came to help and will forever be considered my favorites. There was a frenzy of painting and building and fun. Just for the record, Mindy gets to pick the music.

If you have any questions or want to help, email me at pterry@linfield.edu

I'm sure I'll think of fifty million things to write once I'm done here, so look for more from me.

Paula

FLASHBACK "Steel Magnolias" Review

2007-10-28T21:52:00.000-07:00

Published: October 26, 2006

By STARLA POINTER Of the News-Register

"Steel Magnolias" is a play about what a mother will do for her child, about love and loss, about continuing to live, about Southern sass. But most of all, it's about the family-like bond that women friends create: how they squabble like siblings yet support one another like nobody's business as well.

Undoubtedly, such a connection really exists between the actresses in Gallery Theater's version of the show. The cast members are delivering lines written by Robert Harling, but the way they care for one another is genuine.

And that helps make this a superlative production - it shines like freshly washed hair.
Although it will have you digging for Kleenex at times, "Steel Magnolias" is absolutely hilarious. The characters speak their minds, without reservation, about men, about religion, about relationships, about their neighbors, about one another. Especially about one another.
Interestingly, two of the actresses played different roles in Gallery's earlier version of "Steel Magnolias" back in 1991. Harmon appeared as Shelby and Nielsen played Clairee. Whether that experience gave them more insight into their present characters or not, they both do a marvelous job this time.

Harmon is hilarious in the broadly-drawn role of Truvy, the sassy beauty shop owner who cannot stand not being first to know. And Nielsen, who always does a great job with comic roles at Gallery, makes Ouiser as sassy as a spit curl.

Under the direction of Seth Renne, the whole cast does a super job. Sharon Morgan is Clairee this time around, and she's perfect as the recently widowed mayor's wife finding a life of her own. Holly Spencer looks young and vulnerable as Annelle, who comes looking for work and mothering at Truvy's shop. Mercedes Cook and Deborah Johansen are well-paired as Shelby and her mother, neither of whom can turn off her maternal instinct.

(During scene changes, I overheard several audience members wondering if Cook and Johansen were related - a compliment to their work. I also heard people comparing the Gallery actresses to those in the hit movie of "Steel Magnolias," also favorably.)

All the actresses are convincing with their Southern accents, especially Spencer, and none goes overboard. The costumes are almost characters in and of themselves - especially those worn by Harmon as Truvy. Same with the hair and makeup. And it's interesting to see how much the clothes reveal about the wearer, especially as Ouiser becomes more feminine and Annelle more pious.

A soundtrack of '80s and pre-'80s songs by the likes of Phil Collins, Elton John and Wham! adds to the atmosphere. The set is clever, with a hair-washing station as well as the other accouterments of a beauty shop.

The shop is the show's sole set, and all the action takes place there. That's one of the things that distinguishes the stage play from the movie version; another is the focus entirely on the six women. All in all, it's a much more satisfying piece without the distraction of other characters and other locales.

"Steel Magnolias" is perfect for Gallery's intimate Arena Theater. It's almost as if audience members are sitting under the dryers, pretending to read magazines but actually listening in on the gossip.

But the setting also is this production's flaw. The Arena holds fewer than 100 seats, which makes it likely that performances will sell out and people who haven't secured tickets early might be disappointed. Don't risk missing this one.

"Steel Magnolias" continues through Nov. 11 at Gallery Theater, Second and Ford streets in downtown McMinnville. Shows are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $12 for adults and $11 for seniors and students, with a $2 discount offered for advanced purchases. Call the box office at 503-472-2227 for reservations.

The Sunday, Oct. 29, performance is a fundraiser for the Yamhill-Carlton High School safe graduation party. Tickets are $15, available from 503-476-5481.

Deathtrap Review

2007-10-25T18:10:00.000-07:00

Deathtrap

Published: October 25, 2007

By STARLA POINTEROf the News-Register

Whodunit? What did they do? And was it really done?
Those are the questions that delight audiences who see "Deathtrap." The Gallery Theater production slays us with its biting comic lines, sets hearts racing at dramatic moments and leaves us hanging in the end.

Or does it?

We're never quite sure in this show, and that's its charm. Ira Levin weaves a story that's as perfect as the fictional script that bears the same title as Levin's creation.
The play works as well today as it did when it was written almost 30 years ago, although one of the key relationships is not as likely to shock as it was back in 1978. That relationship isn't convincing in this version, anyway.

But it's the convoluted storyline we're here for, after all, and that works as well as a pair of Houdini's handcuffs. It tugs us first one way and then the other, and that's a lot of fun.
Chris Benham - with an intensity reminiscent of Richard Dreyfuss -does a marvelous job as Sidney Bruhl, a once-successful playwright who has hit a very long, very dry spell. Seemingly out of the blue, Bruhl receives a juicy script that's sure to be a hit - for its writer, a novice who attended one of the workshops the older man teaches in order to pay his bills.
Under the influence of jealousy, how far will a person go? the play asks. And is his action an anomaly, or an evil part of his personality that's just been hidden under a mask of normality?
Charity Benham plays Myra Bruhl, the playwright's wealthy wife, who helps her husband carry out his plans even though her heart isn't in it. Benham does a good job portraying the feelings of betrayal and disbelief that arise when someone we think we know suddenly reveals his dark side.

Jeff Sargent gives Clifford Anderson, the novice playwright, a slightly uptight edge as types away at his masterpiece. And Steve Cox is fine as Porter Milgrin, Bruhl's lawyer, the "fifth character" who does the yeoman's job of moving the tightly woven plot along.
But it's April Wilcox who steals the show as Helga ten Dorp, the psychic who's just moved in next door. With wild hair and a wildly European accent, Helga breezes in to tell us what's happening - she sees things much more clearly in her mind than we see them in front of us, as it turns out.
Or does she?

Gallery's "Deathtrap" is well-directed by Carolyn McCloskey, with assistance from Vanessa Terzaghi and Walt Haight; and technical work by Linda Weaver, Kate Pierce, Craig Luis and Robert Osterhout. It's a good example of teamwork, with more people behind the scenes than on stage.

The show features a great set by Adam Ewing, Bill McCloskey, Susan Parker and Richard Weaver, with additional touches by Jeaniie Kleinschmit and Matt Meador. The special lighting effects are generally good, but I wish the lightning was more contained - the flashes make it look as if Bruhl's study has no roof.

Phil Darling contributed the props that bring "Deathtrap" to life - a variety of murder weapons and torture devices. Bruhl collects them because he is a writer of mystery plays; a love of plays and theater in general must be Darling's reason.

Or is it?

My, things keep changing!

2007-09-27T17:57:00.001-07:00

So, sometimes in the theater unforeseen events happen. Take our 2008 season for instance. We had finally got a complete season set and approved by the board, everything seemed great until...

Ginger: Hey Seth, guess what?

Seth: I don't know... what Ginger?

Ginger: I just heard from Music Theater International that "Annie" isn't going to be available for performance because of a National Tour coming close by the area.

Seth: That sucks...

So it turns out that "Annie" is celebrating it's 30th Anniversary and going out on a national tour. There is also a 2 disc CD soundtrack coming out with some of the best performers who have done the show singing on it. And while that is exciting and all, it means that we are unfortunately not going to be able to do the show in 2008. The Play Selection Committee and the board are currently working together to find a show to conclude our 2008 season, and that show will be announced on Nov. 17th at the 2008 Season Preview Night.

Pollyanna Opening Weekend

2007-09-19T15:36:00.000-07:00

Opening Night Pollyanna!

2007-09-18T18:50:00.000-07:00

I don't think we could have asked for a more fantastic opening night! We had such a great crowd, and everyone in the cast did such an awesome job! Laughs all around, and a great turn out. I think the final number was somewhere around 80, which is fabulous for a non-musical in the main-stage theatre. Kudos to the tech crew, backstage crew and of course, to our illustrious director Debbie, without whom this wouldn't have been possible. Well- we shall see how the next weekend turns out! Check back for more updates!

The Trap is Set!

2007-09-12T08:07:00.000-07:00

Deathtrap, that is . . .

Rehearsals have begun for Ira Levin's "Deathtrap", the second to last show of Gallery's 2007 season. It's a Thriller, a murder mystery, with many plot twists, turn, and surprises. A cast of characters marked by suspicion, paranoia, narcissism, and jealousy await you!

Directed by gallery veteran Carolyn McCloskey, the show features some faces familiar and new. Chris Benham plays Sidney Bruhl, an established writer of thrillers whose last few plays have been less than smashing hits. Charity Benham plays his high-strung wife, Myra. Jeff Sargent takes the stage as Clifford Anderson, a former student of Sydney's who has written what appears to be a sure-fire hit play. April Wilcox is Helga ten Dorp, a Dutch psychic who has rented the cottage next door to the Bruhl's while she is on vacation writing a book about her experiences. Steve Cox brings to life Porter Milgrim, Sydney's friend and lawyer. I won't share any more about the story, since I would HATE to ruin the surprises that are in store for you!

Check back often for updates on the progress of the show as we work it toward production.

"Deathtrap" opens on October 19th, and runs through November 10.

Put it on your calendar, and prepare to join us for laughs, gasps, and murder most foul . . .

Play Selection for 2009!!!

2007-09-11T17:09:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, well it's September, guess what that means... it's time to start planning for the 2009 season, I know it seems like we just finished 2008, well... we did... 2008 took a lot longer than we planned and posed many issues, but that is over and it's time to look ahead. The play Selection Committee starting to plan out our 41st season at Gallery and would like your help. Please let us know what YOU want to see Gallery perform.

There are some easy way to do it...
1. Post your ideas in a comment on the blog
2. Send Seth and e-mail at smrenne@hotmail.com
3. drop off hard copies of lists or scripts at the Gallery box office.

We appreciate any and all input you have. And check back here at the blog for up-dates and inside info as to what to expect in the future here at the Gallery Theater.

"Glad" to have great people to work with!

2007-09-07T21:06:00.000-07:00

Wow- we are really getting down to the wire here! Costumes are in the finishing process, lines are being memorized (some better than others, and I speak only of MYSELF) the set is almost complete. I really am so happy to be part of such a great cast and crew! I must admit, there is one crew member I am partial to, and he knows who he is.... :-)

But I digress... It seems only yesterday that Pollyanna was but a glimmer in the eyes of Gallery's Play Selection Committee. An interesting process, various members of the theatre peruse various scripts then present them to the committee, who vote on which plays will be performed in the upcoming season. This is an ongoing process, as I seem to recall a certain member of said committee talking about the 2008 season during the run of the Fall 2006 season. I personally think it would be great for anyone involved with the theatre to be ever mindful of any scripts that might do well at Gallery. If you know someone on the committee, you could make a suggestion, non?

Anyhoodle... Be sure to check back for more blurbs about the Gladdest play around!

What are you GLAD for?

2007-08-27T15:20:00.000-07:00

Back Stage Changes!!

2007-08-22T09:12:00.000-07:00

Over the past week or so there have been a few changes back stage at the theater. My crew and I are giving the green room some rejuvenation. We re-painted the walls and have added some much needed color to them, as well as some art to the room. It is still in process but should be complete by the middle of next week. The biggest change right now would have to be the scene shop. It has gone from so full of junk you can barley walk around; to all that junk piled in the middle so you can't even get in; to everything gone as they "remodel" it to make it more effective. The scene shop has hard wood floors, did anyone know that, I don't know that I've ever seen the floor of it before.

The set is almost completely up for "Pollyanna" and set painter Adam Tricky will be coming in starting this afternoon to begin making it beautiful. For those of you who don't know Adam, you may know his work from the set of "The Merry Widow." Adam is an amazing artist and a great new face at Gallery.

The Cast was just announced for "Deathtrap" and a representative from that show should be joining soon. The cast features Chris and Charity Benham, (They were last seen at Gallery in "Kiss Me Kate.") and Jeff Sergent who was recently in "Greater Tuna."

Well, that is all for now. People are just starting to get word of the blog and contributors are starting to join in so check back for more behind the scenes scoop from Gallery Theater.

Welcome to the Gallery Theater Blog

2007-08-15T22:14:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Gallery Theater's new blog. Check here for an inside look at what goes into producing our shows. The representative for "Pollyanna" will be joining in soon, so check back often.

Check out our 2008 Season in the video below!!!

Seth Renne
Play Selection Committee