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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 2, 2016)
Cast announced for LRP’s production of ‘Anne Frank’ FLORENCE — The story of Anne Frank captured with heartbreaking elo- quency in the pages of her diary have been shared on stage, film and count- less art forms over the decades. However, newly discovered writings from her diary, along with survivor accounts, have been interwoven into a contemporary and impassioned re- telling of the lives of people persecuted under Nazi rule. Written by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, and adapted for the stage by Wendy Kesselman, the play has been described by The Associated Press as “A powerful new version that moves the audience to gasps, then tears.” The play captures the claustrophobic realities of the families in hiding as they move through a daily existence mixed with fear, hope, laughter and grief during the two dark years Anne Frank and her family managed to stay alive within the confines of a space that was both safe haven and prison. Presented by The Last Resort Players and directed by Jennifer Connor and Cathy Dupont, auditions for “Diary of Anne Frank” were held last month, with the following cats members announced for the show’s April run: Otto Frank — Dana Rodet Edith Frank — Kate Gibson Margot Frank — Brooklyn Cahoon Anne Frank — Memphis Gkiewe Mr. Putti Van Daan — Jim Wellington Mrs. Petronella Van Daan — Jackie Crave Peter Van Daan — Kyle Hight Jan Dussell — Grant Harmond Miep — Trudie Cahoon Mr. Kraler — to be deter- mined Nazi soldiers: Wayne Sharpe, Taylor Smith, Jamison Smith and James Bonisteel. The show is scheduled to be performed at the end of April, with several presentations to be performed for local middle and high school students. More information is available at www.lastresortplayers.org. COURTESY PHOTO CROW TO HOST OPEN AUDITIONS FOR FLORENCE — In a faraway kingdom, the green ogre, Shrek, finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits, run- aways who’ve been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wise-cracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he’s handed a task: if he rescues feisty Princess Fiona from the Dragon-guarded tower, his swamp will be returned to him. But, a fairy tale wouldn’t be complete without unexpected twists and turns along the way. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, “Shrek The Musical, Jr.,” is an irreverently fun show for the family. CROW (Children’s Repertory of Oregon Workshops) has announced open auditions, Jan. 11 and 12, for the musical comedy with book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, and music by Jeanine Tesori. This marks CROW’s fifth mainstage production at the Florence Events Center. The show will be performed April 15, 16 and 17, and for invited school audi- 1 0 • C OAST ences on April 14. Local audiences may recall that last spring CROW produced a main stage production of “Once Upon A Mattress,” which dazzled and delighted audiences. CROW is a Florence-based nonprofit organization dedicated to giving back to the community by providing qual- ity performing arts experiences to youth. Artistic director Melanie Heard is a cre- dentialed teacher, and founder of the pro- gram. “We are not your ‘typical’ chil- dren’s theatre organization,” says Heard. “There is no charge to participate in a CROW mainstage musical, and this dif- ferentiates us from 95 percent of all other youth theatre organizations in the nation.” “It’s much more than just theatre. It’s an opportunity to hone crucial life skills such as teamwork, motivation, dedication and self-esteem,” says Heard. “We hope that these things will serve our kids well, no matter what life path they may select.” In addition to providing a very profes- sional work environment for the cast members, CROW utilizes the highest cal- C ENTRAL • A r ts & En t er ta i n me n t • JA N U AR Y 2 0 16 ‘S HREK THE iber costumes, sets, lighting design, cho- reography, music, sound, stage makeup and more. “Just wait till you see this year’s fire breathing dragon,” says Heard. There are great roles for ages 6 to 22 and older, and all young people are encouraged to try out regardless of previ- ous stage experience. Mature 4- to 6-year-olds may be con- sidered for “Telegrammers.” Auditions will be held at the Siuslaw Middle School cafeteria on Jan. 11 and 12, at 6:30 p.m. Invited callbacks will be held on Jan. 13 at 6:30 p.m. There are approximately 40 to 45 onstage roles, and several behind the scenes jobs for kids interested in technical theatre. To audition or participate back- stage, kids must attend the audition. Onstage performer hopefuls will need to bring 16-32 bars from a song that they would like to sing (sheet music or a CD, MP3 track with no background voices is also acceptable), and a headshot and M USICAL , J R .’ resume if available. Prospective cast members will also be taught a short dance combination, and those asked to come to callbacks will read sides from the script. No experience is required, so don’t be afraid to come and give it a try. Interested families are encouraged to check out the CROW website for all of the information needed to prepare for the audition. Rehearsals will begin Jan. 25 and are generally held weeknights from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. A schedule will be available for perusal at the audition. Heard stresses that performing in these productions is a big commitment. “Performing in one of our shows is very hard work and requires dedication, but when the curtain opens in April, we know you will agree that it was worth it,” Heard says. For a casting breakdown and more information, visit www.crowkids.com, or contact Heard at 541-999-8641 or by email at crowtheatrekids@yahoo.com.
