Behind the Rehearsal Scenes

"It's a Wonderful Life" -A Musical: Rehearsal Fall 2012

It has been such a pleasure to watch this cast come together over the past few weeks....I have been sneaking into rehearsal and taking footage for your viewing pleasure.

The night before last the CVFT Orchestra joined in the fun....there is just something about adding them into the mix.  Tomorrow night is dress rehearsal -can't wait to see that. In the meantime - here is the sneak peak.
As always....Get Your Tickets Here


Jibs
CVFT Insider

Leading Man - "It's a Wonderful Life" A Musical

Joel Peterson as George Bailey

Joel studies at St. Olaf College in Northfield (class of '13!)

and is a Chaska Senior High School Graduate

Role: George Bailey

Started in the theatre: 16

Age: 22

City: Chaska

CVFT: Please tell us how it all started. Your theater life that is.
Joel: "I knew theater was for me when I learned sports were not for me. No, but in all seriousness, I've always enjoyed singing, and my friends and family have considered me somewhat of a performer, so theater seemed a logical next step. I started in my sophomore year of High School and I haven't looked back, except right now, for the sake of this blog."

CVFT: Why Chaska Valley Family Theater?

Joel: "I continue to audition for and participate in shows at CVFT not only for the increasing quality they bring professionally, but for the camaraderie and friendliness of everyone involved. Doing "community theater" right is actually not as easy as it sounds, and I think CVFT has struck the perfect balance between taking the art of theater "seriously" and making sure anyone who is interested gets their fair chance at the authentic stage experience." 

CVFT: Your thoughts on your character and the show?

Joel: "As George Bailey, I really enjoy trying to capture his shifting mood as he descends into abject depression and desperation. It's a challenge, but one I find extremely rewarding to try to master. Collectively, I think the brisk pace of the show, combined with the upbeat and lively chorus numbers make "It's a Wonderful Life" light and enjoyable, even when dealing with some pretty heavy subject matter. Our cast does such a great job of bringing Bedford Falls to life.

CVFT: Any pre-show rituals?

Joel: "My pre-show rituals, as anyone who has seen me can tell you, basically consist of a lot of pacing and seemingly random sips of water. I wish there was more method to my madness, but sadly it isn't so. I do, however, enjoy getting to the theater very early on performance dates, simply to be able to have a moment of calm before the storm."

CVFT: Has your family been a part of your CVFT experience?

Joel: "There is no "F" in my personal CVFT. The only memorable experience in theater with family I've had is in Tom Sawyer (also done by CVFT). My dad was brought in as a last-minute character to portray someone called "Mr. Dobbins". Having no theater experience, he outdid himself. I remember him rushing on to stage, excitedly delivering his line: "Mr. Dobbins! Mr. Dobbins! Come quick! We need a coroner! There's been a MURDER!" Definitely a highlight for me.

CVFT: Any other fun behind the scenes tid bits you care to share? 

Joel: "I've had to sit out of dance rehearsals for a variety of reasons, and so I've left my talented better half alone on stage for all of the partner dancing. She's done a great job of learning all of the steps without me (perhaps excluding the trust fall). If, on opening night, while we are dancing together, you say to yourself "Wow, she is so effortless in those dance steps - it's like he's not even there!" ...there is a reason for that." 

Thanks so much, Joel. We caught of glimpse of you at rehearsal last night - "wow", said all. Your voice is amazing - as is the rest of the cast. Goosebumps two weeks out!? That's a first for me. Counting down the days until open....to get your tix please check us out here.

Jibs
CVFT Insider

Meet our Leading Lady!- "It's a Wonderful Life"-The Musical

Nikki Allen as Mary Hatch Bailey

Nikki studied at the University of Minnesota - vocal performance

Role: Mary Hatch Bailey
Started in the theatre: 6th grade
Age: 27
City: Edina
Day Job: Usset, Weingarden, and Liebo PPLP

Nikki Allen brings her vocal talent to the stage as Mary Hatch Bailey in CVFT's holiday show - "It's a Wonderful Life" A Musical. According to my sources at IMDb, Nikki's character is "...one of the most famous female characters in movie history." http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0004663/bio 

"Mary is bubbly, smart, deeply goodhearted, and not without a clever streak. Though she is in most ways the definition of a proper lady, she has a lighthearted spirit and occasionally enjoys being shocking."


Needless to say -can't wait to see this! Here's a behind the scenes look at our leading lady:

1. When did you know theater was for you? 

"My Grandpa was a very talented performer.  I remember attending his plays and musicals when I was really little.  Theater was a combination of my favorite things! Singing, dancing, costumes, makeup - I was hooked!  My first play was in sixth grade.  It was called "Commercials" and I was a cereal box.  I still have my costume."

2. Pls tell us something you have learned from your experience with CVFT.

"I have been singing most of my life, but since my involvement with CVFT, I am now comfortable in my dancing shoes!  CVFT is so fortunate to have such a talented and patient group of choreographers." 

3. What is your favorite thing about the show/what you think people will enjoy most...

"Most people have probably seen the movie but I imagine very few are familiar with the musical.  This show is FILLED with gorgeous music.  The audience will get to experience It's a Wonderful Life in a whole new way.  The music is a wonderful addition to a wonderful story. "

4. Any pre-show rituals before you go on stage?

"Before a performance, I usually try to keep my talking to a minimum and eat a banana (something my high school voice teacher suggested).  Right before I go on stage, you can usually find me pacing in the wings!"

5. Do you have family participating in the show?

"Everyone is coming to see it, and my mom is helping with costumes!"

6. Any behind the scenes antics you can share?

"Before we had a phone for the phone scene, we had to use a Barbie doll. That might explain why we have a hard time keeping a straight face during that scene."

Thanks, Nikki and break a leg! 
Also, just so you know - I spoke with the Producer of this show last night and it looks like opening night (November 30th) might sell out - other shows are filling up too. If you are thinking of joining us, please get your tickets - www.cvft.org/tickets

Jibs
CVFT Insider

Music Man Cast List

Hello,

We want to thank you for auditioning for The Music Man last week. The casting process is a difficult one, especially with as much talent as we have in the area. You provided an enjoyable challenge for myself and the production staff, and should be proud of your efforts.

The unfortunate side to casting a show is that we can not accommodate all who auditioned. But there are more ways to help out CVFT than performing. We are in constant need of set builders, costume sewers, concession sellers; the list goes on. If you do not find yourself on this cast list, please consider volunteering your time through one of these avenues. Contact our producer, Heather Brands, if you are interested ( heatherbrands@q.com ) 

I would also encourage you to audition for our upcoming show, Seussical. Audition dates are January 2nd and 3rd. More information can be found at www.cvft.org 

For questions, clarifications, or to decline a role, please email me at horgangj@gmail.com 

This cast list is also available to view at chaskavalleyfamilytheatre.blogspot.com/

Now, without further ado, I present The Music Man cast. This list 

• • • PLEASE READ THROUGH THE ENTIRE CAST LIST, AS YOUR NAME MAY APPEAR MULTIPLE TIMES. • • •

Harold Hill: Tom Keenan

Marian Paroo: Marina Jurica-Preston

Marcellus Washburn: Bill Coldwell

Winthrop Paroo: Ben Gunderson

Mrs. Paroo: Gillian Barrow

Mayor Shinn: Todd Preston

Eulalie MacKecknie Shinn: Martha Keenan

The School Board Quartet

— Jacey Squires: Austin Gumbiner

— Ewart Dunlop: Joel Peterson

— Oliver Hix: Mark Taintor

— Olin Britt: Dan Nelson

Tommy Djilas: Kyle Szarzynski

Zaneeta Shinn: Jessica Schue

The Pick-a-Little Ladies

— Alma Hix: Ginny Fogg

— Gladys Squires: Jennifer Boothroyd

— Maud Dunlop: Robyn Chargo

— Ethel Toffelmier: Jennifer Sopoci-Hardin

Amaryllis: Claire Shinners

Charlie Cowell: Clayt Beitel

Gracie Shinn: Shannon Moore

Constable Locke: Tom Kocka

Train Conductor: Tom Rolloff

Farmer: Bob Thomas

Farmer's Wife: Carol Thomas

Adult Singers Ensemble

— Nikki Allen

— Tom Barnett

— Heather Beitel

— Jennifer Boothroyd

— Cassie Boothroyd

— Don Boothroyd

— Kris Causton

— Robyn Chargo

— Ginny Fogg

— Mindy Gallagher

— Austin Gumbiner

— Amanda Hansen

— Stacie Jensen

— Nancy Kizilos-Clift

— Tom Kocka

— Sherri Krueger

— Sara Loca

— Kristin Matthews

— Dan Nelson

— Joel Peterson

— Stefany Pratt

— Arne Rimmereide

— Kelly Rohde

— Tom Rolloff

— Kory Sawinski

— Jennifer Sopoci-Hardin

— Emily Staunton

— Michelle Stecker

— Emily Stern

— Katy Stromberg

— Elizabeth Studenski

— Wayne Studenski

— Kyle Szarzynski

— Mark Taintor

— Bob Thomas

— Carol Thomas

— Vicki Turner

— Andy Turner

— Mary Twite

— David Vandergriff

— Hannah Weinberg

Children Singing Ensemble

— Petra Causton

— Alyse Delorenzo

— Connor Eaton

— Jamie Kizilos-Clift

— Hunter Krueger

— Molly Maves

— Caroline Pernat

— William Pratt

— Wesley Quist

— Téa Sopoci-Hardin

— Rebecca Twite

— Nathan Wurst

— Callen Zemek

Pick-a-Little Ensemble

— Stacie Jensen

— Nancy Kizilos-Clift

— Stefany Pratt

— Kelly Rohde

— Carol Thomas

— Hannah Weinberg

Adult Dance Ensemble

— Nikki Allen

— Tom Barnett

— Cassie Boothroyd

— Holly Bryant

— Austin Gumbiner

— Stacie Jensen

— Sara Loca

— Joel Peterson

— Julie Peterson

— Kory Sawinski

— Kelly Schlepper

— Jessica Schue

— Jennifer Sopoci-Hardin

— Michelle Stecker

— Emily Stern

— Katy Stromberg

— Elizabeth Studenski

— Kyle Szarzynski

— Andy Turner

— David Vandergriff

— Hannah Weinberg

Children Dancers

— Maddie Kerlin

— Shannon Moore

Shipoopers (those indicated with a * are considered understudies for this section)

— Nikki Allen

— Tom Barnett

— Clayt Beitel

— Holly Bryant

— Bill Coldwell

— Austin Gumbiner

— Stacie Jensen*

— Tom Keenan

— Tom Kocka

— Sara Loca

— Joel Peterson

— Julie Peterson

— Marina Jurica-Preston

— Kory Sawinski

— Kelly Schlepper

— Jessica Schue

— Jennifer Sopoci-Hardin

— Richard Staunton*

— Michelle Stecker

— Emily Stern*

— Katy Stromberg

— Kyle Szarzynski

— Andy Turner

— David Vandergriff

— Hannah Weinberg

Boys Band

— Jacob Boothroyd

— Connor Eaton

— Ben Gunderson

— Owen Hasting

— Hunter Krueger

— Aidan Pratt

— William Pratt

— Wesley Quist

— Piers Rimmereide

— Kory Sawinski

— Tad Williamson

— Nathan Wurst

— Benett Zemek

— Callen Zemek

Again, thank you for your interest in Chaska Valley Family Theatre.

Sincerely,

Guthrie J. Horgan

Guthrie J. Horgan
(952) 649-9288
horgangj@gmail.com

Get to Know...Our Beloved Stage Managers

It's a Wonderful Life" Katie Spille & Lynn Olson

"Here at CVFT, we know we would not be anywhere without our beloved stage managers. As actors and actresses, we like the costumes and the singing and the antics but we're theatre people for goodness sake -we need organized leaders to focus our chaos. Not sure if our friends in the pit feel the same (they are pretty organized folk) but I do know they appreciate all the time and talent that comes from behind the curtain.

I have been lucky enough to work alongside the dynamic duo you are about to meet and let me tell you - this team has their act together. I recently went from being on stage to working for Katie "in the wings". She told me,  "you have crossed over to the dark side"and she was right.

I saw for myself what an amazing feat it is to not only get people where they should be (that includes a cast of 30+ kids sometimes!) but dress these people, move the right props and furniture at the right time -organize it all in the dark -then there is the curtain, "moving the wagons" (big set pieces on wheels), on and on. Needless to say, our shows would not be the high caliber you've all come to expect without this imperative component in the mix.

Without further ado, here are just a few fun facts to get to know "It's a Wonderful Life" Stage Manager Team Extraordinaire - Katie Spille (left) and Lynn Olson

Always hard at work. Here is the team early on in plotting and planning "It's a Wonderful Life" 10/12

Katie Spille, Co-Stage Manager – “It’s A Wonderful Life”

30-something from Chaska

1.) What is your story? Occupation, hobbies, accomplishments…please tell us.

Katie is an Auditor at InterplX Technologies. She also serves as Secretary of the Lions Club. Katie likes to read, watch movies, and possesses a vast wealth of pop culture knowledge.

2.) Why community theater...what does being a part CVFT mean to you? Why is it special?

“I was a theatre major and wanted to keep practicing on that. I like to do one show a year; the last couple of years it has been three a year. I came to CVFT after starting with Waconia and Norwood theatres, then came to CVFT because it was fun, found good friends. They keep asking me back."

3.) How does your family participate in the show? In it? Coming to see it?

"They will be coming to see it. They come for all my shows."

4.) Lessons CVFT has taught you? Or general theatrical tips you can share?

"I have learned how to fly (theatrical rigging system done with lines/ropes to move set pieces and people in and/or off the stage), how to push a life-sized Jeep, and done much more set building than ever before. I suggest learning something new from each person you work with."

5.) Trivia about the show you can let us in on...

"We have an excellent backstage crew who are ready to get to work."

Lynn Olson, Co-Stage Manager – “It’s A Wonderful Life”

Resident of Minnetonka

1.) What is your story? Occupation, hobbies, accomplishments?

Lynn is an Administrative Assistant for the City of Edina. She enjoys scrap booking and spending time at the cabin.

2.) Why community theater...what does being a part CVFT mean to you? Why is it special?

“I took my daughter Courtney to her first show when she was eight. She sat on the edge of her chair and afterward said, “I want to do that.” In search of that kind of outlet, we came across CVFT. After Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2010, we realized what a great community it was and wanted to be an active part. What keeps us here is the whole aspect of

family, getting the family involved, treated as a big family by everyone else.”

3.) Lessons learned from CVFT? Or general theatrical tips you can share?

“I have never been a part of a theatre until CVFT. I have learned an incredible amount about the behind-the-scenes aspect, and especially a lot of about patience.”

Thanks, Lynn & Katie - good stuff.

We are rapidly moving towards tech weeks – and a little bird told me we are loading in this coming weekend. Boy, the time sure whips by this time of year – we will be at dress rehearsal before we know it! Please be sure to book your tix if you haven’t done so already. Director Bill Coldwell and Producer Dan Bergner have reported an increase in ticket sales over last year  - which quite possibly could mean selling out. Don’t miss out!  www.cvft.org