You've all heard the expression "it takes a village" as it relates to raising children, and I would say the same - or rather - "it takes an army" to stage a broadway-style community theater production like "A Christmas Carol - the Musical."  While the actors have been hard at work on stage with our choreographer Jen Sopoci-Hardin working on dances, and with Joan Nelson our musical director and Alice Title our accompanist fine tuning their songs, dozens of other "elves" have been working hard behind the scenes in anticipation of the start of "load in" and tech week.

Just to give you a few examples......over the past several weekends, a group of dedicated folks like Tom Stauber, Jack Atkins, Andy Turner, and Randy Herget have been busy constructing numerous pieces that will be assembled next week on stage.....some painters, like Amy Huang, Charlie Title, and Margaret Coldwell have been sloshing on the first coat of paint....Props have been gathered or made by Elizabeth Studenski, and well over 100 costumes have been assembled by Jane Herget, Mary Twite and others which will be distributed next week.

Andrew Hasty has been busy rehearsing 20+ musicians that will make up the pit orchestra, and Katie Spille, Stage Manager, has been planning and scheduling backstage crews to be ready when we hit the stage at Chaska High School next week.  Speaking of which, all that prior rehearsal scheduleing and move in planning has been scheduled and coordinated by Karen Stauber.  And Jon Christenson has a great lighting plot all set to go when we program light cues starting next week.

Who's going to come and see this show?  Well, no one would if it weren't for the efforts of people like Dianne Standberg, Heather Brands, and Tom Stauber who have been busy gather sponsors, coordinating news articles for local papers, and getting postcards, posters, and other advertising out there.  Selling those tickets takes time and patience, and our box office manager Joyce Hercules and Treasurer Courtney Pernat have been busy making sure all ticketing systems are set up and working properly and answering phone calls from ticket-buyers.  Margaret Coldwell, our Hospitality Manager is geting ushers and others lined up to greet our patrons when they arrive.  And after a great opening night, our cast will have several fun post-show parties and events, thanks to our cast mnager, Jenny Boothroyd.

There are many others who are business and community partners that help to make our producition possible.  All in all, over 200 people will have helped in some way or another to make sure we bring you the highest quality, amateur, community-based production possible.  And that, folks, is no small feat.  It really does...take a village.

Break a leg,
Bill

from the director of A Christmas Carol - the Musical - auditions coming soon!

In 2008, I asked some CVFT board members if they would consider a large full-length musical for the annual CVFT holiday production.  We discussed some concerns with busy schedules around the holidays, but I assured them that I had found just the right show:  A Christmas Carol - the Musical.  This version ( by Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens) had only been available for amateur licensing for a few years, and was not particularly well known outside New York until Hallmark Entertainment released a television version in 2004 starring Kelsey Grammer as Scrooge.  But I knew then that it was the right show for CVFT.

And it was so popular in 2008 that we've decided to bring it back again in 2014!  A Christmas Carol - the Musical has everything CVFT looks for in a production:  A large cast with numerous opportunities for all ages and genders, many off-stage activities for people, and a story that has universal appeal for all ages. And with a run time of less than 90 minutes an no intermission, this show really moves along!  We're fortunate once again to be performing at the Chaska High School Auditorium, giving us a large stage for a big cast, and seating for over 600 patrons for our nine public performances.

But what really sold me on this particular version of the classic tale of Scrooge was the music:  Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors) has written a beautiful and memorable score, and lyricist Lynn Ahrens (Seussical, Ragtime) has skillfully retained key pieces of Dickens' text in her lyrics.  What's even more exciting and challenging is that the majority of the production is sung!  The spoken dialogue has been minimized, letting the music almost entirely tell the story.

This production will require many strong singers and dancers, and has loads of opportunities for everyone.  Once again, we have a great production team for this show, including musical direction by Joan Nelson, choreography by Jennifer Sopoci-Hardin, and the orchestra will be conducted by Andrew Hasty.  Many new and some old CVFT regulars will round out the production staff.

Auditions are September 15th and 16th beginning at 5:30 for kids 8 - 13 each night, followed by ages 14 and up starting at 6:30.  For complete audition information, visit www.cvft.org/auditions.  Rehearsals start September 29th, and tickets go on sale October 1st at www.cvft.tix.com.

Hope to see you there, and ...God bless us, everyone!

Bill Coldwell, Artistic Director

Laugh Your Summer Off!

Join us for a hilarious farce & genuinely affectionate (not-so-far-from-the-truth) look into the world of theater.

Opening Friday, August 7th...and directed by the multi-talented, Jim Lund.

The “Laughing Stock” buzz is that the show is nonstop laughter. Featuring many of our local favorite actors, some even "playing themselves".  hmmmm...looking forward to THAT!

For those of you not familiar with the show, “Laughing Stock,” is a hilarious farce and a genuinely affectionate look into the world of theater. For many of us, we will relate as “The Playhouse,” a rustic New England summer theatre, attempts to produce a repertory season of Dracula, Hamlet, and Charley’s Aunt, comic mayhem ensues! Three shows in one year!? Can you imagine that undertaking!?

Join us as “Laughing Stock” gives the audience a rare backstage look (or reminder how WE look)  at the world of theater. It’s a place where there’s never enough time, staff, money and sometimes simply not enough talent or skill. A place where doors fall off their hinges, where sound cues run backwards, and where sometimes entrances are missed. But through it all, it’s a place where a cast becomes a family. 

“Laughing Stock” is filled with a genuine affection and respect for all those who make  theater their passion. 

Bring your theatre friends and those who fill their lives with with too much to do! “Laughing Stock” will take place at 7:30 PM at the Chaska Community Center Theater, 1661 Park Ridge Drive in Chaska, on August 7, 8, & 9 and again on August 13, 15, & 16. Tickets are $12 and are available online at www.cvft.org or by calling 952 250-7206.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

"The WIZARD of OZ" - Comes to Art on the Lake

Hands-On Art Experience at Excelsior Art on the Lake 

The Kids Art Tent – at Art on the Lake, in Excelsior, MN - welcomes kids of all ages (1 year to 101) to a hands-on artistic experience through the land of Oz. Community theatre troupe, Chaska Valley Family Theatre (CVFT), has set the “stage” for a fantastic family experience Saturday, June 14^th –Sunday 15^th. Event is Free and open to the public.

• Festival includes 140 artists in thirteen different medium in a gorgeous setting along Lake Minnetonka
• Local music experiences including folk, bluegrass and acoustic rock
• Local artisan food creations
• Kids Art Tent & Hands-On Behind the Scenes Theatre Experience!

The Kids Art Tent will feature a variety of art projects including Tornado Spin Art, Rainbow Necklaces, Painted Haunted Forest Creatures, Wicked Witch Candles, No Place Like Home Birdhouses & The Ultimate Wizard Balloon.
Each craft has a nominal charge between $3-$5.

Art projects, as well as behind-the-scenes activities will take place in and near the Band shell next to beautiful Lake Minnetonka in the Excelsior Commons.

The Excelsior Band Shell will feature an up-close look at the making of a large-scale musical production. Event goers can witness a real orchestra rehearsal and cast “sing-through” as the 32-piece CVFT Live Orchestra kicks off the festivities.

Additionally, CVFT Costumers, Set & Prop Designers will be in the band shell working on items for the upcoming production of “The Wizard of Oz”. Attendees are encouraged to participate in painting set pieces, assembling final touches and creating additional show display pieces including the Oz Rainbow and Yellow Brick Road.There are no fees to participate. 
“Toto, I’ve a Feeling We’re Not in Excelsior Any More.” 

ART on the LAKE – Kid Art Tent & Band Shell

What:             Hands-on and behind the scene look at live musical theater production complete with art projects, set making and a live orchestra rehearsal.

When:           Saturday, June 14, 10am-6pm & Sunday, June 15, 10am-4pm

Where:          Excelsior Commons –Lake Street & Water St., Excelsior MN 55331

Parking:        Free shuttle service and parking from Minnetonka High School

Tickets:          Event is free and open to the public –art projects range between $3-$5, set painting and display activities are FREE

Art on the Lake:      http://www.excelsior-lakeminnetonkachamber.com/art-on-the-lake.html

CVFT:                         www.cvft.org

Want to Volunteer for this event?:                         www.http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090C4BAEA62FA64-artonthe

"The Wizard of Oz" Cast List

A huge thank you to everyone (over 160 of you) who came out to audition.  We were blown away by the amount of enthusiasm and talent presented.  Additionally, a big thank you to all the parents and families who came out to support each other and audition together.

The mission of Chaska Valley Family Theatre is to provide our community with top quality live theater with an emphasis on family involvement. Because of this, casting becomes much more complex with talent being just one of the numerous factors that comes into play. If you do not see your name on the list please know each of us on the casting team has been there and know how disappointing it can be. We welcome you to join us in working behind the scenes, join us at our Dragonfly Summer Camp and watch for our next audition opportunities.  

For those who were cast, congratulations!  We are thrilled to have such a tremendous cast (in size and spirit) and can’t wait to get started.  Make sure you mark your calendars for the evening of April 14^th - our cast kick-off meeting at Chanhassen HS. An email will be sent out with more information by early next week.

Parents of children, tweens and teens need to be the first cast meeting on April 14^th Chan HS AND our first volunteer meeting on Monday, April 21 7:00-8:00pm at Pioneer Ridge Middle School. Due to the number of youth we are welcoming to the stage, it is imperative we have a strong parental support team.

Thank you again for your interest in CVFT and “The Wizard of Oz” -

CVFT Oz Casting Team

“The Wizard of Oz” Cast List-2014

Melaina Rairamo – Dorothy

Micah Mills – Hunk/Scarecrow

Kelly Jeremiason – Hickory/Tin Man

Uchenna Chidozie – Zeke/Lion

Tom Barnett – Professor Marvel/Wizard of Oz

Kris Causton – Glinda

Mary Twite – Miss Gultch/Wicked Witch of the West

Richard Strosahl – Uncle Henry

Sue Mills – Aunt Em

Hayden Brands – Toto

Gabrielle Arthur - Jitterbug/Oz Dancer & Ensemble/Snow Dancer

Gianna Arthur - Munchkin Ensemble, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Xandra Avedikian - Munchkin Ensemble, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Isabella Avedikian - Munchkin: City Elder, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Kris Axelson - Oz Ensemble

John Ballin - Winkie/Oz Ensemble

Krew Barber - Munchkin: Lollipop Guild, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Elias Barnett - Oz Ensemble

Jodi Barnett - Tree/Oz Ensemble

Robyn Barziza Chargo - Tree/Oz Ensemble

Matthew Bayer - Oz Ensemble

Dan Bergner - Winkie/Oz Ensemble

Abby Bjorn – Jitterbug/Oz Dancer & Ensemble/Snow Dancer

Victor Bolz - Munchkin Ensemble, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Abby Brenny - Munchkin Ensemble, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Ethan Brenny - Munchkin Ensemble, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Kelli Brenny - Oz Ensemble

Elijah Bresnan - Munchkin: Lollipop Guild, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Camillle Casper - Munchkin Ensemble, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Cecilia Casper - Munchkin: Lullaby League, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Petra Causton - Munchkin Ensemble, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Steve Chargo - Winkie/Oz Ensemble

Sienna Clement - Jitterbug/Oz Dancer & Ensemble/Snow Dancer

Diana Fornshell - Oz Ensemble

Mindy Gallagher - Tree/Oz Ensemble

Kathryn Goetz - Munchkin Ensemble, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Jennifer Goetze - Oz Ensemble

Ana Haarstad - Teen Ensemble

Elizabeth Hace - Oz Ensemble

Madeline Hace - Teen Ensemble

Amanda Hansen - Jitterbug/Oz Dancer & Ensemble/Snow Dancer

Libby Heitzmann - Munchkin Ensemble, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Annie Heitzmann - Oz Ensemble

Hanna Holmgren - Teen Ensemble

Guthrie Horgan - Winkie/Oz Ensemble

Amy Hoyord - Jitterbug/Oz Dancer & Ensemble/Snow Dancer

Nicholas Hudson - Munchkin: Barrister, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Truman Klein - Teen Ensemble

Taylor Beth Knight - Munchkin Ensemble, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Joy Knight - Oz Ensemble

Maddy Kohrman - Jitterbug/Oz Dancer & Ensemble/Snow Dancer

Jean Kretzschmar - Oz Ensemble

Jessica Kretzschmar - Oz Ensemble/Beautician

Christi Lee - Jitterbug/Oz Dancer & Ensemble/Snow Dancer

Jenna Leonard - Oz Ensemble/Beautician

Kristen Matthews - Oz Ensemble

Kaitlin McLellan - Oz Ensemble/Beautician

Clayten Mechtel - Teen Ensemble/Nikko

Tayler Mechtel - Teen Ensemble

Ellie Meyer - Munchkin: Lullaby League, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Zoe Meyer - Munchkin: Lullaby League, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Logan Moen - Crow/Winkie/Oz Ensemble

Amber Mohlman - Oz Ensemble

Hannah Morrissey - Jitterbug/Oz Dancer & Ensemble/Snow Dancer

George Mulder - Crow/Winkie/Oz Ensemble

Allie Nordeen - Munchkin: Teacher Two, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Kenna Pesta - Munchkin Ensemble, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Clay Philips - Crow/Winkie/Oz Ensemble

Allie Phillips - Teen Ensemble

Wes Quist - Munchkin: Mayor, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Claire Shinners - Munchkin: City Elder, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Issac Steffensen - Teen Ensemble

Elizabeth Studenski - Jitterbug/Oz Dancer & Ensemble/Snow Dancer

Amber Svoboda - Jitterbug/Oz Dancer & Ensemble/Snow Dancer

Lauren Taylor - Munchkin Ensemble, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Anna Taylor - Teen Ensemble

Andrew (AJ) Timm - Munchkin: Lollipop Guild, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Rebecca Twite - Tween Ensemble

David Vandergriff - Oz Guard/Winkie/Oz Ensemble

Jessie VanPelt - Munchkin Ensemble, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Nicholas VanPelt - Winkie/Oz Ensemble

Faith Von Gohren - Munchkin Ensemble, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Ludwig Von Gohren - Oz Ensemble

Porter Weber - Munchkin Ensemble, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Maya Weber - Munchkin Ensemble, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Carly Weber - Munchkin Ensemble, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Mary Weber - Oz Ensemble

Shane Weber - Winkie/Oz Ensemble

Ellen Whalen - Munchkin: Teacher One, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Michael Whalen - Oz Ensemble

Mckenzie Windschitl - Munchkin Ensemble, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Melissa Windschitl - Oz Ensemble

Sabrina Zehlke - Teen Ensemble

Benett Zemek - Munchkin Ensemble, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Callen Zemek - Munchkin: Coroner, Poppie & Haunted Forest

Please note: Cast members may receive additional roles and will be notified before rehearsals begin or as needed. Thank you!