Get to Know: Artistic Director for "Annie"

Kyle Thomas, Artistic Director and so much more...

Kyle at Work -2013, "Annie"

Three words to describe you:  Bravado. Sondheim. Bangarang.

How did you get involved with CVFT?  Paula Atkins (one of the CVFT founders) recruited me to step into It’s a Wonderful Life as a dancer.

“Real-life” roles: Husband to the most beautiful woman on earth, Abby. I hire and develop managers for branches of a financial distribution company.

Working with the Staff on choreography -"Annie" 2013

Describe any personal connections to “Annie:” Starlight Theater’s 1999 production of Annie was my first professional show.  I played a little boy who walked across the stage in "NYC." I was onstage maybe 30 seconds of the whole show, but it was awesome. Being in a professional environment at that age and working with a production team that expected professionalism was really a stepping stone into my career as an artist.  One of the reasons I love Annie is its theme - the power of positivity. I can too easily become negative about the circumstances in my life.  It's easier to whine than it is to put things in perspective and see the silver lining.  Annie is a reminder that no how miserable the world may be, there is always hope.

Seeing the Chan HS Stage for the first time

Favorite/notable CVFT memory/experience:  Getting to work with the production team and cast of Annie (I'm not sucking up, that’s my real answer).

Family pets: Sophie, golden retriever and Sondheim, cat

Favorite song to sing in the shower: It really depends on what I’m currently into or in the mood for, but my main go to is "Hey There" from Pajama Game.

Favorite restaurant/meal for dinner: Restaurant: Good Earth or Chipotle.  Meal: dessert

Favorite activity besides CVFT: Hanging out with my wife and my job (actually).

Describe what excites you about CVFT's production of Annie: The incredible production team and the incredible cast. They are top notch. I'm also really excited to fit our artistic concept onto the stage. Our goal is to create a production that breathes original energy into a classic show.

Pictorial representation of why this guy belongs at CVFT

 JB

Orphan Boot Camp and More!

Learning Steps from Director, Kyle

Behind the Scenes - "Annie 2013" Rehearsals

 www.cvft.org/tickets

Leapin’ Lizards! The popular comic strip heroine and her cohorts have been working diligently behind the scenes over the past few weeks on the upcoming live musical theatre production of, "Annie". The show opens Thanksgiving weekend and runs though December 8th, 2013. Here are a few behind the scenes for you to see what we have been up to.

Around the Piano

Junior Marketing Team discussing photo shoot plan 

Several nights a week, groups of families come together at Chanhassen High School to work on the show. Part of the team focuses on character development, vocal work and choreography while another group of volunteers works on marketing and technical aspects of the show. A good time is always had by all!

Warm-ups and calesthenics

In addition to the 75 people in the cast and the 20 person live orchestra, the show also welcomes another 80+ volunteers working on a variety of other aspects of the show- including box office, marketing, finance, facility, lights, sound and more.

This past week was spent on the above mentioned plus a photo shoot, and an Orphan Boot Camp. The camp, designed and run by Director Kyle Thomas and Choreographer, Elly Stalke, welcomed more than 30 orphans and even more volunteers to a day of learning and fun. The girls happily sang, and danced the day away, tried on costumes and even found time to write thank ou notes as well. All in all the day was a huge success!

Mary, Professor by day/Costumer by night! 

CVFT Orphans writing thank you notes

We hope you plan to join us this holiday season as our talented team takes center stage in one of the world’s best-loved musicals. The show is already set to be spectacular!

For tickets, visit www.cvft.org or phone 952 250-7206

November 29 & 30 and December 5, 6 & 7 at 7:30 PM

December 1, 7, & 8 at 2:00 PM

Chanhassen High School Theater,  2200 Lyman Blvd., Chanhassen, MN  55317

Advance Tickets:  Students 17 & under $12; Adults 18 & older $17 (ALL FEES INCLUDED).  

Paul and his team capture the perfect shots

Jibs