Trust me!!

That’s right – Trust me!

Call, go online, or visit the Waukesha Civic Theatre immediately and purchase some of the few remaining tickets for their current show: "The Taffetas”! Running through September 30’th, this show appeals to all looking for music that is both nostalgic yet refreshing. Light lyrics with wonderful accompaniment, The Taffetas is a reason to call friends and relax while enjoying the fastest 90 minutes of entertainment in Southeastern Wisconsin.

The showbill states:
”It's the fabulous 50's and four singing sisters from Muncie, Indiana are making their national television debut. Delightful, fun, lighthearted, and featuring some of the greatest hits of the era, this tribute to girl groups like the Maguire Sisters and the Chordettes will keep you smiling long after you leave the theatre…”

Observing the audience, one had to notice the number of tilting and swaying heads and the number of theatre-goers tapping their hands and/or feet to this fast-paced romp down memory lane. Was life ever really this innocent? Were the early days of television really this basic? And…”Wow – I didn’t remember the music back then being this good!”

The singing Taffeta sisters – Perfect! Amy Barootian, Anne Gore, Denise Meagher, and Roberta Prospeck will have you believing they really are sisiters and have been together their whole lives. They hit every note, every nuance, every dance step, every gesture, every eye contact with the skilled grace and talent of Broadway actresses. The musicians – Brian Running, Rich Labinski (isn’t he ever home?), and Paul Barnes are obviously enjoying themselves and the show. Edward Carroll and Eric Eggers are the perfect stage accents for this John Cramer-directed showcase of a kinder, gentler time.

My wife left the show and was already working the phones this morning to “spread the word” and invite others to the show next week. At $18/ticket, this show is a must-see!

Need a smile? Looking for escapism from the pace of everyday “busy-ness”?

“Trust me” – The Taffetas is your ticket to fun!

The Waukesha Civic Theatre is full-throttle ahead on a number of fronts. Their fund-raising is in full-swing with over $650,000 collected towards their goal of $1 Million. In addition, following are (3) opportunities to become a part of the Theatre in a passive, engaged, or committed fashion.
Read on – if something catches your eye, you could catch-on and become a part of one of Waukesha’s true jewels; the Civic Theatre!
 
THE WAUKESHA CIVIC THEATRE ANNOUNCES THEIR THIRD ANNUAL NEW YORK THEATRE TOUR, SPRING 2007 
The Waukesha Civic Theatre’s third annual New York Theatre Tour is scheduled for May 10-13, 2007. This tour is intended for those interested in freely exploring New York City. The tour will depart from Milwaukee to New York City on Thursday, May 10 and will return to Milwaukee from New York on Sunday, May 13. Trip cost includes:

• 3 nights lodging in NYC at a moderate Midtown Hotel
  
• Hotel luggage handling
  
• Accident Insurance
  
• Comprehensive Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance (optional addition)
  
• Round Trip Airfare via Midwest Express
  
• Motor coach transportation between airport and hotel
  
• Metro Card for bus and subway transportation
  
• Manhattan street map
  
• NYC Tour Books
  
• Three Broadway Shows (orchestra or front mezzanine seating).  Titles under consideration:  Grey Gardens, Curtains, and Deuce.  (Titles subject to availability.  Guests can choose one alternate title, but will be responsible for the difference in ticket price and will not be escorted to the theatre.)

·        Admission to the Guggenheim museum

Alright! Will the real dummy please stand-up (or sit-down…)?!

On Friday, January 19’th, Waukesha will be treated to a rare, local appearance from Chip Martin and his sidekick – Dale Brown.

And why should we care????

*Because Martin & Brown are among the best and funniest ventriloquism teams in the Country!
...or
*Because it’s winter and there is not a lot else to do!
*Because your toenails are already clipped thereby freeing-up your Friday evening!
*Because it’s incredibly value-priced at 9 BUCKS?!
*Because we in Waukesha love a great deal!
*Because you relish the idea of a dummy making a fool out of another dummy!
*Because rumors have it that Dale Brown is concerned with Chip Martin's "sexuality" (He should know - his hand is perilously close to Chip's derriere for hours on end...)
*Because every seat is a great seat in the Waukesha Civic Theatre, and you will be close enough to the performers to possibly get splinters!
*Because you are “stuck in a rut,” and this is a tow-truck of laughter!
*Because I am the guest emcee!
*Because we’re all “hams at heart”, and this performance will be recorded and then shown all over the Country!
*Because it’s cheaper then a movie and there is no $9.00 popcorn to waste money on!
*Because the biggest local complaint is “There’s nothing to do in Waukesha…, and this is the perfect antidote for that!

Hustle down to the Theatre box office and get your tickets now – seating is limited for this one-time event. Rumors are rampant that Chip’s (not Dale’s) “groupies” have bought a block of tickets, so hurry…

In the meantime, peruse the following press clipping announcement for the show…


Local "Mannequin American" to Appear
at Waukesha Winter Jamboree

WAUKESHA, Wisconsin (January 15, 2007) — He has been described as “a hammer with a voice, looking for someone to pound on.”
He pulverizes his victims in the process of educating them during corporate seminars or while lecturing to them during convention keynote speeches. Or sometimes, he entertains them to the point of tears at comedy venues.
He is Chip Martin, and he lives in Waukesha ... in a suitcase.
Martin is a puppet … or as he prefers to be called, a "Mannequin American."
Martin has appeared at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and on Entertainment Tonight, Good Morning America, The Today Show and many other television shows, theaters and clubs throughout the country. On Friday, January 19th, he will make a single show, "hit and run" appearance at the Waukesha Civic Theatre as part of Waukesha's Winter Jamboree festivities.
"My agent obviously messed up," Martin told me during an exclusive interview.
In truth, the special Waukesha show has been a long time in planning and will culminate with the performance being recorded for a DVD that will be produced and available for sale sometime in April.
Martin is the number one sidekick of comedian and master ventriloquist Dale Brown, who also serves as president of Brown & Martin, Inc., a Waukesha-based marketing, public relations and IT firm that serves companies across the country.
Brown describes his success as an entertainer as a “hobby that got out of hand.” Martin describes it as "dumb luck." Whichever it is, the duo finds themselves riding a wave of popularity as ventriloquism is enjoying a revival of sorts. This is in part, due to a full week of ventriloquists on David Letterman's show, a successful Broadway show about ventriloquist featuring Jay Johnson of Soap fame, and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham's Comedy Central DVD recently reaching triple platinum status making it the largest selling comedy DVD in recent history.
"We've been working steadily for over 20 years," Martin said. "So I don't know what all the sudden fuss is about. All I know is that I just doubled my price … which means I now get two six-packs."
Martin will be appearing with a cluster of other characters who have become mainstays in Brown's stage shows. Waukesha's audience will meet Bertha the Bag Lady, Shaggy Dog, Louie the Jockey and others.
Well known comedian Ron Dentinger will open the show which starts at 7:30.
Tickets are $9 and can be purchased at the WCT box office or by calling 262-547-0708.

How cool!

For the first time in a very long time, we can be entertained by the opposite end of the age spectrum from our typical expectations. Instead of adorable little kids performing seemingly oblivious to their limitations, we will be witness to the charms and life-learned skills of our Waukesha "somewhat mature", residents; aka "Seniors"!

Opportunities now exist for seniors to have their own level (reduces "trip & falls") playing field in competing for space to display their talents on the vaunted Waukesha Civic Theatre Stage! We, the not-quite-as-mature group, can then admire and applaud their efforts. It's just another in the list of wonderful experiences you can enjoy at the upcoming Waukesha JanBoree...


Senior Talent Search
The Waukesha Civic Theatre Is Looking For Talented Seniors!

The Waukesha Civic Theatre is looking for seniors who would like to 'strut their stuff' for cash prizes and more. The annual Senior Talent Search will be held on Saturday, January 13 at 1:00 pm. Up to 20 finalists will be chosen to perform in the finals on Sunday, January 21, as part of the Waukesha JanBoree Festival.

Last year's search was a wonderful success. Singers, dancers, instrumentalists, comedians, actors, jugglers or any other act is welcomed. Even if you've never performed before a live audience, this can be a fun and rewarding experience.

Entrants must be at least 55 and both solo acts and groups are welcome to compete. There will be a $10 entry fee for solo acts and $5 per member for groups of two or more.

A distinguished panel of theatre managers, directors and professional musicians, will judge entrants. Entrants should limit his, her, or their performance to 5 minutes at the initial audition. We'll have an accompanist on hand and an excellent keyboard if needed. The final competition will be open to the public and will be promoted with tickets sold in advance or at the door.
Prizes will include cash and tickets to WCT shows. In addition to the prizes, entrants will be chosen for participation in the up-coming "Waukesha Senior Follies" which will give them further opportunities to entertain.

You can register to enter by calling 262-547-8454 or by email: JSchulein2@Netzero.com.

Last night, our group of 8 went to see the Waukesha Civic Theatre production of The Music Man! It was exciting to see it "sold out" as well as witnessing the number of people it brought Downtown at night on the weekend. The show was first rate and fun to watch.

And while they have added "Music Man" shows to meet demand, the fact remains that local theatre needs additional support from the Waukesha Community to thrive long-term. As a member of their marketing committee, my thoughts are to ask the next "potential group" of theatre-goers what they want and, if given that, will they attend shows?

ATTENTION: Parents of children 16 and up!
You are the next generation of "potentials" for the Theatre. Your kids no longer need your constant oversight. You are staring at your spouse and looking for something new and different to do. College, cars, insurance and other bills are still coming in. You are calling friends and trying to add a little variety to "just going out for dinner...".

The Civic Theatre can provide the answer to the preceding question, but...It needs and wants your input to make it work for you and them.

In the coming months, we will be asking Waukesha for honest answers to the questions of paragraph 2. And while everyone wants to see great Broadway shows such as "Cats", "The Producers", and "The Lion King", costs to buy the rights to and stage those shows are "out of sight". We will be reaching-out to ask: Comedy, Drama, Musical, or ??? Will you attend more then one show a season? Will you bring others? What's a "win-win" price per ticket?

We had a great time last night capped off by a "beverage" on the way home. Affordable, convenient, and fun, the Civic Theatre is finding its place on our calendars more and more.

I received the following press release for our Civic Theatre and was reminded that Summer is fading-fast! With the “cooler” temps around the corner, it’s time to consider alternatives to keep us amused and entertained.

Why not jump-in for the “hottest” tickets in Town – The Waukesha Civic Theatre! The venue is great, seating is comfortable, parking is free, and the ticket prices reasonable.

And did I mention free parking?…


WAUKESHA CIVIC THEATRE PROUDLY ANNOUNCES THE START OF ITS 50TH SEASON!

"A Golden Opportunity To Celebrate 50 Years Of Quality Live Entertainment!"

The Waukesha Civic Theatre will open their golden anniversary season (2006-2007) with The Little Foxes, by Lillian Hellman, which was the first show that WCT ever produced in 1957. The rest of the season includes highlights from each decade of WCT’s glorious past, and one local area premiere. The WCT Board of Directors also proudly announces that they have asked John Cramer, Managing Artistic Director, to play the role of Harold Hill in the second show of the season, The Music Man, as part of the 50th anniversary celebration.
The Mainstage Season Ticket Package begins in September 2006 and concludes in June 2007. The package includes:
• The Little Foxes, September 22 to October 8, 2006, directed by Susan Currie
• The Music Man, November 3 to 19, 2006, directed by Howard Bashinski and starring John Cramer
• Arsenic and Old Lace, February 2 to 18, 2007, directed by Kelly L. Krause
• The Foreigner, March 9 to 25, 2007, directed by Brian Zelinski
• The Importance of Being Ernest, May 4 to 20, 2007, directed by Mary Beth Topf
• Whose Wives Are They Anyway? June 8 to 24, 2007, directed by John Cramer
Additional performances include:
Holiday Show:
• Christmas On Angel Street, December 8 to 17, 2006, directed by Ellen Langler
- more -
Concert Series:
• Lost In Boston, Joel Kopischke, Kelli Cramer, and J. Ruben Piirainen, October 13 to 15, 2006
• If They Could See Me Now!, Lynetta Ivey, Joe Nolen, and J. Ruben Piirainen, January 12 to 14, 2007
More performances may be added throughout the year, as well as various events celebrating WCT’s 50th Anniversary Season! Check the WCT website frequently for up-to-date performance and event information.

The Waukesha Civic Theatre is kicking-off their blockbuster 50'th Season, and you can be a part of it. Whether an actor or audience member, peruse the following and see if you are "a male or female between 20 and 80" to qualify for an audition. (FYI: Main Street in Waukesha has an incredible resemlance to River City.)

The Music Man By Meredith Willson



Open auditions for the Waukesha Civic Theatre’s production of The Music Man will be held Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, September 10th, 11th and 12th. Children ages five to 15 will be seen on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. All others (ages 16 and up) will be seen on Monday at 7:00 p.m. Auditioners of all ages will be seen on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Callbacks, if needed, will be on Wednesday and Thursday, September 13th and 14th at 7:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Auditions will be held in the Ralph North Studio Theatre of the Margaret Brate Bryant Civic Theatre Building at 264 West Main Street, Waukesha.

The Music Man was produced by the WCT in 1971 and is one of the most beloved musicals of all time. It follows the machinations of Professor Harold Hill as he sells a boys marching band to the citizens of a small town in Iowa. The show features “Seventy-Six Trombones,” “Goodnight, My Someone,” “Shipoopi,” and numerous other well-known and loved songs. Matching the rich history with the vibrant present, this show features two incredible talents. The WCT Board of Directors has asked John Cramer, our current Managing Artistic Director to star as Harold. Howard Bashinski, WCT’s most successful guest director will direct the show.

Available roles include:

15 or more men, ages 20 to 80; 15 or more women, ages 20 to 80; 15 or more boys, ages 5 to 20; and 15 or more girls, ages 5 to 20.

Those auditioning should prepare 16 to 32 bars of a song and will be asked to read from the script and learn a short dance routine. Actors must supply sheet music. An accompanist will be provided.

The Music Man will run weekends, November 3rd through the 19th, 2006.

For more information, call the Waukesha Civic Theatre Business Office at (262) 547-4911 or visit our website at www.waukeshacivictheatre.org for updated information.
er acting or not, this is your advance notice to get tickets for yourself, family, and friends to join in the hoopla on Main Sreet.

This weekend is the “last chance” to attend the the play “I Do! I Do!” at the Waukesha Civic Theatre. If this sounds like a ringing endorsement – it is! My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed this production. Based on the audience reactions, we were not alone. The production quality from lighting to sound to staging were first rate. Husband and wife team John and Kelli Cramer couldn’t be more perfectly cast in these roles ( I wonder, given the subject matter deals with issues faced over 50 years of marriage, how rehearsals went at their home…).
If you have kids, if you’ve been married for even 15-20 years, if you enjoy a warm, family comedy, you will enjoy this play…


I Do! I Do!
Book and Lyrics By Tom Jones
Music By Harvey Schmidt
Produced by special arrangement with Music Theatre International.

Alleycat Enterprises presents I Do! I Do!, running July 7th through the 23rd, 2006. The show is being produced as part of the Waukesha Civic Theatre’s Community Partners Productions series.
Starring real life married couple John and Kelli Cramer, together on stage for the first time in over a decade, this award winning musical by Schmidt and Jones (the creators of The Fantasticks) is an intimate story of love and marriage. The show begins with Michael and Agnes on their wedding day and traces their life together over a period of 50 years.
Sixteen years ago the Cramers were playing George and Agnes in a production of George M! and six months later they were engaged to be married. They appeared opposite each other only one other time, as Giles and Mollie in The Mousetrap.

John has been involved in the entertainment industry for more than 25 years. He is a producer, director, choreographer, designer, actor, singer, dancer, administrator, and teacher. He is currently the Managing Artistic Director of the Waukesha Civic Theatre, as well as the owner of his own production company, Alleycat Enterprises, Inc., and a member of the Actors’ Equity Association. John has produced, directed, and choreographed for professional, educational, and community theatres throughout the United States.

Kelli, also a member of Actors’ Equity Association, most recently appeared with nationally renowned composer David Friedman in Stepping Out Production’s version of Listen To My Heart, The Music Of David Friedman. She was honored to portray Patsy Cline in Always ... Patsy Cline, which she performed with Archangel Productions at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center in Brookfield, and the Wagon Wheel Theatre in Warsaw, IN. Kelli performed the tile role in Annie Get Your Gun at the Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace, for which she received Chicago’s Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Actress In A Musical.

Mark E. Schuster is the director, scenic designer, and technical director. David B. Carter is the Lighting Designer, Mariel Clemente is the Music Director and first accompanist, John Cramer is the choreographer, Kris Kingstad is the Props Mistress, Anthony Mackie is the Wig Master, Debi Mumford is the Stage Manager, John Santroch is the Sound Designer, Sharon Sohner is the Costume Designer, and David Sytkowski is the second accompanist.
Performance Dates and Times:

Dates Friday Saturday Sunday


July 21-23 8:00 pm 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm 2:00 pm (Closing)

Don’t Miss Out On Our
“Student Rush”
Students with a valid student ID can purchase half price tickets
30 minutes before any performance. (Half price is $11.00.)

And our special
“Pay What You Can!”
on Saturday, July 23rd at 2:00 pm only!
Purchase your ticket 30 minutes before the 2:00 curtain for whatever your budget will allow.

Group Rates Are Also Available. Call For Details!

Tickets for I Do! I Do! are $22.00 or $20.00 for students and seniors. Individual tickets are on sale now and can be ordered by mail, phone, online, or in person. Mail orders should be sent to P.O. Box 221, Waukesha, WI 53187, by check or using MasterCard or Visa. Phone orders should call (262) 547-0708, using MasterCard or Visa.

Walking down Main Street, my attention was drawn recently to the display windows of the PIX building. The PIX is home to the Waukesha Civic Theatre, and it is a landmark representative of the exciting rebirth of Waukesha. My mind went back to some of the great productions we’ve attended there over the past few years. More importantly, I was reminded of the fun we had the whole evening doing dinner at one of the many nearby family-run restaurants followed by a play. Inevitably, we would leave the play stating “Why don’t we think to do this more often?”

This ‘05-‘06 season is now winding down with “Lost in Yonkers”, a Neil Simon play ending June 25th. As to the question of why write about the Theatre now? I advise to get it on your “radar” as next season will be somewhat of a “Greatest Hits” of fan-favorite plays from years past. Face it; we’re all looking for a break from the “Let’s see a movie and get something to eat” malaise which takes over when the weather changes.

The Civic Theatre offers this “break” with quality plays staged with primarily local talent. All 261 seats are comfortable with good views, and the atmosphere is professional yet intimate. Managing Director John Cramer has done a phenomenal job of blending an architectural jewel in the PIX with professionally-staged productions. The entry and lobby really bring you back to the nostalgia of the old movie theatre grandeur. Prices are very reasonable, and free parking couldn’t have been more convenient.

Call the theatre for info @ 262-547-4911. Again - great building, convenient, a good value, and an entertaining evening! And lastly, it feels good to spread the word, support, and have something “uniquely Waukesha” in our midst.

JUST IN !! (Added 6/23/06)

Alleycat Enterprises presents I Do! I Do!, running July 7th through the 23rd, 2006. The show is being produced as part of the Waukesha Civic Theatre’s Community Partners Productions series.

Starring real life married couple John and Kelli Cramer, together on stage for the first time in over a decade, this award winning musical by Schmidt and Jones (the creators of The Fantasticks) is an intimate story of love and marriage. The show begins with Michael and Agnes on their wedding day and traces their life together over a period of 50 years.

Performance Dates and Times:
Friday, July 7th: 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 8th: 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 9th: 2:00 p.m.
Friday, July 14th: 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 15th: 4:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 16th: 7:00 p.m.
Friday, July 21st: 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 22nd: 2:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 23rd: 2:00 p.m.

Tickets for I Do! I Do! are $22.00 or $20.00 for students and seniors. Individual tickets are on sale now and can be ordered by mail, phone, online, or in person. Mail orders should be sent to P.O. Box 221, Waukesha, WI 53187, by check or using MasterCard or Visa