What's new at ICCT...

Nominees for the 2011-2012 ICCT Board of Directors

2011-03-30T22:49:00.000-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The ICCT Nominating Committee has finalized a slate of recommended candidates to fill vacancies on the Board of Directors.

Nominee for President – Jill VanDorpe
Nominee for Vice President – Brenda Christner
Nominee for Secretary – Roxy Running
Nominee for Treasurer – David Roe

Nominees for Member at Large (Two-Year Terms, 3 Vacancies) – Maggie Mowery, Molly Prout, Maria Schroeder
Nominee to fulfill the remaining year of Jill VanDorpe’s Member at Large term– Steve Hedlund

The Board of Directors would like to thank the Nominating Committee for their service.

Please join us at the Spring Membership Meeting on the evening of May 2nd, 2011 (Location to be determined) for the election. It’s an exciting time to be a member of ICCT.

Horatio's Purgatory

2011-03-23T17:24:00.002-05:00

Theatre Cedar Rapids is graciously allowing ICCT to present "Horatio's Purgatory," the TCR submission to the AACTFest in April. This is your chance to see a preview.

Performances are Friday, March 25th and Saturday, March 26th at 7:30 p.m. Running time is 55 minutes. Tickets are $10. All proceeds go directly to supporting ICCT. Tell all your friends!

Matthew James and Kehry Anson Lane perform Rachel Horach Howell's poetic and tragic ponderance between the lines (literally) of William Shakespeare's "Hamlet," told from the perspective of the ever-faithful friend, servant and "brother," Horatio. Angie Toomsen directs.

"Horatio's Purgatory" was presented at TCR's Underground Festival in November and was named TCR's official selection to compete in the state theatre competition in Newton, IA. The production team has working to refine the script, acting and staging in preparation for its state performance, April 2rd.

The Nerd Opens Friday!

2011-02-27T16:51:00.000-06:00

The Nerd by Larry Shue opens this Friday! Performances run March 4th-6th and 11th-13th, 2011. Friday and Saturday shows start at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm. Tickets are $10-$18.

About the Show:

One of the funniest plays ever written, this extraordinarily inventive, side-splitting comedy was first presented by the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, then produced in Great Britain, then went on to Broadway. The action centers on the hilarious dilemma of a young architect who is visited by a man he's never met but who saved his life in Vietnam—the visitor turning out to be an incredibly inept, hopelessly stupid "nerd" who outstays his welcome with a vengeance.

Call To Action: Nominating Committee Formation

2011-02-14T14:37:00.002-06:00

We request your presence at an Iowa City Community Theatre Membership Meeting on Tuesday February 15th at 6 pm at the ICCT space on the Johnson County Fairgrounds. We had a membership meeting in January and we were a couple of members shy of the required 20 people, most likely because of weather.

We NEED to select a group of members (three to five) for a nominating committee. The nominating committee will find members that are interested in serving on the ICCT Board of Directors. Please come, the meeting will be brief

And Then There Were None at the Englert This Weekend!

2011-02-08T12:16:00.000-06:00

Come join us this weekend (February 11-13) at The Englert Theatre for a murderous telling of And Then There Were None formerly known as 10 Little Indians. The Friday, February 11th and Saturday, February 12th shows are at 7:30pm. The Sunday, February 13th at 2:00pm.

AND THEN THERE WERE NONE: AT THE ENGLERT

The Iowa City Community Theatre will present And Then There Were None, a suspenseful mystery written by the best-selling author Agatha Christie. Christie’s brilliant writing weaves the story strategically into a twisted plot that leaves the audience tripped up, pointing the blame in all the wrong places. The play is based on the 1939 book, formerly titled Ten Little Indians.

Award-winning director and active member of the community Patti Mott will be directing the play. Mott has been involved in theatre since she was three, once captivated by her father’s love for the arts. Surprisingly enough, at a young age she did not think she was going to be a director. Mott has been an actress and a costume designer, and has started many theatre productions across Iowa City. She directed her first play at City High, and graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Theatre Arts. Mott finds the process and growth of a play to be the most fulfilling and enjoyable part about directing. She describes Christie’s play And Then There Were None as never boring and “different from all the mysteries we know and love…[it] keeps the audience engaged until the very last scene.”

The story takes place in 1944, on an island off Devon in Southwest England. An interesting assortment of people with different backgrounds receive an invitation from an anonymous source to spend the weekend at the luxurious mansion that was once built for the famous Lily Logan. Johnny Brewer, a millionaire who fell madly in love with Lily, wanted to seclude her away from everyone else. He confined her to this island and cut her off from the rest of the world. With no telephone, no communication, and no way out, Lily couldn’t bear being away from the city, so she left Brewer. Heartbroken, he went back to Wall Street, and the mansion he once built for his love was sold.

As each guest arrives, they gather around at dinner to realize that each has no idea why they have been invited, or who invited them. They become even more suspicious when they realize that a storm is on its way and any chance of leaving the island has been completely dashed. With no telephone or source of communication with the outside world, the apprehensions begin to rise when the guests feel as if they’ve been trapped here on this island for a reason. While you may question what could be so bad about being stranded at a lavish mansion, Christie’s real mystery begins.

Once the plot begins to unfold, the guests realize that there is no chance of escape and the only way to protect themselves is by not trusting anybody. The story takes an eerie turn when the characters realize that they were invited to this mansion to die. The tension between the guests grows, making them paranoid and painfully nervous, asking the obvious question: Who done it? Cautiously they stare at the mantel where ten statues stand, each representing a guest and their life that is at stake. This 3 act play will leave the audience gripping the edge of their seats along with the characters, wondering what will happen next.

The first production appearing in 1944 at the Schubert Theatre in New York, And Then There Were None will premier in Iowa City February 11th & 12th at 7:30pm and February 13th at 2:00pm at the Englert Theatre.

Director Patti Mott and the ICCT want to give a special thanks to the Senior Citizen Center for their gratitude and for providing a rehearsal place every day of the week for the entire cast and crew and the Englert Theatre for their support and partnership in the production of the play providing us with so much help in our publicity of this production. Mott would also like to acknowledge the cast for their extraordinary talent. She enthusiastically describes it as “kind of a dream to get set a wonderful cast and crew of people that mold together so beautifully.”

Chase Garrett Dance and Concert

2011-01-28T12:35:00.000-06:00

Do you like to Boogie Woogie or swing dance? Maybe you just like to listen to some live fresh jazz. Well, for only $8 at the door you can enjoy the fabulous music of Chase Garrett complete with free dance lessons and refreshments.

Come to the Chase Garrett Dance and Concert Event, a Fundraising for the Iowa City Community Theatre. Thursday, February 3^rd, 2011 at the Old Brick in Iowa City. All ages welcome to enjoy alcohol-free fun and refreshments.

7:00-8:00 pm Dance Lesson by Doug and Jill Beardsley

8:00-10:00 pm Dance to the music of Chase Garrett

$8.00 at the door

ACE Twelth Night & Auditions for The Drowsy Chaperone

2011-01-20T09:03:00.000-06:00

ACE Twelth Night & The Shakespeare Games

ICCT & ACT 12th Night present Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare January 21st & 22nd at 7pm. Both performances will occur at the ICCT space on the Johnson County Fairgrounds.

On Sunday January 23rd, The Shakespeare Games will be presented at 2pm. Teams of actors perform Twelfth Night as a Motley Mash Up; a Patchwork Performance and Renaissance Remix; Misdirected and Miscast by Mark McCusker (performed at the ICCT Space on the Johnson County Fairgrounds).

Tickets are 2 for $12. (The previous price of 2 for $24 was incorrect. Apologies for the miscommunication.

Auditions for The Drowsy Chaperone

Want to get experience in musical theatre? Audition for The Drowsy Chaperone

Auditions
Sunday January 23rd, 2pm Iowa City Public Library, Meeting room A
Monday January 24th, 7pm Robert A. Lee Rec Center
Tuesday January 25th, 7pm Johnson County Fairgrounds

Performances
April 29 - May 1, May 6 - 8

We’re looking for ages 14 and up. Families are encouraged to audition! Please have a song prepared and a joke. Be prepared to dance and to read from the show. If you want access to a script, please contact Ben Bentler at pianoartist@mac.com

Please call or email if you need to schedule an alternate time or if you have questions.
Rehearsals begin January 31st with very ﬂexible scheduling.

(319) 512-9834 pianoartist@mac.com

Show Summary:
A rare combination of unprecedented originality and blinding talent, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE boldly addresses a great unspoken desire in all of our hearts: to be entertained. If you've ever sat in a dark theatre and thought, "Dear Lord in heaven, please let it be good," this is the show for you!

It all begins when a die-hard musical-theater fan plays his favorite cast album on his turntable, and the musical literally bursts to life in his living room, telling the rambunctious tale of a brazen Broadway starlet trying to find, and keep, her true love.

Winter Membership Meeting

2011-01-16T17:45:00.001-06:00

The Winter Membership meeting will be held tomorrow, January 17th at 6pm. The meeting will be held at the Iowa City Pizza Ranch. We'll be eating and socializing first, then we'll get down to business (around 7pm). We'll be announcing our 56th season and discussing the future of the theatre. Not a member? That's OK! We'd love for you to come join us tomorrow night. You'll be joining an organization that has a passion for theatre.

"The Nerd" Cast List

2011-01-10T17:20:00.000-06:00

Rachel Brown (director) has selected her cast for The Nerd by Larry Shue:

Willium Cubbert - Brad Quinn
Axe Hammond - Kenneth Van Egdon
Tansy McGinnis - Elizabeth Breed
Warnock Waldgrave - Stephen Polchert
Clelia Waldgrave - Robyn McCright
Tho Waldgraver - Joseph Verry
Rick Steadman - Eddie Skaggs

My Fair Lady: In Concert

2011-01-02T11:17:00.002-06:00

The production will be presented at The Englert Theatre January 7 and 8, 2011, at 7:30pm. Tickets are available at the Englert Theatre Box Office (open Monday-Friday from noon to 6:00 PM), by phone at 319-688-2653 or online at www.englert.org.

Directed by Josh Sazon with music direction by Professor Emeritus Ed Kottick of the University of Iowa School of Music, the production will be a staged reading similar to the well-received concert performance of South Pacific this past August. The production features a thirty-five piece orchestra, and the cast includes John Muriello, voice faculty at the University of Iowa School of Music as Alfie Doolittle, and veteran community theatre performer Megan Sands as Eliza Doolittle. Principals include:

Eliza Doolittle—Megan Keiser
Henry Higgins—Josh Sazon
Alfred Doolittle—John Muriello
Colonel Pickering—Howard Meadows
Freddy Eynsford-Hill—Brian Jones
Mrs. Higgins—Caroline Oster
Mrs. Pearce—Jen Gerbyshak
Mrs. Eynsford-Hill—Mary Wedemeyer

Ensemble: Len Duncan, Katie Eaton, Jen Gerbyshak, Nancy Kula, Bryan Lawler, Susan Manuel, Reed Perkins, Elisabeth Ross, Jordan Running, Roxy Running, Ryan Shallady, Ellen Stevenson, Olivia Symmonds, Rebekah Trotter, Jill Van Dorpe, Jim Verry, Alexandra Walsh, Mary Wedemeyer and Dylan Wheeler.

Like South Pacific in Concert, the dialogue of My Fair Lady will be pared down and sets and costuming minimal, creating a more streamlined presentation of the beloved story of one woman’s transformation from Tottenham Court Road flower vendor to proper lady.

Cinderella! Run Extended

2010-12-22T10:36:00.001-06:00

It’s back! Due to the overwhelming turnout for Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Iowa City Community Theatre is proud to announce a 3-performance extension of the show. Once Upon A Time continues Dec 31 at 8:00, Jan 1 at 7:30, and Jan 2 at 2:00 at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. Don’t miss this last chance to catch the magic of Cinderella before the enchantment ends!

Ring in the “New Year” with the cast of Cinderella. Join Cinderella, Prince Charming, the jealous stepsisters and more for a New Year’s VIP event before the show on Friday, Dec 31st at 6pm until 10pm. The cost of $40 includes admission for one child and one adult, plus unlimited cookies and hot cocoa, party favors, magic wand, tiara or sword, pictures with the cast, and much more.

Call (319) 338-0443 for reservations.

Click HERE for a coupon for Cinderella! Just print it out and bring it with you.

Auditions for "And Then There Were None"

2010-11-30T17:48:00.002-06:00

Auditions for And Then There Were None will be held at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center on December 1st from 7 - 9 pm, December 2nd from 7:30 - 9 pm, with callbacks on December 4th from 1 - 4 pm. Rehearsals will begin December 5th with performance dates of February 11 - 13, 2011 at the Englert Theatre.

About And Then There Were None: In this superlative mystery comedy statuettes of little soldier boys on the mantel of a house on an island off the coast of Devon fall to the floor and break one by one as those in the house succumb to a diabolical avenger. A nursery rhyme tells how each of the ten "soldiers" met his death until there were none. Eight guests who have never met each other or their apparently absent host and hostess are lured to the island and, along with the two house servants, marooned. A mysterious voice accuses each of having gotten away with murder and then one drops dead---poisoned. One down and nine to go! The excitement never lets up in this ideal play for schools, colleges and little theatres.

Cinderella Cast

2010-11-13T13:50:00.002-06:00

The cast for Cinderella is hard at work bringing this production to life. Here's the cast:

Cinderella- Janelle Barrow

Prince-Dustin Sorrell

Godmother-Elizabeth Breed

Stepmother-Ken VanEgdon

Portia-Jessica Faselt

Joy-Megan Duquette

King-Howard Meadows

Queen-Carole Martin

Herald-Andrew Cole

Steward-Jill Beardsley

Cook-Doug Beardsley

Girl-Noelle Martin

Boy-Joel Meadows

Ensemble Women - Mary Jane Myers, Amy Konz, Ali Heath, Elisabeth Ross, Kaci Brier, Noelle Martin

Ensemble Men - Dan Kunce, Joel Meadows, Andrew Cole, Eoghan Hartley, Stephen Krutzfeldt

Auditions for "My Fair Lady: In Concert"

2010-10-20T12:59:00.003-05:00

Auditions for MY FAIR LADY: IN CONCERT will be on Saturday Oct. 23 (2-6pm) at the ROBERT A. LEE RECREATION CENTER at the corner of Burlington and Gilbert Sts. in downtown Iowa City, and on and Sunday Oct. 24 (1-4pm) at the School of Music building on E. Clinton St. (across from the Post Office in downtown IC). Auditions will be for ELIZA, FREDDY and Ensemble. Actors will be asked to read from the script, and sing numbers from the show: for Eliza it'll be "I Could Have Danced All Night" and "Just You Wait" and Freddy will be asked to sing "On The Street Where You Live." and yes, we can schedule another date should actors want to audition but are not be able to make it that weekend.

Rehearsals are minimal, compared with a full staging of a musical. There will be no rehearsals on Thanksgiving weekend, and the last half of December. The show plays January 7-8 at the Englert Theatre in downtown Iowa City.

"Cinderella" Cast Announced (Still Needs A Few Men)

2010-10-18T10:36:00.001-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The director of Cinderella is still looking for a few men to fill in lead roles and chorus. If you are interested, please contact Ben Bentler at pianoartist@mac.com

The Cast of Cinderella

Cinderella- Janelle Barrow
Prince-TBD
Godmother-Elizabeth Breed
Stepmother-Ken VanEgdon
Portia-Jessica Faselt
Joy-Megan Duquette
King-Howard Meadows
Queen-Carole Martin
Herald-TBD
Steward-Jill Beardsley
Cook-Doug Beardsley
Girl-Noelle Martin
Boy-Joel Meadows

Ensemble Women - Mary Jane Myers, Katherine Smith, Ali Heath, Elisabeth Ross, Kaci Brier
Ensemble Men - Dan Kuntz, Doug Beardsley, Joel Meadows, TBD, TBD, TBD

Auditions for "Cinderella"

2010-10-11T14:53:00.002-05:00

AUDITIONS FOR:

Iowa City Community Theatre

and

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s

Cinderella

directed by Ben Bentler

Auditions

Thursday October 14th 7pm Robert A. Lee Rec Center

Friday October 15th 7pm Johnson County Fairgrounds

Saturday October 16th 2:30pm Robert A. Lee Rec Center

Robert A. Lee Center 220 S. Gilbert St.

Johnson County Fairgrounds 4265 Oak Crest Hill Rd.

Please call or email if you need to schedule an alternate time or if you have questions.

Rehearsals begin October 18th with flexible scheduling

(319) 512-9834 pianoartist@mac.com

Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" To Replace "Celebration"

2010-10-10T11:35:00.002-05:00

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the ICCT Board of Directors has decided to cancel the upcoming production of Celebration, and replace it with Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella.

Cinderella will be open December 10th, running through December 19th. (Friday & Saturday shows at 7:30 pm, Sunday matinées at 2:00 pm)

Play Director Selection for the 56th Season: 2011-2012

2010-10-02T09:37:00.002-05:00

The following people are on the Play Selection Committee: Brenda Christner, Evie Stanske, Brad Quinn, Krista Neumann, Connie Stannard, Jill VanDorpe, and Jason Grubbe.

We are looking for family-oriented shows from a variety of genre, including comedy, mystery, drama, musicals, and a play that will appeal to children. We will accept applications from area directors until October 15. If you submit a play, please explain why you have requested that play and how you plan to manage production costs. The committee will interview directors in mid-November. We plan to announce our 56th Season at the January Membership Meeting. If you have questions, please feel free to contact any committee member.

Submit your request to direct a play by email: pds@iowacitycommunitytheatre.com. Thanks!

Jake's Women Opens Friday!

2010-09-26T18:06:00.000-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The second play of ICCT's 55th season opens this Friday! Please join us at our space on the Johnson County Fairgrounds for Jake's Women by Neil Simon. We also need ushers for each performance. If you're interested in serving as an usher (and seeing the show for free), please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at: volunteers@iowacitycommunitytheatre.com.

Dates:
October 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 9th & 10th

Times:
Friday & Saturday shows start at 7:30 pm
Sundays at 2:00 pm

Tickets:
Regular $18
Students/Seniors $15
Children $10

Thank you for supporting Iowa City Community Theatre.

Sincerely,
Kehry Lane, ICCT President

Fall General Membership Meeting

2010-09-19T17:52:00.004-05:00

The Fall General Membership Meeting will be held tomorrow, Monday September 20th, at the Iowa City Rec Center. The meeting starts at 7 pm. If you're a member, or would like to join (a donation of $25 or more qualifies you as a member), please join us and get involved with Iowa City Community Theatre!

Auditions for "Celebration"

2010-09-12T15:49:00.002-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Auditions for ICCT's third show of the season, Celebration, will be held this week at the Iowa City Public Library.

Dates:
Tuesday Sept 14th (ICPL Meeting Room A)
Wednesday Sept 15th (ICPL Meeting Room B)

Time:
7p-9p

If you have have a Facebook account, you can RSVP here.

If you don't have a Facebook account, here are some words from the director and ICCT Lifetime Member, Michael Stokes:

"I really hope you all come audition for Celebration a really great little musical comedy. I realize many probably don't know this show. It's written by Schmidt and Jones who wrote the Fantastics, so it's a really great score. Quirky, funny, ritualistic, dark, funny. Just show up for the audition, bring a song and sheet music if you have something prepared to sing.
It's a fairly small cast. Truely, ideal for the space out at ICCT."

Cast Breakdown:
Potemkin...............30+ Baritone
Orphan..................20ish Tenor
Angel.....................20ish belty soprano
Mr Rich...................50+ Baritone
The Revelers............6 men and 6 women, any age or vocal range

Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead

2010-08-26T09:43:00.000-05:00

Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead opens September 3rd, at the Festival Stage in Lower City Park.

The Cast

ROSENCRANTZ - David Priebe

GUILDENSTERN - Brad Quinn

PLAYER - Ed Henry

PLAYER 2 - Dennis Lambing

PLAYER 3 - Noah Parks

PLAYER 4/LAERTES* - Ariane Parkes-Perret

PLAYER 5/HORATIO* - Susan Jacobson

ALFRED - Nick Ostrem

HAMLET - Matthew James

OPHELIA - Emily Larson

CLAUDIUS - Greg Kilberger

GERTRUDE - Elizabeth Breed

POLONIUS - Brian Tanner

AMBASSADOR/COURTIER - Paula Grady

FORTINBRAS/COURTIER - Mary Ann Cozine

8/20/2010 Performance of "9 Parts of Desire" CANCELLED Due to Weather

2010-08-20T17:24:00.000-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Please see the following message from Dreamwell...

Tonight's performance of "9 Parts of Desire" has been canceled due to weather.

Please join us on one of our remaining nights including our new RAIN DATE, Sunday 8/29:

Saturday 8/21
Thursday 8/26
Friday 8/27
Saturday 8/28
Sunday 8/29

All performances will take place at 8:00 p.m.
Hope to see you there! It's a powerful show!

"9 Parts of Desire" Opens August 19th

2010-08-10T23:10:00.000-05:00

Jake's Women Cast List

2010-08-07T14:42:00.005-05:00

Jake - Chuck Dufano
Maggie - Barb Arceneaux
Julie - Ottavia de Luca
Karen - Ellen Stevenson
Edith - Robyn McCright
Molly - Emily Larson
Shiela - Ariane Parkes-Perret

Thank you to all who auditioned!

South Pacific In Concert

2010-08-04T22:40:00.001-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Please don't forget to attend South Pacific this Friday and Saturday at the Englert.

Auditions for Jake's Women

2010-07-25T15:28:00.003-05:00

Auditions for Jake's Women will be on July 30 (7-9pm) and 31 (2-5pm) at the Iowa City Public Library. The show runs on Oct. 1-3, and 8-10 at the Johnson County fairgrounds. Auditions will consist of cold reads. The script is available for perusal at the Reference Desk of the Iowa City Public Library.

FEEL FREE TO CONTACT THE DIRECTOR (Josh Sazon) at jw@iowacitycommunitytheatre.com should you wish to audition and find yourself unable to do so on the scheduled dates.

DESCRIPTION:

Jake, a novelist who is more successful with fiction than with real life, faces a marital crisis by daydreaming about the women in his life.

CAST BREAKDOWN:

Jake (40s – 60s) Writer in the grips of a midlife crisis who would rather observe his life than live it. Though somehow a magnet for delightful women, he holds the world at arm’s length and is no good at intimacy.

Maggie (35 – 50s) Jake’s second (current) wife. She is matter-of-fact, a career-oriented woman who loves Jake deeply but cannot deal with his inability to communicate with her as a real person. She exists in “real time” as well as in Jake’s imagination.

Karen (40s – 50s) Jake’s sister. She is divorced and shares Jake’s wit and sharp attention to detail. In Jake’s dialogues with her, she is cynical, frustrated, and very acerbic.

Young Molly (10 – 15) Jake’s daughter at 12. In his mind, she is the perfect, loving, non-problematic kid.

Older Molly (17 – 25) Jake’s daughter at 21. A college student who longs to know more about her mother.

Julie (20s – 35) Jake’s first wife. She has died, and therefore lives only in Jake’s memory. He tries to idealize her, but as he loses control of his characters, she begins to interact with her daughter and refuses to be idealized.

Edith (40s – 70s) Jake’s therapist. Jake “writes” sessions with her. In them she is both a voice of reason and very annoying.

Sheila (30 – 50s) Jake’s girlfriend. She is the only woman Jake does not create in his mind. She loves Jake, but can’t cope with his indecision as the Maggie in his mind takes over his relationship with her. Never let your sense of morals prevent you from doing what is right.

South Pacific: In Concert

2010-07-19T15:18:00.000-05:00

Iowa City Community Theatre presents South Pacific: In Concert, a gala event at the Englert Theatre that will feature local stars and a stunning full orchestra under the direction of Professor Emeritus Ed Kottick.

Directed by Josh Sazon, the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein musical features the classic songs “Some Enchanted Evening,” “Honey Bun,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” and “There is Nothin’ Like a Dame.”

The renowned baritone Stephen Swanson, who has amassed a repertoire of 91 roles in operas, operettas, and musicals, will portray Emilie de Becque.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Iowa City Community Theatre, a beloved area institution that is celebrating its fifty-fifth season.

South Pacific: In Concert will run for two performances only at The Englert on August 6th-7th at 8pm.

Tickets are available through the Englert Theatre Box Office at (319) 688-2653 or for purchase online at www.englert.org.

Auditions for Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead - 7/12 & 7/13

2010-07-11T17:21:00.000-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Please see the message below from James Trainor, the director of the first show of our 55th season:

"Auditions for ICCT's production of Tom Stoppard's funny and philosophical play Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead. The play tells the story of Hamlet from the perspective of two extras, who try to find meaning in their existence while driving towards the fate the title implies.

Will need 3 men, any age, for Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, and Player.

Will need another 15 men & women for various smaller rolls (the band of Tragedians and the cast of Hamlet).

I also need a good stage manager if any kind souls are willing to volunteer!

Auditions will pretty much consist of cold readings, though if you have a monologue prepared I'm not opposed to hearing it.

Hope to see you all there!"

Audition Dates:

July 12th & 13th

Time:

6pm to 8pm

Location:

Robert A Lee Recreation Center

220 S Gilbert St

Iowa City, IA 52240

What to prepare:

Nothing. Cold readings will be used to determine casting. Of course, it's always a good idea to read the play prior to the audition.

ICCT Potluck Celebration

2010-06-25T20:27:00.002-05:00

We’ve all worked extremely hard this past season and we deserve to pat ourselves on the back, and fill our tummies while we’re at it.

DATE

Sunday, June 27

TIME

5 PM - 9 PM

LOCATION

Lower City Park, Pavilion 12

200 E. Park Road

Enter the park at the Lower Park entrance and follow

the road all the way around to the end.

Conveniently located near restrooms and a playground.

WHAT TO BRING

Please bring your own plates, napkins, flatware, etc., your own beverage (alcohol is not permitted in the park)

And a dish to share:

By last name:

A – G: Salads and Appetizers

H – M: Entrees and Casseroles

N – S: Vegetables and Bread

T – Z: Desserts

Of course, this is not a strict list; bring whatever you’d like and more than one item if you wish. Please also be sure to label your dishes and provide serving utensils. There is electricity available if you need it (bring an extension cord, just in case).

I think it would be a great idea to bring copies of your recipe to share with everybody. Maybe we can eventually put together a cook book to sell in the community!

Please be sure to join us, it’s gonna be a blast!

Sondheim at Sunset

2010-06-15T13:03:00.000-05:00

Larry Hardy

2010-05-28T08:05:00.000-05:00

One of ICCT's family, Larry Hardy, passed away last week. He served on the board as a member-at-large for the 50th and 51st seasons and was instrumental in updating our computer files. His memory will be celebrated at his home (7 Woodland Heights, Iowa City) on Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. Members of the iCCT family are invited to come.

You may also find his obituary on the press-citizen.com. Here is the link.

ICCT 2010-2011 Board Nominations

2010-04-27T13:55:00.007-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Nominating Committee completed its work in early April, but do to a miscommunication, I had not gotten their slate of candidates posted until now. My apologies. The Annual meeting is schedule for 7:00 pm on Monday, May 10th at the Robert A Lee Recreation Center.

Due to the lack of 30 day notice prior to the election, we will be requesting that the membership allow the election to proceed. This will be done by a vote for special dispensation, prior to the election.

NOTE: The membership is not restricted to voting for the candidates on the slate. Nominations may be made from the floor.

And the Nominees are:

(Listed alphabetically by last name, some bios will be added later)

Jill Beardsley ~ Member-at-Large
Jill was born and raised in Cedar Rapids where she studied dance at the prestigious Diemann-Bennett Dance Theater of the Hemispheres. She studied ballet, jazz, tap, Eastern Indian and all forms of Ballroom, Social and Latin dances. In college at Brigham Young University she auditioned with over 800 other girls to receive one of 18 coveted spots on the world class Ballroom formation team (ranked as one of the top 3 teams in the world). Shortly after our marrying her husband (Doug Beardsley), they began performing in and choreographing musical theater. During her 14 years in the Rockford area she was involved in over 3 dozen theater productions in various capacities from performing, choreographing, costuming, backstage work and production team as both a volunteer and paid employee. She has spent over 3 ½ decades on stage and behind the scenes. In the past 1 ½ years in Iowa City, she has performed in and choreographed City Circle’s “Hello Dolly” and ICCT’s “Wonderful Town” and also choreographed “Footloose” for the Footlighters. Jill and Doug also teach continuing education ballroom for Kirkwood.

Ben Bentler ~ Member-at-Large
Ben has worked in the community theatre area for about 8 years now and has a degree in voice and theatre. A director, music director, and actor, he has worked on raising money and directing Wonderful Town. My goals in the future are to continue to work towards a professional career and an advanced degree in directing over the next five years.

Brenda Christner ~ Vice-President
Brenda currently serves as a Member-at-Large on the ICCT Board of Directors.

Steve Hedlund ~ Member-at-Large
I have been a season ticket holder for the ICCT for thirty five years. In the Iowa City community I practice dentistry for 36 years, was President of the Iowa City Noon Rotary, Vice Chair of the Eastern Iowa Alzheimer's Association, member of the University Heights council, member of the Iowa City Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Johnson County Social Welfare Board.

Kathleen Hession ~ Member-at-Large
Kathleen received a BA from the University of Notre Dame in both Theatre and English, and is currently working towards an MA in teaching English at the University of Iowa. She has directed numerous shows in Iowa City and Notre Dame communities.

Kehry Anson Lane ~ President
holds a BA in Theatre Arts from the University of Iowa. Locally, Kehry has worked as an actor for ICCT, City Circle, Theatre Cedar Rapids, Riverside Theatre, Aggravated Assault Ensemble and the University of Iowa Theatre Department. He has also directed several short plays and one full length play for City Circle. Kehry currently serves as a Member-at-Large for the ICCT Board of Directors.

David Roe ~ Treasurer
David is our current Treasurer.

Jill VanDorpe ~ Member-at-Large
My husband Paul and I enjoy living in Iowa City and value its cultural atmosphere. Participating in theater has been a major focus for me, two of my children (Rex and Angelique), and even our dogs Trixie and Lily. My involvement with ICCT has given me many wonderful memories, so I am motivated to do what I can to keep the company well-established in our community. Since 2003 I have been involved in 9 ICCT productions, which have been a source of enjoyment, new friends, and theatrical experience. I have also performed with Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre, the University of Iowa, Washington Community Theater, Rage Theatrics, Catalyst Acting Company, Talisman, ArtCultureExperiment, Willowwind Opera, Crescendo Opera, and David Aiken Touring Productions. Through my children, I have become involved in shows with Footliters, Market Street Theatre School, City High, and West High. Working with other theater companies, whether acting or behind the scenes, has enabled me to see how various groups organize themselves and promote their shows. I have experience in fundraising, organization, and public relations, having served as Iowa City Choralaires' business manager, Crescendo Performing Arts board member, Regina Religious Education coordinator, classroom teacher, and accordionist.

Ken Van Egdon ~ Secretary
Ken has been a board member since November, 2009, and was elected Secretary by the board April, 2010. He is currently the Artistic Director of Buzz Salon in Iowa City. He has been the general manager of two restaurants and owned his own successful consulting company in Chicago. He brings both his business savvy and ability for alternative problem solving as an asset to the board.

Fund Drive & Chapter Two

2010-04-25T11:01:00.001-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The last few years have been difficult. The poor economy has depleted our resources, and we're in danger of dissolving Iowa City Community Theatre forever. We've proudly served Iowa City for the last 54 years, and we'd love to be around for the next several decades, but time is short and we need to take drastic action immediately.

We Need Your Help!

How can you help? Simple. Donate today!

Simply and click on the "Donate" button in the top right corner. You may make your donation with a major credit card (handled securely by Paypal).

Our fund raising goal is $20,000.00 by the end of May. We're hoping for 200 generous theatre lovers to donate

$100.00 each. This community effort will allow ICCT to retire all debts, and start next season with a modest

amount of cash on hand. We need you to help us today!

Chapter Two Opens Friday

Of course, another great way to support ICCT is to come to our final show of the season, Chapter Two. This play

by Neil Simon is sure to delight you and your friends. So please join us this Friday, April 30th, for opening night!

Thank you, and we hope to see you at the show!

Chapter Two Opens April 30th!

2010-04-06T22:53:00.002-05:00

Please join us for the final show of our 54th season...

Neil Simon's Chapter Two tells the story of George Schneider, a writer, who is still suffering from his wife's death. Then George meets a Jennie, a young, struggling actress who has recently divorced and coming to terms herself with the loss of love. The two fall head over heels and into marriage. Chapter Two is a heartfelt comedy about adults attempting to move on and discover if true love can really happen a second time.

Directed by Brian Tanner

Cast:
George Schneider: David Pierce
Jennie Malone, Caroline Sheerin
Leo Schneider, Ken Van Egdon
Faye Medwick, Robyn McCright

Thank you, and I hope we see you at the show!

"Bend in the Road" replaced with "All in the Timing" by David Ives

2010-03-08T19:05:00.010-06:00

Unfortunately, ICCT was unable to mount Michael Sokoloff's Bend in the Road as scheduled. Instead, we will be presenting All in the Timing by David Ives.

Chapter Two Auditions!

2010-02-22T16:07:00.000-06:00

When:
Auditions: Saturday (Feb 27th) at 1pm, Sunday (Feb 28th) at 7pm.

Callbacks: Monday (Mar 1st) at 7pm.

Where:

Robert A Lee Recreation Center

About the play...

Neil Simon's Chapter Two tells the story of George Schneider, a writer, who is still suffering from his wife's death. His brother Leo has been unsuccessful in matching George up with someone new. Then George meets a Jennie, a young, struggling actress who has recently divorced and coming to terms herself with the loss of love. The two fall head over heels and into marriage. Chapter Two is a heartfelt comedy about adults attempting to move on and discover if true love can really happen a second time. Directed by Brian Tanner and assisted by Kathy McDonald.

Characters:

George Schneider, playwright

Leo Schneider, George's brother

Jennie Malone, actress

Faye Medwick, actress, Jennie's friend

In the script the characters are described as 30's to 40's; interested actors should consider auditioning as the final cast will depend on the dynamic and relationship between the actors.

Auditions will consist of readings from the script. If you have any questions, please contact Brian at brntnn@aol.com or 319-321-5448.

Wonderful Town Opens!

2010-02-19T08:01:00.002-06:00

Wonderful Town Opened Last Night!
Wonderful Town opened at the Englert last night, and received an ethusiastic response from the audience. This show is great! ICCT needs you to come out and support the cast, the crew, the orchestra, ICCT and the Englert this weekend. You be glad you came out to see us!

Performance times are 8pm tonight and tomorrow, and 2:30p on Sunday.

Urgent: Actors Needed / Scenic Painter Needed

2010-01-25T17:51:00.000-06:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

1) Bend In The Road needs more actors...

Auditions were held this weekend for Bend in the Road. Unfortunately, we saw a small turnout. The director is still in need of actors. Specifically:

JOE BUCK, a young adventurer, strong, handsome.

BILLY PERSON, his friend, also young and strong, but not as handsome.

DAPHNE DEERE, a big, raw-boned girl, a farmer's daughter, longing for more life than she's got.

ENSEMBLE, 3 or more actor/acrobat/musicians, MATTIE's minions (gender breakdown discretionary), who double as a rag-tag frontier klezmer band (The songs and incidental music for BEND in the ROAD should be rowdy, raucous, rough-edged, really 'down-an'-dirty'). ‘ENSEMBLE’ lines provide the basis for an overlapping, patch-work choral effect, and should be assigned among them to that end.
Interested? Know someone who may be interested? Great! You may reply to this e-mail address (office@iowacitycommunitytheatre.com) and we'll be sure that the director is notified of your interest. Please include the best method to contact you (your phone #, best e-mail address, etc).

In addition, there are 2 SOLDIERS, and a splendid CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD.

2) Scenic painter needed for Wonderful Town...

Unfortunately, the scenic painter for Wonderful Town will not be able to complete the project. We are in urgent need of a talented scenic painter to complete this very important task. Please contact the director at pianoartist@mac.com. Again, please include all relevant contact information.

Membership Meeting & Newletter

2010-01-14T18:19:00.010-06:00

Please join the ICCT Board of Directors for our Winter Membership Meeting.

When:
January 18th, 2010 at 7:00 pm

Where:
Robert A Lee Recreation Center - Room A
220 S Gilbert St
Iowa City, IA 52240

Please renew your membership (or join ICCT), catch up with your fellow members, and learn what's up and coming for ICCT. We've got a lot of great opportunities for interested volunteers. We have come up with some creative fundraising ideas and need your help.

Membership is only $20 a year. Bring a friend, get involved, and help us cultivate ICCT.

For those interested in reading our latest Stage Write (newsletter), please click HERE.

Upcoming auditions for Bend In The Road

2009-12-28T12:45:00.006-06:00

Bend In the Road

Written & Directed by Michael Sokoloff

Music composed by Nathan Basinger

Performance Dates:
March 12-14 & 19-21, 2010
on the Johnson County Fairgrounds at the
Iowa City Community Theatre Building (A)

Audition Dates:
January 22 (6:30pm) & 23 (1:00pm)
at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center

Callbacks:
January 24 (6:30pm) at the ICCT Barn (Johnson County Fairgrounds, Building A)

Michael Sokoloff

Over 30 years in the Theatre, Michael Sokoloff has worked in New York (on Broadway and off), in Chicago store-fronts, and everywhere in between. He was the Fight Director for the Steppenwolf Theatre Company's Tony-winning production of The Grapes of Wrath starring Gary Sinise. He conceived and directed Judas Goat for the Organic Theatre in Chicago, where he was an Artistic Associate. In addition, Sokoloff has extensive regional theatre credits at top-tier theatres including Actor's Theatre of Louisville, the Arena Stage, the Denver Center Theatre, the Goodman Theatre, and others.

Since returning to the state, Sokoloff has been a full-time Theatre Artist in eastern Iowa, Directing, and creating Stunts and Swordplay for Riverside Theatre, The Old Creamery, Theatre Cedar Rapids, Classics at Brucemore, Grinnell Productions, U of I Summer Rep, Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre, and Moongarden Acting Company. Before starting his own company (the Aggravated Assault Ensemble), Sokoloff was an Artistic Associate at Riverside Theatre in Iowa City for 6 years, where directing credits include Equus, Under Milkwood, The Memory of Water, RUTHLESS!, Sideman, Boy Gets Girl, and The Last 5 Years. Sokoloff s Aggravated Assault Ensemble has appeared in Chicago, and at Fringe Festivals in Kansas City, Des Moines, and twice at the Minnesota Fringe Festival in Minneapolis.

The Characters

JOE BUCK, a young adventurer, strong, handsome.

BILLY PERSON, his friend, also young and strong, but not as handsome.

MATTIE MAY MONTANA, a down-at-heel fancy woman, fortune teller, and proprietress of MATTIE'S MEDICINE WAGON.

POTTS, a middle-aged degenerate, also the narrator.

DAPHNE DEERE, a big, raw-boned girl, a farmer's daughter, longing for more life than she's got.

ENSEMBLE, 3 or more actor/acrobat/musicians, MATTIE's minions (gender breakdown discretionary), who double as a rag-tag frontier klezmer band (The songs and incidental music for BEND in the ROAD should be rowdy, raucous, rough-edged, really 'down-an'-dirty'). ‘ENSEMBLE’ lines provide the basis for an overlapping, patch-work choral effect, and should be assigned among them to that end.

In addition, there are 2 SOLDIERS, a SCOUT, a MOUNTAIN MAN, and a splendid CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD.

The Setting

A bend in the road, Oregon Trail, mid-1800's, western Nebraska, butte country, Chimney Rock, Scotts Bluff, dusty, dry, wind blowing chill, fall settling in, Harvest Moon. The Gold Rush is in full dance, and the trail is littered with graves of the fallen, and the discarded chattels of discouraged travelers, an amazing assortment of items.

Want to read the script?

A few copies of the script may be found at the IC Public Library. Please check with library staff at the second floor information desk.

See you at auditions!