Tonight is the final preview/dress rehearsal of the Actors’ production of [title of show]. General admission is $10 and GRCC students always receive a discounted rate of $10 per ticket on all performances of Actors’ Theatre productions. GRCC students may call the box office at (616) 234-3946 to take advantage of this discounted rate.
Archive for the ‘Theater’ category
Actors Theatre presents ‘title of show’
March 27, 2013Actors’ Theatre presents ‘title of show’
March 21, 2013![The words "[title of show]book by Hunter Bell , music and lyrics by Jeff Bowen" are in the middle surrounded by four photos. The first, on the upper left, shows a man with a beard and glasses, wearing a green argyle sweater vest, seated at a piano. A blond woman wearing a red jacket and gray T-shirt, leans over his left shoulder. Next to her is a woman with short red hair wearing a purple shirt. A man with blond hair and a beard leans on the piano. The second photo, upper right, shows a man with a beard and glasses, wearing a green argyle sweater vest, holding a glass plaque with white etching on it. Next to him is a blond woman wearing a red jacket and gray T-shirt, also holding a glass plaque with etching. Next to her is a woman with short red hair and a purple shirt. A man with blond hair and a beard is next to her; he holds a glass plaque too. The third photo, lower left, shows a man in a purple T-shirt, wearing a giant white rabbit head, standing on a crosswalk in the middle of an empty street. Next to him is a woman with short red hair and a purple shirt; she is throwing her arms in the air. Next to her is a man with a beard and glasses, wearing a green argyle sweater vest; he has his left arm thrown out to the side. The fourth photo, lower right, shows six rows of red theater seats. A woman with short red hair and a purple shirt sits at the far left, holding a booklet saying “Playbill” in her left hand. Next to her, a woman with blond hair and wearing a red jacket looks down at the booklet she holds in both hands. Next to her is a man with a beard and glasses, wearing a green argyle sweater vest, holding a booklet saying “Playbill” in his left hand and pointing at it with is right. Next to him is a blond man with a beard holding a booklet that says “Playbill” with his right hand.](http://grcctoday.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/title-of-show-logo-image.jpg){kind=logo}
Audiences in West Michigan won’t want to miss out on the Actors’ Theatre production of [title of show], opening March 28th, 2013. Join a cast comprised of some of West Michigan’s best emerging vocal talents as they present the hilarious musical about Jeff and Hunter – two aspiring theater artists who enter a script into a musical theatre festival without a plan….or a script! With the help of their friends Susan and Heidi, the four put their minds together to come up with their very own formula for an original musical. [title of show] presents a satirical take on friendship, childhood and the world of live. Audiences will be sure to fall in love with [title of show].
[title of show] has received several Broadway and off-Broadway premieres, such as the Musical Theatre Festival in 2004 and the Vineyard Theatre in 2006. Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell won Obie Awards as co-writers and actors for [title of show]. Bell was also nominated for Best Book of a Musical in the 2009 Tony Awards. The New York Times called [title of show] “a wildly successful bare-bones piece of theater” as well as “genial, unpretentious and far funnier than many of the more expensively manufactured musicals.”
[title of show] is directed by Actors’ Theatre alum Michelle Urbane, most recently seen on stage in 2012’s August: Osage County. Joining her are Actors’ veterans George Toles (as Jeff), Rob Karel (as Hunter), Jolene Frankey (as Susan), Ellie Frances (as Heidi), and Michael Shansky (as Larry) and Music Director. Urbane says, “It’s going to be a night of fun, comedic theatre. If you like musical theatre, you’ll definitely love this show. And if you don’t – you’ll still love it!”
[title of show] will be presented for two consecutive weekends at GRCC Spectrum Theatre, 160 Fountain Street NE, Grand Rapids. The production opens March 28th, 2013 and closes on April 6th, 2013. All evening performances will begin at 8:00pm. Nine front row tickets (referencing the production number “Nine People’s Favorite Thing”) will be given away each night of performance to high school and college students with valid ID. Students must arrive before 7:15 PM and a drawing will be held at 7:50PM. Those not selected are still eligible for the standard rush seating rates.
Ticket prices begin at $24 for adults and $20 for students/seniors. Students with a valid ID are eligible for $10 RUSH seating, based on availability and beginning one hour before the performance. Groups of ten or more are eligible for discounts. Tickets for [title of show] may be purchased online at http://atgr.org/title-of-show or by contacting the Actors’ Theatre box office at (616) 234-3946.
GRCC Players present ‘Based on a Totally True Story’
February 27, 2013The GRCC Players present Based on a Totally True Story by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa at 8 p.m. February 28 through March 2, 2013, at Spectrum Theater.
The plot of the play, directed by alumnus Rob Karel, involves a Hollywood producer deciding to turn one of Ethan’s plays into a big-budget horror movie possibly starring Nicole Kidman. With that tasty carrot clouding his vision, Ethan struggles to be everything to those he loves. Hearts are broken, lessons learned, and dreams deferred in this quirky, offbeat romantic comedy of manners. This show contains graphic language.
Tickets cost $5 for GRCC staff, $3 for students and $10 for the public. Call 234-3946 or visit www.grcc.edu/theater for tickets.
Actors Theatre to stage reading of ’8′
February 12, 2013
In February of 2013, Actors’ is proud to present, in conjunction with Fubble Entertainment, the staged reading of Dustin Lance Black’s “8”.
“8” chronicles the 2008 Federal District Court trial (Perry vs. Brown) which attempts to strike down California’s Proposition 8. Proposition 8 rescinded the right of gay and lesbian Californians to marry. Black crafts his accounts using actual trial transcripts, personal and first-hand observations, and interviews with the plaintiffs and their families. As a screenwriter, producer, director, and social activist – Black’s “8” challenges and examines the true meaning of equality. Black takes on a prominent social issue and, in the process, brings light to the continuing fight for equal rights.
In an interview with Academy Award winning director Oliver Stone, Black had this to say about the politics surrounding the issues addressed in “8”:
“I think by having Ted Olson (attorney for the Plaintiffs and Solicitor General under President George W. Bush) pleading the case and making such strong, passionate, cogent arguments obviously sends a signal that this isn’t a partisan issue. I think that started a wave through the conservative side saying, ‘it’s okay for you to come out as pro-gay on civil rights, pro-equality.’”
Featuring the talent of some of West Michigan’s finest actors, the cast of “8” includes the talents of Alice Kennedy, Shelley Irwin (of The WGVU Morning Show), Jon March, Joe Miller, Jonathan Clausen, Billy Konsoer, Larry Young, Patrick Ziegler, Teresa Thome, Tracey Walker, Shelia Shotwell, Richard Carnegie, Jean Reed Bahle, Tommy Allen, Justin Kilduff, Ben Boerkel, Neil Trevisan, Greg L. Rogers, and many more! “8” will be directed by Actors’ Theatre Founder, GRCC Professor Emeritus and Recipient of the Norma Brink Lifetime Achievement Award for Grand Rapids Theatre, Fred Sebulske.
“8” will be presented for two consecutive nights at Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI on February 23rd, 2013 at 7:00pm and Park Theatre, 248 South River Ave, Holland, MI on February 24th, 2013 at 4:00pm. This staged reading is produced in partnership by Actors’ Theatre and Fubble Entertainment, LLC as a fundraiser for the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER).
Ticket prices are $25 each and are general admission. Tickets for “8” may be purchased online at http://atgr.org/8theplay or by contacting the Actors’ Theatre box office at (616) 234-3946.
Actors Theatre presents ‘play within a play (within a play)’
February 7, 2013Opening March 28, 2013, Actors Theatre is proud to present Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell’s musical comedy [title of show].
The two main characters — Jeff and Hunter as themselves — have decided to put their script-writing skills to the test by submitting their work to a musical theater festival. With the deadline only a few weeks away, though, they have not a single music note written – or any sort of plan! With a serious case of writers’ block, it seems that Jeff and Hunter will get nowhere with their musical. Enlisting the help of their friends Susan, Heidi and Larry, they come up with their own “original” idea that is sure to be noticed at the festival.
A completely hilarious and silly take on the world of theater, [title of show] is the ultimate definition of a play within a play (within a play). In short, it’s “a musical about two guys writing a musical … about two guys writing a musical.”
Michelle Urbane is directing [title of show], and the cast includes Actors’ veterans George Toles and Rob Karel.
The musical will be presented on two consecutive weekends, opening March 28 and closing on April 6. All evening performances begin at 8 p.m. at GRCC Spectrum Theatre. Ticket prices begin at $24 for adults and $20 for students and seniors. Students with a valid ID are eligible for $10 RUSH seating, based on availability and beginning one hour before the performance. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for discounts. Tickets may be purchased online or by contacting the Actors Theatre box office at (616) 234-3946.
GRCC Players present ‘Crooked’
January 15, 2013
GRCC Players present:
“Crooked” by Catherine Trieschmann
Jan 17 – 19 at 8pm
Spectrum Theater Room 201 (limited seating available – call for tickets today!)
Starring: Aubrey Pierzchala, Meeka Postman & Jessi Towell
Directed By: Michelle Urbane
Show description: Fourteen year old Laney arrives in Oxford, Mississippi with a twisted back, a mother in crisis and a burning desire to be a writer. When she befriends Maribel, a fervent believer, Laney embarks on a hilarious spiritual and sexual journey that challenges everything.
For tickets, call 234-3946 or click here.
Actors Theatre Grand Rapids presents ‘A Steady Rain’
January 11, 2013
Opening January 24, 2013, Actors Theatre Grand Rapids is proud to present the West Michigan premiere of the Keith Huff’s poetic police drama. A Steady Rain. A Steady Rain tells a story of brotherhood, loyalty and betrayal through the plays two main characters: Denny and Joey.
Denny and Joey are childhood best friends as well as partners on their job with the Chicago Police Department. In addition to their days on the job, Joey helps out with Denny’s family and Denny keeps Joey away from his many vices. When a routine domestic disturbance call turns in to something much more frightening and tragic, the aftermath sends the two on a harrowing journey where friendship and loyalty are tested, and lives will be forever changed.
A Steady Rain originally debuted at Chicago Dramatists in 2007, before transferring to Broadway, where the production starred famed actors Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig. In its premiere production, the Chicago Sun Times had this to say:
“Huff tells the story of a relationship of almost biblical intensity, and one riddled with love, loyalty, guilt, shame, rage and a sort of primal inevitability.”
The Daily Herald called A Steady Rain “a thoroughly engrossing examination of the toll the job takes on those sworn to serve and protect, and how amorphous the line between criminal and cop can be.”
The Actors’ production is directed by veteran Jeralyn Pinsky, who has directed nearly 20 productions for Actors’ Theatre, and features the talents of Todd Lewis and Jim Cantrell in the roles of Denny and Joey, respectively. Lewis and Cantrell are no strangers to West Michigan stages and bolster this vivid and intense two-person drama with their expertise.
Jonathan Clausen, Director of Development at Actors’ Theatre had this to say about the play:
“A Steady Rain follows a great tradition of two-person dramas such as Eugene O’Neill’s Hugie, Susan Lori Parks’ Pulitzer Prize-Winning Top Dog/Underdog or David Mamet’s Oleanna in that the actors, through their characters, are not only responsible for portraying their distinct personalities but also conveying the richness of the world in which they live. People often use the word ‘cinematic’ to describe A Steady Rain and, yet, it’s the kind of play that somehow works best where it was intended: the live stage. It’s harshly authentic at times, poetically poignant at others. Audiences are in for a wild ride of discovery, twists and turns when they see the show.”
A Steady Rain will be presented on two consecutive weekends at GRCC Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain Street NE, Grand Rapids, beginning on January 24, 2012 and closing on February 2, 2013. All evening performances begin at 8PM.
Ticket prices begin at $24 for adults and $20 for students/seniors. Students with valid ID are eligible for $10 RUSH seating, based on availability, beginning one hour before the performance. Groups of ten or more are eligible for discounts. Tickets for A Steady Rain may be purchased online here or by contacting the Actors’ Theatre box office at (616) 234-3946.
Members of the media wishing to obtain interviews or special access may contact Jon Clausen, Director of Development and Marketing, at jon@atgr.org or (616) 234-3817.
‘Make the Yuletide Gay-(er)’ to benefit scholarship funds
December 11, 2012
GRCC and Actors Theatre are teaming up on “Make the Yuletide Gay-(er),” an “old-fashioned holiday variety special,” to benefit the Combined Theatre Scholarship Fund, the Fred and Mickey Sebulske Scholarship Fund and the GRCC Alumni Scholarship Fund.
The show starts 7 p.m. December 16, 2012, at Spectrum Theatre. It’s hosted by Ellie Frances and Rob Karel and features Craig Hammerlind, Matt Tepper. Lynne Tepper, Neil Trevisan, the GRCC Madrigal Singers, and a collection of past and present vocal students.
If you mention or enter the code “YULEMETWICE” when ordering adult tickets at 234.3946, they cost $12 instead of $14. Tickets for GRCC students are $5 and $8 for other students. For more information, click here.
GRCC In the News, 12-3-12
December 3, 2012Rising demand for associate’s degrees invigorates GRCC
November 30, 2012; Grand Rapids Business Journal
Getting an associate’s degree might be good enough.
Michigan State University’s annual survey by its Collegiate Employment Research Institute revealed big job opportunity gains have been made by those with associates degrees.
Finalists for Armen Oumedian’s Armen Awards announced
November 30, 2012; Kettering Magazine
November 29, 2012 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. North End Community Ministry, Family Promise and East Leonard Elementary are among the eight West Michigan organizations that will benefit from service learning projects designed by the finalists for Grand Rapids Community Colleges annual Armen Awards.
Review: ‘Next to Normal’ at Actors’ Theatre is intense, tender portrayal of struggling family
November 30, 2012; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI The current production at Actors Theatre may be called Next to Normal, but Id say its pretty darn close to fantastic.
Earn a Degree in Water from Grand Rapids Community College
November 29, 2012; WMEAC blog
Ever wonder what it takes to work in a water treatment facility? Students in West Michigan now have the opportunity to pursue a degree in Water Environmental Technology (WET) through an articulation agreement between Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) and Delta College, located near Bay City, Michigan. There is also an agreement with Bay College in Escanaba, Michigan for a similar degree. The program is designed to prepare students for entry into the water and wastewater field, most often working for municipal treatment plants, but with opportunities existing in engineering firms, laboratories, and state and local agencies as well.
GRCC In the News, 11-27-12
November 27, 2012Actors’ Theatre production of ‘Next to Normal’ relies on small cast, strong lyrics
November, 26, 2012; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — It’s not normal for a musical to win the Pulitzer Prize. But then who would expect a routine response to a musical named “Next to Normal?”
Performances of ‘Next to Normal’ start November 29
November 26, 2012A Pulitzer Prize-winning musical gets its West Michigan premiere with Actors’ Theatre Grand Rapids on November 29, 2012.
Next to Normal, with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and original music by Tom Kitt, tells the story of suburban mom Diana, who struggles to battle her mental demons, brought about, in part, by bipolar disorder. Her husband, Dan, fights to keep both her mind and his family stable, even as Diana decides to suddenly go “off meds.” Their 16-year-old daughter Natalie, on the other hand, can’t seem to escape the shadow of her mysterious 18-year-old brother – who has a shocking surprise of his own.
Actors’ Theatre founder Fred Sebulske, recipient of the Norma Brink Lifetime Achievement award for Grand Rapids theatre, directs the production. Scott Patrick Bell will provide musical direction with choreography by Jolene Frankey.
The cast features Kelly Carey as Diana, Larry Young as Dan, Maggie Nye as Natalie, Jared Graybiel as Dr. Madden, Kyle Los and Duncan McCargar.
Next to Normal will be presented at 8 p.m. on three consecutive weekends, beginning November 29, at GRCC Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St. NE. Proceeds from a special matinee performance at 2 p.m. December 9 will go to the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan.
Ticket prices begin at $24 for adults and $20 for students or seniors. Students with valid ID are eligible for $10 RUSH seating, based on availability, beginning one hour before the performance. Groups of 10 or more are also eligible for discounts. Tickets may be purchased online or by contacting the theater’s business office at (616) 234-3968.
Actors’ Theatre Presents the Pulitzer Prize-Winning Musical “Next to Normal”
November 6, 2012Actors’ Theatre Grand Rapids is proud to present the West Michigan Premiere of the Pulitzer Prize-Winning Next to Normal. With book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and original music by Tom Kitt, Next to Normal originally premiered off-broadway in 2008 before a re-worked version transferred to Broadway in 2009. Critics have lauded this contemporary musical as “a feel-everything musical”(The New York Times) and “a work that sings from a bruised heart, not a contented one.” (The Washington Post) Next to Normal was awarded the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama – one of only eight musicals ever to be given the prestigious literary award.
Next to Normal tells the story of suburban mom Diana, who struggles to battle her mental demons, brought about, in part, by bipolar disorder. Her husband Dan fights to help keep both her mind and his family stable, even as Diana decides to suddenly go “off meds.” Their sixteen year-old Natalie, on the other hand, can’t seem to escape the shadow of her mysterious eighteen year-old brother – who has a surprise of his own.
Next to Normal is a “brave, breathtaking musical” (Washington Post) about a family attempting to find a balance between taking care of themselves and taking care of each other. The production will be directed by Actors’ Theatre founder and recipient of the Norma Brink Lifetime Achievement award for Grand Rapids theatre, Fred Sebulske. Musical direction for the challenging score will be provided by Scott Patrick Bell. Sebulske and Bell also comprised part of the artistic team from last season’s Spring Awakening, which was awarded the 2012 Grand Award for best production of a musical.
Next to Normal will be presented on three consecutive weekends at GRCC Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain Street NE, Grand Rapids, beginning on November 29, 2012. All evening performances begin at 8PM. A special benefit matinee will be presented at 2PM on Sunday, December 9, 2012 with a portion proceeds from the performance benefitting The Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan.
Ticket prices begin at $24 for adults and $20 for students/seniors. Students with valid ID are eligible for $10 RUSH seating, based on availability, beginning one hour before the performance. Groups of ten or more are eligible for discounts. Tickets for Next to Normal may be purchased online athttp://atgr.org/next-to-normal or by contacting the Actors’ Theatre business office at (616) 234-3968.
Actors Theatre Production of August: Osage County at GRCC’s Spectrum Theater Gets Rave Review
May 21, 2012Review: ‘August: Osage County’ thoughtfully mixes wrenching story of family with doses of hilarity
Published: Friday, May 18, 2012, 7:10 AM | Grand Rapids Press | By Lorilee Craker
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — It’s hard to imagine a family more messed up than the Westons of Osage County, Oklahoma. For over three hours, a full house at Spectrum Theatre Thursday night absorbed the blow by blow of a loony mother, a quiet father, and their three unhappy, angry daughters as the family gathers one more time. (More)
August: Osage County Sunday Matinee Added 5/20/12
May 17, 2012
The Actors’ Theatre production of August: Osage County has added a Sunday, May 20 matinee performance at 2pm. It opens TODAY and runs May 17-19 & 24-26 at 7pm.
Dad has vanished… Mom is addicted to prescription pills… Three sisters, each harboring shady secrets… The large Weston family comes together when Dad disappears, and the homestead explodes in a storm of repressed truths and unsettling secrets. August: Osage County unflinchingly—and uproariously—exposes a Midwestern American family…and its dark side!Winner of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Call 234-3946, go here or visit www.atgr.org for more information.
August: Osage County Opens This Week
May 16, 2012
The Actors’ Theatre production of August: Osage County by Tracy Letts opens this week Thursday May 17, 2012 and runs May 17-19 & 24-26 at 7pm.
Dad has vanished… Mom is addicted to prescription pills… Three sisters, each harboring shady secrets… The large Weston family comes together when Dad disappears, and the homestead explodes in a storm of repressed truths and unsettling secrets. August: Osage County unflinchingly—and uproariously—exposes a Midwestern American family…and its dark side!Winner of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Call 234-3946, go here or visit www.atgr.org for more information.
