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        Click for: VACT news archive -- 2002 and earlier

December 9, 2003 -- The deadline for submitting projects for the Fall, 2004 show is January 1.  The VACT Board of Directors will consider all proposals at its January meeting.  The policies for the Fall production, as adopted by the Board, December 8, 2003 are:
  1. Proposals for directing a Fall show must be submitted by January 1 for that year's Fall show, and the Board will select a project at its first meeting after that date.
  2. The VACT policy that states a director may not cast himself or herself includes the Fall show.  However, the Board may make limited exceptions if it is in the best interest of the organization, and the director must request express permission from the VACT Board to do so.
  3. The Fall show is an independent project subject to the approval of the Board and not to the selection process as are Winter and Summer shows.
  4. Fall shows considered by the Board must take certain logistical challenges into account.  These concerns include set (storage and construction), space and building constraints, lighting considerations (since the lighting is usually set up for concerts at this time), and scheduling (stage and rehearsal space).
  5. Pre-casting of fall shows is permitted.  The proposal should indicate whether the show is pre-cast, and the Board will post that information when the show is selected.
Please send Fall show proposals to the Board in care of the VACT president, Marie Kyle.
December 9, 2003 -- Kathy Tissot (Lily St. Regis - like the hotel! - in Annie) is performing in the Madison Theater Guild production of A Christmas Story. Shows are at the Bartell Theatre, 113 E. Mifflin St., Thursdays through SaturdaysPM December 5 - 20 at 7:30, with 2:00 PM Matinees on December 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21.
December 9, 2003 -- The VACT Board of Directors meets monthly.  Members are always welcome to attend. The next meeting is Monday, January 12 at 6:00 PM at Badger Ridge Middle School.
November 28, 2003 -- The Artistic Policies Committee of Verona Area Community Theater will be meeting on Tuesday, December 2, at 6:30 PM at Badger Ridge Middle School.
November 24, 2003 -- Jack Mielke (Harold Hill in Music Man & Encore) is performing in St. John in Exile, a one-man show in two acts, at Crossroads Church in Madison.  The show is Sunday, November 30 at 6:00 PM.  Admission is free, with a free-will offering taken.  Call the Church at 222-1159 for directions.

Oakwood Chamber Players present their annual Christmas Lights concerts, November 28 and 30.  The concerts are 5:30 and 8:00 PM on Friday, November 28 at the Oakwood Village Auditorium, and at 2:00 PM, Sunday, November 30 at the First Unitarian Society.  This year the Players premier a new work, Visions of the Child composed by Craig Bohmler, with lyrics by Marion Adler.

November 20, 2003 -- The Cast has been selected for VACT's Winter production of The Curious Savage! Congratulations to all and thank you to all who auditioned!

Attention cast members: First read-through is Monday, November 24 at 7:00 at Badger Ridge Middle School.

November 7, 2003 -- Jeannie Pitsch (Steel Magnolias, Once Upon A Mattress, and many, many more) is performing in The Lizzie Borden Show: A Speculation with the Campus Community Players at UW-Marshfield/Wood County.  Performances are November 13, 14 and 15 at 7:30 in the Connor Laird Theatre of UW-Marshfield/Wood County, 2000 W. Fifth St., Marshfield. 

The play mixes fact with speculation to examine the events leading up to the trial of New England spinster Lizzie Borden, who was accused of the 1892 hatchet murders of her stepmother and father in Fall River, Mass.

Focusing on Lizzie, her older sister Emma, and the maid employed by the family at the time of the murders, court transcripts and testimony are interwoven into a story that probes the sexism, social economy and repression that may have lead to one of the country’s most famous unsolved double murders. Roberts is also directing the production.

November 3, 2003 -- Verona Area Performing Arts Series presents Legends Of Yesterday, A musical tribute to The Beatles, The Everly Brothers & Buddy Holly, At the Verona Area High School Performing Arts Center, November 15 at 7:30 PM.  Tickets are $22, regular, and $20, Senior/Student, and are available at the Bank of Verona, or by calling 848-2787.  For more information, visit the VAPAS website at www.vapas.org.
October 27, 2003 -- Audition dates for VACT's Winter production of The Curious Savage are Monday and Wednesday, November 17 and 19, 2003 at 7:00 PM in the Verona Area High School Performing Arts Center.  There will be no call-backs.  Scripts will be available for check out the week before auditions.  Contact Dee Baldock.  Rehearsals will begin November 24 and will run twice a week through December and three times a week after that.  There will be no rehearsals the weeks of Christmas and New Years.

Performance dates are February 13, 14, 15 (matinee), 19, 20 and 21, 2004.

There are 11 parts - 6 women - 5 men. Characters and descriptions are below:

Story: Mrs Savage was left 10 million dollars by her late husband and her grown up stepchildren want to get their hands on it. They have her committed to a high class sanatorium hoping to bring her to her senses. In the sanatorium, she meets all the interesting characters there.

Characters

 
October 13, 2003 -- VACT's Fall production of Crazy For You, The New Gershwin Musical, opens Friday, October 24 and and runs through November 1. Check the TICKETS PAGE for all the different ways to order tickets.

CRAZY FOR YOU is the story of Bobby Child, a well-to-do 1930's playboy, whose dream in life is to dance. And despite the serious efforts of his mother and soon-to-be-ex-fiancee, Bobby achieves his dream! Memorable Gershwin tunes include I Can't Be Bothered Now, Bidin' My Time, I Got Rhythm, Naughty Baby, They Can't Take That Away from Me, But Not for Me, Nice Work if You Can Get It, Embraceable You and Someone to Watch Over Me. It's a high energy comedy which includes mistaken identity, plot twists, fabulous dance numbers and classic Gershwin music.

This new Gershwin extravaganza is filled with song and dance, and hilarious dialogue. The audience will be swept up in an artfully constructed tale of boy meeting girl in the Wild West, where they spread goodness and ultimately fall in love.

October 2, 2003 -- It's a busy month for VACT members on stage!.

Stop the World I Want to Get Off

Donavon Armbruster (Henry Higgins and JJ Brown), one of our members, has the lead in the Madison Theater Guild production of Stop the World, I Want to Get Off. It plays this weekend Oct 3 and 4 and next Oct. 9, 10 and two shows on Sat. 11th.
"A must see for the musical aficionado. Hit songs include What Kind of Fool Am I, Gonna Build a Mountain, and Once in a Lifetime."

Guys and Dolls

Many of our VACT students are on stage for Verona Area High School's production of Guys and Dolls.  Look for Katherine Lonsdorf, Kathryn Bishop and Karen and Lucy Horns, as Hot Box Dancers; Eleanor Owens as a Mission Girl; Brian Roethlisberger as Sky Masterson; David Henslin as Nathan. Please excuse us if we have forgotten other VACT members. Anyway, you'll know lots of people who are on stage, behind the stage and below the stage. Look here for photos from the show.

This classical musical fable, set in the 1950s, concerns gamblers and their love interests. Nathan Detroit bets Sky Masterson, famous for his "sky-high" wagers, that he cannot charm "mission doll" Sarah Brown into going to Havana with him. Problems ensue as Sky desperately tries to win over Sarah, Nathan struggles to find a place for his dice game, and Nathan's fiancee of 14 years, Adelaide, pressures him to get married and give up his gambling habit. High-energy dances punctuate the action of the show, as Adelaide, a nightclub star, and her "hot box dolls" perform two outstanding dance numbers. The gamblers impressively execute many equally difficult dances, showing that the "guys" can dance just as well as the "dolls!" The action on the stage is complemented by multi-colored, unusally shaped backdrops and set pieces, capturing the humor and playfulness of the script and music.

Produced by Verona Area High School at Verona Area High School Performing Arts Center (300 Richard St).  Performances are October 9-11, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 12 at 2p.m.  Ticket Prices are $8 ($6 senior citizen discount on 10/9 and 10/12).  Call (608) 845-4488 for reservations or more information.

Oakwood Chamber Players

Marilyn Chohaney (Mrs. Higgins in My Fair Lady) is a member of the Oakwood Chamber Players, who are celebrating their 20th season with a Fall concert, October 11 and 12. On the program are pieces by Sibelius, Schickele, Gabriel-Marie and Honegger.  Concerts are at the Oakwood Village Auditorium and the historic, Frank Lloyd Wright-designed, First Unitarian Society.  See their Oakwood Chamber Players website for details.

October 2, 2003 -- If you are interested in directing VACT's Summer production, OKLAHOMA!, please submit your application to the VACT board of directors by November 1. The Board will select the director at its November meeting, giving you plenty of time to prepare for auditions some time in April.
September 20, 2003 -- Results of the elections and selections at the VACT annual meeting are ...  
August 20, 2003 -- Mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 9. That's the date of the VACT Annual Meeting at Badger Ridge Middle School Step Room. Membership renewal and registration will begin at 6:30 PM and the meeting will start at 7 PM. Don't be late or you'll miss those hilarious election speeches!

The other important business before the members will be selection of the Winter and Summer shows for 2005. A slate of two candidates for each show will be presented by the Selection Committee. The candidates are:

Anyone can be a member who has been involved in any way with a VACT show in the last year.
August 6, 2003 -- The buzz is starting for CRAZY FOR YOU, VACT's fall project. The 34 members of the cast are busy tapping away, learning their lines, music and choreography. The show opens October 24 and runs through November 1. Check the TICKETS PAGE for all the different ways to order tickets.

CRAZY FOR YOU is the story of Bobby Child, a well-to-do 1930's playboy, whose dream in life is to dance. And despite the serious efforts of his mother and soon-to-be-ex-fiancee, Bobby achieves his dream! Memorable Gershwin tunes include I Can't Be Bothered Now, Bidin' My Time, I Got Rhythm, Naughty Baby, They Can't Take That Away from Me, But Not for Me, Nice Work if You Can Get It, Embraceable You and Someone to Watch Over Me. It's a high energy comedy which includes mistaken identity, plot twists, fabulous dance numbers and classic Gershwin music.

This new Gershwin extravaganza is filled with song and dance, and hilarious dialogue. The audience will be swept up in an artfully constructed tale of boy meeting girl in the Wild West, where they spread goodness and ultimately fall in love.

June 30, 2003 -- Verona Area Community Theater would like to congratulate this year's winners of the VACT Fine Arts Scholarships:
Kirsten Fritz & Katie Monk
June 10, 2003 -- The VACT Board of Directors has set the schedule for the 2003-2004 season. Mark these shows on your calendar!  
June 10, 2003 -- "How does VACT decide what shows to produce?"

The entire VACT membership (see below how you can become a member!) votes on the Winter and Summer shows at the VACT annual meeting in September.  The slate of candidate shows is developed by the "Selection Committee" in a process that begins immediately following the Summer show.  The committee narrows the choices from dozens of suggested titles down to two for Winter and two for Summer.  After the VACT Board approves the final list, it is presented at the annual meeting.  For the Fall show, any VACT member may submit a proposal to the Board of Directors.

This year, the Selection Committee will be choosing shows for the 2005 Winter and Summer productions.  Any VACT member is welcome to join the committee.  The first meeting will be on Tuesday, July 22 at 7:00 PM at Kathy Tissot's house. If you would like to attend, or if you want to suggest a show for consideration, e-mail Kathy at k2t2@chorus.net.

June 6, 2003 -- Don't wait! Order your tickets now for The Unsinkable Molly Brown.  This spirited tale of a legendary, real-life American original follows the exploits of Molly Brown, whose feisty determination to rise above her impoverished beginnings leads her from the backwoods of Hannibal, Missouri, to the palaces of Europe.  Along the way, she marries a lucky prospector, enters the highest echelons of Monte Carlo society, survives the sinking of the Titanic and, most importantly, earns the approval she so desperately seeks of those "Beautiful People of Denver."

Tickets can be purchased at the Verona Public Library on Mondays and Tuesdays between 4 PM & 6 PM.  For more ticket options, see the TICKETS PAGE.

May 7, 2003 -- While it's been a long cold winter, Connolly Dance rehearsals have been nothing short of HOT as they prepare for the 2003 Spring Show, scheduled for the Bartell Theatre, May 15, 16 and 17 in downtown Madison.

Featuring a bevy of new works, Kristanne, Pat and the rest of Connolly Dance will soar through eight lively and seductive pieces during the two hour show. Seating for the shows is limited and advance tickets are recommended. Call 608.244.4328 for reservations. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors.

Kristanne and Patrick Connolly are choreographers for this summer's VACT production, The Unsinkable Molly Brown.

April 10, 2003 -- The Verona Area Community Theater is proud to present two scholarships for students actively involved in the fine arts. This includes the visual arts, music, drama, dance, tv/radio, or technical areas in the theater. A senior scholarship of up to $700 is available to assist graduating seniors who intend to continue studying the fine arts at a college or university, and a camp scholarship of up to $300 is for a current freshman, sophomore or junior planning to further his or her studies in the fine arts by attending a summer camp. CLICK HERE to read more about the VACT scholarship or HERE to download the application. For more information, contact Rick Owens by e-mail or by phone at 845-3884.
April 4, 2003 -- Jeannie Pitsch is performing in The Heidi Chronicles by Wendy Wasserstein, April 10, 11, and 12, 7:30 p.m. at the Helen Connor Laird Theatre of the UW-Marshfield Wood Co. campus.

This insightful comedy traces the coming of age of Heidi Holland, art historian and 20th Century woman, as she finds her way in a rapidly changing world - from the socially and politically activist '60s to the success-oriented '80s.

The Heidi Chronicles is the rare play that has been honored with every major drama award:

Pulitzer Prize for Drama
Tony Award for Best Play
New York Drama Critics Circle Award
Drama Desk Award

$10.00 tickets available at the box office or by phone at 715-389-6534.

"Witty, hilarious...not just a funny play, but a wise one."
NY Daily News
April 4, 2003 -- So long, Dolly! Move over, Mame! Make way for the biggest of Broadway's "big ladies." The Unsinkable Molly Brown. The Titanic may have sunk, but Molly Brown survived.

This spirited tale of a legendary, real-life American original follows the exploits of Molly Brown, whose feisty determination to rise above her impoverished beginnings leads her from the backwoods of Hannibal, Missouri, to the palaces of Europe. Along the way, she marries a lucky prospector, enters the highest echelons of Monte Carlo society, survives the sinking of the Titanic and, most importantly, earns the approval she so desperately seeks of those "Beautiful People of Denver."

Auditions for VACT's Summer production will be Monday and Wednesday, April 21 & 23, 2003 at the Verona Area High School Performing Arts Center, with call-backs on April 24. Registration will begin at 6:30 PM each night and auditions will start promptly at 7:00. Come prepared with a piece to sing (it does not have to be from the show), and please bring a spearate copy of the music for the accompanist. Also be prepared to dance and to read from the script. Bring your personal calendar so you can commit to the rehearsal schedule. Performance dates are June 20 - 28, 2003.

March 17, 2003 -- This Friday, March 21, Patrick Lytle (Freddy in My Fair Lady) and David Woldseth (Jamie in My Fair Lady) will be part of Asbury United Methodist Church's musical showcase, It's A Grand Night for Music!  The Church is located at 6101 University Ave. Tickets will be available at the door and are $8 for students/adults and $5 for children age 5-12. Performance time is 7:00 PM. Proceeds benefit United Methodist Women Missions.
March 17, 2003 -- Verona Area Performing Arts Series presents Jazzworks, March 29 at 7:30 PM at the Verona Area High School Performing Arts Center.  Sophisticated, technically proficient and tremendously entertaining, Jazzworks Dance Company appeals to audiences of all ages and proclivities.  The Company's repertoire is diverse and exciting, featuring international award winning jazz, modern and contemporary ballet works. Jazzworks offers performances, lecture demonstrations, master classes and guest choreography throughout the United States and Europe. Carving a unique niche in the world of dance, their athletic, yet artistic performances are passionate and uplifting.
Tickets are available by calling 845-2383.
March 4, 2003 -- By You know! That English guy!

Midsummer is a "dreamy" romantic comedy of potions, misidentities, and misgivings. It's the one you read in high school English class. But who's dream is it anyway? The lovers? A rude mechanical's? And who is this Oberon anyway, and where does he get his power from? Join us, on this starry trek in pursuit of these wonders and possibilities.

Produced by VAHS Theatre at Verona Area High School Performing Arts Center, 300 Richard St. Verona, WI 53593.  Directed by Joe Ringeisen.

Performances are March 14, 15, & 16, 2003, at 7:30 PM the 14th & 15th, 2 PM the 16th.  Tickets are $6.  Call 608-845-4488 for reservations or more information.

March 3, 2003 -- John and Lara Bonsett-Veal (chorus members in Joseph and Mattress) and Lauren Schell (Annie in Annie are in the MATC production of Children of Eden, March 7 - 16.  It is a musical the whole family can enjoy together. From Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin) and John Caird (Les Misérables) comes an inspirational musical about parents, children and faith, not to mention centuries of unresolved family business!
Children Of Eden is a heartfelt and often humorous examination of the age-old conflict between parents and children. Adam, Eve, Noah and the Father who created them deal with the headstrong, cataclysmic actions of their respective children. "It's about second chances," says Schwartz -- a compelling family story of rage and guilt and their consequences, and the need to begin again.
The show ultimately delivers a bittersweet but inspiring message: "the hardest part of love... is letting go." The melodic, spirited score is a mix of pop, folk, rock, reggae, gospel, Broadway and powerful choral moments.
Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for Seniors and MATC staff, and $6 for students.  Call 243-4000 for information.
March 2, 2003 -- Verona Area Community Theater's Winter production, My Fair Lady, completed its run on Saturday.  Audiences loved the musical story of Eliza Dolittle and Professor Henry Higgins.  The producer and director would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to all who made this production possible and to the community for their support.
January 29, 2003 -- Audition dates for The Unsinkable Molly Brown, VACT's Summer, 2003 production have been set for Monday and Wednesday, April 21 & 23, 2003, with call-backs on April 24.
January 27, 2003 -- Kathy Tissot (Lily St. Regis in Annie) is directing Arsenic and Old Lace at Oregon High School.  Performances are Friday and Saturday, February 7 & 8 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, February 9 at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $5. Call 608-835-4372 for reservations or more information.
January 10, 2003 -- Verona Area High School Theatre presents Winter Shorts Thursday, January 16 at 7:30 PM in the PAC. Two short works will be presented: The Veldt and All in the Timing. Admission is Free.
January 8, 2003 -- The VACT Board of Directors meets monthly. Members are always welcome to attend. The next meeting is Monday, January 13 at 6:00 PM at Badger Ridge Middle School.
January 8, 2003 -- The Verona Areay Performing Arts Series presents The Standards on Saturday, January 25 at 7:30 PM. The Standards are four brothers from Twin Falls, Idaho, all eagle scouts, ranging in age from 21 to 27, with an impressive five octave vocal range. They feature energetic choreography, audience interaction and the sounds of yesterday and today with many original songs that will make you smile. You will hear My Girl and Just My Imagination from the Tempatations, Lean on Me by Bill Withers, Brown-eyed Girl by Van Morrison and other great nostalgic hits like Up on the Roof, California Dreamin' and The Lion Sleeps Tonight. There are even current hits like Sweet Emotion by Aerosmith and More Than Words by Extreme. Audiences of all ages have been thrilled and energized with The Standards professional high-energy shows. They are also amazed it is a totally a capella, without the use of any instruments or music tracks. Even the drums are produced, using only their vocal chords.

        Click for: VACT news archive -- 2002 and earlier