For the Birds Concert on January 31
A musical production of Kevin Kling’s “For the Birds,” with music co-written by Victor Zupanc, will feature the new music group, Zeitgeist. Happening in Ely on Tuesday, January 31, at Washington Auditorium at 7 p.m., the concert is sponsored by Northern Lakes Arts Association.
Approximately 70 minutes long, the series of pieces extol the natures of particular birds: sparrow, rooster, woodpecker, Canada goose, and hawk, drawing parallels with our own human nature. “For the Birds” is a work about that part of our human nature that compels us to reach beyond ourselves for more-more opportunity for our family, more money, more fun, more speed, more knowledge, more love.
Through delightful music, performed by Zeitgeist, a new music ensemble from Minneapolis, with Kling’s narration and worldview, “For the Birds” gives space to contemplate our nature, laugh at ourselves, and heal.
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Tony Award Winner Chosen for 2012 Spring Musical
The DROWSY CHAPERONE has been selected by Northern Lakes Arts Association for its 2012 Spring Musical and will be produced for a March 22 opening at Vermilion College. Perhaps an unfamiliar musical to many of us, it was adapted from a book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, with music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison, debuting in 1998 at The Rivoli in Toronto and opened on Broadway on May Day, 2006. The production, an homage to American musicals of the Jazz Age, examines the happy effect musicals have on the fans who adore them. It started as a spoof of old musicals written by friends for the wedding of Martin and his wife, Janet. It has had major productions in Toronto, Los Angeles, New York, London, and Japan, as well as two North American tours. It won the Tony Award for Best Book and Best Score.
The story line revolves around the wedding of Broadway starlet Janet VanDeGraaf to the handsome—and wealthy-- Robert Martin, with hostess, Mrs. Tottendale, her crew of house staff, and assorted wedding guests.
The cast features faces familiar and new, including Peter Kess as the narrator, “The Man in the Chair,” and Polly Anderson in the title role as the “Drowsy Chaperone.” The leading lady and bride-to-be, Janet, is played by Angela Olson and her groom, Robert, is played by Giles Trudeau. The best man, George, will be performed by Nathan Huisman, and the wedding will be hosted by Mrs. Tottendale, played by Laurie Kess, and her helpful butler, Underling, played by Wayne Marshall. In attendance at the wedding are Broadway producer Mr. Feldzeig, played by Dave O’Donnell, and chorus girl hopeful Kitty is played by Sabrina Larson. Into this mix are added a Latin screen star, Aldolpho, played by VCC student Nolan Byhre, a pair of gangsters, played by Adam Grundemann and Joe DeMarco, some reporters to cover the society event, played by AmberBeth VanNingen and VCC student Ayjiah May, and the surprise arrival of Trix, the Aviatrix, played by Karin Schmidt. And don’t forget the wedding guests, Theresa Jamnick and Justine Carlson. Mrs. Tottendale’s house staff includes Sarah Anderson, Tara Tome and Kristen Williams, the kitchen staff, Cathe Gucciardo and Kellie Serena, the waiter, Jon Huisman, the workman, Patrick Villella, and the Florist, Tess L’Heureux.
The local production will be directed by VCC instructor Sara Skelton, with musical direction by Marcia Homer, technical design and direction in the hands of Peter Kess, and choreography by Laura Moberly.
Dates for the show are March 22 through March 31, with all shows at 7pm except a March 25th Sunday matinee, at 2 pm.
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Sara Skelton, Vermilion College instructor will serve as Drama Director, Marcia Homer as Musical Director, Peter Kess, Technical Director, and Laura Moberly, Choreographer.
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