Taproot Theatre Presents: SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN HOMECOMING

SEATTLE – June 4 – The hit Sanders family musicals return to Taproot Theatre Company this summer with the regional premiere of Smoke on the MountainHomecoming. This is the third and final installment of the toe-tappin’, bluegrass gospel musicals that have been charming audiences for over 20 years. Directed by Scott Nolte—who’s directed each of Taproot Theatre’s five Sanders family productions over the years—Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming takes place on an October evening in 1945, after World War Two. The Sanders family—who’ve become treasured for their musical talents—gather to sing together for what might be the last time, as they’re sending Pastor Oglethorpe and his wife, June, on a new journey and singing Dennis Sanders in as the new pastor. Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming—written byConnie Ray and conceived by Alan Bailey, with musical arrangements by Mike Craver—opens on July 10 and runs through August 8 with low-price previews on July 8 & 9, plus a pay-what-you-can performance on July 15.

Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming will continue the series’ decades-long tradition of bringing laughter and joy to audiences. Running for an unexpected four months in 1992, Taproot’s first staging of Smoke on the Mountain—the initial installment—became a surprise hit: The play was supposed to run for four weeks! Taproot brought Smoke on the Mountain back in 1996 as part of its first season in its new permanent facility in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood, then again for its 30^thAnniversary season in 2006, a season of audience favorites. The second installment, Sanders Family Christmas, delighted audiences for two consecutive holiday seasons in 1999 and 2000.

The Sanders family series goes back to 1988, when Smoke on the Mountain was first produced at the McCarter Theatre in Princeton, New Jersey. It then ran for over a year off-Broadway at Lamb’s Theatre. Between 1991 and 2001, it was the most-produced musical in the United States. The third installment, Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming, saw its world premiere at the Piedmont Players in Salisbury, North Carolina, in November 2006.

The series’ creators have history on the stage, television and film. Playwright Connie Ray has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including Thank You for Smoking, How to Deal, About Schmidt, Stuart Little, Hope Floats, ER, Touched by an Angel, the Disney sitcom The Torkelsons and much more. In addition to directing Smoke on the Mountain off-Broadway, Alan Bailey has directed the off-Broadway production of Squeezebox, produced by Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft, in addition to numerous other productions throughout the country and in Europe. Music arranger Mike Craver has been a member of the Red Clay Ramblers, and was involved in the creation of Smoke on the Mountain, Radio Gals, Wilder and more.

In Taproot Theatre’s production, many of the actors from the 2006 production of Smoke on the Mountain return for the third installment. Edd Key and Theresa Holmes return as Burl and Vera Sanders, Kevin Brady is back as Pastor Oglethorpe and David Anthony Lewis plays Stanley again; they’re joined by Candace Vance as Denise, Brent Ashton as Dennis and Jenny Cross as June. The production team includes scenic designer Rick Lorig, sound designer Mark Lund, costume designer Sarah Burch Gordon and lighting designer Richard Schaefer. Debbie Evans serves as stage manager, Edd Key as musical director and L. Nicol Cabe as dramaturg.

After Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming, Taproot Theatre’s 2009 Mainstage season continues with Enchanted April, Matthew Barber’s adaptation of Elizabeth von Arnim’s 1920s novel (September 23-October 24).

Support for Taproot Theatre’s 2009 season is generously provided by 4Culture, ArtsFund, The Charles Simonyi Fund for Arts and Sciences, Washington State Arts Commission, Nesholm Family Foundation and PONCHO. Thanks to The Upper Crust, our Opening Night sponsor, and Romio’s Pizza and Pasta and Dry Soda, our Pizza and a Play sponsors.

ABOUT TAPROOT THEATRE COMPANY

Taproot Theatre Company is a professional, non-profit theatre company with a multi-faceted production program. Founded in 1976, Taproot Theatre serves thePacific Northwest with Mainstage Productions, Touring Productions and Acting Studio. Taproot exists to create theatre that explores the beauty and questions of life while bringing hope to our search for meaning. Taproot Theatre Company is a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), Theatre Puget Sound (TPS), and the Greenwood-Phinney Chamber of Commerce.

STG PRESENTS - MOORE INSIDE OUT - A Free Public Event!

SEATTLE - Seattle Theatre Group (STG) and 4Culture Site-Specific present Moore Inside Out, a Free Sheep Foundation curated event, free and open to the public on Saturday, June 20, 2009 from 6pm - 10pm at The Moore Theatre. Moore Inside Out will present new, site specific and experimental works from Seattle's most innovative artists throughout the venue including non-public places. The Moore, Seattle's oldest operating theatre, will be turned "inside out" as the public explores over 50 performance, visual, and musical artists performing an artistic intervention throughout the facility - backstage, through the halls, and up the balconies; artists will be exploring the layers of meaning and possibility of this historic place. Built in 1907, The Moore Theatre has housed vaudeville acts, revivals, political meetings and musicians ranging from opera singers to Soundgarden, boxing matches to dance and theatre. For one night only, these performing histories will emerge simultaneously, interwoven as a mysterious and menacing, fanciful and fantastic topography of the theatre.  Featuring installations by Lead Pencil Studio, Susan Robb, Iole Alessandrini, Susie Lee, Beliz Brother, Gretchen Bennett, Megan Mertaugh, Laura Curry + Lori Dillon, Jason Puccinelli, Keeara Rhoades, Wen Marcoux, Robb Kunz, Jesse Higman, Stefan Gruber, Joshua Lindenmayer, Video Ego, Heumer, Baldman, NKO, and No Toucing Ground. Performances by Orkestar Zirkonium, Harlequin Hipsters, "Awesome", Seattle School, Hidmo Jason Webley, Byron Au Yong, Kaleb Hagan-Kerr, Butoh - Joan Laage, Sheri Brown, Douglas Ridings, Kaoru Okumura, Dub Marronics (from Kyoto), Ezra Dickinson, Karn Junkinsmith with Paul Hawxhurst, Rachel Kessler, Lucia Neare, Scratchmaster Joe, OrangeMan. Moore Inside Out is programmed to acknowledge the Moore Theatre's role in the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific (AYP) Exposition of 1909, and celebrates its continued role as a hub for creativity and innovation. This event is one of many in the region celebrating and recognizing the AYP centennial this summer.  Moore Inside Out is a free community event; no ticket is required. The Moore Theatre is located at 1932 Second Ave in downtown Seattle.

ABOUT FREE SHEEP FOUNDATION:  Free Sheep Foundation has curated architectural investigations with shows like Motel #1: Bridge Motel, the Belmont, the Tubs Memorial project, and the 2400 3rd Ave Gallery Intervention projects. Focused on presenting site-specific performance and installation works, Free Sheep Foundation is dedicated to commenting on the cultural landscape of the city, our relationship with collective memory, and the meaning of modern urbanism. ABOUT 4CULTURE SITE-SPECIFIC: 4Culture Site-Specific is a unique collaboration between 4Culture, the network King County Local Arts Agencies, and King County artists. For over a decade, 4Culture has brought contemporary performances to communities throughout King County through the King County Performance Network (now called Site-Specific.) In 2005, the Network began a new focus on site-specific performances, taking contemporary art out of the theater, and integrating it into the daily life, work and play of audiences.   About Seattle Theatre Group: Seattle Theatre Group is the 501 (c)(3) non-profit arts organization that operates the historic Paramount and Moore Theatres in Seattle, Washington. Our mission is to make diverse performing arts and education an integral part of our region's cultural identity while keeping these two landmark venues alive and vibrant. STG presents a range of performances from Broadway, off-Broadway, dance and jazz to comedy, concerts of all genres, speakers and family shows - at both historic theatres in Seattle and venues throughout the Puget Sound and Portland, Oregon.

LIVE THEATRE WEEK - OCTOBER 12-18

Seattle,WA –Theatre Puget Sound is pleased to announce the fifth annual Live Theatre Week festival will be October 12-18, 2009. New in 2009, the Kick-Off Fair, (to be held on October 4th at Fisher Pavillion from 12-3pm) will expand beyond theatre to include participation from all Puget Sound arts organizations. Joining the actors and theater staff on October 4^th will be an eclectic mix of visual and performance artists as well as musicians, dancers and more. Now, for the first time, all Puget Sound Arts Organizations will celebrate Live Theatre Week together as well as entertain and assist in the Free Night of Theater pre-registration process.

 

Come out & PLAY! As in years past, Live Theatre Week includes Theatre Communications Group’s nationally recognized, and wildly popular, Free Night of Theater on and around October 15^th; and the 3rd annual Live Theatre Week Family Day will be October 17th. In addition to the Free Night of Theater, dozens and dozens of other FREE live theater events will occur between October 12-18,2009 all over Puget Sound. These events include: open houses, invited dress rehearsals, workshops, kid’s activities, receptions, play readings and artist meet n’ greets. Peek behind the scenes. Rub shoulders with artists. Be the first to hear and critique new works. And share the magic and imagination of live theatre with children on Family Day.

 

In 2008, the Live Theatre Week campaign reached more than 2 million people and directly engaged over 3,000 participants at free performances, special events and Family Day!

·    48 theatre companies participated

·    Over 2,500 people attended 59 Free Night of Theater performances

·    Over 600 people attended 32 special events

·    Over 400 people participated in Family Day activities

 

Participating theatres and events for the 2009 Live Theatre Week will be announced in August 2009, and posted at http://seattleperforms.com/ltw/

 

Important Dates for 2009 Live Theatre Week:

 

Live Theatre Week Kick-Off Fair: October 4^th: 12 – 3pm

Meet Live Theatre Week sponsors and participants, catch a performance, pick up an event guide, and pre-register for “Free Night of Theater” tickets before the on-line web registration goes live on October 5th!

 

Free Night of Theater: On & around October 15^th

Attend a performance at any participating local theatre for FREE! Try something new, or discover Seattle 's extraordinary and diverse theatre community for the first time. Online reservations begin October 5 at http://seattleperforms.com.

Family Day: October 17^th

Join us Saturday for a full day of family fun! Participating theatres offer activities and performances that the whole family can enjoy. Share the magic and imagination of live theatre with your children.

 

Live Theatre Week Community Outreach Events: September 29-October 3

In an effort to serve a wider audience for Live Theatre Week, TPS hosts additional community outreach events at specific locations.  These events are geared towardsunderserved communities and serve to raise awareness and provide community members the opportunity to get information and pre-register for Free Night tickets.  Times and locations TBA.

 

THEATRE PUGET SOUND (TPS) is a leadership and service organization founded in 1997 to advocate for the region’s growing theatre community’s causes and administer much-needed services. TPS is now the Northwest’s premiere arts advocacy and leadership organization. TPS has a two-fold mission: To promote the spiritual and economic necessity of theatre to the public, and to unify and strengthen the theatre community through programs, resources, and services.  TPS serves more than 1,400 theatre practitioners and 130 organizations within our region. In addition to Live Theatre Week, TPS sponsors workshops and seminars, regional auditions, manages affordable rehearsal and performance space in the Seattle Center House, produces the Seattle Performs Theatre Guide, and coordinates and promotes events which strengthen and celebrate our local community.

 

LIVE THEATRE WEEK - In 2005 the Seattle City Council unanimously passed Resolution 30765 which established one week each year to be known and celebrated as "Live Theatre Week" in Seattle. Theatre Puget Sound capitalized on this proclamation and began producing an annual Live Theatre Week festival in the Puget Sound region ofWashington State . The festival functions as a bridge between our region’s performing arts community and the public at large – extending a collective invitation that transcends cultural, social, racial and economic barriers. The open door philosophy inherent in the Live Theatre Week programming creates a true culture of generosity that encourages participation and personal investment in our theatres, while simultaneously building relationships, strengthening neighborhoods and creating access to and awareness of our region’s performing arts opportunities. Live Theatre Week is an annual festival taking place during the third week of October.

 

NATIONAL FREE NIGHT OF THEATER - Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for professional not for-profit American theater, developed National Free Night of Theater as an audience development initiative and to raise public awareness about live theater. The idea germinated in 2003 in response to the field-wide threat of declining audiences. National Free Night of Theater launched in 2005 and has expanded to include 120 participating cities and close to 700 theater companies, introducing 75,000 new theatergoers to professional theaters in their community. The program has been designed to help stimulate attendance at live theater through an annual nationwide event and public awareness campaign. The goal is to put aside the inevitable competitions and work together to overcome the perceived barriers of price and time that discourage patrons from attending live theater. As the program continues to expand across the country, TCG has established partnerships with arts councils and local arts serviceorganizations. More than 65,000 free tickets were distributed in 2008 by local theaters via the program’s national interactive website, www.freenightoftheater.net. 

New Century Theatre Company presents ORANGE FLOWER WATER

Seattle WA –Seattle’s newest professional theatre, New Century Theatre Company (NCTC) is serious in their commitment to produce fearless, honest, relevant plays that stir the imagination. Their second production, Orange Flower Water, presented at ACT in association with the Central Heating Lab, runs June 25- July 20, 2009 –and it’s not for the meek. 

Presenting a follow-up to their wildly successful debut production of The Adding Machine is no small feat.  And the 11 members of NCTC debated long and hard before choosing the Seattle premiere of Craig Wright’s brutally honest drama about marriage and infidelity. NCTC Co-Artistic Director Paul Stetler explains the moment when everything came together: “We were determined to do something completely different for our second production.  Something contemporary, intimate, character-driven and without ‘spectacle’.  We read dozens of plays before reading Orange Flower Water and it quickly became our first choice.  It's a fiercely adult piece of theater that will speak to a Seattle audience that's hungry for more mature, thought-provoking work.”  Hans Altwies, NCTC’s other Co-Artistic Director (who will be playing the role of David in Orange Flower Water) continued:  “This is a very intimate play and we needed a warm, informal playing space to perform it.  We want our audience to feel complicit in the action, not removed from it.  When ACT Theatre offered us their Bullitt Cabaret Space, we knew then that all the pieces had fallen into place.  And, of course, we’re thrilled to be working at ACT again.”

Much like accidental eavesdroppers in a small suburban community who just can’t help themselves, audiences will discover they’re unable to look away.  An emotionally entrancing, sexy and gut-wrenching contemporary play, Orange Flower Water contains sexually intimate scenes and addresses mature themes head on.  (It is suggested that no one under 18 attend without a parent or guardian.)

A complex and intimate story about marriage and family, Orange Flower Water explores the painfully intense and, at times, darkly humorous, unraveling of two marriages through a series of scenes set in or around a single bed.  As relationships become fractured and painful endings are a near certainty, a fragile - yet hopeful - new beginning takes root.

Craig Wright is a major contemporary playwright and NCTC is thrilled to introduce him to Seattle audiences for the first time. Best known as the Emmy Award-nominated writer for the acclaimed series Six Feet Under, Mr. Wright’s drama The Pavilion was a Pulitzer Prize finalist and his other plays - including Recent Tragic Events, Main Street, Grace, Molly's Delicious and Melissa Arctic – have been produced all over the country.  Mr. Wright has also written for TV’s Lost, Brothers & Sisters, and Dirty Sexy Money.

Orange Flower Water will be directed by Allison Narver (former Artistic Director of Empty Space Theatre and recent Director of Euryidice at ACT Theatre and Seven Brides For Seven Brothers at 5^th Avenue Theatre).  The cast features the acting talents of NCTC company members Hans Altwies (The Seafarer and The Three Musketeers at Seattle Rep) and Jennifer Lee Taylor (Daisy in NCTC’s The Adding Machine) as David and Cathy Calhoun; and Ray Gonzalez (Waxwings at Book-It Repertory Theatre and Twelfth Night at Seattle Shakespeare Company) and Betsy Schwartz (All The King’s Men at Intiman) as Brad and Beth Youngquist. 

The all-Seattle based creative team includes: Lighting designer Geoff Korf and sound designer Rob Witmer (both returning from The Adding Machine), set and props designer Matthew Smucker, and costume designer Melanie Burgess.  The Stage Manager is Michael Paul.  Company members Michael Patten and Peter Dylan O’Connor are on board once again as the production manager and technical director, respectively.  Katie Hansen returns, as well, as Charge Painter.

It is expected that Orange Flower Water’s $48,000 budget will be fully funded by a combination of profits from The Adding Machine, and individual donations from friends, family and the Seattle theater community. As of June 1, 2009 NCTC is almost halfway to their budget goal.

Orange Flower Water will be produced under a Letter of Agreement with the Actor’s Equity Association. It is presented in association with ACT’s Central Heating Lab and their generous rental agreement that includes ticketing and marketing services in addition to rehearsal and performance space. Tickets are $25 ($20 for patrons under 25, with a valid ID) and are available at the ACT Ticket Office, 700 Union Street, downtown Seattle, (206) 292-7676 or online at www.acttheatre.org.

 

About New Century Theatre Company

NCTC was founded in 2008 by 11 well-respected Seattle theater artists - Hans Altwies, Paul Morgan Stetler, Amy Thone, Michael Patten, Stephanie Timm, Ray Gonzalez, Jennifer Lee Taylor, MJ Sieber, Darragh Kennan, Betsy Schwartz, and Peter Dylan O’Connor - who share a deep desire to help reinvigorate Seattle’s national reputation as a vibrant force of cutting-edge, ambitious, relevant theater. Together they vow to provide Seattle a fearless ensemble of local artists whose vast experience and developed sense of chemistry provides a cohesive, dynamic, consistent theater-going experience that they believe audiences long for.

 

NCTC is devoted to producing timely, vital stories that will help re-connect Seattle audiences to the transcendent power of live performance.  NCTC believes that “story is king” and is committed to plays that are fearless, heightened, sincere, dangerous, crass, erotic, ugly, and full of hope. NCTC shows are produced with a visceral simplicity that will stir imagination to new heights and will NOT do your thinking for you. Their focus is on pertinent works of the 20th Century; under-produced contemporary masterpieces; and annual world premieres from some of our country’s most talented up and coming writers.

For more information about the New Century Theatre Company, please visit: www.newcenturytheatrecompany.org

Greenstage Launches their 21st Anniversary Season

GREENSTAGE

Seattle, Lynnwood, Redmond, Fall City, Burien - Greenstage presents Shakespeare in the Park this summer from July 10 - August 15. The two shows for the season are The Comedy of Errors (directed by Ryan Higgins) and King John (directed by Teresa Thuman). As always, Shakespeare in the Park is completely free and donations are welcome following the performances. Follow the Link above to Greenstage's website for more information and a schedule of where they will perform and when.

Also, don't miss out on the Seattle Outdoor Theater Festival from July 11 - 12 in Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill. With seven local theatre companies performing shows, the Seattle Outdoor Theater festival is a great way to kick off the Summer season for Seattle and for Seattle Theatre!

For more information about Greenstage shows and projects, visit their website linked to their name above.

5th Avenue - Catch Me If You Can Save-The-Dates

Save the Date - June 9 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Reserve your tickets now to the once-in-a-lifetime sneak peek at the World Premiere of Catch Me If You Can. The first Spotlight Night of our 2009 -2010 season will take you inside the creation of this Broadway-bound musical - click here to reserve your tickets now. Seating will be on a first come first serve basis and doors will open at 6:15 p.m. Here's a look at what you can expect at this entertaining, interactive and free event:

Spotlight on Catch Me If You Can

ACT I - The Incredible True Story

Catch Me If You Can is inspired by the real life story of teenage con man Frank Abagnale who lived the high life during the swinging ‘60s by successfully posing as a Pan Am pilot, a doctor, and lawyer while passing millions of dollars in forged checks. Host David Armstrong will recount Frank’s amazing journey and bring us up-to-date on Frank’s true crime adventures on both sides of the law. With special guest Ken Kirkpatrick, President of US BANK.
Act II - Meet the Dream Team

The creative team is an extraordinary collection of Tony Award-winning artists. Songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray), playwright Terrence McNally (The Full Monty), director Jack O’Brien (Hairspray), choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray, Legally Blonde), musical director John McDaniel and legendary costume designer Bob Mackie will give you an inside look into their creative process and show us how a Broadway musical is conceived and created – from page to stage!

ACT III - Meet the Stars

Catch Me If You Can features a remarkable company of actors from New York and Seattle and led by some of Broadway’s brightest lights. Meet three of our show’s leading men: Tony Award-winning star Norbert Leo Butz, exciting Broadway newcomer Aaron Tveit and Broadway and television star Tom Wopat. You will also be the first audience anywhere to hear songs from the brilliant ‘60s pop-infused score!
Featuring Musical Performances by Marc Shaiman, Norbert Leo Butz, Aaron Tveit and Tom Wopat.