Wednesday, May 26, 2010

"Guys and Dolls" Needs You!

Here’s your chance to get into show business! Everyone has something that can be of use with the production of a big Broadway musical. Why not you?

The Soo Theatre Project is in need of volunteers to assist with the production crews for the mid-July performances of “Guys & Dolls.” Folks who are willing to help build and paint stage scenery, collect and sew costumes, help with publicity and house management, play in the pit orchestra, serve as scene change crew, gather and organize stage properties, and generally be an integral part of the total production are encouraged to volunteer.

To become involved it is as simple as picking up the phone and calling the Soo Theatre office at 632-1930. Inform the office staff of what crew, or crews, you would like to assist. Be prepared to give your phone and email addresses. Or, you are welcomed to stop by the main office at the downtown Soo Theatre to become a part of this exciting production. You will be contacted by one of the show’s production staff as to planning and work sessions.

Please consider joining the company of “Guys & Dolls.” You will meet some great people and have a super experience in the world of show business!

Come, join, and support the Soo Theatre Project 534 Ashmun Street Sault Ste. Marie, MI. (906) 632-1930 or visit our website at www.sootheatre.org.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Pirate Boat Cruise Jun 9 to Benefit Soo Theatre Project

Last year Soo Locks Boat Tours partnered with Soo Theatre to raise money for the Soo Theatre Project by having a Pirate-themed Boat Tour. It was such a big hit that Soo Locks Boat Tours and Soo Theatre Project are teaming up to do it this year!

The Pirate Boat Cruise will be Wednesday, June 9 at 6:00 p.m. The Pirate Performance on the dock will be followed by a one-hour cruise on the pirate boat. Only 150 pirates are allowed on the boat, so make sure to buy your tickets today. Tickets are $12.00 for adults and $8.00 for children (12 and under). See the poster.

Become a pirate for the evening! Come as you are or as a pirate! There will be a Pirate performance on the dock before the cruise. Once loaded on the one-hour cruise on the beautiful St. Mary's River, you will enjoy pirate pizza, pop and water, pirate stories, and pirate prizes.

Last year this benefit cruise was sold out, so make sure to buy your ticket(s) at the Soo Theatre Project, 534 Ashmun Street Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. Contact the Soo Theatre at (906) 632-1930 or check us out online at www.sootheatre.org. Come, join, and support the Soo Theatre Project.



Family of pirates from Soo Theatre Project’s
2009 Benefit Pirate Boat Cruise

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Guys and Dolls New Soo Theatre Project Musical Choice

Sault Ste. Marie's Soo Theatre Project has found it necessary to change its choice for its 2010 summer musical. The group had originally planned to present Fiddler on the Roof. However, due to a problem in obtaining the rights to produce the show, it has decided to stage Guys and Dolls. The Soo Theatre has received a license from Music Theater International for the July 15, 16, 17, and 18 production and has begun rehearsals.

Guys and Dolls is a classic American Musical set in the streets and gambling circles of early 1950's New York City. The plot centers around Nathan Detroit, played by local actor Rich Morrison, having to come up with funds for the location of an illegal craps game. Enter gambler Sky Masterson, portrayed by Soo Theatre actor Christian Perron, who is known for taking crazy bets that he eventually wins. Nathan maneuvers Sky into a bet that he, Sky, cannot take street missionary Sarah Brown, portrayed locally by Shirley Wilkinson, on a dinner date in Cuba. Adding further complication to the plot, Nathan has problems of his own with his nightclub-dancing fiancĂ©e of fourteen years, Miss Adelaide, acted locally by Melissa Kargiannakis. Adelaide is applying the pressure for Nathan to marry and start a family. Complications ensue, resulting in one of America's most hilarious musicals. The show brings us such songs as “Bushel and a Peck,” “If I Were a Bell,” “I've Never Been in Love Before,” “Luck Be a Lady,” and, the title song, “Guys and Dolls.”

Other assigned roles in the Soo Theatre production are: Matt Gilbertson, Seth Witucki, Jim Schmidt, Wade Leppien, Kaylynn Barber, Becky McCauley, Sam Burdick, Jim Taylor, Lola Kennedy, Twyla Fredrickson, Matt Zook, Andrew Lucas, Ben Deatrick, Nick Cremeans, Mary Witucki, Sharon SanAngelo, Ginger Stratton, and Gabriella Castillo. Also appearing are Melissa Makranyi, Samantha Peck, Jaelinn Soeltner, Haley Weston, Casey Strieter, Hollyann Beck, Melina Talentino, and Christopher Avila.

This will be the first show that director Bob Koger has undertaken with the Soo Theatre Project. However, the show is not unfamiliar to Koger. He has previously directed the show four times. He also performed in the show with a tour of the Orient and South Pacific for the USO and American Educational Theater Association. Regarding the problem of having to change the show following the casting of the original selection, Koger stated, “After finding an outstanding cast, it was disappointing to have to abandon our choice of Fiddler on the Roof. But, in discussions with my fellow directors, we found a show that allows us to actually use the entire cast that we chose for Fiddler. I am convinced that this group of Soo Theatre performers will bring an absolutely stunning production to the folks of the Sault Ste. Marie area.”

Soo area folks are reminded to mark those production dates of July 15, 16, 17, and 18 on their calendars. They will be in for a real treat. For additional information, please contact the Soo Theatre Project, 534 Ashmun Street, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, (906) 632-1930 or visit the website at www.sootheatre.org. Come, join and support the Soo Theatre Project.

Click here for a printable version of our 2010 Season

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Concert May 16: STARS Youth Orchestra and Algoma Conservatory

STARS Youth Orchestra and Algoma Conservatory’s Concert Strings will be teaming up for a combined Festival Concert on Sunday, May 16, at 7:30 p.m. This performance will take place on the historic Soo Theatre stage in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. For the first time, these two groups will bring together close to 30 highly accomplished young string players from both sides of the river. The program will feature an exciting array of music from the Baroque classics to down home folk music. Conductors of these two groups are Dottie Case from STARS and Rosemary Gosse from the Algoma Conservatory. Admission is by donation.

This will launch the Soo Theatre’s summer season on stage, which will be alive with more than thirty performances from June through October. In their fifth season of major Broadway and opera productions as well as individual concerts from bluegrass to the International Idol Competition, the Soo Theatre strives to offer a little something for everyone. While heavy in production, the project is also continues in the process of renovating the theatre building and complex. The community is encouraged to join the Soo Theatre Project by joining the “Belong to Something Big” campaign, by donating to the Legacy fund for the overall renovation of the theatre, or by getting involved as a volunteer.

Come out, support, and be a part of this first concert in a full and exciting season planned for this summer at the Soo Theatre. For a complete listing of upcoming events and opportunities, please visit www.sootheatre.org

Poster

--------
Soo Theatre Arts Resource Studios (STARS) is a community arts center offering instruction in music, dance, theater, yoga, and tai chi for students of all ages. STARS is a program of the Soo Theatre Project, partially housed in the historic Soo Theatre complex. For more information on classes and lessons, call the STARS office at (906) 632-1930.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

STARS Annual Dance Show May 14 & 15

Soo Theatre Project presents its annual dance show, STARS World Dance Tour, Friday, May 14th and Saturday, May 15th 7:00 pm at the LSSU Fine Arts Center. Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for students and can be purchased at the Soo Theatre office (534 Ashmun Street in Sault Michigan) or at the door.

Over 250 students of ballet, modern, lyrical, jazz, hip-hop, tap and acrobatics will dance to music from all over the world.

Special guest at Friday’s performance will be Miss Michigan 2009, Nicole Blaszczyk. Also featured will be the Footlights Dance Theatre, the advanced dance troupe based at STARS and its four graduating seniors, Karen Donarski, Olivia Francis, Rebecca Neveu and Tenley Roe.

Colorful costuming and the LSSU Arts Center’s state-of-the-art light and sound technology will complement the eclectic mix of world music. Students performing are students of Dianna George, Kaley Darga, Lea Ciffullo and Courtney Bailey. Acrobatic dance by guest choreographer Sarah Eles will also be featured in the show.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula to boost their support of 18 local agencies working in the three counties.

Soo Theatre Arts Resource Studios (STARS) is a community arts center offering instruction in music, dance, theater, yoga, and tai-chi for students of all ages. STARS is a program of the Soo Theatre Project, housed in the historic Soo Theatre complex.

For more information on classes and lessons, call the STARS office, 632-1930 or visit the website www.sootheatre.org.

Poster