And the 2009 International Idol is...Danielle Petingalo!

International Idol '09 Danielle Petingalo

The scores are in! The International Idol 09’ Vocal Competition Series is completed! Danielle Petingalo of Kincheloe is this year's International Idol!

Week Five went through with three contestants: Corrine Koenemann of Sault Ste. Marie, Payton Mastaw of Sault Ste. Marie, and Danielle Petingalo of Kincheloe. Corrine, Payton, and Danielle were all in close competition with each other. Each managed to have a unique edge to their performance that showed off their personalities well. Their challenge for the fifth week was to perform a song by someone they looked up to that portrayed their best singing and performing skills.

This year Lake Street Studio, owned and operated by Soo Theatre’s own Technical Director, Taylor Brugman, donated three studio time prizes. This year the prizes were: third place $100, second place $200, and first place $500 of studio time at Brugman’s Lake Street Studio in Brimley.

Judges Dennis Brooks and Gentleman George Snider and MC Mark SanAngelo were ecstatic to announce the three winners. Danielle Petingalo took first place, Corrine Koenemann took second place, and Payton Mastaw took third place. The competition was close for the three contestants but, at the end of the night, Danielle Petingalo came through with the highest scores in pitch, timing, presence, interpretation, originality, and quality.

Thanks to everyone for participating in this exciting competition and congratulations to all of the winners!

Back row (L-R): Competition Sponsor Jennifer Compo of All Good Soundz, Judge Dennis Brooks, Judge Gentleman George Snider, Master of Ceremonies Mark San Angelo, and Competition Sponsor Taylor Brugman of Lake Street Studio. Front row (L-R): International Idol Winners Payton Mastaw (3rd place), Danielle Petingalo (1st place), and Corrine Koenemann (2nd place).

Week 5 Photos

Photos in this post are courtesy of Tom Ewing.

Oliver! The Musical On Stage July 9-12

July 9 brings the Soo Theatre’s production of Oliver! The Musical to the stage. Running Thursday through Sunday, this award-winning musical, adapted from the novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, is directed by David Rhinard, with music direction by Karen Hughes and choreography by Dianna George. The cast features over fifty performers of all ages, all from the Eastern Upper Peninsula.

An orphan in the harsh world of Victorian England, Oliver dreams of a better life. He meets a variety of thieves and vagabonds who want to bring Oliver into their world. Oliver is befriended by one of them, a boy known as the Artful Dodger, who teaches Oliver how to be a pickpocket and offers him friendship with the song “Consider Yourself.” Dodger gives him a place to sleep in Fagin’s lair. Deep down, Oliver knows what is moral and immoral but he desperately wants a family to call his own. He finds a mother figure in Nancy, the girlfriend of the terrifying Bill Sykes. Nancy and her sister Bet sing about how much fun it is to have a little danger in one’s life in “It’s a Fine Life.” A shift happens on a muggy morning. Oliver steals from the wrong man, Mr. Brownlow, who ends up wanting to adopt the boy. He has a strange kinship with Oliver but, with the new thieving friends in his life, Oliver finds it hard to stay with Mr. Brownlow.

To provide the experience of acting in a major role to several young actors, the roles of Oliver and the Artful Dodger are double cast. On their alternate nights, the boys play roles in the chorus.

Oliver! is a musical for the whole family. Show dates and times are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights July 9, 10, and 11 at 7:30 pm, along with a Sunday matinee at 2:00 p.m. on July 12. Come, support, and join in the fun at the Soo Theatre Project. Admission for the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday performances is $18 for adults and $12 for students, seniors, and groups of 15 or more. Sunday’s matinee admission is $15 for adults and $10 for students, seniors, and groups of 15 or more. A family rate for 3 or more tickets purchased per family is also available: $12 for adults and $8 for kids/students. Groups and families must purchase tickets ahead of the show times.

PDF version of the event poster

Rehearsal Photos

Tickets may be purchased at the Soo Theatre Project office. Office hours are Monday through Thursday 10-6 and Friday 10-4. For more information, call (906) 632-1930 or visit the website at www.sootheatre.org.

The cast of Oliver! The Musical at a recent rehearsal

June 27: Book Signing: An American Café: Reflections from the Grill

The Gianakura brothers, Chris and Samuel, having arrived in Sault Ste. Marie in the late 1890s, established the American Café in the newly built Soo Theatre complex in 1930. Peter, Chris's son, has written an account of the history of the two men, the businesses they owned, and memoirs of his own life, continuing their legacy.

Peter Gianakura will be signing his newly released book about the American Café at the same site that housed the restaurant that he and his family owned. There will be an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 27 at what is now the office for the Soo Theatre Project and STARS.

An American Café: Reflections from the Grill is the title of Peter Gianakura’s new book. It is a collection of delightful tales about the small restaurant that he ran, first with his father and then on his own. The American Café, fondly remembered by folks all over the Eastern Upper Peninsula, evolved from two candy stores owned by Peter’s dad and uncle. The American Confectionery Store was located closer to Spruce Street and was forced to move when Kresge's came to town. Peter’s dad was able to move to the storefront next to the Soo Theatre where his uncle had a miniature candy factory in the basement. As the big candy companies came on the market, the Gianakuras couldn’t compete and the shop evolved into a sandwich and luncheon gathering spot.

Peter had no inclination to be in the restaurant business, he recalled in a recent interview with Meta Geyer. When he finished his stint in the Army as a medic, however, he couldn’t say no to his dad. He learned the business and worked beside his dad until he retired. Peter was behind the counter 43 years, and when he and Georgia were married, she became the restaurant's famous pie maker. They sold the café in 1989 and still run into former customers who remember their favorite meals there.

In one of the many stories Peter relayed about the Soo Theatre, he recalled, “I loved going to the theater when I was growing up. You know the movie ran all day on Saturday. One time I watched a western at least three times. When I finally left, I’ll never forget the sight in the lobby. There was my dad in his white apron and his hands on his hips glaring at me in front of the crowd coming in for the evening movie. I was one embarrassed young man.”

Soo Theatre Project has honored the Gianakura Family with a display of photos and memorabilia in the area that the family restaurant occupied for nearly 60 years. Peter and Georgia provided the wonderful pictures of the café and the former candy stores. Thanks go to Marian MacLeod for sparking the idea for the memory wall, to Bill Gerrish for lending his design expertise, to Colleen Arbic and Personal Touch for donating some of the materials, and to Sault Realism for creating the finished replica photos. The “Gianakura corner” is adjacent to the refinished original framed mirror that was behind the diner counter. The mirror was found under newer generation wall coverings and brought back to its former beauty by Fran Hoholik.

Stop by on Saturday to see this tribute to the Gianakuras and pick up a copy of Peter’s new book. As Chris Roll says in her review on the back cover of the book, “An American Café is a book filled with the richness of small-town life over the course of most of the 20th century.”

Photos from the Event

There's Still Time to Sign Up for International Idol 2009!

Sunday, June 7th at 7:00 p.m. on the Soo Theatre stage saw the first round of International Idol 2009. Seven local talents, from both sides of the Saint Mary's River and ranging in age from 12 to 82, began the vocal competition.

The contestants are not only judged on their vocal abilities but also on their stage presence, originality, timing, clarity, interpretation, and pitch accuracy. Local musicians Dennis Brooks and "Gentleman George" Snider make up two of three members of the judging panel. Trisha Wells is the third judge. A graduate of DePauw University with a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance, Ms. Wells is the female lead in the Soo Theatre’s upcoming production of Oliver! The Musical.

Jennifer Compo and All Good Soundz Entertainment is once again providing musical accompaniment for the contestants. The winners will receive studio time at Lake Street Studio, Brimley's waterfront recording studio. The Grand Prize is $500 studio time, Second Prize is $200 studio time, and Third Prize is $100 studio time at Lake Street Studio.

If you love singing and performing, this is the competition for you! International Idol is still accepting registration for new contestants. Everyone participating must prepare two songs. The music selection is available from All Good Soundz Entertainment. E-mail Jennifer Compo at her website at allgoodsoundz.com to ask about the music selection. If you have your own CD, do not hesitate to bring that in as well.

The International Idol 2009 Vocal Competition Series takes place Sundays, June 7th to July 5th at 7:00 pm. Admission is $5.00 for any non-contestant. Sign-up for contestants is free and International Idol is accepting applicants for one more week (through June 14). If you have any questions, please call the Soo Theatre office at (906) 632-1930 or email sootheatre@lighthouse.net.

For more information on the contest, see the previous posting.

Photos from Week 1 of the Contest

Yo Ho Ho! Join Our Pirate Cruise on Thursday, June 11!

Steve Welch and his crew are all ready for the Pirate Boat Cruise benefit for the Soo Theatre Project on Thursday evening, June 11. Leaving Soo Locks Boat Tours Dock One at 6:00p.m., the cruise is sure to be fun for the whole family.

Become a pirate for the evening! Come as you are or as a pirate! During the two-and-a-half-hour cruise on the beautiful St. Mary's River you will enjoy:

• Pirate snacks
• A pirate re-enactment
• Pirate stories and songs
• Pirate prizes, and
• A pirate auction for a Pirate Hat, A Parrot, King's and Queen's Crowns,Jack the Monkey, and a huge Pirate Flag.
  

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. Tickets are available at the Soo Theatre or at Soo Locks Boat Tours Dock One (1157 East Portage Ave.) (map to Dock One).

PDF version of the event poster

For more information, call the Soo Theatre at (906) 632-1930 or go to our website at sootheatre.org. The Soo Theatre is located at 534 Ashmun St., Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Photos of the Cruise

June 6: A Table for Two Kicks Off the Summer at the Soo Theatre

A Table for Two will be kicking off the 2009 Season in the Soo Theatre on June 6 at 7:30 p.m. This terrific show features the Lock Cities Chorus of Sweet Adelines and the Northland Barbershop Chorus. The two choruses are repeating (with a few additions) part of the annual show that the men’s chorus held in April in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Each of these choruses boasts members from both sides of the St. Mary’s River. The show will benefit the Soo Theatre Project.

Each chorus presents a wide variety of songs in traditional four-part barbershop harmony, and they join together for a rousing musical duel singing “Anything You Can Do We Can Do Better.”

The script for A Table for Two was written by the directors of the two choruses, Judy Hendrickson and Bob Shami, and Northland Chorus member Steve Patterson. Steve will be playing the part of Gaston LeBlanc (aka Gus White), the maître d’ of a nightclub that is sponsoring a speed dating session. Enter the two choruses—the women very excited at the prospect of meeting someone, the men very nervous.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students, and are available at the Soo Theatre Box Office or at the door.

You will enjoy this evening of song and comedy with as many as 60 singers and actors on stage. Be sure to join in the fun and help support the Soo Theatre Project.

The Soo Theatre is located at 534 Ashmun St. in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. For more information, contact the Soo Theatre at (906) 632-1930 or go to our website at sootheatre.org.

PDF version of the show poster

Photos:

• May 31 Rehearsal

• June 6 Show
  

STARS Announces Student Performance Dates in May

Soo Theatre Arts Resource Studios (STARS) is pleased to present the following performances by its music and dance students:

• Friday, May 1, 7 p.m.: Student recital. Central United Methodist Church, 111 E. Spruce St.

• Friday, May 8, 7 p.m.: Student recital at Faith Lutheran Church, 1600 Park St.

• Sunday, May 10, 3 p.m.: Mother's Day concert featuring Suzuki violin students, the Intermediate Youth Orchestra, the Senior Youth Orchestra, and the "Not Quite Ready for Prime Time" Players. First Presbyterian Church, 555 Bingham Ave.

• Friday and Saturday, May 15-16, 7 p.m.: Disney Dance Stars featuring STARS dance students. LSSU Fine Arts Center. (For more details, see our previous posting.)

• Saturday, May 16, 2 p.m.: Student recital. Central United Methodist Church, 111 E. Spruce St.
  

All performance venues are located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

For more information, contact the STARS office at 632-1930.

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

Photos:

Music Student Recitals and Concerts:

• May 1 Student Recital
• May 8 Student Recital
• May 10 Mother's Day Concert
• May 16 Student Recital

Disney Dance STARS Student Show:

• Dress Rehearsal
• Opening Night
• Saturday Night
  

Disney Dance STARS Student Show May 15 & 16

Be swept away by the memorable music from The Lion King, Mary Poppins, Robin Hood, Fantasia, and Pirates of the Caribbean. The magical music of Disney takes center stage Friday and Saturday May 15th and 16th as the students of the Soo Theatre Arts Resource Studios (STARS) present Disney Dance STARS at the LSSU Arts Center at 7:00 p.m. both nights. Ms. Dianna George is the Director of Dance at STARS. Kaley Darga is Assistant Director.

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.

Over 250 students of ballet, ballroom, hip-hop, jazz, and tap will keep the show moving with some of the best-loved melodies of our time.

Guest performers include the Karen Hughes Beacom Singers as well as the Footlights Dance Theatre, a cadre of highly skilled dancers who will be touring the Eastern Upper Peninsula this summer. The show will dazzle you with colorful costuming and the LSSU Arts Center’s state-of-the-art technology in lighting and sound.

Performers range from incredibly cute 3-year-olds to teens and adults who have been honing their talents for years. Showtime is 7:00 p.m. both nights. Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for students, and can be purchased at the Soo Theatre office (534 Ashmun Street in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan) or at the door.

Soo Theatre Arts Resource Studios (STARS) is a community arts center offering instruction in music, dance, theater, visual arts and yoga 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 the project, shows, classes, and lessons, call the STARS office at (906) 632-1930 or visit the website www.sootheatre.org.

PDF version of the show poster

Photos:

• Monday Night Rehearsal
  
• Dress Rehearsal
• Opening Night
• Saturday Night
  

Soo Theatre Project Announces Membership Drive

We are excited to announce the First Soo Theatre Membership Drive. Belong to Something Big!

By becoming a member, you are sharing in a community effort and supporting programs that are impacting thousands of people in the Eastern Upper Peninsula. We want to continue to share with even more people.

Volunteers at the Soo Theatre Project have made great strides since March of 2003 when we purchased our huge building complex in the heart of downtown Sault Ste. Marie. We have repaired the building and opened the theatre to dozens of shows, have put hundreds of local performers (including lots of kids) on stage, and have welcomed amazing entertainers from all over the US and Canada to our area. For a sample of what's been happening at the Soo Theatre, check out our Photo Galleries.

STARS*, the Soo Theatre Arts Resource Studios, has grown to more than 400 students, and our many performing groups have performed on our own stage and at many events throughout the area. For a brochure listing our current class offerings, see the STARS home page .

We encourage you to help us pay our heat, light, insurance, and other bills by making a commitment to whatever amount you can give us on an annual or perhaps a monthly basis. Every donation is important to us!

Belong to Something Big! Become a member today!

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*STARS is a program of the Soo Theatre Project, housed in the historic Soo Theatre complex.

STP is on TV!

Early on a Thursday morning the Soo Theatre Project got a chance to put its story out on the television airwaves.

Michigan This Morning comes to the Soo Theatre stage! 9&10 News photojournalist Corey Adkins (at far left) and reporter Kalee Iacoangeli (center) prepare a segment with Karen Hughes (left) and Taylor Brugman (right) of the Soo Theatre Project. Photo courtesy of Tom Ewing.

Each weekday morning TV 9&10 News reporter Kalee Iacoangeli and photojournalist Corey Adkins take to the road, visiting northern Michigan places and people on the Michigan This Morning show. On November 13, they traveled in the cold and dark to Sault Ste. Marie. Their objective: to feature the Soo Theatre Project and our Legacy Fund capital campaign.

To see a bit of what they found, check out the video clip on the 9&10 News website.

And you can also see a few photos of their visit .

Michigan This Morning reporter Kalee Iacoangeli (center) interviews Colleen Arbic (left) and Dianna George (right) about plans to turn the second floor of the Soo Theatre Complex into 3,000 square feet of dance and music studio space. Photo courtesy of Tom Ewing.

Rotary Show of Shows Coming October 5th

Over 100 of the very best performers from Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding area will join forces onstage Sunday, October 5th at 2pm for a benefit variety show at the Soo Theatre in downtown Sault Ste. Marie.

The Sault Ste. Marie Rotary Club and the Chippewa Sunrise Rotary Club are presenting the first ever Rotary Show of Shows with all proceeds going directly to the Soo Theatre Project to help continue its teaching, entertaining, and restoration.

The fast-paced program includes a host of the area’s favorite singers, musical groups, and dancers. Rotarians will serve as theatre volunteers and hosts for the afternoon of fun.

Music styles range from Broadway to country, jazz to hip hop, and rock to classical. Families are encouraged to be sure to bring the whole family. The audience will also be a part of the show as well. Show stoppers from Soo Theatre productions will be featured and a number of surprises are also planned.

Performers scheduled to appear, in alphabetical order, include International Idol winner K.T. Antler; Susan Askwith; Denny Brooks, Bill Stanaway and Dave Stanaway; Melanie Case; The City Band; Maureen Delaney-Lehman; Lisa Dunn; The Footlight Dance Theatre (and friends); Dianna George; Judy Hendrickson; Karen Hughes; Liz Jacobus; Lola Kennedy; Sean Ley; The Lock Cities Chorus of Sweet Adelines International; The Methodist Bell Choir; Mark San Angelo; Jim Schmidt; Josh and Sam Scott; Singers United; George Snider; and Lise White.

Tickets are just $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under, and are available at the Soo Theatre box office.

Tickets are available at the door with special discounts available for groups of 15 or more. Call the Soo Theatre at (906) 632-1930 for more information, or visit the website at www.sootheatre.org.

Photos of the performance

Soo Theatre Presents On Golden Pond Sep 27

This summer's successful production of On Golden Pond will be on the Soo Theatre stage on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 28, at 2:30 p.m.

Director David Rhinard of DeTour Village will also perform as Billy Ray in this memorable play.

Ralph Shiplett, a newcomer to the stage, plays a wonderful Norman Thayer. He said he relates well to the role, being the same age (76) as Henry Fonda when he starred in the movie classic.

Sandy Wytiaz, who has been in several productions, such as Steel Magnolias, brings a combination of feistiness and tenderness to Ethel that will tug at the audience's heartstrings.

In this story of a lovable elderly couple spending the summer at their cottage on Golden Pond, Norman fears he is getting too old to enjoy life. The unexpected arrival of Billy, the son of Bill Ray, Ellen Thayer's romantic interest, breathes new life into him.

The smart-mouthed city kid is played by another first-time actor, Tyler Davis, who takes to the stage like a duck to water.

Heather VanDaele, a newcomer to DeTour and an experienced actor, wrestles with her belief that her father doesn't love her, pushing her mother, Ethel, to her limits.

Dan Harris of Sault Ste. Marie, a veteran actor in E.U.P. productions, plays Charlie Martin, the mailman who has been pining for Ellen since they were kids.

Somehow the dysfunctional relationships all get resolved, but you won't want to miss the fun along the way.

This cast received standing ovations at the end of all of their performances in DeTour in June and in Curtis in July. Those who haven't seen On Golden Pond shouldn't miss this opportunity!

Tickets are available at the door with special discounts available for groups of 15 or more.

Call the Soo Theatre at (906) 632-1930 for more information.

Performance Photos

Hughes Brings Singers to the Soo Theatre for The Revenge of the Bat

Daniel Webb, Lance Hedlund, and Eric Shaw perform a scene from Die Fledermaus at the pre-show Around the Piano fundraising event.

Resident artist and soprano Karen Hughes brings her friends to Sault Ste. Marie to star in the Soo Theatre Project’s September 11, 13, and 14 production of Die Fledermaus or The Revenge of the Bat. These guest singers will be coming from as far away as Toronto and Omaha, Nebraska.

Toronto-based tenor Eric Shaw returns to the Soo Theatre to sing the role of Herr Eisenstein, husband to Rosalinde (Karen Hughes). Shaw performed in the Soo Theatre’s first season, giving his time and superb talents to That’s Amore! in 2006. Shaw was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and was raised in Soo, Ontario. Shaw’s aunt and uncle, Phyllis and Dave Bigelow, will be hosting Eric for his time-in-residence as well as hosting a benefit soirée featuring all of the singers.

Baritone Daniel Webb comes to us from Knoxville, Tennessee to play the role of Prison Warden Frank. Hughes met Webb this summer in Italy where they performed together in The Marriage of Figaro. Webb played the role of Figaro to Hughes’s Countess. Webb recently performed the role of Colline in Baz Luhrman’s La Bohème on Broadway in over three hundred performances.

Guest artist and tenor Lance Hedlund was a graduate school friend of Hughes at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Hughes and Hedlund frequently performed the famous love duet from La Bohème at many a venue during their three years in Nebraska. Hedlund, too, made his Italian debut in 2007 in Novafeltria, Italy, singing the role of Edgardo in Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor.

Lifelong friends Rosemary and Chris Hollingsworth will return to the Soo Theatre stage for the second time this season, their first appearance in A Grand Night for Singing: Broadway and Opera Favorites! Rosemary will be singing the role of Adèle, the chambermaid of the Eisensteins. Rosemary’s beauty and graceful high notes will be perfect in this charming role. Husband (in real life) Chris will return to sing the role of Falke, the mastermind of the revenge plot on his friend Eisenstein (Eric Shaw). Both Hollingsworths and Hughes attended DePauw University where they earned their degrees in music performance. Rosemary and Chris went on to Tri-Cities Opera as resident artists at Binghamton University where they earned their master’s degrees in vocal performance. These friends are not strangers to the Upper Peninsula, as they have visited the Hugheses in Hessel many a summer.

Eric Shaw proposes a toast as Rosemary Hollingsworth and other cast members of Die Fledermaus look on at the pre-show Around the Piano fundraising event.

Local favorites who will appear in the show include: Maureen Delaney-Lehman as the bored Prince Orlovsky; Anna Wilson who plays Sally, friend to Adèle, the chambermaid; Chris Friese, recently seen as Lt. Buzz Adams in South Pacific, in the role of Frosch the jailor; and Mark San Angelo, South Pacific’s riveting Luther Billis, in the role of Ivan. The Chamber Singers of Algoma will make up the guest chorus at the ball with Lola Kennedy, Melanie Case, Liz Jacobus, Dianna George, and new resident opera star, Trisha Wells, leading up the stage chorus. On opening night there will be surprise performances during the Act II party scene, including Cedarville’s Lisa Dunn and the men of South Pacific!

Daniel Webb and Karen Hughes perform a duet from Die Fledermaus at the pre-show Around the Piano fundraising event.

Tickets are available at the Soo Theatre, 534 Ashmun Street, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Thursday, September 11 and Saturday, September 13 at 7:30 p.m. adults $18 and students $10. Matinee Sunday, September 14th at 2:30 p.m. adults $15 and students $10. Contact the Soo Theatre by phone at (906) 632-1930 or by email at sootheatre@lighthouse.net.

Die Fledermaus Photos:

Around the Piano event Part 1

Around the Piano event Part 2

Tuesday Night Dress Rehearsal

Wednesday Night Dress Rehearsal

Opening Night Performance

Children's Ballet Theatre to Perform August 21

Soo Theatre is glad to welcome back Children’s Ballet Theatre of Lansing, Michigan August 21, 2008 at 7:30 pm. Gregory George, brother of Dianna George, STARS Dance Instructor and founder of Soo Theatre Project, directs this talented company of dancers from the Lower Michigan area. Their mission is to provide a youth-oriented, community-based ballet performance company in Michigan with the highest possible dance, artistic, and performance standards, while fostering a greater appreciation of ballet as an art form.

For 25 years, CBT has thrilled mid-Michigan audiences with the talent and exuberance of its young dancers. Its annual Nutcracker during Thanksgiving weekend at the Wharton Center has turned this much-loved holiday classic into a can’t-miss local tradition. In addition to Nutcracker, the company performs classic ballets such as Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella, in the annual spring show.

They will be performing pieces from earlier shows, solo pieces, ensemble pieces, and our own STARS dance students will perform with the Children’s Ballet Theatre. “We are so excited to dance with Mr. George’s group. This is a wonderful opportunity for the Soo Theatre and STARS”, said Footlights Dance Theatre member Elizabeth Jacobus of Rudyard.

Come one, come all, Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 7:30 pm at the Soo Theatre Project on 534 Ashmun St. Tickets are $10 and free admission for STARS students. Any questions please call (906) 632-1930 and/or email us at www.sootheatre.org.

Photos from the performance

Don't Miss Mia Johnson on Friday, August 22 at the Soo Theatre

Soo Theatre Project presents Cedarville native Mia Johnson. Mia is originally from Cedarville but calls Philadelphia, Pennsylvania her home as well. Mia is a singer-songwriter-guitarist; a triple threat in her own way. She began playing and writing whilst in Cedarville, eventually relocating to Philly where her music began to flourish along with her talents. She began performing anywhere that would allow, beginning on the street, since she was not of age to perform in bars. Not long after she was playing full gigs in café houses, bars, and anywhere she could.

Mia has a melody-led, rhythm-driven, acoustic rock fleshed out by clever lyrics, solid vocals, and ingenious instrumentation. She combines this with a full rock rhythm section of cello, acoustic guitar, and electric guitars. Her sound has been compared with artists such as Ani DiFranco, Alanis Morissette, and Janis Joplin. Mia will be joined on stage by cellist and Philly native Erin Ryan. Erin never stays in one spot for too long; she performs with Mia Johnson, The Good Problems, local Philly bands, and is an active studio musician.

Mia Johnson and cellist Erin Ryan will be performing at the Soo Theatre Project on Friday, August 22, 2008 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the Soo Theatre Project lobby and will be sold at the door an hour before the show. Summer hours are Monday - Thursday 10 – 6 and Friday 10 – 5. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students of STARS, Grooves, and Steve's Music.

Come and enjoy this unique duo!!!

Photos from the performance

Find out more at her websites: www.miajohnson.net and www.myspace.com/miajohnson

YouTube Video: Mia Johnson performing “Sailor,” a track from her album, Hello Again

South Pacific To Open August 7; Get Your Tickets Now!

Lise White, a well-known local singer throughout the Eastern Upper Peninsula and Soo, Ontario is a multi-talented singer-actress that brings a rarely-seen spunkiness to the character Nellie Forbush. Her comedic timing and solid vocals polish her character to perfection. Tom Lehman portraying the local Frenchman Emile de Becque has an ease on stage that is very apparent. Tom has been performing for years and gives Emile a natural, easygoing personality that attracts the eyes and melts the heart. Tom has a natural ease portraying Emile, he gives him a relatable persona. Audiences will fall in love with these two very different yet complimentary leads.

Lise White as Nellie Forbush and Tom Lehman as Emile de Becque from South Pacific

Nellie Forbush is a naive U.S. Navy nurse from Arkansas who falls in love with Frenchman Emile de Becque. Although their love is strong, Nellie is still fickle and afraid to commit to Emile, who wants to spend the rest of his life with Nellie. Her feelings for Emile run hot and cold, but the audience knows they are meant for each other…let's hope. See South Pacific at Soo Theatre Project to find out the juicy details, touching moments, famous songs, and comedic interludes.

Lise White as Nellie Forbush from South Pacific

All local talent headlines this adaptation of Roger's and Hammerstein's South Pacific. Love, laughs, singing, and dancing are just a couple of words to describe this great production. You will be on the edge of your seat with laughter at Luther Billis's (Mark San Angelo) and Nellie Forbush's (Lise White) "Honey Bun," then pulled back when you see the love between Nellie Forbush and Emile de Becque with "Some Enchanted Evening." Bloody Mary (Lisa Dunn) will grab you with her famous song "Bali Ha'i" and then send you for a loop with her adaptation of the English language. Lt. Joseph Cable (Joseph Kargiannakis) is a courageous young Marine, he sings "Younger than Springtime" making his intentions known to the South Pacific native Liat (Mary Witucki). Only a week left until this Tony Award-winning musical is performed on the Soo Theatre Project's stage, get tickets now.

Tickets are available at the door and/or at the Soo Theatre Project lobby located on 534 Ashmun Street, Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Soo Theatre Project lobby hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The performances are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, August 7, 8, and 9 at 7:30 p.m. with tickets at $18 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under. In addition, a Sunday matinee on August 10 will start at 2:00 p.m. with tickets at $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.

Discounts are available for groups of fifteen or more on tickets purchased prior to the show date. Any questions, please contact Soo Theatre Project at (906) 632-1930 and/or www.sootheatre.org

Photos:

1. South Pacific "sneak preview" at the Sault Summer Arts Festival
2. South Pacific rehearsals
3. South Pacific production photos
4. More photos of South Pacific people
   

And the International Idol Is...KT Antler

A Truly International Finish to International Idol: L-R: Judge "Gentleman" George Snider, Lake Street Studio proprietor Taylor Brugman, International Idol KT Antler, Judge Trisha Wells, and Emcee Jack Bradway. Photo courtesy of Tom Ewing.

The final week of the marathon series International Idol at the Soo Theatre was a barn-burner. Each performer pulled out all the stops as they had a mere six minutes to impress judges and audience alike for one last time. Costume changes, personal dedications, flag waving, instrumental accompaniment, and even a bit of rule-bending was on the docket.

Finally, after all of the challenges, surprises, twists, and turns had put the very best vocal performers in the Greater Sault Area to the test, one emerged to be crowned The International Idol.

Besting the other eighteen contestants by showcasing her dynamic charisma, vocal quality, and guitar skill, KT Antler of Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, walked away the grand champion and recipient of a $1,000 gift certificate to record at Lake Street Studio courtesy of Taylor Brugman.

At only thirteen years of age, Danielle Petingalo of Kincheloe, Michigan, came in a close second.

Of course, all the contestants were winners. Throughout the competition they received assistance with song selection from Jennifer Compo of All Good Soundz, and expert judges "Gentleman" George Snider and Trisha Wells helped hone the contestants' talents.

Who will win the next International Idol series? Do you have what it takes?

Photos from the Contest Finals (Week 4)

Photos from Week 1 of the Contest

Photos from Week 2 of the Contest

International Idol Competition Continues July 20

KT Antler wins International Idol's Week Two challenge at the Soo Theatre on July 13.

International Idol action at the Soo Theatre was humming – no – make that singing to the rafters on Sunday night. Two weeks into the four-week marathon competition, the contestants stepped up the challenge. Each contestant was given a genre of music to perform, often outside of their comfort zone.

Some were tripped up by the challenge as blues, country, jazz, show-tune, rock, and even rap were thrown at the contestants. Others embraced their challenge with gusto. Highlights from the evening included Anna Wilson's well thought-out rendition of "Big Spender," Bill Kritselis's a capella serenade to judge Trisha Wells, and an impromptu duet by Marlee Fox and Brandon Carr.
Once the scores had been tabulated, the winner of week two's challenge was KT Antler. Three others were thanked for their efforts, but eliminated from further competition.

Bill Kritselis serenades Judge Trisha Wells in Week 2 of the International Idol Vocal Competition at the Soo Theatre on July 13.

Dynamic Week Three action will begin on the Soo Theatre stage on Sunday, July 20 at 6:00 p.m. Twists, turns, surprises, and general unknowns await the remaining fifteen contestants as they battle for the grand prize of $1,000 worth of studio time at Lake Street Studio. Of course, the true winner is always the audience as they are treated to the very best performers and performances the Twin Saults have to offer.

For more information on the contest, see the previous posting.

Photos from Week 1 of the Contest

Photos from Week 2 of the Contest

Enjoy The Best Little Theatre in Town on July 18!

“A hardworking and enthusiastic group of kids, we are having so much fun! This two-week camp is really showcasing how much young talent we have in this area,” said directors Dottie Case and Dianna George. Case and George are directing the Soo Theatre Project and STARS Musical Theatre Day Camp production of The Best Little Theatre in Town. A talented and energetic cast of middle and high school students will perform.

This engaging musical is a “play within a play” centered on a shady accountant, James P. Penny Packer. Packer announces that he’ll have to shut down the best little theatre in town, due to lack of funds. That’s when the theatre’s owner Mrs. Goodman, popular director Cecille Deville, and the tightly-knit cast go into action to keep “the best little theatre in town” running.

Sit back and have fun while supporting STARS Musical Theatre Day Camp. The Best Little Theatre in Town will be performed on the Soo Theatre Project stage at 534 Ashmun Street on Friday, July 18, at 7 p.m. Admission is $5 per person. Tickets are selling now and will also be sold at the door. For more information, please call (906) 632-1930.

Soo Theatre Arts Resource Studios (STARS) is a community arts center offering instruction in music, dance, theater, visual arts and yoga 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.

STARS summer arts camps are supported in part by a grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.

See a few photos of the musical camp students as they prepared for the performance

Photos of the performance

There's Still Time to Sign Up for International Idol!

Last week's International Idol contestants wowed the judges. This week's competition will be on Sunday, July 13, at 6 p.m. at the Soo Theatre. From left, Executive Director/MC Jack Bradway, William Kritsellis, Jennifer Payment, Annis George, Corrine Koenemann, Lola Kennedy, Danielle Petingalo, M-E Polquin, Anna Wilson, and Brandon Carr. Seated are judges Mark San Angelo and "Gentleman George" Snider.

Sunday July 7, 2008 on the Soo Theatre Project's stage at 6 p.m. was the first of many International Idol vocal competitions being held every Sunday of July. Nine local talents took the stage, each unique in performance and style of music. The competitors ranged in ages from 13 to 80, with 2 male performers and 7 female performers.

The celebrity judges were "Gentleman George" Snider and radio announcer Mark San Angelo. Both judges had constructive criticism for each performer's first time on the Soo Theatre Project stage. The judges were especially wowed by Danielle Petingalo, the youngest competitor. She not only had the stage presence of a performing veteran, she sang with a maturity that is hard to find in the oldest performers out there now.

Each performance is accompanied by the karaoke styling of All Good Soundz. All Good Soundz has many songs to choose from and the latest technology out there. If they do not have what you want, send an e-mail to admin@allgoodsoundz.com and they will find what you are looking for. They can also answer any questions you may have.

On Sunday July 13, 2008, you should expect many twist and turns. There will be prizes and surprises each Sunday, all leading up to the grand prize of $1,000 of studio time with the Lake Street Studio in Brimley, Michigan. Lake Street Studio is located on the waterfront of Brimley and is always accepting musicians looking to broaden their experience.

If you love singing and performing, this is the competition for you! There is still time for new applicants to join the competition series this Sunday July 13, 2008. New applicants can pick up registration forms at the Soo Theatre Project between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Friday. The Theatre asks for contestants to be ready and at the Theatre by 5:30 p.m. each Sunday. If you have any questions, please call the Soo Theatre office at (906) 632-1930.

For more information on the contest, see the previous posting.

Photos from Week 1 of the Contest