3rd Annual Rotary Show of Shows To Benefit the Soo Theatre Sun Oct 3

The Soo Theatre Project wraps up its 2010 show season with the third annual benefit variety show presented by the Sault Ste. Marie Rotary Club and the Chippewa Sunrise Rotary Club to be held on Sunday, October 3rd at 2:00 p.m. The Rotary Show of Shows is comprised of highlights from all the productions presented during the Soo Theatre’s recently concluded summer season.

The 2010 Rotary Show of Shows will feature Susan Askwith, Hollyann Beck, Karen Hughes-Beacom, Dennis Brooks, Maureen Delaney-Lehman, Dianna George, Matt Gilbertson, Benjamin Gulder, Mya Hazley, Lola Kennedy, Whittney Laderoute, Wade Leppien, Becky McCauley, Karly McKee, Alyssa Morley, Meaghan Parker, Kellan Perron, Sara Pierce Meijerink, Kelsey Rambo, Mark San Angelo, Sharon San Angelo, Jim Schmidt, George Snyder, Dave Stanaway, Ginger Stratton, Casey Strieter, Melina Talentino, Mary Witucki, and Seth Witucki. Also performing will be the Footlight Dancers and Friends, directed by STARS Dance Director Dianna George.

Master of Ceremonies will be Tom Ewing, joined by special guests of the Sault Rotary Club, all of whom are very entertaining and will add a great deal of fun to the show. Additionally, there will be a special salute to the National Guard’s 1437th Engineering Company who recently returned from Iraq.

Don’t miss the last show of the Soo Theatre 2010 Season! The Rotary Show of Shows will be this Sunday, October 3rd at 2:00 p.m. Tickets for the general public are $10.00 and children 12 and under are $5.00. Please call (906) 632-1930 for more information or stop by 534 Ashmun Street, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to purchase tickets for the show. Our website is at www.sootheatre.org

Poster

Eric Shaw Returns to the Soo Theatre for An Evening of Gershwin Sept 3

Once again, international tenor Eric Shaw, native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, returns home for a benefit for the Soo Theatre Project in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Now based in Toronto, Mr. Shaw will appear Thursday night, September 3, in a production that features the music of George and Ira Gershwin.

Shaw said of the show in a recent interview with the Sault (Ontario) Star:

"I enjoy this music for the cleverness of the lyrics and unfailingly tuneful music. Both the accompaniment and music are quite sophisticated, but come across as fun and breezy. These are real entertainment pieces that have staying power due to their timeless themes and hummable melodies."

See more of the article from the Sault Star website.

The curtain rises on An Evening of Gershwin on Thursday, September 3 at 7:30 p.m. Mike Dempsey, originally from Sault, Michigan, arranged the music and will play piano and sing in the production. In addition to Mr. Shaw, Mike's friends for the Soo Theatre performance will feature: soprano Karen Hughes Beacom, resident opera singer, voice teacher and music director at Soo Theatre Project and STARS; baritone John Young who often sings in Mike Dempsey's productions; and soprano Maureen Delaney-Lehman and mezzo-soprano Trisha Wells, both of Sault, Michigan. Tom Ewing and Tom Lehman, also of Sault, Michigan, will narrate.

Tickets are available at the Soo Theatre Box Office at 534 Ashmun Street, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Stop by or call (906) 632-1930. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, $5 for kids 12 and under. Group discounts are available. Event poster      More about the show...

Please join us for an evening of delightful music and support the Soo Theatre Project!

Gershwin Extravaganza To Benefit Soo Theatre Sept 3

"Native son" Mike Dempsey is coming home to Sault Ste. Marie to present a musical program at the Soo Theatre, An Evening of Gershwin, on Thursday, Sept. 3, at 7:30 p.m. Event poster

An accomplished pianist, arranger, composer, and director, Mike is using both local and imported talent in his Gershwin show. There will be two narrators, Tom Ewing of WSOO and Tom Lehman, Kinross dentist, who was Emile in South Pacific on the Soo Theatre stage last summer. Dr. Lehman will be playing the part of Ira Gershwin.

Singers taking part in the evening's musical extravaganza are: Karen Hughes Beacom, soprano; Trisha Wells, mezzo-soprano; Maureen Delaney-Lehman, soprano; Eric Shaw, tenor; and John Young, baritone. The women all live in this area; Shaw was born and raised here, but lives now in Toronto; and Young is from Toronto and now lives in the Detroit area. Mike Dempsey, who wrote the script and put together an evening of song, will be accompanying everyone on piano and doing some narration of his own.

Michael Dempsey, pianist, arranger, composer, and director

Mike was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie. He attended St. Mary’s and Sault High Schools, received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Michigan State University, and then served in the U.S. Army. He has been the choral director at both Pontiac Central and Pontiac Northern High Schools, and also served as choir director at several Oakland County area churches.

In addition, he has been music director for such large-scale musicals as South Pacific, Oklahoma, Carousel, The King and I, The Music Man, Kiss Me Kate, Superman, Charley Brown, Mame, My Fair Lady, Gypsy, Sweet Charity, Lil’ Abner, and The Sound of Music. In 1995 he founded a singing group, “Mike Dempsey & Friends.” In addition to writing the script and arranging the music, Mike serves as pianist. This small group has performed composer-theme musicals throughout Southeastern Michigan. Later in September Mike and one of his singers will be paying tribute to Judy Garland with an evening of her songs at Oakland University. He would like to bring his Garland show to the Soo Theatre in 2010.

As a published composer he is a member of ASCAP. Recently, he was chosen to accompany Tony award-winner Anna Maria Alberghetti in a Detroit area performance. He is delighted to return to his hometown and the Soo Theatre, where he has many happy memories.

Anyone who has lived in Sault Ste. Marie for a few decades may recall Mike’s parents, Athaleen & Tom, and brother Patrick (Sault High 1959).

All of this fine talent is being donated as a generous fund-raiser for the Soo Theatre Project, Inc. STP's Board of Directors and staff invite the community, its residents, and its visitors to come and enjoy the beautiful Gershwin songs.

Tickets are available at the Soo Theatre Box Office at 534 Ashmun Street, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Stop by or call (906) 632-1930. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, $5 for kids 12 and under. Group discounts are available.

Aug 1: Keith Stickley Will Magically Entertain You

Add one part magician to one part comedian, throw in a dash of classic Vegas style, and get ready to experience a great time with Magical Entertainer Keith Stickley! Keith will appear at the Soo Theatre on Saturday, August 1st at 7:30 p.m. Admission is: $12 for adults, $10 in advance; $8 for children, $5 in advance.

In 1999 Keith moved to Las Vegas to pursue his career in entertainment and enroll at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Throughout college, Keith gained valuable experience performing at local casinos and corporate events. It is during this time Keith started receiving offers to perform overseas. He was soon found in airports around the world on his time off from school bringing his blend of comedy and magic to international audiences!

Still in his mid-20’s, Keith has become one of the busiest comedy magicians in the country, performing more than 100 shows per year at some of the largest casino, resort, and outdoor entertainment venues in the country. Influenced heavily by the comedians and magicians of yesteryear, Keith has blended classic effects of magic that haven’t been seen in decades with cutting-edge comedy to create a unique show while making his audience crack up the entire way!

Keith’s credits include three tours in Hong Kong, five years as an official magician representing ConAgra (over 200 performances), and many years of experience in outdoor fair/festival entertainment.

Keith’s Las Vegas credits include a run at Fitzgerald’s Casino, featured in the revue show Two Girls and a Guy, followed by five months of performances at the Flamingo, Las Vegas. His tours take him to over 50 cities throughout the U.S. annually. Other appearances include concerts featuring the Neville Brothers and The Charlie Daniels Band as well as appearing on TV for the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon.

Come on down and prepare to be entertained! Tickets are available at the Soo Theatre Office or at the door. 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.

Switchback Performs at the Soo Theatre July 16

The Chicago band Switchback will be performing a benefit concert for the Soo Theatre Project at the Soo Theatre on Thursday, July 16th at 7:30pm. Opening for Switchback will be Syzygy, a young energetic acoustic folk/rock band from Northern Michigan that has been playing shows and festivals in Michigan and Canada for the last 5 years. This benefit performance for the Soo Theatre Project is part of the 2009 Soo International Arts Festival.

Comprised of Marty McCormack on bass and vocals and Brian Fitzgerald on guitar and vocals, Switchback plays a blend of their own original Americana and Celtic songs, plus a variety of cover tunes from the Beatles, Willie Nelson, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Johnny Cash and more. Switchback has toured the world over the last 12 months, including performances at the Stan Rogers Folk Festival in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Matt Molloy's pub in Westport, County Mayo, Ireland, concerts and wedding in the Netherlands, several shows in Ontario and a Celtic festival in Hawaii. The duo also performed some of their heart stomping original Irish tunes backed by the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra at the Star Plaza Theater in Indiana last year. "No matter what the venue or where the location, we just love sharing our music with folks," said McCormack.

One of the high points for the band last year was the award they received from the Irish Music Association. Switchback was named the 2008 Top Duo for festivals, concerts and pubs in the US, Ireland, the EU and the United Kingdom. This was in addition to the many awards they have received over the years for their songwriting, including being selected as one of "Performing Songwriter Magazine’s" top 10 Independent albums of the year for "The Fire That Burns", produced by Grammy-winning producer Lloyd Maines. Switchback has produced ten albums over the last 15 years and they are currently putting in studio time for the next two, due out in the fall of 2009.

Tickets for Switchback tickets are on sale now at the Soo Theatre box office, located at 534 Ashmun St. in Sault Ste. Marie. Office hours are Monday through Thursday 10-6 and Friday 10-4. Tickets for this benefit are $12 in advance and $15 at the door on the day of the show. Seniors and students are only $10 in advance or at the door.

Please come out for a great night of entertainment to support the Soo Theatre Project and these very talented musicians. For more information, call (906) 632-1930 or visit the website at www.sootheatre.org

Find out more at their website: Switchback

PDF version of the concert poster

YouTube Video: Switchback performing "Wild Irish Polkas" at a recent concert in Elk Rapids, Michigan (June 30, 2009)

International Idol Competition Returns June 7: Do You Have What It Takes?

Once again, Soo Theatre Project, Inc. & All Good Soundz Present... International Idol!

Returning for a much-anticipated second season on June 7, International Idol is American Idol meets Rock Star: INXS. Contestants will be judged—sometimes harshly—based on technique, presence, audience rapport, and that magical quality that makes a great performer.

This is not a vocal-quality-only, Karaoke-style competition. We are looking for the best Front person in the Twin Sault Area. Own the song, stage, audience. Do you have what it takes?

Competition starts at 7:00 p.m. on June 7th and contestants compete every Sunday until July 5th when one is crowned as the International Idol. And, yes, there will be challenges, surprises, and eliminations along the way.

Contestants have until the second week (Sunday, June 14) to sign up.

Grand Prize is $500 studio time at Lake Street Studio in Brimley. Second Prize is $200 studio time and Third Prize is $100 studio time, also at Lake Street Studio.

Download a sign-up form from the Soo Theatre website at sootheatre.org or stop by the Soo Theatre office to register. Registration is FREE!

For more information, call the Soo Theatre office at (906) 632-1930.

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
  

Don't Miss Breathe Owl Breathe in Concert Feb 20!

Breathe Owl Breathe is an East Jordan, Michigan-based group of three very talented musicians. Micah Middaugh plays guitar and banjo, Andrea Moreno-Beals plays cello, and Trevor Hobbs plays percussion. In the words of Micah Middaugh: “We always tell people that our music sounds like swimming. I want our music to be easily relatable, but also really abstract so that everyone can get something different out of it. I really love it when music becomes visual or at least sounds like it could be visual.”

This is a treat for the ears and eyes of the Eastern Upper Peninsula. This dynamic band always has an interesting and unique show. Breathe Owl Breathe has fresh new folk music with a little comedy, a little classical, and a little whimsy thrown in for good measure. They take their audience on a great ride through the wilderness and beyond with their guitars, strings, keyboards, and percussion. The group has been featured in numerous festivals all over Michigan: Blissfest, the Sleeping Bear Dunegrass and Blues Festival, and many more.

Breathe Owl Breathe will perform at the First United Presbyterian Church at 555 Bingham Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan on Friday, February 20 at 7:00 p.m. Proceeds of the concert will benefit the Soo Theatre Project. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door, and $8 for students. You can buy tickets at the Soo Theatre Project office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

If you have any questions or inquiries, please call the Soo Theatre Project office at (906) 632-1930 or email us at sootheatre@gmail.com. You can find out more about the group at their website (breatheowlbreathe.com), and also at Fox on a Hill Productions and Earthwork Music.

Concert poster

Coming Feb 20: Breathe Owl Breathe Concert

The Soo Theatre Project is pleased to present Breathe Owl Breathe in concert on Friday, February 20 at the First United Presbyterian Church, 555 Bingham Street, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Proceeds will benefit the Soo Theatre Project.

Fresh new folk music with a little comedy, a little classical, and a little whimsy thrown in for good measure, Breathe Owl Breathe takes the audience on a great ride through the wilderness and beyond with their guitars, strings, keyboards, and percussion.

Show time at the First United Presbyterian Church is 7:00 p.m. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door, and $8 for students. Tickets are on sale at the Soo Theatre Box Office, 534 Ashmun St. in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. For more information, call the theatre at (906) 632-1930.

You can find out more about the group at their website, and also at Fox on a Hill Productions and Earthwork Music.

YouTube Video: Breathe Owl Breathe performing "Drop and Roll," a track from their latest album, Ghost Glacier, at BlissFest 2008 in Northern Michigan

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

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

July 27: International Idol Grand Finale!

Week Three of the four-part marathon series, International Idol, rocked the Soo Theatre stage this past Sunday. Contestants were dared to go beyond their own personal expertise and work with one of their rivals in the Duet Challenge.

The caliber of talent was never questioned; nevertheless, some duos showed more polish than others. Two by two, they wowed judges and audience alike. After six duets, the assembled crowd was duly impressed. Then, the final pairing of Week Two's winner, KT Antler and her handpicked partner, Michael Williams, took the competition to an entirely new level. Even in its own era, Grease never looked or sounded so good. Those assembled reacted the only way appropriate with the first standing ovation of the International Idol competition.

Three weeks have elapsed. One to go.

Nineteen contestants have graced the stage. Thirteen remain.

Week Four's final performance is up to the competitors. After weeks of challenges and expert critiques by the judges, the competitors are now the ones who have to decide what they will do to prove that they are indeed the best performer in the Twin Saults.

Who will win the grand prize of $1,000 recording time at Lake Street Studio? Will it be the rock band leader, opera singer, pre-sporting-event national anthem specialist, middle school student, or one of the other incredibly talented performers?

To find out you need to be at Soo Theatre stage this Sunday, July 27th at 6:00 p.m. for the grand finale of International Idol.

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

Photos from Week 1 of the Contest

Photos from Week 2 of the Contest

Coming August 7-10: South Pacific at the Soo Theatre!

Nellie Forbush and the nurses (from top to bottom): Lise White, Shirley Wilkinson, Martina Vollman, Melissa Kargiannakis, Elizabeth Jacobus, Julie Meier, and Robin Bergsma.

Set during World War II, an Arkansas country girl, Nellie Forbush, played by Lise White, is a U.S. Navy nurse caring for U.S. Navy soldiers in the South Pacific. After a couple of weeks Nellie met local Frenchman Emile De Becque, played by Tom Lehman. Nellie and Emile immediately are drawn to each other and fall in love but, naturally, as any good romantic comedy goes, there are obstacles in their way. The U.S. Navy sailors with a combination of the U.S. Navy nurses add a lovely banter of comedy between the scenes that Nellie and Emile are apart. The comedic relief is enough to give the show its charisma, but the love between Nellie and Emile keep the audience wanting more. Some Enchanted Evening, I’m Gonna Wash that Man Right Outta My Hair, and Bali Hai are just a few favorite songs from this famous Broadway musical. At the 2008 Tony Awards South Pacific took 7 awards, including "Best Revival of a Musical" and "Best Direction of a Musical."

U.S. Navy sailors (from left to right): Carl Meyer, Scott Gilbertson, Mark San Angelo, Nick Meier, and Michael Irvine.

The 35-member cast of South Pacific is made of all local performers from around the Eastern Upper Peninsula and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The show is also being run by local performers: director Dave Rhinard, music director Karen Hughes, choreographer Dianna George, and piano accompanist Maureen Delaney-Lehman. The directors are very pleased with the cast and feel optimistic that the audiences will fall in love with this production.


South Pacific is being performed at the Soo Theatre Project on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, August 7, 8, and 9 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under. There will also be a matinée on Sunday, August 10 at 2 p.m., with tickets at $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Groups of 15 or more will be discounted $5 from each ticket. Please call in advance to give the box office enough time to accommodate your group.

If you have any questions, please contact the Soo Theatre Project at (906) 632-1930. Thank you and hope to see you at the show!

STP Seeks Singers and Actors for Die Fledermaus

The Soo Theatre Project is seeking singers/actors for September 11,13, and 14, 2008 production of Die Fledermaus at the Soo Theatre in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

The Soo Theatre Project is casting the remaining roles in its September operetta, Die Fledermaus, or The Revenge of the Bat. This comic show, with music by Johann Strauss, combines musical numbers with dialogue scenes. We are seeking singers/dancers for the chorus in all voice parts. We are also casting some remaining lead and secondary roles.

You do not have to sing to be in this production. There is one comedic speaking role, Frosch the jailor, in addition to Ivan the butler and various other acting parts. Please contact Karen Hughes at karenrebeccahughes@gmail.com for more information.

Or you may call the theatre and leave a message at 906-632-1930. Please be sure to say you are calling about Fledermaus auditions.

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