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Annual BRAC Member Meeting Features New Artists

The Branson Regional Arts Council invites the public to attend the 2019 Annual Member Meeting and New Artist Reception at the Branson Convention Center Art Gallery on the 2nd Level Concourse in Downtown Branson.

This FREE Community Event will be held on Friday, September 6th from 6-8pm. 

The annual member meeting will run until 6:30pm, and will provide an opportunity for elections of new board of directors as well announcements regarding several new, exciting events and theatrical performances slated for 2020. The short meeting will be followed by an evening of incredible artistry, as we introduce several new artists joining the Art Gallery Exhibition.

The Branson Convention Center Art Gallery has been visited by approximately 100,000 people annually, according to General Manager Marc Mulherin. Several of the featured artists will be attending the reception to discuss their work, and members of the Branson Regional Arts Council Board will be there to answer any questions. Refreshments will be available as well.

Bring yourself, or a group of friends and enjoy this FREE community event!

Deceased Board Member and Beloved Friend of the Arts, Robert Cohn, enjoyed an earlier Artist Reception. His dedication and hard work to initiate and develop the Branson Convention Center Art Gallery will not be forgotten.

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Shakespeare’s Hamlet Rocks Hollister Missouri

Shakespeare’s Hamlet Will Rock Hollister This Weekend

“To Be Or Not To Be” at Hollister’s Chad A Fuqua Park this weekend.  “That Is The Question!”

Forte Theatre Productions LLC, in cooperation with the Branson Regional Arts Council and the City of Hollister, present, Shakespeare’s Hamlet. 

This unforgettable Shakespeare in the Park event tells the story of Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark, who finds out that is father was secretly murdered and plots to avenge his father’s death.  It is the most quoted piece of Shakespeare’s collection of plays and has impacted popular story lines such as The Lion King.

Under the direction of Justin Ables, Hamlet is set in the 1990s and uses an original rock underscore written by local musician, Chris Skillern.  Skillern also portrays King Claudius in Hamlet where he plays live rock guitar as his character.  Josh Boulden, who plays Hamlet, paints temporary murals in selected scenes to help progress the story line.  “Shakespearean grunge meets visual art destruction” says Skillern, “You have never seen Shakespeare rock like this.”

Along with original music and performance art, Hamlet incorporates dancing in this production. “The choreography is dark, mellow and edgy. Definitely in line with the twisted story,’ says choreographer, Cori Briggs, “I tried to play up the turmoil, anger and confusion in the movement.”

This is the 3rd annual Shakespeare in the Park at Chad A. Fuqua Memorial Park located in Hollister Missouri.  As a city park improvement, Hollister has newly installed lighting and audio system in the park’s performance pavilion. Hamlet will be the first to fully utilize the new equipment.

Additional production members include Jonathan Crum (Costume Designer), Ian Lahlum (Set Designer), Brian Huff (Fight Choreographer), and Tina Cool-Anderson (Producer) .

Photo: Matthew Noll Photography – Josh Boulden (Hamlet) and Charis Boulden (Ophelia)

Cast members include: Josh Boulden (Hamlet), Charis Boulden (Ophelia), Chris Skillern (Claudius), Jonna Volz (Gertrude), John Paul-Fox (Horatio), Ian Lahlum (Polonius), Conor Finnerty (Laertes),  Alex Shriver, Ashley Litke, Austin Delp, Brandon Farrar, Lindsey Lee, Lizzy Hinton, Michael Sager, and Bucky Buckner.

Tickets prices are $16.95 (Adults 18+) and $11.45 (under 18).

Advance tickets are highly recommended and available online at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the Branson Regional Arts Council at 417-336-4255.

CLICK HERE FOR HAMLET TICKETS

Show times are 8pm on  Sunday July 28th and Monday July 29th, and Sunday August 4th and Monday August 5th.  The gate open at 7pm.

This is a “bring your own chair or blanket” event. Seating is not provided. Enjoy an original version of one of the world’s most popular plays, under the stars in beautiful Chad A. Fuqua Memorial Park, 312 Esplanade Dr., Hollister Missouri.  In case of a rainout, the show will move to the Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S Commercial St. in downtown Branson.
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Arts Council Welcomes New Vocal Instructors

BRAC Executive Director Jim Barber (center), welcomes Roger and Karen Bergford to the Historic Owen Theatre in Branson.

The Branson Regional Arts Council is proud to announce that Roger and Karen Bergford have begun accepting new vocal students as part of BRAC’s Conservatory of the Arts program at the Historic Owen Theatre. Offering both private and group vocal lessons, the Bergfords provide an impressive history of professional training and performance experience to new and advanced vocal students in the Branson area.

BRAC Vocal Instructors Roger & Karen Bergford

The Bergfords are now scheduling voice lessons for students of all ages in various styles from classical to musical theater, pop, jazz, gospel, and country. Classes are available in 30 or 60 minutes sessions, and are typically private, or as a group of 3 students together. Interested parents or students should contact the Branson Regional Arts Council at 417-336-4255 or info@bransonarts.org for more information of class scheduling and tuition rates.

Roger and Karen have over 30 years experience teaching both private and group vocal lessons. Roger earned his Bachelor of Music Education – Vocal Specialist from the University of Missouri in Kansas City, as well as graduate work in Vocal Performance from the University of Colorado – Boulder.  Karen graduated with high honors from the University of Colorado – Boulder to earn her Bachelor of Music Education. Together they co-authored an industry book titled, “Sound & Language, the Defining Elements of the Complete Singer” in 2007.

After retiring as public school music educators in Colorado, the Bergfords moved to Branson in 2008 and began teaching 26 frontline singers in the Hughes Brothers “it” show, which won the Branson Show Award for “Best Show of the Year” (2009-2012).  In addition to working with the Hughes family, the Bergfords have also taught singers from The Haygoods and Jim Stafford Show casts, a backup singer with Andy Williams, and Voices of Glory, the top 5 finalists of America’s Got Talent (2009) who worked with the Michael Jackson/Boyz II Men manager, Qadree El-Amin. In 2017, the Voices of Glory were named “Vocal Group of the Year,” receiving both the prestigious Terry Award and the Branson Show Award.  Eighteen-year-old Nadia was  named “Female Vocalist of the Year.” The Bergfords were even invited to host a master class on a Bahamas cruise alongside Michael Jackson’s voice teacher in 2012.

The Arts Council is excited to have the Bergfords join the BRAC Education faculty, and they are now accepting private vocal students from the Branson Tri-Lakes area who wish to train under their professional direction.

Faculty members of the BRAC Conservatory of the Arts include:

  • Lloyd Alexander Holt – Director of Vocal Studies
  • Kristen Dasto – Director of Dance Education
  • Jacob Estes – Director of Theatre Education
  • Roger & Karen Bergford – Vocal Instructors

All private and group classes are pre-scheduled and held at the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson.

Students of any age who are interested in information regarding lessons in voice, dance or acting, are asked to contact the Branson Regional Arts Council at 417-336-4255 or info@bransonarts.org.

Click Here For High Resolution Promotional Photo of Roger and Karen Bergford with BRAC Executive Director Jim Barber

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The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee At Historic Owen Theatre

25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Historic Owen Theatre

How do you spell HILARIOUS? Branson area audiences will soon find out as the Branson Regional Arts Council’s production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee hits the stage of the Historic Owen Theatre July 18-21.

HISTORIC OWEN THEATRE TICKETS

This version of the original Broadway musical introduces an eclectic group of six awkward spelling champions who learn that winning (and losing) isn’t everything. The students vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime, while candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives. The tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box.

Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience.

The production is under the direction of Jacob Estes. Additional Production members include Caitlyn Secrest (Vocal Director), Kristen Dasto (Choreographer), Jacob Deck (Assistant Director), Kim Hale, Lisa Murphy and Karie Dykeman (Producers).

Cast members include: Josh Powell (William Barfee), Aryn Bohannon (Marcy Park), Brenna Kellem (Olive Ostrovsky), Janie Johnson (Rona Lisa Peretti/Olive’s Mom), Ellie Maji (Logainne Schwartzandgrubennierre “Schwarzy”), Patrick Mulheron (Mitch Mahoney/Dan Dad/Olive’s Dad), Sean Myers (Douglas Panch), Conner Paulson (Leaf Coneybear/Carl Dad) and Declan Rhodes (Chip Tolentino/Jesus).

This production is rated PG-13. Ticket prices are $16.95 (Adults 18+) and $11.45 (under 18).

Shows are at 7pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday with 2pm Matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday.

Advance reserve seat tickets are recommended and available online at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the Historic Owen Theatre at 417-336-4255.

Download High Resolution 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Cast Photo – Sitting Version

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Taneycomo Festival Orchestra at Historic Owen Theatre June 20th

The Taneycomo Festival Orchestra is presenting a FREE community concert on Thursday June 20, 2019 at 7:30pm at the Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S. Commercial St., Branson, MO 65616. This entertaining production features a new wind ensemble, Taneycomo Harmoniemusik.

As there is no admission charge for this event, and seating will be first come, first served. The doors to the theatre will be open by 7:00pm. The theatre concession stand will be available for patrons wishing to purchase fresh popcorn, cold drinks, or other refreshments to enjoy during the concert.

The Branson Regional Arts Council is one of several community partners assisting TFO by providing performance space for the 2019 Concert Season, which starts on June 16 and runs through June 29. This is the eighth year that Larkin Sanders (TFO founder) has presented the music festival here in the Branson area.

For more information on the Taneycomo Festival Orchestra and this seasons concert series schedule, visit their website TaneycomoFestivalOrchestra.org.

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First Annual BRAC BBQ FEST Announced

The First Annual BRAC BBQ FEST Is Coming To Downtown Branson!

Excitement and fun waits for everyone at the First Annual Branson Regional Arts Council (BRAC) BBQ Festival in Liberty Plaza behind the Historic Owen Theater in Downtown Branson!


The BRAC BBQ Fest is set for Saturday, June 1st from 10am until 6pm. Admission is free, and attendees will enjoy a large assortment of live entertainment, crafts booths, and artisans throughout the day. “We’ll have fun activities for kids of all ages including a bounce house and face painting, as well as delicious, mouthwatering BBQ cooked on location in an actual firetruck,” said BRAC Executive Director Jim Barber. “You’ll have to see it to believe it,” he added, “fantastic food and delicious drinks will be available for a reasonable price throughout the day!”

BRAC BBQ Fest is produced by the Branson Regional Arts Council in cooperation with Branson Parks & Recreation, and the premier event sponsor, Dr. Richard Tallon and Branson Dental Center. Additional event sponsors include Mercy Hospital and Dr. Munshi – Branson Institute of Sleep.

The purpose of the event is to raise awareness and funds to help the Branson Regional Arts Council preserve the history and entertainment legacy of the Historic Owen Theatre built in 1936.

CURRENT LIVE ENTERTAINMENT INCLUDES:

  • Java Jived (St. Louis based Mixed Vocal Octet Group) – 10am
  • Forte Theatrical Group – Cabaret Music – 11am
  • Preview Selection from Forte’s Hamlet – 12pm
  • Lori Locke and Friends – 1pm
  • Preview of Shrek the Musical Jr. – 2pm
  • Rick McEwen – 4pm
  • Robert Morris – Balloon Twister Extraordinaire (all day)

More entertainment acts will be listed soon… performance times subject to change.

Area Businesses, Artists, Crafters, and other Vendors will have an opportunity to rent a display area and sell their products. Booth space rental information is available on the Branson Regional Arts Council website at BransonArts.org/bbqvendor, or by contacting BRAC at 417-336-4255 or info@bransonarts.org for more information.

VENDOR REGISTRATION

CURRENTLY REGISTERED BRAC BBQ FEST VENDORS INCLUDE:

  • Peter Engler Designs – Jewelry, woodcarvings, free gifts, oil candles and more
  • Joplin Peace Frogs – T-shirts, hats, bags, jackets, purses, decals and jewelry
  • EBBboutique – Acrylic Pour Paintings, Shadow Boxes, Leather Jewelry and Accessories
  • Carolyn Cambronne-Hayes – Framed and matted digital original art prints
  • Silver Jewelry Artist – Sterling and gemstone jewely by award-winning artist Jayme Woodall
  • Sticks, Spoons & More – Handmade wooden spoons, ladles and measuring cups
  • Taneyhills Community Library – Promoting summer reading for kids and library services
  • Scentsy – Scented Wax and Decorative Wax Warmers, and a variety of other home fragrance products.
  • Branson West Art Gallery – Original paintings, photography, jewelry, and wood carvings
  • Concept 24 By Design – Original Art, Crafts, and Prints
  • Salvation Army of Branson – Salvation Army Thrift Store Clothing Specials and community awareness

 

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Win A Roundtrip Frontier Airline Ticket To CHICAGO

Ticket sales for Chicago (the Musical) have been very strong, and for those lucky folks who attend this highly entertaining production, we are excited to announce a special opportunity to win ONE ROUND-TRIP TICKET to Chicago (the City) on Frontier Airlines out of the Branson Airport!

During intermission at each of our five performances of Chicago The Musical, patrons will have an opportunity to purchase raffle tickets in hopes of winning one of several unique gift baskets.  Anyone who purchases $20 worth of tickets will also be included in our grand prize airline ticket drawing on Sunday afternoon. Raffle ticket holders will have two chances to win either a wonderful themed gift basket, or the round trip flight to the Windy City of Chicago, Illinois. The lucky airline ticket winner does NOT have to be present during the Sunday drawing to win.

Frontier Airlines Ticket Certificate is courtesy of our friends at Fly Branson Travel Service and the Branson Airport. Visit their official website at FlyBranson.com. Proceeds from the raffle benefit the Branson Regional Arts Council, a not-for profit 501 (c)3 organization.

HISTORIC OWEN THEATRE TICKETS

Performances for Chicago the Musical (Rated PG-13) run May 2-5, 2019 at the Historic Owen Theatre in Branson, Missouri. If you haven’t purchased your tickets to the live theatre show yet, please get them SOON as we expect all shows to sell out completely! You may select and purchase your reserved seat tickets online at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the Box Office at 417-336-4255.

 

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Chicago the Musical Opens May 2nd

Chicago the Musical (Rated PG-13), opens on Thursday, May 2nd for 5 high energy performances at the Historic Owen Theatre in Branson. With shows at 7pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, as well as 2pm matinee shows on Saturday and Sunday, Chicago the Musical promises to be one of the most talked about performances of the 2019 season!

Aline O’Niell (Roxie Hart), Lloyd Alexander-Holt (Director), Mesa Mitchell (Velma Kelly)

Adult tickets (18+) are $16.95 (includes ticketing service fee). Advance reserved seat tickets are suggested, and available online at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the Historic Owen Theatre box office at 417-336-4255.

Set in the “jazz hot” 1920’s, Chicago the Musical tells the story of two rival vaudevillian murderesses, nightclub star Velma and aspiring chorus girl Roxie, who are are both serving time for “bumping off” their respective lovers. In an effort to redeem her career, Velma enlists the help of prison matron Mama Morton and slickster lawyer Billy Flynn, who turn Velma’s incarceration into a murder-of-the-week media frenzy, thus preparing the world for a splashy showbiz comeback. However, Roxie has plans of her own.

“Chicago the Musical pays tribute to American Vaudeville, and what better place to enjoy it, than on the intimate stage of the Historic Owen Theatre.”
– Lloyd Alexander Holt – Director

In 1975, the songwriting team of Kander and Ebb teamed up with choreographer Bob Fosse to bring CHICAGO to Broadway.  However, the world wasn’t ready to receive this satirical story.  It ran for just two years, then closed only to be presented in community theatres, colleges, and universities around the country.  It seemed the American public wasn’t ready to receive a story about murderers.
Fast forward to the mid 1990’s, where citizens became glued to their televisions; watching the stories of true crime playing out before their eyes.  It was though they couldn’t get enough of the dark, gripping headlines.  Producers took notice, and Chicago the Musical was revived on Broadway in 1996, and it continues to run to this day.

“Fosse is so intricate and delicate. There’s so much in just one little step. Whatever feels awkward, actually looks so cool. Once you put it on a group of people, like I’m having the opportunity to do, it’s so rewarding.” – Kristen Dasto – Choreographer

Michael Horn as Billy Flynn

Cast members of Chicago include: Mesa Mitchell (Velma Kelly), Aline O’Neill (Roxie Hart), Alex Harris (Fred Casely / Master of Ceremonies), Josh Silvy (Sergeant Fogarty / Court Clerk), Mathew James (Amos Hart), Emily Alphin (Liz), Amy Miller (Annie), Kayleigh Dominish (June), Brenna Bergeron (Mona), Kristen Dasto (Hunyak / Choreographer), Haley Bertrand (Momma Morton), Michael Horn (Billy Flynn), Sean Myers (Mary Sunshine), Stanna Brown (Go-To-Hell Kitty), Jonathan Kirkland (Aaron / The Judge), Jacob Deck (Martin Harrison), Nathan Andrew Krueger (Harry), Mindy Law (Ensemble), Destiny Taylor (Ensemble), Nicole Jenanian (Ensemble), Rachel Merrick (Ensemble).

Mesa Mitchell as Velma Kelly

Production Crew members include: Kim Hale & Lisa Murphy (Producers), Lloyd Alexander-Holt (Director & Vocal Director – Costume Coordinator), Kristen Dasto (Choreographer), Karie Dykeman (Assistant Producer), Jim Barber (BRAC Exec Director – Marketing & Design), Jack Vandewark (Stage Manager), Nicole Dasto (Assistant Stage Manager), Jeremy James (Technical Director), Roz Slavik (Prop Master – Costume Assistant), Jonathan Crum (Costume Designer), Kyle Bradley (Set Designer), Pamela Meadows (Lighting Design), Mac Hill (Audio Technician), Peter Gibbons (Sound Design), Marshall Meadows (Photographer).

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Auditions Announced for 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

  • dateApril 16, 2019
  • userBranson Regional Arts Council
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Auditions Announced for 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Open Auditions: Thursday, May 9 & Friday, May 10 from 6:00-9:00 pm
Callbacks/Pick up Auditions: Sunday, May 12 from 6:00-9:00 pm

Where: The Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S. Commercial St. Branson, MO 65616

These auditions are for ages 18+ only. Spelling Bee is rated PG-13 and is intended for mature audiences.

Requirements:
• Please bring a headshot and resume for production team to keep.
• We will be accepting video/online submissions but a live audition is strongly recommended. Please submit all online submissions to jacobmestes@gmail.com
• Two contrasting songs in the style of the show (Musical Theatre Repertoire only NO POP SONGS) An accompanist will be provided. Please bring clearly marked music in the proper key. An MP3 track is also accepted. (No CDs)
• There WILL be a required dance call. Please bring proper dance attire (Clothing that is form fitting and shows off your physique, and proper shoes. NO OPEN TOED SHOES)

You will be given the opportunity to change after initial audition

• Be prepared to do cold readings from the show and improv!
• IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FEEL FREE TO CONTACT THE DIRECTOR- Jacob Estes: jacobmestes@gmail.com

Synopsis- An eclectic group of six mid-pubescent’s vies for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box.

A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a delightful den of comedic genius. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a fast-paced crowd pleaser and an instant theatre patron favorite.

All Roles Available: *Note each role will play multiple characters

Chip Tolentino
An athletic, social, boy scout and champion of the Twenty-Fourth Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, he returns to defend his title, but he finds puberty hitting at an inopportune moment.

Logainne Schwartzandgrubeniere (Schwartzy)
Logainne is the youngest and most politically aware speller, often making comments about current political figures. She is driven by internal and external pressure, but above all by a desire to win to make her two fathers proud. She is somewhat of a neat freak, speaks with a lisp, and will be back next year.

Leaf Coneybear
The second runner-up in his district, Leaf gets into the competition on a lark and finds everything about the bee incredibly amusing. He is home-schooled and comes from a large family of former hippies. He has severe Attention Deficit Disorder and spells words correctly while in a trance.

William Barfee
A Putnam County Spelling Bee finalist last year, he was eliminated because of an allergic reaction to peanuts and is back for vindication. His famous “Magic Foot” method of spelling has boosted him to spelling glory, even though he only has one working nostril and a touchy, bullying personality. He develops a crush on Olive.

Marcy Park
The ultimate over-achiever, Marcy has never been given another option. She comes from a family where excellence is expected and so simply produced. A parochial school student, she assumes God, too, expects perfection. She sees herself as a mass of problems but she keeps them to herself. Having moved often because of her parents’ work, she knows she can beat the local competition. Her many talents include piano, dance, martial arts, baton twirling, and/or whatever special gifts you can find in your casting pool.

Olive Ostrovsky
A young newcomer to competitive spelling. Her mother is in an ashram in India, and her father is working late, as usual, but he is trying to come sometime during the bee. Having found comfort in its words and vastness, Olive made friends with her dictionary at a very young age, helping her to make it to the competition. She starts enormously shy, and shyly blossoms.

Rona Lisa Peretti
The number-one realtor in Putnam County, a former Putnam County Spelling Bee Champion herself, and the returning moderator. She is a sweet woman who loves children, but she can be very stern when it comes to dealing with
Vice Principal Panch and his feelings for her. Her interest in the competition is unflagging and drives it forward.

Douglas Panch
The Vice Principle. Frustrated with his life, he finds the drive of the young spellers alien to him. After five years’ absence from the Bee, Panch returns as judge. There was an “incident” at the Twentieth Annual Bee, but he claims to be in “a better place” now, thanks to a high-fiber diet and Jungian analysis. He is infatuated with Rona Lisa Peretti, but she does not return his affections.

Mitch Mahoney
The Official Comfort Counselor. An ex-convict, Mitch is performing his community service with the Bee, and hands out juice boxes to losing students. He has no idea how to offer comfort, but does find himself wishing he could find a way to make the kids feel better.

Carl Dad
Schwarzy’s main trainer, the more intense and competitive of Schwarzy’s fathers.
• Played by actor playing Leaf.

Dan Dad
The more laid back and ineffectual of Schwarzy’s fathers.
• Played by the actor playing Mitch.

Jesus Christ
Deity invoked by a speller in need.
• Played by the actor playing Chip.

Olive’s Dad
A fantasy version of Olive’s dad coming to the bee from work.
• Played by the actor playing Mitch.

Olive’s Mom
A fantasy version of Olive’s mom at her Ashram in India.
• Played by the actor playing Rona.

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Fairytale Musical Into The Woods Opens At Historic Owen Theatre

Fairytale Musical Into The Woods Opens At Historic Owen Theatre

Forte Theatre Productions and the Branson Regional Arts Council are excited to team up for the second musical of the 2019 Season at the Historic Owen Theatre, Into The Woods, with performances on April 4,7,8,11,14 and 15 at 7:30pm.

Advance reserve tickets are $16.95* (Adults 18+), and $11.45* (Youth 4-17) and are available at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling 417-336-4255. *Tickets include a small ticketing service fee. Proceeds benefit the community theatre program at the Historic Owen Theatre.

HISTORIC OWEN THEATRE TICKETS

“Forte brings a new level of theatrical entertainment to the Ozarks,” says Jim Barber, BRAC Executive Director. “They are a highly talented and dedicated troupe of professional actors and directors, and the Branson Regional Arts Council is honored to collaborate with them on a regular basis. Whether a full stage musical, Shakespeare in the Park, or a themed Cabaret show, a Forte production is guaranteed to entertain, educate, and inspire!”

Into The Woods is an epic, musical fairytale about wishes, family, and the choices we make. Rated PG13, this production will stand alone as one of the highlight productions of the 2019 season.

James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone’s favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece… and a rare modern classic. The Tony Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching.

The story follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.

The cast for Into The Woods include: Michael Salsbury (Narrator/Mysterious Man), Jacob Cummings (Baker), Karrah Fleshman (Baker’s Wife), Brielle Mae (Cinderella), Traven A. Harrington (Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf), Ryan Hippe (Jack), Mariah Garrett (Jack’s Mother), Cassandra Cummings (Little Red), Kristen Ables (Witch), Tiffany Bear (Rapunzel), Tobi Nordlund (Rapunzel’s Prince), Bethany Hansen (Stepmother), Audrey Roberts (Lucinda), Charis Boulden (Forinda), Jenny Day (Cinderella’s Mother/Granny), and Brian Huff (Steward).

The production team for Into The Woods include: Tina Cool-Anderson (Producer), Justin Ables (Director), Nate Frank (Musical Director), Delyla Uebel (Accompanist), Mary Huff (Assistant Director), Cori Biggs (Choreographer), Brian Huff (Fight Choreographer), Jonathan Crum and Laura Cook (Costumes), Pamela Meadows (Lighting Design).

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Art Class by the Glass at Vino Cellars on the Lake

The Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to announce return of a fun painting event called “Art Class by the Glass,” to be held at Vino Cellars at the Lake, 15038 Business Hwy 13
, Branson West, MO 65737. This “Cork & Canvas” type event is scheduled for Thursday, March 28, 2019 from 5pm – 7pm.

The $25 registration fee (per person) includes all painting supplies, and instruction. Wine is available separately by the glass or bottle.

The class size is limited to between 10 and 20 participants, so early registration is recommended. Click here to register.

CLICK TO REGISTER FOR ART CLASS BY THE GLASS

The painting class will be led by professional artist and teacher, Kelly Wren.

“I have enjoyed several careers before retiring to Branson last year. My Clothing and Design degree from the University of Missouri led to an exciting career in the fashion industry throughout the country. When family brought me back to my roots in Missouri, I went back to school for my Masters in Education. I then taught high school art and adult classes in my hometown of Nevada, Missouri. As a member of the art communities of both Nevada and later Stockton, I developed art shows, classes, city murals, and workshops. My love of art and community always find a home wherever I live.” – Kelly Wrenn (Art Instructor)

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Auditions for Chicago The Musical This Week

  • dateMarch 3, 2019
  • userBranson Regional Arts Council
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Chicago – the Musical Auditions

Auditions for the Branson Regional Arts Council’s production of CHICAGO…
Dates: Monday, March 4 and Tuesday, March 5, 2019, 6:00-9:00 p.m. (Callbacks Wednesday March 6 & Thursday March 7 from 6-9pm)
Place: Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S. Commercial St, Branson, MO
NOTE: These auditions are for ages 18+ only. CHICAGO is rated PG-13.

Into The Woods will be presented at the Historic Owen Theatre April 4-15.

Requirements:
*Bring audition form and one copy of your head shot and resume.
*We greatly prefer a LIVE audition, but will accept video/online submissions if absolutely necessary. Please email online submissions to lloyd@bransonarts.org
*Ages 18 and up ONLY. Prepare TWO contrasting songs, one up-tempo and one ballad, in the style of Kander & Ebb. Please, no POP songs.
*An accompanist will be provided. We greatly prefer that you utilize the accompanist, but we will allow the use of tracks if absolutely necessary.
*Please bring a clean copy of your music, in the correct key, clearly marked, and preferably in a binder.
*Lead sheets WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. If using a track, the music must be in digital format. No CD’s or tapes allowed.

DANCE CALL
*All auditioning MUST attend the dance call AND have a singing audition, unless otherwise specifically arranged.
*MEN and WOMEN MUST bring proper dance attire and appropriate dance shoes. Please wear clothing that fits close to the body and shows off your physique. NO BAGGY CLOTHES. Ladies must wear 2 inch character shoes, and character shoes OR dance sneakers are required for men. NO OPEN TOED SHOES.
*You will be given the opportunity to change after the vocal audition.
*The audition combination(s) will be taught in groups.

Please contact the director, Lloyd Alexander-Holt, with any questions regarding auditions. lloyd@bransonarts.org

About Chicago

John Kander and Fred Ebb’s hit musical Chicago was based on the play of the same name by Maurine Dallas Watkins. A reporter in Chicago in the 1920s, Watkins covered the popular trials of two female murderers– Belva Gaertner and Beulah Annan– who both blamed their actions on the negative effects of drink and jazz. At the time, female murderesses were media darlings, and following the two “jazz babies’” acquittal in 1924, Watkins wrote a satirical play, turning Gaertner into Velma Kelly and Annan into Roxie Hart. The play was produced in 1926 on Broadway, directed by George Abbott.

Broadway’s longest-running American musical, Chicago is a dazzling and satirical look at fame, justice, and the media machine. Set in 1920s Chicago and based on real-life murders and trials, Chicago follows Roxie Hart, a wannabe vaudevillian star who murders her lover and is arrested, despite her attempts to convince her pushover husband, Amos, to lie for her. In the Cook County Jail, Roxie meets her hero, the famed double-murderess and nightclub performer Velma Kelly. When both acquire the same lawyer, the greedy and lustful superstar, Billy Flynn, tensions come to a head as they vie for the spotlight– though instead of onstage, they’re mugging for the flashbulb of the newspaper reporters. With catchy, sexy music and timeless lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb, and a funny, intelligent, and utterly engaging book by Kander and Bob Fosse, Chicago is a musical spectacular that is as addictive as gossip rags and as unforgettable as any trial of the century.

Open casting is available for the following roles:

  • Roxie Hart (Female – Lead – Mezzo-Soprano)
  • Velma Kelly (Female – Lead – Alto)
  • Amos Hart (Male – Supporting – Baritone)
  • Billy Flynn (Male – Supporting – Baritone)
  • Mary Sunshine (Either Gender – Supporting – Countertenor)
  • Matron Mama Morton (Female – Supporting – Alto)
  • Fred Casely (Male – Featured – Spoken)
  • Sergeant Fogarty (Male – Featured – Spoken)
  • Martin Harrison (Male – Featured – Spoken)
  • Go-to-Hell Kitty (Female – Featured – Mezzo-Soprano)
  • Aaron (Male – Featured – Spoken)
  • Judge (Male – Featured – Spoken)
  • Harry (Male – Featured – Spoken)
  • Liz (Female – Featured – Mezzo-Soprano)
  • Annie (Female – Featured – Mezzo-Soprano)
  • June (Female – Featured – Mezzo-Soprano)
  • Hunyak (Katalin Helinszki) (Female – Featured – Spoken)
  • Mona (Female – Featured – Mezzo-Soprano)
  • Ensemble (8-10) roles available

The BRAC’s production of CHICAGO is staged and musically directed by Lloyd Alexander-Holt, choreographed by Jordan Alexander-Holt, and produced by Kimberly Hale and Lisa Murphy. CHICAGO will be presented at the Historic Owen Theatre May 2-5.

Advanced Reserved Seat Tickets for all upcoming BRAC theatre productions, including Into The Woods and Chicago The Musical are on sale now at BransonArts.org/tix.

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