Spotlight News • Winter 2019-2020 Page 1
Winter 2019-2020 WHAT’S NEXT:
December 31, 2019 New Year’s Eve Shows Executive Director Langdon Playhouse (See page 7) Whew! December is a I hope you had the January 5 & 26, 2020 busy month around here. I opportunity to support us Mind Games with Bill Gladwell hope you had the financially on Giving Tuesday, Langdon Playhouse opportunity to see our new which took place on December 3. (See page 7) Christmas show, Christmas This was our second year Through the Ages. We were participating in this global day of giving and I want to thank all who January 8-19, 2020 very happy with our first donated. Driving Miss Daisy attempt to integrate our Kids Speaking of donations, I’d like Langdon Playhouse OnStage program with our to say a word on behalf our (See page 6) adult presentations. A big thank you to everyone nonprofit partner, Charlotte involved and hope they consider County Imagination Library (CCIL), which January 26-27, 2020 auditioning with a holiday themed play next provides a free book to enrolled children under Auditions for year. Look at the cast photos on page 4 of age five every month until they reach their fifth Neil Simon’s Proposals this newsletter. birthday. This valuable literacy and school Langdon Playhouse The celebrating continues at our New readiness program, was started by multiple (See page 6) Year’s Eve Shows. On Tuesday, December 31, award-winning singer/songwriter Dolly Parton come ring in the New Year with some of in 1996. Shawn Gilstad joined forces with the January 30, 2020 Charlotte County’s most talented singers as Charlotte Players in December of 2011 to become Top of the World — they present a 90-minute concert style Charlotte County’s Imagination Library affiliate. A Carpenters Tribute program. Directed by Ken Crisp, who also At that time, only 4 counties were affiliates in Charlotte Performing Arts Center provides piano accompaniment along with Florida — now there are 15 counties participating! (See page 8) drummer Joel Broome, this concert has Charlotte County Imagination Library’s first book something for everyone — something old, was mailed in March of 2012. February 3 & 4, 2020 something new, something country, We have worked with Shawn and the CCIL Edwards Twins something pop, something Broadway and board of directors from the beginning, Charlotte Performing Arts Center more. Shows are at 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.¸ distributing well over 80,000 books in eight (see page 8) which will allow everyone to get home in time years. We currently have almost 1,800 children to watch the ball drop. The evening will include that we are mailing books to in Charlotte County February 7-23, 2020 singing, music, laughs and a special every month. We are continually seeking new My Husband’s Wild Desires champagne toast at each show. ways to raise money on behalf of the Players Almost Drove Me Mad! I’m very excited about Driving Miss and CCIL, and we appreciate anything you Langdon Playhouse Daisy, our first show of 2020. Most of us could do during this holiday season. (see page 6) remember the Best Picture Oscar-winning film For additional information, visit: starring Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman, charlottecountyimaginationlibrary.org February 25, 2020 or the multiple award-winning play with Julie or charlotteplayers.org, call our business office at: Liberace, Harris, Jessica Tandy, Wendy Hiller, Vanessa Redgrave and Angela Lansbury as Miss Daisy 941-255-1022, Starring Martin Preston or email: [email protected]. Charlotte Performing Arts Center at various times. I’m delighted to announce (see page 8) our own Miss Daisy, Paula Pender, one of the As always, thank you for your continued area’s finest actresses and a Players supporter support! Have a Merry Christmas and Happy and volunteer for many years. Holiday Season! Spotlight News • Winter 2019-2020 Page 2 Comedy for a Cause Scores Again The seventh annual Comedy for a Cause on September the event, did a yeoman’s job putting together the cast and 13, 2019 was another success. The eight-member cast of local providing a fun evening for all. business and community leaders, under the direction of Dr. Chris The event benefited the Charlotte Players many programs, Constance, delivered some huge laughs. including the Charlotte County Imagination Library and Kids Photographer Steve Lineberry, in his first year as chair of OnStage.
Comedy for a Cause cast members on stage, from left, Bill Gladwell, Chuck Matos, Jesse Cantwell, Mike Moody, Kelly Rittenhouse-Pomerville, Kim Seals Parks, Amanda Stahl-Stacey and Mike Hearn.
Jessica Cantwell celebrates her Sponsors’ Amanda Stahl-Stacy is all smiles after winning Director Chris Constance hands Kelly Award. the Judges’ Choice Award. Rittenhouse-Pomerville the second of two awards she won that night: People’s Choice Award and Best Overall all Fundraiser Award. The Patterson Foundation Honors Charlotte Players
The Charlotte Players received a $1,000 award from The Patterson Foundation during the group’s annual Thrive & Dine presentation at the Northern Bank in Sarasota on December 12, 2019. The Players won the Enterprise Expansion and Growth Award from the foundation’s Margin & Mission Ignition initiative, which awards nonprofits that attend the labs, meet all participation criteria, and demonstrate alignment of leadership, willingness, readiness, capacity and culture.
Charlotte Players Executive Director Sherrie Moody holds the Enterprise Expansion and Growth Award certificate from The Patterson Foundation. She is joined by, from left, Larry Clark and Michael Oxman from the Margin & Mission Ignition; Jeanne DeYoung, the Players’ new Administrative Assistant; and Michael Corley, Senior Consultant from The Patterson Foundation. Spotlight News • Winter 2019-2020 Page 3 Murder Mysteries Very Popular Writer, producer, director and sometime actor Jessie Reter- Lighthouse Grill, indoors at the Captain’s Table, the Deep Creek Choate has taken our “Murder Mystery” plays on land and Elks Club and the PGI Civic Association. water, and great success has followed. Armed with a brave, Keep checking the website and look for upcoming events. talented and tireless cast. In recent months, she has directed They are extremely popular — many audience members come shows aboard King Fisher cruise ships, dockside at the dressed in 1920s attire — and sell out quickly.
Audience members Lori White and Erin Bingo winner Donna E. Stout. Beaujoleil.
Charleston contest winner Jess Reiscoelho with cast members. Audience members Jack Silva, Liz Andresen, Betsy Osmun and Nancy Burkholder.
Jessie Choate, front, with her murder mystery cast. Steve (Scarface) Pignataro, gangster. Spotlight News • Winter 2019-2020 Page 4 Christmas Show a New Tradition
Christmas Through the Ages debuted to great fanfare in member Sherrie Moody’s wish is coming true: “It is our hope to early December and delighted audiences at each of the four integrate our Kids OnStage program with our adult holiday shows. The holiday family show, designed to produce warm production for many years to come,” she said. “It’s like we’re memories for everyone in the audience, included singers and starting a new tradition.” actors of all ages performing songs and vignettes illustrating the Artistic Director Herb Berry, Music/Vocal Director Jaclyn celebration of Christmas over the years. Cushman and a large group of talented performances made this Looks like Charlotte Players Executive Director and cast a holiday event to remember.
The Christmas Through the Ages cast included, from left: Sherrie Liz Andresen, Paul Reed, Oliver Helgemo, Linda Himes, Jacqueline Moody, Caleb Petro, Mike Moody, Dannielle Crowley, Paul Reed, Nina Wands and Sharon Heavener. Dotres and Sandi Wood.
Linda Himes, Sharon Heavener, Samuel Heavener, Gage DeWald, Liz Andresen, Noelani Alma and Jacqueline Wands
Back row, from left: Caleb Petro, Samuel Heavener, Dannielle Crowley, Gage DeWald; front row: Oliver Helgemo, Tom O’Brien (Santa), Nina Dotres and Noelani Alma. Spotlight News • Winter 2019-2020 Page 5 Take Another Bow! — Highlights from This Season
Don’t Dress for Dinner
Jack of Diamonds
Mama Won’t Fly Spotlight News • Winter 2019-2020 Page 6 Langdon Playhouse Stage Productions Charlotte Players Community Theater Center • 1182 Market Circle, Murdock, FL Evening Performances at 7:30 p.m.; Matinees at 2:00 p.m. some Saturdays and Sundays
Driving Miss Daisy Baggage January 8-19, 2020 April 16-26, 2020 Director: Gary Seddon Auditions: February 16-17 Director: Jack Rabito Living in the deep South in 1948, prior to the civil rights movement, Two difficult single people, a rich, sharp-tongued Jewish Phyllis and Bradley, get their widow has her driving privileges luggage mixed up at the taken away by her son after she airport. After a disagreeable demolishes another car. He hires first encounter, they form a Hoke, a thoughtful black man, to friendship that eventually be her chauffeur. Over a span of leads to the two discovering 25 years, despite their differences, they are perfect for each the two grow to be close friends, other. sharing laughs and tears, and realize they have more in common than they ever believed possible. Wedding Belles May 15-24, 2020 Auditions: March 29-30 My Husband’s Wild Desires Almost Drove Me Mad! Director: Paula Pender February 7-23, 2020 Director: Jerry Jones Four garden-club ladies meet a young girl who has A super macho business come to their little Texas executive suddenly has problems in the bedroom. town to marry an He recruits his wife into infantryman before he ships solving the problem off for World War II. The through “Live Your women impulsively decide Fantasy” sex therapy. The result is a comedy of fantasies gone to throw the girl an elaborate wrong, taboos colliding with hidden yearnings, and sex-role wedding, and their lives and switches run amok. friendships are thrown into turmoil as they race to accomplish the nuptials in one frenzied Neil Simon’s Proposals afternoon. March 12-29, 2020 Auditions: January 26-27, 2020 Director: Jessie Reter-Choate This Neil Simon classic delightfully recalls the last time the Hines family gathered in the summer of 1953 in the Poconos. Burt Hines is convalescing from a second heart attack and eagerly awaits the arrival of the ex-wife he still loves. Daughter Josie has just broken her engagement. Clemma, the black housekeeper at the center of the action, casts an astute eye on the complications while faced with her own unresolved past. Spotlight News • Winter 2019-2020 Page 7 Langdon Playhouse Special Events
New Year’s Eve Show Mind Games with Bill Gladwell December 31, 2019 January 5 & 26, 2020 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. • Tickets $25 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. • Tickets $22
During his 90-minute performance, Bill Gladwell will seemingly pull thoughts directly from your mind, predict what you’ll say before it comes out of your mouth, and read you like an open book.
Come ring in the New Year with some of Charlotte County’s talented singers as they present a 90-minute concert style program. Accompanied by Music Director/Pianist Ken Crisp and Joel Broome on drums. This concert has something for everyone... something old, something new, something country, something pop, something Broadway and more! Bill amazes audience members on stage during one of his shows.
“Take-a-Seat” at the Langdon
Take advantage of our “Take-a-Seat” campaign and You can participate for a donation of $100 per year over received an engraved plaque on a seat in the Langdon a three-year period. You may pay the entire $300 at one time Playhouse theater. or in $100 installments over three years. Placement of the “The plaque can be engraved with your name, your plaques will be on a first-come, first-serve basis and does not business, a name in memory of a loved one or whatever you guarantee that named seats will be available for ticketed wish,” said board member Jenni Elliott. performances. For more information, call the office at 941- 255-1022. Spotlight News • Winter 2019-2020 Page 8 Charlotte Performing Arts Center (CPAC) Special Events 701 Carmalita Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 • Showtime is 7:30 p.m.
Top of the World — A Carpenters Tribute Liberace, Starring Martin Preston January 30, 2020 February 25, 2020 Tickets: $44, $49 Tickets: $29, $34 Debbie Taylor and her Martin Preston re-creates the eight-member Top of the magic of Liberace in a World band plays the spectacular full-length show, Carpenters’ hit songs such complete with crystal candelabra, as “A Song for You,” rhinestone-studded grand piano, “Superstar,” “Top of the and the flamboyance and World” and “Yesterday excitement of Las Vegas’ Once More.” The show greatest musical showman. A includes arrangements classically trained pianist, Martin from the Carpenters’ will astound you with marvelous songbook with layered musical memories. All harmonies combined with performed live. musicians who showcase their creativity on the drums, guitar, saxophone, trumpet, flute, and many other instruments.
Johnny Mercer: An Intimate Portrait — Edwards Twins Kitt Moran and the Mike Moran Quintet February 3 & 4, 2020 March 5, 2020 Tickets: $32, $37 Tickets: $29, $34 Back by popular demand — and this time for two shows — the Edwards Twins, direct from Las Vegas! Remember all the wonderful variety shows we all grew up on in the 70’s & 80’s? Now is your chance to see them live and re-created by Las Vegas’ number one impersonators of all time. All your favorite legendary Superstars come alive in an evening with “The Stars.” Between excellent renditions of such classics as “That Old Black The NBC Today show says “it’s one of the most extraordinary Magic,” “The Days of Wine and Roses,” “Satin Doll” and shows we have ever seen.” Sonny & Cher, Billy Joel, Neil “When October Goes,” Kitt and the Mike Moran Quintet will Diamond, Bette Midler, Barbra Streisand, Andrea Bocelli, Tom look at Mercer’s personal life and how it impacted the songs Jones, and many more. All live vocals. he wrote. Spotlight News • Winter 2019-2020 Page 9 Charlotte Performing Arts Center (continued)
Let’s Hang On! Sister’s Easter Catechism March 10, 2020 March 19, 2020 Tickets: $44, $49 Tickets: $37, $42
Late Nite Catechism returns with a Sister’s Easter Catechism. Celebrate the Easter season with Sister as she answers timeworn questions like “Why isn’t Easter the same day every year?” and “Will my bunny go to heaven?” Part pageant Let’s Hang On! is a group of 10 seasoned entertainers who and wHOLY hysterical, this latest Late Nite Catechism show will take you on a musical journey through the career of one of unearths the origins of Easter bunnies, Easter eggs, Easter the most successful groups of all time “Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.” Paying tribute to all the classics, Let’s Hang bonnets, Easter baskets, and of course those yummy Easter On! also pays tribute to the Broadway show, The Jersey Boys. Peeps. Sister answers questions about pet heaven and those Capturing trademark vocal virtuosity, tight harmonies, and crisp adorable baby chicks! Classroom participation is a must, so choreography, this full-blown stage show includes “Sherry,” “Big don’t forget to wear your Easter bonnet and join Sister for this Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “December ’63,” and seasonal treat! many more mega hits of the ’60s. Volunteers Needed Charlotte Players needs volunteers in many areas, including acting, ushering, fundraising, building and painting sets, costuming and office assistance. Come join us in continuing a tradition of providing and promoting professional theater art programs that enrich our community. Please call 941-255-1022 or visit the website charlotteplayers.org and complete the volunteer form provided. Spotlight News • Winter 2019-2020 Please visit www.CharlottePlayers.orgPage 10 for Membership Details • Individual Membership: $2500 Annually • Family Membership: $3500 Annually (Includes all idividuals living in the same household) Business Membership: $7500 Annually (Includes up to 4 members)
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Please make your check payable to: Charlotte Players, Inc. Mailing address: Charlotte Players, Inc. • P.O. Box 494088 • Port Charlotte, FL 33949-4088 Business Office location: 1182 Market Circle • Port Charlotte, FL 33953-3820 Telephone: 941-255-1022 • Fax: 941-743-7297
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Charlotte Players, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your contribution may be tax-deductible. 07/2017 Spotlight News • Winter 2019-2020 Page 11
Charlotte Player Chairpersons and Coordinators
Ushers Coordinator— Charlotte Performing Arts Center ...... Marj Curry 941-764-6812 [email protected] Langdon Playhouse ...... Sandy Wright 425-530-0119 [email protected]
Reader’s Theater Coordinator ... Jessie Reter-Choate 540-850-0762 [email protected]
Box Office Manager ...... Steve Pignataro 941-626-1034 [email protected]
Fundraising Chairperson ...... Jenni Elliott 941-525-2757 [email protected]
Play Reading Committee Chairperson ...... Jerry Jones 573-690-0791 [email protected]
Newsletter Editors ...... Dan Mearns 941-893-9692 [email protected] Sally Lightbourn 941-979-9216 [email protected]
Set Construction ...... Chris Smith 941- 637-8562 [email protected]
2019-20 Charlotte Players Board of Directors Officers President ... Jerry Jones Vice President ... Jenni Elliott Secretary ... Robin Jenkins Treasurer ... Dan Mearns Immediate Past President ... Sean Doherty
Directors Jaha Cummings • Patricia Merrick • Bill Olson Glenn Wright • John Wright
Charlotte Players, Inc. P.O. Box 494088 • Port Charlotte, FL 33949-4088 941-255-1022 • Fax: 941-743-7297 [email protected] • www.charlotteplayers.org
CHARLOTTE PLAYERS 1182 Market Circle • Port Charlotte, FL 33953-3820
Charlotte Players — a volunteer-based organization — shall provide and promote quality theater arts programs to educate, entertain and enrich the Southwest Florida Community.