------Cover Story • Fort Wayne Civic Theatre------85 & Still Going Strong By Ashley Motia as the emotionally charged story unfolds, the performance of The Drowsy Chaperone, a Marine code of honor is put on trial. Perhaps musical about an agoraphobic Broadway The Fort Wayne Civic Theatre will open A Few Good Men’s most famous incarna- fanatic who is transported into his favorite the curtain on their 85th season this July. As tion is the 1992 film in which Col. Jessep musical comedy performance that has come one of the oldest community theatres in the (played by Jack Nicholson) exclaims, “You to life. A show-within-a-show, the story also nation, the folks at the Civic are seasoned can’t handle the truth!” follows a starlet in her quest to find and keep pros when it comes to choosing the right mix “Sorkin’s work as a playwright is just in- true love. of performances to keep audiences coming credible,” praised Colglazier. “I think people Colglazier calls The Drowsy Chaper- back. who enjoyed the Civic’s 2012 performance one a “sleeper” performance, saying, “It Friday, April 27 • 8:00pm Phillip Colglazier, who has been at the of The Farnsworth Invention will appreciate will sneak up on you. It’s a light-hearted, executive director’s helm for the past 12 good-for-all-audiences piece that will make years, explained the delicate balance in cre- you laugh.” A sentimental look at escapism, JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR ating this season’s lineup. The Drowsy Chaperone won several awards, $15 Adv., $20 D.O.S. “It’s a little bit of everything for every- including a Tony Award for best book and one so that it’s not a season of a singular score in 2006. concept, era or style,” he said. “Creatively, Another award-winning production you’re always going to see something dif- takes the stage in May. Rodgers and Ham- ferent when you come to a Civic perfor- merstein’s Cinderella’s original presenta- mance.” tion on television in 1957 (starring Julie The 2012-13 season comes out swing- Andrews) won two Emmy Awards and ing with some very well-known stories: has been taking home the gold ever since. Dreamgirls (July 28-August 12), A Few It’s the original rags-to-riches fairy tale of Good Men (September 8-16) and A magic and love told in Broadway style while Christmas Story (November 3-18) take remaining true to the on-screen adaptations audiences through the holidays. The that people know and love. Civic returns with The Drowsy Chap- “It has the classic Rodgers and Ham- erone in the spring (March 2-17). merstein music that everyone enjoys,” said Sunday, May 6 • 8:00pm Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Colglazier. “It’s such a positive tale. It’s in- Cinderella (May 10-19), Lom- spirational and lifts your spirits. It’s a great RACHAEL DAVIS bard (May 31-June 9) and the way to introduce a younger generation to 4th Annual Northeast Indiana the art of theatre.” Playwright Festival (June 1-9) In the same vein as A Christmas & STEPPIN’ IN IT finish out the season. Story, the Civic brings more local flavor $12 Adv., $15 D.O.S. “We’re very proud of to the stage with Lombard. Fort Wayne Dreamgirls to kick everything native Carole Lombard is the central off,” Colglazier said. “It’s a character waiting on a flight home Saturday, May 12 • 8:00pm beautiful and powerful story. to Los Angeles. While she waits, she You’ll go away singing all of takes a trip down memory lane, remi- THE BERGAMOT the songs.” niscing about old flames and her attempt to w/IVORY WEST Dreamgirls is the story of win the role of Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With a trio of young women trying to the Wind. $8 Adv., $10 D.O.S. make it big in the 1960s music scene. The “With her Fort Wayne connection, this musical takes on some classic storylines of seeing A Few Good Men as well.” play is unique to the season. It takes place in betrayal, triumph, and love, all to the sound- Taking a break from powerful drama, Indianapolis right before her death, and it’s track of rock n’ roll, disco and Motown. the Civic moves on to the beloved comedy a very powerful piece. It’s entertaining yet “The story enjoyed a revival in the early A Christmas Story. The tale of Ralphie and historic,” Colglazier described. 2000s, followed by a popular movie. That his Red Ryder BB Gun has become a holi- The season wraps up with the 4th An- really put it back into the vocabulary of day tradition for many and holds particular nual Northeast Indiana Playwright Festi- the community, and I think it will be a real significance for Hoosiers, says Colglazier. A val. The lineup for the festival has yet to crowd-pleaser. It’s going to be a special op- Christmas Story playwright Jean Shepherd be determined, as scripts are being solicited portunity for us,” said Colglazier. was raised in Hammond, Indiana and drew through September 1. Winners will be se- This is the first performance of Dream- inspiration for his work from his experiences lected through a judging process and noti- girls by the Civic Theatre in its history. Col- growing up. fied on January 30, 2013. The festival itself glazier says that was a major consideration “It’s truly a story about northern Indiana is slated for June 1-9, 2013. he took when drafting the 2012-13 season natives,” Colglazier said. “People who grew “The Playwright Festival is producing lineup. up in that time and in the area can relate to some really nice work,” Colglazier praised. Monday, May 28 • 8:00pm “We strive to do new work, things that this. It’s every kid’s perspective and how “I look forward to the new work that will be we’ve never done before like Dreamgirls, A they perceived Christmas.” submitted in September.” Christmas Story and The Drowsy Chaperone. Of course, the usual television stations More information regarding how to sub- VICTOR WOOTEN All of these shows are new to the Civic,” he will be running the 1983 film version – mit an entry for the 4th Annual Northeast $25 Adv., $30 D.O.S. said. “That’s part of the mix, the delicate some airing it as a movie marathon – but the Indiana Playwright festival can be found on balance. We do pieces that people know bal- real magic is the experience of seeing it on the Civic Theatre’s website. anced with lesser-known performances that stage. Those interested in season tickets for the Go to our website for ticket challenge us artistically as actors, designers, “That’s what makes it unique. You get Civic’s 2012-13 season have until May 31 to information & more and directors.” to see it happen before your eyes. There’s take advantage of early bird discounts. And Aaron Sorkin’s A Few Good Men is something special about that magic and en- “Now is the best time for the price,” ad- sure to fit the bill of a challenge. ergy – being in that room and having those vised Colglazier. More information on the It is the dramatic telling of two men memories surface and reconnecting with Fort Wayne Civic Theatre’s upcoming sea- on trial for the death of a fellow Marine at them,” said Colglazier with a nostalgic son and tickets can be found at the Civic’s Guantanamo Bay. Their young hot shot law- smile. website (www.fwcivic.org) or by calling yer expects a plea bargain and cover-up, but The Civic ushers in 2013 with their 260-424-5220. 2------www.whatzup.com------April 26, ’12