Show Commentary
- The closing night of Stardust played to a near capacity crowd at the Isle of Capri Pink Elephant Showroom. From their reaction both during and after the show, it was once again well received. I can't help but pass along a comment from someone who had heard about and came down to see the show from Minnesota (no.. it wasn't a relative
- Another truth update and condition of the show report. First, while our ticket person is now out of tickets, the boat gift shop still has 17 tickets available as of last night. We are directing all calls for tickets to them. We were told that they do have the capability of taking credit card numbers and holding tickets at the gift shop for people. Any tickets left will be available at the door. We've asked people who have not pre-paid for tickets to be there by 6:45 or their tickets would be released for sale. This may open up a few more tickets.
The run through went well last night and the cast is pumped and ready to give you another great performance. The atmosphere is different, but still wonderful for great musical entertainment as anyone who has been there would agree. I hope you have your tickets in hand. We'll see you tonight for the last Stardust evening.
- It's rumor squashing time. First, no, we are not yet sold out for the show Wed. April 17th 7pm at the Isle of Capri Pink Elephant Showroom. As of this writing, there were 18 tickets in our posession, and as far as we know, the boat had 20 tickets available. Second, this is not a partial or excerpt show. The full production was moved to the boat for this one night. You will get full orchestra, full cast, and all the songs. The stage is slightly smaller, so we had to partially modify some of the entrances and exits but in all aspects, it's the full show. Make your call quickly however, or if you are in the area, stop by at the Isle of Capri Gift shop, and pick up your tickets. It promises to be a night of Stardust. See you there!
- The dinner theater run of Stardust may be just a Stardust memory, but the show isn't over! We were at the Isle of Capri Pink Elephant Showroom in Marquette today to setup and do a quick run through of the show. The technical staff was there to help us take care of lights and sound, and we are ready to go for the Wednesday April 17th Premier of the Opera House Players at the Isle of Capri. For those of you who haven't seen the show... well I can say it no better than someone who has. Here's a review to share:
Stardust?s lyrics shine in star-studded show
Those who missed the Opera House Players? "Stardust" revue at Johnson?s Reception Hall in Elkader should make an attempt to go to a special repeat performance 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, at the Isle of Capri showroom for their first-time-ever presentation there. If you have never attended an OHP production, take advantage of this nearby offering and you'll be impressed!
The cast of eight singer-dancers and the seven-piece orchestra really did justice to the demanding 35-song score, a tribute to the lyrics of Mitchell Parish. Experienced stars of previous OHP shows, all eight vocalists made the lyricist?s words and emotions shine out in solos, duets, trios, quartets and even richer harmonies with complicated counterpoints.
The accomplished singers took turns in the spotlight showing off their vocal skills, ranging from nicely-developing talent Jonathon Moser to veteran Shirley Lindell. It was good to see and hear Craig Strutt onstage again, and welcome back to Kathy Garms after an absence of twenty years! This cast certainly earned the immediate standing ovation at the close of the show I attended!
Albert Harris conceived the show in song clusters for each decade from the ?20s to the ?50s with tunes by Hoagy Carmichael, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Leroy Anderson and many others. The four costume changes and great hats contributed to the over-all effect, and young Cheri Strutt?s choreography (including tap dancing!) added another dimension to round out this Broadway-style show.
My personal favorites were the the female trio's "Sentimental Gentleman from Georgia" and the male trio's "Organ Grinder's Swing". The last section recreating Your Cavalcade of Hits, was a real crowd-pleaser - complete with a dancing cigarette box. The whole company wowed us with their rendition of "Forgotten Dreams", closing with a reprise of "Star Dust", and finishing with part of the up-beat "Scat Song" after the ovation. Call Terri Strutt at 873-2378 for ticket information concerning this Wednesday's show.
Hats off to director and costumer Tom and Barb Chandler, all the Mosers and Strutts, Jon Banse, Tara Baumgartner, Kathy Garms, Beth Hamlett, Shirley Lindell, the band and the crews for a great production (and to Johnson's for a great meal)! Best wishes for future success after the opera house is renovated!
Signed, Terri Connell, Director, Committee for Performing Arts
- Okay... the show is not over yet, but I have some pictures from the show to share. If you want to be visually as well as auditoraly surprised, don't look. If you've seen the show, and want to relive, click here to view some Stardust memories!
- It was a wonderful opening weekend. I think the entire cast and crew feel great about this show. Let me tell you, that is a good feeling. Thanks to all of you who have given us such wonderful comments. We appreciate it. Before anyone starts to wonder, yes, there are plenty of tickets left for the remaining shows. If someone says we are sold out, squash that rumor. At the same time, tell them to buy a ticket and help make it true! If we really do start to sell out, this will be the first place you hear about it. Tell your friends about Stardust.
- The opening evening of Stardust was a wonderful success. The cast and crew turned on the adrenaline and provided a performance that people will be talking about. It is a great pleasure to be part of this cast. The professionalism is very evident. I would be remiss if I didn't say something about the tremendous orchestra that is backing up the vocalists for this show. They make the show what it is. Without that quality sound coming behind us, we couldn't do the job we do.
The audience seemed to enjoy themselves a great deal. Lots of happy smiling faces on the way out. Thanks to those who made the opening a success. Spread the word. Don't let your friends be sorry they missed out on Stardust!
- We're ready. One practice night to go and we are ready to present you with an evening of music and dining that you will talk about for weeks (if not longer!) There are a few very minor technical details to work out (they say my Santa hat is too small for my head) but the show is a show and ready to go.
The cast is excited and ready to have an audience. Experience shows me that the adrenaline of a crowd always moves the performance level up a couple of notches. If that holds true this time, hold on to your socks. You may want to watch your shoes too, they may go dancing off by themselves.
On a business note.. Johnson's has informed us that cut off time for tickets for the show is noon of the preceeding day. Be sure to order your tickets before then so you won't be disappointed. Don't procrastinate and be too late. You have an evening of Stardust waiting for you!
- Final week preparations are underway. The changes in Johnson's Reception hall are wonderful, and they aren't done yet. Many thanks to Tom Chandler and his abilities to turn any venue into an elegant theater. All the people working to help turn his ideas into reality are to be congratulated and thanked as well. Most especially Kay Moser and her many hours of work over these past several weeks. Light crew and sound people have been busy working on providing a wonderful visual and auditory experience as well. More time has been spent on getting the sound just right for this show than any in past memory, so if you though our sound systems were impressive before, you've got an experience coming. Of course, if we do it right, you won't notice it at all, just smooth clear sound and well lit visuals. A few more details to take care of, and the show is ready to go. We've got three nights left to fine tune this to perfection. Don't miss out on the OHP dinner theater experience! Call or email for your tickets now.
- Well, we've hit it. That frantic stage. Lots of details to get done to make this work, and not lots of time. It always happens, but that doesn't mean that we don't let our adrenalin pump. The interesting thing for me, is that as one of the performers, I watch us worry about dance steps, costume changes, and lyrics to a particular song. Our esteemed director of course has to worry about ALL the details. It is certainly different watching this happen from the other side of the stage. Tom, if you're reading, feel free to drop me some comments. I'm an equal opportunity rambler...
Point being, this is that stage where we know things are coming together and that the opening is around the corner. I must tell you that we are having a great time with this music. It is wonderful stuff with great lyrics, beautiful melodies, and fantastic harmonies. I know... all you people who grew up with these songs knew that already. Well share the wealth and spread the word. Get your tickets now. Don't miss a chance for Stardust Memories!
- The show has made the move to Johnson's Reception hall. Yesterday was the day for moving and setup of set pieces, and with a large crew, we got lots of things done and ready for our first rehearsal at Johnson's tonight. Lots of good things happening, and the majority of the set is up and ready to go. Several items to fine tune of course, but that is always so right up to the night of performance. I did bring the camera (it gets me out of so much work) so I can offer a pictoral view of the day. Click here to take a look at how the day went.
- We continue to work hard to get ready for Stardust! The choreography is coming along well, and we're all working well out of the books now. Only two more weeks until opening! Get your tickets now! The main reason for my entry here today, is to let you know of an opportunity for a little preview. Apologies to the Keystone Chorus for not getting this out sooner, but they have their normally wonderful Spring Dinner show tomorrow at Johnson's Reception Hall. I'm sure you can still make a quick phone call today and check for tickets. There will be a short (10 minute) preview of Stardust before their show begins. Just enough to whet your appetite.
- I thought it was time to update you again on the progress of Stardust . It?s fun to see the set and costumes come together. While this show is not as intensively visual as some of the shows we have put on recently, the touches that are happening for our simple set are showing that standard pizzaz of OHP style. The cast and crew are being joined by more technical crew as we approach the opening date of April 5th. Lights are setting up our new portable lighting system. We?re all anxious to see how well that works. There are several new additions to our current sound system as well, and with the help of several people, we are perfecting sound that will be such an important part of this musical experience.
I?ve got an important announcement to make as well. We have arranged through the work of lots of people to provide one additional performance of this show. The demand was large enough that we worked with the folks at the Isle of Capri in Marquette to host a performance in the Pink Elephant Show room. This will be a one time event on Wednesday April 17th at 7pm. You can still contact our ticket person for tickets to the special show. Seating for this special show will be limited so if you can?t make the Dinner theater production of Stardust be sure to grab tickets for Stardust in the "Pink".
- Work continues on all fronts for both Stardust and the Opera House renovation. Our esteemed producer Kay Moser was kind enough to show up with her camera last night to chronical portions of the rehearsal. That means you not only miss out on her attractive face, but also you have to put up with some pictures of yours truly. All things considered it does allow you to keep up on shop progress. If you look closely you can see the beginings of set pieces that you may have a hard time recognizing after our artistically talented set crew members get busy. You may also notice that we are beginning to work with mics. It takes time for both the singers and and technicians to get things just right in terms of sound. Click here for the pics.
- The weekend was spent working on set for the show, and with good results. It's fun to watch these things begin to take shape. There are some special challenges when dealing with set that needs to be constructed off site and moved later, but the technical wizards at the OHP are up to the task. We?re looking at some nice "special effects" to add character to the show. Costumes are working hard to give us the appropriate period look for the songs. As I said, we always endeavor to make the show both visually and auditorily appealing. Things are looking and sounding good in both respects. More dance work this week. Feet don?t fail me now!
- A great rehearsal last night! Good to hear things coming together as well as they are. The full orchestra and cast were on hand. Our only competition was the noise the renovation volunteers where making as they worked on the Opera House. That was one noise we didn't really mind at all! We began work on dance last night, and let me tell you, I am impressed with our choreographer. I suppose I'm a bit predjudiced since she is my daughter, but.. I still think she is doing a great job. Everyone who has done choreography for the OHP has done well, but as they all found out, getting some of our two left feet to work correctly takes some time. If we can get these moves down like she planned them, you will have a visual and auditory sensation in store. Tickets are on sale now. Call (563)873-2378 and order yours today!
- Another good week of rehearsals behind us. We have begun to add dance to our rehearsal schedule. Cheri Strutt will be doing choreography for us this show, and as always, I stand amazed at the talent and imagination of people who have that ability. I struggle to do a kick ball change, let alone decide when it is the proper time to do one! We're hard into memorization, and there are lots and lots of great songs and difficult harmonies to memorize. Only when we reach that point can we really begin to effectively add in dance and other important visual points that will make the show a special event. We've got time though. You, on the other hand, may want to start thinking about getting your tickets. Being a dinner theater limits the seating available for this show. It will be an elegant, enjoyable evening out. Don't wait for the reviews, get your tickets now, or risk being disappointed. When have I steered you wrong before?
- Another night of good rehearsal time. It was interesting to work in the opera house with the construction work that is going on. We can see the changes each time we rehearse. More and more of the orchestra is joining us. We want to be certain that we do justice to these wonderful songs. I did get a chance to snap a few pictures. Click here to see the last rehearsal. We were missing one person of our cast as they get some (supposedly) deserved R & R in sunny climes. I'm sure she's disappointed she isn't making the rehearsal. Do check out the area news or the Restoration site for some more pictures of the theater itself as it undergoes renovation.
- Okay, so I didn't remember to take the camera on Thursday night. Perhaps I can get that done tonight. Probably a good thing actually, considering some of the comments that were made about my appearance during rehearsal... someone may have grabbed the camera and then demanded I put the picture on the web. There are certain advantages to being behind the camera.
Arrangements for the dinner are coming along nicely, and I am told that I will shortly be able to let you know the particulars of what is promised to be a wonderful meal. Let's all join minds and help me remember to bring the camera tonight. There will be changes to view in the Opera House Renovation project as well.
- Last night was our second rehearsal at the Opera House, and the beginning of two different aspects of the show. First, we begin to see where entrances and exits are going to be. We are also beginning to work on set construction tonight to get us more into the feel of the show. More importantly, at least for the performers, members of the orchestra are beginning to join us. Bass player Brian Strutt, Reed play Richard Palucci, and Percussion Dennis Hanna were all there last night. Let me tell you, it makes a significant difference. Wonderful to have these people onboard. It also lets us know the amount of work that our rehearsal pianist Dave Beck has been doing for us thus far. Thanks Dave! It must be time for some more pictures. I?ll try to get some at our Thursday rehearsal and bring you up to date on changes in the Opera House, and with the progress of Stardust!
- Sunday night was our first full run through of Stardust. It was a good experience for several reasons. It lets the actors know the continuity of the show and how it moves from song to song. It gives us a good idea of where we need to spend the most of our time in terms getting these beautiful harmonies whipped into shape. Perhaps most importantly, it gives us a glimpse into the end product that we are working toward. It's good to know where you are heading! The behind the scenes work is beginning and growing at a rapid pace. Ticket prices are set, some tour groups have already reserved blocks of seats. The lighting crew is working on the designs of the lighting system for a new location. Production and set crew are designing the set. Publicity is gearing up for letting you know all about the show. Make sure that Stardust is in your future.
- Ticket prices have been set at $24 for the upcoming show Stardust. The meal is still in the planning stages but we can guarantee you an elegant dinner with all the trimmings. The OHP continue to work to offer you a fantastic theater / dinner theater experience at half the cost of similar tickets elsewhere.
The rehearsals are just getting better. As we worked on songs last night, someone remarked, "Do you realize that the audience will hear this song, followed by " and listed off the next three songs. ".. they won't hardly have time to recover!" And truly you won't. It's one great song after another. Some fun, some beautiful, all great to listen to.
- I just got back from another Stardust rehearsal and all I can say is Wow wow wow. Where have you people been hiding these beautiful songs and harmonies all these years? I consider myself fortunate enough to know most of these songs because of my wonderfully musical upbringing (thanks Mom!) but I wasn't aware of the fantastic harmonies that some of them had in their arrangement. Sometimes as songs get passed down, they are changed and be come old standards with a beautiful melody line and instrumental backup. These arrangements go back to some of the very complex original harmonies and rhythms that make them very difficult but very thrilling to sing. I know it's a long ways away, but I can't wait for people to hear these tunes. I already want to start sharing. It can only get better right?
- Tickets can now be reserved even though pricing has not yet been set. The seating chart online has been modified to show you the seating arrangement for Johnson's Supper Club.
Rehearsals are going well. We have our full schedule set and we are all committed to making this a musical experience that you won't soon forget. These songs and harmonies are incredible. I know that many of you that grew up listening to these songs, or actually more likely, listening to your parents listen to these songs, know what I'm talking about. The arrangements are beautiful, full and even at this stage of the rehearsals, enough to send chills down your back. Kay has taken some pictures for us of Sunday nights rehearsal. Click here to take a look at the hard work happening. ...okay, we're all having fun too.
- We have now had three rehearsals. The materials are here and the songs are assigned. It is amazing to watch the songs change already from rehearsal to reheasal. These tunes are wonderful and the six part harmony only improves things. Lots of work to get done yet, but I am now confident that we have recruited the right people for this show.
- We had one gathering thus far and it looks like a good group of dedicated people. I know I promised to get song and cast list up but the holidays have interfered in good ways. Busy time but lots of fun. I hope all of you were blessed with memorable times and a great start to the new year. Our next session where we hope to finalized casting and assign songs is next week. Materials should arrive this week. If all goes as advertised, you'll be hearing again from me soon.
- We have the contract and all is set for the spring production of Stardust. All, except of course, final casting, set building, rehearsals, costuming,... well, you get the idea! For us, of course, these are all enjoyable things to look forward to. The director (Tom Chandler) is busy talking with those who have an interest in performing in this show. It is a small cast with the requirements for musical talent and some dedication to a long rehearsal schedule. When you get the quality and quantity of music that this show has available, you want to make sure you do it all justice. I'll work to get a song list and cast list up as soon as I can so you can begin to anticipate another wonderful OHP production.
- Time for an update. We had a short informal meeting on Sunday night and reviewed the shows we have been looking at. Our difficulty was choosing between some of the wonderful comedic plays and the musical revues. The OHP is known for it's wonderful character actors and it's talented singers. Either show would be a success. We've tentatively decided to work on a musical revue since we felt it would fit better into the "Supper Club" venue. Although we are awaiting response from interested members and rights from the rights holder, we are planning on doing Stardust. From all indications, an absolutely wonderful collage of songs from several decades of beautiful music. When we have the official rights, I'll fill you in on more of the songs. I think you'll be more than impressed. If you can call to mind the melodies for all of the nearly 30 songs in this production, you are one step ahead of me. I know enough to be impressed, and as I hear more of the tunes from the first, unfamiliar titles, I find that I knew them as well, I just wasn't aware of the name. Stand by for STARDUST melodies!
- We can't tell you some things about the spring show, but we can let you know that it is scheduled for April 5th - 13th, 2001 at Johnson's Supper Club in Elkader Ia. We plan on having the seats torn out and the beginning of the Opera House refurbishment going strong at that time. That gives us an opportunity to have a dinner theater in a more intimate setting. We are in planning stages to pick the perfect show for that venue. Don't worry, it isn't because we can't find a good show, it is because we can't decide which good show to do!