Download How Like An Angel

Ensuring the Future of the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts
Summer 2010
2 Letter from the President
Show Sponsorships
3
Goodbye Mr. Jones
The Doctor Is In –
John Battalino
Sausages for Scholarships
4 West Side Story –
Jenkinson, Tanner Team Up
5 Spotlight on
Michael Jenkinson
6 Conservatory Graduation 2010
Flight of the White Stag – Daniel Self
7 Behind the ‘Seams’ –
A Vintage Costume Tea
Gala Sponsorships
Heidi Ewart Checks In
Need to contact us?
Tel: 805.349.9135
Email:
[email protected]
www.pcpa.org
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PCPA Foundation
PO Box 6803
Santa Maria, CA 93456
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“How
Like
An Angel...”
Clare Lopez, Beverly and John Tracy, and Sabrina Cavalletto
How would your life change if someone, out
of the blue, wrote you a check to pay off your mortgage? Just such a feeling was experienced by
two PCPA students who found themselves the surprise beneficiaries of the recently created Tracy
Scholarships. Knowing that students who have already earned their undergraduate degrees prior to
enrolling in the Conservatory fall into a black hole with regard to traditional financial aid programs,
Beverly and John Tracy approached PCPA with their revolutionary idea: Make a significant
contribution towards paying down students’ loans and provide the financial freedom for them
to continue their artistic training. Stunned when given the news, both Clare Lopez and Sabrina
Cavalletto, the first time recipients of these scholarships, were thrilled to meet the Tracys at the 2010
Graduation ceremonies. Thanking them for their unbelievable faith in both PCPA and in
themselves personally, the young artists look forward to returning in the fall.
PCPA Scholarship Appeal 2010...PCPA Scholarship Appeal 2010...PCPA Scholarship Appeal 2010
Your Gifts, Their Talent - Scholarships, A Winning Partnership
Every gift made to the Scholarship Appeal is instantly
invested in the talented actors, designers, and technicians currently
preparing to bring you a sizzling summer season. Thank you!
Something’s Coming...and it’s Going to be Great!
From Tony to the Tonys, McCarthy
Keeps Making Musicals Magic
As a student at PCPA, Jeff McCarthy played many
memorable characters including Tony in PCPA’s 1975
production of West Side Story. Since graduating, Jeff has
played almost every major role on Broadway including
Billy Flynn in Chicago, Javert in Les Misérables, and the
highly comedic role of Officer Lockstock in Urinetown.
For his portrayal of the campy cop, he was honored by
performing at the 2002 Tony Awards and nominated
for a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured
Actor in a Musical. Currently starring in Poisoning
Pigeons in the Park: The Art of the Satiric Comedy Song,
Jeff’s career continues to fly high.
Spotlight, Page 1
You Make It Possible
PCPA Foundation President Nancy K. Johnson
PCPA FOUNDATION
Board of Directors
Nancy K. Johnson
President
Maryellen R. Simkins
Vice President
Judge Royce R. Lewellen
Past President
Dr. Daniel Ng
Secretary
Judy Hearn
Billy Hurbaugh
Dr. Herb Kandel
Dr. Suzanne Levy
Catherine Luckett
Cindy McKellar
Ron Nanning
Catherine Pepe
Susan Rees
Dr. John Reese
Dr. Dennis Shepard
Maren Thomas
As I write this note, we are saying a fond farewell to our
conservatory students who are graduating this year. This is
another opportunity to give them our heartfelt thanks for the
superb work they have performed these past two years for the
Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts. And it is another
opportunity to recognize our professional staff who make this
outstandingly successful program possible. None of this would
happen without the generous support from all of you. Please join
us again to meet our $150,000 Scholarship Appeal goal, consider joining Encore Circle
for the 2010-11 Winter/Spring season and become a contributor to the Endowment
Fund. Also, inquire about PCPA Forever, where your legacy gift will be a perpetual
show of support for PCPA. Of course, we know you all subscribe for our top quality
performances! Thank you, thank you, you make it possible for us to maintain one of the
finest regional theatres in the country.
2010-11 Show Sponsorships
are a great way to demonstrate your support for PCPA!
By putting your name on the poster, you not only get to witness the creative process of
your show but enjoy many other privileges of being part of PCPA’s inner circle.
Tim Bennett
AHC Trustee
Peter Pan
Judy Frost
AHC Foundation
Musical based on the play by
James M. Barrie
Lyrics by Carolyn Leigh
Music by Mark Charlop
Pat Hitchcock O’Connell
Director Emeritus
Bob Jurgensen
Director Emeritus
Jan Severson
Director Emeritus
Brooks Firestone
Honorary Director
D
SOL
Nov 4 - Dec 23, 2010, Marian Theatre, Santa Maria
Thank you Ng & Ng Dental and Eyecare
Alfred Hitchcock’s
Michael Black
PCPA Managing Director
PCPA Foundation Treasurer
Feb 10 - Mar 6, 2011, Marian Theatre, Santa Maria
Jun 16 - Jul 3, 2011, Solvang Festival Theater
FOUNDATION Staff
Interplay: The Stage Between
Tel: (805) 349-9135
Fax: (805) 346-6085
Design and layout of
The Spotlight
Susan Rees
Feb 25 - Mar 6, 2011, Severson Theatre, Santa Maria
Jane Austen’s
Spotlight, Page 2
My Fairytale
A musical about Hans Christian Andersen
Original idea and concept by Flemming Enevold
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Book by Phillip La Zebnik
Aug 12 - 19, 2011, Marian Theatre, Santa Maria
Aug 26 - Sep 25, 2011, Solvang Festival Theater
Music by Jeanine Tesori
Book and Lyrics by Tony Kushner
Adapted for the Stage by
Joseph Hanreddy and J. R. Sullivan
Apr 14 - May 8, 2011, Marian Theatre, Santa Maria
D
SMOL
May 12 - 14, 2011, Severson Theatre, Santa
805.922.8363
Two Gentlemen of Verona
Caroline, or Change
Pride & Prejudice
Conservatory Showcase
Jun 16 - Jul 2, 2011, Marian Theatre, Santa Maria
Jul 8 - 31, 2011, Solvang Festival Theater
Jul 15 - 31, 2011, Marian Theatre, Santa Maria
Aug 5 - 21, 2011, Solvang Festival Theater
Adapted by Patrick Barlow
From the novel by John Buchan
From the movie of Alfred Hitchcock
Carrie Rosing
Development Coordinator
[email protected]
Book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan
Music and Lyrics by Marc Shaiman
Lyrics by Scott Wittman
by William Shakespeare
The 39 Steps
Mark Booher
PCPA Artistic Director,
Associate Dean
Gillian Cole-Andrews
Executive Director
[email protected]
Hairspray
aria
Thank you Catherine & Richard Luckett
Aug 26 - Sep 18, 2011, Marian Theatre, Santa Maria
Sponsorship packages include print and web
recognition, preferred seating and many other
benefits. For full details, call the Foundation
Office at 349-9135.
Mr. Jones, Mr. Jones
Recently, PCPA sadly said goodbye to one of its most
beloved actors, Corey Jones. From his first role as
Max Dettweiler in The Sound of Music to his powerful
portrayal as Macbeth, his performances both comedic
and dramatic never failed to bring the house to its feet.
As Aslan in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, his
rich baritone voice, roaring life back into Narnia, barely
needed amplification, but for sheer stage presence who
could forget his pink-zoot-suit-wearin’ role as Lord High
“Everything Else” Pooh-Bah in Hot Mikado.
In his goodbye letter to the community, Jones said:
“I have had a great experience these past three years, and it
has been a honor to perform in front of you. I am grateful for
your support, your patronage and for your hospitality – you
made it a home away from home.”
Fans of Mr. Jones won’t have far to travel to continue enjoying
his work; this summer sees Corey at the Shakespeare Santa Cruz
Festival where he will be reprising his much acclaimed role as
The Moor of Venice in Othello.
The Doctor is In
Many who have enjoyed and admired the work
of seasoned guest actor John Battalino (most
recently seen as King Duncan in Macbeth), may
be unaware of the depth and range of John’s
professional talents. Before retiring, John was a
neurologist and the Chief Medical Officer for
the State of California.
Now self described as an actor, director, writer and metaphysician,
he has a profound belief in the power of the human consciousness
and of the impact of intentional living. Additionally, as a
philanthropist and mentor, he supports the theatre on and off
the stage. Often ready to share experiences from his life’s journey,
in rehearsal, John can always be seen generously coaching and
mentoring less experienced members of the cast.
Performing regularly with PCPA, his
most recent credits have included:
Leonato, Much Ado About Nothing; Adam,
As You Like It; Baptistin, A Flea In Her Ear
and Old Man Stone, Urinetown.
To keep in touch with John when he
is not acting on the PCPA stages,
find him on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/jbattalino
John Battalino, Macbeth, 2010
Top to Bottom, L-R
Life x 3, 2008
Macbeth, 2010
Hot Mikado, 2008
Sausages for
Scholarships!
Many thanks
to the
Nichols Family
Foundation
for supporting
YPP
During the month of July, PCPA’s stages will be
filled with the next generation of rising stars.
The Young People’s Project (YPP), a unique
acting experience, gives aspiring artists a taste
of professional theatre. Through eight days of
intensive workshops, students learn alongside
guest actors, musicians, and directors to create
a showcase highlighting their own budding
talents. Want to help this program? Have
breakfast at Applebee’s on June 27th, 7-9am.
This great start to your morning will also be a
great start for YPP scholarships. To get your
tickets or to sign up for YPP call Leo Cortez at
928-7731x3156.
Spotlight, Page 3
The air is hummin’ and
something
PCPA Alumnus Jim Tanner
Now Celebrity Designer
Growing up on a ranch, where there was little
to do but take things apart and put them back
together, took the young Jim Tanner from
curious to creative. Eventually this basic understanding of how things work
led the innovative Jim to PCPA and his role as costume designer for this
summer’s production of West Side Story.
Encouraged by a grandmother who was a professional actress, Jim
performed in community and high school theatre. For one production
of Cinderella, with only two days to go before opening, Jim turned family
bedspreads into elegant ball gowns. Although visually an onstage triumph,
his mother told him to simply ask her the next time he needed fabric!
After high school, studies in costuming, set and lighting design
at Porterville College was then followed by two years in the
acting conservatory at PCPA (Class of ‘99). After graduation,
Jim found himself gravitating towards the costume shop,
becoming a specialist in wig making.
Fast forward ten years; his current career as a
Hollywood stylist and designer finds him creating
custom pieces for celebrities as diverse as Ryan
Seacrest, Jennifer Lopez, Lucy Lawless, and Lady
Gaga. His resume now boasts artistic input on
American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance?, and
Dancing with the Stars. This past winter he also
starred on Bravo’s Launch My Line.
Coming full circle, Jim returned to PCPA as wig
designer for White Christmas. This spring, director of
West Side Story, Michael Jenkinson, decided to reunite
with Jim, his former classmate. Inviting him to come
alongside as costume designer for this summer’s
production, Michael knew that the audience would
be thrilled to enjoy Jim’s work once again. Speaking
from his LA home, Jim said that while he has created
historically accurate, authentic 1950’s clothes for
the show, we will also enjoy “a few surprises!”
PCPA is proud to announce that it has
received national recognition through
an award from the National Endowment
for the Arts (NEA). This prestigious award
for artistic achievement will be used to
underwrite West Side Story this summer.
Spotlight, Page 4
M
ichael Jenkinson’s first
encounter with West
Side Story, through the
1961 film, found him instantly
captivated by the lush lens of
Robert Wise and soaring choreography of Jerome Robbins.
This summer as both director
and choreographer, Jenkinson
makes his own mark on this
cornerstone of the American dance canon fueled
by a desire to root this most famous of urban
dramas in gritty realism.
Of his process, Michael says he began with
source texts but perhaps surprisingly did not
overly linger on Romeo and Juliet. Although often
cited as being the modern day rendition of this
Shakespearean tale, “West Side Story” he says,
“is significantly different – for example, unlike
Juliet, Maria clearly lives.” This brings its own
singularly poignant theme; after a lover’s death,
how does one keep on living?
His efforts to bring the art piece half a century
forward of its Broadway roots has innovation
being injected into every element of the design.
At initial concept meetings, Jenkinson told his
team that West Side Story is the only musical
whose elements can exist independently of one
another: its score can be enjoyed as symphony;
its choreography as ballet; its lyrics as opera; each
part being synergistically independent.
Though his personal dance style is greatly influenced by Robbins and his era, the choreography
for this show will not be derivative of the sixties
production. “Inspired by the current day rhythms
of Hispanic culture,” says Jenkinson, “the dance
vocabulary will make it technically the most
challenging ever performed by PCPA.” Those
who saw his demanding numbers created for
The Music Man and Curtains, will take this as no
small claim. Helping effect the vigorous Puerto
Rican inspired routines, underpinned in balletic
precision, will be Aaron Lopez who, while still
a PCPA student, was credited as Assistant to the
Choreographer for Les Misérables.
Costuming will play a vital role in defining the
racial tensions between the two cultural groups.
Describing the shared vision he has with designer
and fellow classmate Jim Tanner (Class of ‘99)
Michael says he called for a palette of iconic 1958
colors on the American men (slate blues, olive
greens, and industrial beiges) and for the Puerto
great is coming...
Ricans, he asked for lavish and vibrant colors
evocative of their Caribbean roots.
A minimalist, abstract metal set created by Resident Scenic Designer DeAnne Kennedy, defines
the impersonal character of the city, and provides
the backdrop to the sparring factions. With the
play speaking to gang violence, it is hoped that
the show will provoke constructive dialogue for
communities facing such challenges. “Through
the work,” says Jenkinson, “I hope that we
remind ourselves that whenever we discriminate,
with words or acts, we can unintentionally create
the possibility for painful repercussions.”
And speaking of words, Michael says that a vital
part of the production sensitively addressed
has been language. For those parts of the script
notated as ‘ad lib’, an authenticated Puerto Rican
dialect will be used, not just generalized Spanish
slang. Continuing this theme, he says that for
his production everything from lights to sound,
paints to props, will be asked to contribute
“its own voice; a voice of today.”
The production opens on July 9th in Santa Maria;
tickets are on sale now at www.pcpa.org
So, You
Think
You Can
Dance?
“Everyone told us West Side Story
was an impossible project. We were
told no one was going to be able to sing
augmented fourths (Mar-i-a!) and that
the score was too rangy for pop music.
Besides, who wanted to see a show in
which the first act curtain comes down
on two dead bodies lying on the stage?”
Leonard Bernstein, Rolling Stone 1990
Spotlight on Michael Jenkinson
Originally from Sacramento, Michael Jenkinson
graduated from the PCPA program in 1999
going straight to work in the regional theatres.
National tours of Grease
and Fame primed him for
a return to his home stage
where as a resident artist he
began teaching
movement,
musical theatre
dance styles and
musical theatre
ensemble. A
recent sabbatical
saw him participating in the China
International Arts Festival in Macau.
As choreographer, Michael has
raised the ‘barre’ for the Company;
his challenging routines no doubt
contributing to the national recognition
recently received for Les Misérables.
Look for his artistic signature on the
upcoming West Side
Top to Bottom, L-R:
Story where, as director, Les Misérables, 2009,
Seussical, 2006,
he is certain to create
The Pillowman, 2008,
another acclaimed
Macbeth, 2010
production.
Ovation for Jurgensen
PCPA Applauds Past President
In recognition of decades of dedication,
PCPA is proud to honor
Foundation Director Emeritus
Bob Jurgensen
with this season’s production
of West Side Story.
Bob & Jan Jurgensen
Spotlight, Page 5
Conservatory Graduation 2010
May 13-16, the Marian Theatre was abuzz with graduation activities
Brenna Wahl
and
Nicholis Sheley
ham it up in
the satire
The Musical
of Musicals –
(The Musical!)
as second year students rehearsed the productions The Musical of Musicals
(The Musical!) and The Penelopiad, in preparation for their Conservatory
Showcases. Both shows, graciously sponsored by long time supporters
Richard and Catherine Luckett, were later enthusiastically received, as
proud parents and members of the public packed the Severson Theatre.
The highlight of the weekend came with the Class of 2010’s
graduation ceremony on Sunday afternoon with resident
artists Andrew Philpot and Jennifer ‘Z’ Zornow delivering
commencement speeches. Receiving scholarships for
outstanding achievement were
Sam Francis (Kristi Nell Diller Perpetual
Scholarship), Drew Swaine (Elaine
Marie Miller Scholarship) and Kimberly
Bernard (Jack Shouse Scholarship). Two
new scholarships were awarded this year,
provided through the generosity of John and
Beverly Tracy, and were presented to students
who will be returning in the fall, Clare Lopez
and Sabrina Cavalletto.
Miles Duffield and
Devin Anthony Day
petition the gods in
The Penelopiad
Flight of the White Stag
Daniel Self -
Recent graduate Daniel Self continually graced the PCPA stage throughout his two
years in the conservatory. Joining the company already a skilled dancer, Daniel
brought his considerable artistry to the roles of the White Stag in The Lion, the
Witch, and the Wardrobe, Tommy Djilas in The Music Man and most recently
Randy Dexter in Curtains. An additional dramatic
role in Macbeth as Angus and ensemble work in
White Christmas and Les Misérables saw Daniel
seldom from the stage.
Speaking from his home in Lancaster, CA, while
taking a well-deserved break before rehearsals begin
for West Side Story, Daniel said that the training
received at PCPA has well-prepared him to succeed
in the tough world of professional theatre.
Catch Daniel in his first professional role as Jet gang
member Baby John in West Side Story and take this
last opportunity to enjoy Daniel’s lyrical technique
before he heads off to the Pacific Northwest.
Spotlight, Page 6
Daniel Self as the White Stag,
The Lion, the Witch, and the
Wardrobe, PCPA 2009
Behind the ‘Seams’ Tea - desserts, dresses and the secrets of design
A
lthough many of the costumes featured in PCPA period pieces may look like faithful reproductions,
in fact most are specially adapted for the stage. Technical tricks of the trade were recently shared at
the Vintage Costume Tea, an auction item competitively bid upon at the Foundation Gala.
The auction package, which included an authentic English tea and a tour of the PCPA costume
shop was won by Kate Riggins and Ann Hansen and graciously hosted by Judge and Diane
Beebe. After a delicious tea of scones and cucumber sandwiches, enjoyed against a
backdrop of beautifully displayed vintage dresses, guests were regaled with behind the
‘seams’ secrets from PCPA Resident Costume Designer, Juliane Starks.
Juliane, who designs many of the PCPA shows (The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe,
Distracted, and the upcoming Sylvia), said that sometimes authenticity plays second fiddle
to practicality. For example, should a dancer need to be gracefully tossed into the air, her
partner will thank Juliane for not designing a historically accurate 70 lb woolen skirt!
The afternoon was topped off with a special tour of the PCPA costume shop which, on
average, designs, patterns, cuts and sews nearly 600 costumes a year.
Vintage
Dresses,
circa 1920
PCPA’s production of Pride and Prejudice will be the inspiration for one of this year’s gala
auction items “A Jane Austen Tea”. Be the top bidder and who knows, perhaps you’ll find
yourself sharing a scone with Mr. Darcy!
Looking for a new way to advertise your business
while supporting PCPA?
Join Best Western Big America Hotel; Clos Pepe Vineyard;
The Historic Santa Maria Inn;
Image Factory; Moss, Levy & Hartzheim, CPAs;
& Your People Professionals
as sponsors of our biggest party of the year!
Foundation Gal a 2010
Miles beyond the moon… an Evening filled with Stars!
Gold Sponsorship $500
2 Gala tickets (a $250 value) or 4 PCPA show tickets
Listing in Gala program, welcome board and on event screens
Logo in The Spotlight
Silver Sponsorship $250
2 PCPA show tickets
Listing in Gala program, welcome board and on event screens
Mention in The Spotlight
Bronze Sponsorship $100
Listing in Gala program, welcome board and on event screens
Mention in The Spotlight
To sponsor this premier event or for more information,
please call the Foundation Office at 349-9135 today!
Heidi Ewart RA to Renegade
Fans of former PCPA
Resident Artist Heidi Ewart
will be pleased to hear that
she recently checked in
with her home stage. Doing
well and living and working
in Glendale CA, she now
plays the role of executive
assistant for Renegade
Heidi Ewart,
Animation. Enjoying
The Man Who
exploring all the diverse
Came To Dinner,
PCPA 2007
cultural events that LA has
to offer, she still finds time to volunteer with a
local literacy program.
She asked for a big
thank you to be sent
out to her PCPA ‘family’
for all of the support
and care she received
during her residency—
we are never far from
her thoughts!
Spotlight, Page 7
P.O. Box 6803
Santa Maria, CA 93456
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Santa Maria, CA
Permit No. 210
Kitty Balay, Melinda Parrett, and Michael Jenkinson,
Curtains, PCPA 2010, photo by Clint Bersuch
Return Service Requested
If your name does not appear in the way you
would like us to address you, please let us know!
a gala benefitting pcpa and pcpa foundation
What's On Where?
Sylvia
Jun 24 - Jul 3
Marian Theatre
Santa Maria
Jul 9 - Jul 25
Festival Theater
Solvang
West Side Story
Curtains
Live Entertainment by the Stars of PCPA
Gourmet Dinner • Live & Silent Auctions
Single Ticket $125
Premium Table for Eight $1,250
To purchase tickets, please call (805)349-9135
Stay in touch with PCPA!
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Jul 9 - Jul 25
Marian Theatre
Santa Maria
Jun 17 - Jul 3
Festival Theater
Solvang
Jul 30 - Aug 22
Festival Theater
Solvang
Invierno
PCPA Box Office
805.922.8313
For Groups 12+
800.PCPA123
www.pcpa.org
Aug 27 - Sep 19
Severson Theatre
Santa Maria