FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Penelope
Ragotzy
August 22, 2008 Asst.
Emily Smith (269) 731-4545
Barn Theatre
Production of
Book, Music and Lyrics
by Jonathan Larson
Musical Arrangements -
Steve Skinner
Original
Concept/Additional Lyrics - Billy Aronson
Music Supervision and Additional
Arrangements - Tim Weil
Dramaturg - Lynn
Thomson
OPENING AUGUST 19 AT 8:30
and playing through
AUGUST 31
Produced & Directed by BRENDAN RAGOTZY
(Augusta, MI) August 22, 2008 - On Tuesday, August 5
at 8:30 p.m., the Barn Theatre opens the first
regional production of “a rock opera for our time”, RENT.
The Barn Theatre production of RENT is a special event
that is over 25 years in the making. The
book, music and lyrics were all written by “Barnie” Jonathan Larson who served
as an apprentice in 1980-1981 and performed alongside Marin Mazzie, Tom Wopat
and other Barn greats.
Based on Puccini's opera, La Bohème, RENT translates the story
to the gritty, dilapidated apartments and fire escapes of Manhattan’s Alphabet City where we meet the
bohemian group of friends on Christmas Eve. Introverted filmmaker Mark Cohen (2nd
year apprentice Kevin White) and his roommate, frustrated, musician Roger Davis
(Eric Parker) are facing looming eviction by their former friend turned smarmy
landlord Benny (Guest Artist Allen Christopher). After Mark leaves, Roger meets their
neighbor, exotic dancer Mimi Marquez (first year apprentice Maggie Politi). The
attraction is instant, and Roger and Mimi decide to join the Christmas revelry
at the local café. Soon joining the
celebration are bisexual performance artist Maureen Johnson (Penelope Alex),
her lesbian lover, the left-brained lawyer Joanne Jefferson (Guest Artist Lina
Kernan), Anarchist computer philosopher Tom Collins who is living with AIDS
(Guest Artist Jesse Dean Stanford) and his sweetheart, transvestite
percussionist Angel Dumott Schunard,
who is also living with AIDS (First year apprentice Carson Ross).
The lovers clash as they face drug addiction, acceptance, and struggle
to live with AIDS. Though fear divides them, they all must come to terms with
their pain and rely on their fringe menagerie family of friends to pull them
through the year.
This Gen-Ex hit first debuted in February of 1994 at the
New York Theatre Workshop to explosive reviews.
The rock opera opened off-Broadway in 1996 and moved to Broadway’s Nederlander Theatre on April 29 of the same year. Tragically, creator Jonathan Larson suffered
an aortic aneurysm and died on January 25, 1996, the evening before RENT opened
off-Broadway. Sadly, the composer never
lived to see much of the show’s success.
That year RENT earned four Tony
Awards (of its ten nominations) and the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The grit and passion of this musical has made
it one of the one of the most successful musicals in the past decade, featuring
show stoppers such as “Today 4 You,” “One Song Glory,” “La Vie Boheme,” “No Day But Today,” and “Season’s of Love.”
RENT is directed by
Brendan Ragotzy. Musical Direction is by
Aaron Cassette and Choreography is by Lauran Stanis. Steven Lee Burright is the Set Designer and
Michael Wilson Morgan is the Costume Designer. Garrylee McCormick is the
Hair/Wig Designer. Properties are designed by James B. Knox and Lights are
designed by Adam Levine. Mike McShane is the Sound Designer. Technical
Direction is by Fred Gillette.
RENT plays through August 31. Performances are Tuesday through Friday at 8:30 PM, Saturday at 6:00 PM & 9:00 PM, and Sunday at 5:00 PM (possible added show
Sunday 8:30 PM) all summer long!
Enjoy refreshments in The Rehearsal Shed Lounge with friends before, during
intermission and after the show. Enjoy a light snack while being entertained by
the free cabaret-style show in the Rehearsal Shed Lounge after the main stage
performance.
The Barn Theatre is located on M-96, west
of Augusta. Tickets are
$29.00 for all performances and Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Group prices available. The box office is open daily 10:00 am-10:00 pm. For tickets or more information call (269)
731-4121. www.barntheatre.com
RENT Cast (top to bottom):
Eric Parker, Maggie
Politi, Kevin White, Carson Ross, Jesse Dean Stanford, Lina Kernan, Penelope
Alex
####
CAST
LIST
Roger Davis....................................................................................................................... Eric
Parker
Mark Cohen..................................................................................................................... Kevin
White
Tom Collins.......................................................................................................... Jesse
Dean Stanford
Benjamin Coffin III.................................................................................................... Allen
Christopher
Joanne Jefferson............................................................................................................... Lina
Kernan
Angel Schunard................................................................................................................ Carson Ross
Mimi Marquez................................................................................................................. Maggie
Politi
Maureen Johnson.......................................................................................................... Penelope
Alex
Ensemble:
Steven Lee Burright, Isaac Bush, Katrina
Chizek, Joe Dely, Ryan DeNardo, Sarah Dowling, Dana Joy Glaus, Alex Gorgone, Kevin
Green, Patrick Hunter, Brittany Lynn Kriger, Katie Mack, Megan MacPhee, J.P.
Makowski, Ellie Messinger, Gregg Rehrig, Erin Michelle Routh, Kelly Marie
Schaaf, Alyssa Schlageter, Vaughn Schmidt, Lindsey Michelle Schroeder, Michael
Tuck, Katherine Weatherford, Todd Zamarippa
CAST
BIOS
ERIC PARKER - Roger Davis
Eric's growing list of Barn credits
includes several favorites: Roger DeBris in THE
PRODUCERS and Adam in SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS last summer, Jerry in THE
FULL MONTY, Remnar in all three
productions of ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT, Rocky and Eddie in almost all our runs
of THR ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Judas in JESUS
CHRIST SUPERSTAR, Freddie in CHESS, Pharaoh in JOSEPH..., Cable in SOUTH
PACIFIC, Jimmy Powers in CITY OF ANGELS, Cousin
Kevin in TOMMY, the title role in PIPPIN, and Che in
EVITA, a role that introduced Eric to Chicago audiences in an award-winning
production at Drury Lane Oakbrook. His career has continued there with a
variety of credits in almost a dozen TYA and mainstage productions including
THE MUSIC MAN (Jacey),
JOSEPH... (Levi), and A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Fezziwig).
Regional: Sebastian in THE THING ABOUT MEN, Henrik in
A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, Miles in A FUNNY THING... FORUM, Rocky
in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW,
Jesus in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and Claude in HAIR (European Tour). An Adrian native, Eric studied
at the California campus of The
American Academy of Dramatic Arts and at Siena Heights University in his
hometown. Eric spent this past winter in Chicago, doing extra
work and playing a gangster at Tommy Gun's Garage in
the South Loop. His television credits include GUIDING LIGHT,
recent History Channel gangster shows, and a couple local ads for Behavioral
Health Resources. On our offstage staff Eric helps oversee maintenance of
the Barn's physical plant and directs our popular Bar Shows.
KEVIN WHITE - Mark Cohen
Kevin is stoked to be returning to the Barn for a second summer. Earlier
this season Kevin played Max in LEND ME A TENOR and Riff in the hit WEST SIDE STORY. Barn audiences
may remember him as the youngest brother, Gideon, in SEVEN BRIDES…, and his
performances in THE PRODUCERS, ONE FLEW OVER THE
CUCKOO’S NEST, and GEPPETTO AND SON. Kevin is a Musical Theatre major at Millikin University, where he will be a
senior this fall. Over the past year
Kevin performed in the mainstage production of MY FAVORITE YEAR at Millikin and
acted as musical director for the musical RUTHLESS! Kevin would once again like to thank his
grandparents for everything they do for him, his loving family that supports
him, and of course, the Ragotzys for inviting him
back.
JESSE DEAN STANFORD - Tom Collins
Jesse Dean Stanford has been entertaining audiences in
Chicago
and abroad garnering several award nominations and citations for his work for
nearly two decades. In addition to being
a Music Director, Director & Actor for Chocolate Chips Theatre Company, his
numerous Theatrical credits include: NO PLACE TO BE SOMEBODY (Stage Actor‘s
Ensemble), THE LIFE
(Circle Theatre), IT’S SHOWDOWN TIME & EYES
(ETA),
DOO WOP SHOO BOP
and MY HEART IS CRYING, CRYING: THE JACKIE WILSON STORY (Black Ensemble), a
national tour with TORN: THE MUSICAL, a 5-year international tour with A PIECE
OF MY SOUL: THE ANTHOLOGY OF GOSPEL (Lewis Pro Prod.), DREAMGIRLS, THE WIZ,
ONCE ON THIS ISLAND (Cornerstone Productions) STAGE DIRECTIONS (Chicago Theatre
Company) and most recently BLACK NATIVITY ( 4th year
performance-Congo Square). Jesse has
also worked as an entertainer & Show Captain with THE SPIRIT OF CHICAGO
cruises. He has done vocal work with
such artists as Ramsey Lewis, The Barrett Sisters and Albertina
Walker. He is a featured vocalist with
the gospel recording acoustic quartet Phava (he
appears on both CDs: Phava -Live & Already Been To
The Water. In 2001, Jesse released his first
project entitled: Jesse Dean Stanford & Grace: Consecrate Me (DaMan Records).
Jesse is at work on his sophomore recording project with new Chicago-based
label: Pathway Records. For more
information about this artist and for a sneak peek at his soon to be released
single “Farther Along” and other wonderful songs visit him at www.myspace.com/jazzydean
or www.isemusic.org
ALLEN CHRISTOPHER - Benjamin “Benny” Coffin, III
Allen Christopher is thankful
to be making his debut at the Barn Theatre and to be a part of this very
special RENT experience and cast. Yep..he’s
a “Barnie” now! He is from Brandywine, Maryland, lived in NYC and now
resides in Los Angeles. Some of his favorite stage projects are
DREAMGIRLS (Curtis Taylor, Jr.), MISS
SAIGON (u/s John), ONCE ON THIS ISLAND (Papa Ge), AIDA (Mereb), JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
(Simon), SMOKEY JOE'S CAFÉ (Adrian) and RAGTIME (u/s Booker T. Washington). Other credits include: Film: Armed with Wicked Wisdom and One Night Stand; TV/Commercials/Print: Criminal Minds, Brahva
Beer, Safeco Insurance and Zmax pharmaceuticals. He
also holds Marketing and International Business degrees from PennState. Allen is a proud member of AEA and thanks
God, his loving family and dedicated friends.
www.allenchristopher.net
LINA KERNAN - Joanne Jefferson
Lina is so excited to make her first appearance at the Barn theatre in
its production of RENT. She just completed a run of AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ at the
Goodman Theatre in Chicago and received the
Black Alliance nomination for Best Leading Actress in a Musical. Other Chicago credits include Marta
in COMPANY, a Kit Kat Girl in CABARET, and Sarah’s Friend in RAGTIME with Porchlight Musical Theatre, which won a Jeff Award for Best
Production. Regional credits include SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ at Timberlake
Playhouse, ALMOST HEAVEN at Circa 21, and BARNUM and CHICAGO with Cherry County
Playhouse. She is a native of the Chicago area and holds a BFA
in musical theatre from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. She thanks her
family for their constant support, especially her mom and favorite sister. “All my love and thanks to Cody Joe. God Bless.”
CARSON ROSS - Angel Schunard
A native of Cincinnati, Ohio and a Junior Musical
Theatre major at Kent State University, Carson is delighted to join
the Barn family for its 63rd season. Barn audiences will recognize Carson for his standout
roles this season as Lesgles in LES MISÉRABLES, Chino in the hit WEST SIDE STORY and featured
numbers in the Bar Show. Last summer, he
appeared in Porthouse Theatre’s PETER PAN. Other
credits include Speedy Valenti in WONDERFUL TOWN,
Victor in CABARET, and the Bird Seller in SWEENEY TODD, and Marius in LES
MISÉRABLES. He would like to thank his friends and family for their support.
MAGGIE POLITI - Mimi Marquez
Maggie is so happy to be making her Barn debut this summer! She most recently received her B.M. from the
Musical Theatre program at Catholic University. This past year she appeared at The Kennedy
Center in a tribute to Richard Rodgers, MYTHS AND HYMNS at Signature
Theatre, and EVITA at Catholic U. Last summer Maggie performed at The New
London Barn Playhouse and appeared as Bombalurina in CATS, Frauline
Kost in CABARET, Dolly Tate in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, and Crystal in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Other favorite roles include Millie Dillmount in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, and Rosalie in
CARNIVAL. Maggie would like to thank her
family for all of their support, and of course, Brendan and Penelope for this
fantastic opportunity.
PENELOPE ALEX - Maureen Johnson
In her 21 seasons, Penelope has more than established herself on the
Barn stage. Her resume here is highlighted by a series of compelling
performances: Aldonza in MAN OF LA MANCHA, and
Janet in our first two productions of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW come to mind, as do
her own favorites, such as the Beggar Woman in SWEENEY TODD, Golde in FIDDLER
ON THE ROOF, Aurora in KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, and opposite Tom Wopat as
Nellie and Annie, respectively, in SOUTH PACIFIC and ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. Last season
she starred as Nurse Ratched in ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOOS
NEST. Her longest-running roles are her
dearest- wife and mother to Barn Producer Brendan Ragotzy and their children
Luke (13), Calli (11), Jacob (8), and Melina (4). Over the winter Penelope was
seen as a woman getting her hair done and complaining about her
family in a commercial for Behavioral Health Resources, and heard in
a radio spot for CTS. She also taped two Shipshewana
commercials with her youngest son Jake. In addition to her full slate
onstage and at home Penelope serves the Barn as Publicist and coordinates the
hiring and departmental placement of each season's apprentice company. She's a
native of San Jose, CA, and like husband
Brendan, is a proud alum of San Jose State University.
CALENDAR NEWS: FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 22, 2008
NOW PLAYING: The
colorful and dramatic SHENANDOAH plays August 5-17 starring Robert Newman of
TV’s Guiding Light. This
beautiful musical revolves around a strong willed Virginia
farmer who attempts to keep his family neutral during the Civil War. Their
story is a heart warming and heart rending portrayal of the mayhem that left
wounds on the land and people. With a score full of memorable songs including
“Next to Lovin”, “We Make A Beautiful Pair” and
“Freedom”, this musical will be loved by every member of the family.
NEXT: Playing August 19-31 is the Broadway phenomenon, RENT! Winning many coveted awards, RENT tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists
struggling for success and acceptance while enduring poverty, addiction, and
AIDS. Among the memorable songs in this revolutionary rock score are “Without
You,” “What You Own”, “Take Me Or Leave Me,” “Seasons of Love” and the title
song “Rent.” Inspired by Puccini's opera
La Bohème, with music and lyrics written by the Barn’s own Jonathan
Larson, RENT is hailed as the Rock Opera of our time!
COMING
SOON: ONE WEEK
ONLY – SEPTEMBER 2-7! The
Barn Theatre is proud to Present the 9th return of its
most popular production -- THE ROCKY
HORROR SHOW. FEE
WAYBILL of the rock group The Tubes stars as Dr. Frank 'N' Furter from September 2-7. The story parodies an old horror
and science fiction movie, in a style that combines a rock show and a
transvestite chorus revue. Dedicated
ROCKY HORROR fans are encouraged to come to The Barn in costume and dance
"The Time Warp"--BUT PLEASE LEAVE ALL
PROPS AT HOME!! ROCKY opens Tuesday,
September 2nd and runs through September 7th. **Adult
Themes**
|
The
Barn Theatre Located
on M-96, 1 mile west of the village
of Augusta.
Box
Office Phone 269
731-4121 Open daily from 10:00
am to 10:00
pm
Performance
times Tuesday
through Friday at 8:30pm
Saturday
(2 shows) 6:00pm
& 9:00 pm
Sunday
5:00pm (8:30 Added performance,
if applicable)
Ticket
Prices $29.00 Each. Any day, any performance.
|
Visa
and MasterCard Accepted
Group rates available (10 tickets or more)
Professional Equity resident summer theatre. Our 63rd season
Listed on the Michigan Register of Historic Sites – Free
and easy parking
Air-conditioned Theatre and Restrooms handicapped
accessible.
|
Enjoy refreshments and a light snack in the Rehearsal Shed Lounge with friends
before, during intermission and after the show. WINGS AND NACHOS in the Rehearsal Shed! Free cabaret-style entertainment follows main
stage performances.
Brendan
Ragotzy, Producer.
