A LETTER FROM THE CAST: PIPPIN

A LETTER FROM CAST MEMBER, JESSICA MARTENS: CAST OF PIPPIN

Since then, I have had the privilege of doing other incredible shows! Some of my favorites have been Sophie in Mamma Mia, Ariel in Disney’s When You Wish, and Bright Star. It has been a gift to tell so many beautiful stories and Pippin ranks high on the list. For me, this story continues to point to our need for something greater than ourselves. The things we’re looking for to satisfy and bring us fulfillment often fall flat, but there are things that outlast us. Love, faith, hope. I’m so thankful Catherine gets to be a part of changing that narrative within this show. It has been a dream to share the stage with such an all-star cast every night and we are so eager to have people fill the seats! Springfield Little Theatre is one-in-a-million.

A BEHIND-THE-SCENES INTERVIEW WITH CAST MEMBER, EMMA ELLIOTT

Happy Theatre Thursday! My name is Emma Elliott and I’m currently in the cast of Pippin! I sat down with two of our incredible aerialists, Deidra Johnson who owns 417 Aerial, and Jordan Dykstra student at 417 Aerial to hear their take on the show.

 Emma- How are you handing your own studio schedule while coming to all of our Pippin rehearsals?

 Deidra- we were really proactive with setting our schedule to make sure all of our classes ended before 7 since most of our teachers are in the Pippin cast. Then it’s really balancing not overdoing it. They have been proactive about working their opposite side verses their dominant side.

Emma- The strength that you all have is amazing! What are you finding to be the most challenging part of the rehearsal process?

Deidra- the most challenging thing is we can’t spin as much as we would like. Spinning adds another layer to our skill work just to give the audience more pizazz. I love spinning.

 Jordan- I was going to say something similar, also the closeness of space on stage is something we’re having to balance out.

 Emma- Oh yes!  Most of us are not used to having performers on silks above our heads so that has been a new challenge for all of us. How was it teaching our cast members who are new to all of this how to use the hoop?

 Deidra- I love teaching beginner students. That’s my passion. They’re really excited and nervous. Wesley was the most nervous. I could see him shaking once he got up there. Judy was ready to go for anything and everything which is exciting but also makes me nervous when they’re brand new. Sally has come to me three times now to get her choreography down. She’s ready to try anything and she’s having to do it in her 4 inch heels which adds a different dynamic to the hoop.

 Emma- oh I’m sure! Pippin is such a complex and interesting story, what was your inspiration behind the choreography?

 Deidra- we listened to the broadway soundtrack, and kept to traditional circus moves. In aerial the things that gets the big Oohs and Ahhs are splits and spins so we kept that in our bag of tricks. For the particular scene I referenced Paula Abdul’s “Cold Hearted Snake”

 Emma- We love your circus moves! Why do you think people should come see this show?

 Jordan- you should come Because it’s such a unique and fun circus filled experience. You get the whole musical aspect but also that circus theme, being here I have a whole new appreciation for the show.

 Deidra- it’s really blended a musical program with an aerial arts program seamlessly it’s so unique when we’re able to come and merge the two together and make this great show. Just now it’s going to be really magical once it hits the stage.

 Emma-you guys have been amazing to have with us, you’re doing such beautiful work, I can’t wait for everyone to see!

ABOUT THE SHOW

There’s magic to do when a prince learns the true meaning of glory, love and war in Stephen Schwartz’s iconic and unforgettable musical masterpiece

With an infectiously unforgettable score from four-time Grammy winner, three-time Oscar winner and musical theatre giant, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell), Pippin is the story of one young man’s journey to be extraordinary. Winner of four 2013 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, this updated circus-inspired version of Pippin continues to captivate and appeal to the young at heart throughout the world. With familiar songs such as “Magic to Do”, “Glory”, and “Corner of the Sky” you’ll be dazzled by these powerful lyrics and powerhouse voices!

Heir to the Frankish throne, the young prince Pippinis in search of the secret to true happiness and fulfillment. He seeks it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power (after disposing of his father, King Charlemagne the Great). In the end, though, Pippin finds that happiness lies not in extraordinary endeavors, but rather in the unextraordinary moments that happen every day.

The revival version of Pippin is a circus inspired version full of dazzling performance acts such as hoops, silks, jugglers, and aerialists. We are thrilled to be producing this show in conjunction with 417 Aerial, which is a Circus Arts Studio. This show is for mature audiences due to language and sexual content.

TICKET INFORMATION

Come see this circus inspired spectacular live on the Landers stage April 14  through April 30.

 Platinum seating:

Adult: $37.00

Senior (62+)/Student/Military $34.00

Children (ages 12 and under) $25.00

 Gold seating:

Adult: $35.00

Senior (62+)/Student/Military $32.00

Children (ages 12 and under) $23.00

 Special Pricing:

Value Seating: $17.00

Rush: $15.00 (available at the door only – 30 minutes prior to the show to students and seniors)

 For tickets call the box office at 417-869-1334 or visit http://SpringfieldLittleTheatre.org

Photography in the blog is courtesy of 417 Aerial

Young Prince                                    Charley Foy

Enchantress                                      Johanna Thornsberry

The Beast                                          Robert Hazlette

Belle                                                   Hayden Gish

Gaston                                               Jonathon Robertson

LeFou                                                 Cody Guinn

Maurice                                             S. Jeff Dary

Monsier D’Arque                             JT Kendall

Les Filles de Villes                           Artemis Leo, Sariah Wertman, Tiera Tyler

Cogsworth                                        AJ Sharer

Lumiere                                             Joseph Galetti

Babette                                              Avery Tillette

Mrs. Potts                                         Aubrey L. Smith

Chip                                                    Eli Sherrow and Ava Bartlett

Madame De La Grande Bouche  Heather Underwood

The Prince                                         Nick Shannon

Men of the Village To Be Assigned/Enchanted To Be Assigned:  Alex Kennedy, Billy Gowers, Austin Fogg, Avery Serafini, Ben Loughary, Brett Johnston, Charley Foy, Daniel Gimlin, Dennis Roberts, Dustin “Sunshine” Godar, Elias Walley, Gabriel Hobbs, Jay Killian, Mason Brown, Matthew James, Oliver Floyd, Riley Tillery

Women of the Village To Be Assigned/Enchanted To Be Assigned:  Caroline Kelly, Chloe Massengale, Hailey Acklin, Kalei Fogg, Katie Mizell, Kender Belt, Kristen Walker, Lakyn Lee, Laurel Kemper, Lucy Gowers, Lyndsey Williams, Nikki Boler, Reaghan Skiles, Skylar Desuk, Tabitha Varvil, Zeke Roberts, Zoe Guidry

Children of the Village/Enchanted To Be Assigned:  Ava Bartlett and Eli Sherrow, Castle Kilburn, Charlie Teague, Claire Lebeck, Loralei Blevins, Morgan Baum, Sophie Rizzo

Youth of the Village/Enchanted/Etc. To Be Assigned:  Ash Mitchell, Avery Buening, Calise Littleton, Delaney Thurman, Emily Stine, Emma Lewis, Faith Roberts, Logen Cardwell, Lola Sallie, Natalie Hakala

Daughters of the Village/Enchanted/Etc. To Be Assigned:  Alyssa Hakan, Aravis Leininger, Avrey Hurshman, Betsy Cybulski, Cadence Benson, Chloe Huang, Kately Sutherland, Kaydence Cameron, Kyrie Leininger, Megan McNeilis, Zoe Allie

Gargoyles:  Abigail Simon Woelk, Caden Rowe, Jacob Nalley, Justin Peterson, Keilei Downer, Marek Davis, Sami Lick

Female Swing/Babette U/S–Johanna Thornsberry; Belle U/S—Kalei Fogg; Beast U/S–Matthew James; Gaston U/S—Nick Shannon; D’Arque U/S–Billy Gowers; Maurice U/S—Dennis Roberts; Lumiere U/S–JT Kendall; Cogsworth U/S—Mason Brown; Mrs. Potts U/S—Hailey Acklin

Understudies are not scheduled to perform in their assigned U/S role.

Thank you so very much to everyone who auditioned for Springfield Little Theatre’s production of Disney’s Beauty and The Beast!  We are sincerely grateful to each of you for sharing your time and talent, and we look forward to seeing you at the show, at future auditions, and in our education class and production offerings.

If you are cast, congratulations!  Please search for and request to join the facebook group SLT’s 2023 Disney’s Beauty and The Beast The Broadway Musical Callboard.  The first cast (and parent) meeting will be held this Sunday, March 26 at 5:15 p.m. in The Reynolds Auditorium at The Judy, 237 South Florence Avenue.  Headshots will be taken, as well.  Apparel instructions and further information will be available on the facebook group in the coming hours.

Merci beaucoup!

(Please direct inquiries to [email protected].)

CALLBACK LIST

Thank you so very much to everyone who auditioned for Beauty and The Beast!  We are so grateful for your interest in the show and your investment in the audition process.

We would like to see the following people, beginning at the times indicated this evening. 

Thank you!

6:00:

• AJ Sharer
• Angela Record
• Artemis Leo
• Aubrey Smith
• Ava Bartlett
• Avery Serafini
• Avery Tillette
• Billy Gowers
• Bob Utoff
• Brett Johnston
• Caroline Kelly
• Charlie Foy
• Claire Lebeck
• Cody Guinn
• Dennis Roberts
• Eli Oster
• Eli Sherrow
• Evvie Hill
• Frank Connely
• Hailey Acklin
• Hayden Gish
• Heather Underwood
• Jacob Luellen
• Johanna Thornsberry
• Jonathan Robertson
• Joseph Galetti
• JT Kendall
• Julie Rose Moman
• Kalei Fogg
• Kayla Buecker
• Kristen Walker
• Lakon Lee
• Lucy Gowers
• Mason Brown
• Matthew James
• Micha Pelkey
• Nathan Carter
• Nick Shannon
• Robert Hazlette
• Jeff Dary
• Sariah Wertman
• Sunshine Godar
• Tiera Tyler
• Tricia Bush
• Willa Walberg
• Zoe Allie

6:30:

• LucyAnna Whitt
• Castle Kilburn
• Coen Montgomery
• Loralei Blevins

7:00:

• Breana Payne
• Chloe Massengale
• Erin Shelton
• Katie Mizell
• Kender Belt
• Kristen Walker
• Lindsey Williams
• Lucy Gowers
• Michelle Scott
• Nikki Boler
• Reaghan Skiles
• Stephanie Derrick
• Tabitha Varvil
• Zeke Roberts
• Zoe Guidry

7:30:

• Alex Kennedy
• Austin Fogg
• Ben Loughary
• Daniel Gimlin
• Elias Walley
• Gabriel Hobbs
• Graham Roberts
• Jacob Nalley
• Jay Killian
• Jonathon Robertson
• Laurel Kemper
• Mason Brown
• Riley Tillery
• Skyler Desuk

8:00:

• Betsy Cybulski
• Calise Littleton
• Kately Sutherland
• Kaydence Cameron
• Keilei Downer
• Lola Sallie
• Megan McNeilis
• Natalie Hakala
• Sami Lick
• Zoe Allie

8:15:

• Alyssa Hakan
• Aravis Leininger
• Avrey Hurschman
• Cadence Benson
• Chloe Huang
• Kyrie Leininger

8:30:

• Abigail Simon Woelk
• Ash Mitchell
• Avalyn King
• Avery Buening
• Blue Tillette
• Delaney Thurman
• Emily Stine
• Emma Lewis
• Faith Roberts
• Logen Cardwell
• Morgan Baum
• Sophie Rizzo

10 FACTS WITH BOX OFFICE MANAGER, KAREN RICHTER

1. Attending the show with friends? A family outing? Get a group rate discount! Parties of 10 or more people are eligible for a discount. At time of the booking you put 25% of the total price down, and your final payment is due 2 weeks prior to the show. This is also good for daytime summer camp shows!
2. Perk of being a Patron Ticket Subscriber – first pick of seats before anyone else! It is the only ticket membership that has complete ticket flexibility. You can become a Patron Member at anytime throughout the season!
3. Rush tickets are always available! As long as we are not sold out, rush is available 30 mins prior to the show starting. Rush ticket pricing of $15 is for students, children, and seniors. (excludes adults)
4. The only way to avoid fees is by purchasing with cash at the box office. The system adds a processing fee to all purchases even when paying with card at the box office. Paying with cash will avoid this fee.
5. If you make a mistake when purchasing your seats, we can fix it! Call the box office at 417-869-1334 to at least 24hours prior to show time. A $1.50 per ticket exchange fee is all that is added to move to another night.
6. You don’t have to print your print at home tickets you can pull it up on your phone when you get here and we will scan your QR code straight from your phone!
7. We are always needing front-of-house volunteers! If you usher one show per run for every show in the season you receive a gold badge with your name on it at the end of the season! A popular perk is that every volunteer that works a show sees the show for free! If a volunteer is under 15 years of age, they must be accompanied by an adult. Aside from ushering you can also ticket take and help at will call during a show.
8. If a show sells out we open up standing room tickets for $15 so always check with the box office to see if these are available!
9. All show tickets go on sale at the beginning of the season. Buy tickets early to ensure your choice in seating! 
10. Coupons come with your tickets! Andy’s Frozen Custard: Free small cone. Archie’s Italian Eatery: BOGO entree, Gailey’s Cafe: BOGO entree after 3pm.

The Landers box office is open Monday – Friday 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. and 2 hours prior to showtime each show night. The box office number is 417-869-1334 and is located inside the historic Landers Theatre at 311 E. Walnut in downtown Springfield, Missouri.

5 FUN FACTS ABOUT SLT’S, THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG!

  1: 21 objects fall from height every performance, including actors! You read that correctly. This set is a STAR of the show on its own. Just like the show title suggests, everything that could go wrong when performing a play, does. Even though you know its coming, it will get you every night how quickly things fall apart (literally) durning this show!

   2: There is a lot of crew members working together backstage. Okay, there is always a lot of crew working backstage, but this crew is different. What you don’t see during the show is all of the crew members that are working backstage to make these tricks happen! (I see some behind the scenes videos coming soon!)

   3: The mayhem starts well before the play begins. When you come to the show, be sure to arrive early. The shenanigans start before the show officially begins. Keep an eye out for any mischief in the audience or on stage. You just have to experience this one to understand!

   4: An award- winning hit! With 11 international awards, including the 2015 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy and a 2017 Tony Award for its Broadway transfer, The Play That Goes Wrong has been a BIG hit with audiences world-wide.

   5: SLT purchased the set from another theatre. Although the SLT technical team made adjustments to the set to fit our stage, they didn’t actually build it from scratch like they usually do! The set was purchased from Fine Linen Theatre in Rolla, Missouri after they wrapped their production of The Play That Goes Wrong. 

RUN DON’T WALK TO GET YOUR TICKETS!

As you can imagine, tickets are selling fast, and some nights are almost SOLD OUT! With only EIGHT performances you do not want to wait to purchase your tickets to this one-of-a-kind night out. To purchase tickets, call the box office at 417-869-1334 or visit the box office in person Monday through Friday between Noon – 5:00 p.m. OR visit http://springfieldlittletheatre.org/show/theplaythatgoeswrong to purchase your tickets online.

PERFORMANCE DATES

• Thursday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 11 at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, March 12 at 2:00 p.m.
• Thursday, March 16 at 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, March 17 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 18 at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, March 19 at 2:00 p.m.

TICKET INFORMATION

BRIAN TAKES US INSIDE THE LANDERS THEATRE BOX OFFICE!

Hello! My name is Brian, and I have been working in the box office at the Landers Theatre for the past year. In that year, I have learned a lot about Springfield Little Theatre and what makes it so special!

My favorite part of being in the box office is being able to talk to people from the beginning of the process, and possibly their first time ever hearing about Springfield Little Theatre. From introducing them to the shows in our season and explaining what each show is about, to helping them get their tickets set up and greeting them when they come through the doors, and then hearing about their experience and seeing their joy following the performance. It feels like in the box office we have the unique opportunity to connect with the community and give people the best experience from start to finish.

Here’s what to expect when you come to one of our shows:

• First, you drive here and you’re probably wondering where to park: there is street parking, there are some parking garages within a few blocks of the theatre, and we also have a parking lot reserved for our patron members. Along with other perks, the patron parking lot makes parking super quick and easy. (for more info about our patron memberships please give us a call! These are available to purchase anytime throughout the season) 
• You’ve just parked, and now you’re heading into the theatre! It is not required for you to arrive very early, since it is assigned seating, but for those that want to arrive early we welcome you to hang out in our beautiful lobby, chat with some of our wonderful volunteers that make it all possible, check out the SLT merchandise at our boutique, grab a snack at the concession stand, check out our selection of beer and wine at the bar, and visit our flower station to send a flower to someone in the cast.
• If you’ve already purchased your tickets, then you are all set and have the option to pick those up at will call, print them at home, or scan them from your phone. If you do not have tickets yet, no worries. We have a wide range of options for tickets depending on where the seat is and the age of the patrons, with different prices for adults, seniors/students/military, and children. We also have student rush tickets available 30 minutes before each show for students and senior citizens! If you need wheelchair accessible seating, we can also accommodate for that. Lots of options for everybody!
• Now it is 30 minutes before showtime and we have begun seating. You will have your ticket scanned, an usher will help you to your seat, and now it’s time to sit back and enjoy the show! Depending on the production, we may or may not have a 15 minute intermission so you have time to use the restroom, hang out in the lobby, get a snack and a drink at the concession stand, and get back to your seat for act 2!

We hope you keep coming back to experience more shows here! Our box office team is excited for the remaining shows in our season and can’t wait to see some new faces at each one. The box office is open Monday through Friday from Noon – 5pm. Feel free to stop by or give us a call at 417-869-1334 and get your tickets set up for The Play That Goes Wrong, Pippin, and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast!

INSIDE THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG – WITH DIRECTOR, BETH DOMANN

Springfield Little Theatre’s next production The Play That Goes Wrong is a hilarious comedy about, well, a play that goes wrong! It is a play within a play that is nonstop laughter from start to finish. In this classic slapstick, whodunnit comedy, the audience watches as these accident-prone actors attempt to get through their play to the final curtain call! I sat down with the show’s Co-Director, Beth Domann to to get the inside scoop about the show that opens in three weeks.

Shannon: What is The Play That Goes Wrong?

Beth: It is the actors worst nightmare. Seriously, everything that could go wrong in a show, does.

S: That sounds so funny!

B: It’s hysterical! No matter what happens, the actors just keep going.

S: Why type of show is this play?

B: It’s comparable to Noises Off. It is very physical, slapstick comedy.

S: Talk about the actors in this show.

B: All of the actors have amazing comedic timing and are very good with physical comedy.

S: What is something that people may not know about this show?

B: One of the main characters in this show is the set. Which is a little unusual.

S: What has been your favorite part of this process so far?

B: Laughing hysterically in rehearsals! Someone will try something new and everyone will crack up. Everyone has their moment in this show.

S: Summed up in one line, what is a takeaway from the show’s theme?

B: No matter what happens you’ll get through it.

S: Any last words you would like to say to audiences?

B: This is one of those shows you truly don’t want to miss. It really is THAT funny.

I was already excited to see The Play That Goes Wrong, but after sitting down with Beth I am really looking forward to a night of laughter! I am also wildly intrigued by the set being a character in the show! Stay tuned for upcoming blogs as I dive more into that!

Tickets are selling very quickly for this show and there are only eight performance dates available, so do not wait to get your tickets!

The Play That Goes Wrong performance dates

• Thursday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 11 at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, March 12 at 2:00 p.m.
• Thursday, March 16 at 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, March 17 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 18 at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, March 19 at 2:00 p.m.

TICKET INFORMATION

MAKE YOUR LANDERS STAGE DEBUT WITH SPRINGFIELD LITTLE THEATRE!

Auditions for Springfield Little Theatre shows are open to everyone in the community and every show the theatre welcomes actors making their Springfield Little Theatre debut! The current show running on the Landers stage, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, welcomed 14 performers that made their Landers stage debut, with two of them being the lead characters. The male lead, Tom Baker made his debut with SLT along with his son, Sam Baker. Today’s Theatre Thursday Blog is a letter from Tom!

A LETTER FROM ACTOR, TOM BAKER

Community theatre has been a major part of my life since 1994. From the first time that I stepped onto the stage as a shark in Westside Story, I have found a love and a family within community theatre.

I will also add that I did not start out as a “theatre person”, which is to say I did not have the lyrics to Les Miserables memorized or show posters on my wall. I was green when I started and to be honest it wasn’t theatre that hooked me in getting onto stage. It was the people. It was the relationships that were cultivated.

I have recently had the honor and privilege to perform in Springfield Little Theatre’s production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the experience has been amazing. Once again, I have found a family that I get to share the stage with. I really can’t say enough about the process and the professional work that has gone into this production. From the director and technical crew to the lovely folks I perform with. The Springfield Little Theatre has made this great house of creativity that we all can play in and express ourselves.

In conclusion, I can sum up the Springfield Little Theatre in 3 words…”Feels Like Home”. I’m so very fortunate and blessed for this experience. From the bottom of my heart I am so grateful to have this community organization in my life and it is a bright spot within Springfield, MO. – Tom Baker

Last weekend to see the show!

You can see Tom, and the rest of this amazing cast in the musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang this weekend only!

Remaining shows:

• Thursday, February 9 – show at 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, February 10 – show at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, February 11 – show at 2:00 p.m. AND 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, February 12 – show at 2:00 p.m.

Ticket Information

Thank you to everyone who came out and shared their time and incredible talents despite the winter weather! We greatly enjoyed auditioning each and every one of you! If you were not cast, please come back soon and audition for Beauty and the Beast to wrap up our 2022-2023 season.

Congratulations to everyone who was cast! We cannot wait to get started! Please request to join the “SLT’s Pippin” Facebook group. The first cast meeting will begin Tuesday Feb 7 at 7pm on the third floor of the Landers. We would like all principal characters, ensemble, and understudies to be at this meeting. Please keep up with our Pippin Facebook page for announcements and information. Aerialists and Special Acts, we look forward to seeing you on Feb 12 (at the full company meeting) and Mar 20 on the Landers stage.

The first full company meeting will be Sunday Feb 12 at the Judith Enyeart Reynolds School of the Performing Arts. Costume measurements and headshots will start at 6pm and the full cast meeting will start at 7pm. Please wear something nice for headshots (avoid whites and greens). These will be used for publicity.

Thank you!

Chyrel Miller, Parker Payne, Ryan May, Michelle Sturm

Special Acts:

• Mychelle Omar
• Mason Saddler (also ensemble)

Aerialists:

• Deidra Johnson
• Sarah Byrd
• Heather Carpenter
• Jordan Dykstra
• Jesika Favuzza
• Melissa Lyman
• Chandler Moore
• Celena Sansom
• Crystal Bradford

Leading Player: Sally Trtan

Pippin: Wesley Bryan

Charlemagne: Clay McGranahan

Catherine: Jessica Martens

Theo: Kelton Bailey

Berthe: Judy Luxton

Fastrada: Kassie Seyer

Lewis: Jacob Winter

Pippin Understudy: Andrew Wilson

Fastrada Understudy: Austen McGranahan

Catherine/Berthe Understudy: Claire Claubré

Charlemagne Understudy: Michael Grover

Ensemble Band of Players:

• Logan Scott
• Chuck Lick
• Dustin Godar
• Michael Grover
• Andrew Wilson
• Mason Saddler
• Ryan May
• Natalie Regenold
• Jordan Crain
• Brianna Hobbs
• Emilia Riccomini
• Sydney White
• Gabby Catlin
• Emma Elliott
• Grace Horeczko
• Austen McGranahan
• Claire Caubré
• Mel Jenkins