CATCO Blog

CATCO-Phoenix asked for audience reviews on Souvenir’s opening night.   The audience jotted down their thoughts on sticky notes and posted them on the lobby wall.  There was considerable conversation as people read each others comments after the show.  Add your own thoughts to our blog when you see Souvenir.  Happy Holidays.

• Linda Dorff is FABULOUS—72 years of fabulous!

• This is a must see play!   Outstanding acting between two great actors—an accomplished pianist and a person who can’t sing but thinks she can.  Full of laughs.  It’s not easy singing off key!

• A triumph of self-deception.  Gasping hilarity.

• Music Award to Linda—she’s fabulous!

• Super show!  Linda Dorff is simply amazing!  (But we’ve always known that!)  Here’s hoping you’ll extend the run!

• Matt Clemens was magnificent!

• I have no words on her voice.  Great play.

• What an absolute delight to see Linda Dorff perform—and how difficult it must be for her to sing badly. . .because she sings beautifully in “real life.”  Three cheers for this fine production!

• I think it probably takes as much talent to sing off-key as it does to sing on key.  Self-delusion very comically portrayed.

• Linda Dorff will make you laugh uproariously! Go see Souvenir!

• Delightful show.  Excellent acting.

• Great interaction between characters.  Can’t believe Linda can do this with a straight face.  Great musical choices.

• Linda Dorff rocks!

• Matt Clemens and Linda Dorff are fantastic!

• Matt Clemens is “HOT” and he can sing and act and play the piano!  Great show.

• Linda Dorff is the Queen of Mozart’s Night.  Matt Clemens is the conductor in this delightful show.

• There are lots of fans of Linda Dorff.  They will not be disappointed.  If you are not a fan, you will be after Souvenir.

• Loved it!!  Perfect casting!  Very talented pair.  Hope the rest of the run is great!

• Mrs. Foster Jenkins embodies the American ideal that one can do whatever one wants.

• Cosme McMoon is that voice of reason that often saves us from ourselves.  Thanks Linda, Matt, et. Al. for a fun Friday evening!
• Great costumes.  Super set.  Marvelous direction and acting.  Congrats to all!

• Linda Dorff is a comic genious!

• Wonderful acting.  Lovely play.

• The timing of the commentary kept the mind focused.

• Really enjoyed the music—Bravo!

• Isn’t loyalty wonderful??  What happened to background chatter in Act II?

• Hard to imagine better casting.  They were made for their parts.  Wonderful musicianship on the part of Matt Clemens and it takes a real talent to be as unmusical as Florence Foster Jenkins.

• Loved the show it made me laugh until I cried.  Thanks.

• What a wonderful, deeply moving story!  Two “strange” lives came to the same part of a shared journey!  How funny!  How emotional!  What a blend of the good, bad and the “ugly” re: notes.  Well done!  Terrific verbals and non-verbals.

• Heartwarming and funny.  Amazing talent.  A joy to be part of.

As Artist Educator at CATCO-Phoenix, I have had the pleasure to work with many young people at several schools in the Columbus area. Last year, I had the opportunity to work with the students at South Bloomfield Elementary School in the Teays Valley school district. I taught the students cross-curricular lessons, the Tools of the Actor, and how to take standardized tests more effectively using drama techniques. I have since become “That Theatre Lady” among many of the students.

This year, Craig Lautenschleger (Principal at South Bloomfield Elementary) wanted to try a 3-week performance residency with his 66 5^th grade students that would result in an “informance” or informal performance for friends and family. It would be the first performance of its kind at SBE. The 5^th grade team wanted their students to perform a play that aligned with Social Studies Ohio Department of Education standards. We decided on Tales and Sacred Journeys, a play written by Steven C. Anderson, and performed back in 2004 as part of the Phoenix season.

The play dealt with three Cherokee tales. The 5^th graders learned from where strawberries come, how animals were to be respected, and how thunder and lightning came to be—all according to Cherokee tradition. The students also learned about Cherokee history, Native American Sign Language, and the Trail of Tears.

After rehearsing, learning lines, designing their own costumes, and practicing the Tools of the Actor, they performed for their parents, family, and friends. Mr. Lautenschleger had set up 150 chairs in the cafeteria space for the audience, but there were people who had to stand to watch the show. It was packed! The students did an excellent job, and I could not have been more proud. With only 9 hours of instruction time, they had hit that play out of the park. It was a new, exciting, sometimes scary journey for the students, but they exuded confidence, responsibility, and poise. Bravo South Bloomfield Elementary 5^th grade!

- Whitney Thomas Eads

Earning a Living in the Arts – Peter Sklar

Everything you need to know about a performing arts career – Everything.

11/14/11 – 7PM

Columbus Performing Arts Center – Shedd Theatre

Admission is free

Renowned New York Talent Scout Peter Sklar knows a thing or two about helping aspiring child stars achieve success. His list of protégés includes Sarah Jessica Parker, Reese Witherspoon, and Mischa Barton, to name a few, along with many current and former Broadway, TV, and film actors, singers and dancers. According to Sklar, an arts career is about two things: self-image and health. He argues that these qualities outweigh looks, training, connections, and even talent.

In “Earning a living in the Arts” a free lecture for aspiring teen dancers, singers and actors, and their parents on Monday Nov 14th,7pm at The Columbus Performing Arts Center in Columbus, OH, Sklar will explain why his views are in sync with the needs of top New York and Hollywood agents and casting directors.

“The casting people who sit behind the table are trying to decide two things: do they like you, and do they believe you,” Sklar tells young audiences. “If you don’t feel good mentally and physically, you won’t open up and show us who you really are. When that happens- no matter how good you are, how pretty, or who you know- we’ve already lost interest.”

Peter Sklar boasts an Ivy League pedigree, (Masters Degree in Education from Harvard University), and four decades of experience. He’s been the subject of multiple feature-length articles in the New York Times, was interviewed on E! True Hollywood Story, appeared as a guest expert on Donahue, and has had his work presented on the Bravo Channel, Good Morning America, and dozens of other media outlets.

He’s currently developing an original musical based on his experiences entitled “The Kid Who Played the Palace”, to be directed by William Martin, (Broadway’s “The Lieutenant”, recipient of five Tony Award nominations).

“Earning a living in the Arts” is open to teenagers, young adults, older children, and parents. There is no charge for admission, but reservations are strictly required.

WHEN:   Monday Nov 14th,7pm

WHERE:  The Columbus Performing Arts Center

549 Franklin Ave. Columbus, OH 43215

RESERVATIONS: Email CATCO-Phoenix Associate Artistic Director Joe Bishara at jbishara@catco.org

Lessons from a Candarian Demon

Since joining the cast of Evil Dead the Musical, people stop me on the street all the time and ask me the same question, “So what’s it like being a Candarian Demon?”

“Great” I always say, right before I rip off his or her ear with my teeth and force them to join our evil minions…

Seriously though, being a demon can be fun and rewarding.  But for some the transition into demon-hood can be a little scary and somewhat jarring. Which is precisely why I am writing this blog post. I’ve learned so much since I started working on Evil Dead. And now I’m passing a bit of my wisdom on to you. To know a demon is to become… I mean … LOVE… a demon. So here goes:

5 Lessons from a Candarian Demon

1. You can save a great deal of time during your day if you skip bathing, grooming, and laundry. Being a demon really lends itself to that hip, unkempt look.
2. Not sure how to express yourself to that special someone? For a demon, it’s easy. Give him your heart. I mean, literally, reach into your chest, rip out your heart and give it to that special demon in your life. If that doesn’t work, just growl. Demons love growlimg.
3. If you’re new to this whole un-dead thing, then you’re probably hungry. And if you are hungry then you’re probably wondering who tastes best. Honestly there is no hard and fast rule here.  Personally I prefer bald people. Shaved heads, shaved legs… the less hair the better (eating hair really grosses me out). I guess if I really thought about it, my favorite would have to be bald, left-handed, albino Eskimos.  But they tend to be really hard to come by here in Columbus. Just bite a few different types of people until you find what you like the best.
4. If you happen to be a headless Candarian Demon, and you are trying to attack someone with a chainsaw… you won’t be able to see your prey, so you have to listen for him or her. You may be asking, “If you don’t have a head, then reason says you have no ears, and so how are you supposed to hear any…” ummmm… Actually don’t ask that. Never mind. Moving on….
5. Demon or Human, when going to see Evil Dead the Musical, bring a poncho. It’s going to get messy.

Don’t you wanna join the crew,

you’ll be dead and evil too,

the coolest thing to do is join us!!!

See you after the show!

Geoff ‘Evil’ Martin

Let’s face it, Fall is about as good as it gets in Central Ohio weather-wise.  Winter is brutal.  Spring can be nonexistent and who would envy our Summers?  The Fall, though, conjures favorite sweaters, multi colored panoramas of purple, gold and scarlet leaves and of course that football team we are all so enthused about.

There are two other great reasons to anticipate the Fall this year.  They are two of my favorite musicals of all time .  One is already playing at the Riffe Center.  Falsettos is a real treat being served up by Available Light in Studio One.  A stellar cast has received great reviews from local critics and audiences alike.   I first became aware of it in the early 90’s when I saw Falsettoland—which would become more or less the second act .  William Finn’s clever melodies and even cleverer lyrics told the story of family.  Family broken up.  Family reinvented.  Family reunited.  It was funny and poignant and rivoting.

Why not take a look at this entertaining show while you have the chance.  Tickets are pay what you want with a suggested $20 ticket.  Here is the vital information:

WHERE: Riffe Center Studio One Theater, 77 South High Street, 4th Floor

WHEN: September 15 – October 1

CALL: 614-558-7408

More info, show-times, videos, tickets, podcast, and more:

http://avlt.co/falsettos11

The second reason to love the Fall is another of my favorites—Stephen Sondheim’s Follies. This concert version of the musical theatre epic will be performed at the Garden Theatre in the Short North.  The cast of thousands contains a virtual who’s who of Central Ohio musical talent.   Joan Krause (Bad Dates at CATCO), Linda Roth, Jamie Cordes, and Mat Clemens head the cast.  SHAMELESS SELF PROMOTION ALERT!  You can see Matt later in the Fall in CATCO’s Souvenir.  Here is the vital information.

WHERE:  Garden Theatre,  1187 North High Street.  Valet parking available for all shows.

WHEN; October 14 – 23 (Thursday through Saturday at 8:00; Sunday at 3:00

All tickets are $25; tickets available through their website: www.shortnorthstage.org

While you are at it, don’t forget to tell a friend about the CATCO remount of Evil Dead which runs from October 1-31.

Now get busy and see some theatre!

Steven C. Anderson

The Key to Recruiting Deadites

“Wanted – actors who sing and dance.  Must like blood.”  The casting call went out.  After our stellar run of EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL in June and July, how would we ever find new actors who could even begin to  touch the performances of the slobbering, pun spewing Lis Tate, (unavailable during the school year); good old reliable Jair Torres (new job in Northern Ohio and a baby on the way);  the ever improvisational “bit part demon” Liam Cronin (deserted us to test the casting waters in LA); and the inimitable Peter Matthew Smith (watch for him in the Broadway Columbus touring company of Memphis next May).

Clearly we needed to put our thinking caps on and get creative.  Jeff Horst, former Columbusite and current New Yorker, came immediately to mind for Scott.  Having directed him in numerous plays and musicals from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Actors Theatre); Candide (OSU School of Music and Department of Theatre) and Seussical (Phoenix Theatre for Children).  He has been working a lot since he left Bustown.  Was he available?  Facebook is our friend in these situations.  Actors always list their current projects on their wall.  He posted a gig in November December (Watch for him in CAPA’s prosentation of A Christmas Carol during the holidays) but nothing current.  A quick phone call and he was on for an audition.  One down and three to go.

I wanted James Sargent to audition last spring for Evil Ed  but he was playing the role of Nick in CATCO’s WHAT THE BUTLER SAW and needed a breather from rehearsal and performance.  Was he available?  A quick text and he was signed onto read as well.  I love the 21^st Century and its communication devices.

There are two kinds of archetypal hillbillies—big mountain men of enormous power and scrappy, stringy, scraggly weasels.  Jair Torres was the former.  Why not go the other way and really contrast the actors playing the role.  Geoff Martin, former Associate Education Director of Phoenix Theatre for Children immediately sprung to mind as the anti-Jair.  He is really busy with his current job at the Cultural Arts Center and has two adorable kids.  Could he spare the time to join our merry band of deadites?  Turns out he was happy to audition.

Now for a Cheryl.  We had general auditions for our full season in August.  Surely someone would appear to fill the bill.  Turns out there were a couple of possibilities but scheduling conflicts were a problem.  There is a mantra at such times that I repeated over and over: “Someone will play the part.”  But who?  The clock was ticking.  First rehearsal was coming at me like a speeding train.  This is the sort of time when one is grateful for theatre friends.  We put out the underground call and there was a steady drumbeat of communication between the various musical comedy tribes.  “CATCO needs a Cheryl.”  “CATCO needs a Cheryl.”  Carmen Keels, an old pal and performer recently had a baby and lives in New York.  She was not available but she knew someone was perfect.  “Take a look at her Youtube video,” she advised.  Once again modern technology coming to the rescue.  Amy Wolk was perfect.  Just what we needed to round out the cast.  I sat for quite a while going from video to video laughing my proverbial posterior off.  You can see for yourself at this link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WT8B7EmcbQ

All of this work is done in a casting team’s head.  You have to imagine what the chemistry of a company will be without actually seeing them together.  Last night was our first night of rehearsal putting this diverse array of talent together.  Did they gel?  Did they have that certain something that has a product larger than the sum of its parts?  Lets just say two things:

• Come see for yourself
• I slept like a baby for the first time in three months after rehearsal

I think we did okay.

As New York Times Critic, Ben Brantley, said in his review of Next Fall, “You can imagine its concept being pitched to a television producer as a sort of “Will & Grace” with an ontological conscience: He’s a committed Christian, while he’s a committed atheist, and it’s driving their crazy friends even crazier!”

True enough, there are touches of Woody Allen and Neil Simon in the plays humor, but this is a play that is about something.  That is a dangerous thing in the world of the theatre.  Plays that are “about something” can be dreary polemics that browbeat their audiences.   When I saw the play in New York, I was wary of its message.

Adam, a nebbish-y atheist, falls for Luke, a fundamentalist Christian hotty.  Throw in the difference in their ages and you might expect a hybrid of Cactus Flower and Woody Allen’s film Manhattan.  The danger of stereotyping and “bulldozing your point across” is palpable.  Luke’s creationist, fundamentalist, Floridian father is named “Butch” for goodness sake.  That was a warning sign to me that the playwright intended to do some good old fashioned, axe-grinding, Christian bashing.

The beauty of this play is that the playwright is not interested in creating villains.  He isn’t even interested in writing a “gay play.”  His goal is to explore what we believe, why we believe it and how it effects the decisions we make in our daily lives.

Yes, it is heart breaking—but it is also heart warming.  Yes, it is potentially tragic—but it is also fundamentally comic.  It is a play about contradictions, conundrums and contradictions.

A part of CATCO’s unstated mission is to provide theatrical experiences that linger in the audience’s mind long after the lights come down.  This play certainly fills that bill.

–Steven C. Anderson, Artistic Director, CATCO-Phoenix

I have never even remotely been accused of being cool.  Not in elementary school when my interests were defined by the novels of Charles Dickens and the works of Gilbert and Sullivan.  Not in high school when my interests expanded to the Broadway Musical.  Not in college when I discovered opera and the novels of Virginia Woolf.  Let’s face it, I have always been a nerd in the bad way.

Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2 and Army of Darkness could not have been further from my field of interest.  I was not even aware of them when they were made.  When Evil Dead premiered, I was enamored with Henry Fonda’s performance in On Golden Pond and, the very mainstream blockbuster hit, Raiders of the Lost Ark.

My initiation to the “Dead” movies is less than two months old.  When I first read the script and listened to the score of Evil Dead the Musical, I felt a little like the time I tackled James Joyce’s Ulysses—I could see there was something there but to quote Ash, “What the f*** was that?”  One rainy day in April, I did a triple header movie viewing of all three films.  My world was transformed.  Suddenly I was a deadite fan.  But how to transform the musical into something that would satisfy both the uninitiated theatre patron as well as the cult enthusiast?

Our Favorite Nerd Prepares to Meet the Deadite Horde--Let's hope he doesn't get that thing started.....

With the help of puppeteers, designers, a blood specialist a special effects guru and many other artists, we began our intrepid journey to “a cabin in the woods.”  Now we are running the play to sold out houses and extended runs.  I was in the dairy section of the Kroger the other day when a twenty something employee sidled up to me and said, “I saw Evil Dead the Musical last night—that was so cool.”

Me?  Doing something cool?  Go figure.

–Steven C. Anderson, Artistic Director

The Deadite Horde!