The Online Newsletter of 

Volume 6, Number 2                                August, 1999

"Velveteen Rabbit"
Closes Successful Run

"A Streetcar Named Desire"
Takes Center Stage for
Main Season Opening

    ACT I Audiences were delighted with our opening STAGE! production, "The Velveteen Rabbit," which concluded its four performance run on August 1. The production was viewed by nearly 450 patrons in the auditorium of the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School in Vinton.

"The Velveteen Rabbit"

    Meanwhile, anticipation grows for our opening show of the main season, "A Streetcar Named Desire," with performances scheduled for September 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, and 19 at Tilford Middle School. Featured in the cast for that show are Nancy Beckman as Blanche, Nicholas Radcliffe as Stanley, Joan Cooling as Stella, Darran Sellers as Mitch, Lois Ewins as Eunice Hubbel, Joe Trealor as Steve Hubbel, Alexander Vasquez as Pablo Gonzales, Jake Fowler as the newspaper collector, Rhonda Westergard as the Mexican Woman and the Nurse, and Jeff Kirby in his debut as the doctor.
    The play is directed by Larry Adams-Bowers.  Joe Trealor is technical director, and the lighting designer is Nicholas Radcliffe.  Morgan Horning is the assistant director.
    "A Streetcar Named Desire" by Tennessee Williams, first performed in 1947, is considered one of the greatest American plays ever written.  The drama is set in New Orleans and concerns the relationship between sisters Blanche DuBois and Stella Kowalski, and Stella's husband Stanley.
    Among Williams other best know plays is "The Glass Menagerie," which was written in Iowa City while he was attending a writing program at the University of Iowa. 

Joan Cooling and Nicholas Radcliffe appear as
Stella and Stanley in "A Streetcar Named Desire,"
in rehearsal for the opening of our main season.   

From the President

    I'm not planning a regular president's column in Grease Paint, but I felt the urge this month to speak directly to our membership.  Our gala millennium season celebrating our 20th Anniversary and the opening of the Palace Theatre is off and running, and what a season it is turning out to be!  During the past several weeks, with two shows in rehearsal and with me not in either one of them, I’ve become a regular rehearsal junkie, dropping in whenever I felt like it to watch the progress of "The Velveteen Rabbit" and "A Streetcar Named Desire."  I’d like to take time to reflect on what we've accomplished and what is coming up. It's going to be quite a season!  With the opening of the Palace in sight, three classic shows in our lineup plus the Variety Show and our children's theatre series, and the added bonus of our Artist in Residence program, this is going to be a grand year for ACT I and our audiences!  For me, sitting in the audience is the greatest pleasure I get from ACT I, and for three shows in a row I’ve had the pleasure of doing just that.

    I’m going to thank a lot of people who have made all this happen, and my apologies to the ones I leave out.  First and foremost I'd like to thank Marcy Horst, Shirale Hanson, and Larry Adams-Bowers.  Marcy and Shirale proved very successful first time directors, not only creating a great show which was well attended, but in helping bring many first time volunteers into ACT I as well.  And many thanks to all those new volunteers!  Larry, as director of both last year's season finale "Marvin's Room," and this season's opener "A Streetcar Named Desire," always sets ever higher standards of artistic excellence for our audience to enjoy.  What a great thing it is for us to have such dedicated volunteers in this crucial element of our program!

    Everyone involved in these last three shows deserves a hearty thank you, but I would like to single out Joan Cooling and Darran Sellers for juggling two shows simultaneously, in major roles.  That was no small undertaking!  Joan promotes ACT I in so many ways through her studio, and she never misses a show.  She gave us a great plug in her recent Gazette interview, reminding us of how far we've come.  And Darran is such an audience pleaser that his name on the program guarantees our audience will be well entertained!

    Another part of our ACT I program happening this summer was carried out successfully by Maggie Karr, Jessica Coulter, and Emily Zimmer.  They taught three Introduction to Theatre classes sponsored by ACT I STAGE!, benefiting 25 local children.  The girls did a fabulous job and the experience was enjoyed by all!
    I also want to extend a big thanks to the board and all the volunteers who have worked behind the scenes for the start up of our new season, and for the board's commitment to making this season for ACT I the best it can be.

    Finally, I would like to thank our audience.  Nothing can measure how much we appreciate you.  You are our reason for being.  If it wasn't for our patrons, there would be no need for a Palace Theatre, or STAGE!, or any other element of our program.  You have proven the arts CAN make a difference in people's lives, and that there's more in Vinton than auto racing.  I especially want to thank those who attend every show we produce.  I can't tell you how much your loyalty means to us.  Naturally, not everyone is able to attend every show, but when time allows you to make that choice and you chose to spend that time with us, it lets us know that our efforts have meant something to you.  Our audience figures are a real roller coaster ride from show to show, and those of you who are with us through it all are our most dedicated friends.  You show in the best way there is, with your attendance, that ACT I matters to you.

    On a personal note, I'd like to say I have enjoyed serving as Grease Paint editor as much as anything I have done for ACT I.  However, as I prepare for my biggest and most exciting directing challenge with ACT I yet and also return to the presidency, I realize that continuing to do Grease Paint myself is a bit like making Bill Clinton editor of the Washington Post.  Therefore, beginning with the September issue, Marcy Horst will take over this job.  I will, however, continue occasionally as a contributor, so I'll still be bending your ear from time to time.  Again, a thank you to all who have made ACT I what it is, and I hope to see you all at "A Streetcar Named Desire!"

                Steve Arnold  

Season Tickets Still on Sale for New Season

    Our season ticket package is still on sale through the run of "A Streetcar Named Desire."  Because the first show covered by the ticket has now closed, a discount coupon for $4.00 off any admission is included in the remaining adult tickets which will be sold.  The ticket covers "A Streetcar Named Desire," "The ACT I Variety Show," "Kathleen Berger Classical Concert," "The Secret Garden," "Hansel and Gretel," and "Life with Mother."  Your season ticket also gives you a $2.00 discount on admission to "An Evening of Broadway and Pops with Kathleen Berger," and allows you a $1.00 discount on a Grease Paint print subscription.  The cost is $35.00 for adults and $25.00 for students.  Our KidTix season ticket for students in eighth grade and below costs $10.00 and covers admission to "The ACT I Variety Show," "The Secret Garden," and "Hansel and Gretel.", and discounts on all other ACT I productions.  Remember, as an added incentive, ACT I will waive your membership fee when you purchase an Adult or Student full season ticket.  Any contribution to ACT I above the cost of your regular season ticket price and membership fee is tax deductible.  The Board has designated that all membership fees and tax deductible contributions will be used for capital equipment purchases for use in the Palace Theatre.

To order your season ticket, pay your membership, order Grease Paint, or make your tax deductible contribution to ACT I, click the words "Order Form" below.  Print the page, fill it out, and return it with your check to:

ACT I of Benton County
Season Tickets
Box 222
Vinton, Iowa
52349

ORDER FORM

    For our upcoming production of "A Streetcar Named Desire," we still need several furniture items to appear on stage.  Please contact Larry Adams-Bowers (472-4637) if you can locate or provide the following items:  Double bed frame, headboard, and footboard -- preferably but not necessarily iron;  small vanity, preferably wicker; four dining room chairs, they do NOT need to match; table model radio.  All items need to be 1940's era or earlier, and it's best if they don't look too good.  We will really appreciate anyone who can come forward with these items!

    The board has appointed Shirale Hanson as Volunteer Coordinator.  We are still looking for persons to fill the positions of Property Manager and Costume Coordinator.

    The Board has set their regular meeting date for the year as the second Sunday of each month at 7:00 PM.  Locations will vary, but will always be published in Grease Paint.  In accordance with our by-laws, membership meetings will be held in September, December, March, and June.

Our membership meeting for September, which includes the regular board meeting, will be Sunday, September 12, at 7:00 PM at the Mercantile Bank Community Room.  Bring an hors d'oeuvres type snack to share.

Please attend!

Commemorative Book Planned

    In honor of both our twentieth anniversary and the opening of the Palace Theatre, ACT I will publish a special commemorative book honoring those two important milestones.  Marcy Horst will serve as editor.  The book will be on sale for $10.00, probably beginning with the Variety Show, and through the remainder of the season.  Featured in the generously illustrated book will be our current season, information on all our past productions, the history of the Palace Theatre, and photographs of the renovation.  You can order your book now on your season ticket order form.
    PLEASE!  If you have any photographs, programs, posters, and other memorabilia from past ACT I Shows before June, 1993, please contact Ray Bookmeier (RWBook54@aol.com) or Steve Arnold (sarnoldia@aol.com) so that we can get those materials and make copies.  This information will be used for the commemorative book as well as to update the Archives page on our website.  Also, if anyone has photographs from these more recent shows:  "Said the Spider to the Spy," "Same Time Next Year," "Knock 'Em Dead," "The Girls in 509," "The Boardwalk Melody Hour Murders," The '98 Variety Show, or "Steel Magnolias," we will also very much appreciate being able to make copies of those as well.

Palace Update

    For those of you who want to know when the Palace Theatre will be ready, the answer is WE DON'T KNOW!  Here's what there is left to do:

    August 23, installation of the seating begins.  Following that, carpeting will be installed and the rest of the miscellaneous interior finish work will be completed.  Sometime in September the installation will begin of the movie projection and sound equipment.  Everything else must be finished before that is done in order to get the correct acoustical adjustments.

    It is not known how much interference the downtown street project will have in the opening of the theatre, but we know it will definitely have an effect.  The board is currently planning what sort of Gala opening we will have for the theatre at such time as it becomes ready, since apparently the facility will not be ready for "A Streetcar Named Desire."  Watch for more information!  

    Gerald, who in addition to acting, singing, and dancing with us, did crew work for "The Velveteen Rabbit."  He is Director of Network Applications at McLeodUSA in Cedar Rapids and also serves as choir director at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Vinton. Marcy was active in theatre at Loras College, and besides theatre her interests include reading, writing, and gardening. She is also a member of the Family Advisory Council at the University Hospitals in Iowa City. Beginning as September, Marcy will also take over as editor of Grease Paint, the monthly ACT I newsletter, and will also take on the job of laying out our special 20th season commemorative book.
    And of course, the whole Horst family are active singers!  They sing at church, in the car, around the piano, while weeding the garden, while playing, while cleaning their rooms, with an eclectic collection of CDs ranging from Beethoven to Big Bad Voo Doo Daddy, and, of course, in the shower. They love to watch movies and old musicals, and eat popcorn! The kids write and perform many of their own theatrical productions, as much of the extended family (audience members) can attest.  They have quite a collection of dress-up clothes, a variety of musical instruments, and of course, each Horst family member including Mom and Dad boasts at least one pair of tap shoes.

As for Horst quotables:

Gerald:   I've been away from theater since college, until recently, and had forgotten the work, comradery, and pure joy of working with a great cast. Now, by participating in ACT I productions, the whole family is able to discover their talents, develop relationships with other cast and crew members, and build their confidence for the future. What an advantage for the children in this community to face the limits of their comfort zone and push beyond them to play for the audience. Moreover, the investment that the community is making in the Palace Theatre demonstrates the commitment and hope we have for the future of this city, the community, and our children. I'm thrilled to be part of it!

Marcy:  Although we Horsts eagerly await the opening of the Palace Theatre I would like to commend ACT I on its flexibility and ingenuity in obtaining venues for past rehearsals and shows; Riverside Park, Steve's basement, Joan's studio, Lincoln gym, Tilford, The Braille School, and my personal favorite, 4th Street Coffee Company!  This perseverance and dedication in the face of much opposition has served to make ACT I a long-standing, contributing force in the community. The opening of the Palace eases the burden and insures the future of community arts in Benton County. The movies are an added bonus.

Erin: I love acting and singing and watching others perform. I also like helping the little ones. It will be great when the Palace Theatre opens. I can't wait to do a show there.

Clare: I really enjoy rehearsing for a show, but the best part is the real performance. I'm always sad when a show has ended.

Patrick: I like the fight scenes. I got to use a sword in two shows so far! And I've only been in two shows!

Megan:  I really like dancing with Dad and I hope I get to dance with him in a show sometime.

Emma:  I wanted to be the Baby Doll (in Velveteen Rabbit), but I loved the Bunny Dance, but the ears itched me.

    So that's our visit with the Horst family!  You're sure to see them all in future ACT I productions!

1. In "The Velveteen Rabbit," young actor Nate Horst played the Fire Truck. In which past ACT I production did Keith Mossman play the Fire Chief?

2. In "The Velveteen Rabbit," Pat Lyons appeared briefly as a doctor.  Identify the shows in which the following actors have also had brief appearances as doctors.

    a.  Bob LaGrange
    b.  Dave Raines
    c.  Ron Baldwin

3. Kordereau Sellers as the Boy survived a deadly bout of Scarlet Fever in "The Velveteen Rabbit," but he once played a little boy who wasn’t so lucky.  In which past show did Kordereau die on stage? 

4. Clare Horst portrayed the animal CHARACTER Velveteen Rabbit. In which past show did Clare's character demonstrate a technique for eating an animal CRACKER?

5. Darran Sellers was a hit as Uncle Fred, complete with his peculiar set of eye glasses. In which previous ACT I production was that same style of eyeglasses worn on stage by several different actors at the same time (including Darran) as a visual gag?

6. The characters of Huggsy, Buggsy, and Muggsy were hip rabbits in black leather jackets. In which past show did another animal character appear wearing a black leather jacket?

7. Logan Merchant delighted us all in his role as the Teddy Bear.  In which previous production were Teddy Bears a featured prop in one scene?

8. Identical twins Jennica and Jessica Speidel appeared as Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy.  Several sets of twins have made their mark in ACT I productions, such as "The Prince and the Pauper."  Which ACT I production set the record for the most twins in a single show? 

1.  Buster, a Yorkshire Terrier belonging to Steve and Linda Wood, made his ACT I debut in "Bridge to Terabithia."

2.  Buster broke free from his leash and escaped the theatre during a performance of "The Miracle Worker."

3.  A china collie dog was featured in "Life with Father."

4.   Kordereau Sellers played a dog in "How to Eat Like a Child."

5.  The animals portrayed by each of the following performers in "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" were:
        a.  Ryan Calderwood            beaver
        b.  Tess Noeller                    skunk
        c.  Greg Tucker                    wolf
        d.  John Westergard              white stag