Grease Paint Online for February, 2002

ACT I of Benton County presents the great classic Romeo and Juliet, opening this Friday evening and running six shows through Sunday, March 3. The brave master director, longtime Shakespearean student, and ACT I acting and directing veteran, who spearheads this daunting project is Steve Arnold. None within ACT I are so dedicated as Steve, and that dedication will play out in just a very few days. However, it has been many days, weeks, months, even years in the making. To our knowledge Steve began the process for this show in the fall of 2000 when he first proposed to ACT I that we take on Shakespeare. Who knows how long this grand idea had really been festering and growing in his mind? But the plan was duly approved by the ACT I board, and next thing we know Steve has organized a summer class, scheduled auditions, and rehearsals are up and running. Eight months of rehearsals! Now that’s dedication! And not just on Steve’s part….

Juliet will be portrayed by the lovely Megan Christy, and her young lover, Romeo, by ACT I newcomer Brandon Jolly. The many other players include, Alexander Vasquez, Jared Parmater*, Aaron Murphy, Alan Nebola, Matthew Meyer, Ben Mealhow*, Blake Hansen, Ryan Calderwood, Joshua Brewer, Brian Lefstad*, Kelli Otting*, Joshua Deutsch, Nick Schumacher*, Kordereau Sellers, Dan Greaser, Kyle Brewer, Cody Robison, Ryan Calderwood, Dakota Rundlett*, Jeannine Peyton*, Kari Douma, Cathi Calderwood, Erin Horst, Josie Rundlett, Femke Treffer*, Kayla Comer, Kaitlin Karrick, Beckie Stravers, Edgar Dickerson, Trevor Walker, Jason Long, Bill Owens, Bill Martin, Ryan Comer*, Lori Smith*, Adam Smith, Nathan Horst, and Lindsey Aamos*. (* denotes ACT I debut)

The remarkable set, which may have the honor of becoming ACT I’s most amazing set to date, was designed and built by Kevin Bookmeier. Many of the costumes used in the ACT I production have been borrowed from the Brucemore historic site in Cedar Rapids, which produced the play in July of 1999 as part of their "Classics at Brucemore" series. In addition to the Brucemore costumes, ACT I has constructed many new pieces as well, designed by Jill g. Lockard Bopp.

Also of interest will be a tribute to Ida Higgins, who recently retired as costume mistress from ACT I. Ushers will be garbed in many of the costumes designed and sewn by Ida throughout the years.

Romeo and Juliet is ACT I’s first endeavor into the realm of the great bard, William Shakespeare, and as such is a must-see. Make you reservations today at the Palace Box Office, 472-9957.

If, by chance, we have failed to convince you to take in this wondrous performance, please read the article below written by one of the many enthusiastic young cast members. It gives an inside look at the making of Romeo and Juliet and is an endearing tribute to the dedication and love of Shakespeare director Steve Arnold has inspired. Also, log on to www.act1.org (another example of Steve Arnold’s dedication to our ACT I organization) for an in depth look at the production.

As the rehearsals for Romeo and Juliet seem to be disappearing before our very eyes, some frustration and worry arises in the cast members. We all seem to have our own problems such as blocking movements or choreography. However, the show as a whole is in exceptional condition. Every once in a while it seems that there is a lot of tension and people start to get flustered. This is when, ever-so-wisely, our director, Steve Arnold calls a cast meeting to reassure us of the show’s condition and tells us to remain positive in our mindset. Often he will remind us of the biggest example of triumph within the whole show.

"You guys have mastered the language," he’ll say, "that is, perhaps, the hardest element to capture."

About one year ago, Steve, Alex Vasquez, and I sat down to read through Romeo and Juliet. The selection committee had Shakespeare in its sights, and it was of our interest, so we dove in.

I suppose I thought when I was diving there would be water, but I hit rock bottom. I felt like a kindergartner trying to sound out the text. It was awful. Steve and Alex helped me through it and explained the puzzling text.

That summer before auditions of the show Steve held a class that focused on Shakespeare, his writing, and interpretations of his writings. This was a great help for me, as well as many other cast members in grasping the meaning and pronunciations of the language. About two months later I caught myself telling Steve,

I just stopped and looked at him. He laughed and said, "It’s happening," meaning that I was reading Shakespeare so much that I was using the language in perfect context in everyday conversations.

I find it inspiring to see so many people come together and hammer down such a complex ordeal. Perhaps what is more astounding is that most of the mastering is coming from young, inexperienced men and women.

The great thing is when the language obstacle has been overcome, the character development can become so deep and involved. I, personally, have found that the character I am portraying is very much like myself in heart. When you develop a character you have an experience that you will remember the rest of your life.

This show is full of talent and a share of new faces. We’ve all seemed to pull together and bring this show to a new level. This show is also Shakespeare’s ACT I debut, an event to remember. If you don’t know much about Shakespeare or his plays, I especially urge you to come and experience this production. You may be interested enough to read this mastermind’s writing wonders and come to love them as much as I have.

The ACT I Ticket information line and Palace Theatre Box Office number is 472-9957.

ACT I of Benton County is now promoting a group rate for all of its Mainstage Productions. All Mainstage shows run over two weekends. The new group promotion varies according to weekend, with the hope of improving attendance during the first weekend run, and encouraging overall attendance. The FIRST WEEKEND DEAL offers a 15% discount on ticket prices for groups of 15 or more. This includes a savings of $20.25 per 15 adult tickets. The SECOND WEEKEND DEAL gives a 10% discount on ticket prices for groups of 15 or more. This package includes a savings of $13.50 per 15 adult tickets. To be eligible for the discount rate, reservations must be made in one name, for the same performance. No refunds or cancellations will be accepted on Weekend Deal packages.

ACT I will present Romeo and Juliet, featuring Washington High School student Megan Christy and Coe student Brandon Jolly, beginning Friday, February 22. Call the ACT I box office at 472-9957 for show times and reservations, including Weekend Deal packages.

The books can be purchased from ACT I for $25.00, or $20.00 for those who purchased a book last year (and you get a $5.00 coupon toward the purchase of next year's book.) Using just two of the coupons -- for ACT I and Theatre Cedar Rapids -- will more than pay for the entire book of coupons. To purchase your book or for more information, just ask for one at the box office when you attend Romeo and Juliet, or contact Steve Arnold at 472-5308 or SArnoldIA@aol.com. It's a great deal to get some big savings and enjoy all the wonderful arts offerings available in the Cedar Rapids/Vinton/Iowa City area! Don't pass it up!

INTERMEZZO II DELIGHTS PACKED AUDIENCES

Act I patrons filled the Vinton Ray House for both showings of Intermezzo II, January 19 and 20, 2002. This melodious portion of the ACT I Event Series, sponsored by Clingman Pharmacy, opened with the lovely Ms. Kari Douma singing Come and Trip It! by Handel. Other musical presentations included solos by high school All-Staters, Aaron Murphy and Nicole Brown, a father-daughter duet by Gerald and Erin Horst, show tunes by Larry Adams-Bowers, and two classical pieces expertly performed by Greg Douma. Also appearing were some of our younger ACT I members; Tess Noeller, Kali Timmerman, and Kate Westergard all charmed patrons with beautiful piano solos, as did the Horst Family Players with their choral rendition of The Orchestra. Those who attended the Saturday evening performance were treated to the talented vocals of Act I’s Charlie Vogl from Cedar Rapids (see Member of the Month), and young Michael Munckton’s very grown-up mastering of the violin.

The Ray House provided a lovely backdrop for an intermission of coffee, cider, punch, and hors d’oeuvres. Look for Intermezzo III next year at Christmastime.

The Titanic Disaster Hearings
Performance Dates: April 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, 2002

By Steve Arnold
(For a change of pace, I will write this article in first person.)

This story opens about 33 years ago, and begins, appropriately, with Romeo and Juliet.

Those of us who were theatre students attending high school in Cedar Rapids during the late sixties had an excellent camaraderie between the various schools. We enjoyed close friendships with our fellow thespians "across the river" and supportively attended each other’s productions. It was during this time that I attended my first live performance of Romeo and Juliet, produced by Regis High School. In that production, the role of Balthasar was played by a young actor named Larry Vogl. But although I knew some of Larry’s classmates, I wouldn’t meet or develop a friendship with Larry himself for almost thirty years.

Jump ahead to December 1995. A year after ACT I’s production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Kevin Bookmeier and I attended a production of the same show at Theatre Cedar Rapids. In a production "crawling with kids," I nevertheless took note of the fifth grader cast as Charlie Bradley, an obviously talented youngster named Charlie Vogl. It would be another year before we actually met, but not nearly as long as it took me to meet his dad after first seeing him on stage. In 1996, Charlie and I were both cast in supporting roles in Peter Pan, also at Theatre Cedar Rapids. (ACT I members Ryan Calderwood and Peggy Moen both had major roles in that production.) The following year, as I was preparing to direct Oliver! for ACT I, I invited the boys who had appeared in Peter Pan to audition for us. Charlie came, and became the obvious choice for the Artful Dodger.

I already knew Charlie was an excellent singer and actor. But there was one thing about Charlie that I didn’t know, but something we were all about to find out – the thing that is his very essence. Charlie is a dancer. He lives and breathes dance; it is the element of this very talented young man that defines him most fully. He began dancing at age three, and he does it all -- tap, jazz, ballet. I have known few people in my life who have worked so devotedly and so successfully to develop a special talent that God has given him.

When Oliver! opened a week after Charlie’s thirteenth birthday, it was clear that his was a very special talent, and that this was just the beginning. Charlie continued to perform now and then in Vinton, appearing in one of our Variety Shows and in Bye Bye Birdie. He has appeared with dancers from the Cooling Dance Center, both in recitals and in the occasional competition. He has also worked with me to create and perform murder mystery dinners, both for the Lion and the Lamb Bed and Breakfast here in Vinton and on our own.

Charlie’s acting and dancing credits are long. In addition to performing in school productions, TCR productions, and for ACT I, Charlie has performed with the Mt. Mercy College drama department and in the Frosty Follies musical revue for Theatre Cedar Rapids. In July, he appeared in the rock opera Tommy at Theatre Cedar Rapids as a member of the singing and dancing ensemble. Those from Vinton who hadn’t seen him since Oliver! were blown away by his song and dance solo in the production number "Pinball Wizard."

Currently, Charlie is a junior at Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids where he is dance captain for Happiness, Inc., that school’s varsity show choir. The show choirs from all three of the Cedar Rapids public high schools are ranked among the top 15 in the nation, and of course it takes the members of those ensembles a lot of work to stay in that position. Currently, dance and show choir allow Charlie little time for other extra curricular activities, though last year he danced in the Kennedy musical The Boyfriend and this season he has been able to share his talents with ACT I three times. He served as choreographer for both A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and our current production, Romeo and Juliet, and also appeared as a vocalist in last month’s classical recital, Intermezzo II.

Earlier this season, Charlie conducts a choreography rehearsal for
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Although dance is the focus of Charlie’s life, it isn’t his only interest. He played soccer for Kennedy as a ninth grader and also holds a recommended black belt in Tae Kwon Do. (I didn’t know before preparing this article that the hands and feet of a black belt holder are legal, registered weapons – which an underage individual is not allowed to carry. So although he has completed all the requirements of a black belt, until he reaches 18 at the end of August, his title is qualified by the word "recommended.") He also studies voice privately and has developed a vibrant tenor voice. He is very talented at a computer keyboard, a skill he has placed at ACT I’s disposal as our sound editor for Romeo and Juliet. He is quite expert at just about any aspect of technology and always manages to keep the latest equipment on his shelf.

Charlie is number two of the six children of Larry and Vicky Vogl of Hiawatha, all of whom dance and four of whom have appeared with ACT I. Older sister Bonnie is a senior at the University of Iowa. Next after Charlie comes Billy, currently in ninth grade at Kennedy where he dances with Protegé, the JV show choir, and swims competitively. Billy appeared with ACT I in both Oliver! and Bye Bye Birdie. The family is rounded out with younger sisters Dee Dee, Becca, and Jamie. Dee Dee has appeared with Theatre Cedar Rapids, and Becca and Jamie appeared with Charlie in ACT I’s January, 1998 Variety Show, Be Our Guest. And the Vogls are like so many other ACT I families, where the children’s participation is followed by that of their parents. Larry, who is a graphic arts technical advisor for Cedar Graphics in Hiawatha, appeared with us in Bye Bye Birdie, and although Vicky, who works part time at Hiawatha Care Center as well as being a full time homemaker, has never appeared onstage, she assisted with Oliver! as part of the makeup crew.

Charlie has another passion, clearly evident in the decor of his room – cars. He is quite knowledgeable about all things automotive and is quite a competent amateur mechanic. (He has been known to take apart and reassemble the entire motor of his car.) He also does free lance car detailing. And to help support his habit for electronic gadgetry as well as to help pay for vocal and dance lessons (and to save for college) Charlie is employed part time at Best Buy in Cedar Rapids, where he sells (and buys!) Palm Pilots and other electronic equipment. (Definitely a case of the fox guarding the chicken coop.)

Upcoming for Charlie, after R&J will be more show choir competitions, including one in Florida right after our show closes. Thus far, Charlie’s acting has involved appearing in song and dance ensembles and supporting roles, but one thing has escaped him thus far – that elusive leading role. But that is about to change in a big way as he assumes a role that is tailor made in every way to his talents. In April he will be featured in the Kennedy High School production of Grease in the leading role of Danny, a production for which he also serves as choreographer.

Charlie hopes for a career in the performing arts, and after he graduates from Kennedy in 2003 plans to enter a college program (location to be determined) to study dance and theatre. The possibility of eventually becoming a professional choreographer is certainly high on his list of career choices. But the easy going Charlie isn’t stressed out by the future. "I’d be happy to do something with computers," he says. "I’d even be happy selling cars."

For now, ACT I is very happy to have this talented young man among its many very talented young participants.

1. Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou, Romeo?
2. A plague on both your houses!
3. Good night, good night, parting is such sweet sorrow.
4. What’s in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.
5. But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?
6. There’s no trust, no faith, no honesty in men.
7. Oh, I am fortune’s fool!

The above seven great lines are from the current ACT I production, and are among the most famous, most recognizable lines in all of English drama. You’ll hear them all at the Palace Theatre later this month when we perform Romeo and Juliet. Below are more great lines from past ACT I shows. How many of these shows can you identify?

1. Well anyway, it looks like a Democrat.
2. Why do you come, yellow bird?
3. Come on, Dover, move your bloomin’ arse!
4. Second time around!
5. If they had rather die, they had better do it, and decrease the surplus
population.
6. Doctor, that is NOT my mother!
7. We’re neither of us good looking, and we’re both as sour as we look.
8. I don’t just type.

Extra Credit Bonus Question: For each of the above lines quoted from Romeo and Juliet, name the speaker.

The Next Meeting of the Board of ACT I of Benton County will be Sunday, March 10, 2002 at 6:00 PM at the ACT I Studio. Members and visitors are always welcome.

Minutes of meetings from the current year can be accessed on the Board page of our website.

Brieflly, due to space constraints….go see Romeo and Juliet, and watch for next month’s Grease Paint which will announce the upcoming 2002-2003 Season!

Answers to Last Month’s Quiz