KAS Presents Brighton Beach Memoirs

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 11:16:57 -0800

Like Mother Like Son! Real Life Mom, Kim Fournier and Son Thomas Fournier portray Kate and Eugene Jerome in Kelowna Actors Studio’s Brighton Beach Memoirs

KELOWNA - At his best, with plays such as "The Odd Couple," Neil Simon has no rival when it comes to stage comedies. Tony and Pulitzer Prize Award winner Neil Simon’s, Brighton Beach Memoirs hits the stage at Kelowna Actors Studio from February 3 to February 27, 2011.
Art imitates life, as real life mom and son, Kim and Thomas Fournier, bring their acting chops to the KAS stage. Both are no strangers to KAS. Kim performed in Same Time Next Year, Arsenic & Old Lace and Steel Magnolias and Thomas was on stage in White Christmas, Singin’ in The Rain and The King and I, to name a few.

It’s Brooklyn in 1937 and Eugene (Thomas Fournier) is consumed with the pressing problems that face a 15-year-old boy in Depression-era America: Baseball and girls and he’s consumed with one all-important question: When will he get to see a naked girl?

Living with six family members doesn’t afford Eugene much privacy, but it does give him plenty of ammunition for his career as a writer. In excerpts from his journal, Eugene introduces his hardworking mother Kate (Kim Fournier), overworked father Jack (Frank Tacaks), his ambitious gambling brother Stanley (Scott Lawler), his cousins Nora, the star-in-training (Gillian Reed), the sickly bookworm Laurie (Emma Butler) and his widowed Aunt Blanche (newcomer, Michelle Deighton Hussey).

The resulting coming-of-age story is an affectionate, thoroughly entertaining lesson in overcoming hard times with grace, warmth and humor. Brighton Beach Memoirs is the first installation in Neil Simon’s autobiographical trilogy, and one of America’s favorite plays.

From Eugene’s very first line, Brighton Beach Memoirs reaches audiences through laughter; by the last line, his whole family has tapped into the underlying emotion that makes the play so moving.

Brighton Beach Memoirs production team includes director James Long, executive producer Nate Flavel, producer Randy Leslie, set design by Nate Flavel and Rick Worrall, lighting design by Randy Leslie and James Long, set décor by Norene Morrow, costume design by Hazel Rodgers, Sound Design by Jordan Leboe and hair and make up by Chelsey Chase. The production's stage manager is Carlee Vollhoffer and the assistant stage managers are Carly Bowering and Josh Donaldson.

The initial run lasted on Broadway for 1,299 performances in 1983 at the Alvin Theatre on Broadway and received Tony Awards including winner for best performance by a featured actor in a play for Mathew Broderick and best direction of a play. It also received the Theatre World Award for Broderick and the New York Drama Critics Award for Best Play . Simon and Saks re-teamed for the 1986 film version, which starred Jonathan Silverman as Eugene.

Shows run February 3 to 27th, 2011, Thursday to Sunday nights with Saturday matinees. Dinner and dessert ticket options are available at the on-site box office, across from the public library, by calling 250-862-2867 or online at www.KelownaActorsStudio.com.

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Kelowna Actors Studio is the Okanagan’s only licensed dinner theatre and has been voted the Best Theatre Company by the readers of Okanagan Life, eight years running including Editors Choice this year for best multi talented group of actors.

Randy Leslie, Co-Founder/Artistic Director/Producer is the recipient of the 2010 City of Kelowna Civic Award – Honour in the Arts and The first Okanagan Angel Award for his contributions to the cultural landscape of Kelowna.

Nathan Flavel, Co-Founder/General Manager is recipient of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneur Of the Year award for 2008.

The 20010/11 Season marks the 8th year of Kelowna Actors Studio producing top-quality live musical theatre and drama for the cultural enrichment of the Okanagan community. Actors Studio maintains a subscription audience of over 2,000 and an annual attendance of over 20,000. The theatre is committed to encouraging the next generation of theatre-goers through its educational programmes and entertainment opportunities.

Please contact Nathan Flavel, General Manager, at 250-979-8310 with questions or to schedule individual interviews. Photos available upon request.

Subscriptions and single tickets are still available for the 2010/11 Season of classics. Tickets are available at the on-site box office, across from the public library, by calling 250-862-2867 or online at www.KelownaActorsStudio.com.

KAS Presents Music Stand Series Anything Goes

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 16:55:54 -0800

Kelly Whelan stars as Reno Sweeney in the upcoming Music Stand Series presentation at Kelowna Actors Studio.
 (KELOWNA, BC) – Kelowna Actors Studio brings an in-concert presentation of Cole Porter's musical ANYTHING GOES to the stage January 13th to 16th,2011. Please note, this production will only run five performances including a Saturday matinee, as part of the new popular Music Stand Series.

A new addition to the normal six productions, the Music Stand Series is dedicated to performing the scores of your favourite musicals on book. Under the music direction of local powerhouse Roslyn Frantz, performers will engage the audience with an evening of great song focusing on the score and vocals in evening gowns, tuxedos and the accompaniment of live baby grand piano. Already 75% sold out, the Music Stand Series brings a bit of Broadway to Kelowna following suit with the trend of concert style celebrations of your favourite musicals.

Cole Porter’s famed music and lyrics aid in the telling of the wild antics and spontaneous love affairs that take place aboard a cruise ship headed from New York to London in this light, lively and entertaining show. With such classic musical theatre numbers including I Get A Kick Out of You, You’re The Top, Friendship, It’s de-Lovely, Blow Gabriel Blow, Be Like the Bluebird, All Through the Night, Public Enemy Number One and the title song, Anything Goes

The fun begins when Billy Crocker sneaks aboard a cruise ship in order to pursue his love interest, Hope Harcourt. In order to get on the ship however, he uses the passport of the world’s most wanted criminal, Public Enemy Number One. Dodging Security and Intelligence all over the ship, Billy vies for Hope’s affection with the help of friends: Reno Sweeney, famed nightclub singer, and Moonface Martin, public enemy number 13. On his quest for love, Billy encounters countless obstacles, including the spontaneous development of romances, not his own.

Kelowna Actors Studio is thrilled to welcome back three of the valley’s most talented vocalists, Kelly Whelan (Mrs. Lovett) as Reno Sweeney, Nathan Flavel (Joseph) as Billy Crocker and Gillian Reed (Cinderella) as Hope Harcout. Kelowna Actors Studio resident artistic director Randy Leslie returns to stage this classic, after his portrayal of Bob Wallace in the sold out production of White Christmas. Joining Leslie will be music director Roslyn Frantz, Costumer Hazel Rodgers, Stage Manager James Long and Sound Designer Jordan Leboe.

The cast of Anything Goes will also feature Rick Worrall (Sir Evelyn), Scott Lawler (Moonface Martin), Twyla Spittle (Bonnie Latour), Mark Wells (Elisha Whitney), Arlene Irwin (Mrs. Harcourt), Darren Scuffi (Bishop Henry Dobson), Ben Van Exan (Luke) and Chad Abrahamson (John) with Valeh Ashraf, Allyson Fournier, Shannon Hunt and Sarah McCall as Reno’s Angels.

ANYTHING GOES is a truly American musical and features some of Cole Porter’s greatest hits. Don’t miss your chance to get on board! The weekend promises to deliver an innovative revival of one of America's most beloved musical masterpieces.

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Kelowna Actors Studio is the Okanagan’s only licensed dinner theatre and has been voted the Best Theatre Company by the readers of Okanagan Life, eight years running including Editors Choice this year for best multi talented group of actors.

Randy Leslie, Co-Founder/Artistic Director/Producer is the recipient of the 2010 City of Kelowna Civic Award – Honour in the Arts and The first Okanagan Angel Award for his contributions to the cultural landscape of Kelowna.

Nathan Flavel, Co-Founder/General Manager is recipient of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneur Of the Year award for 2008.

The 20010/11 Season marks the 8th year of Kelowna Actors Studio producing top-quality live musical theatre and drama for the cultural enrichment of the Okanagan community. Actors Studio maintains a subscription audience of over 2,000 and an annual attendance of over 20,000. The theatre is committed to encouraging the next generation of theatre-goers through its educational programmes and entertainment opportunities.

Please contact Nathan Flavel, General Manager, at 250-979-8310 with questions or to schedule individual interviews. Photos available upon request.

Subscriptions and single tickets are still available for the 2010/11 Season of classics. Tickets are available at the on-site box office, across from the public library, by calling 250-862-2867 or online at www.KelownaActorsStudio.com.

Calling all Elves!

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 11:35:44 -0700

(KELOWNA, BC) – Kelowna Actors Studio and Orchard Park Shopping Centre are on the search for a few good elves. Actors Studio is thrilled to announce that they have been once again commissioned by Orchard Park Shopping Centre to recruit the elves and Mrs. Claus characters for their annual Santa display.

“A child’s visit to Santa should be a fun and exciting part of Christmas, filled with magic and wonder,” says Orchard Park Shopping Centre marketing manager, Natalie Walstrom. “We are thrilled to team up with Kelowna Actors Studio once again to deliver just that!”

Leslie’s continued artistic vision is that the hired performers will present definite and entertaining attributes, which will be incorporated into their personal costuming and talents.

A series of interviews and workshops will assist in finding friendly, outgoing individuals who enjoy working with children and adults in an interactive environment. As the individuals will be playing a role as an elf or Mrs. Claus, past performance experience is a plus, but not a pre-requisite. All costuming will be the responsibility of Kelowna Actors Studio and popular local costumer, Joy Green.

“I felt that it’s imperative to the overall feel and experience that the ‘set’ be treated very much as a performance and each team member aid in an experience similar to that you would expect in a Disney environment,” expains Leslie.

Now entering its eighth season, Kelowna Actors Studio's mandate is to produce vibrant, exciting presentations; fun, challenging and enriching learning experiences for students of all ages; and to enrich the cultural landscape of the Okanagan Valley. Orchard Park Shopping Centre, located in the Okanagan Valley, currently offers more than 170 shops and services and has over 6 million shoppers each year. Orchard Park is owned by Primaris Retail REIT (TSX: PMZ.UN) and professionally managed by Primaris Management Inc.

As part of this unique partnership opportunity, Orchard Park will be the presenting sponsor of Kelowna Actors Studio’s holiday season production of Irving Berlin's White Christmas.

“We understand the importance of a child's visit to Santa, and we are excited at the prospect of recreating the magic this Christmas for Okanagan children of all ages at Orchard Park Shopping Centre,” concludes Kelowna Actors Studio’s Randy Leslie.

Those interested in the roles of elves or Mrs. Claus should contact the Kelowna Actors Studio at 250 862 2867, or nflavel@kelownaactorsstudio.com

KAS PRESENTS HARVEY!

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 20:29:21 -0700

(KELOWNA, B.C,) Kelowna Actors Studio mainstage season kicks off with Mary Chase’s Pulitzer Prize-Winning fantasy/comedy, Harvey. Directed by Randy Leslie, recipient of the 2009 City of Kelowna Civic Award for Honour in the Arts, the endearing story asks; what truly is a “perfectly normal human being?"
Ray Mordan is Elwood P. Dowd, the mild-mannered eccentric that everyone in town seems to know. Always genial, cheerful and hospitable towards all he encounters, Elwood is the perfect host with a rather peculiar companion. His best friend is an invisible six-foot-tall rabbit named Harvey. Elwood always makes sure Harvey is accommodated so they can go everywhere together. His society-conscious sister Veta (Patricia Burns) and her daughter Myrtle Mae (Sarah McCall) attempt to have Elwood committed to the local sanitarium, where the age-old question is raised by prominent psychologist Dr Chumley (Ron Green) and his staff: does the world need another “normal” chap, or more of the carefree dreamer with a vivid imagination?  "It's like the Carol Burnett show on stage", quips Leslie, "We are putting our own twist on this already hilarious comedy."
The KAS production of Harvey also features favorite local performers James Long, Scott Lawler, Dorothy Dalba, Delphine Litke and newcomers Richard Knight and Sam Doupe-Smith.   Harvey’s production team includes set design by Rick Worrall, lighting design by Randy Leslie and James Long, costume design by Hazel Rodgers, Sound Design by Jordan Leboe, Set Décor by Norene Morrow and props by James Long. The production's stage manager is Carlee Volhoffer and the assistant stage manager is Carly Bowering.
Harvey’s initial run lasted on Broadway for four years and 1,775 performances. Regularly revived on the stage, it was adapted to the big screen in the 1950’s and made famous by Jimmy Stewart’s portrayal of the loveable Elwood Dowd.  Shows run October 7th to 31st, Thursday to Sunday nights with Saturday matinees. Dinner and dessert ticket options are available at the on-site box office, across from the public library, by calling 250-862-2867 or online at www.KelownaActorsStudio.com.
Kelowna Actors Studio is the Okanagan’s only licensed dinner theatre and has been voted the Best Theatre Company by the readers of Okanagan Life, seven years running. The 2009/10 Season marks the 7th anniversary of Kelowna Actors Studio, which, in 2003, began producing, and presenting top-quality live musical theatre and drama for the cultural enrichment of the Okanagan community.  The Kelowna Actors Studio maintains a subscription audience of over 2,000 and an annual attendance of over 20,000. The theatre is committed to encouraging the next generation of theatre-goers through its educational programmes and entertainment opportunities.
Please contact Nathan Flavel, General Manager, at 250-979-8310 with questions or to schedule individual interviews. Photos available upon request.
Subscriptions and single tickets are now available for the 2010/11 Season of classics including Carousel, Harvey, White Christmas, Anything Goes, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Sweet Charity, Into The Woods and South Pacific.
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Kelowna Actors Studio is the Okanagan’s only licensed dinner theatre and has been voted the Best Theatre Company by the readers of Okanagan Life, seven years running.

Randy Leslie, Co-Founder/Artistic Director/Producer is the recipient of the 2009 City of Kelowna Civic Award – Honour in the Arts and The first Okanagan Angel Award.

Nathan Flavel, Co-Founder/General Manager is recipient of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneur Of the Year award for 2008.

The 20010/11 Season marks the 8th anniversary of Kelowna Actors Studio producing top-quality live musical theatre and drama for the cultural enrichment of the Okanagan community. The Kelowna Actors Studio maintains a subscription audience of over 2,000 and an annual attendance of over 20,000. The theatre is committed to encouraging the next generation of theatre-goers through its educational programmes and entertainment opportunities.

Please contact Nathan Flavel, General Manager, at 250-979-8310 with questions or to schedule individual interviews. Photos available upon request.

Subscriptions and single tickets are still available for the 2010/11 Season of classics. Tickets are available at the on-site box office, across from the public library, by calling 250-862-2867 or online at www.KelownaActorsStudio.com.

KAS PRESENTS RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN'S CLASSIC MUSICAL

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:46:23 -0700

(KELOWNA, BC) – Kelowna Actors Studio (KAS) opens up its 2010/11 season with Carousel, the classic musical by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. Running September 16 to 18th the production will feature only four performances, including a Saturday Matinee, as part of the Music Stand Series.
A new addition to the normal six productions, the Music Stand Series is a two production program dedicated to performing the scores of your favourite musicals on book. Under the music direction of local powerhouse Roslyn Frantz, performers will engage the audience with an evening of great song focusing on the score and vocals in evening gowns, tuxedos and the accompaniment of live baby grand piano. Already 75% sold out, the Music Stand Series brings a bit of Broadway to Kelowna following suit with the trend of concert style celebrations of your favourite musicals.
One of the truly great classic musicals, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel broke the mould with its gritty, courageous and emotional look at relationships. The story of the love affair between Billy Bigelow, a smooth-talking carousel barker, and Julie Jordan, a naïve young mill worker, Carousel is set to one of the most ravishing and celebrated scores of all time, the composer Rodgers’ personal favourite, including The Carousel Waltz, If I Loved You, June is Bustin’ Out All Over and You’ll Never Walk Alone. Carousel has captivated audiences across the world since its original Broadway opening in 1945 and was lauded ‘Best Musical of its Century’ by Time Magazine in 1999.
“Oscar never wrote more meaningful or more moving lyrics, and to me, my score is more satisfying than any one I’ve written. But it’s not just the songs, it’s the whole play. Beautifully written, tender without being mawkish, it affects me deeply every time I see it performed,” wrote Richard Rodgers in his autobiography Musical Stages.
This production will be staged by directors Nate Flavel & Randy Leslie with music director Roslyn Frantz, Costume Designer Hazel Rodgers, Stage Manager James Long, Sound Designer Jordan Leboe, and Light Designers Randy Leslie & James Long, the weekend promises to deliver an innovative revival of one of America's most beloved musical masterpieces.
The cast of Carousel features some of the valleys strongest vocalists including Randy Leslie (Billy Bigelow), Arlene Irwin (Julie Jordan), Sarah McCall (Carrie Pipperidge), Norene Morrow (Nettie Fowler), Delphine Litke (Mrs. Mullin), Ben Van Exan (Enoch Snow), Scott Lawler (Jigger Craigin), Rick Worrall (Bascombe/Heavenly Friend), Mark Wells (Star Keeper/Doctor Seldon), Twyla Spittle (Louise) with Quinn Bates, Allyson Fournier, and Shannon Hunt.
The original production of Carousel had tryout runs in New Haven (at the Shubert Theatre) and in Boston before opening at Broadway’s Majestic Theatre on April 19, 1945, starring John Raitt. After running nearly 900 performances in New York, the show closed in 1947. It would continue to have a healthy life, however, in four Broadway revivals, including a much celebrated 1994 production that garnered five Tony Awards and launched the career of Audra McDonald as a major Broadway star. The musical was adapted for the screen in 1956 starring Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones. Robert Goulet starred in a television production of the play in 1967.
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Kelowna Actors Studio is the Okanagan’s only licensed dinner theatre and has been voted the Best Theatre Company by the readers of Okanagan Life, seven years running.

Randy Leslie, Co-Founder/Artistic Director/Producer is the recipient of the 2009 City of Kelowna Civic Award – Honour in the Arts and The first Okanagan Angel Award.

Nathan Flavel, Co-Founder/General Manager is recipient of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneur Of the Year award for 2008.

The 20010/11 Season marks the 8th anniversary of Kelowna Actors Studio producing top-quality live musical theatre and drama for the cultural enrichment of the Okanagan community. The Kelowna Actors Studio maintains a subscription audience of over 2,000 and an annual attendance of over 20,000. The theatre is committed to encouraging the next generation of theatre-goers through its educational programmes and entertainment opportunities.

Please contact Nathan Flavel, General Manager, at 250-979-8310 with questions or to schedule individual interviews. Photos available upon request.

Subscriptions and single tickets are still available for the 2010/11 Season of classics. Tickets are available at the on-site box office, across from the public library, by calling 250-862-2867 or online at www.KelownaActorsStudio.com.