Archive for the ‘General News’ Category

What’s “Heaven Can Wait?”

May 16th, 2012

Well, we asked our cast that very question, and they had some great answers for us! Don’t worry, no spoilers here! Just enough to whet your appetite for this fantastic and enduring comedy.

Tell us a little about Heaven Can Wait.

Kelly Ahlman: Heaven Can Wait is a story based around a young boxer who is taken to Heaven 60 years too soon. He must make difficult decisions to decide if coming back to Earth is really what he wants. There are some very interesting characters, both alive and spiritual, that he meets along the way. He learns the valuable lessons that people are not always what they seem, never stop fighting for what you believe in and that true love transcends even death. This show brings a blend of humor and drama to the stage that will surely captivate hearts and minds alike.

Alison Anderson: Joe is an athlete who’s about to have a nasty accident. The messenger responsible for collecting souls of the dead sees the accident coming, and compassionately tries to save Joe his suffering by taking him out of his body just a moment or two early. Unfortunately, Joe’s athletic reflexes would have saved him and he would’ve survived and lived another 60 years. Joe’s manager cremated him, so he can’t get his own body back and the messenger tries to make good on her blunder by finding him another body to live out the rest of his 60 years with. He winds up in the body of a recently-murdered wealthy businessman and hilarity ensues as Joe tries to fill a role entirely unsuited to his personality.

Daniel Coleman: Heaven Can wait is a Fantasy/Comedy about a boxer whose plane crashes and is sent to the Hereafter before his time was actually up. His body is cremated and Joe (the boxer) is sent through a series of body swapping with hopes of continuing his lifelong dream of being World Champ and falling in love. A series of obstacles come along and some big decisions must be made.

Pat Noren Enderson: This show is a romantic comedy from the 1930’s about coming to terms with who you are inside despite what physical covering you may be wearing on the outside. It’s subtle humor and fun characters give this play heart.

Nickie McClure: It is about a boxer, named Joe who dies too early, so heaven escorts have to find him a new body. The body he gets is a rich man whose wife is planning to murder. What happens to Joe in this new body???

**Audience members will find “body-swapping” in Heaven Can Wait. Do you have a favorite body swapping movie?**

Corey Okonek: Not really a body swapping movie but Trading Places is one of my favorites.

Nickie McClure: Freaky Friday is my favorite.

Pat Noren Enderson: The 1978, Warren Beatty version of Heaven Can Wait. I think it captures the same heart and subtly that the play has.

Tim Como: As far as “body swapping” movies go, I haven’t seen too many. So, of the ones I seen, I’d have to say that Vice Versa is my favorite. It’s a late 80’s movie that stars Judge Reinhold and Fred Savage.

Daniel Coleman: My favorite body swapping move is (if I can recall) The Change Up.

Alison Anderson: Actually, I really liked the 1978 version of Heaven Can Wait. I saw it when I was a kid and I re-watched it (along with the other two film versions) when we started rehearsals.

Kelly Ahlman: The original Freaky Friday from the 70′s, starring Barbara Harris and a young Jodie Foster, has to be my favorite body swapping movie. They were a delight and the way they brought a mother and daughter switching personalities to life, could not have been more entertaining. Classic!

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Posted in General News, Heaven Can Wait

Let’s Talk Heaven

May 15th, 2012

Heaven Can Wait, that is. We here at Lyric Arts are not a group to rest on our laurels. No way, with a super successful Cabaret Fundraiser under our belt, now we’re thinking Heaven Can Wait.

The cast of Heaven Can Wait has been thinking about it since mid-April, and they’ve agreed to tell us a little about the show and a little about themselves. So settle in for a good read, as the cast prepares to answer our most burning questions.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself? Who are you, what do you like to do?

Alison Anderson: I like to keep busy with all sorts of different activities. I’m always acting and auditioning for more parts. I do both film and theater and love both equally, though for very different reasons. I’m also a runner, getting ready for my 3rd half-marathon, which falls on the opening weekend of the show. I used to be quite active in martial arts, and I have a 2nd degree black belt, but I’m out of practice these days.

Daniel Coleman: My name is Daniel Coleman; I am from Minneapolis, MN and a graduate from the University of MN. I enjoy sports, quality time with family & friends, acting, poetry and almost anything to do with being outdoors.

Tim Como: I’m originally from Marshall, MN. So yes, I do know what “flat” looks like and what “wind” feels like. I’m the youngest of five kids…ah, the stories I can, and do tell. I’m a veteran of the U.S. Navy (so if anyone wants to sit down and swap sea stories and lies, I’m game). I attended Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall. That is where I met my totally wonderful wife of 25 years, Renee. We don’t have children, which is probably why we’ve been married for 25 years. We do have two of the coolest cats around, Smoke and Cinder. We’ve also added two goofy rabbits to the mix, Ziggy and Sophie.

Pat Noren Enderson: I am originally from St. Louis Park. I currently live in a renovated country school house on the outskirts of Elk River with my husband and 9-year-old twins. I am a marketing consultant by day and I absolutely love social media. I also cannot stop reading the Hunger Games book series—I’m on my third read-through now.

Nickie McClure: I love to bike, run, make jewelry, and relax at the beach.

Corey Okonek: Grew up in Wisconsin, and I’m a cheesehead til death. Married for 32 years to the same wonderful woman I met in high school. We have 2 grown children and 2 beautiful grandchildren.

Tell us something awesome about one of your fellow cast members

Nickie McClure: Danny, who plays Joe, does poetry readings of pieces he writes.

Pat Noren Enderson: I am amazed daily by Corey Okonek’s talent. He plays Mr. Jordan and is so regal as well as down-to-earth in the part. I don’t know how he does it, but if he could bottle it, he’d make a fortune.

Tim Como: The awesome thing about this cast is they ALL make me laugh, which is a really cool thing.

Daniel Coleman: Each of our cast members is filled with personality and I learn something new every day; the most unique quality of our cast is the diverse experiences with theatre; as well as their roles in everyday life.

Alison Anderson: I’m working with a group of people I’ve never worked with before so I’m really still getting to know them. One thing I think is really cool is how great Corey’s voice sounds for his part. His role is rather ethereal, and he’s got this smooth, deep voice that’s perfect for his role and the lines he has to say.

Kelly Ahlman: There is no one cast member that stands out in their brilliance. All twelve of us in the show have been striving to bring something important and unique to the storyline. We have all gotten along amazingly well from the first rehearsal and have grown along the way as a comfortable team. We have been extremely fortunate to have a director and a stage manager who raise the bar and challenge us with their visions to make this show something that will stay with the audience after its over. Therefore, this cast as a whole, is awesome!

Can you tell us something surprising about yourself? A fun did you know fact?

Alison Anderson: I am an unusually scientifically-minded person for an artist. I have an MS degree in Cognitive and Perceptual Sciences.

Pat Noren Enderson: Did you know that this was my first audition ever?

Nickie McClure: I can blow a bubble gum bubbles as big as a volleyball!

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Posted in General News, Heaven Can Wait

Thank you for helping to make the “Pinkalicious” School Day Matinees a success!

May 9th, 2012

We’ve been caught up in the hustle and bustle of the Cabaret Fundraiser all week here at Lyric Arts. Things can get a little hectic when hitting the home stretch of the only fundraiser you have each year. So it was great to receive these thank you’s from two classes who came to our Pinkalicious School Day Matinees last week.

We’d like to thank everyone who helped us to make Pinkalicious: The Musical such a success, including all the schools who helped us bring the magic of live theater to young people!

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Posted in General News, Pinkalicious the Musical

Why come to the fundraiser? The cast tells all!

May 8th, 2012

Our stellar Cabaret Fundraiser cast has come up with even more reasons you should come to see A Lyric Arts Salute to Broadway Musicals We Can’t Afford to Produce. These are amazing reasons!

Curt Burton: We have an outstanding, very talented cast who are working very hard to make this one of the best fundraiser productions ever. The audience will get a chance to see some of their favorite performers in roles perhaps they would not expect, plus get a chance to hear some great musical numbers from all.

Noelle French: Our Cabaret is a snapshot of the amazing live theater that Lyric produces year-round. There is something for every type of musical theater fan, from rock to opera!

Laurel Kaeferlein: What a fun time to hang around people who love the theater! Additionally, the actors and actresses can really sing and dance, so you will NOT be disappointed. Hey, and who wouldn’t like beer, wine, appetizers and dessert? Heck of a deal, I say!

James Plante: Because it is for a great cause and it allows Lyric Arts to continue to provide the high level of theatre they are known for.

Debbie Swanson: Although Lyric Arts can’t afford the rights or the production costs associated with the musicals we are featuring on May 11^th and 12^th, I know that audiences will love the tongue in cheek humor and our own Lyric Arts’ twist on award winning shows like Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Lion King and Million Dollar Quartet! We haven’t been able to get through a rehearsal yet without cracking up at the jokes, the costumes, the props and each actor’s take on their characters from one of the shows. Regular attendees to the theater will recognize some of their favorite actors and a little “insider” humor. New audience members will be hooked—and want to come back time and time again during our next season. Of course, the best part is that all the money donated this weekend will be going toward fabulous programming for Lyric Arts’ new year. It’s going to be a good time for a great cause!!

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Posted in 13th Annual Cabaret Fundraiser, General News

A “peek” behind the scenes

May 7th, 2012

Here it is, the final stretch. Today marks the first day of Tech Week for our Cabaret Fundraiser – A Lyric Arts Salute to Broadway Musicals We Can’t Afford to Produce.

As we gear up for the show on Friday night, we wanted to give you an inside “peek” straight from the performers themselves! We asked all of our actors what do they think are the “wow” elements of the show? What’s not to miss? Here’s what they had to say:

Curtis Burton: I think all the numbers have wow elements, but I think people will particularly enjoy the group numbers and also some will get a chance to do a “Whole Lotta Shakin” if they are bold enough to participate.

Noelle French: There are too many to name just one!

Laurel Kaeferlein: Definitely the tap dancing. There are 5 of us tap dancing: Jon Stiff, Juliette Whelp, Noelle French, Regan Duffy and me . The only two people with formal tap training are Jon and Regan, and yet Juliette, Noelle and I have risen to the challenge and are looking pretty darned good. The level of difficulty in this tap dance number far exceeds anything I’ve seen in community theater.

James Plante: There are many “wow” elements of the show, but the one that stands out is all of the volunteers and cast/crew that are taking time out of their busy lives to support something they love……and we all sort of kick butt and I would like to think we are fun to see on stage!

We also asked our talented performers to share something awesome about one of their fellow cast members.

James Plante: Jackie Olson makes a mean jambalaya!

Laurel Kaeferlein: Juliette’s riffs during “Seasons of Love” are so awesome! I love hearing her sing that song!

Noelle French: This entire cast is awesome! An extremely talented group of singers, dancers, and actors!

Curtis Burton: I can’t say it about just one without mentioning the other, but Noelle and Juliette’s voices just blow me away with the high notes.

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Posted in 13th Annual Cabaret Fundraiser, General News

The curtain closes…

May 3rd, 2012

Laura Tahja Johnson as Ellen Pazinski

And so, as with all good things, the run of Over the Tavern has come to an end. I have been asked repeatedly how I feel about it, usually with something that goes a little like, “Wow! I’ll bet you’re ready for this to be done and for life to get back to normal, huh?”

Well, while I am thrilled that I now have the time to see my husband and my children—who I have missed whole-heartedly—and am excited to get my home back into some semblance of an organized routine, the answer has been a resounding, “No.” I’m not ready to go back to life as I knew it a few months ago.

First of all, there is that pesky “reality” to which I am returning. Let’s be honest, there has been a whole lot of reality that I have missed out on in the last few weeks…sort of like going on vacation. We are in the middle of a remodeling project that has kept my amazing husband—who is a saint, by the way—from doing much more than minimal housekeeping and childrearing duties in an effort to get the project finished as quickly as possible. Let me reiterate…he is a Superman in my eyes, but there is so much dirty laundry in our house right now that I’m surprised any of us have anything to wear right now. It’s true…running a household is much less fun in real life than it is on stage.

Second, as part of this experience, there are some things about me that have changed. I am in the process of going back to focusing all my attention on what I was doing before this experience without the distraction of the production process: work, being an organized wife and mother, finishing up our remodeling project, decluttering our house, and laundry…have I mentioned the laundry? But, I’m no longer the same person that I was when this process began almost three months ago. I spent many years building up walls in order to do what I do every day and those walls had to be broken down in order for me to do what I had to do on stage. Now, I am having some difficulty reconciling that Laura with this Laura that I have rediscovered.

Don’t get me wrong…I love my life. I love my job and my family. I just want to love them with the same fullness of joy I rediscovered from the stage—a joy that isn’t deadened by those walls that I worked so hard to build. And, I want to find a way to work performing back into my life on an occasional basis. As part of this process, I found parts of myself that had long been buried and I am not prepared to, nor am I willing to, bury them again.

Here’s my analogy: It’s as though, once upon a time, I had a great color TV that was stolen and I could only replace it with a black and white model. I still enjoyed watching TV and, initially, missed watching in color. Eventually, however, I got used to it and even sort of forgot what color TV was like. It was good enough; I was happy enough. I convinced myself that color was a luxury for other people and I didn’t truly need it to be happy. Then, one day, I came home to find a new color TV in the old one’s place and—oh, happy day!—it was bigger and in HD. At that point, I couldn’t believe I’d spent all those years watching TV in fuzzy black and white and couldn’t imagine not seeing things in full, high-definition color for the rest of my life. But, with this realization comes a new fear. What if this new TV disappears as well? What if I am forced to pull the old black and white out of the closet and fool myself into believing it’s good enough for another 14 years?

This leads me to other question I have been asked: “Will you be auditioning again?”

This role was a gift that has now disappeared and can never be replaced. What if I never, ever, in my whole life receive a gift like that again? And, now that I want it so badly, will I be able to stand the heartache of auditioning again?

And then, I realized why I stopped performing. It wasn’t just that my life was busy; I became afraid of auditioning and failing. They say it is better to have tried and failed than to have never tried at all. I think that it has been easy for me to believe that it is better to avoid getting my hopes get too high. It became easier for me to pretend I didn’t want to perform than it was for me to risk failing. This audition process was easy. I didn’t know how badly I truly wanted this role or this show and, to be honest, I never, in a million years, thought I stood a chance of getting them.

In preparing to wrap this up, I re-read my previous blog posts and a common thread was how much trouble I have making myself vulnerable. I don’t like to show chinks in my armor; I don’t like to open myself up to failure. And, I will be the first to acknowledge that that fear of failure pervades every part of my life.

Maybe that is the greater lesson in all of this—one that I never expected to learn. In trying to avoid failure, I have lived a life of endless anxiety and lost so much joy. Maybe now is the time in my life to look that fear of failure square in the face. Wouldn’t it be amazing if the profound changes I experienced throughout this process continued to reverberate through the other aspects of my life?

Here at Lyric Arts we hear time and time again about the transformative power of the performing arts from people who take part in our productions. After years of working to create that experience for others, why shouldn’t I allow it to work for me?

At the risk of being a cliché—something I never seem to fear—I chose to end this entry by quoting Elphaba from the Broadway musical Wicked:

Something has changed within me.
Something is not the same.
I’m through with playing by the rules of someone else’s game.
Too late for second-guessing.
Too late to go back to sleep.
It’s time to trust my instincts,
Close my eyes…and leap!

(Pretty good stuff, huh?)

Finally, a huge thank you to the artistic staff (Joanna, Patrick, Brian, Shannon, Matt, and Bob) and the crew (Katie, Bob and Andrew) for making this such a magnificent experience.

And, to Justin, Molly, Noah, Alex, Alec, Valerie, Dan and Barb: I am missing the family we created together. Thank you all for never allowing me to take myself too seriously and for sharing your blood, sweat, and tears with me. No matter where we all go from here, please know (most sincerely) that you all hold a special place in my heart and that, should you ever need anything, you know where to find me.

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Posted in Actor's Blog: Laura Tahja Johnson, General News, Over the Tavern

Why support us at Cabaret?

May 3rd, 2012

By now you all know that the Cabaret Fundraiser is our only fundraiser of the year, and that without it we wouldn’t be able to keep bringing you all of the fantastic programming that we all love so much. Instead of us giving you more reasons why we think you should come out to support us at the event, we wanted to give our actors a space to share why they donate so much of their time to the event.

Here’s what they had to say:

Jacleen Olson: Performing is a huge part of the healing process for me…and the fact that Lyric Arts and Becky trusted me to do this means the world to me. Although I may not be at 100% yet, being a part of the Cabaret Fundraiser is helping me get there, not just because I’m performing, but because everyone has my back. I’m one lucky girl. Love you guys.

Tony Johnson: I love performing in the Cabaret because it’s such a great way to give a little something back for all the wonderful things Lyric Arts has meant to me and my family over the past 10 years. Not to mention it’s a blast to hang out every night with such a fun bunch of talented performers.

Laurel Kaeferlein: Are you kidding? I love Lyric Arts and want to be a part of almost anything that I can be a part of; however, what made me excited about being in this particular Cabaret is working with Becky Rizzio again. She’s an incredible director and an all-around wonderful person to be around. Additionally, Jon Stiff is such an amazing dancer that knowing he was choreographing the show made me want to be a part of it as well.

Thanks to each and every person who helps to make this event so special! We hope you’ll join us for this fabulous night of fun!

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Posted in 13th Annual Cabaret Fundraiser, General News

Get the inside scoop on Cabaret

May 2nd, 2012

We asked a few of our lovely and talented actors for the inside scoop on our Cabaret Fundraiser. Here’s what they had to say:

Lyric Arts: Tell us a little about your favorite Broadway production. Are you bringing a little bit of that magic to the Main Street Stage?

Regan Duffy: My favorite musical is Annie. I like it because of the music and the amazing and strong voices that sing it. I am trying to do my best to sing as an amazing Annie would.

Tony Johnson: The thing I love about Broadway is the spectacle and grandeur of it. One of my earliest big musical memories was seeing the musical Chess at the Ordway. That show managed to take one of the most subdued things in the world, the game of chess, and turn it into this huge extravaganza. After watching that I was hooked.

As the MC for this years Cabaret, I hope to let loose a little bit of the spectacle side of my personality. I’m trying to be a little more ring master of the circus instead of host of the show.

Laurel Kaeferlein: There are many productions which I love and would like to see either on stage for the first time, or to see again. I was fortunate enough to see Mamma Mia! at the Orpheum, which is really appropriate because I’ll be singing the one song from Mamma Mia! that’s in the Cabaret! I plan to channel all of the fun and disco-goodness into the show.

Jacleen Olson: In 2004, I was blessed to see the original cast of Wicked front row center. (My friend Isaac won the lottery tickets, and since he had seen the show the night before, he was ridiculously kind enough to give the two tickets to myself and another college classmate.) I couldn’t believe I was seeing Tony, Emmy, Golden Globe, and Oscar winners just a few feet in front of me my first time in NYC. Kristin Chenoweth remains to be the funniest actor I’ve ever seen, Idina Menzel commanded the stage effortlessly, Norbert Leo Butz’s voice is gorgeous (so is he…), and Joel Grey, is well, Joel Grey. As for our magic, we truly have captivating performers in our Cabaret- and I know you’ll leave wanting to see more!

Lyric Arts: How are rehearsals going? What’s been the most fun? The toughest (or even least fun)?

Jacleen Olson: Rehearsals are going really well! I have fun just being with everyone, and can’t wait to see all the acts put together. The toughest part for me has been to get my voice and body back in performing shape after having a stem-cell transplant in February. Not gonna lie, it hasn’t been easy, but everyone is so ridiculously supportive and loving. I couldn’t imagine making my “come-back” anywhere else, or with anyone else.

Laurel Kaeferlein: Rehearsal is going really well! We have such a fun cast of people who really enjoy being around one another that it’s a pleasure and a joy to come to rehearsal. The most fun that I am having is learning the tap-dance number. I tell you what…that number is so incredible that I am rehearsing a ton to do it justice!

Regan Duffy: Rehearsals are going really well! My favorite part has been meeting new people and getting to be in another show at Lyric Arts! The toughest part for me has been learning the tough tap routine and managing the music, lines, choreography, school work, and being a dancer all at the same time.
It seems the more we learn about this show, the more excited we get. If you haven’t had a chance to get your tickets yet, head on over to the Cabaret Fundraiser page to get all the details. Be sure to check back tomorrow to hear why our actors chose to help us out in such a big way!

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Posted in 13th Annual Cabaret Fundraiser, General News

Cabaret excitement is in the air!

May 1st, 2012

Our Cabaret Fundraiser is less than two weeks away! It goes without saying, that we’re getting pretty excited over here. We bet that spark of excitement is contagious! Just take a look at this video and see if you don’t feel the same.

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Posted in 13th Annual Cabaret Fundraiser, General News

Questions about our Cabaret Fundraiser?

April 30th, 2012

If you’ve got a question about the 13th Annual Cabaret Fundraiser, we’ve got an answer for you right here! Check out our press release for the event.

Lyric Arts Main Street Stage will be transformed into “The Great White Way” for our 13^th annual Cabaret Fundraiser, A Lyric Arts Salute to Broadway Musicals We Can’t Afford to Produce on May 11 and 12.

Always wanted to see a Broadway show like Wicked, Jersey Boys, or Phantom of the Opera, but never got a chance? Well, now Lyric Arts is bringing a little bit of Broadway to the Main Street Stage. Not only will this year’s Cabaret spotlight some well loved Broadway show tunes, it will feature some of Lyric Arts’ favorite players! Lyric Arts is thrilled to have some of the best and brightest performers that that have graced the Main Street Stage in the past year to return to help us bring this wonderful fundraiser to life!

The “Cabaret,” as it has come to be known, is the only annual fundraising event benefiting Lyric Arts Company of Anoka, a 501(c)(3) non-profit community theater. The fundraiser is a chance for the community to show their support of Lyric Arts, while at the same time enjoying some of the theater’s excellent entertainment. Director of the Cabaret, Rebecca Rizzio added, “With the theme for this year’s Fundraising Cabaret, we are taking the opportunity to poke a little fun at ourselves…There are huge Broadway musicals that Lyric Arts CAN afford to produce…and does. And, they do it with tireless energy and boundless imagination.”

The fundraiser helps to support the many programs that Lyric Arts offers the community throughout the year. In additional to stage performances, Lyric Arts offers productions just for children, educational outreach programs, workshops, and an intimate live music events as part of their “Music in the ‘Burbs” Concert Series. “Lyric Arts is such a unique place for artists and audiences alike. It truly is a home for the arts in the North Metro. But it’s more than that. It’s a family of actors, directors, artist and audience members sharing the magic of live theater year round. There is no place like Lyric Arts anywhere in the world and something this special needs to be supported and nurtured,” commented Rizzio.

Tickets to Lyric Arts’ only fundraiser of the year include bottomless beverages, delicious appetizers, and scrumptious desserts from Truffles and Tortes. Each year our silent auction is packed with gift baskets and other items of donated by local businesses, area performing arts organizations, and other Lyric Arts’ supporters. Some auction items that are sure to grab your attention are wine baskets, artwork, jewelry, and weekend getaways.

A Lyric Arts Salute to Broadway Musicals We Can’t Afford to Produce performs May 11 and 12. Doors open at 6:00pm, giving patrons time to peruse the silent auction. At 7:30pm, the curtains open on the show itself. Tickets for A Lyric Arts Salute to Broadway Musicals We Can’t Afford to Produce start at $50 and are $60 for Box Seats and Table Seating. For complete ticket pricing information call the Box Office at 763-422-1838 or skip the line and get your tickets online.

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Posted in 13th Annual Cabaret Fundraiser, General News

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