Archive for November, 2009

William Studer as “Ebenezer Scrooge”

November 25th, 2009

William StuderLyric Arts had the chance to ask “Ebenezer Scrooge” (played by William Studer) some questions about his role in this year’s Christmas production, A Christmas Carol.

 

LA: Tell us a little bit about why this particular show interested you.

WS: As an older actor, one character on my bucket list is “Ebenezer Scrooge.”  He is a classic, well-known character who during the course of the play makes a life-changing transformation. The chance to play him in A Christmas Carol at Lyric Arts is a tremendous opportunity for me.

LA: Why do you think A Christmas Carol such a beloved Christmas show for people?

WS: It is a timeless story of redemption set in the Christmas season. Scrooge learns that it is never too late to change. By changing, not only does he become a better person, but his actions have a positive impact on those people around him.

LA: What is your favorite part of Christmas and the holiday season?

WS: It is a time for family to gather to rejoice in the positive things in our lives. We remember the joys of past seasons, acknowledge those who are only with us now in spirit and resolve, as the new year begins, to make positive changes in our lives.

LA: What do you feel are the “wow” elements of A Christmas Carol?

WS: Wonderful Christmas music, beautiful costumes, a terrific set and a talented cast – all overseen by the director Dann Peterson, our “Christmas St. Nick,” and his merry band of technical elves on stage managing, lighting, sound, costuming, props and set design/construction.

LA: Tell us what is something that you are particular excited about this show coming to together.

I particularly like the introduction of Jacob Marley and the Ghosts onto the stage – the costumes and the sound and visual effects establish the mood for each scene.

LA: Why should people come out and see this Christmas production?

WS: Come with family and friends – what a wonderful way to begin the holiday season. A Christmas Carol has been a Christmas tradition for theatre goers for decades. If you haven’t seen it previously, now is the time to start. If it is a familiar show to you, it’s time to relive the transformation of “Ebenezer Scrooge.”  DON’T WAIT!!!! ORDER YOUR TICKETS NOW BEFORE THE SHOWS ARE ALL SOLD OUT!

Corey Okonek “Ghost of Christmas Present” on “A Christmas Carol”

November 23rd, 2009

Corey OkonekLyric Arts had the opportunity to ask Corey Okonek, cast member of A Christmas Carol, some questions about his role in the production at Lyric Arts.  Read the interview below, and come experience the magic of this joyful holiday classic! 

 
LA: Tell us a little bit about why this particular show interested you.

CO: A Christmas Carol is one of my all time favorite shows (that and It’s A Wonderful Life).

LA: What character do you play in the show?  What is your back story?

CO: I play the “Ghost of Christmas Present.”  This is the ghost that comes and shows “Scrooge” that a real Christmas is more a thing of the heart and not a time that, as “Scrooge” says, “a time for buying things”.

LA: Why do you think A Christmas Carol such a beloved Christmas show for people?

CO: It shows the redemption that can come with a changed attitude.

LA: What is your favorite part of Christmas and the holiday season? 

CO: Everything, but mostly decorating the house, watching the classic Christmas movies with family.

LA: Comment on the talent level in the cast.

CO: This is my second show with Lyric Arts and this show, like the last (My Fair Lady) is filled with a very talented cast.

LA: Why should people come out and see this Christmas production?

CO: It’s a great way to kick off the holiday season in an intimate venue.

Martin Zellar Tickets on Sale Today!

November 23rd, 2009

Martin Zellar tickets went on sale today at 10:00 a.m.. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear this excellent musician perform on January 27 at 7:30 p.m.

A popular member of the Minnesota music scene, Zellar was the front man for the legendary Gear Daddies. For more information on Martin Zellar visit the “Plays and Events” page.

Monday Reviews of “A Christmas Carol”

November 23rd, 2009

A Christmas Carol opened last Friday. Here are some reviews from the weekend. Hurry up and get your tickets they are selling quickly!

“I’ve been going to A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie for many years. I tell you what – this was JUST as good!”

“This was the best (Christmas Carol) I have ever seen or heard. I was choked up much of the time.”- S.B. from Fridley

“It must be hard to put on this production when places like the Guthrie are legendary, but you guys sure pulled it off with your own flair and style. I was very impressed, and really felt the Christmas spirit as I left the theatre. Thanks so much for a great show! I loved it!”-Pat Streeter

“A Christmas Carol” video interview

November 18th, 2009

Check out this great You Tube video of the cast and crew of  A Christmas Carol  You won’t want to miss this magical holiday show!

Video by Tim Carlquist

“Oliver!” Cast List Announced

November 18th, 2009

The cast list for Oliver! is announced. Thank you to all who auditioned!

Click here to see who was cast.

$5,660 raised on “Give to the Max” Day!

November 18th, 2009

A gigantic “thank you” to all of the supporters who made a donation to Lyric Arts on GiveMN.org’s “Give to the Max” Day!  $5,660 was donated in Lyric Arts name, giving us a much needed helping hand in a difficult economy.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Laura Signature
Laura Tahja Johnson
Managing Director

Added Performance for “A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas”

November 11th, 2009

Due to the high demand of tickets for A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas, Lyric Arts has added another performance on Saturday, December 5 at 4:00 p.m.

Click here to see all the limited seating dates, sold out dates, synopsis, and more!

Director Dann Peterson on “A Christmas Carol”

November 10th, 2009

 Lyric Arts had the opportunity to sit down with Dann Peterson, the director of the beloved holiday classic, A Christmas Carol.

LA:  Tell us a little bit about why this particular show interested you. 

DP:  Ever since I saw a production of A Christmas Carol in the early years of the Guthrie staging the show, I have been intrigued with the idea of staging the show.  I also am drawn to shows that focus on interesting characters, and A Christmas Carol has its share of fascinating characters.

LA:  For those that are unfamiliar with A Christmas Carol can you tell us about the show?  

DP:  It is the story of Scrooge who has made some bad choices in his life that have lead him to be bitter and miserly; not even the joy of Christmas can get to this hard-hearted, business-focused old man until he is shown what the future hold for him if he doesn’t change his ways.

LA:  Why do you think A Christmas Carol such a beloved Christmas show for people?

DP:  The story celebrates the real meaning of Christmas – redemption.  It shows us that we truly are a human family and what we do and believe effects others.

LA:  Being that you have directed at Lyric Arts in the past, how has A Christmas Carol been a different experience for you? 

DP:  For one, it is not a musical; that has allowed me a great deal more time to focus on character development. Knowing the stage from past experience has also allowed me to be aware of creating interesting stage pictures and movement.

LA:  What do you feel are the “wow” elements of A Christmas Carol

DP:  Even though this is not a musical, I have added more music to many of the scenes.  I think the Ghosts are a wow factor.  I also believe the set and costumes will be fabulous.  There are some other secret wow factors I don’t wish to reveal now.

LA:  Comment on the talent level in the cast.  

DP:  Once again I have been blessed to work with a cast of very talented people of all ages.  It is because of their talents that I have been able to add some wow factors.

LA:  Why should people come out and see this Christmas production? 

DP:  Come see the show to celebrate the real joy of Christmas and bring the whole family!  It will make you feel good and blessed.

LA:  Tell us what is something that you are particular excited about this show coming to together.

DP:  I am always amazed when a show comes together after weeks of rehearsal and as we add new elements how the entire experience evolves into a terrific show.  I am excited about all the elements coming together and how supportive the cast members are of each other.  I think the scenes near the end of the show will be a truly emotional experience for the audience.

LA:  Anything else you’d like to touch on that wasn’t mentioned our asked.   

DP:  It has been a great deal of fun working with Christmas music and themes even as early as late September.  I feel the Christmas spirit should prevail all year; this show has allowed me to experience an extended Christmas season.

Winter Workshops Just Announced!

November 4th, 2009

Winter workshops at Lyric Arts run from January 2010 through March 2010, and you can register for them today!

This quarter not only are we offering classes for students as young as pre-schoolers, but we are offering two adult classes, and a scripted play of Alice in Wonderland just for workshop students in grades 2-5!

Click here to read about all the opportunities!

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