Peoria Live Theatre

I caught a performance of the Caterpillar Chorus version of Beauty and the Beast and although I’ve seen this show many, many times in recent years, I did enjoy this show.

The standout talent-wise was newcomer to Caterpillar & the Peoria area was Rahael Mathew-Rosario who played Belle. A graduate of the American Musical & Dramatic Academy (AMDA), her voice is wonderful and she has a great Disney princess look.

Joe Suau was a strong Beast with a smooth voice and portrayed a believable transition between the rough beast-like personality into the gentler “gentleman” that Belle brings out in his character. Pam Bizosky was a wonderful Mrs. Potts with her “enchanting” voice.

Jeff Craig as Cogsworth and Jason Werner as Lumiere added a strong comic relief to the enchanted castle sections. Ben Folley as Gaston with John Marincic as La Fou did a nice job as the comic characters of the village also.

With direction by Lee Wenger, music direction by Amiee Traenkenschuh and choreography by Peggy Breaux, the show was well received by the audience. I sat next to a small girl who gasped audibly when the Beast transitioned into a man and told her Mom, “Look Mom - he’s a boy now!” - so that little girl obviously enjoyed the show thoroughly.

New NEA Chair, Rocco Landesman

Eastlight Theatre is proud to be hosting the National Endowment for the Arts Chairman, Rocco Landesman, at a special fundraising performance of RENT.  For every ticket sold, a portion of the ticket price will go directly to the local non-profit art organization chosen by the ticket purchaser. Eastlight’s venue, the Byron Moore Auditorium at East Peoria High School, seats 1100. Let’s sell out the house and show Rocco Central Illinois’ commitment to the arts, and happily, raise money for arts organizations at the same time.

Tickets will go on sale to the public on Wednesday, Oct. 28th. Purchase online or call the box office at 309-699-7469.

The Pajama Game is Bradley Theatre Department’s opener for the 09-10 season which continues this weekend at 8 pm (2:30 pm on Sunday) at the Hartmann Center for the Performing Arts on the BU campus.  Tickets are $17 for the general public, $14 for faculty, staff and senior citizens and $9 for students.  To order ticket by phone, call 677-2650.

Local photographer Jeffery Noble is looking for a few good actors……here’s what he’s told us:

I am working on a photography project that needs actors instead of models to get the style and motivation across the right way and inject a bit of character into the shoot. The style we are going for is a bit like the show “Flight of the Conchords”.

Peoria Players’ season opener, South Pacific, featuring famous songs like “Bali Ha’i”, “Some Enchanted Evening”, “Happy Talk” and “I’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy”, is delighting Central Illinios audiences.

Bruce Colligan plays leading man Emile de Becque and Megan Hamilton is Nellie Forbush.  Mary Sierra plays Bloody Mary, Luther Billis is played by Landen Zumwalt and Jeremy Kelly plays Lt. Cable.  The show’s director is Liz Landes Reed, musical director is Nick Myers and choreographer is Molly Joyce.  For the full cast list, click HERE.

Shows run Thursday through Sunday, beginning at 7:30 pm, except the Sunday performance, which begins at 2:30 pm. Tickets are $18 for adults or $12 for students 18 & under. Season tickets are also available for only $80 which includes 6 shows throughout 2009-10. For more information or to order tickets, call 688-4473.

Eastlight’s annual Youthlight production for 2009, Rogders & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, is back for a few more performances this week.   It’s a family favorite for all ages.  Performances are at 7:30 pm through Saturday.  Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for senior citizens 65+ and $10 for youth through high school.  You can order online on the Eastlight website.

This weekend at the Corn Stock Tent, you’ll have only a few chances to catch their extra show for the 2009 Summer Season, Broadway Light.  A revue of Broadway comedy classics, the show is written & produced by CST veteran, Rebekah Bourland and music directed by Mel White (also a veteran of local community theatre).

Featuring Mike Dentino, Bonnie White, Lee Wenger, Lana Warner, Mike Reams, Erica Franken, Barb Couri, and Bob Parkhurst, Broadway Light is sure to entertain.  There are only 3 performances - Thursday, Sept. 3 - Saturday, Sept. 5.  are $17 for adults and $12 for youth 18 & younger plus there’s a $2 discount per ticket for season ticket holders. Tickets are on sale now at the Corn Stock Box Office or by calling 676-2196.  From what I’ve heard, there aren’t many tickets left, so if you’re intersted in catching this show, call asap.

Dames at Sea, now playing at Corn Stock Theatre through Saturday, August 29, doesn’t have a very deep plot (that’s putting it really mildly), but it is a fun, entertaining evening.  A spoof of musicals from the 30s & 40s, Dames includes lots of tap dancing, costumes and great one liners.

Katie McLuckie plays Mona, the stereotypcial diva - and is extremely funny doing several slapstick schticks throughout the show.  Jarod Hazzard as Dick is charming with his can do attitude who wins Ruby, played by  Kelsey Burd who is very convincing as a niave girl who’s just arrived in NYC to dance on Broadway.

Matt Stubbs is  a sailor named Lucky who’s in love with Joan, played by Ingrid Weiman.   Both are great in their roles as is Bob McLaughlin who plays the Broadway producer & the sailor’s ship captain. 

All the voices in this musical are a joy to listen to.  The dancing (including several tap numbers) is fun and well choreographed by Erica Franken.  Mike Reams (director) and Connie Tumminelli (musical director) should be proud - this is a great show for the whole family.  Catch it now before this ship leaves port!

I know that it’s an over used term - especially among some - but in my opinion Rent at Eastlight (runs through Saturday - get your tickets now!) is amazing. It’s an amazing cast, Chip Joyce is an amazing director and the tech was also amazing (not surprising with Steve Cordle at the helm).

To see a community theatre show (as Gary Panetta likes to point out) in Peoria of this caliber is really setting the bar extremely high. In typical Eastlight style (Kathy Chitwood should be proud!), Rent goes all out bringing a cutting edge show with top notch talent to their stage.

Josh Kensinger as Mark is charming and Adam Sitton’s Roger is brooding. Both have Broadway quality voices (as does much of the cast). Brandon Chandler as Angel is stunning - he brings not only his incredible voice, but the tender, loving personality of that character that unites the entire cast. (Plus, he looks great in his Christmas costume!)

Anthonly Hendricks - wow. His vocal talent is a delight and he is entirely convincing in his bond with Chandler. Kates Rotroff is a strong Mimi who dances her way into Roger’s heart. Ayana Pankey & Colleen Haddock are a wonderful duet with their constant bickering, but ultimately loving relationship. And Mark Baugher makes a great Benny.

My favorite (probably everyone’s) song of the show, Seasons of Love really brought home the message of the show - and one that’s important to remember when we get caught up in the busyness of every day life. This is what makes Rent such a favorite - it’s understanding of love with all its difficulties and the importance of the bonds of friendship and tolerance.

Make your year and catch one of the few remaining performances of this classic show - and appreciate the incredible talent that lives right here in Central Illinois.   Click HERE to get your tickets on Eastlight Theatre’s website.

Caught opening night for Bye Bye Birdie - the youth production at Peoria Players - last night. It was very entertaining and gave some local youth actors a chance to shine. Andrea Williams and Dimitri German as Rosie & Albert have wonderful voices and seem like pros on stage. Melissa Blain plays spunky 15 year old Kim who’s Got a Lot of Livin’ to do.

With direction by Travis Olson, music direction by Molly Sloter and choreography by Peggy Breaux, this production really captures the personality of this fun, energetic show.

The highlight for many is Shane Pankey’s portrayal of Ed Sullivan - he got guffaws when the spotlight hit before he even had a chance to say his lines because his costume, make-up, hair and posture was so on target to the Sullivan impersonation.

The show continues tonight & Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2:30 pm. Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for youth under 18 and are available at the Players Box Office or by calling 688-4473. Make sure to catch this show while you can!