Teen troupe to present classic musical
6/27/2013It is difficult to imagine a more iconic piece of late ‘40s/early ‘50s musical theater than Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
The 1949 Broadway presentation introduced the world to Carol Channing, and the 1953 movie adaptation featured star-crossed bombshells Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell in 1953. Both were big successes, with the Bradway production running for 740 shows and the movie helping launch Monroe to superstar status.
Fremont Community Theatre this weekend will have a go at the stage version in Teen Theatre production that will of course feature the songs “Bye, Bye Baby” and “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.”
The musical comedy is based on a book by Anita Loos. It tells the story of a young woman named Lorelei Lee from Little Rock, Ark., who has a way with men. She and her friend Dorothy travel to Paris looking for husbands on a luxury cruise and hilarity ensues.
The Fremont Teen Theatre version includes Alexis Schmidt of Clyde as Lorelei; Leah Marty of Clyde as Dorothy; Joey Magnuson of Fremont, Avery Gerwin of Gibsonburg, Matt Gerber and Josh Marty of Clyde.
The show is directed by Ryan Mahaffey of Rossford, with assistant Hilary Frater of Fremont, student director and choreographer Delilah Foos of Gibsonburg, and music direction by Cyndi Hineline and Joe Kiser, both of Fremont.
The production features teens between the ages of 13 and 19 who attend Fremont Ross and Middle School, Fremont St. Joe, Gibsonburg, Clyde-Green Springs, Elmwood, Woodmore, St. Wendolyn and Bowling Green State University.
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes will run from today to Sunday. Performances today, Friday and Saturday will be at 8 p.m. and the Sunday matinee is at 2 p.m. All tickets are $10. Information: 419-332-0695, or fremontcommunitytheatre.org.
New season
The Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Van Wert has announced the lineup for its 2013-2014 season, and tickets already are on sale for some events.
The Grand Series contains a variety of acts, including country artist Kellie Pickler, Christian crossover artist Michael W. Smith, The Ohio State University marching band, Tony Orlando in a Christmas show, several theater productions, and Russian ballet
Grand Series season tickets are from $314 to $541. Grand Series ticket buyers also will be the first to receive ticket access for a show by country star Trace Adkins.
The Community Concert Series will include performances by Debby Boone, the Sonos Handbell Ensemble at Christmas, the Toledo Symphony Orchestra performing Rodgers & Hammerstein, and Voices of Unity Youth Choir. Any of these four concerts may also be purchased as part of a Select Series package. This series is available now at the Niswonger Box Office.
For event dates and ticket information: 419-238-6722 or NPACVW.ORG.
Be careful what you say
J.B. Priestly’s cautionary tale Dangerous Corner about how a slip of the tongue can lead to unwanted consequences will be presented at the Huron Playhouse starting Tuesday and running through next weekend.
The play takes place during a party at the country retreat of Robert and Freda Caplan. One of the guests makes an off-hand remark that sets forth a series of revelations about unknown relationships and secrets with tragic consequences.
Dangerous Corner will be presented Tuesday, Wednesday, July 4, July 5, and July 6 at 8 p.m. each day. Tickets are $13 to $17. The Huron Playhouse is at 325 Ohio St. in Huron. Information: www.huronplayhouse.org.
Cars, cars, cars
An impromptu car show will take place Friday night out side of the Valentine Theatre in downtown Toledo for the final Silver Screen presentation of the season. The film Grand Prix will be shown at 7:30 p.m. and the cars will in the plaza of outside the Valentine at the corner of Superior Street and Adams Street.