She may not know all the right answers but she does ask all the right questions. Dear Gabby: The Confessions of an Over-Achiever tells the story of a teenaged girl who confronts a series of life-lessons as she writes the advice column for her school’s paper. The funny and poignant play will be presented at the Civic Theatre in Downtown Akron for a single performance on Wednesday, February 2, 2011. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for students and are available by calling the Civic box office at 330.253.2488 or online at www.akroncivic.com. Seating is limited so patrons are encouraged to buy their tickets in advance.
Dear Gabby: The Confessions of an Over-Achiever is by Chris DeCarlo and Evelyn Rudie, who serve as co-Artistic Directors of the Santa Monica Playhouse in California. They describe their play as an interactive theatre experience, which explores such teen concerns as first love, peer pressure, rejection, relationships, drugs, cheating, self-esteem, and the passion and pain of piano lessons.
Dear Gabby is under the direction of guest artist Elynmarie Kazle who has already directed the play three times at Firestone High School. She worked at the Santa Monica Playhouse at the time of Dear Gabby’s original performances and tours. Firestone Theatre has presented the play six times over ten years to a wide variety of audiences. One production toured to the Dayton, Ohio, area as well as returned home to the Santa Monica Playhouse for two fund-raising performances. Kazle has served as the school’s Stage Management Trainer and Mentor for 10 years and recently worked at the Cleveland Playhouse.
The cast of Dear Gabby: The Confessions of an Over-Achiever is lead by seniors Hayley Hineline and Caeli Droge. They are supported by sophomores Amelia Britton, Aaron Eckhardt, Deandre Hairston, Sierrah Jesiolowski, Jada Langston; and freshman Lani Skelley. SophomoreWill Banno Rothman serves as the stage manager. Junior Marissa Wilson serves as the student director.
Call the theatre office at Firestone High School at 330-873-3408 for additional information.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
DEAR GABBY takes us all on the Journey of our Lifetime.
FROM AMELIA WHO PLAYS THE TITLE ROLE IN OUR UPCOMING PRODUCTION OF DEAR GABBY.
The DEAR GABBY journey started a few months ago, but it’s definitely taken off from there.
For me, it actually started last year, when I was on makeup crew for the 2009 production. When I saw it in tech rehearsal for the first time, I was genuinely affected. To me, the greatest thing about the show is that it’s so universal. I think that every student can relate to the show somehow—we’ve all (to differing extents) been that uncertain, unpopular kid. Or we’ve seen our friends cheating on a test, or we’ve watched someone we love become someone we hardly recognize anymore.
As I watched the show for the first time, I found myself identifying with one character after another. While I didn’t necessarily condone the way they each dealt with their problems, I did understand where they were coming from. I knew how it felt to be in their situation, and I empathized with the characters.
None of us has ever done this before—we aren’t exactly sure what’s the “right way” to grow up. That’s one of the central themes of Gabby. As each of us gets a little deeper into our character, we’re also getting a little deeper into ourselves, and that’s a scary idea.
DEAR GABBY: THE CONFESSIONS OF AN OVER-ACHIEVER makes one public performance at the Akron Civic Theatre on Wednesday, February 2, 2011
amelia
The DEAR GABBY journey started a few months ago, but it’s definitely taken off from there.
For me, it actually started last year, when I was on makeup crew for the 2009 production. When I saw it in tech rehearsal for the first time, I was genuinely affected. To me, the greatest thing about the show is that it’s so universal. I think that every student can relate to the show somehow—we’ve all (to differing extents) been that uncertain, unpopular kid. Or we’ve seen our friends cheating on a test, or we’ve watched someone we love become someone we hardly recognize anymore.
As I watched the show for the first time, I found myself identifying with one character after another. While I didn’t necessarily condone the way they each dealt with their problems, I did understand where they were coming from. I knew how it felt to be in their situation, and I empathized with the characters.
None of us has ever done this before—we aren’t exactly sure what’s the “right way” to grow up. That’s one of the central themes of Gabby. As each of us gets a little deeper into our character, we’re also getting a little deeper into ourselves, and that’s a scary idea.
DEAR GABBY: THE CONFESSIONS OF AN OVER-ACHIEVER makes one public performance at the Akron Civic Theatre on Wednesday, February 2, 2011
amelia
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Tomorrow is Another Day
In keeping with a the original intent of this blog, a handful of students have been recruited to contribute their thoughts to the theatrical process in the coming months. Today we share the first of these contributions. Enjoy.
maz
FROM SHAMARA:
I am far too excited for Hairspray, so much that I hoped that today we would NOT have a snow day (despite the inevitable blizzard) so that I could see the cast list. This cast list has been the topic of conversation and unadulterated anticipation ever since it was first revealed that Firestone would be putting on the fabulous musical. And... Of course... We had a snow day today. So who knows how long we'll eagerly await now... Hopefully tomorrow will be the day!
maz
FROM SHAMARA:
I am far too excited for Hairspray, so much that I hoped that today we would NOT have a snow day (despite the inevitable blizzard) so that I could see the cast list. This cast list has been the topic of conversation and unadulterated anticipation ever since it was first revealed that Firestone would be putting on the fabulous musical. And... Of course... We had a snow day today. So who knows how long we'll eagerly await now... Hopefully tomorrow will be the day!
One More Snow Day Creates Angst for those Awaiting Cast Notice
Today is a second consecutive snow day in Akron. We auditioned HAIRSPRAY last week concluding with a movement audition on Friday. The cast list was announced to be posted at school on Monday. We will not have school until at least Wednesday. The wait is making some of us a little jumpy.
There is now an online drive to post the cast list on Facebook or on the website so that students can relieve the pressure of not knowing. I have so far resisted this urge as it is important that each cast member "sign" to accept their role. I also prefer to have the list not forwarded around the internet in a way that cannot be controlled. We will just have to wait until tomorrow.
In keeping with a the original intent of this blog, a handful of students have been recruited to contribute their thoughts to the theatrical process in the coming months. Today we share the first of these contributions. Enjoy:
maz
FROM ALLY:
My audition experience for Hairspray was quite exciting!
It can give you the nerves a bit having to walk in large room with two people at a table to audition you. This was for the vocal audition. For me personally the vocal/acting audition was exciting! When I saw that I had a call back I was thrilled, until I realized it was a dance call back. To me thats one of my weakest points, so I was extremely nervous. Although when came time to perform my audition I was very confident and danced with a smile. No matter how many times I messed up, I did my best to keep going. I did my best to show that I am able to dance and will be willing to try anything you throw at me.
To me in an audition I try to walk with confidence, no matter how nervous I am on the inside. I try to keep a smile on my face even though I mess. Just keep going. Show you can work around it. Improvise. Also its nice to cheer your friends along and give them reassurance that they did awsome. Its nice to get the same treatment back soo. In all I believe my Hairspray audition went amazing!
The experience was enjoyable, although the waiting is ugh. Though when the cast list comes up no matter what your role is or if your even in the show at all, you always need to know you did your best!
There is now an online drive to post the cast list on Facebook or on the website so that students can relieve the pressure of not knowing. I have so far resisted this urge as it is important that each cast member "sign" to accept their role. I also prefer to have the list not forwarded around the internet in a way that cannot be controlled. We will just have to wait until tomorrow.
In keeping with a the original intent of this blog, a handful of students have been recruited to contribute their thoughts to the theatrical process in the coming months. Today we share the first of these contributions. Enjoy:
maz
FROM ALLY:
My audition experience for Hairspray was quite exciting!
It can give you the nerves a bit having to walk in large room with two people at a table to audition you. This was for the vocal audition. For me personally the vocal/acting audition was exciting! When I saw that I had a call back I was thrilled, until I realized it was a dance call back. To me thats one of my weakest points, so I was extremely nervous. Although when came time to perform my audition I was very confident and danced with a smile. No matter how many times I messed up, I did my best to keep going. I did my best to show that I am able to dance and will be willing to try anything you throw at me.
To me in an audition I try to walk with confidence, no matter how nervous I am on the inside. I try to keep a smile on my face even though I mess. Just keep going. Show you can work around it. Improvise. Also its nice to cheer your friends along and give them reassurance that they did awsome. Its nice to get the same treatment back soo. In all I believe my Hairspray audition went amazing!
The experience was enjoyable, although the waiting is ugh. Though when the cast list comes up no matter what your role is or if your even in the show at all, you always need to know you did your best!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Snow Day Makes for Waiting Game
School was cancelled today for Akron's students, creating another day of anticipation for the many students who auditioned for our upcoming production of HAIRSPRAY.
The audtions were held last week with individual appointments held Monday and Tuesday. Each student sang a song for us and read a brief scene from CURTAINS. We read this scene because we had a book for this show but not for HAIRSPRAY as they had not yet arrived.
On Friday, about 40 students worked with the choreographer on a number of combinations to the song "The Nicest Kids in Town." It was pretty hard word but everyone seemed to have fun.
I sent them home with the knowlege that we would be posting a cast list on Monday . . . except we don't have school. There is probably plenty of nail-biting going on aound west Akron as all of these students are eager to learn of the cast.
It is probably in my best interest to have it on the wall first thing tomorrow morning. But before then, I have got some deciding to do.
maz
The audtions were held last week with individual appointments held Monday and Tuesday. Each student sang a song for us and read a brief scene from CURTAINS. We read this scene because we had a book for this show but not for HAIRSPRAY as they had not yet arrived.
On Friday, about 40 students worked with the choreographer on a number of combinations to the song "The Nicest Kids in Town." It was pretty hard word but everyone seemed to have fun.
I sent them home with the knowlege that we would be posting a cast list on Monday . . . except we don't have school. There is probably plenty of nail-biting going on aound west Akron as all of these students are eager to learn of the cast.
It is probably in my best interest to have it on the wall first thing tomorrow morning. But before then, I have got some deciding to do.
maz
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