The world in 1905

"Intimate Apparel" takes place in New York City in 1905, a time when the world was rapidly changing. Here's a look at some of the important events going on around the world at the time we meet Esther and her friends:

• The "Bloody Sunday" massacre in St. Petersburg, Russia, triggers the Russian Revolution of 1905, which led to the establishment of the Duma (an elected assembly) and the country's first constitution.
• German theoretical physicist Albert Einstein began his "Miracle Year," publishing papers that laid the foundation for quantum physics, introduced the special theory of relativity, explained Brownian motion, and established mass-energy equivalence.
• The Cullinan Diamond, the world's largest diamond at 3106 carats, was discovered in South Africa.
• Theodore Roosevelt was President of the United States.
• Norway achieved its independence from Sweden.
• King Edward VII officially recognized the title "Prime Minister of the United Kingdom."
• Novocaine was introduced.
• The first automobile exceeded 100 mph at Daytona Beach.
• Eleanor and Franklin D. Roosevelt were married in New York.
• The Niagara Movement was founded by W.E.B. DuBois.
• "Variety" was first published.
• Notable births in 1905: Christian Dior; Maria Von Trapp; Henry Fonda; Jean-Paul Sartre; Myrna Loy; Greta Garbo.

See for yourself what life was like for Esther and her friends in "Intimate Apparel," but hurry - this is the last week!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Intimate Apparel" cast profile: Shetiquea Davis

Shetiquea Davis plays Mrs. Dickson, who gives Esther plenty of advice in "Intimate Apparel"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
SD: My character is Mrs. Dickson. In a story of women who are constrained by societal expectations and standards, Mrs. Dickson is the only woman in this story who is rather free in the way that she lives her life from an external view, although her constraints come more from a place within as she fulfills her mother's hopes for her life. Mrs. Dickson is jovial and possesses wisdom, confidence and a to-the-point attitude.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
SD: This is only the third production I've performed in. My acting experience started in a one-act play titled "At the Punch Bowl" in the role of Idamae. It was directed by Natasha Lee, a local zumba instructor, and marked her directing debut. That experience is priceless to me as it gave me the encouragement to continue acting, which has both enriched my life and propelled personal growth.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "Intimate Apparel"?
SD: Well, I had never worked with Rhonda Wilson, our director, before, and I was seeing her everywhere around Gainesville when I would attend different events/shows in the theatre community. It seemed that she was affiliated with every theatre venue in town, and I knew she had done many good shows here, so I welcomed the opportunity to get to work with her. As auditions approached, I read the script to familiarize myself with the play and thought it was a wonderful story that people could see themselves in and/or others they knew. I personally identified with the lead character in a lot of ways. So all of that shaped my desire to audition.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite scene in the show?
SD: Wow, there are several moments I like in the show. When Mr. Marks asks Esther to have tea with him, that scene always makes me smile. The way they smile at each other and the sweetness of it. When he allows her to fix the smoking jacket made of Japanese silk on him, that's a touching moment. I also actually like to see George go in and steal the smoking jacket while Esther is out and he's on his way over to Mayme's. Not that I' m for infidelity, LOL -- I hate George -- but I love the way that Troy McCray has embodied the character as I watch him stop in the mirror on his way out with the cigarette in his mouth, check his look in the mirror and then strut off like a pimp. :-) Great job, Troy!

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
SD: This is a play by a talented African-American playwright, and I am honored to be playing a role in one of her productions. It's been great meeting new people. I pretty much had never worked with anyone involved in this project before, and all have been great to work with. Madeleine Escarne and I have some tennis coming up after the show. (I'll try to go easy on you, Madeleine. :-) It's been a huge time commitment, and has meant giving up certain joyful pastimes of mine for now, but seeing a great production come together that exceeds people's expectations and that they truly enjoy is so worth it. I'd do it all over again!

GCP Girl: What have you learned during the show about life in 1905?
SD: None of the issues that we deal with in relationships are new -- or old, for that matter. Some of the same things that are portrayed in this play based in 1905 are still very relevant today. And I learned what a smoking jacket was. Men actually wore them to smoke in so that the smell wouldn't get into their regular clothing. We need to bring this one back. :-)

GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from "Intimate Apparel"?
SD: Well, you can never say what an audience will take away from a production, as it depends on what they bring to it, but I hope that they will identify with some of the characters and perhaps see that we all as humans share the same emotions, experiences and obstacles regardless of race, age, social status, etc. None of those things make you or anyone else exempt.

GCP Girl: What plays or musicals would you like to see GCP produce in an upcoming season?
SD: "The Color Purple."

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
SD: Despite what some may tell you, I'm actually shy. But don't get my timing wrong, though! :-) Enjoy the show!

Thanks, Shetiquea! She's the quite the philosopher, isn't she -- not unlike her character! Come see for yourself!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Intimate Apparel" cast profile: Amanda Edwards

Amanda Edwards makes her stage debut as Esther, the heroine of "Intimate Apparel"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
AE: My character's name is Esther Mills. She's a hard-working, good-natured intimate apparels seamstress who has big dreams of owning an elegant beauty parlor for black women.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
AE: I consider "Intimate Apparel" my first show as an actress. I did some smaller type of showcases in college. My theater experience is comprised mainly of working backstage as a techie doing lights, props, carpentry, and costumes for the different shows at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "Intimate Apparel"?
AE: I auditioned for "Intimate Apparel" because the story sounded fascinating. It's set in 1905, but so many of the issues and themes of this show are timeless.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite scene in the show?
AE: I honestly enjoy all of the scenes in this show and I look forward to performing them all each night. I can't pick just one.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
AE: The entire experience has been incredible but the highlight has been getting to know and work with so many talented creatives. The cast and crew of this show is AMAZING! They've all been so helpful and hard-working. It's really been great.

GCP Girl: What have you learned during the show about life in 1905?
AE: Getting dressed as a woman in 1905 was NO small feat.

GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from "Intimate Apparel"?
AE: I hope audiences walk out of "Intimate Apparel" recognizing that a hope for love is a universal experience that transcends race, gender, and class.

GCP Girl: What plays or musicals would you like to see GCP produce in an upcoming season?
AE: I'd love to see "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and "Caroline or Change."

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
AE: I've had an absolute blast working with everyone involved with "Intimate Apparel" and thank everyone who has come out to support this show.

Thanks, Amanda! "Intimate Apparel" begins its second week tonight, so drop by the box office and reserve your tickets!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Thoroughly Modern Millie" cast list!

Congrats to the cast of "Thoroughly Modern Millie"!

Millie Dillmount - Sissy Bell
Jimmy Smith - Paul Rye
Ruth/Stenographer/Ensemble - Mia Frattino
Alice/Stenographer/Swing - Katie Hensley
Gloria/Stenographer/Ensemble - Katie Crozier-Theis
Rita/Stenographer/Ensemble - Claudia Garcia
Cora/Stenographer/Ensemble - Sam Feldman
Lucille/Stenographer/Ensemble - Liz Mignacca
Ethel Peas/Stenographer - Aubrey Wise
Mrs. Meers - Sam Fundenberg
Dorothy Brown - Amy Smith
Ching Ho - Zach Kidd
Bun Foo - Erik Ramos
Mrs. Flannery - Gerri Sterne
Trevor Graydon - Bryan Faux
Muzzy Van Hossmere - Susan Christophy
Muzzy’s Boys/Tap/Ensemble - Malik Grady, Thomas Sanders, Mike Tremaine, Steven Griffin Gershwin /Dexter/Ensemble - Drew Carroll
Policeman/Rodney/Ensemble - Nick May
Kenneth/Dishwasher/Ensemble - Noah Jones
Daphne/Ensemble - Krsnaa Fitch
Mathilde/Ensemble - Patricia Kee

A note from director Dan Christophy:
"I want to thank all who auditioned. You made it hard to make decisions, as you were all great. If you were not cast, I want to ask you to consider working on the show in another capacity. It is a great way to get in and start to work in the theater, as well as be involved in a great show."

Thanks, Dan, and congrats again to everyone!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Intimate Apparel" cast profile: Madeleine Escarne

Madeleine Escarne's Mayme tells it like it is in "Intimate Apparel"!

GCP Girl: Tell me your name, your character's name, and a bit about your character.
ME: I play Mayme, a “good” friend to Esther; she is trying to find her place and validation in life, even with a not-so-glamorous profession.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
ME: I was in "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "The Wiz" at the GCP, and "The Commedia Tales of…King Arthur" and "Sinbad" at The Thomas Center Theater for Young Audiences.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "Intimate Apparel"?
ME: First, because Ms. Rhonda Wilson was directing…but mainly, the play is written by one of my favorite playwrights, Lynn Nottage. It is a human story that deals with real life issues that could just as easily be portrayed in today as it was in 1905.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite scene in the show?
ME: When Mrs. Dickson explains to Esther how her mother did not want her to be a “…washer woman if it killed her.” That monologue is so intriguing and Ms. Shetiquea Davis plays the part so well.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
ME: Getting to play someone who is so far from me in real life. The growth and experience in learning that part (with much appreciated help and direction from Rhonda, Shontae and Steven) has been priceless for my development in theater as a whole.

GCP Girl: What have you learned during the show about life in 1905?
ME: Life is so cyclical…you think a person may have had it easier or harder in a certain time period, but there truly is nothing new under the sun; it just may manifest in a different way.

GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from "Intimate Apparel"?
ME: I hope that they see that this is not just an African-American story, but a true human story. That no matter the make-up of the cast, the importance is to focus on what is being told and support should be shown in the same way as with other plays.

GCP Girl: What plays or musicals would you like to see GCP produce in an upcoming season? ME: A few more plays by Lynn Nottage, and other poignant playwrights. Maybe something adapted from my favorite Haitian-American novelist, Edwidge Danticat.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
ME: Every opportunity I have to come before people through theater, I truly count it as an honor and blessing from God to be able to share the talent that He has given me.

Thanks, Madeleine! Opening night is tonight - do you have your tickets yet?

xo xo GCP Girl

Spotlight on Lynn Nottage

The lives of African-American women are the central themes of the work of Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, author of "Intimate Apparel," opening this weekend at the Vam York Theater.

Nottage was born in Brooklyn in 1964, and is a graduate of Brown University and the Yale School of Drama. The West Coast premiere of one of her first major works, "Crumbs From the Table of Joy," won two NAACP Awards. From 1993 to 2003, she also penned "Poof," ""Mud, River, Stone," "Por'Knockers," and "Las Meninas."

"Intimate Apparel," her best-known play, was produced off-Broadway in 2004, starring Oscar nominee Viola Davis ("Doubt," "The Help"). The play tells the story of Esther, a 35-year-old African-American seamstress in 1905 New York City, who strikes up a long-distance romance with a man who is working on the Panama Canal.

Nottage wrote a companion piece to "Intimate Apparel," the OBIE Award-winning "Fabulation,or the Re-Education of Undine," which is set 100 years later. She went on to produce the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Drama winner, "Ruined," about the plight of Congolese women surviving civil war.

Nottage received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2005, and a MacArthur Genius Grant in 2007.

"Intimate Apparel" previews tomorrow night. Tickets are $5 and are available only at the box office, beginning at 7 p.m. Get there early to get your seats!!

Resolve to get involved!

Did you resolve to do something new this year? Maybe you want to finally audition for a GCP show, or become more involved in theatre, but you don't know how to get started. I can help you check that resolution off your list!

Auditioning for shows is a great way to become known at the GCP. I know, it's scary to stand up in front of people you don't know and act and/or sing, but here's a secret: almost everyone, including the most experienced regulars, gets nervous at auditions. Thankfully, here's another secret: everyone wants you to do well. Directors want to be spoiled for choice!! It helps lessen the anxiety if you are well prepared for the audition - check out my audition tips, and these from the GCP website.

If you are cast in a small role or a chorus part, please do not see it as a reflection on you or your talent. Just being cast at all is a pretty big vote of confidence, especially since most shows have many more auditioners than parts. If you are not cast after your first audition, do not give up. The show might not be a good fit for you, or the production staff might have to make some tough decisions. Try again for the next show!

Here's what some of our actors had to say to people thinking of auditioning:
"Take a deep breath and show up. Sometimes all you need a is a break. I auditioned for several shows at GCP without getting in before I got into "Anything Goes" and now "Rent." However disheartening it is not to make it, I never gave up trying and it paid off in an incomprehensible way."
"Just do it. Everyone is very supportive and just as nervous as anyone else to get up there. It's worth it to be a part of theater and a show. It becomes your family for 3-4 months and beyond. So just do it. You don't have anything to lose."
"Please do so -- I personally will do everything I can to make sure you feel welcome and come back. The creative and collaborative effort of talented people working together to make art is a life-affirming continuous action that draws people together and which you really can't find anywhere else."

So what if you don't want to perform? There are lots of other ways to get involved at GCP. We always need stage crew, sound and lighting technicians, musicians, costumers, ticket takers and ushers, and handy people to build and paint sets! It really does take a village to bring our productions to life. Leave us a message on our Facebook page to let us know you are interested!

I hope one of your resolutions this year is to see more shows. GCP has a string of great shows left this season, starting in January with "Intimate Apparel," a drama about an African-American seamstress in 1905 New York (Viola Davis originated this role off-Broadway). "Thoroughly Modern Millie," the 2002 Tony Award winner for Best Musical and the show that made Sutton Foster a star, is coming up in March, followed by "Agnes of God," a drama that turned into an Oscar-nominated film starring Jane Fonda, Anne Bancroft and Meg Tilly. The season ender is none other than the megahit 2003 Best Musical "Hairspray"!

Join us at the GCP and help us make 2012 the best year yet!

xo xo GCP Girl

"A Christmas Story" cast profile: Victoria Gregory

Victoria Gregory tries to keep her class in line as Miss Shields in "A Christmas Story"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
VG: I play the part of Miss Shields, the voice of Schwartz's mother, and the Wicked Witch of the West. Miss Shields is Ralphie and his classmates' teacher. She can tell when her students are up to no good!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
VG: I took a break from acting for about 9 years, and last year found my passion again, at Acrosstown Repertory Theatre. I played Gina and Intellectual Girl in "Play it Again, Sam!" My favorite past roles have been Michael in "Peter Pan" in a high school production at Oak Hall, Mother Nature (the narrator) in "A Journey to Narnia," and Hermia in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at The Hippodrome's Summer Spectacular program.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "A Christmas Story"?
VG: I've grown up loving and watching the movie, and always tune into the 24-hour broadcast of "A Christmas Story" on Thanksgiving Day. Growing up in Gainesville, and being in the GCP audience since I was little girl, it's been a dream to be in a show here. This was my 5th audition at GCP, and after auditioning for a couple musicals in the past, I'm definitely much better suited for straight shows! "Rock Band" singing is the only place I can seem to (sort of) carry a tune. =-)

GCP Girl: What is your favorite scene in the show?
VG: The ending. You'll just have to see it to know what I'm talking about!

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
VG: I've finally gotten to see how GCP works behind the scenes! I've always been curious how GCP puts such a professional show together. From the lighting, costumes, sets, meeting all the cast and crew- whose names and faces I recognized from previous productions- it's all been incredible. It takes a lot of hard-working people to put on a show here, and everyone has been very welcoming and sweet to me. It's been lovely to share the experience with my boyfriend, Adam, who plays Ralph as an adult, too. I'm thrilled to be a part of "A Christmas Story."

GCP Girl: Finish this sentence: "I know it's the holiday season when..."
VG: ...I smell cinnamon brooms in the air.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite winter holiday tradition?
VG: Baking and decorating Christmas cookies, making mulled cider and wine, watching holiday movies, like "The Bishop's Wife," "White Christmas," and of course, "A Christmas Story."

GCP Girl: In "A Christmas Story," Ralphie tells us about his most memorable Christmas. Tell me about your most memorable holiday.
VG: The best Christmas present I ever received was last year from Adam. It was a ring and bracelet. Sapphire (my birthstone) and diamond set in white gold. I had never had a ring that actually fit my tiny size 4 fingers! It was our first Christmas together, and Adam was leaving to go to New York to study acting for several months. He knew it would help me to have something to hold on to while he was away. I wear them everyday.

GCP Girl: What are you looking forward to the most this holiday season?
VG: Making a gingerbread house! I haven't built one since elementary school, and I love the idea of having a craft project and dessert in one!

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
VG: I received the role in "A Christmas Story" two weeks before opening night. Unfortunately, Madeleine, the actress originally cast, couldn't continue with the production for medical reasons. I rejoiced getting my first role at GCP, but I'm very sad it's under those circumstances. I only hope to do the role justice for Madeleine, Thomas, and Betty.

Thanks, Victoria! "A Christmas Story" is drawing to a close -- see it this weekend!

xo xo GCP Girl

"A Christmas Story" cast profile: Nadia Cox

Nadia Cox finds all the good hiding spots as Ralphie's picky little brother, Randy, in "A Christmas Story"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
NC: My character is Randy, who is Ralphie's kid brother.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
NC: This is my first "big" show. I have performed at school and at church. :0)

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "A Christmas Story"?
NC: I auditioned because I love the movie and have always wanted to be in a play at a real theater.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite scene in the show?
NC: My favorite scenes are Santaland at the store and the revealing of the "leg lamp"!

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
NC: I have loved getting to know the cast and crew and I LOVE wearing a costume!

GCP Girl: Finish this sentence: "I know it's the holiday season when..."
NC: ...when the Christmas songs show up on the radio on KTK. Yes! Even before Thanksgiving!

GCP Girl: What is your favorite winter holiday tradition?
NC: I love to put up the tree with my family.

GCP Girl: In "A Christmas Story," Ralphie tells us about his most memorable Christmas. Tell me about your most memorable holiday.
NC: I have to say that the Christmas I got my first American Girl doll was just the best!

GCP Girl: What are you looking forward to the most this holiday season?
NC: I am really hoping for some cold weather!

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
NC: The set of A Christmas Story looks AWESOME!

Thanks, Nadia! This is the last week to catch "A Christmas Story" before the end of the run. This Sunday is already sold out, so be sure to call the box office and get your tickets now!

xo xo GCP Girl

"A Christmas Story" cast profile: Laurel Ring

Laurel Ring disapproves of the Old Man's taste in lighting fixtures as Mother in "A Christmas Story"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
LR: I play Ralphie's mother. She's a bit different from the mom in the movie - this mom is smart and keeps the Parker house running smoothly, if such a thing is possible.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
LR: Most recently, I was an usherette (among other things) in "The Producers" at the GCP. Before that, I played Olivia in "Shakespeare in Hollywood," and was in the chorus of "Hello, Dolly!," "Hot Mikado" and "The Music Man" at the GCP.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "A Christmas Story"?
LR: The movie is a holiday favorite in my family, and I thought it would be fun to be part of the show.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite scene in the show?
LR: The jungle scene is entertaining (watch out for those herds of pythons!). I also enjoy the leg lamp scene and Ralphie's gift from Aunt Clara.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
LR: My favorite part is always the performances. There's nothing like a live audience!

GCP Girl: Finish this sentence: "I know it's the holiday season when..."
LR: I hear certain songs. Some favorites are the Muppets' "12 Days of Christmas," Alvin and the Chipmunks' "Christmas Don't Be Late," Wham!'s "Last Christmas," and Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas?" (which tells you when I grew up!).

GCP Girl: What is your favorite winter holiday tradition?
LR: I like it all -- Christmas songs, baking, parties, and shopping are all great! I especially enjoy drawing my own designs on Christmas card envelopes.

GCP Girl: In "A Christmas Story," Ralphie tells us about his most memorable Christmas. Tell me about your most memorable holiday.
LR: My most memorable Christmas gift was one of the first American Girl dolls when I was eleven. I still have my Samantha (made in Germany when AG was a small, private business named Pleasant Company). AG is something I have in common with my onstage "son," Nadia!

GCP Girl: What are you looking forward to the most this holiday season?
LR: Having some time off to spend with my family.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
LR: I don't eat oatmeal. It's in my contract.

Thanks, Laurel! Only three more chances to see the show before it's gone!

xo xo GCP Girl