"Peter Pan" Crew Profile: Kristin Paulson

"Peter Pan" Sound Designer Kristin Paulson checks in to tell us about her take on the show!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows at GCP.
KP: Haha, where to begin?? If you've seen or been in a show during the past two seasons, you've heard my sound! 

GCP Girl: What is your favorite fairy tale or children's story and why?
KP: Wow...what a question to ask a children's literature major! Of course I love "Peter Pan" and "Alice in Wonderland," but my all-time favorite has to be "The Necklace of Princess Fiorimonde," an Italian fairy tale about a beautiful yet evil princess who turns her suitors into beads on a necklace to avoid marriage. I know she's evil, but I always kind of liked her... :-)

GCP Girl: What is your favorite part of the "Peter Pan" story?
KP: My favorite and least favorite parts are the same--when the Darling children leave the nursery for Neverland. It just encapsulates childhood so well---it truly shows Barrie's idea that children are "innocent and heartless." They are SO excited to be going on this adventure, but they forget the parents they've left behind without a warning. It's heartbreaking in a gorgeous way.

GCP Girl: Why do you think "Peter Pan" is performed so often around the world?
KP: Because you've got something for everyone--pirates, Indians, flying....and in Neverland, the children will never grow up and the adults never really did either.

GCP Girl: Tell me something about yourself you would like everyone to know!
KP: I'll be cutting back on the shows I do next season. (Yes, I know...I can hear you all crying from here!) I have a thesis to write for my Master's degree. But I'm assistant directing "Nuncrackers" and "The Producers," so I better see everyone at auditions!!!

GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from "Peter Pan"?
KP: Well, since I'm ME, I honestly hope people go away thinking, "I need to read that book!" :-) But really, I hope they enjoy the escape from reality for a couple hours, and keep that sense of fun and whimsy for as long as possible.

GCP Girl: What was/is your vision for bringing this show to life?
KP: Well, there's not a lot I can do except make sure you can hear people! But I'll try to make sure you can hear them exceptionally well! ;-)

Thanks, Kristin! Remember, everyone, you just have this week and next to catch "Peter Pan" before it closes!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Peter Pan" Crew Profile: Katie Keena

"Peter Pan" Co-Stage Manager Katie Keena bids farewell to the GCP...at least for now...

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows at GCP.
KK: I've stage managed 5 different productions for GCP, and stage crewed on and off for the last 3 years. I'm one of the first people called when a crew member has to take a night off and they need a fill-in.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite fairy tale or children's story and why?
KK: I think my favorite story is "Beauty and the Beast." I love good love stories..and that's one of the best. It is still my favorite show at GCP.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite part of the "Peter Pan" story?
KK: I think my "favorite" part is full of mixed feelings. I love when Peter is telling Wendy that "Children know such a lot now. Soon they don't believe in fairies," because it's followed with the audience showing their belief and clapping for Tinker Bell. When I was little I watched the Mary Martin tape a lot and I was never confident enough to not clap for Tinker Bell every time I watched..so I always clapped. I hope that I always believe in fairies.

GCP Girl: Why do you think "Peter Pan" is performed so often around the world?
KK: I think because it has something for everyone. Something everyone can relate to. Either you're older and you relate to Captain Hook being chased by the Croc (time), or you relate to Peter, who never wants to grow up and accept responsibility.

GCP Girl: Tell me something about yourself you would like everyone to know!
KK: This is my last GCP show, at least for a long while. I will be attending Santa Fe College for my last year there and then I'm moving on hopefully to FSU (go Gators) to earn my BA in Theatre.

GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from "Peter Pan"?
KK: I hope they take away an enjoyable night with their kids. I'm not sure how many families are left that just take the time to enjoy their children...and "Peter Pan" is definitely something that both parents and children can enjoy.

GCP Girl: What was/is your vision for bringing this show to life?
KK: Magic. I wanted all the scene changes to reflect the magic of Peter's Flight, and to be smooth and something that GCP hadn't seen before. With the help from the cast I believe that we have achieved this.

Thanks, Katie! And thanks for everything you've done for the GCP over the past few years. We wish you the best!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Peter Pan" Cast Profile: Winston Cunningham

Welcome to Week 3 of GCP's smash hit musical production of "Peter Pan"! Today, I'm thinking happy thoughts with Winston Cunningham, who plays John Napoleon Darling!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows at GCP.
WC: My first ever role at GCP and it’s been GREAT!

GCP Girl: What is your favorite fairy tale or children's story and why?
WC: "Hubknuckle." It was about a ghost and I just liked it.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite part of the "Peter Pan" story?
WC: The FLYING!

GCP Girl: Why do you think "Peter Pan" is performed so often around the world?
WC: It appeals to both children and adults.

GCP Girl: Tell me something about yourself you would like everyone to know!
WC: I’m older than I look.

GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from "Peter Pan"?
WC: That GCP has great shows and that they’ll want to come back.

GCP Girl: Other than the character you play, what character in the show is your favorite?

WC: Smee.

Thanks, Winston! And thanks also to Caitlin Hunter, since I stole his photo from her. ;-) Safe flying tonight!

xo xo GCP Girl

Save the date...

No, I'm not getting married (although if you wish to buy me a gift anyway, I am sure I can come up with a registry). The date to save is Saturday, August 15, for the Golden Apples Award Show at the Vam York! If you've never been to the Apples, it's a Tony-style awards show that recaps the past season, recognizes the season's best, and previews the upcoming season. It's always entertaining, so make plans to come! Time, admission, etc. to come soon. Don't miss it!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Peter Pan" Cast Profile: Esteban Alvarez III

For today's profile, I shared a bottle of rum with Esteban Alvarez, who plays the infamous pirate, Noodler!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows at GCP.

EA: You may remember me from such memorable roles as Inspector Truscott in "Loot," Dr. Neville Craven in "The Secret Garden," Mr. Bumble in "Oliver!," and Cogsworth in "Beauty and the Beast" ... to name a few.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite fairy tale or children's story and why?

EA: I adore "The Little Prince." All of the deep emotional meanings are beautifully crafted to create a piece of literature that is timeless. I'm sure that some of the meanings will change for me as I grow older, and that's the key to a great children's story.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite part of the "Peter Pan" story?

EA: My favorite part is actually when the Darling children return home. It's such a mature and wise decision, I always wonder if I would have been able to make that choice. They had a chance to be truly selfish, and they chose against it. If children can be so wise, then grown-ups have no excuse.

GCP Girl: Why do you think "Peter Pan" is performed so often around the world?

EA: "Peter Pan" is the epitome of magic, fun, and adventure. If that's not a good enough reason to perform the show all over the world ... then I just don't know.

GCP Girl: Tell me something about yourself you would like everyone to know!

EA: Well ... I'm a Virgo, born in the year of the OX ... and my daemon would be an Owl. Although, I suppose I would also like everyone to know how great this experience has been. But mainly that I'm a Virgo, born in the year of the Ox and my daemon would be an Owl.

GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from "Peter Pan"?

EA: I hope the audience is able to just forget their problems for one night and enjoy some magic and fun.

GCP Girl: Other than the character you play, what character in the show is your favorite?

EA: Hmmm ... and I'm not allowed to choose Noodler? He does have a GREAT catchphrase ... "Noodles!" ... I guess Captain Hook is my favorite character. He is so delightfully diabolical. If ... and when ... I become an evil mastermind, I hope to have minions who play instruments and dance around me as I plot. Come to think of it ... why should I have to wait? Dearest, GCP Girl ... would you mind putting the word out that I'm looking into hiring some talented minons? The pay will be satisfactory ... they should be satisfied with nothing!

Thanks, Esteban! I'll look into that for you. ;-) Break a leg tonight!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Peter Pan" Cast Profile: Audrey McKay

Audrey McKay tells us about her GCP debut as a member of the Henny Penny Indian tribe in "Peter Pan"!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows at GCP.

AM: This is my first show at GCP, unless you count running the curtain for half the run of "Annie." :)

GCP Girl: What is your favorite fairy tale or children's story and why?

AM: It would be a hard choice between "Sleeping Beauty" and "Peter Pan." I've always liked fairies and magic, so both have that going for them. Growing up, I loved Princess Aurora's name, and what girl doesn't want to be swept off her feet by a handsome prince and learn she's a princess? And the dragon is awesome! As to "Peter Pan," the idea of being able to fly has always fascinated me, and Neverland would be a great place to live.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite part of the "Peter Pan" story?

AM: When the children learn to fly.

GCP Girl: Why do you think "Peter Pan" is performed so often around the world?

AM: It appeals to everyone's inner child and the desire to return to the carefree days full of adventure and with no "grown-up" responsibilities to worry about.

GCP Girl: Tell me something about yourself you would like everyone to know!

AM: I'm ever so slowly trying to put together my photography business, which is my true passion. I love taking pictures, mostly of people. Nothing captures a memory better, and I love that you can capture the real beauty of the things around you in a way that another person may not have seen. I think it's one of the most under-appreciated arts (probably because it's the only one I have any talent at!). So if you ever want to spend an afternoon modeling for a camera, feel free to contact me! :)

GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from "Peter Pan"?

AM: Two hours of escape from their "mundane" life. I hope they get wrapped up in the magic and remember what it was/is like to be a kid again.

GCP Girl: Other than the character you play, what character in the show is your favorite?

AM: Tough question. I don't really have a favorite. Each character has something fun about them. I personally think little Michael is adorable.

Thanks, Audrey! Congrats again to the cast and crew for an outstanding review!

xo xo GCP Girl

Rave review!!!

Congrats to the "Peter Pan" cast and crew on a rave review! (We already knew it was great.) Check it out: http://www.gainesville.com/article/20090716/ARTICLES/907161011/1139?Title=-Peter-Pan-flies-high-with-great-production.

I'll be back later today with another cast profile!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Peter Pan" Cast Profile: Leannis Maxwell

"Peter Pan" resumes tonight after a well-deserved break for the cast crew. Leannis Maxwell, who doubles as Mrs. Darling and a pirate in the show, takes today's spotlight.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows at GCP.

LM: I've been doing shows at the GCP since I was 10. I started playing violin in the orchestra/band with my dad for my first show, which was "Music Man" back in 1985. My first onstage show was "Oliver!" in 1990; I was in the chorus. After that I was hooked and auditioned for pretty much every musical for awhile. Previous shows/roles include: "The Mikado" (Peep Bo), "Annie Get your Gun" (chorus), "Starting Here Starting Now" (ensemble cast), "Oklahoma" (Ado Annie), "Sunday in the Park with George" (Dot), "A Little Night Music" (Petra), "Carousel" (chorus), "Little Shop of Horrors" (Ronette), "Our Town" (Emily), "My Fair Lady" (Eliza), "See How They Run" (Penelope), and "The Secret Garden" (Martha).

GCP Girl: What is your favorite fairy tale or children's story and why?
LM: I've always been a fan of "Cinderella" (the Disney version-sorry, Rogers and Hammerstein), probably because of the mice and the songs. I also like "The Velveteen Rabbit" and "Charlotte's Web," because they have animals in them.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite part of the "Peter Pan" story?
LM: Probably the part where the Lost Boys want to actually leave Neverland and be part of a family.

GCP Girl: Why do you think "Peter Pan" is performed so often around the world?
LM: It's kind of timeless, I guess. There's the underlining story of family and loss, love. But it's also visually appealing, with the flying of characters and the "fairy dust;" it's a magical show, and every kid knows "Peter Pan" the story...even if it is only the Disney version.

GCP Girl: Tell me something about yourself you would like everyone to know!
LM: I don't really have a una-brow!

GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from "Peter Pan"?
LM: I hope they will leave humming the songs, even if it is the "I Gotta Crow" song. I hope they will leave smiling and feel grateful for the life they have, and tell someone to go see the show cause it will make you leave with a full and happy heart.

GCP Girl: Other than the character you play, what character in the show is your favorite?
LM: I gotta say Hook and Smee as a duo are pretty great...:o)

Thanks, Leannis! Get your tickets soon if

"Shakespeare in Hollywood" Cast List!

Hey, GCPers! As promised, here is the cast list for "Shakespeare in Hollywood." (And I am not spilling major secrets; it's posted on the theater door. If your name is misspelled, that's how it was on the list!)

Max Reinhardt: Henry Wihnyk

Oberon: Jeremy Lambeth

Jack Warner: Doug Diekow

Joe Brown: Thomas Sanders

Daryl: Graham Zinger

Will Hayes: Mary Thomson

Dick Powell: Jeff Nowlin

Jimmy Cagney: Jonny Gersten

Albert Warner: Esteban Alvarez

Sam Warner: Dan Scholes

Harry Warner: Franklin Mott

Olivia Darnell: Laurel Ring

Lydia Lansing: Amanda Gunn

Puck: L'Tanya Van Hamersveld

Louella Parsons: Carolyn Caracausa

Ensemble: Dorothy Field, Mailee Muraoka, Angel Godfrey, Randall Dees, Kim Huebner, Jan Cohen

Congrats to everyone! We're expecting great things from this cast! Read-through is Saturday morning!

xo xo GCP Girl

Dirt!

So I hear the cast list for "Shakespeare in Hollywood" is (supposedly) up at the Vam York...I will bring it to you as soon as I can get it confirmed!!

xo xo GCP Girl

A word from our sponsor...

With all the excitement over "Peter Pan," I almost forgot to remind you that auditions for Ken Ludwig's "Shakespeare in Hollywood" are this Sunday (tomorrow) and Monday at 7 p.m. at the Vam York Theater. Here's the description from the GCP web site:
"It's 1934, and Shakespeare's most famous fairies, Oberon and Puck, have magically materialized on the Hollywood set of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Instantly smitten by the glitz and glamour of show biz, the two are ushered onto the silver screen to play (who else?) themselves. You won't want to miss this hilarious comedy!"
It looks like there are several parts available, so please come to the auditions! There is a partial script available at http://books.google.com/books?id=1HFaDxjqBGoC&pg=PP1&dq=%22shakespeare+in+hollywood%22&lr=&as_drrb_is=q&as_minm_is=0&as_miny_is=&as_maxm_is=0&as_maxy_is=&as_brr=0. Break a leg!

Cast profiles will resume shortly!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Peter Pan" Crew Profile: Justin Slack

GCP's "Peter Pan" opens tonight to a sold-out audience! Vocal Director Justin Slack, who is also the keyboardist and the "voice" of Tinker Bell, shares his thoughts on the show.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows at GCP.
JS: I was the vocal director for "Oliver!," "Jane Eyre" and the Golden Apples Chorus, and the keyboardist for "Pippin."

GCP Girl: What is your favorite fairy tale or children's story and why?
JS: Peter Pan- The story is magical, the characters are unique and the themes are universal and timeless.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite part of the "Peter Pan" story?
JS: When Peter discovers Wendy has grown up.

GCP Girl: Why do you think "Peter Pan" is performed so often around the world?
JS: See my answer to No. 3. (GCP Girl: Isn't he communicative?)

GCP Girl: Tell me something about yourself you would like everyone to know!
JS: I love receiving gift certificates to Express.

GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from "Peter Pan"?
JS: A desire to tell their friends to come and see the show.

GCP Girl: What was/is your vision for bringing this show to life?
JS: To do what I can to make the actors feel comfortable musically so that they can perform to the best of their abilities, and to help Erin bring to life her vision for the show.

Thanks, Justin! We can't wait to see your Tinker Bell costume! ;-) For those who have tickets tonight, have a fabulous time! The cast and crew have worked very hard and the show is a lot of fun!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Peter Pan" Cast Profile: Alexander Mrazek

Here's a treat for Preview night: an interview with our very own Alex Mrazek, who plays the dual role of Mr. Darling and the "infamous Captain Jas Hook!"

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows at GCP.
AM: I’ve done numerous shows at the GCP and I love it.  The people are always so great to work with, and the ones involved are there because they love theatre and so it’s not just another job to them.  I just recently played in Daddy’s Dyin’: Who’s Got the Will? as Orville – where I got to stretch my chops as a redneck.  The time before that, I was doing Secret Garden as Lt. Wright.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite fairy tale or children's story and why?
AM: My complete absolute favorite is "Beauty and the Beast," which I was fortunate enough to play Lumiere in at the GCP’s production of it.  I love all the magic involved with this fairy tale – the living objects, the enchanted rose, and the lesson of not judging a book by its cover.  Plus, the Disney version just had so many wonderful songs in it, it just enhanced the story that much more.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite part of the "Peter Pan" story?
AM: Me.  No, kidding, kidding.  The magic and the adventure of the story is what I love.  People flying, fairies, pirates and Indians, an underground hideout – it’s the original adventure.  If I were to pick a specific part that I loved, it would be the duet between Peter and Wendy, "Distant Melody."  I find it haunting and beautiful, and a reminder of a simple love between a parent and child.

GCP Girl: Why do you think "Peter Pan" is performed so often around the world?
AM: It’s such an epic show.  You have actors flying around on stage, a pirate ship, a dog and a crocodile, flying, wonderful music, a great adventure...did I mention flying?  Seriously though, I think it allows people to forget about the world outside and the “grown-ups” that they are and for a few hours lets them be children again – which is all Peter wants to be.

GCP Girl: Tell me something about yourself you would like everyone to know!
AM: This will be my official last show here at the GCP as I am moving away to pursue a career in acting (who knows why.)  I have made such wonderful friends here, people I consider part of my family, and I will miss them dearly.  This theatre has been amazing to me and I have gained so much experience on and off the stage.  It has been an honor to work with such talented and good people.

GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from "Peter Pan"?
AM: Fun.  Oh, please take away fun with you.  And hope.  Hope that the world isn’t always nasty and mean.  That there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  And that there is a place where dreams are born, and time is never planned.  Where if you think of lovely things, your heart will fly on wings – forever, in…well you know where.  Just say you believe.

GCP Girl: Other than the character you play, what character in the show is your favorite?

AM: Can I say everyone?  All the other characters have their things that make them so much fun and memorable, it’s hard to say.  I do have to say I have a crush on Tiger Lily – she is fierce and she will let you know it.  Tinker Bell is the same way.  She may be a fairy, but she will not take sass from anyone.  Plus, I mean, come on, Peter Pan rocks it. 

Thanks, Alex! Entertaining, as always, and we will certainly miss you when you leave. Don't miss your last chance to see Alex on the Vam York stage!!

BTW and FYI, I heard the bookstore has been telling people to line up really early for tickets tonight, so you might want to plan accordingly.  I believe the only show at the new theater to turn people away from Preview was "Music Man" three years ago...hopefully "Peter Pan" is as popular!

xo xo GCP Girl

Gainesville Sun Preview Article

The Preview article for "Peter Pan" appeared today in the Gainesville Sun: http://www.gainesville.com/article/20090709/ARTICLES/907099973/1006/NEWS?Title=-Peter-Pan-comes-to-Vam-York. Break a leg, everyone!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Peter Pan" Crew Profile: Betty Keena

Betty Keena takes a break from designing costumes to assistant direct "Peter Pan," which opens to a Preview audience tomorrow night at the Vam York Theater!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows at GCP. 

BK: I built the costume for Mrs. Potts in "Beauty and the Beast," was assistant director for "The Crucible," and costume designer for "The Secret Garden" and for "Pippin."

GCP Girl: What is your favorite fairy tale or children's story and why? 
BK: "Peter Pan," because it involves subjects that are so durable and yet so fragile. Like all perfect tales, it is a mystery both in its subject matter and its craft.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite part of the "Peter Pan" story?
BK: I truly have a difficult time choosing just one, but possibly the moment grown-up Wendy says, “I wish I could go with you…”

GCP Girl: Why do you think "Peter Pan" is performed so often around the world?
BK: I believe it’s performed so very often because it has timeless and endless appeal to every child and to everyone who’s ever been a child. 

GCP Girl: Tell me something about yourself you would like everyone to know!
BK: I don’t know ANYTHING about myself that I’d like EVERYONE to know… 

GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from "Peter Pan"?
BK: I hope they take away the tenderness of memory…I think that’s what "Peter Pan" gives best, and if our audiences take that with them when they leave the theater, we’ve done a good job.

GCP Girl: What was your vision for bringing this show to life?
BK: To try to help in ways that take some of the “hum-drum” tasks away from people who are trying to deal with the creative aspects of the show...I hope I’ve succeeded in some small measure.

Thanks, Betty!  In case anyone missed the memo, Preview is tomorrow night!! Get pumped!! Get excited!! Get me another latte!! (Although maybe I should cut back...you think? Whatever. You love me.)

xo xo GCP Girl

"Peter Pan" Cast Profile: Caitlin Hunter

"Peter Pan" opens this Friday, and what better profile to start with than someone who has "grown up" (or not ;-) in the GCP: Caitlin Hunter!  Caitlin talks to us about her role as an Indian in the upcoming production.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows at GCP.

CH: I did my first show at GCP when I was 6 ("Annie Warbucks"), and have acted in six other shows since then ("The King and I," "Nuncrackers," "Fiddler On The Roof," "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," "The Music Man," and "The Crucible") . Recently I have started doing tech too, and have done tech for about seven other shows. (What can I say, the dark side has cookies!...and multi-colored tape...) I also got the opportunity to Junior Assistant-direct "See How They Run," which was an amazing experience, and the whole cast and crew helped me learn a lot about all the different sides of theater.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite fairy tale or children's story and why?

CH: I've always liked Dr. Seuss's "The Lorax."  My mom always liked that story, and she kind of passed that on to me, I guess. I have good memories of her reading it to me, and it's the kind of book that makes me remember that no matter how bad and ugly things get, they can always get better. It also reminds me that one voice can convince others to change the world. ( Wow, that sounds cheesy. =) )

GCP Girl: What is your favorite part of the "Peter Pan" story?

CH: I love the parts where Captain Hook is about to unleash a plan, and the pirates run on with instruments and ask "What tempo, Captain?" Something about that just cracks me up every time!

GCP Girl: Why do you think "Peter Pan" is performed so often around the world?

CH: Because no one really wants to grow up! We all want to be kids for forever because things are so much easier when all you have to worry about is what game you want to play that day. "Peter Pan" is a way for everyone involved to be a kid. It's just the kind of show where you can cut loose and forget about being an adult for a while, and forget about all the responsibilities and inconveniences that come with growing older.

GCP Girl: Tell me something about yourself you would like everyone to know!

CH: I would like everyone at GCP to know how much I love them all. I've grown up in this theater, and I remember in the old theater when the adults would talk about how "one day" we would have a new building, and we would be able to fly people, and we would do "Peter Pan." And I remember the people who kind of laughed it off and said, "I'll believe it when it happens." Well, it's happening, and I'm a part of it. How awesome is THAT? I can't think of anything else I want people to know, except that I want them to remember that this show is a dream come true for GCP and it's just...amazing.

GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from "Peter Pan"?

CH: I hope that people take away that we don't always have to be adults. Sometimes all we need to do is see the world through the eyes of a child.

GCP Girl: Other than the character you play, what character in the show is your favorite?

CH: I love the dynamic between Smee and Captain Hook, and I always have. They are just so funny! Big and macho one second, and running from the Croc like scared little kids the next. Dan and Alex are both hilarious, and they make me love those characters even more.

Thanks, Caitlin! We're all excited to see what you all have in store for us! Remember, Preview night is Thursday and tickets are $5 at the door only. Tickets for the rest of the run are available now at Book Gallery West.  See you there!

xo xo GCP Girl