"Singin' in the Rain" cast profile: Sarah Emmets

Sarah Emmets talks about her first GCP experience in "Singin' in the Rain"!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
SE: I was previously in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" as Lucy my sophomore year of high school, which was my first play. Then I was in a very impr show called "Alice's Magical Musical Tour" as Alice that my voice teacher created, on which I had to learn the main part in one night (good thing I love theatre). Then,  I was in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" again when the music director decided to do it for my senior year as a senior play, where I played Lucy again. And now I am blessed to be a part of the fabulous production "Singin' in the Rain."

GCP Girl: What was your favorite show?
SE: That is a tough question. It is between "Wicked," "Rent" or "Legally Blonde: The Musical."

GCP Girl: What do you feel is your area of expertise – singing, dancing or acting?
SE: I feel that I am a better actor then a singer or a dancer. Although I have taken years of singing lessons and know how to carry a tune, and I can pick up dance moves very quickly and I think I have some rhythm.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of the "Singin' in the Rain" experience so far?
SE: My favorite part of "Singin' in the Rain" is being able to meet such amazing people. This is my first year in Gainesville and I couldn't ask for more awesome people to make me feel welcome. Although I do enjoy the hilarious comedy and the awesome dance and singing numbers, the bonding and having a good time together has to be my favorite. Oh, I would also add that I also love THE BOOK. :)

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show?
SE: Another tough question. By far, my favorite number to perform and watch is "Broadway Melody"; that song is just so much fun to do. I would have to say that my favorite song to listen to is "You Stepped Out of a Dream." That song is so adorable and sweet and is performed very well.

GCP Girl: What is your dream role?
SE: Oh boy, my absolute dream role would to be play Elle Woods in "Legally Blonde: The Musical." Although I would love to play Elphaba or Glinda in "Wicked." Or Velma or Roxie in "Chicago." Or I would love to be Mimi in "Rent."

GCP Girl: What inspires you?
SE: What inspires me is all the awesome musicals that are out there. Watching and listening to all those brilliant actors portray interesting charters makes me want to jump into a production.

GCP Girl: What does community theatre mean to you?
SE: Community theatre to me means that everyone who has jobs or goes to school can still come together in their spare time to do what they love. No matter if they are a lawyer or a doctor, they can still perform for their love of the stage.

GCP Girl: Tell me something about yourself you'd like everyone to know!
SE: I would like everyone to know that I absolutely love the theatre and would like to hopefully pursue a career in it. I would also like everyone to know that "Singin' in the Rain" is an amazing show, put on by fabulous, hardworking people.

Thanks, Sarah!  Time is running out to see this show, so get your tickets now!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Singin' in the Rain" cast profile: Claudia Garcia

Claudia Garcia of "Singin' in the Rain" kicks off the show's last week at the Vam York...

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

CG: I've been in "Les Miserables," "42nd Street," "Ragtime" and "Phantom of the Opera" at P.K Yonge.

GCP Girl: What was your favorite show?
CG: I really like them all, but i would have to say "Rent."

GCP Girl: What do you feel is your area of expertise – singing, dancing or acting?
CG: I would definitely have to go with dancing.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of the "Singin' in the Rain" experience so far?
CG: Working with a great cast.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show?
CG: "Broadway Melody."

GCP Girl: What is your dream role?
CG: Belle from "Beauty and the Beast."

GCP Girl: What inspires you?
CG: All the people who believe in me.

GCP Girl: What does community theatre mean to you?
CG: People who love the theater so much that they don't get paid for all their hard work.

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

CG: I love the stage, and I would like to thank my mom, dad, sisters , brother, cat, dog, and wonderful boyfriend for all their love and support.  

Thanks, Claudia! Only five more chances to see the show – get your tickets at Book Gallery West now!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Singin' in the Rain" cast profile: Stephanie Kelly

Stephanie Kelly plays Kathy Selden, the lovely leading lady of "Singin' in the Rain"...

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

SK: Stop yelling at me.

GCP Girl: What was your favorite show?

SK: In high school I was in "The Pirates of Penzance." I played your typical stuffy English aristocrat, Edith. It was one of my finer theatrical moments. One of the finer theatrical moments, period. I played the role with dignity, poise, and a subtle demureness that could only be described as ethereal. The cast voted me “best stripper.”

GCP Girl: What do you feel is your area of expertise – singing, dancing or acting?

SK: I’m not falling into your trap, GCP Girl… Sure. I know how this goes. I pick one option, and suddenly it’s…. “Well, well, well, Stephanie here thinks she’s an EXPERT at ing. Can you BELIEVE the audacity? The NERVE! Who does she think she is? Neil Patrick Harris? I’ve SEEN Doogie Howser, and you can bet your sweet bippy, she’s no NPH…. She wishes.” I’ll plead the fifth on this one, thanks.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of the "Singin' in the Rain" experience so far?

SK: Figuring out exactly HOW it is that GCP girl manages to “anonymously” interview cast and crew members. I just assumed she used a mask and an auto-tune. Maybe a trench coat…Not so. I can tell you, the answer is much more technological.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show?

SK: "Singin’ in the Rain" has so many iconic songs, it’s hard to pick a favorite! I like “Interlude 3” though. It sounds like the flight of a bumblebee.

GCP Girl: What is your dream role?

SK: Lucy in "Jekyll and Hyde," or maybe Aldonza in "Man of La Mancha." Essentially, a hooker with a heart of gold… I would also consider playing Bea Arthur in a biopic. If the price is right.

GCP Girl: What inspires you?

SK: Caffeine usually.

GCP Girl: What does community theatre mean to you?

SK: Warm and fuzzies galore. It’s a feeling that is somewhere between a hug from your favorite Disney character and a free combo meal upgrade.

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

SK: I need a job. A real one, preferably. Money, hours, the works. GRRRRRRRR…. Sorry, that was my stomach.

Sounds like Steph needs to visit Sarah or Norma and volunteer for taste-testing! And here's something scary...as I'm writing this, "Singin' in the Rain" just popped up on my iTunes shuffle!!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Singin' in the Rain" cast profile: Sarah Nesselroade

Sarah Nesselroade brings her acting talent to the role of Lina Lamont, the movie star with a voice that could shatter glass, in "Singin' in the Rain"!

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

SN: At GCP, I have also done “It’s a Wonderful Life.” I also recently was in “Closer” at the Acrosstown. I did about a gazillion shows in college.

GCP Girl: What was your favorite show?

SN: So far, "Closer" was my favorite show I have done. I found my character extremely challenging and deep, but I’m loving the character of Lina as well. They are completely opposite roles, which I like. I love versatility!

GCP Girl: What do you feel is your area of expertise – singing, dancing or acting?
SN: ACTING.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of the "Singin' in the Rain" experience so far?
SN: Getting to know everyone in the cast, and I LOVE my role!

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show?

SN: Well, I’m only in the finale……but I love watching "Broadway Melody," because everyone in the show (aside from me) is on stage together!

GCP Girl: What is your dream role?

SN: Hmmmm……..Stage---Glinda in “Wicked.” Or Catherine in “Proof.”

GCP Girl: What inspires you?

SN: Stories!! Fiction and nonfiction. I love stories because they are heartbreaking or funny or inspirational, or whatever. Stories can reach everyone and they are a way for people to connect to each other, and they encourage the use of our imaginations! I LOVE acting because we get the chance to tell and experience them!

">GCP Girl: What does community theatre mean to you?

SN: I think Community theatre is wonderful, because you have a mix of people who are doing it as a hobby and people who want to pursue it as a career, but all are extremely passionate. And we work SO hard and are not getting paid. That shows that we are all involved because we LOVE it and for no other reason. And the people are great. You get to know intelligent, creative, imaginative people from all walks of life and they become your greatest friends.

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

SN: Oh geez! Mmmmmm……I want to go to culinary school but only to learn how to cook better at home. I love food and wine and entertaining, so I want to attend culinary school just so I can throw exquisite parties and cook exceptional meals!!!

Hmmm...sounds like Sarah and Norma need to get together and make dinner for the cast! Curtain goes up at 8 p.m. tonight!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Singin' in the Rain" cast profile: Norma Berger

Norma Berger celebrates her first show at the GCP!

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

NB: I was last in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the Acrosstown as the first fairy (Mustardseed), and prior to that, I was the stage manager for "Closer," featuring our Lina, Sarah Nesselroade. This is my first GCP show.

GCP Girl: What was your favorite show?

NB: This one, so far!

GCP Girl: What do you feel is your area of expertise – singing, dancing or acting?

NB: I'm the worst dancer in this cast, but I'm not that bad. I would say singing is my strongest skill.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of the "Singin' in the Rain" experience so far?

NB: Watching Sarah as Lina. She is hysterically funny.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show?

NB: "You Stepped Out of a Dream," because of the challenging choral role.

GCP Girl: What is your dream role?

NB: Eponine in "Les Miserables."

GCP Girl: What inspires you?

NB: Music, good writing, good conversation, friends, and riding my bicycle.

GCP Girl: What does community theatre mean to you?

NB: Everyone having an opportunity to learn and participate in theatre.

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

NB: Along with music and theatre, food is my passion, and I like to think I am as creative in the kitchen as on stage.

Thanks, Norma! Get your tickets for "Singin' in the Rain" – only two weeks left!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Singin' in the Rain" cast profile: Amanda Dearolph

Amanda Dearolph lends her vocal talents to "Singin' in the Rain" as mysterious silent film star Olga Maria!

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

AD: This is my second show at GCP - I played Blanche Ingram in "Jane Eyre" last year. I've also been in "Once Upon A Mattress," "Anything Goes," and "The Music Man."

GCP Girl: What was your favorite show?

AD: "Jane Eyre." GCP is so much better than high school theatre.

GCP Girl: What do you feel is your area of expertise - singing, dancing or acting?

AD: Definitely singing. I'm classically trained, and I've been singing for as long as I can remember. 

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of the "Singin' in the Rain" experience so far?

AD: "The Book" ;).
   
GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show?

AD: That's tough, but probably the finale. I'm in the front row, and I can see the audience and their faces light up when we all come out in our big yellow rain coats and red umbrellas. It's amazing.

GCP Girl: What is your dream role?

AD: Wow, I'm not sure I could choose just one. We actually had a conversation about this in the dressing room one night. There are a lot, but the main roles I would love to play are Clara from "The Light in the Piazza," Christine or Carlotta from "The Phantom of the Opera," Dot from "Sunday in the Park with George" and Janet Van der Graff from "The Drowsy Chaperone."

GCP Girl: What inspires you?

AD: A lot of things, depending on what I'm inspired to do. Art inspires me to look at the world differently. Good music makes me think about how I perform. Fashion editorials make me think about color and shape. Books make me think about how I and characters handle situations. Strong women like Queen Elizabeth I, Artemisia Gentileschi, Esther, Renata Tebaldi, Jane Austen, and my mother make me want to be better person. 

GCP Girl: What does community theatre mean to you?

AD: Community theatre is a wonderful place to express yourself and meet new people of different ages, ethnicities and backgrounds. It brings the opportunity to perform and see a beautiful, American form of art. 

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

AD: I'm so grateful to be a part of this show and GCP!

Thanks, Amanda!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Singin' in the Rain" cast profile: Lexi DuFries

"Singin' in the Rain" lady-in-waiting Lexi DuFries talks to GCP Girl about magic and inspiration...

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
LD: At my high school, I performed in "Once Upon a Mattress," "Anything Goes," "Class Action" and "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." "Singin' in the Rain" is my first show since I started college.

GCP Girl: What was your favorite show?

LD: Anything Goes. We had a great set and I loved the choreography, as well as the choreographer.

GCP Girl: What do you feel is your area of expertise?

LD: I feel that singing is my area of expertise because I have the most experience in it, then acting because I've started taking acting classes and I've come to find that I enjoy it. I'm slow to learn dancing but, with time and determination, I can do it!

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of the "Singin' in the Rain" experience so far?

LD: Just being a member of this cast because everyone is so talented and hilarious. I'm so grateful I've become a very small part of the large GCP family. I have also thoroughly enjoyed the thrill of performing again.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show?

LD: The solo "Singin' in the Rain" number at the end of Act 1. It's just so classic and the rain on stage is absolutely magical.

GCP Girl: What is your dream role?

LD: I can't choose just one! I would love to play Roxie or Velma from "Chicago," Elle Woods from "Legally Blonde," Elphaba from "Wicked" and maybe even Diana from "Next to Normal."

GCP Girl: What inspires you?

LD: Above all, the love of Jesus Christ. I am also inspired by the truly magical moments in theatre when I get goosebumps up my arms, chills downs my spine and I am so overwhelmed with emotion I feel like I'm about to explode into tears or laughter. Whether I'm viewing or performing, I adore that rush and seek it as often as I can. I wish everyone in the world could feel that at least once in their life.

GCP Girl: What does community theatre mean to you?

LD: It is a way to satisfy my desire for theatre and a fantastically fun learning opportunity.

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

LD: I thrive off of God, love, art, people and fun. Also, I tend to get pretty crazy at times, don't be alarmed, just smile and play along. :)

Thanks, Lexi! Tickets are available at Book Gallery West!!

xo xo GCP Girl

Singin' in the Rain Review

Guest Poster Kristin Paulson-

The Singin' in the Rain review is up:

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20091105/ARTICLES/911051007/1006/NEWS

Congrats to the cast and crew for a 'seamless' production!

The show closes November 22, so you only have 3 weeks to buy your tickets and see the show!

Thanks for the update Kristin!

"Singin' in the Rain" cast profile: Molly Knisley

Meet "Singin' in the Rain" cast member Molly Knisley, who plays Mrs. Simpson, wife of the studio head of Monumental Pictures!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
MK: I was Hippolyta in High Springs Community Theatre's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in 2006. Then I did "Monty Python Vignettes" at Acrosstown. I went back to Shakespeare and was Gertrude in "Rosencrantz" at ART. I then played the Nazi maid in "Sound of Music" with the Star Center and went on to play the cop/butler and obnoxious pink lady in "Annie." My son, Ryan, was cast as Rooster in "Annie" and I volunteered my dog to be Sandy, and somehow I ended up with three roles in the show. My first GCP show was "It's A Wonderful Life" last Christmas.

GCP Girl: What was your favorite show?

MK: "Monty Python" at ART was an amazing experience. We did improv during the show, which was something I had never done and I absolutely loved it.

GCP Girl: What do you feel is your area of expertise – singing, dancing or acting?
MK: I always wanted to be a dancer. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a ballerina. Unfortunately, at age 11, when all the girls in my ballet class were moving to pointe, my feet grew, as well as my two new best friends/worst enemies...My dance teacher suggested I stick with tap. I figured my prime as a dancer ended then. I always loved dancing, but as I got older opportunities to dance became almost nonexistent. I always loved musical theatre, but I wasn't the best actress and couldn't sing. I finally realized that if I wanted to continue to dance on stage, I'd need to learn how to sing and act.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of the "Singin' in the Rain" experience so far?
MK: The choreography and dancing and the amazing cast. We're a team and we all support and help each other.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show?

MK: Broadway Melody--without a doubt. This is a number I've always dreamed of dancing in.

GCP Girl: What is your dream role?
MK: Anything from "Chicago," Miss Hannigan in "Annie," Rosie in "Mamma Mia."

GCP Girl: What inspires you?
MK: My children.

GCP Girl: What does community theatre mean to you?
MK: It is an opportunity for people who truly love theatre to practice their art and their passion. Community theatre people (actors/crew/techies/ushers, etc.) are the some of the most passionate and dedicated people I've ever met.

GCP Girl: Tell me something about yourself you'd like everyone to know!
MK: I've always dreamed of being on stage. I made a choice after I graduated high school to either take a risk and try to make it as a dancer, or to play it safe and get a college degree and have a career. I picked the safe route and have a master's degree in nursing and have an outstanding career as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I have two wonderful children, too. I'm now pursuing my passion in the theatre. I see so many college kids pursuing their dreams now, and I often wonder, "What if....," but I love my family, my career and any role I have the privilege of playing.

Thanks, Molly! "Singin' in the Rain" resumes tonight at the Vam York!

xo xo GCP Girl

"To Kill a Mockingbird" cast list!

Congrats to the cast of "To Kill a Mockingbird"!

Jean Louise Finch – Amanda Gunn

Scout – Julia Burton/Abby Austin

Jem Finch – Jack Polefko/Winston Cunningham

Atticus Finch – Houston Wells

Calpurnia – Jessica Carter

Maudie Atkinson – Kim Huebner

Stephanie Crawford – Jan Cohen

Mrs. Dubose – Dorothy Field

Nathan Radley – Kevin Sario

Boo Radley – Thomas Dalton

Dill – Ben Porter/Ellis Cunningham

Heck Tate – Randy Miller

Judge Taylor – Richard Condit

Reverend Sykes – Shonta Khaleel White

Mayella Ewell – Devin D’Andrea

Bob Ewell – Michael Glover

Walter Cunningham – Ed Hunter

Mr. Gilmer – Jeremy Lambeth

Tom Robinson – Troy McCray

Helen Robinson – Madeleine Escarne

Townspeople – Ryan Taylor, Victoria Smyth, Charnesia Cromwell, Lisa Asbell, Laura Jackson, Stephanie Osario, Joey McGinn (Townspeople/Boy)

Stay tuned...

xo xo GCP Girl