"Forum" cast profile: Thomas Sanders

Thomas Sanders is calm and utterly under control as Hysterium in "Forum"!

GCP Girl: Give me your name, your character's name, and a bit about your character.
TS: I play Hysterium in the show. I would say he is one of the more quirky characters in the show, but then, who isn’t quirky in this show? He’s just a jittery, nervous servant who kisses up to his masters. Now, the entire household has been left in his care. Naturally, things are bound to go wrong for him.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
TS: At the GCP, I’ve played the Lord High Executioner, Ko-ko (thanks for letting me keep the sword, Bob) in “Hot Mikado,” 33-year-old Chief Clerk Cornelius Hackl in “Hello Dolly!,” the Lost Boy Slightly in “Peter Pan,” and I’ve also played Don Lockwood in this past fall’s show, “Singin’ in the Rain.” Other shows I’ve appeared in include “Beauty and the Beast,” “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” “Oliver!,” “Jane Eyre,” “Shakespeare in Hollywood,” and I even had a little cameo in “To Kill a Mockingbird”! 

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for this show? 
TS: Well, I had watched “A Funny Thing…” before on stage and I was familiar with the role of Hysterium. That character always stood out to me, possibly because it really doesn’t resemble anything I’ve ever played before. It is the complete opposite of Don Lockwood, that’s for sure! I wanted to give myself a real challenge, so I went out for that part and I was lucky enough to get it! I only hope that I capture the character that Sondheim meant for him to be. Making people laugh isn’t a bad feeling either…

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
TS: Definitely the reactions from the audience! There are certain scenes and one-liners in the show that just get the best laughs from the viewers. Hearing this means that they are engaged and very entertained and it gives you one of the best feelings. This is the very first show where I get to sing and act alongside Esteban Alvarez, and that has definitely given me the opportunity to act out and figure out the funniest way to do things!

GCP Girl: If you could sing one song in the show that is actually sung by another character, which one would it be and why?
TS: Wow…this is a tough one. I probably would have the most fun with “Bring Me My Bride,” just because I think that would be pretty fun to emote on stage with! Michael Antinelli does a fantastic job, though, and definitely brings more brawn to the table than I would!

GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from this show?
TS: Simply, if they had fun and left the show feeling happier than before, I will go home satisfied. I’m there to make them smile. Trust me, my character goes to great lengths in order to achieve that!

GCP Girl: What inspires you?
TS: Oh, lots of things. Definitely my family, each and every one of them. They all have individually pursued various dreams and have taught me to leave all doors open to things that I love and engage in. How else could I be a singing and dancing Chemical Engineer? My friends have always driven me to keep up acting, which I’m so, so grateful for. I say “driven” in every since of the word. Not owning a car can be pretty strenuous, but my friends have always been pretty gracious with rides!

GCP Girl: Broadway is drawing a lot of its inspiration from TV shows and movies lately. What TV show or movie would you like to see turned into a Broadway musical?
TS: I think anyone who knows me knows the answer to this: L O S T. How epic would that be? It would definitely be original and one-up everything else! A helicopter on stage? Whatever, here’s a plane crash! Singing cats? How about a singing polar bear?? Rapping in Spanish? Let’s go with a ballad in Korean! Oh, and a flying witch? Well, here’s an all-encompassing smoke monster! Pure epicness…

GCP Girl: Tell me something about yourself you'd like everyone to know!
TS: Well, with any luck, I will definitely be coming back to perform at the GCP again, so keep an eye out for me in future shows!

Thanks, Thomas! "Forum" starts off its third week tonight – only this week and next left to see it!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Forum" cast profile: Spencer Reeder

Spencer Reeder waxes philosophical about life, target shooting and bells as a fashion statement...

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
SR: I play Tintinabula, the bell-wearing courtesan. I am particularly noisy walking around—both on and offstage (everyone can hear my costume from a mile away).  I get a very “I Dream of Jeannie” vibe from her. I don’t think she is the brightest courtesan in the world, but she means well and deserves an “E” for Effort. (haha) 

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
SR: I am currently in another show—the Commedia dell’arte Project at UF, where I play the Innamorata, or the female lover.  Some of my favorite past roles include Helena from "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" and Kathy from "Vanities," which was one of seven plays chosen for the mainstage category in the 2008 Florida State Thespian Festival. Some other shows include "Courting 101," "Pippin," "Cinderella," and "The Dinner Party." I have also been in two educational films on drunk driving. I have always wanted to be involved with a production of "1776"—I love that musical! 

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for this show?
SR: I had not been in a musical for a while, "Forum" is a fun show, and I heard good things about GCP—it sounded like a good combination to me! 

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
SR: Although I enjoy many aspects of the show, I always love when a play finally comes together. When the lines, blocking, set, music and costume all fall into place and the curtain is finally raised on opening night—that is the best experience.  Because then everyone sees their hard work and time pay off and can enjoy the audience’s reaction.

 
GCP Girl: If you could sing one song in the show that is actually sung by another character, which one would it be and why?
SR: I think it would be fun to sing “Everybody Ought to have a Maid” and replace “maid” with “courtesan” in a reprise. I mean, who doesn’t need a courtesan or two?

GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from this show?
SR: Laughter and a feel-good attitude.  Although everyone worked hard to put this show together, after the time and effort have been put it, it’s really about playing.  I think a lot of the time, the world gets caught up in a very serious, regimented schedule.  I hope that those who come to see the show leave feeling less weighed down by their routines and have a good laugh.

GCP Girl: What inspires you?
SR: When a person has unrelenting determination—we all get pushed down, but those who get up, dust themselves off, and try again, I have a deep respect for.  Also, people who live honestly—it is always so refreshing to meet people who have such a love for life that they do not let the crap of the world deter their goals. And of course, a well-written book that makes me think always inspires me. 

GCP Girl: Broadway is drawing a lot of its inspiration from TV shows and movies lately. What TV show or movie would you like to see turned into a Broadway musical?
SR: Well, "The Princess Bride" has always been my favorite movie—I want to think it was being made into a musical but did not get off the ground.  However, I believe "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" would make yet another awesome Mel Brooks musical. 

GCP Girl: Tell me something about yourself you'd like everyone to know!
SR: I’m such a dork—I love video games and comic books. I also love target shooting—my favorite gun right now is a Ruger 22. And one of my New Year’s resolutions was to get my motorcycle license. Oh, and I can do 40 diamond push-ups. Grr—hardcore!

Thanks, Spencer!

xo xo GCP Girl

Our Condolences

Our heartfelt condolences go to the Pierson family. Dr. Kendall Pierson passed away Wednesday and will be greatly missed.  A memorial service is set for 11 a.m. Saturday, March 27 at the Mormon Church on N.W. 16th St. and N.W. 38th St.  His obituary is in the Gainesville Sun today.

"Forum" cast profile: Azhya James

Azhya James makes her debut at the GCP as the courtesan Vibrata, who is "lithe as a tigress...for the man whose interest is wildlife!"

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.

AJ: My character's name is Vibrata; she is a courtesan in the House of Marcus Lycus.

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

AJ: My previous theatre experiences were all middle and high school productions. In "Cinderella and the Wolfman," I played one of the wicked stepsisters, and recently a small production called "Frances," where I played a young woman living in 1950s America.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for this show? 

AJ: To have something other than school and work to think about. I had not done theatre since high school and felt it would be fun.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?

AJ: Meeting new people. My cast is full of amazing people from all different walks of life and theatre. 

GCP Girl: If you could sing one song in the show that is actually sung by another character, which one would it be and why?

AJ: I wouldn't. 

GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from this show?

AJ: I hope the audience laughs until they shed tears and takes home a feeling of being completely entertained.

GCP Girl: What inspires you?

AJ: My family inspires me.

GCP Girl: Broadway is drawing a lot of its inspiration from TV shows and movies lately. What TV show or movie would you like to see turned into a Broadway musical? 

AJ: That is a hard question and one that I would really have to think deeper on before attempting to answer.

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

AJ: I am a junior USF student taking classes online right now for my BS in health science. I have recently been asked to publish a book of work I've written called "Mixed Emotions," which should be available for purchase later this year.

Thanks, Azhya! 

xo xo GCP Girl

"Forum" cast profile: Katie Crozier

Are we seeing double, or are there really two of Katie Crozier in "Forum"?

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.

KC: I play Geminae #1, one of the Courtesan twins – "...an infinite number of mathematical possibilities!"

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

KC: I was in "Pippin" last spring as Bertha, Pippin's lecherous granny. I had an incredible time in that show and got to perform my very first solo song in a musical. Before that, I played Peep Bo in "Hot Mikado" and danced in the chorus in "Cinderella." I've also stage managed a few shows, such as "The Sugar Bean Sisters" and "Over the River and Through the Woods." 

GCP Girl:  Why did you audition for this show?

KC: I auditioned for "Forum" because I love a good comedy, and let's be honest, I was born to play a Courtesan. Also, the production team was packed full of folks I enjoy working with. 

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?

KC: As cheesy as it sounds, my favorite part of any show is getting to make new friendships and renew old ones. The fact that I can do that while making some theatre magic is pretty sweet.

GCP Girl: If you could sing one song in the show that is actually sung by another character, which one would it be and why?

KC: I think I would want to sing "Dirty Old Man," because Kelley makes it look like so much fun. 

GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from this show?

KC: I hope the audience takes away a belly ache from laughing so hard.

GCP Girl: What inspires you? 

KC: I'm inspired by the endless supply of love, hope and beauty found everywhere, if you know where and how to look.

GCP Girl: Broadway is drawing a lot of its inspiration from TV shows and movies lately. What TV show or movie would you like to see turned into a Broadway musical?

KC: I would like to turn the movie "Connie and Carla" into a stage show. 

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

KC: I'm preparing to go into business for myself as an event and wedding planner for hire. It's very exciting and a little scary, but it's time to make a change! Wish me luck (and hire me if you need a good planner!).  ;)

Thanks, Katie! "Forum" resumes tonight at the Vam York! It's a great cure for the mid-week blues!

xo xo GCP Girl

Congrats to the "Funny Money" cast!

Congrats to all, but be warned -- we are expecting an excellent show!

Jean – Leannis Maxwell

Henry – Henry Wihnyk

Davenport– Michael Glover

Bill – Malik Grady

Betty – Lola Hassan-Adams

Vic – Adam Lishawa

Slater – Pat Thomson

Mr Brerfcurse – Robert Wagner

Spotlight on Stephen Sondheim

In celebration of the opening of "Forum" and tonight's gala fundraiser for the Child Advocacy Center, let's wish a happy 80th birthday to the show's composer, Stephen Sondheim.

For anyone who doesn't know, Sondheim is perhaps the foremost living composer in musical theatre.  After being mentored by the great Oscar Hammerstein, he went on to write the lyrics for "West Side Story" and "Gypsy," and was the composer and lyricist for "Forum," "Company," "Follies," "A Little Night Music," "Sweeney Todd," "Sunday in the Park with George" and "Into the Woods." Sondheim has received eight Grammy Awards, seven Drama Desk Awards, seven Tony Awards, a Pulitzer Prize (for "Sunday in the Park with George") and an Academy Award (for best song, "Sooner or Later," from "Dick Tracy"). He also received a special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2008.

GCP has produced many of Sondheim's works over the years, and will include "Company" in the 2010-11 season.  Happy Birthday, Mr. Sondheim, and thanks for sharing your talent with us!

"Forum" cast profile: Esteban Alvarez III

Playgoers, Esteban Alvarez III opens tonight's performance of a comedy in which there truly is something for everyone!

GCP Girl: Tell me about your character.

EA: Pseudolos is the classic "clever slave" stock character. All he wants is his freedom and he is willing to use his cunning and guile to get it.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
EA: I've done several shows at the GCP. You might remember me from such roles as Cogsworth, Mr. Bumble and Groucho Marx.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for this show?
EA: Pseudolos is a role that has been on my short list of "dream" roles. I couldn't give up the opportunity to try crossing that role off my list.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
EA: I have really enjoyed being able to work with such talented people. It is always fun playing off of Jacob, and it is great acting with Kevin and Amy. Also, for the first time, Thomas and I have several scenes together, and those are, by far, my favorite scenes!

GCP Girl: If you could sing one song in the show that is actually sung by another character, which one would it be and why?
EA: To be honest ... I just wish I could sing my OWN songs properly. But, if I could, I would like to sing "Bring Me My Bride." The lyrics are so funny and he gets some great power notes!

GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from this show?
EA: I just hope people laugh and enjoy the show.

GCP Girl: What inspires you?
EA: My family and friends inspire me, plain and simple.

GCP Girl: Broadway is drawing a lot of its inspiration from TV shows and movies lately. What TV show or movie would you like to see turned into a Broadway musical?
EA: "Clue!" I am just WAITING for there to be a GOOD "Clue! The Musical"!

GCP Girl: Tell me something about yourself you'd like everyone to know!
EA: I have never seen any of the "Godfather" movies.

Thanks, Esteban! Break a leg tonight! GCP fans, keep your eyes open at Napolotano's for a cast appearance at karaoke night after the show!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Forum" cast profile: Kelley Addis

Kelley Addis joins the family business in her first show at the GCP! She plays Domina, the lady of the house...and don't you forget it.

GCP Girl: Tell me about about your character.

KA: Domina is very much her namesake. She wears the pants in the family and is not afraid to show that off at anytime. She pushes not only her slaves around, but also her husband and her son. However, all this "domineering" (get it? Domina; Dominant; Dominatrix) comes from a place of love. All she really wants is love, but she has a really rough way of showing that.

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

KA: Although this is my first GCP show, this is not my first rodeo, so to speak. I started acting when I was four, went to Florida State (insert boos here) for theatre, and then spent seven years pursuing theatre professionally. I spent four years with the Chicago cast of "Tony N' Tina's Wedding," in which I played six different characters at any given time, including the bride, Tina, to Loretta, the New Jersey former beauty queen who owns the reception hall, to DJ Monty, the former stripper turned wedding DJ. I think I liked that show because I was playing characters closer to my age. Most shows that I'm involved in, I play a mom in some shape or form, not that there's anything wrong with that. I'm really good at it, I guess. I've also done a couple of movies, including "Spiderman II" and "The Break-Up," and also appeared on Animal Planet on an episode of "Animal Witness."

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for this show?

KA: "Forum" was always a show that I'd been wanting to do. It's just a really fun romp that, at the end, leaves the audience wanting to watch it again. I've been having a really great time with this show and have met some really amazing people.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?

KA: Kicking Thomas around stage has to be my favorite. The song "Dirty Old Man" is Domina's 15 minutes, so I've been having fun milking it for all it's worth. Plus, don't tell him this, but I think he actually likes it as well.

GCP Girl: If you could sing one song in the show that is actually sung by another character, which one would it be and why?

KA: "Pretty Little Picture" is a very nice patter, stereotypical Sondheim song. However, as much as I like that song, I LOVE the song I get to do. It's a lot of fun.

GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from this show?

KA: Just a sense of fun. I think the world is full of very real, very serious problems and if I can take the audience away from that, even for a minute, then I have done my job well.

GCP Girl: What inspires you?

KA: People who are fearless. Not just with acting, but with life. Someone who is not afraid to take chances and put themselves out there. It inspires me to get out into the world and experience everything I can and not be afraid of what other people think of it.

GCP Girl: Broadway is drawing a lot of its inspiration from TV shows and movies lately. What TV show or movie would you like to see turned into a Broadway musical?

KA: Well, "Harry Potter" would make a great musical and might be coming to Gainesville sooner than you think (keep your ears peeled for that). "Dexter" might make an interesting musical. Plus a singing serial killer is funny - "The night is dark as lead; I come up behind you; BOOM you're dead." ...might need to work on it a little.

GCP Girl: Tell me something about yourself you'd like everyone to know!
KA: I'm a cheap date.

Good to know. Thanks, Kelley!

Will I be at preview tonight, or will I make my appearance on opening night, or at the fundraiser gala on Saturday night? What will I be wearing? What will I think of the show?! Stay tuned!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Forum" preview article!

Check out the "Forum" preview article in the Gainesville Sun!

"Forum" cast profile: Ed Smallman

Meet Ed Smallman, a veteran actor from New York in his first production at the GCP!

GCP Girl: Give me your name, your character's name, and a bit about your character.

ES: Erronius is described as a “befuddled old man.” Hopefully, the audience will see him that way.  He has been searching for the past 20 years for his two children, stolen in their infancy by pirates.  In the first act he returns to Rome, unsuccessful in his attempt to find his son and daughter, and becomes involved in all the craziness of the show. 

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

ES: This is my second production with GCP.  I worked on the stage crew for “Singin' In the Rain,” and enjoyed every minute of it, including mopping up all the water on stage at the end of the first act.  Also in that production, I had a very small “walk-on” part as a bouncer who evicts a young Don and Cosmo from a burlesque performance.  That experience whetted my appetite for more time on stage. Though this is only my second show with GCP, I was involved in the Glens Falls (NY) Operatta Club, now the Glens Falls Community Theatre, throughout the 1970s.  During that time I was in musicals including “Brigadoon,” “Fiddler On the Roof,” and “Oliver!.”  I also performed in plays, my favorite being “See How They Run.”  My preference is to play smaller roles, since that gives me more time each show to enjoy the performances of the other very talented people on stage.  That is certainly true of the actors in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.”  What a multi-talented cast we have!

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for this show?

ES: This show has long been a favorite of mine, and is one in which I have wanted to be involved for many years.  I was particularly excited to learn that it had been chosen as a production for this year.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?

ES: My favorite part of this show so far has been meeting and being on stage with the cast and crew of this show.  They are not only very talented people, but great people as well.  I also have to say that I have enjoyed the set construction and painting that I have done.  That experience has allowed me to connect with everyone involved in this show, and really enhanced my enjoyment of the experience.

GCP Girl: If you could sing one song in the show that is actually sung by another character, which one would it be and why?

ES: I don’t have a great singing voice, which is why I have the only non-singing part in this show.  However, if I had the voice of any of the other male cast members, I would really like to sing the “Lovely Reprise” in Act 2.  This song has the wonderful melody of the original song sung in Act 1, and introduces the comic element that I really enjoy.  It is more than just a good song, it is a good song and a good laugh.

GCP Girl: What do you hope audiences take away from this show?

ES: I hope the audience leaves the performance with a sense of having enjoyed the past few hours, and having had some very good laughs.  I have enjoyed every rehearsal and every performance, and I hope our audiences have as much fun watching the show as I have being a part of it.

GCP Girl: What inspires you?

ES: Dedication and strong commitment to anything inspires me.  Perhaps that is why I enjoy being a part of GCP.  Everyone is so dedicated to GCP and to putting on the best performances possible.  Everyone puts a great deal of time and effort into offering excellent shows and opportunities to have an enjoyable time.  Being a part of that inspires me.

GCP Girl: Broadway is drawing a lot of its inspiration from TV shows and movies lately. What TV show or movie would you like to see turned into a Broadway musical?

ES: Unfortunately, there isn’t much on TV that I would like to see on Broadway.  However, would have to vote for something like “Family Guy.”  It is funny and has some outlandish characters.  And I’ve always been a big cartoon fan, going back to my days watching “The Flintstones” when I was very young.

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

ES: Having grown up in New York City, I have been going to Broadway shows for as long as I can remember. Seeing 'A Chorus Line," "Phantom of the Opera," "Shenandoah" and "No, No, Nanette" stand out in my mind as particularly enjoyable times. Given that, I’ve enjoyed the productions I’ve see put on by GCP as much as many of the Broadway shows I’ve seen, and have really enjoyed being a part of “Singin' In the Rain,” and now, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.”  I want to thank GCP for allowing me to be a part of community theatre again.

Thanks, Ed! Look for me at the preview performance tomorrow night! Tickets are $5, and the box office opens at 7 p.m.!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Funny Money" auditions March 21-22

In all the excitement over the upcoming "Forum" opening, don't forget auditions for "Funny Money" are next week!  Here's the message from director Jan Cohen:

Auditions for "Funny Money," a comedy scheduled for May production at GCP, are scheduled for Sunday and Monday, March 21 and 22, at 7 p.m.  Call backs will be on Monday at 8 p.m.
There are parts for five men and three women, all ranging in age from mid-twenties to mid-sixties, with exact ages dependent on who "plays well" together.
Come early enough to get your photo taken, fill out the audition form and peruse the character descriptions and rehearsal calendar before 7 p.m..
No need to prepare an audition piece.  We will be doing cold readings from the script.  But do work on your British accents!
Any questions? E-mail  director Jan Cohen at jan_cohen@yahoo.com

Character descriptions are available on the GCP website! Break a leg!

xo xo GCP Girl

Breaking News: The 2010-11 Proposed Season!

A little birdie sent me the proposed shows and directors for next season! No dates yet, but we'll keep you posted!

"45 Minutes From Broadway"  – Jennie Stringfellow
"The Wiz" – Rhonda Wilson
"GI Holiday Juke Box" – Leannis Maxwell and Bob Garrigues (holiday show)
"The Murder Room" – Pat Thomson
"Company" – Jerry Brewington
"Trip to Bountiful" – Margery Pierson
"Anything Goes" – Susan Christophy

Congrats to everyone! Stay tuned for all the latest news!

xo xo GCP Girl