Friday, November 30, 2012

"White Christmas" cast profile: Thomas Sanders

Thomas Sanders is full of holiday spirit - and mischief - as entertainer Phil Davis in "White Christmas"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
TS: My character is Phil Davis. He’s the fun-loving, skirt-chasing half of the famous performing duo, Wallace & Davis! He usually tries to get his buddy Bob to go out and start having fun, which leads them into some interesting situations!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
TS: I’m wrapping up my sixth year at the GCP! I started here at the beginning of my college career in "Beauty and the Beast." Since then, I’ve played roles such as Leo Bloom in “The Producers,” Cornelius Hackl in “Hello, Dolly!,” Ko-Ko in “Hot Mikado,” Billy Crocker in “Anything Goes” and Don Lockwood in “Singin’ in the Rain.” All of these shows have acted as my training in theatre, acting- and dancing-wise!

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "White Christmas"?
TS: Not only was I familiar with many of the talented people I knew were auditioning and was excited to work with, I also loved the message and the holiday spirit that the movie leaves you with each time you watch it. It’s one of those classics that never gets old around Christmastime. I knew how much people loved our last Christmas musical, "GI Holiday Jukebox," and I wanted to be a part of that special experience again!

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show?
TS: That is a tough one. I really enjoy performing “I Love a Piano”, because I feel it to be one of the more impressive numbers that we pull off and tap dancing is just fun. But, I also would say that the song “Snow” has to be one of the more fun songs we perform, simply because, as a Floridian, it encapsulates all the fun I believe having snow for the holidays would be! Sure, your car might be frozen, and the storms are lame, but hey, you get to have snowball fights, skiing, and sledding!

GCP Girl: Finish this sentence: "I know it's the holiday season when..."?
TS: Well, I definitely know when Fall is here when you start seeing pumpkin being put into every beverage and pastry! But I would say I know when the holiday season is here when I start smelling mulled cider in the air. That aroma just does it for me. It’s not the holiday season until I start smelling cider, no matter how many Christmas songs I may hear, haha.

GCP Girl: What plays or musicals would you like to see GCP produce in an upcoming season?
TS: I would absolutely LOVE to see "Into the Woods" be produced at the GCP again! I feel a big cast show like that, coupled with a more contemporary musical such as "Next to Normal," would allow for a pretty awesome season! Bring in a kids’ musical, like "Annie," and that should round out the year perfectly!

GCP Girl: What is your favorite winter holiday tradition?
TS: Actually, one of my favorite traditions started only a few years ago, at the Christophys’ "White Christmas" party! The Christophys, who are all in this show, throw a party where we all come over and watch "White Christmas." Now, I can’t imagine the holidays without it. It makes doing this show even more special.

GCP Girl: What are you looking forward to the most about performing in "White Christmas"?
TS: I am most looking forward to now getting to enjoy doing the show and working with this wonderfully talented and friendly cast. Everyone has been so amazing to work with in this show, and we were really blessed to have everyone cooperate and meld as a team. I get to work alongside Stephen Griffin, who has worked his butt off for his starring role of Bob Wallace, and is amazing. Also, I get to fall in love with Victoria Sexton, our Judy Haynes, who has come from Ocala to share her simply outstanding talents with all of us. I guarantee the audience will also fall in love with her. Add in the constantly astounding talents of Susan Christophy, who is our Betty Haynes, and Kelley Addis, our Martha Watson, and you could see why I’m excited, haha.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
TS: Tap dancing is my absolute favorite! :-)

Thanks, Thomas! Celebrate the weekend by coming to see this holiday classic!

xo xo GCP Girl

Thursday, November 29, 2012

"White Christmas" cast profile: Kelley Addis

Kelley Addis keeps General Waverly (and everyone else) in line as Martha Watson in "White Christmas"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
KA: I'm playing Martha Watson. Martha is a no-nonsense type of gal. She helps to run the inn with General Waverly. She is also an ex-Broadway star...although in her head she's always the star no matter what. She is sassy, charismatic and, most importantly, LOUD!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
KA: I was last seen at GCP playing Joanne in "Rent." I was also in "Anything Goes," "The Wiz," "The Producers" and "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum." I also was an actor professionally in Chicago appearing in "Tony N' Tina's Wedding," "Jackie: An American Life," "Dimly Perceived Threats to the System," multiple improv shows, murder mysteries, children's shows with Chicago Kids Company, extra gigs in "Spiderman II," "The Company," and "The Break Up." I even appeared in a re-enactment show on "Animal Planet." So...I have a little experience.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "White Christmas"?
KA: It had been about a year since my last show and that was enough of a hiatus for me.

GCP Girl:  What is your favorite musical number in the show, and why?
KA: "I Love a Piano" is catchy and gets stuck in my head frequently. Plus everyone has worked REALLY hard on that number and it shows. Helps to appreciate it that much more knowing that. 

GCP Girl: Finish this sentence: "I know it's the holiday season when..."?
KA: ...it's August...because that's when Christmas decorations go up now. Sheesh. 

GCP Girl: What is your favorite winter holiday tradition?
KA: Going to see my nephews and watching them open Christmas presents. They're so cute and fun to be around. 

GCP Girl: What are you looking forward to the most about performing in "White Christmas"?
KA: My diva moment!!! You'll know it when you see it. Also seeing kids all dressed up for the holidays to go to a show. Reminds me of when I was young and my mom would take my sister and me to shows around the holidays and how magical the whole experience was. I hope we can give that same magical moment to kids and adults alike. 

GCP Girl: What plays or musicals would you like to see GCP produce in an upcoming season?
KA: "Legally Blonde" would be fun. "Avenue Q" would be amazing...hey, we did "Rent." We can do anything now! 

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
KA: I would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanzaa. Here's to getting past the Mayan apocalypse.

Thanks, Kelley! Find out about her diva moment when you see "White Christmas" at the GCP!

xo xo GCP Girl

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

"White Christmas" cast profile: Molly Ellis

Molly Ellis is one of the two young actresses playing Susan Waverly in "White Christmas"! The show begins its second week tonight.

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character. 
ME: My character in "White Christmas" is Susan Waverly. Susan is a very peppy, energetic girl who looks up to her grandfather General Waverly and his "concierge" Martha Watson.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
ME: I have performed in my schools plays every year since first grade.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show?
ME: My favorite music number in the show is when Bob and Phil perform "Sisters." It is my favorite because it is very funny and makes everyone laugh.

GCP Girl: Finish this sentence: "I know it's the holiday season when..."? 
ME: If I were to finish the sentence "I know it is the holiday season when..." it would say "I know it is the holiday season when it has begun to get a bit nippy outside and I see sales going up prior to Black Friday."

GCP Girl: What is your favorite winter holiday tradition? 
ME: My favorite holiday tradition is placing the ornaments on the Christmas tree.

GCP Girl: What are you looking forward to the most about performing in "White Christmas"? 
ME: The thing I am looking forward to most about performing "White Christmas" is just to perform and to give something for families to come and enjoy together.

GCP Girl: What plays or musicals would you like to see GCP produce in an upcoming season?
ME: One of the musicals I think the GCP should produce in an upcoming season is "Les Miserables." 

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
ME: I would want everyone to know that in 2012 I competed to receive an award as a Florida State storyteller and won.

Thanks, Molly! Get your tickets now, everyone - shows are filling up fast!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Chasing Manet" cast announcement!

Congrats to the new cast of "Chasing Manet"! Looks like an awesome group!

Catherine - Carolyn Caracausa
Rennie - Pat Thomson
Royal/Captain - Andrew Gordon
Charles - TBA
Rita - Beverly Turner
Henry/Marvin - Ed Hunter
Gabe/Steward - Doug Clifford
Angelica/Marie Claire - Sue Addis
Iris - Dorothy Field
Esperanza/Saviana - Laura D'Anieri
Maurice/Sherwood - Malcolm Sanford

Saturday, November 24, 2012

"White Christmas" cast profile: Brianna Cullinan

Brianna Cullinan makes her GCP debut in the ensemble of "White Christmas"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character. 
BC: I’m in the ensemble. I am one of the dancers.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows. 
BC: This is my first show out of high school and first at GCP. I did a few shows at Buchholz.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "White Christmas"? 
BC: I auditioned because I just wanted to get back into theatre and I knew some people working with this show, so I thought it would be fun.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show? 
BC: My favorite is “I Love A Piano.” I dance in it and it’s just so much fun! I’m learning how to tap dance for it, which I’ve always wanted to do.

GCP Girl: Finish this sentence: "I know it's the holiday season when..."? 
BC: I know it’s the holiday season when I see Christmas trees being sold at every corner in town.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite winter holiday tradition? 
BC: My favorite tradition is decorating the Christmas tree with my family. We blast Christmas music and pick the best ornaments to go on it.

GCP Girl: What are you looking forward to the most about performing in "White Christmas"? 
BC: I’m looking forward to just being on stage, in front of an audience. I love it.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know! 
BC: I will be Tinkerbell at Disney!!

Thanks, Brianna! The show starts at 8 p.m. - see you there!

xo xo GCP Girl

Friday, November 23, 2012

"White Christmas" cast profile: Giovanni Barrio

Giovanni Barrio plays gruff General Waverly, whose Vermont inn needs a dose of holiday magic, in "White Christmas," opening tonight at the Vam York!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
GB: My character is General Henry Waverly. He's a retired WWII general who owns the fledgling Columbia Inn up in Vermont, but has never really let go of his old army ways. He's very gruff, stern and tends to be impatient, especially when things are not running according to his strict regulations, but underneath all that he is fiercely loyal and protective of anyone under his leadership or in his care.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
GB: I've done "Rent" and "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" with GCP, and "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," "It's a Wonderful Life" and "1776" with the High Springs Community Theater.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "White Christmas"?
GB: It's been over a year since my last show and I was missing it. I also wanted to try a different kind of show than I normally do, and WC was very different.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show?
GB: My favorite musical number is Martha's song, "Let Me Sing and I'm Happy." It pretty much summarizes why I love musical theater so much. If anything I perform touches someone in the audience, I'm happy. That, and Kelley sounds awesome singing it.

GCP Girl: Finish this sentence: "I know it's the holiday season when..."?
GB: Starbucks busts out the Gingerbread Latte.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite winter holiday tradition?
GB: Singing Christmas carols. I especially like the older ones like "O Come O Come Emmanuel" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen."

GCP Girl: What are you looking forward to the most about performing in "White Christmas"?
GB: SNOW! I can't wait to see the audience's reaction. Oh wait, was that supposed to be a secret?

GCP Girl: What plays or musicals would you like to see GCP produce in an upcoming season?
GB: "Next to Normal"! Or anything by Stephen Sondheim, and I mean anything!

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
GB: I'm singing in the show, I swear! You can't see me, because I'm backstage, but believe me I'm singing!

Thanks, Gio! Break a leg tonight!

xo xo GCP Girl

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

"White Christmas" cast profile: Susan Christophy

Susan Christophy fulfills a lifelong holiday wish as Betty Haynes in "White Christmas," which previews tonight at the Vam York!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
SC: I am playing Betty Haynes. Betty is the older sister, mother-hen type. Where her sister Judy is impulsive, Betty is cautious and careful, especially in matters of the heart.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
SC: I'm a regular at the GCP. I've been a board member at GCP for the past 8 years and have recently joined the Executive Board, so I'm around a lot. I was last seen in the Apple Award-winning musical "Thouroghly Modern Millie" as Muzzy. Other shows include: "Daddy's Dying, Who's Got the Will" (Lorraine), "Hello, Dolly!," (Dolly), "Oliver!" (Nancy), "The Hot Mikado" (Katisha), and many others. I'm often either choreographing ("Rent," "The Producers," "Disney's Beauty and the Beast") or directing ("Anything Goes," also choreographed, "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," "Ain't Misbehavin'")....I am also the Performing Arts Director at Gainesville High, so I pretty much never stop!

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "White Christmas"?
SC: "White Christmas" is my favorite movie-musical of all time. I grew up on it!! Bing Crosby looks and sings like my Daddy, so it was always like I was watching him perform. I feel like my family may have disowned me if I hadn't taken a shot at playing Betty.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show?
SC: "Count Your Blessings." It is the most sincere and heartwarming moment for Bob and Betty.

GCP Girl: Finish this sentence: "I know it's the holiday season when..."?
SC: I personally put Christmas music on in the car.... it's not real until that happens.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite winter holiday tradition?
SC: Every year I have a "White Christmas" party where all my friends and family come over in their pajamas; I cook chili, everybody brings desserts and we all watch the movie-musical "White Christmas." It inevitably turns into a sing-a-long. My favorite part of the night is watching the "newbies," those who have never watched the movie, fall in love with it. I guess this year the party may feel a little different.....

GCP Girl: What are you looking forward to the most about performing in "White Christmas"?
SC: Bringing to life the musical that everyone loves. Also, I love falling in love with Bob Wallace every night beacause Stephen Griffin is so lovable and he brings such a tenderness to the character. The audience is going to be falling in love with him just as I do.

GCP Girl: What plays or musicals would you like to see GCP produce in an upcoming season?
SC: I am very eclectic in tastes, so while I love the new musicals that are out, I also love some of the classics. I would love for our theatre to bring the musical "Ragtime" to life, or the gut-wrenching musical "Next to Normal," but I would also love to "kick it old school" with the musical "A Chorus Line" or even "South Pacific."

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
SC: I can't wait for everyone to meet Victoria Sexton, the little fireball who plays my sister Judy. She is an amazing addition to the GCP family!! Also, you might have a new favorite leading man once you meet Stephen Griffin on stage. This isn't completely the same old "White Christmas" -- be ready for some new song and dance numbers -- but the favorites are there too!!

Thanks, Susan! You can see Susan and the rest of the cast make some holiday magic when "White Christmas" opens this weekend! The box office opens for the preview performance tonight at 7 p.m. Preview tickets are $5 for general admission.

xo xo GCP Girl

Monday, November 19, 2012

"Chasing Manet" auditions are this weekend!

Wow, it's a big week around here! Thanksgiving, the preview and opening of "White Christmas," and to round off the festivities, an opportunity to audition for our next show, "Chasing Manet"!

Director Jan Cohen gave me the lowdown on the show and what to expect at auditions, which are Sunday, November 25, and Monday, November 26, at 7 p.m. at the Vam York Theater.

GCP Girl: Why did you want to direct "Chasing Manet"?
JC: I was attracted to "Chasing Manet" because it seemed so true to me.  We tend to warehouse older people, without recognizing that, just because they use a wheelchair or can't see as well as they used to, they are still the same human beings they always were.  With flaws, yes--that does not "go away" with age.  But also with desires and likes and dislikes, all of which need to be respected.  I liked the fact that this script showed both the gloomy truth of a nursing home situation, but also the indomitable spirit of its residents as they outsmart the 'young' folks. It also happens to be a comedy--good for January viewing!

GCP Girl: What is your vision for this show?
JC: I hope that we can make the audience laugh and cry along with our leading ladies, cheer for them and take away a respect for others, no matter what their ages. I, for one, am now of the age myself that I occasionally get called "dear" in the supermarket--when this happens, I want to put on my best British accent and quote Lettice Douffet from "Lettice and Lovage," viz--"I am not 'dear' to you.  I am not dear at all."  I hope the story also offers some food for thought, but with really good lighting!

GCP Girl: What are you looking for in those who audition?
JC: I need strong character actors for all of the parts--the worst thing that could happen with this play would be to present caricatures instead of real people, the whole point being that old people are still REAL people, just with more years behind them.  It will also be helpful if everyone is really good at memorizing lines.

GCP Girl: Why should people audition for "Chasing Manet"?
JC: This is a chance for actors of a certain age to play characters of probably an even older age!  And only one person sings...and nobody dances.  Not that that is not fun, but not everyone has the ability to play in musicals.  I also guarantee--we will laugh, and we will have off during Christmas week.

Thanks, Jan! For a description of the show and characters, see our Facebook event page. Hope to see everyone there!