'Into The Woods' cast profile: Laurel Ring

Laurel Ring is the wickedest of wicked stepsisters in 'Into The Woods'!

Character:  Lucinda

GCP Girl: Tell me a little about yourself, such as your past shows here or elsewhere, a particular area of study, occupation, hobby, etc. 

Laurel: This is my seventh GCP show; I was last seen as Mother in "A Christmas Story" in 2011. I played Annelle in "Steel Magnolias" at the Actors' Warehouse in 2012.

GCP Girl: Tell me about your character: 

Laurel: I play Lucinda, one of Cinderella's stepsisters. This role is fun because I rarely get to play a "mean girl," and because my costume is awesome and takes up half the stage.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite piece of music to sing in 'Into The Woods'?

Laurel: "Ever After" is the most fun to sing, but everyone joining in on "Children Will Listen" at the end of the show is beautiful.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite moment in the show? 

Laurel: The princes always steal the show. My favorite line is "dwarfs are very upsetting." It gets a laugh every time.

GCP Girl: Why did you decide to audition for 'Into The Woods'? 

Laurel: I auditioned because I had done the show six years ago at the Star Center, and there is so much to discover each time you do it. It had been a while since my last musical (The Producers, 2010), and this show suited me the best this season.

GCP Girl: What do you hope audience members take away from this show and why? 

Laurel: I hope they have a great time, laugh, and hear something in the lyrics from one of the characters that resonates with them.

GCP Girl: If you had to pick another classic Fairytale to incorporate into Sondheim's story, which would you pick and why? 

Laurel: Snow White and Sleeping Beauty are referred to in the show, but they're not really part of it. Either one would be an interesting addition.

GCP Girl: Talk about one of your most memorable theatrical experiences ever, either as a performer or audience member. 

Laurel: I saw Into the Woods for the first time at UF in 1998. I didn't know it then, but Leannis (Maxwell) Crutchfield played the Baker's Wife. I didn't pick up performing for another eight years. Now, in 2014, we're doing the show together! Life is funny.

Thanks, Laurel! You're right, life is funny. And so are you as Lucinda!

'Into The Woods' runs until June 15. Please visit the GCP Website or the Facebook Event Page for ticket and show information.

xoxo GCP Girl

'A Chorus Line' Cast Announced!

‘A Chorus Line’ Cast List

Congratulations to all who were cast and thank you to all who auditioned! 

Save the date! ‘A Chorus Line’ will run from July 18 - August 10, 2014.

Cast:

Zach - Bryan Faux

Larry - Zach Bennett

Cassie - Rikki Baynard

Shelia - Theresa Hanson

Val - Brittney Kelly

Diana - Derielas Galarza

Judy - Brittney Bennett

Kristine - Calypso Meyers

Maggie - Lauren Robinson

Bebe - Caroline Richardson

Connie - Samantha Gresham

Mike - Phillip Young

Richie - Howard Anderson

Don - Thomas Sanders

Paul - Kevin Anderson

Mark - Michael Tremaine

Greg - Kevin Roost

Bobby - Jordy Diaz

Al - Dan Christophy

Cut Dancers:

Victoria Suskin (Dance Captain)

Emily Garcia

Amanda Gramig

Jeremy Cutter (Character- Frank)

Nika Souraker (Character- Lois)

Octavia Annuci

Chandrika Balkheimer

Stephanie Moon

Nate Von Doltreen (Character- Butch)

Diamond Moore

Chauncey Pauley 

Cut Dancers and Pit Singers:

Isiah Blount (Swing for all male roles)

Stephen Peters (Character- Tom)

Alexander Christophy (Character- Roy)

Jenique Brown (Character- Vicki)

Ariel Dykes

Alexandria Holloway (Tricia)

Patty Sneed

Rachel Frangie

Alison Robbins (Swing for all female roles)

Pit Singers:

Aliya Miranda

Angelique Empinado

Chris Shaw

'Noises Off' cast profile: Susan Christophy

Susan Christophy returns to the GCP Stage as Dotty and Mrs. Clackett in 'Noises Off!'

Character(s): Dotty/Mrs. Clackett

GCP Girl: Tell me a little about yourself.

Susan: I'm currently working in Data entry at Davis Gas and will begin my own business soon hosting private acting lessons. I've been a part of the GCP for almost 20 years and have performed/choreographed/ or directed in well 40 GCP productions. I just finished a run as Amnerias is GCP's production of Aida, directed by the Golden Apple award winning director Dan Christophy.

GCP Girl: Tell me about your character(s). What makes her/him fun or rewarding to play?

Susan: Dotty/Clackett is a laugh riot to play. Dotty the actress has a very dry wit and is the "seasoned" actress..... By seasoned I mean old. She has money in the play that's being produced so she possibly a little difficult to direct. The character she plays, Mrs. Clackett, says what she thinks and can't keep up with her damn sardines. The physical comedy for both character is something you'll have to see.

GCP Girl:What is your favorite scene in 'Noises Off' 

Susan: Act 3 when everything "goes to hell." I love performing the meltdown that happens on stage. As an "seasoned" actress, (yep, I still mean old) I've been in such mayhem on stage when it's has happened for real; so being able to share in it knowing it's supposed to happen is almost like getting to laugh along with the audience.

GCP Girl: Madness ensues and jeopardizes the play within a play in 'Noises Off'. Think about a time when things started to go really wrong during a performance of a pervious show. What happened and how did you overcome the mayhem to finish the show? 

Susan: I've been in plenty of unexpected mayhem on stage. In White Christmas it was actually pouring rain on the stage, while I was singing about rain, in Thoroughly Modern Millie, a very important character forgot to come on stage for almost 2 minutes (a life time in stage time), and in Skin of our Teeth, my skirt was unexpectedly pulled down to my ankles, ( defiantly not something my character would have happen); but you just keep going. You gesture to the rain as you sing about it, you make up dialogue which includes hoping the missing person will show up and you pull your skirt up and just keep going, mildly reprimanding the maid whom pulled it down about its lack of appropriateness.... That's why we all love live theater, you never know what will happen.

GCP Girl: Why did you decide to audition for Noises Off? 

Susan: It is one of my all time favorite shows and movies. I am the biggest Carol Burnett and Christopher Reeve fan so I wore my VHS out as a teenager. The show is an actors gift, it allows you to be Zany, play 2 characters as well as share the insight of "what goes on backstage" with the general audience.

GCP Girl: Why should everyone see this production? 

Susan: You'll laugh out loud almost non-stop, it will be a relief to catch your breath. The cast stellar!!!! You may want to see it twice just to catch all the zaniness on stage!

GCP Girl: Talk about one of your most memorable theatrical experiences ever, either as a performer or audience member. 

Susan: In honor of this show, I'll look back on a zany experience of my own... The year was 1990 and I was but a sophomore in high school at Chiefland High in Levy County. I had participated in an all county productions the summer before so when the drama teacher from Williston High called to ask if I could fill in for a student who had been pulled from the show, I said yes. This was a Tuesday and they opened on Friday. The role was the lead of Florence in the female version of the Odd Couple. After only 9 hours of rehearsal, opening night went of with out a hitch!! We were so proud and celebrated it up that night. I wake up for the Saturday performance only to find the stress and overtaxation on my voice had left me with complete laryngitis. I had no voice.... It was a "on your toes kinda performance." Sometimes I could croak out lines, sometimes not...line were made up, abbreviated and sometime simply acted out in pantomime, needless to say, it was a crazy night.

What a story! Thanks, Susan!

This is the last weekend to witness the madness in 'Noises Off!'. Please visit the GCP Website or the Event on Facebook for ticket and showtime information.

xoxo GCP Girl

'Noises Off' cast profile: Adam Lishawa

Adam Lishawa returns to the GCP stage to comically run up and down a lot of stairs. A LOT of stairs. 

Character(s): Garry LeJeune / Roger Tramplemain

GCP Girl: Tell me a little about yourself, such as your past shows here or elsewhere, a particular area of study, occupation, hobby, etc. 

Adam: Some of my favorite shows that I've done have been "Bug," "A Christmas Story," "Hunter Gatherers," "True West," and so many others. I've done voice work for the radio and audiobooks, some independent films, and performed as a singer and guitarist for local bands.

GCP Girl: Tell me about your character(s). What makes her/him fun or rewarding to play? 

Adam: Garry / Roger is possibly the most physical character in the Noises Off ensemble. Racing up and down stairs, working with his particular disfluencies, and moving from loving to vindictive to absolutely bewildered make him an absolute blast to play.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite scene in 'Noises Off'? 

Adam: Since this is such a talented ensemble, it's hard to pick just one. One which never fails to make me laugh, though, is when Belinda chases herself up the stairs performing two roles at once!

GCP Girl: Madness ensues and jeopardizes the play within a play in 'Noises Off'. Think about a time when things started to go really wrong during a performance of a pervious show. What happened and how did you overcome the mayhem to finish the show? 

Adam: The joy of live theater is that anything can happen, and performers and techs need to just take it in stride. One of the more entertaining ones which happened to me was when I was the onstage narrator for "A Christmas Story" at the GCP, speaking to the audience from the upstairs bedroom. Out of nowhere, a large and heavy batten dropped within a foot of my face. All I could do was duck, keep on talking, and wait for the lights to change. That's live theater.

GCP Girl: Why did you decide to audition for Noises Off? 

Adam: I've wanted to do this play since high school when I saw the 1992 film version of it. It was the first movie to quite literally make me weak from laughing. This has been one of my most-wanted comedic roles and I was jubilant when I saw GCP was putting it on, and even more so when I saw Erin was directing it.

GCP Girl: Why should everyone see this production? 

Adam: Anyone who has even a passing interest in theater needs to see this show! Performers and techs will see themselves in every scene, and theater-goers will see a (slightly) exaggerated series of events which can and do happen offstage and on. Smooth sailing is hard work!

GCP Girl: Talk about one of your most memorable theatrical experiences ever, either as a performer or audience member. 

Adam: One of the most memorable was when I played bass onstage for a production of "Hair." Claude has been sent off to war, and we see the Tribe dancing around a ladder, chanting and protesting. Claude climbs the ladder, begging for the Tribe to see him, culminating in a soul-ripping "I'm here!" Blackout. Silence. A great inrush of breaths. Beat. Beat. I began playing the first few notes of "The Flesh Failures / Let The Sunshine In." Goosebumps everywhere.

Thanks, Adam! I'm so glad you are able to make a long time theatre dream a reality!

There are 5 more chances to see 'Noises Off'! Please visit the GCP Website or the Event on Facebook for ticket and showtime information.

xoxo GCP Girl

'Noises Off!' cast profile: Rachel Warnes

Rachel Warnes prances plays the dippy, lingerie glad Brooke in 'Noises Off!.

Character(s): Brooke/Vicki

GCP Girl: Tell me a little about yourself, such as your past shows here or elsewhere, a particular area of study, occupation, hobby, etc. 

Rachel: I'm usually found slaving away at the vet school but have taken the time to reconnect to my theatre background with Noises Off. I attended the Alabama School of Fine Arts and have not been able to shake the itch the perform ever since. I'm so happy to be back onstage and surrounded by my wonderful cast mates who are just as funky as I am.

GCP Girl: Tell me about your character(s). What makes her/him fun or rewarding to play? 

Rachel: Brooke is a complete idiot who prances around in lingerie for the whole show. It's taken a lot of self pep-talking and time at the gym but it's been a fun experience. Definitely stepping outside my comfort zone. I feel like most people have nightmares about being onstage in front of their peers in the underwear. I'm living it and working it, girl!

GCP Girl: What is your favorite scene in 'Noises Off' 

Rachel: I actually really like the set changes during intermission. It's amazing what the crew does with it and so fast! The ENTIRE set (which is ginormous) flips around!

GCP Girl: Madness ensues and jeopardizes the play within a play in 'Noises Off'. Think about a time when things started to go really wrong during a performance of a pervious show. What happened and how did you overcome the mayhem to finish the show? 

Rachel: It's really great because no matter what happens or goes wrong, we can always fit it into the show and the audience will never know. During rehearsals we skipped about half of Act II and no one knows what went wrong but we just kept going and made it work.

GCP Girl: Why did you decide to audition for Noises Off? 

Rachel: I saw Noises Off at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival when I was in middle school and fell in love with it. It's actually my favorite show! Years ago I passed up a chance to audition for it because I let someone hold me back. When I saw it was coming to GCP I knew it was a second chance. I really was just looking forward to auditioning and being on stage for a few minutes. When the director gave me the call about being cast I was so shocked. I'm a lucky girl!

GCP Girl: Why should everyone see this production? 

Rachel: This show is non-stop movement and entertainment. You won't be bored for a second. And hey, I'll be in lingerie. What more could you ask for?

GCP Girl: Talk about one of your most memorable theatrical experiences ever, either as a performer or audience member. 

Rachel: Surprisingly my favorite shows to do are really off-the-wall or dramas that really dig deep into your emotions. I played a role in a show about the Vietnam War called "Piece of my Heart". We had a really heart wrenching scene and to prepare we had a closed rehearsal where the whole group of girls sat around and really opened up to each other. The outcome on stage was so powerful. I will never forget that moment.

Thanks Rachel, and welcome to the GCP Family!

As a side note, GCP Girl also once played in 'A Piece of my Heart'. She was Sissy, who were you?

You have two more weekends to catch 'Noises Off!' at the GCP! Please visit the GCP Website or the Event on Facebook for ticket and showtime information. 

xoxo GCP Girl

'Into the Woods' Cast Announced!

'INTO THE WOODS' CAST LIST

We would like to thank all of you for your hard work, your time and especially for sharing your talent with us. Putting this cast together was as difficult as it was exciting because we had so much talent to choose from. What a great problem to have.

If you are listed below, please be prepared to attend our first sing through on Sunday, March 16th at 7pm at the theater.

Narrator/Mysterious Man: Esteban Alvarez

Cinderella: Victoria Sexton

Jack: Michael Tremaine

Jack’s Mother: Asia Stryker

Baker: John Carmean

Baker’s Wife: Kessa Carroll

Cinderella’s Stepmother: Pat Thompson

Florinda: Lisa Litz 

Lucinda: Laurel Ring

Cinderella’s Father: Gabriel Trinity

Little Red Ridinghood: Sami Gresham

Witch: Leannis Crutchfield

Cinderella’s Mother/ Voice of the Giant: Kathy Self

Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf: Thomas Sanders

Rapunzel’s Prince: Jarod Thompson

Granny: Jan Cohen

Rapunzel: Sydney Zaruba

Steward: Ed Hunter

'AIDA' cast profile: Claudia Garcia

Claudia Garcia dances her way back to the GCP stage.

Character(s): Exotic Dancer/Nubian

GCP Girl: Tell me a little about yourself, such as your past shows here or elsewhere, a particular area of study, occupation, hobby, etc. 

Claudia: My last show at the GCP was 'White Christmas' and previous to that, 'Singing in the Rain'. I love long walks on the beach and white shark hunting.

GCP Girl: Tell me about your character(s). What makes her/him fun or rewarding to play? 

Claudia: My character is fun to play because she is a very strong powering woman.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in AIDA? 

Claudia: Written in the Stars!

GCP Girl: What is your favorite moment in AIDA? 

Claudia: Right after we sing Gods Love Nubia. It's such a strong, loving, sad moment.

GCP Girl: Why did you decide to audition for AIDA? 

Claudia: I was missing the stage and I've always wanted to be a part of this amazing show.

GCP Girl: Why should everyone in town see this production? 

Claudia: Because it's awesome and it's a great story.

GCP Girl: Talk about one of your most memorable theatrical experiences ever, either as a performer or audience member. 

Claudia: Most memorable would have to be dancing in the rain during Singing in the Rain!

Thanks, Claudia! 

This is the last weekend to catch Claudia and the rest of the cast in 'AIDA'! It closes forever on Sunday, February 23. Please visit the GCP Website or the Event Page on Facebook for show details and ticket information.

xoxo GCP Girl

'AIDA' cast profile: Brittney Kelly

Brittney Kelly makes a sacrifice for her people as Nehebka in 'AIDA'.

Characters: Nehebka/Egyptian

GCP Girl: Tell me a little about yourself, such as your past shows here or elsewhere, a particular area of study, occupation, hobby, etc. 

Brittney: I've been doing shows at the GCP since I was 8 years old. Rhonda Wilson and I met, and she got me to audition for Annie Warbucks! I've also spent a lot of my time performing at PK Yonge.

GCP Girl: Tell me about your character(s). What makes her/him fun or rewarding to play?

Brittney: Nehebka is the most selfless character I've ever played. She is so very passionate and loving towards her people. I'm having fun with the role because of the culture difference between her and I.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in AIDA? 

Brittney: If I HAD to only pick one, it would be "Written in the stars". The music and lyrics in that song are heartbreakingly beautiful. "Sometimes in my darkest thoughts, I wish I never learned what it is to be in love and have that love returned"

GCP Girl: What is your favorite moment in AIDA? 

Brittney: The dance break in "Dance of the robe". SO MUCH FUN!!

GCP Girl: Why did you decide to audition for AIDA? 

Brittney: It was the first Broadway show I ever saw, and I was lucky enough to see the original cast. Since then, I've always been in love with everything about the show.

GCP Girl: Why should everyone in town see this production? 

Brittney: Because the story of Aida will leave them touched, and have them question what the word "fate" really means to them...

GCP Girl: Talk about one of your most memorable theatrical experiences ever, either as a performer or audience member. 

Brittney: Well, there was that one time when I was doing 42nd street and forgot to wear my tap shoes... or maybe the time in George M when I landed a split and managed to pull a muscle and had to get carried offstage.

Thanks, Brittney!

Don't miss GCP veteran Brittney Kelly in this amazing show. This is the last weekend to get to the theatre to see 'AIDA'!

Please visit the GCP Website or the Event Page on Facebook for show details and ticket information.

xoxo GCP Girl

'AIDA' cast profile: Susan Christophy

Susan Christophy lives and breathes theatre at GCP. 

Character/Production Team Position: Amnerias/Choreographer

GCP Girl: Tell me a little about yourself, such as your past shows here or elsewhere, a particular area of study, occupation, hobby, etc. 

Susan: Aida will be my 47th production at GCP that I have either acted in, directed or choreographed. I last performed as Aunt Polly in 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer', last directed 'Anything Goes' and last choreographed 'Seussical'. I recently retired from Performing Arts Director at Gainesville High School in order to return to the world of professional performer... (It's a slow start..)

GCP Girl: Tell me about your character(s). What makes her/him fun or rewarding to play? 

Susan: I play Princess Amnerias, the Pharaoh's daughter. She is rather caught up in physical beauty and a little out of touch with the kingdom to which she would one day rule. She is head over heels in love with her bethrothed, Radames. This character is a blast because I get to wear fabulous clothes, sing amazing songs and dance with amazing dancers!! She also gets to grow through out the show which is also wonderful to participate in.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in AIDA? 

Susan: To perform... Strongest Suit, because my girls rock it. As choreographer, my favorite is Another Pyramid. My guys dedicate so much to the performance of this piece that I'm not sure I've been more proud of a number. I watch it every night from backstage.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite moment in AIDA? 

Susan: I have a couple, I love the end of the first act, The Gods Love Nubia. It's such a simple staging and amazing song, that the audience is sometimes stunned by it. I also love the courtroom scene in which Amnerias must become the woman she is destined to be and make decisions that will shape her reign.

GCP Girl: Why did you decide to audition for AIDA? 

Susan: It's one of my favorite shows and I'm kinda partial to the director ;)

GCP Girl: Why should everyone in town see this production? 

Susan: It's something fresh that we haven't done before. The story is moving and the music is Elton John!! What more could you ask for?!

GCP Girl: Talk about one of your most memorable theatrical experiences ever, either as a performer or audience member. 

Susan: I've had so many over the years, some funny some poignant. I love it when theater matters. 6 years ago, at GHS, I directed a play called 'Columbinus'. It dealt with the Columbine High massacre, the idea of human frailty and the labels we often wear. The dialogue that it opened up between the students, their parents and their teachers was overwhelming.

Thanks, Susan and good luck with your professional adventure!

You have 2 more weeks to catch 'AIDA' at the GCP, make plans now so you don't miss out! 

Shows resume tomorrow, Thursday, February 13 and runs until February 23. Please visit the GCP Website or the Event Page on Facebook for show details and ticket information.

xoxo GCP Girl

'AIDA' cast profile: Isiah Blount

Isiah Blount moves the story along as Mereb in 'Aida'!

Character: Mereb

GCP Girl: Tell me a little about yourself, such as your past shows here or elsewhere, a particular area of study, occupation, hobby, etc. 

Isiah: You may have seen me in "9 to 5" , & "Seussical" here at GCP! I've also performed in "Once On This Island" (as Daniel), "Dreamgirls" (As CC), and "The Color Purple" (As Harpo), I'm a Theater major at Santa Fe College!

GCP Girl: Tell me about your character. What makes her/him fun or rewarding to play? 

Isiah: Mereb is the shows comic relief! He is also Nubia's Hero! He does whatever he can to see Nubia prevail! He is the captain's servant, but becomes Aida's right hand man.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in AIDA? 

Isiah: My Favorite musical number is "The Gods love Nubia" this song speaks Volumes!

GCP Girl: What is your favorite moment in AIDA? 

Isiah: My Favorite moment is the Dance break in "Dance of the Robes"

GCP Girl: Why did you decide to audition for AIDA? 

Isiah: I Decided to audition for Aida because I LOVE everything about GCP, and from the clips I saw on YouTube, I knew it would be an awesome show!

GCP Girl: Why should everyone in town see this production? 

Isiah: It's an amazing Experience! The story can touch anyone! And the Music is phenomenal!

GCP Girl: Talk about one of your most memorable theatrical experiences ever, either as a performer or audience member. 

Isiah: My most memorable experience would be my first, show at GCP! Being welcomed arms with opened arms was a GREAT feeling!

Thanks, Isiah. We are certainly glad to have you as a member of the GCP family. You light up the stage!

Don't miss Isiah and the rest of the cast in 'Aida'! Shows resume tonight and run through February 23. Please visit the GCP Website or the Event Page on Facebookfor show details and ticket information.

xoxo GCP Girl