2012 Golden Apples Awards Honorees!

Congrats to everyone who received a Golden Apple Award this weekend! All the nominees worked hard to make last season memorable.

Actor in a Minor Role - Henry Wihnyk, "Hairspray"
Actress in a Minor Role - Carolyn Caracausa, "Hairspray"
Choreography - Matthew Teoli, Leannis Maxwell and Hannah Stahmer, "Thoroughly Modern Millie"
Supporting Actor in a Play - Nicholas May, "Intimate Apparel"
Supporting Actress in a Play - Jan Cohen, "Agnes of God"
Sound - Kristin Paulson, "A Christmas Story"
Properties - Erin Kleim, "Thoroughly Modern Millie"
Supporting Actor in a Musical - Steven Butler, "Rent"
Supporting Actress in a Musical - Kathy L. Williams, "Hairspray"
Lighting - Michael Thomson, "Hairspray"
Best Actor in a Play - Adam Lishawa, "A Christmas Story"
Best Actress in a Play - Amanda Edwards, "Intimate Apparel"
GCP Scholarship - Kevin Anderson and Olivia Turpening
Costumes - Rhonda Wilson, "Thoroughly Modern Millie"
Set Design - Ed McKay and Thomas Muhn, "Thoroughly Modern Millie"
Best Actor in a Musical - Esteban Alvarez, "Hairspray"
Best Actress in a Musical - Sissy Bell, "Thoroughly Modern Millie"
STAR Award - Caitlin Hunter and Stephen Griffin
Excellence in Technical Execution - "Rent"
Excellence in Artistic Design - "A Christmas Story"
The President's Cup - The Christophy Family
Best Play - "Agnes of God"
Best Musical - "Thoroughly Modern Millie"

"Hairspray" cast profile: Esteban Alvarez III

Esteban Alvarez III is big, blond(ish) and beautiful as Edna Turnblad in "Hairspray"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.

EA: I play Edna Turnblad. Edna is Tracy's mother and is both strong and insecure at the same time. The outside world scares her. She's afraid of being hurt and Tracy getting hurt. Yet, by the end of the show she is stronger, braver, and proud of her daughter and of herself.  

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

EA: My last show was "The Murder Room," and before that I was Max Bialystock opposite Thomas Sanders in "The Producers"...which we are both waiting and willing to start performing the show again.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "Hairspray"?

EA: I auditioned for "Hairspray" because I wanted to play Edna. I've done a lot of things on stage but I have never had to convincingly play a woman. I love the character, the music, and the show in general. Plus, I knew some friends were going to audition for the show.
 

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

EA: I really like "Big, Blond, and Beautiful." Not only does Kathy do an amazing job with it, but I get to make faces at her while she sings. And it is a pivotal point for Edna's character...so, it's a win-win situation.
 

GCP Girl: Why should people see "Hairspray"?

EA: Because the cast is great, the music is fun, and the show is really really funny.

 

GCP Girl: What plays or musicals would you like to see GCP produce in an upcoming season?

EA: "Noises Off," "Sweeney Todd," and "Company."
 

GCP Girl: What is your dream role?

EA: I once said Max Bialystock, Cogsworth, and Edna Turnblad. I need to branch out and think of more dream roles!

 

GCP Girl: What does community theatre mean to you?

EA: Community theatre means ... community. A place where people from different aspects of life can come together and work towards a common goal.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
EA: A) Being a woman is tough.  B) I still have never seen the Godfather movies.

Thanks, Esteban! The countdown continues...only three more shows!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Hairspray" cast profile: Brittney Kelly

Brittney Kelly is positively, permanently perfect as Penny Pingleton in "Hairspray"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
BK: I play Penny Pingleton, Tracy's best friend. My character is spastic and slow... at the same time. She has good intentions, though. :)

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
BK: The first show I ever did at GCP was "Annie Warbucks" (thanks to Rhonda Wilson!), and many more after that, including "Anne of Green Gables," "George M!," "Fiddler on the Roof"...

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "Hairspray"?
BK: I kept having this thing called musical theatre withdrawals.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show, and why?
BK: "It Takes Two"!... Somehow it always gets stuck in my head.

GCP Girl: Why should people see "Hairspray"?
BK: Because it's a fun show with a great message!

GCP Girl: What plays or musicals would you like to see GCP produce in an upcoming season?
BK: I would literally love if they did "Beehive"!

GCP Girl: What is your dream role?
BK: May sound cheesy but... Belle in "Beauty & the Beast." I just love Disney. And her!

GCP Girl: What does community theatre mean to you?
BK: I've met so many children who saw their first show and instantly fell in love with music, dancing and acting. It's not something you do for money, it's something you do for the love of it! And that's something everyone needs in life.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
BK: At the time of this interview, it's 43 days until football season. GO GATORS!

Thanks, Brittney! Only  four more chances to see "Hairspray"!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Hairspray" cast profile: Kacey Musson

Kacey Musson makes her GCP debut as Lou Anne in "Hairspray"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
KM: I play Lou Anne, and she’s sort of the outcast of the Corny Collins show members. She’s always had the itch to break free of the pettiness of being a council member, and finally finds the chance to get that acceptance.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
KM: Well, this is my first at GCP, but I’ve done just about every show at my high school since my enrollment, and small other side shows at various little theaters. Some shows include "Cinderella" (Evil Stepsister), "Robin Hood" (Maid Marian), "Willy Wonka" (Violet), "Shout!" (Green Girl), etc.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "Hairspray"?
KM: Why not? It was an opportunity to work with new people, and the show itself is uplifting, and an all-around good time. I heard a lot of great things about the theater, and it seemed like a great chance to get on stage for the summer.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show, and why?
KM: “I Know Where I’ve Been” is hands-down my favorite song. It really brings home the whole show. "Hairspray" is such a cheesy, campy show, and to have such a powerful and soulful song in the middle of it, you can’t help but to be sucked into the real message of the show.

GCP Girl: Why should people see "Hairspray"?
KM: I’m in it, that’s why. Just kidding. The talent in this show is fantastic, and the cast is so energetic that pulls the whole audience in for the roller coaster that it is. There’s a lot to learn from the show, but it plays up one of America’s darkest issues in a timeless upbeat manner that is easy to understand and gives you a new perspective on the '60s. You're guaranteed to go home with a tapping foot, and singing a catchy melody.

GCP Girl: What plays or musicals would you like to see GCP produce in an upcoming season?
KM: If the rights to the show were ever released, after this show I think GCP has the capability of pulling another campy show like "Mamma Mia," or something just as groovy. I’m a big fan of comedy, so I’d love to see more comedic endeavors in the theater.

GCP Girl: What is your dream role?
KM: There are too many to count. To name a few: Elphaba in "Wicked," Girl in "Once," Mrs. Lovett in "Sweeney Todd," Jack Kelley in "Newsies," Finch from "How to Succeed" -- need I go on? I think that’s where the thrill of it lives. When you're on stage you get to live someone else’s life, even if only just for 2 hours a night, and being all these characters would just mean you get to experience such a span of characters!

GCP Girl: What does community theatre mean to you?
KM: It means people from all different backgrounds coming together to put on a great show, and who do it for the love of it. It’s an experience I wish everyone would get to have at some point in their lives, because there just nothing quite like making cast bonds. You learn so much, and all the hard work really does pay off. You get to entertain and have a great time while doing it all.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
KM: “Don't ever let someone tell you you can't do something. You got a dream, you got to protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they want to tell you you can’t do it. You want something, go get it. Period.” – Will Smith (The Pursuit of Happyness) Come see "Hairspray"!

Thanks, Kacey!  The last week of "Hairspray" starts tonight and shows have been selling out -- do you have tickets yet?

xo xo GCP Girl

Golden Apple Awards 2012: The Nominees

Congratulations to all of this year's Golden Apple Awards nominees!  Each and every one of you were wonderful.  Thank you for contributing to the success of the 2011-12 GCP season!
Winners will be announced at the 2012 Golden Apple Awards ceremony on Saturday, August 11 at the Vam York Theater.  The reception will begin at 7 p.m. and the show will begin at 7:45 p.m.  Admission is free, so please join the celebration!

Golden Apple Award Nominations
Actor in a Minor Role
Damario Major, Rent
Noah Cox, A Christmas Story
Aaron Goll, A Christmas Story
Xavier Ayala-Vermont, A Christmas Story
Zack Kidd, Thoroughly Modern Millie
Erik Ramos, Thoroughly Modern Millie
Ed Hunter, Hairspray
Henry Wihnyk, Hairspray

Actress in a Minor Role
Celia Shankman, A Christmas Story
Nadia Cox, A Christmas Story
Shetiquea Davis, Intimate Apparel
Gerri Sterne, Thoroughly Modern Millie
Veronica Camille Vuturo, Agnes of God
Hannah Everette, Hairspray
Carolyn Caracausa, Hairspray  

Best Supporting Actor in a Play
Ed Hunter, A Christmas Story
Nicholas May, Intimate Apparel

Best Supporting Actress in a Play
Victoria Gregory, A Christmas Story
Kelly Belanger, A Christmas Story
Marissa Lloyd, A Christmas Story
Caroline Boudreaux, A Christmas Story
Madeleine Escarne, Intimate Apparel
Kim Huebner, Intimate Apparel
Jan Cohen, Agnes of God

Best Supporting Actor in a Musical
Kevin Anderson, Rent
Steven Butler, Rent
Bryan Faux, Thoroughly Modern Millie
Manny Marichal, Hairspray
Marcellis Cutler, Hairspray
Thomas Sanders, Hairspray

Best Supporting Actress in a Musical
Kelley Addis, Rent
Sissy Bell, Rent
Amy Smith, Thoroughly Modern Millie
Samantha Fundenburg, Thoroughly Modern Millie
Susan Christophy, Thoroughly Modern Millie
Brittney Kelly, Hairspray
Kristin Mercer, Hairspray
Samantha Fundenburg, Hairspray
Kathy L. Williams, Hairspray 

Best Actor in a Play
Adam Lishawa, A Christmas Story
Gary Wells, A Christmas Story
Troy McCray, Intimate Apparel

Best Actress in a Play
Laurel Ring, A Christmas Story
Amanda Edwards, Intimate Apparel
Leannis Maxwell, Agnes of God

Best Actor in a Musical
Peter Romberg, Rent
Phil Young, Rent
Paul Rye, Thoroughly Modern Millie
Esteban Alvarez III, Hairspray

Best Actress in a Musical
Ashleigh Beatty, Rent
Sissy Bell, Thoroughly Modern Millie
Danielle Pagliara, Hairspray

Set Design
Thomas Muhn, Rent
Leazah Behrens/Doug Morris, A Christmas Story
Pat Thomson, Intimate Apparel
Ed McKay/Thomas Muhn, Thoroughly Modern Millie
Carlos Asse, Agnes of God
Jerry Brewington/Doug Morris, Hairspray

Costumes
Pat Thomson, Rent
Betty Keena/Teresa Lloyd, A Christmas Story
Betty Keena, Intimate Apparel
Rhonda Wilson, Thoroughly Modern Millie
McCauley/Van Mier, Agnes of God
Rhonda Wilson, Hairspray

Lighting
Thomas Muhn, Rent
Thomas Muhn, Intimate Apparel
Thomas Muhn, Thoroughly Modern Millie
Michael Thomson, Hairspray

Props
Erin Kleim, Rent
Erin Kleim, Intimate Apparel
Erin Kleim, Thoroughly Modern Millie
Lester Smilowitz, Agnes of God
Erika Capin, Hairspray

Sound
Kristin Paulson, Rent
Kristin Paulson, A Christmas Story
Thomas Muhn, Thoroughly Modern Millie
Kristin Paulson, Agnes of God
Kristin Paulson/David Twombley, Hairspray

Choreography
Susan Christophy, Rent
Matthew Teoli/Leannis Maxwell/Hannah Stahmer, Thoroughly Modern Millie
Leannis Maxwell/Hannah Stahmer/Kevin Anderson, Hairspray

Best Play
A Christmas Story
Intimate Apparel
Agnes of God

Best Musical
Rent
Thoroughly Modern Millie
Hairspray

"Hairspray" cast profile: Lauren Wright

GCP newcomer Lauren Wright joins the Motormouth Kids as Cindy Watkins in "Hairspray"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
LW: I’m playing Cindy Watkins. She is one of the Motormouth Kids. Cindy enjoys dancing and hanging out with her friends. She’s a quiet person most of the time but can also speak her mind when necessary.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
LW: “Hairspray” is my first musical. My previous shows have been dance performances at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts – most recently “The Nutcracker” with the Dance Alive National Ballet.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "Hairspray"?
LW: I auditioned because I like the performing arts. I’ve participated in the Rising Star Performing Arts Academy and Hippodrome Theater Arts summer camp.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show, and why?
LW: My favorite musical number is hearing Kathy sing “I Know Where I’ve Been.”

GCP Girl: Why should people see "Hairspray"?
LW: I think people should see “Hairspray” because it’s funny!

GCP Girl: What is your dream role?
LW: I can’t think of any specific dream role, but I’d like to be in “Wicked.” I’ve seen it in Los Angeles, Orlando & New York.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
LW: I’m looking forward to attending P.K. Yonge for high school. Also, thanks to my aunt, I've attended the Academy Awards twice!

Thanks, Lauren!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Hairspray" cast profile: Kristin Mercer

Kristin Mercer's Velma Von Tussle relives her pageant days in "Hairspray"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
KM: Velma Von Tussle is the scheming producer of the Corny Collins Show and is definitely the show's villain!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows, either at GCP or another theater.
KM: Favorite roles at the GCP include Mavis in "The Murder Room," Ruth in "Blithe Spirit," Marlene in "Daddy's Dyin'," Videllia Sparks in "Sugar Bean Sisters," Chelsea in "On Golden Pond," Truvy in "Steel Magnolias," Alice in "Squabbles," Penny in "You Can't Take it With You," and Nellie in "South Pacific."

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "Hairspray"?
KM: I love "Hairspray," Velma is a fabulous villainess role, I hadn't done a musical in many years and, finally, because I wanted to do a show with a couple of very dear friends.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show, and why?
KM: Well, "Miss Baltimore Crabs," of course!

GCP Girl: Why should people see "Hairspray"?
KM: It is just plain fun! People will leave their seats laughing with great show tunes playing "round and round" in their heads!

GCP Girl: What plays or musicals would you like to see GCP produce in an upcoming season?
KM: I would love to see GCP do "Noises Off"!

GCP Girl: What is your dream role?
KM: I was fortunate enough to do it when I played Nellie in "South Pacific."

GCP Girl: What does community theatre mean to you?
KM: It means working with a group of people, who all share a similar passion, to create something wonderful. It means working together as a team. At its best, it means building relationships and sharing a lot of laughter and fun, while putting on a great show.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
KM: If I waited to come up with a really good answer I’d never send this back to you, GCP Girl!

Thanks, Kristin!  Keep Corny in line for us!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Hairspray" cast profile: Alan Medrano

Alan Medrano doubles as the brainy IQ and the creepy gym teacher in "Hairspray"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
AM: I play IQ, who is one of the Corny Collins Council. He's a nerdy and quirky character. I also play the gym teacher, who is a sleazebag. He's just creepy.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
AM: Previously in the GCP, I was in "The Producers." I played Carmen Ghia and won an Apple for that role. At UF, I played Poncho Vargas in "City of Angels" and was a part of the ensemble of "Chicago."

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "Hairspray"?
AM: I was excited to keep busy with a fun dance show over the summer. These shows are always a great way to meet new people and to have fun performing.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show, and why?
AM: I'm torn between "Nicest Kids In Town" and "Hairspray." "Nicest Kids" is just such high energy and a blast of a dance number. "Hairspray" is fun because I get to do some partner dancing and it's just a cheesy number.

GCP Girl: Why should people see "Hairspray"?
AM: It's a fun, high energy show. It's got a good book and some pretty good song and dance numbers.

GCP Girl: What plays or musicals would you like to see GCP produce in an upcoming season?
AM: I would love to be in a production of Lippa's "John and Jen." Seriously, if you're reading this right now and you've never heard that music before, I suggest you drop what you're doing and download that soundtrack. It's incredible. Other shows I'd love to see produced on this stage include "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson," "Les Miserables," "Passing Strange," "Spring Awakening," "Bare," "Edges," "Next to Normal" and "In The Heights." But I haven't given it much thought.

GCP Girl: What is your dream role?
AM: I think the top of my list for roles I'd love to play is either Frankie Valli in "Jersey Boys" or Bert in "Mary Poppins." Realistically, I think I fit the part of Sonny from "In The Heights" pretty well also, so that's a pretty good role too.

GCP Girl: What does community theatre mean to you?
AM: It's a place to meet new people and a place to get people into theatre who have never had the opportunity.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
AM: I'm about to start my last year of school at UF, after which I will be moving to New York to try this whole acting thing professionally.

Thanks, Alan!  "Hairspray" starts its third week tonight - don't miss this show!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Hairspray" guest review!

We might not have had a review in the paper this week for "Hairspray," but we do have one Mrs. Edna Welthorpe’s opinion! Dear, sweet Edna...;-)

Dearest Editor,

I am writing to you because ... well, Heaven knows I feel someone should warn the community.

I recently went to a theater production of Hairspray at the Gainesville Community Playhouse. Well ... if you could call what I saw “theatre.” Theatre should be calm, peaceful, and able to put restless children to sleep. This production was exciting, fast paced, and all too thrilling for me. Had I known there was going to be so much excitement I would have brought an extra Valium to steady my nerves. Although to be fair, I must also admonish my fellow patrons for laughing loudly and clapping continuously. Their rowdy behavior was almost unforgivable.

As soon as the show started, I knew I was going to have problems with the main character Tracy Turnblad as played by Ms. Danielle Pagliara. She was far too energetic, too innocent, and downright too talented. I always assume that I am supposed to hate everyone on stage and she made my job far too difficult. Granted, she does a wonderful job of connecting with the audience to the point where we genuinely care about her. Her triumphs become our triumphs and her sorrow becomes our sorrow. But, as I stated, that is not theatre.

Also, I feel I must contact a lawyer so a formal complaint can be made against the young male talent in this production. When Link, as played by Manny Marichal, sang It Takes Two I thought it was going to be a sweet rendition of a classic. But Mr. Marichal used his hips like a weapon! My poor daughter went screaming from the theater. Had I been able to find my walker, I would have run out too. My poor daughter is still taking cold showers.

On par with Mr. Marichal were Mr. Marcellis Cutler as Seaweed and Mr. Thomas Sanders as Corny Collins. Mr. Cutler and Mr. Sanders need to realize that people do not go to the theater to watch people who can act, sing, AND dance! I found myself feverishly fanning my face when Mr. Cutler would dance. And when Mr. Sanders sang I swear I swooned like a schoolgirl. It was unbecoming for a woman of my age and I apologize for anyone who had to witness it.

As for the ladies, I was simply shocked. Motormouth Maybelle, as played by Ms. Kathy Williams, was far too confident, too beautiful, and too talented. The first time she sang the words “big, blonde, and beautiful” ... I cheered. I was mortified by my behavior. And then when she sang “I Know Where I’ve Been” she forced me to expel liquid from my eyes. My doctor later told me that they were tears, but I am still waiting on a third opinion. Regardless of what they were, Ms. Williams' performance was downright disgraceful for make an audience feel ... emotions.

I must also say that I was very displeased with Ms. Kristin Mercer as Velma Von Tussle and Samantha Fundenberg as Amber Von Tussle. Never before in my life have I wanted to physically attack another woman for being prettier than I. And to add insult to injury, my fellow patrons seemed to love them. Clearly they are witches of some kind and they tricked everyone else into loving to hate them. I simply hated them.

Final Warning: Edna Turnblad is played by a man! How dare they dishonor a beautiful name such as Edna. While I was trying to leave the theater I noticed that the mother role was played by Esteban Alvarez. If my husband were alive he would have punched Mr. Alvarez in the neck ... my husband was a short man and Mr. Alvarez wore ... heels. Since I was alone, I fled the theater and refuse to return until a public apology is issued.

This entire experience will assuredly affect me for weeks. My stomach still turns when I think of all those attractive youths so full of energy and talent. My only hope is that I can save others from experiencing what I experienced. So, for those of you looking for a peaceful and tepid evening at a theater ... STAY AWAY FROM HAIRSPRAY!

Yours Truly,

Edna Welthorpe

Thanks for your opinion, Edna!  (And before you ask, no, I am not Edna Welthorpe! One secret identity is enough, thank you.) :-)

xo xo GCP Girl

"Hairspray" cast profile: Caitlin Hunter

Caitlin Hunter of "Hairspray" talks social change, Shakespeare and her dream role (you'll never guess)!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
CH: I'm in the chorus, and I am Tracy's understudy.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows, either at GCP or another theater.
CH: I've been doing theatre at GCP since I was about 5 years old, but this is my first show at GCP since "Peter Pan" a few years ago. I'm excited to be back onstage with such a great cast!

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "Hairspray"?
CH: Mostly because I knew a lot of people who were auditioning and thought it would be a fun show to do. Also, I hadn't been on stage in about two years, and I missed it so much!

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show, and why?
CH: I really like "It Takes Two." It's sweet and funny at the same time, and really sets the pace for the romantic aspect of the show. It's just cute, and I can't help but smile during it. Everyone is so in character and into what's going on onstage. What's not to love?

GCP Girl: Why should people see "Hairspray"?
CH: Even though this show takes place "way back" in the '60s, a lot of the messages that shine through are very relevant today. The idea of loving whomever you want to love regardless of social norms, the idea of loving yourself for who you are and embracing the star inside of you, these are things that people need to be reminded of. We live in a place where we are constantly being told what to do, how to do it, and how to feel about it. "Hairspray" reminds people that change is always coming, and just because it might be scary doesn't mean it's not worth it or the right thing.

GCP Girl: What plays or musicals would you like to see GCP produce in an upcoming season?
CH: I would love to see GCP tackle Shakespeare. I think we have a lot of innovative thinkers at this theater who could help bring The Bard into the 21st century.

GCP Girl: What is your dream role?
CH: I would love to be Elder Cunningham from "The Book Of Mormon." If they ever gender-swapped that show, I would be the first to sign up for auditions. He's just so funny and out there, but with a good heart. He's a very deep character without seeming like it, and I think it would be a fun challenge.

GCP Girl: What does community theatre mean to you?
CH: To me, community theater is a safe place. It's a place where you can go to ask for help, and offer it. As actors, we don't get paid. Tech doesn't get paid. We do it because we love it. I think that comes through in our shows at GCP. The love and passion that goes into each performance knocks me off my feet every time. I feel so lucky to have grown up in that environment. It's nice to drive past the theater and think of all the of memories that I've made there.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
CH: Once again, I get to share the stage with my daddy! He's the one who got me involved in theatre, and I couldn't be more thankful. I love that it's our ''thing'' and that he has the Broadway station on Sirius XM programmed in his car just for me (preset number two!). The theatre has brought us closer and I'm just glad that we have this to do together!

Thanks, Caitlin!

xo xo GCP Girl