Spotlight on Dakota Whitehead

Dakota Whitehead has been in several shows this season already, not big parts, no… so only if you read the program closely might you have realized what a large contribution he makes in many performances at Parkway Playhouse. Yes, Parkway gives young performers a chance to act on stage, but it’s also giving Dakota a chance to gain valuable experience as a costumer.

Dakota (left) and Hunter Taylor wait patiently during photo call for the rest of the actors to change costumes.

PP:  Do you have a favorite scene or song in this show? Why is it your favorite?

Dakota:  By far my favorite has to be the opening number: Footloose/On Any Sunday. Obviously this show is very dance heavy, and this number is definitely one of the biggest. It’s a great a way to start the show and to get the audience going. Also, as the costume designer, I had my work cut out for me making the cast go from crazy 80s to simple church clothes within the middle of the song in about 30 seconds.

PP:  What do you think audiences will enjoy about the musical?

Dakota:  I think audience will be surprised by how deep this show actually is. I think Footloose is one of those titles that people hear and they think it’s going to be big hair, shoulder pads, and dancing with a little bit of fluff for a plot line, but that’s really not the case. Every single character has a moment that deals with really personal issues that most people can relate to. The show is not only fun, but it gets really emotional. Every night I cry in the wings during a song that Vi (Roberta Whiteside) sings.

Dakota gets a cup of coffee in the 2017 production of Bonnie & Clyde.

 

PP:  So you’ve done a lot of costuming at Parkway Playhouse last season and this one… What shows have you costumed?

In addition to Footloose, I have done costume work for Bonnie & Clyde, The 39 Steps, On Golden Pond, The Great Gatsby, Grease, Little Shop of Horrors, The Ballad of Frankie Silver, Steel Magnolias, The Glass Menagerie, and RED. As well as multiple Parkway Playhouse Junior productions.

PP:  Which were you the most pleased with? 

I used to always say The Great Gatsby was my best work, and nothing would ever top it, but honestly, Footloose has been my baby. Ever since I was a little kid I’ve been obsessed with the 80s; the music, the dancing, the clothes, the hair and makeup, everything. So naturally I went into this show guns ablaze! I spent countless hours altering almost every single costume piece on stage by hand. I also started research for the exact year the show is set all the way back in January. Every costume in this show down to the hair and makeup is 100% accurate for 1984.

So come to one of the last two performances of Footloose with a greater appreciation for the attention to detail in the costumes. And be sure to congratulate Dakota after the show for all his work.

Tickets are available by calling (828) 682-4285 or purchasing them online HERE.

Parkway Players

Everyone enjoys a night at the theatre; it is even better when the theatre comes to YOU! Enter Parkway Players, an outreach theatre program of Parkway Playhouse. The newly formed reader’s theatre troupe is comprised of area seniors (over age 50) who choose not to memorize lines, move around on a crowded stage, or be out late in the evening. Parkway Players allows area seniors to perform well rehearsed pieces with script in hand.

Reader’s Theater is a dramatic presentation of a written work in a script form. It differs from a play in that roles are read rather than memorized. Reader’s Theater uses only scripts, music stands, stools or chairs and maybe a few small hand props. Parkway Players will be touring the community to share its stories with audiences of all ages. Its repertoire includes a light-hearted program for adults, a Tribute to Erma Bombeck, programs for elementary school assemblies and library story times, and a holiday event.

Parkway Players in their first performance at Mountain Air this week.

Their next performance is a the Senior Center, on Thursday Aug 24 at 10:00 AM

It is with thanks to the Mountain Air Residents’ Community Fund for its generous grant that this troupe operates and serves the community. For more information about Parkway Playhouse or to book Parkway Players for your organization, please visit www.parkwayplayhouse.com or call 828-682-4285.

Registration Underway for Conservatory Classes

Registration is already well underway, so if you’ve been putting it off, consider this your reminder!  At the time of this posting one class is already full and every class is at least 1/3 of the way filled.

Introducing the NEW Parkway Playhouse Junior! We are excited to be moving to process-based, conservatory style classes with the 2017-2018 school year. At Parkway Playhouse, we believe building a well-rounded foundation in theatre arts is crucial to creating successful productions and, more importantly, setting our students up for life long success!

Conservatory classes will run September-May and culminate with the inspiring Parkway Junior Showcase, a recital-style event that allows each student to share the knowledge and skills they’ve gained throughout the year. Classes will be taught by teachers who have college degrees in their designated field, experience in the arts, and a passion to share it with our students!

Students enrolled in a Parkway Junior Conservatory class can opt to audition for Fall and Spring Junior productions. There will be no cost to participate in Junior productions however, they will be audition-only and limited to a select number of students showing dedication and growth in their conservatory classes.

CREATIVE DRAMA  (ages 4-7)

Burnsville: Mon 4:00-5:00pm taught by Erika Tyner
Spruce Pine: Tues 3:30-4:30pm taught by Chelsea Wilson Thayer

Designed with younger students in mind this class explores the exciting world of creative dramatics. Students will focus on story drama activities, expressive movement, beginning character development, ensemble building, pantomime and improvisation, puppetry, mask making, and much more! (Maximum class size: 12)

PLAYMAKERS (ages 8-12)

Burnsville: Tues 4:00-5:00pm taught by Erika Tyner/Jenny Martin (alternating weeks)

Building on the foundation of voice, movement, character development, and storytelling, students will begin learning specific styles in acting. They will prepare and perform comedic and dramatic scenes, developing character monologues, and scoring scripts. (Maximum class size: 20)

STAGEMASTERS (ages 13-18)

Burnsville: Mon 5:00-6:00pm taught by Jenny Martin

This advanced theatre class will explore methods and styles of acting, allowing students to hone their craft. Method acting vs. Meisner will be a piece of cake for students after taking this course. Students will engage in both contemporary and classical texts through prepping and performing scenes and monologues. Preparing audition pieces for college auditions or mainstage productions will be a focus in this class as well. (Maximum class size: 20)

IMPROV FOR TEENS (ages 12-18)

Burnsville: Thurs 4:00-5:00pm taught by Kristen Livengood

The perfect opportunity to take improvisational theatre ALL YEAR LONG! This course will train students to be “in the moment” and spontaneous in the responses as it relates to improvisation. A key to good acting is really listening and reacting truthfully. There’s no better place to hone that skill than our weekly improv classes. This course is a prerequisite to be selected for Parkway’s invitation only improv troupe, “Get the Hook.” (Maximum class size: 20)

MUSICAL THEATRE (ages 8-18)  *** FULL ***

Burnsville: Thurs 5:00-6:00pm taught by Roberta Whiteside & Amy Weinmeister

For all the Broadway hopefuls, this class focuses solely on the art of musical theatre. Classes alternate each week between learning music and vocal coaching to learning dance basics and choreography. Students will be doing jazz squares in their sleep with this valuable and engaging course. (Maximum class size: 20)

*** To be placed on the waiting list for this class, register and make the $50 deposit. Also, please consider one of the other classes offered this year. All classes will be a lot of fun and improve different performance skills… all of which help students to be well-rounded, prepared actors. 

Students must be enrolled in a class to audition for the fall Junior production Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. — though please remember auditioning does not guarantee that student a role.

Auditions are Saturday, October, 7 from 2-5 pm at the Mountain Heritage Center.

Rehearsals start Sunday, October 8 and continue every Monday through Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Parkway Playhouse theatre (not the Mountain Heritage Center), and on Sundays from 2:30 to 4:30 pm at the Blue Ridge Fitness Center. Performances are over Veterans Day weekend, November 10-12th.

Online registration, additional information, and health forms can be found HERE.

 

Actor Spotlight: Rachel Haimowitz

Need a little extra push, like Rachel? Well, consider yourself invited to one of the last two shows of Footloose!

Rachel as Betty Blast (photo credit Chanse Simpson)

PP:  This is your first time on stage here… What prompted you to audition for Footloose?

I grew up to multiple songs in the movie soundtrack hitting the Billboard Top 100, so I adore this music–I feel it down to my soul. Plus I loved the movie. So when I heard Parkway Playhouse was doing Footloose, I was simultaneously thrilled and disappointed–thrilled because I literally cannot think of a single show I wanted to do more, and disappointed because I’m not a great dancer so I was pretty sure I wouldn’t get in. Lucky for me, there are non-dancing roles!

PP:  Do you have a favorite scene or song in this show? 

Rachel:  I love the humor, and this is an especially funny show so I can’t narrow it down to one, but I’ll give you two: Holding Out for a Hero, about halfway through, becomes so funny (thanks in very large part to Julie’s amazing choreography) that even after having seen it over a dozen times I still laugh until I cry. And the song Mama Says, sung by the incomparable Hunter Taylor; the lyrics are pretty funny on their own but Hunter hands-down steals the show every time he’s on the stage and this song is his big solo, so he really shines. I literally cannot stop laughing at it, which means I can’t watch it from the wings anymore or the audience would hear me giggling back there.

Rachel’s favorite part of the show…

PP:  What do you like about acting at Parkway Playhouse?

Rachel: So many things. For one, the atmosphere is the most congenial, laid-back, yet down-to-business environment I’ve ever had the pleasure of working in. That comes from the top down–our director, music director, and choreographer are all amazing, creative, energized people who are also exceptionally kind and open to your vision as well as theirs. But it also comes from the cast–we all get along quite well, which is less common than you might think, especially in a semi-professional environment like Parkway. In addition to that, we’ve got a great rehearsal space in the Heritage Center, and an amazing performance space in the Parkway Playhouse itself. I come from community theater, so this is my first experience working at a house with a real budget, and that’s been a delight too–seeing how costumes in particular can come together when the actors don’t have to scrape them up from the depths of their closet.

Rachel in her other role as Lulu Warnicker. 

PP:  What do you think audiences will enjoy about the musical?

Rachel:  Firstly, the music. I’m an 80s kid, so I grew up blasting this music on my stereo–and I still love the soundtrack to this day. The talent we have performing that music is astounding; everyone’s so good! The choreography’s energetic and fun, the live band rocks, the humor’s unexpected and absolutely everywhere . . . there’s so much to enjoy about this show I could go on forever about it.

PP:  So, how’d you find Parkway Playhouse? 

Rachel:  I moved here just over two years ago from central New Jersey, and–small world–our music director for this show also did community theater in Jersey and we’d run into each other before! I’m not an actor by trade (I’m a writer and editor, and I run an LGBTQ fiction press called Riptide Publishing), but I’m passionate about musical theater and have done a lot of it on the community level over the years. I was beyond thrilled to discover, after moving to Burnsville, that we have such an amazing theater right here in town!

 

And we’re beyond thrilled about more people passionate about musical theatre! Come see Rachel and the rest of this amazing cast in their final weekend.

Tickets are available by calling (828) 682-4285 or purchasing them online HERE.

 

Actor Spotlight: Mike Yow as Reverend Shaw Moore

Reverand Shaw Moore, though he may be easily pegged as the antagonist, is played by a favorite on the Parkway Playhouse stage: Mike Yow.

PP: What do you think audiences will most like about this production of Footloose?

Mike:  In general, I expect that all audiences will love the choreography, the high energy, and even the heartfelt story behind the production. However, to those audience members who remembers the 80s in their roaring youth (like Yours Truly), this show will be a fun little trip down memory lane.

PP:  What do you relate to in your character?

Mike:  As someone who was very much like Ren in the 80s – I went dancing at least three nights a week for about four to five hours at a time – I can relate to Reverend Shaw Moore as the antagonist of what I once, more or less, stood for: freedom and artistic expression. Fortunately, as an actor, I’m truly blessed to be able to do that quite often. More on point, Reverend Shaw has some of my own beliefs and qualities, including the occasional desire to direct and help people, even if that might sometimes be unnecessary or unfounded. And I had some practice at being a preacher during Bonnie & Clyde too.

Reverend Shaw (Mike Yow) and Vi (Roberta Whiteside) share a touching moment of forgiveness  in Footloose. 

PP:  You’re a professional actor, so do this all the time…. but did you learn anything about yourself as a performer during the rehearsal process?

Mike: I’ve learned more about my own methodology and techniques when preparing for a role, especially when going from the zany, quick-change farce that is The 39 Steps, then onto the soulfulness of a musical role in Bonnie & Clyde, and now with a deeper, more iconic role as Reverend Shaw in Footloose. I’ve made a semi-living off of having wide range as a thespian, but this summer has certainly furthered that notion for me. As such, I’m extremely grateful to Parkway Playhouse and my awesome cast-mates from these amazing productions.

And what an amazing production it is! You don’t want to miss it.

Tickets are available by calling (828) 682-4285 or purchasing them online HERE.

Actor Spotlight: Olivia Morgan

Olivia loves musical theatre and she adores being on stage, but even though she’s been in many shows over the years, she always brings something new.  Let’s see how things have been going for her in Footloose.

PP: Do you have a favorite number in Footloose?

Olivia: “Mama Says” is probably my favorite number in the whole show. Hunter Taylor (who plays Williard) absolutely nails the spirit of that song. He’s so goofy and hilarious, and it’s such a entertaining and funny part of the show. Also, the guys who play back up singers for the song absolutely crack me up.

 

PP:  What have you enjoyed about the rehearsal process leading up to opening weekend?

Olivia: My favorite rehearsal moments are when we finally get a hard dance move right that we’ve been practicing for hours. It’s such a rewarding moment, and it always shows you a glimpse of how good this show is truly gonna be.

Olivia, top left, plays Urleen. (from “Somebody’s Eyes”)

 PP: Some of the others have admitted that songs get stuck in their head. What about you? Does anything get stuck on repeat for you?

Olivia:  “Almost Paradise” gets stuck in my head literally every night they perform it. It’s such an iconic song from the show, and I don’t think anyone backstage isn’t dancing or lip syncing right along with the song every time it’s being performed. Just thinking about it now has got it stuck in my head!

 

Tickets are available by calling (828) 682-4285 or purchasing them online HERE.

Actor Spotlight: Myra McCoury as Rusty

As someone who loves to dance, this was one musical that Myra McCoury was not going to be a wallflower for!

PP:  This is our most choreographed show of the season… How’s that been treating you?

Myra: As someone with a dance background, I have always known that this show was right up my alley. When I found out Parkway was doing the show, I immediately said to myself, “I have to dance in that,” and I have to say that the choreography has exceeded my expectations. Julie Gillum has done an incredible job (again). As far as my favorite routine from the show goes, I’d have to say “Holding Out For A Hero.” This number is so over-the- top (even for a musical) and is a mix of ballet, jazz, and so much more.

PP: What has been your favorite rehearsal moment?

Myra:  When, for the first time, Bruce laughed at one of the more comical scenes of the show. When Bruce (a generally tough critic) laughs, you know you’ve done something right.

Bruce as the ticket-writing officer.

PP: Do any of the song gets stuck in your head?

Myra: “Somebody’s Eyes” really gets stuck in my head, simply because my character, Rusty, as well as her two friends, Wendy Jo and Urleen, sing it so much. That’s not to say it isn’t a great song; in fact, it’s one of my favorite to sing in the show. It’s at once eerie and very reminiscent of those 80’s feels.

We’re sure you’ll love the 80s feel of this show, too. So make plans to see it–only two more weekends!

Tickets are available by calling (828) 682-4285 or purchasing them online HERE.