S E A S O N 2 0 1 8 - 2 0 1 9 M A Y 2 0 1 9

THE CURTAIN RAISERComing Events

BUILD by C.A.S.T.(Creative Arts Student Troupe)Student ProductionMay 4-5

The Addams Family:A New MusicalMay 16 – June 9

Celebration of LifeFor Mary BrittMay 21

Coming Home: Victoria Sexton and Scotty Roberts in ConcertJune 10

The Harvey AwardsJune 15

The Jungle BookStudent ProductionJune 21-22

Xanadu Jr.Student ProductionJuly 12-13

The Servant of Two MastersStudent ProductionJuly 26-28

“Ba-da-da-da (snap, snap)…” The iconic TV show comes to life in a marvelously morbid musical! Live (and not-so-alive) on stage, it’s “the creepy and the kooky, mysterious and spooky” Addams Family you know and love: Gomez (James Taylor), Morticia (Michelle Geering), Wednesday (Megan Wager), Pugsley (Logan Main), Uncle Fester (Gregg Bleam), Lurch (Miguel Gonzalez-Floyd), and Grandma (Danielle Posner).

In the kooky, upside-down world of the Addams Family, to be sad is to be happy, to feel pain is to feel joy, and suffering is the stuff of their dreams. The Addamses have lived by their unique values for hundreds of years and would be only too happy to continue living that way. Nonetheless, this quirky family still has to deal with many of the same challenges faced by any other. In this 2010 Broadway adaptation, Wednesday Addams is all grown up and engaged to marry Lucas Beineke (Jose Rivera), a nice, ordinary young man from a normal, respectable Ohio family – the most un-Addams-sounding person one could be. And to make matters even scarier, she’s invited his parents over for dinner.

On a dark and stormy night, Wednesday’s future in-laws, Mal (John Corneilson) and Alice Beineke (Allison Metcalf) arrive at the macabre mansion for dinner with the Addams clan. Meeting the parents has never been so terrifying… especially when the spirits of the Addams ancestors in the graveyard (Elizabeth Allen, Joey Coombs, Tom Ferreira, Ashlyn Gibbs, Shannon Guinn, Deion Howard, Caylinn Mosblech, Joshua Plante, Kelsey Plante, Guillermo Torres, and Baylor Willis) rise to the occasion. In one fateful, hilarious evening, secrets are disclosed, relationships are tested, and the Addams family must face up to the one horrible thing they’ve managed to avoid for generations: change. It’s delightfully dark, frightfully funny, and a gleefully Gothic good time!

The Addams Family: A New Musical is directed and choreographed by Katrina Ploof. Music director is Philip King. Stage manager is Faith Donahue. Set design is by Joseph Harris. Costume design is by Eryn Brooks Brewer. Lighting design is by Jeff Davis. Sound design is by Jim Foster.

There will be 22 public performances from May 16 – June 9, 2019. Reserve your tickets for opening night and join us on Thursday, May 16 at 7 p.m. for a reception an hour before the premiere performance. Delicious refreshments are catered by HoneyBaked Ham, and beer and wine are available for purchase. Come celebrate the excitement of opening night!

Tickets are $27 for adults and $13 for full-time students (school ID required for college students). Group rates are available as well. Call (352) 236-2274 or go to www.ocalacivictheatre.com.

May 16 – June 9 Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick EliceMusic and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa

SPONSORED BY: Blanchard, Merriam, Adel, & Kirkland Ocala’s Good Life Magazine ACT 4 • WIND FM

Celebration of Life for Mary Britt - May 21A celebration of life will be held for Executive Director Mary Britt on May 21, 2019 at Ocala Civic Theatre.Doors will open at 5 p.m., and the celebration will begin at 5:30 p.m. A reception will follow, concluding with the scattering

of Mary’s ashes on the Theatre grounds. Mary Britt was beloved by the Ocala community, and a large crowd is expected. Open seating will be available in the Theatre.

Once capacity is reached, overflow seating with live video of the celebration will be available in various locations at the Theatre and online.

Please join us to celebrate Mary’s life and her extraordinary contribution to the cultural life of Marion County and her beloved Ocala Civic Theatre.

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May 4-5Join C.A.S.T. (Creative Arts Student Troupe) as

they present this collection of stories and songs about building confidence, compassion, and community! These talented students ages 11-17 have been working together since January to create this original musical revue.

Presented in our Black Box Theatre, there will be three performances: Saturday, May 4 at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, May 5 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for full-timestudents (school ID required for college students).

Auditions for Summer S.T.A.G.E. Performance Camps May 4, 7, and 9

This summer the Education Department is offering two performance camps for ages 6-17: The Jungle Book (two-week camp, play/non-musical) and Xanadu Jr. (three-week camp, musical).

Actors ages 6-9 (Young Company) may register at any time. No audition is necessary. They will be cast in ensemble roles on the first day of each camp. Only 15 spots are available per camp. Actors ages 10-17 (Youth Troupe) must audition at one of the following times:

• Saturday, May 4 at 10 a.m.• Tuesday, May 7 at 5 p.m.• Thursday, May 9 at 5 p.m.

(callbacks and general)Though not mandatory, actors are encouraged

to prepare a one-minute monologue. Actors also wishing to be considered for the musical should prepare a short song. Please bring sheet music or an accompaniment track.

Full details about both camps can be found in the Summer 2019 brochure, which is available in the Theatre lobby or online at ocalacivictheatre.com under the Education tab.

Tickets On Sale Now

• BUILD by C.A.S.T.

• The Addams Family: A New Musical

• 2019-2020 season tickets

Tickets Go On Sale

• Harvey Awards: May 13

• The Jungle Book: May 20

• Xanadu Jr.: June 10

• The Servant of Two Masters: June 24

• Matilda The Musical: August 5

The Gift Boxfeatures original

designs by local artistsJewelry byCarlos Cahue

Patti ColeSallie CollinsEvelyn Forbes

Stained Glass byDavid Yerdon

Gift Bags by Joyce Mullen

Note Cards by Celia Bills

All proceeds from Gift Box sales benefit Ocala Civic Theatre and its programs.

Please visit the Gift Box today!

Auditions for

Sunday, May 19 at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 23 at 5 p.m.

In this hysterical modern adaptation of Carlo Goldoni’s classic comedy The Servant of Two Masters, Clarice’s dreams of marrying her true love are shattered when the man she was originally promised to, Federigo Rasponi, seemingly returns from the dead. Unbeknownst to anyone, Federigo is really his sister, Beatrice, in disguise, determined to settle her brother’s debts and find her love, Florindo, who fled after her brother was killed. Beatrice’s plans work perfectly at first – until her sneaky servant Truffaldino also takes on Florindo as his master in a scheme to make extra money.

The Servant of Two Masters is directed by Dani Moreno-Fuentes. We are casting 13 actors (possible doubling), ages 16-21.

Auditions are Sunday, May 19 at 11 a.m. and Thursday, May 23 at 5 p.m. Callbacks are Tuesday, May 28 at 5 p.m. Rehearsals will be held June 3 – July 25, Monday through Friday, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. There will be four performances: Friday, July 26 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, July 27 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.;and Sunday, July 28 at 2 p.m.

Harvey Awards - June 15Join us on Saturday, June 15 for the annual

Harvey Awards, Ocala Civic Theatre’s version of the Tony Awards, to celebrate the best of the 2018-2019 season!

The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a social hour, hors d’oeuvres, and cash bar, followed by the awards ceremony. Awards are given for excellence in acting, technical aspects, and volunteer service. Join us to recognize the outstanding work of our volunteers and designers!

Everyone is welcome to attend the Harvey Awards. Dressy to semi-formal attire is suggested. Tickets are $15 and go on sale May 13. For reservations or more information, call (352) 236-2274 or stop by the box office. Don’t miss this special evening – it’s the social event of the season!

C.A.S.T. (Creative Arts Student Troupe) presents

P3 | OCALA CIVIC THEATRE

Box Office HoursMonday – Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

On Saturdays with a performance: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The lobby and box office open one hour before each performance.

Get information and buy tickets online any time at www.ocalacivictheatre.com (A service charge applies to online purchases.)

Box Office: (352) 236-2274Administrative Offices: (352) 236-2851

Ocala Civic Theatre@ocalacivic#ocalacivictheatre

@ocalacivicOcala Civic Theatre Ocala Civic Theatre Education Department

Golden Troupers

The Golden Troupers are a terrific group of age 55+ performers who travel Marion County entertaining local audiences with comedy skits and songs. They perform at no charge for non-profit organizations, but donations are gratefully accepted. To join or to book the Troupers for your club or community, call (352) 236-2274 or Marlene Harr at (352) 687-3868.

Rehearsals are held at the Theatre on Mondays at 1 p.m. from September to May. Join the Troupers – it’s a golden opportunity!

An exciting new season is coming up! Season tickets go on sale May 1. We have eight great shows scheduled, with the following subscription packages:

• Signature Series (Matilda The Musical, The Savannah Sipping Society, Always… Patsy Cline, Father of the Bride, and Brigadoon)

• Ovation Series (Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Menopause The Musical, and To Kill aMockingbird)

• Three-Night Flex Pass: This three-show Flex Pass is good for any evening performance of any three shows from the 2019-2020 Signature Series and Ovation Series. Beginning July 29, you may make your reservations at any time throughout the season. This discounted subscription package is $75.

When you buy a season subscription, you get a discount off regular box office prices. The regular single-ticket price is $27 for adults and $13 for students (except Menopause The Musical, which is $30 for adults and $15 for students). Full-time college students with school ID are eligible to purchase student tickets.

The Signature Series and Ovation Series offer you a choice of either a Standing Reservation (same day/same seat for each show) or a Flex Pass (day and seat may vary for each show).

• Renewing Subscribers: The deadline to renew or request changes is June 7, 2019. If you want tochange your day or seats, please send in your request for a change as soon as possible, but nolater than June 7. Priority in seat assignment is based on length of time as a subscriber andsubscriber donor history. Consideration is also given to patrons who contributed to the renovationcampaign.

• Changing Your Seat or Day? It is very important for the Theatre to receive your requested changeand renewal form by June 7 to allow us the best opportunity to accommodate your request.

• New Subscribers: Welcome! Send in your subscription order form as soon as possible, preferablybefore June 7. We will not assign seats until after July 1, but all orders for new subscribers aredate-stamped when received and are processed in that order. Consideration is also given to newdonors.

• Donations: Please consider adding a tax-deductible donation. Ticket revenue covers only a portion of the Theatre’s operating expenses. Your gift will help support the arts in our community and thebest quality live theatre.

• Matching Gifts: Your employer may even match your gift! For more information about matchinggifts, contact Box Office Manager Craig James at (352) 236-2851, ext. 102, orboxofficemanager@ocalacivictheatre.com

• Subscriber Benefits: Information about our great subscriber benefits can be found in the seasonbrochure, or contact the box office.

• Summer Special: Subscribers may purchase an unlimited number of advance tickets, at adiscounted price of $16 each (regular price $20), for the Summer 2019 student production ofThe Servant of Two Masters. Subscribers may add this purchase to their season ticket order form.

• Not Renewing? Please call (352) 236-2274 or e-mail jkirk@ocalacivictheatre.com if you do notplan to renew, so that we can release your seat to others.

• Questions? There will be a table in the lobby during The Addams Family with volunteers to answerquestions and receive subscription orders. You also may call or come by the Theatre during regularbox office hours (Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.). We will be happy to assist youand answer questions. Join us for the terrific 2019-2020 season!

2019-2020 Season Tickets On Sale Now!

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ANNOUNCING THE 2019-2020 SEASON!

SIGNATURE SERIESMatilda: The Musical

August 29 – September 22, 2019

The Savannah Sipping Society October 31 – November 24, 2019

Always… Patsy ClineJanuary 30 – February 23, 2020

Father of the BrideMarch 12 – April 5, 2020

BrigadoonMay 21 – June 14, 2020

OVATION SERIESVanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

October 3-13, 2019

Menopause: The MusicalJanuary 2-19, 2020

To Kill a MockingbirdApril 16-26, 2020

SUMMER SPECIALThe Servant of Two Masters

July 26-28, 2019

NEW SEATS!Phase One of Ocala Civic Theatre’s

exciting expansion began last summer with new seats! We have painted the auditorium, removed the old seats and replaced them with new, wider, more comfortable seats.

We would love to have you be a part of this growth and invite you to donate to this first phase. A campaign goal of $200,000 has been set to cover the expenses of Phase One. At this point we have raised more than 85% of our goal.

Each new seat has an established donor or tribute value of $500. Donors will be recognized with an individual plaque permanently attached to the seat. Donors who choose to contribute at a higher level will be recognized on a separate plaque. Gifts and pledges will be welcomed in any amount, and you may even make monthly payments. Call (352) 236-2274 and ask us for more details.

Letter From the New Director of Education

Terry LeCompte

Tourist: How do you get to Carnegie Hall? New Yorker: Practice. Practice. Practice.

Hello Friends! You’ve likely heard that 50+-year-old joke before. The idea of it is that a tourist is looking for

directions to the world-famous classical music hall and gets none… or does she? Throughout the Winter/Spring terms we have encouraged our youth to examine what it takes to

be successful – in theatre and beyond. Early responses to this inquiry included: belief in yourself, hope, confidence, and talent, talent,

talent. Certainly those things contribute to one’s success. Still, they are tiny pieces of a complex and beautiful puzzle.

The New Yorker (probably an artist) answers: practice, practice, practice. This is clear direction. In our Term 3 classes and all of our summer programming, we will continue to challenge our

youth to evaluate goals, help them determine the steps needed to achieve them, and teach/reinforce techniques that support personal practices including discipline and determination.

Practice. Classes are practice. Practice is training. Successful New York artists (myself included) continue to develop their skills in workshops even when they are rehearsing a show. This is a huge part of discipline, and discipline is what sets one talented artist apart from another.

If your young artists are dreaming of performing in our season opener, Matilda, now is the time to reinforce this idea at home. Enroll them in our general theatre camps, The Jungle Book and Xanadu Jr.! Look ahead to our Fall 2019 after-school classes!

Come in and meet with me to discuss how you can support your students in their journey to Carnegie Hall!

Practice. Practice. Practice.

See you next month,Terry LeCompte

Coming Home: Victoria Sextonand Scotty Roberts in ConcertJune 10

Long-time OCT performers Victoria Sexton and Scotty Roberts will present a concert to benefit Ocala Civic Theatre on June 10.

Well-known to OCT audiences, Victoria and Scotty grew up on our stage and have been performing together across central Florida for several years to rave reviews. They are thrilled to return “home” to present this concert of favorite show tunes.

Victoria started performing at OCT as a child in the title role in Annie, then went on to play Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz and Wendy in Peter Pan. Later on, her gorgeous soprano voice and delightful stage presence brought to life such roles as Hodel in Fiddler On the Roof, Tuptim in The King and I, Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls, and Elle Woods in Legally Blonde.

Scotty’s early appearances included Chicago, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Peter Pan. His fabulous tenor voice and comic charm were showcased in such roles as Motel in Fiddler On the Roof, Ambrose Kemper in Hello, Dolly!, Hysterium in A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum, and Chip Tolentino in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

Coming Home is live on stage Monday, June 10 at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale May 13 at $20 for adults and $10 for full-time students (school ID required for college students). Don’t miss this evening of beautiful music from two incredibly talented performers!

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2018-2019 Board of Directors

President Philip LeppertVice President Herb SchmollTreasurer George KirklandSecretary Glenda “Rusty” Belote, Ph.D.

MembersGarry D. AdelDeborah BarckhausenJo CrowderJeffry DavidAna Dunwoody

Leslie Hagan, MD

Sarah LankesterJoy NewkirkAndrea PizzutiDarrell RileyGordon Schwenk, MD

StaffInterim Executive Directors Chris Jorie Katrina PloofProduction Manager/Technical Director Dave BerardiAssistant Technical Director William SprattGeneral Technician/Custodian Ken NobleScene Shop Intern Mason GrayAdministrative Assistant Janice KirkBox Office Manager/Volunteer Coordinator Craig JamesBox Office Assistants Ann Dietrich Lynn VinciDirector of Education Terry LeCompte Director of Marketing & Promotions Larry KiernanMarketing Assistant Melody MurphySocial Media Coordinator/Concessions Sherece GerardConcessions Jim Foster Kelsey PlanteComptroller Marilyn PriceCostume Designer Eryn Brooks BrewerCostume Shop Intern Brittany HardisonCostume Shop Assistant Kaitlin Sikes

Note From the President of the Ocala Civic Theatre Board of Directors

“The extent of your impact on the world depends on the size of your devotion to excellence.”– Robin Sharma

One of my last conversations with my friend Mary Britt concerned paint. Specifically the color of, and how many coats of, said paint. Mary had concerns regarding a piece of scenery, and she wasn’t going to let it go until someone had a second look.

That was who Mary was: a leader with an eye for detail and a devotion to excellence. She could spot a costume in need of ironing a mile away, and heaven help the stage manager who failed to sweep down the stage floor before every performance. Her devotion to giving her audience the very best was her passion, and she in turn instilled that passion for excellence into the bones of Ocala Civic Theatre. Mary knew instinctively that good work does not happen in a vacuum, and she was smart about whom she chose to work with, surrounding herself with professionals with standards as unrelenting as her own.

The entire Board of Directors and I wish to express our deepest gratitude to the Ocala Civic Theatre staff for their hard work during this challenging season. To Education Director Terry LeCompte, Marketing Director Larry Kiernan, Marketing Assistant Melody Murphy, Social Media Coordinator Sherece Gerard, and Box Office Assistants Ann Dietrich and Lynn Vinci, for their continued public outreach and connection with our audience and the hundreds of children who call this theatre home. To our Technical and Design Staff – Production Manager/Technical Director Dave Berardi, Assistant Technical Director Will Spratt, General Technician/Custodian Ken Noble, Costume Designer/Costume Shop Foreman Eryn Brooks Brewer, and Costume Shop Assistant Kaitlin Sikes – for embodying the show-business rallying cry, “The show must go on.” To our interns, Brittany Hardison and Mason Gray: You are both such compassionate young artists, and your steadfast work this season has been such a blessing. To Comptroller Marilyn Price, who whether near or far has never been more than a moment away with her help, advice, and wealth of knowledge. To Box Office Manager/Volunteer Coordinator Craig James and Administrative Assistant Janice Kirk: Through it all, you two kept the doors open, the lights on, and a warm smile for all, and we will be forever in your debt. And to the hundreds of volunteers, whose work in every corner of this building has continued unabated.

There is a bright future ahead for Ocala Civic Theatre. Interim Executive Directors Chris Jorie and Katrina Ploof are hard at work on the 2019-2020 season, and our 70th anniversary is right around the corner. Our place as the crown jewel in the arts community of Marion County is secure as we continue to grow both our audience and our Education Department. Ocala Civic Theatre’s Board of Directors and donors once again pledge their loyalty and support as our theatre continues to strive for the highest level of excellence.

Mary Britt would be very proud.

Philip LeppertPresident, Ocala Civic Theatre Board of Directors

Notes From the Interim Executive Directors

Hello from Chris Jorie and Katrina Ploof! Many of you know us as long-time guest directors for Ocala Civic Theatre. Katrina is currently directing The Addams Family and has brought you wonderful productions like Mamma Mia!, Sister Act, and Shrek. Chris most recently directed First Date and for more than 23 years has directed numerous productions including Perfect Wedding, The Giver, and Moonlight and Magnolias. We have a combined 80+ years in both the art and business of theatre as administrators, directors, teachers, and artists, and we’ve known each other for more than 30 years. However, we never guessed we’d be together here during this time of transition at OCT.

Our dear friend Mary Britt wanted this theatre to continue to thrive and strive for excellence in her absence. So she asked us to step in when she could no longer be here. We were both deeply touched as well as honored to be asked. So we will continue to move forward with the legacy Mary has left us. Chris finished his residency here at the end of April and will continue to work with OCT as a consultant and director. Katrina will be in residence here at OCT at least through the end of this year, directing and working as acting Interim Executive Director. With Mary’s forethought and guiding vision, we will continue to nurture and grow this theatre that she loved so much. That’s exactly what she would want us all to do.

Warm Regards,Chris Jorie & Katrina PloofCo-Interim Executive Directors Ocala Civic Theatre

SEASON 2018 - 2019 MAY 2019

THE CURTAIN RAISER

NON-PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDOCALA, FL

PERMIT NO. 94337 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala, FL 34470

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

The Curtain Raiser is the official newsletter of The Marion Players, Inc., dba Ocala Civic Theatre. The Theatre is located at 4337 East Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala, Florida, 34470. The Curtain Raiser is published monthly and is available free of charge to anyone who is interested in our activities. For information about the organization or to be added to the mailing list, call (352) 236-2274.

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts & Culture.

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SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

Servant auditions 11am

Addams Family 2pm

Addams Family 8pm

Summer camp auditions 10amVolunteer picnic

12:30pmBUILD 7pm

MAY 2019-2020 season tickets

on sale

BUILD 2pm & 6pm Scholarship

auditionsAddams Family 8pm

Addams Family

2pm & 8pm Addams Family 8pm

Addams Family

2pm & 8pm

Addams Family 8pm

Addams Family 2pm

Addams Family 8pm

Addams Family 8pm

Addams Family 8pm

Tickets on sale for

The Jungle Book

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SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

JUNE

Harvey Awards

6pm

Summer camp auditions 5pm

Summer camp auditions 5pm

Servant auditions 5pm

Addams Family 8pm

Addams Family

2pm & 8pm

Addams Family 2pm

Addams Family 8pm

Addams Family 8pm

Addams Family 8pm

Addams Family 2pm

Addams Family 2pm

The Jungle Book

7pm

The Jungle Book 2pm & 7pm

Mary BrittCelebration ofLife 5:30pm

Tickets on sale for the Harvey

Awards and Coming Home

Tickets on sale for Xanadu Jr.

Coming Home 7pm

Tickets on sale for The Servant

of Two Masters