Seussical Student Matinee Tickets Now On Sale

KWMP is a community theatre organization that has been providing opportunities for members of our community to shine, both on and off stage since 1948. Our student matinees offer educators the ability to engage their students through the magic of theater and expand their learning in and outside of the classroom.

Show Themes: Language Arts, Drama, Music, Dance, Social Studies, Theater, Perseverance/The Environment

Runtime: 2 hours

Ticket Price: $15+hst

Show Dates:

• February 1st, 10:30 am – Waiting list
• February 2nd, 10:30 am – Limited seating available
• February 9th, 10:30 am – Waiting list

Recommenced for students of all age

Download the Student Matinee package and Seussical Study Guide

Seussical Auditions

KW Musical Productions is proud to present the worldwide musical phenomenon
Seussical the Musical

Directed by David Atkins, Music Direction by Michael Brown

CALL for AUDITIONS

Audition Location
KWMP Building, 14 Shaftsbury Drive in Kitchener

Solo Auditions
Interested in a named role? Soloists please come prepared with two short, contrasting vocal selections, preferably one ballad and one upbeat song. Choose songs that show off your range and your acting ability. You may be asked to sing parts of one or both of your songs. You may bring sheet music (a pianist will be present) or an MP3 of the instrumental music to accompany you. You may bring your own accompanist if you prefer

• Wednesday, September 14th
• Thursday, September 15th
• Saturday, September 17th

Callbacks will be on September 19th in the evening, and will involve movement.

Ensemble, Youth or Dance Auditions
Are you a dancer, a youth age 10-15 (born in 2006 or earlier)? Are you looking to join the ensemble or have a small role? This year we are offering stress-free group auditions allowing you to showcase your skills with a friendly group of peers. You do not need to prepare a song, just come warmed up and ready to impress.

Youth Ensemble Auditions:

• Wednesday, September 14th, 6pm
• Saturday, September 17th, 10am

Adult Ensemble Auditions:

• Wednesday, September 14th, 7pm
• Saturday, September 17th, 1pm

Dance Auditions:

• Thursday, September 15th, 6pm
• Saturday, September 17th, 11am

Callbacks will be on September 19th in the evening, and will involve movement.

Video Auditions
Video auditions will be accepted from those who are unable to attend any of the scheduled auditions, but must be received before September 14th. The video should include short selections from both songs and evidence of movement/dance ability. YouTube links are acceptable. Please complete the audition form below and include a link to your YouTube video and digital photo of yourself.

The Characters
You can find more information about the show, including a character breakdown here

Rehearsals

• Regular rehearsals will be Sundays from 1–10pm and Thursdays from 6–10pm, starting Sunday, October 16 (except for December 22, 25, 29, January 1, and 5).
• Not all cast members will be required for every rehearsal, but please let us know about any conflicts you may have to help us schedule appropriately.
• Technical rehearsals and performances are listed below. All cast members will be required for all of these dates.

Technical Rehearsals

• Sunday Jan 29: All day
• Monday Jan 30: 5pm–11pm
• Tuesday, Jan 31: Dress Rehearsal, 5pm–11pm

Performances

• Wednesday, Feb 1: Student Preview – 10:30am
• Thursday, Feb 2: Student Preview  – 10:30am
• Thursday, Feb 2: Public Performance – 7:30pm
• Friday, Feb 3: Public Performance – 7:30pm
• Saturday, Feb 4: Public Performance (Matinée) – 2pm
• Saturday, Feb 4: Public Performance –7:30pm
• Wednesday, Feb 3: Public Performance –7:30pm
• Thursday, Feb 9: Student Preview – 10:30am
• Thursday, Feb 9: Public Performance –7:30pm
• Friday, Feb 10: Public Performance –7:30pm
• Saturday, Feb 11: Public Performance (Matinée) – 2pm
• Saturday, Feb 11: Public Performance –7:30pm

Getting Involved with KWMP
All cast members will be required to purchase a membership ($25), a script ($10) and provide a deposit toward completing 10 volunteer production hours ($100, refunded once hours are completed).

Book Your Audition Now!

If you have any questions please email auditions@kwmp.ca

Seussical Creative Team

KW Musical Productions is looking for a creative team to put together our next production:

Seussical

St Jacobs Country Playhouse
Feb 2 – 4, 8 – 11, 2017

Applications for Creative Team:
Choreographer, Assistant Stage Manager, Assistant Director, Music Assistant, Rehearsal Pianist, Costume Assistant, Props Assistant, Scenic Painter and anyone else who wants to help out!

• Applications must be sent by email to auditions@kwmp.ca. Deadline: July 25, 2016
• Outlines of positions, requirements and expectations is available here
• Position of Choreographer is to be present at cast auditions.
• Auditions proposed to take place a weekend in September. Callbacks to follow. Cast to be determined by Director, Musical Director and Choreographer: successful candidates to be notified by Production Manager within two days.
• Costumes and sets will begin in intervening months.
• Rehearsals begin in October for vocals and large group choreography moving into intense rehearsal from January 8, and run every Thursday evening and Sunday afternoon and evening until load-in.

Pertinent Dates:
Auditions: September (TBD by Production team)
Rehearsals begin: October with vocals and large group choreography. Intensive begins January 8, 2017.
Rehearsals: Thursdays from 6:30pm to 10pm, Sundays from 1pm to 10pm (Wednesdays if needed for choreography or leads dependent on availability of space and at discretion of directors)
Load in/ set-up at St Jacobs Country Playhouse: Jan 27, 2017
Tech/dress: Jan 30, 31, Feb 1
Performances: Feb 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11.

Click here for a full list of job descriptions

Grease is the hottest ticket in town this Christmas

Santa’s favourite musical

GREASE

is the hottest ticket in town!

Even Santa has gotten into the act. He’s on cloud 9 with KW Musical Production’s presentation of GREASE – February 11-13 & 17-20, 2016 at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse!

And why not? Tickets have only been on sale for a few weeks and it’s already 30% sold out – the fastest start for a show in KWMP history!

How cool is that?

With such unforgettable songs as “You’re The One That I Want,” “Summer Nights,” and “Hopelessly Devoted To You”, GREASE is definitely the word. Santa says that it’s the most electrifying stocking stuffer this Christmas at only $35+HST.

So don’t be left in Rudolph’s dust. Put the pedal to the metal and go online now to get your tickets!

Call the Drayton Entertainment box office at 519-747-7788, or visit in person at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, 40 Benjamin Rd. E, Waterloo.

Grease Student Matinee Tickets Now Available

Download Student Matinee Package

Coming to Kitchener Waterloo this February, Grease!

On February 14, 1971, a new musical about teenage angst, peer pressure, and a clash of cultures in the late 50’s opened just off Broadway. The show’s electrifying rock’n’roll music and infectious hand jive choreography was an instant hit earning it 7 Tony Award nominations the following year!

Now, 44 years later, leather jackets and bobbie socks are coming to the stage at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse as K-W Musical Productions presents “GREASE” – the summer romance musical where two worlds collide and opposites attract. Sandy Dumbrowski, the girl-next-door, will be played by Maggie Roth while greaser, Danny Zuko, will be performed by Nolan Henshall.

Maggie has appeared in several K-W Musical Productions including Annie in Annie, Urleen – Footloose, Patrice – 13 the musical, and Little Red Riding Hood – Into The Woods as well as Elle in Legally Blonde, Laurier Musical Theatre. Nolan’s previous performances include Charlie Bucket – Willy Wonka, Eddie – 13 the musical, Frederick Von Trapp – The Sound of Music, and Gabe in Next to Normal.

David Atkins (Director), Michael Brown (Musical Direction), and Sarah Willett (Choreography) will lead an incredibly talented cast of performers and a show

GREASE will rock St. Jacobs Country Playhouse from February 11-13 and 17-20, 2016. Tickets are just $35 + HST and are on sale now online at KWMP.ca

Here’s the full cast list for KWMP’s “GREASE”:

Danny: Nolan Henshall

Sandy: Maggie Roth

Kenickie: Trevor Middleton

Rizzo: Stephanie Ringrose

Doody: Keenan Smits

Marty: Mikayla McCrory

Roger: Ben Skipper

Jan: Haley Sopik

Sonny: Cody Burns

Frenchy: Amy Leis

Eugene: Richard Marchment

Patty: Dawn Gosney

Cha-Cha: Natalie Haney

Vince Fontaine: Brendan Stehouwer

Johnny Casino: Andrew Wong

Teen Angel: Tristan Pilcher

Miss Lynch: Diana Barber

Male Ensemble: Cameron Bunn, Ethan Kast, Nathaniel Little, Paul Booker, Sebastian Mateus, Thomas Buchanan, Gabe Namtu, Bailey Weiss

Female Ensemble: Ciara Moules, Jocelyn Bannon, Kaleigh Murphy, Kalene Ticknor, Kathryn Langridge, Kayla Liebig, Parker Ruby, Sara-Ann Birken, Taryn Meyer

K-W Musical Productions has been bringing top calibre musical theatre to the Region of Waterloo and surrounding area since 1948. This not-for-profit organization is operated by a volunteer board of directors and is dedicated to providing a near professional experience in all aspects of theatre from performance to back stage.

Some notes…2015 Broadway Our Way: The Comedy Edition

From Amanda Kind

Broadway Our Way Project Manager (and KWMP Enthusiast!)

———————

Hello everyone!

We’re getting to the final countdown for our fall fundraiser—Broadway Our Way: The Comedy Edition— on stage at The Registry Theatre from November 5–7. There are so many fun numbers in this show! You won’t want to miss the hilarity as over 40 KWMP members sing, dance (and try not to laugh) while they perform some of the funniest numbers in show business history.

It’s been my privilege to be the curator of sorts for this variety show. I’ve had the honour to work with several directors to build this project including Eric Da Costa, Trevor Middleton, Joanna Guistini, Sarah Petker, Tim Jackson, Terry Barna and David Atkins. We’ve also been very lucky to have Ciara Moules, Sarah Willett and Christine Watson bring their awesome moves to the table by choreographing a few numbers. And last but not least, we are very fortunate to have Bob Lee as the Music Director for this production—he’s basically been run ragged since the middle of July learning all 20 songs!

How do I explain this show to you?

It’s a cabaret show, just like our fundraiser was last year, except this time every single number is funny. Rob Bridel, who last year brought down the house with his delightfully hilarious sketch comedy, is back as the host… who knows what he will do?

In terms of songs, we have a great variety…and all funny. These well-known tunes like “Comedy Tonight” from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, “Wash that Man Right out of my Hair” from South Pacific, and “Hello” from The Book of Mormon. Plus, there are a bunch of lesser known (but equally hilarious) tunes like “Transylvania Mania” from Young Frankenstein, and “The Alto’s Lament,” a hilarious ditty about what it’s like to be an alto in musical theatre (hint: it sucks).

We are having a blast in rehearsal. There has been loads of laughter and music. We’re also doing some darker comedy numbers as well—Vicci Taylor and Terry Barna will perform “A Little Priest” from Sweeney Todd, and Rob and a few others will do “Dentist” from Little Shop of Horrors. These ones are still funny, but in a bit more of a sinister way…Plus you get to see Tristan Pilcher and Andrew Wong in full body spandex unitards as the eels in “Sweet Child” from The Little Mermaid… That’s comedy right there.

Please buy a ticket. Come see the show and help support all the wonderful work we do at KWMP. I promise you will laugh your head off. You’ll have a marvelous time supporting the arts in this region and you’ll walk away feeling great. We’re finishing the show with a really awesome number from Sister Act The Musical—that’s all I’m gonna say about it because it’s too fun to reveal any more details!

Tickets are on sale now and they’re only $20 plus HST. Please join us. We’ve been rehearsing the show since the beginning of September but really there is no show without the audience—so now we look to you to complete the theatrical puzzle. Click here to buy a ticket now, I promise you won’t regret it.

See you the show!

Amanda

Book Your Audition for Broadway Our Way 2015

Please read all instructions carefully before booking an audition. The fundraiser cabaret is only open to alumni who have performed with KWMP previously. If you have ever been on stage with KWMP, you are welcome to audition!

Performance dates

• Wednesday, November 4 – 7:30pm
• Thursday, November 5 – 7:30pm
• Friday, November 6 – 7:30pm
• Saturday, November 7 – 2:00pm & 7:30pm

Tech rehearsal dates

• Sunday, November 1 – all day
• Monday, November 2 – evening
• Tuesday, November 3 – evening

Rehearsal schedule

Thursday evenings, Sunday afternoons, Sunday evenings. Sunday afternoons will be opening and finale numbers (large groups). A schedule will be drawn up once auditions are complete and program sketched out. Rehearsals may begin in August where possible for certain groups, but rehearsals officially commence in September and run through October.

Who can audition

As this is a cabaret, the creative team is open to group auditions. People can choose to audition on their own or they can bring a duet, trio, quartet, or group. Whether or not a group number is included in the show is at the full discretion of the creative team. Dance numbers as well as short monologues or skits are encouraged as well.

What material to choose for the audition: COMEDY!

Choose something funny that shows off your comedic talents!
Dancers may choose to choreograph a routine to a comedy song and the creative team may add a vocalist later if that number is chosen. Actors please ensure your monologue or skit is no longer than 3 minutes. NOTE: This is a PG-13 show, so please refrain from material that uses excessive foul language or is vulgar. This doesn’t mean all racy material is out, it just means be mindful of content.

How to audition

Click here to book your audition. In the case of group auditions, designate one person to sign up on behalf of the group. When booking, please indicate the song, monologue, or skit title being presented in the “city” slot (the address slot is not used). If your song selection changes, please let us know ASAP as the list is being sent to our Music Director, Bob Lee, in advance of auditions.

What to bring

Vocals – sheet music (feel free to email sheet music in advance for the Music Director to auditions@kwmp.ca). Dance/musical production – CD, MP3, etc.

Audition dates

Tuesday, July 21 & Wednesday July 22, 7:00pm to 9:30pm – 5 minute slots

Video auditions welcome!

Send all video auditions to auditions@kwmp.ca in an appropriate format for the production team to view (YouTube/Vimeo clips preferred). Deadline to submit a video audition is July 22.

Book Your Audition

BBQ, Annual General Meeting & Open Mic

It’s time to kick off summer with your friends at KW Musical Productions. Reconnect with cast and crew mates and join us for a BBQ potluck followed by our Annual General Meeting. This is a time to celebrate the 2014/2015 Season and hear about what’s coming in the year ahead. The BBQ & AGM will take place on Thursday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the KW Musical Productions Rehearsal Space at 14 Shaftsbury Drive, Kitchener.

Meat and veggie burgers are supplied, but please feel free to bring your favourite side dish or appetizer. At the meeting members will hear the report and statements required by the Corporations Act, to be read and laid before the Members of the Corporation; elect Directors to our Board; and appoint the auditors and fix, or authorize the Board to fix, their remuneration.

Want to join the Board of Directors? We are always looking for new people to help govern this longstanding organization. By-Laws state that anyone wishing to seek election or re-election as a Director must file their intentions in writing with the Secretary of the Corporation, at least 72 hours in advance of the Annual General Meeting. Send us an email of interest to info@kwmp.ca.

The Board of Directors invites you to join us for this fun-filled event – we are having a blast and getting down to business at the same time!

DETAILS

Kitchener Waterloo Musical Productions BBQ & AGM
Date: Thursday, June 11, 2015
BBQ: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
AGM: 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Open Mic Night: 8:30 p.m. onwards
Location: 14 Shaftsbury Ave, Kitchener, ON

We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, June 11, 2015

Members may vote either in person, or by proxy by one of the following:

Mail: 14 Shaftsbury Ave, Kitchener, ON
Scan & Email: info@kwmp.ca

Get Ready to Rock with Bye Bye Birdie

• WHO: KW Musical Productions
• WHAT: Bye Bye Birdie
• WHEN: February 12th to 21st at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse
• TICKETS: $35 plus HST
• BOX OFFICE: 519-747-7788
• ONLINE: www.kwmp.ca

WATERLOO REGION – Before Beatlemania, before Bieber Fever, came the original rock ‘n’ roll heartthrob, the one and only Conrad Birdie. KW Musical Productions brings you back to the 1950s with the Tony-Award Winning musical comedy Bye Bye Birdie at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse. On stage from February 12th to 21st, this is one musical hit you won’t want to miss.

Bye Bye Birdie centres around rock ‘n’ roll superstar Conrad Birdie (loosely based on Elvis Presley), who, to the dismay of his adoring fans, is about to be drafted into the army by Uncle Sam. Birdie’s manager, Albert, and his secretary/girlfriend, Rosie, cook up a plan to send him off in style with a hit new song and one last kiss from a lucky fan on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” A town full of colourful characters including crazed teenagers, a jealous boyfriend, and spotlight stealing father make for a rollicking good time.

The upbeat score of Bye Bye Birdie features classic songs such as “Put On A Happy Face,” “A Lot of Livin’ To Do,” “The Telephone Hour,” “Kids,” and “One Last Kiss.” Winner of 4 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Bye Bye Birdie will keep you humming these classic tunes for days.

“If you loved Hairspray, you won’t want to miss Bye Bye Birdie,” says John Bigelow, President of KW Musical Productions. “Delightfully humorous and wildly entertaining; this family musical brings you back to a simpler time.”

The story is anchored by Tim Clarke as Conrad’s bumbling manager Albert, the role made famous by Dick Van Dyke. Local jazz singer Rebecca Binnendyk takes on the leading role of his sultry secretary and would-be fiancée Rosie. Binnendyk is well known for her stellar voice and charisma having performed regularly in town at The Jazz Room, as well as in the U.S. and overseas. The show further stars Reuben Eby as the teen idol superstar Conrad Birdie and Sarah Bowman as Kim, the lucky fan who gets to give Birdie one last kiss. Trevor Middleton plays Kim’s boyfriend Hugo, Rob Bridel and Sarah Willett portray her father and mother, and Ryan O’Donnell joins the family as Kim’s little brother Randolph. Other leads include Amy Leis as Kim’s best friend Ursula, Shelagh Ranalli as Mae Peterson, and Amie Debrone as Gloria.

This show features a cast of over 40 local actors including Jocelyn Bannon, Caitlin Bergauer, Conor Bergauer, Nathan Chaytor, Shaylynn Diebolt, Gabe Guerra, Maya Holmes, Charlotte Kingston, Kelsi Knowles, Madeline Lehmann, Kayla Liebig, Ciara Moules, Monika Plauszta, Destiny Rettinger, Hayley Sopik, Ruth Tierney, and Alten Wilmot in the Teen Chorus. Diana Barber, Amy Barber-MacLean, John Bigelow, Steve Brown, Sebastian Mateus, Gabe Namtu, John Payne, Amy Sproule, and Randy Streich round out the talented adult ensemble.

The creative team for Bye Bye Birdie includes Director David Atkins, Music Director Michael Brown and Choreographer Christine Watson. The 1950s set is designed by Samantha Burson with complementary lighting design by Laura Johnson-Sherratt and lavish period costumes designed by Ann MacKenzie. Props created by Claudia Riggi with hair, wigs and make-up by Ene Billings. Nadene Riehl is the Stage Manager with Ian Huggins, and Stephanie Bradshaw as Assistant Stage Managers.

For the past 66 years, KW Musical Productions has given local residents an opportunity to shine both on and offstage. No one in the cast is a professional performer and for the majority of the production team theatre is not their full time job. Having successfully produced over 75 productions since 1948, KWMP continues to stay true to its mandate and provide community members of every age and background the opportunity “to experience and participate in high quality musical theatre.”

“You don’t need to have any experience to be involved with KWMP, just a passion for musical theatre,” says Bigelow. “I encourage anyone who is interested in being involved onstage and off to contact us through our website – we are always happy to welcome new members. Our members not only have a fabulous time putting on shows, but also form lasting friendships.”

Bye Bye Birdie is proudly sponsored by Ottawa Heritage Dental, Swanson’s Home Hardware Building Centre, Rogers Radio Group including 96.7 CHYM FM, 106.7 Country and 570 News, 98.5 CKWR, The Waterloo Region Record, Kitchener Post and the Waterloo Chronicle. One For The Wall Photography is the photography sponsor.

Don’t miss the knee slapping excitement of this smash hit family musical. Bye Bye Birdie is on stage at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse from February 12th to 21st. Tickets are $35 plus HST and can be purchased online at www.kwmp.ca, in person at the Drayton Entertainment Box Office, or by calling 519-747-7788.

For more information please contact:
Brenden Sherratt
Publicist, KW Musical Productions
marketing (at) kwmp.ca
519-591-0095