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Posted on: November 8th, 2015 by KW Musical Productions
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.
Posted on: October 14th, 2015 by KW Musical Productions
From Amanda Kind
Broadway Our Way Project Manager (and KWMP Enthusiast!)
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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
Posted on: June 25th, 2015 by KW Musical Productions
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
Posted on: May 17th, 2015 by KW Musical Productions
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
Posted on: January 27th, 2015 by KW Musical Productions
- 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
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Rebecca Binnendyk as Rosie and Tim Clarke Albert
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Sarah Bowman as Kim and Reuben Eby as Conrad Birdie
Posted on: September 23rd, 2014 by KW Musical Productions
Many of you may have noticed the recent media coverage about the Centre In The Square. Over the last two years the Centre In The Square has gone through substantial organizational changes in order to streamline their business, including increasing their rental rates for community groups. With so much competition for entertainment dollars in Waterloo Region, the Centre In The Square faces the same financial challenges as most not-for-profit arts organizations in the country. We have encountered many of the same hurdles and can appreciate their situation.
KWMP has produced musicals at the Centre In The Square since 1980. Over the last five years, our sales for shows at that venue have declined substantially due to the rising costs and the number of seats in the theatre that must be sold in order to reach our budget threshold. After disappointing sales for Anne of Green Gables last fall, the Board of Directors made the difficult decision not to renew our annual contract. We are extremely proud of our 34 years at this world class venue, but we must be financially prudent in order to preserve the legacy of our organization.
Over the last few months, the Board of Directors has diligently explored other venue options. It is with great excitement that we formally announce our plan for the coming Season. As many of you know, rehearsals have already begun for The Drowsy Chaperone which will be produced at The Registry Theatre from November 6 to 15, 2014. We are very excited that longtime performer Eric Da Costa will step behind-the-scenes to direct this fun-filled comedic production. Eric was part of our mentorship program as the Assistant Director for Anne of Green Gables last fall. It’s exciting to see him take the next step and be at the helm of a production.
Earlier this year, we had the great fortune of returning to the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse after a seven year hiatus. Our production of The Full Monty, staged in February, was a bit of an experiment to see if we could produce larger scale musicals in this venue. The Full Monty was a critical and financial success paving the way for a new vision for KWMP.
Our major musical for the coming Season will be Bye Bye Birdie presented at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse from February 12 to 21, 2015. We anticipate a cast size of around 40-50 people, so although our big musical will not be quite as large as it was at the Centre In The Square, there will still be plenty of cast and crew positions available for aspiring artists on stage and off. David Atkins and Michael Brown will return as Director and Music Director, and Christine Watson, who choreographed The Full Monty will join their ranks as Choreographer.
This season was full of new projects – we undertook our first fundraiser in May and it was a rousing success both artistically and financially. We have decided to make this an annual event and look forward to the return of Broadway Our Way next spring, which will be extended over two weekends from May 21-30, 2015. We will produce the fundraiser at our building on Shaftsbury Avenue – this is the first time we will have produced a show in our own space and we look forward to that exciting challenge. Please watch for our call for volunteers in early 2015.
We know that change can be unsettling, but we want to assure you that the organization you know and love will continue to produce high quality musical theatre and provide opportunities for the community to be involved at all levels. The big bonus here is the reduction in ticket prices – you’ll notice that all our shows are now under $40 before tax. We are thrilled that our musicals are more affordable than ever.
The Board of Directors is confident that the changes to the venues and structure of our Season will maintain the vitality of our community theatre organization for generations to come. In closing, we invite you to become a member and reconnect with the KWMP family. Whether you were involved last season, or haven’t been a member for years, we want you to be part of the 2014/2015 Season. KWMP is built by and for the membership. Email us at info@kwmp.ca to renew your membership today.
John Bigelow
President
Posted on: June 12th, 2014 by KW Musical Productions
KWMP is looking for a number of volunteers to help bring its production of The Drowsy Chaperone to life. If you’ve ever wanted to be a part of a KWMP production, or are wondering what happens behind the scenes to make these shows happen, this is your opportunity! This is also a great opportunity for High School students looking to complete their volunteer hours.
See the volunteer positions PDF for details on all the volunteer positions we have available.
Posted on: June 12th, 2014 by KW Musical Productions
CALL for AUDITIONS for KWMP’s The Drowsy Chaperone, on stage at the Registry Theatre November 6-15
General Information
Audition Requirements
- Please fill out and print this audition form to bring to your audition. Please bring a head and shoulders photo to attach to your audition form
- Please come prepared with 16-32 bars of two contrasting musical theatre pieces, one being in the style of the show (but not from the show). You may be asked for one or both. You may bring sheet music (a pianist will be present) or an MP3 of the instrumental music to accompany you. You may bring an accompanist if you so choose
- Movement/dance will be a component of the callbacks
- Lead roles, then named roles, then ensemble will be notified within three days. All auditionees should be notified by July 15th
Video Auditions
- Video auditions will be accepted from those who are unable to attend one of the audition evenings, but must be received before July 7. A video should include both styles of songs and evidence of movement/dance ability (YouTube links are acceptable). Please send to auditions@kwmp.ca; include the completed audition form and a digital photo in your email
Cast Requirements
- Cast are expected to learn parts before September 4 (subject to change). Costumes and sets may begin in intervening months. Individual and/or group dance , and/or vocal rehearsals may occur over summer at the discretion and availability of cast and Directors
- All cast will be required to purchase a membership ($25), a script ($10) and provide a $50 cheque as deposit toward production hours (refunded on completion of 10 hours)
Important Production Dates and Times
- Rehearsals: begin September 4th and run Thursdays from 6:30pm to 10pm, and Sundays from 1pm to 10pm (optional Wednesdays if needed for choreography or leads dependent on availability of space and at discretion of directors)
- Load in/ set-up at The Registry Theatre: Nov 2
- Tech/dress: Nov 3, 4, 5
- Performances: November 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15 (Matinee), 15
Book your audition now!
Posted on: April 30th, 2014 by KW Musical Productions
KWMP is now accepting applications for the creative teams for their next two shows: The Drowsy Chaperone and Bye Bye Birdie. All applications must be received by May 10, 2014. Audition information will be posted at a later date.
A breakdown of responsibilities for the various creative team positions can be found at this link: Creative Team Descriptions
Posted on: March 3rd, 2014 by KW Musical Productions
Join us as we celebrate KWMP’s 65-year history and look towards a bright future! Enjoy performances of some of the biggest Broadway hits as well as some undiscovered gems by contemporary composers. This event includes live entertainment, cash bar, silent auction, and door prizes… all in support of KW Musical Productions, Waterloo Region’s premiere community theatre company and one-of-a-kind training ground for aspiring performers. Buy your tickets here.
