Box Office News - Friday Feb 19, 2010

Old Time Radio Show performs Feb 19-20

The BCT Old Time Radio Troupe returns to the Little Theatre sound stage for "Love is in the Air" - our romance-themed radio show, recreating episodes of The Bickersons, Fibber McGee and Molly, The Radio City Playhouse and the return of our original heroine Franklin Frankie.

Linda Ritsig and Cooper Oliver return as the bickering duo The Bickersons, while Dennis Hoover and Deb Krepps keep us laughing and dodging the "closet chaos" as Molly reminisces over love letters in Fibber McGee and Molly.   Cooper Oliver and Ted Smith are Porter and Thurston, "treating" their wives to the ultimate vacation as they dream of their own.   And Linda Ritsig, Peg Hennessy and Deb Krepps shine in the return of our original series Franklin Frankie, written by Paul Adomites.

Also featuring the voices of Paul Adomites, Andrew Ritsig, Aaron Ritsig, Ray Palmer, with Ed Ramage pulling double duty on the mic and the sound table, with music by Steve Luxbacher. 

Fri Feb 19 and Sat Feb 20 at 8pm in the BCT Little Theatre.  Tickest $7 in advance at http://www.barrowtheatre.com/ or at the door. 

This Week at the BCT

Tonight Feb 16th, 4pm-7pm - join us for a Welcome Reception for the new BCT General Manager Penny Gustavson!   Penny has already started working and we're pleased to welcome her to the Barrow-Civic.    Join us in the BCT Lobby to meet and welcome her.   Light hors'dourves, desserts, punch and cash bar.  Sponsored by Franklin Fine Arts Council, The Terrace Restaurant at The Commons, and the BCT Volunteers and Board of Directors.

Pete Greene has been named director for the summer musical Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.  Pete brings plenty of stage and music experience to the production.  Many of us who have appeared on the BCT stage have worked with Pete before.  He recently music directed Kiss Me, Kate! and stage directed Sound of Music.   We're excited to have Pete on board and look forward to the show.   Visit the show blog at http://scoundrels-bct.blogspot.com/ to stay up to date on the show as we begin work.

The BCT Old Time Radio Troupe peforms Fri and Sat Feb 19-20 at 8pm in the Little Theatre.  Under the direction of Paul Adomites, our annual Love is in the Air show features episodes from Radio City Playhouse, The Bickersons, Fibber McGee and Molly, and the original Franklin Frankie series penned by Paul.   

Auditions for the Miracle Worker are Feb 27 and 28 at 1pm in the Little Theatre.   Directed by Rebecca Christie, all roles are being auditioned.   The poignant story of the teacher Annie Sullivan as she struggles and perseveres to teach blind and deaf Helen Keller culminates in heart-warming moment of realization and hope.   Visit the show blog at http://miracleworker-bct.blogspot.com/ for more information and to download an audition packet.   

BON 2-12-10 and Little Mermaid

Tonight and Tomorrow - Feb 12 at 8pm and Feb 13 at 2pm - don't miss FCOA Youth Theatre's presentation of The Little Mermaid.  On the Main Stage and directed by Martha Heise.   Featuring a cast of over 90 youth from the theatre community.     Tickets available at http://www.barrowtheatre.com/ or through the Box Office.

What's coming up at the Barrow-Civic Theatre?

Cheers Night at Bella Cucina Feb 9.  Stop by for lunch, dinner or drinks - a portion of your bill will go directly to the Barrow-Civic Theatre to support our programs and growth.

The Little Mermaid performs Feb 12 8pm and Feb 13 2pm on the Main Stage.  An FCOA Youth Theatre production directed by Martha Heise.  Visit the show blog HERE.

Old Time Radio voice meeting Feb 15th at 7pm-all are welcome.   Come on, come all to join the Old Time Radio Troupe as we prepare for our "Love is in the Air" show.

Reception for General Manager Penny Gustavson Feb 16th 4-7pm.  Join us in welcoming Penny as she joins the BCT Family.  Sponsored by Franklin Fine Arts Council, The Terrace Restaurant at The Commons, and the BCT Volunteers and Board of Directors.

Old Time Radio Show Feb 19 and 20 at 8...pm in the Little Theatre.   "Love is in the Air" as we feature episodes of the Bickersons, Fibber McGee and Molly, and the return of Franklin Frankie.  Under the direction of Paul Adomites.

Auditions for The Miracle Worker Feb 27 and 28 at 1pm.  The amazing and poignant story of Helen Keller and her teacher Annie Sullivan.  Directed by Rebecca Christie.   Download the audition info packet HERE.

Check out our full schedule of shows and buy tickets at http://www.barrowtheatre.com/

Franklin On Ice

Sat. Feb 6th is Franklin On Ice - don't forget to stop by the Little Theatre where the BCT volunteers (such great people) will be serving Hot Soup, hot chocolate, coffee, and other goodies. Stop in - get some food - get some warmth. We'll see you downtown!

Box Office News February 5, 2010

Blogs for Barrow productions

The theatre has three blogs running right now for it's current and coming shows.

Catch up on the goings on with The Little Mermaid at http://littlemermaid-bct.blogspot.com/   Cast photos, rehearsal schedules, and show information is being posted regularly.

The kickoff show for the 2010 Main Stage Season of Shows also is in the blogosphere.   Pump Boys and Dinettes has just kicked off a blog at http://pumpboys-bct.blogspot.com/ and director Laurajane Stone will be adding more updates and show information soon.

Just opened on the blogosphere is the BCT show blog for The Miracle Worker at http://miracleworker-bct.blogspot.com/.  Directed by Rebecca Christie, regular updates to this blog will begin soon.

Stay on top of all our current production through the show blogs, the main theatre blog at http://barrowcivic.blogspot.com/, our website at http://www.barrowtheatre.com/ and our Facebook page for Barrow-Civic Theatre.

Cast Announcement for Pump Boys and Dinettes

FCOA is pleased to announce the cast for the upcoming musical Pump Boys and Dinettes, directed by Laurajane Stone on the Main Stage of the Barrow-Civic Theatre.

In roles are of the Cupp sisters Rhetta and Prudie are Suzi Beach and Sara Toombs, with Geralyn McMullen playing Mona.  

The Pump Boys will be portrayed by Jimmy Helmetzi (Jim), Brett Sloan (LM), Denny Butler (Eddie) and Richard Roberts (Jackson).

Stage manager is Ben Bodamer with technical assistance from Carissa McClintock and Lisa Harry.

Show dates for Pump Boys and Dinettes are March 5 , 6, 12 and 13 at 8:00pm and 14th at 2:00pm.  

An Opening Night reception, sponsored in part by the Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts, will feature a host of bluegrass music and hors' dourves for those attending the March 5 performance.  

Tickets are available online at http://www.barrowtheatre.com/ or through the Box Office.

Part of the FCOA 2010 Season of Shows.

2010 Season Brochure available

The 2010 Season Brochure mailed yesterday to our patrons and friends of the theatre.   The brochure details our main stage Season of Shows, including TILT and Youth Theatre.  You can order season ticket packages and become a Patron, Sponsor or Angel of the theatre.   

Our thanks to Steve Smith for the design work and Seneca Printing Express for the printing and all the extra help.  

You can also download the brochure if you like by clicking HERE.   (it is a larger file).   

Season and individual tickets can be purchased online at www.barrowtheatre.com or by calling the Box Office.

From everyone at the theatre, thank you for your support and see you in the seats!

LIberty Cabaret Shines for Two More Shows

The Liberty Cabaret closes this coming weekend with its final two shows.  Starring Rosie Petulla, Bret Sloan, Katie Kirby-Rogers, Marc Holland, Janelle Chambers, Peg Hennessy, Bill Hennessy, Carissa McClintock, Bryon Gable and Ted Smith, with music direction by Tammi Dahl and accompaniment by Kristen Criado.

Liberty Cabaret features old standards, Broadways hits and a couple of surprises sure to delight the crowd.   Part of the 2010 TILT Dinner Theatre Series, with catering by the Uptown Bistro.

Get tickets online at http://www.barrowtheatre.com/ or through the Box Office.   Tickets available for Friday January 29th - Saturday January 30th is SOLD OUT.   

Don't Wait until the last minute - ticket sales close at Noon on Friday Jan 29 and you will be missed if you don't get your tickets now.

All photos credited to WestPA Magazine, Stephen and Beth West, http://www.westpamag.com/

New General Manager hired for BCT

January 22, 2010
Franklin, PA---Barrow-Civic Theatre Names New Manager

Penny Gustavson has been named the new general manager of the Barrow-Civic Theatre. The announcement was made today by Ted Smith, of the Franklin Civic Operetta Board of Directors.

“Penny comes to us with 13 years experience at the Titusville Council on the Arts. During her tenure, the organization experienced major growth in funding and programming, and we look forward to having her at the helm of the Barrow,” said Smith.

Gustavson's start date at the Barrow is set for February 1st.

A Titusville native, Penny has also developed numerous successful arts and community programs, fundraisers and an extensive Arts and Education program through the Titusville Area School District.

“I am so excited to have this new opportunity to use my ideas and skills in managing and developing this beautiful theatre,” said Gustavson.  “I have been here many times, as an audience member, and also in organizing programs in conjunction with other Franklin agencies. I have always been amazed at the jewel that you have here in the Barrow, and the wonderful supportive community,” she continued.

Gustavson holds a certificate in Non-Profit Management from the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville as well as certificates in Computer Small Systems Specialist and Video Production both from the Harry T. Kerr Center in Titusville. While at UPT, she was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Gustavson also serves as a PA State Representative on arts advocacy through the Americans for the Arts, who meet annually with Congress in Washington D.C. to lobby for arts funding. She is a member of the PA
Presenters Board of Directors dedicated to presenting the performing arts and serving presenters throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and as a grant review panelist on both the Erie and Venango County
Pennsylvania Partners on the Arts panels. Additionally, she serves on the Titusville Community Council Board of Directors and the Titusville Oil 150 Committee.

Penny is married to Gary Gustavson and has two children Heath Bromley and his wife Brandy of Oil City PA and Courtney DeDionisio, her husband Tony and her grandson, Michael of Erie, PA. She is the daughter of
Clarence and Carolyn Bromley of Titusville.

Box Office News Jan 22, 2010

FCOA Annual Meeting

Franklin Civic Operetta Association will hold its annual meeting on January 25 at 5:30pm in the BCT Little Theatre.    The annual meeting is open to the public and they are invited to attend.

The 2009 financial and business review will be shared.   New and returning board members will also be elected.   

Monday January 25th - 5:30pm - BCT Little Theatre

Box Office News for January 15, 2010

Little Mermaid Cast Announced

The cast for Youth Theatre’s production of The Little Mermaid has been announced,

Anemone “The Little Mermaid” – Kate Ditzenberger and Prince Theodore – David Zlotnicki

Mermaid Sisters (Oldest to Youngest): Rachel Wheeler (Shelly), Leisel Kober (Pearly), Anne Marie Hutchinson (Misty), Anna Wilson (Sandy), Evelyn Sopher (Bubbly)

Clem Clam – Madeline Keenan; Sea-Witch – Abby Larimore; SeaWeed – Morgan Shingledecker and Lauren Varsek; RipTide – Sammi Raybuck; Rips – Rachel Anderson, Lucy Hutchinson, Jessica Wilson; ZipTide – Amber Culver; Zips – Quinn Adams, Shannon Hingl, Beth Pfohl; Queen Neptune – Patricia Rende; Grandmother – Alyssa Zlotnicki; Georgina – Bridget Carter; Clara – Jordyn Plymire; Pierre – Lane Behe; Borgy – Stephen Dennis; Prince’s First Mate – Jenny Wiliams

Sailors: Seth Thompson, Nick Dobson, Logan Painter, Will Heller, Tyler Lyons, Reagan Scott, Grace Kellner, Katie Lawson, Elizabeth Fox, Kristine Hartle

Minister/Sailor – Connor Kingdom

Wedding Guests: Katelyn Clowes, Madison Dashner, Kylie Doctor, Devin Green, Sam Feely, Kaitlyn Kline, Jocelyn Sauer, Erika Scott, Katie Shulik, Nicole Way, Bethany Weingard

Sea Animals/Fish: Anjali Asche, Maya Asche, Tifany Berry, Bailey Cassidy, Alex Dashner, Maddy Deemer, Amanda Espy, Carly Ghering, Kelsey Ghering, Sarah Handy, Kylie Hicks, Heather Hondel, Sadie Horner, Sophie Horner, Rachel Howard, Rebecca Jordan, Reagan Lashinsky, Tina Krizon, Rachael McCauley, Kate McDonald, Ashlyn Nelson, Courtney Novak, Sophia Santee, Caroline Stevens, Allye Tenney, Katherine Thompson, Madison Vogan, Jayne Wolbert, Michelle Yasenka

Technical Crew (Back stage, Lights, Sound, special effects): Tim Dennis, Leah Fox, Sam Greene, Rachelle Heasley, Jim Heasley, Megan Kline, Andrew Krizon, Veronika Lamphere, Melinda Madden, Chloe Nelson, Christine Painter, Daniel Pratt, Aaron Ritsig, Andrew Ritsig, Will Thompson.

The Little Mermaid performs Feb 12 at 8pm and Feb 13 at 2pm at the Barrow-Civic Theatre, under the direction of Martha Heise.  Tickets available online at http://www.barrowtheatre.com/ or at the Box Office, 814-437-3440 or 800-537-7769.  A Youth Theatre Producion of Franklin Civic Operetta Association.

AUDITION CALL - PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES

Now calling all interested actor/musicians for the first FCOA Main Stage Production of 2010-Pump Boys and Dinettes. 

Auditions to be held Jan 17-2pm & Jan 25-7pm

Use BCT Side Alley Door

Roles for 4 men and 2 women for this Country Music/Classic Americana show. Please come with a prepared audition piece-an accompanist will be provided.

Male singers also need to play an instrument (guitar, piano or bass). Singers who cannot play an instrument will be considered.

Show dates are March 5-6 & 12-14.  Directed by Laura Jane Stone

The pump boys sell high octane on Highway 57 in Grand Ole Opry country and the dinettes, Prudie and Rhetta Cupp, run the Double Cupp diner next door. Together they fashion an evening of country western songs that received unanimous raves on and off Broadway. They perform on guitars, piano, bass and, yes, kitchen utensils.  "A gasser ... with buoyant, earthy humor" says the N.Y. Daily News.

Box Office News

2010 Tickets on Sale Now!

Individual tickets for the FCOA Main Stage Season of Shows, the Radio Shows, the Liberty Cabaret and more are now on sale at http://www.barrowtheatre.com/ or at the Box Office.

Get your seats now for upcoming shows like the TILT dinner theatre Liberty Cabaret, featuring a group of local performers singing old favorites and broadway standards.    Don't miss out on The Little Mermaid in February, Pump Boys and Dinettes in March, The Miracle Worker in April/May, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels in July, and Peter Pan at Applefest.   

Also don't miss FCOA's premier presentation of the holiday classic White Christmas in December.   Theatre in the Little Theatre (TILT) presents a slate of dinner theatre productions this year with the Liberty Cabaret in January, Deathtrap in June and The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie in November.

The BCT Old Time Radio Show returns with three performances with Love is in the Air in February, Tales for your Taste Buds in August, and Scare is in the Air in October.   

And don't forget - season tickets for the main stage are also available!

Tickets are available online at http://www.barrowtheatre.com/ or by calling the Box Office at 814-437-3440 or 800-537-7769 Tue-Fri, 10am-4:30pm