Murder, Mayhem and Musical Comedy! Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd opens January 6th at the 24th Street Theatre
January 6-29, 2006
Fridays and Satrudays at 8 p.m. Sundays at 2 p.m.
Directed by Bob Baxter
Musical Direction by David Vickerman
Vocal Direction by Maggie Hollinbeck
Choreography by Tiffany Hurley and Kari Pruitt
Lyrics by: Stephen Sondheim
Music by: Stephen Sondheim
Book by: Hugh Wheeler
Based on a version of Sweeney Todd by Christopher Bond
Includes the songs "Not While I'm Around," "Pretty Women,"
and "A Little Priest."
Sweeney Todd premiered on Broadway in 1979. It was a major success, capturing eight Tony Awards. Based on Christopher Bond's retelling of the Victorian pennydreadful The String of Pearls, this musical tells the tale of Sweeney Todd, a murderous barber, and his partner in crime, Nellie Lovett, a baker who disposes of the bodies by baking them into her pies. Meanwhile, Anthony Hope, a sailor who saved Todd's life, falls in love with Todd's estranged daughter, Johanna, who is being brought up as the ward of the twisted Judge Turpin.
Ray Fisher, (Sweeney) as comfortable on the musical theater stage as he is on the opera stage brings his amazing vocal talents to this production. You may remember Ray as Oscar from “The Odd Couple.” Here’s a side of him you 
may never forget. Nellie Lovett, is played by Ruth Phillips. Many of you may remember her hilarious portrayal of the spinster nursemaid in our recent production of “The Pirates of Penzance.” Scott Woodard, Anthony Hope, is a new face to RSP. Scott’s handsome looks and solid tenor voice make him the perfect Anthony. Returning to the RSP stage is Buffee Ann Gillihan, as the tormented Johanna. (Marian in “The Music Man.”) Other favorite performers appearing in this production are Craig Howard (La Cage Aux Folles) Maggie Hollinbeck (Into the Woods) and Chris Scarberry (Victor/Victoria).Other Sondheim musicals:
- West Side Story
- Gypsy (October 19 - November 3, 2001)
- A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (October 24 - November 16, 2003)
- Into the Woods (October 1 - October 24, 2004)
- Company
Don’t miss Sweeney Todd, opening January 6th for a limited four week engagement. Get your tickets today on-line at www.runawaystage.com or by calling the box office at 916-206-2466. Theatre tickets make a great holiday gift and gift certificates are available now, so don’t forget your favorite theatre lover with a gift of great theatre at RSP!
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It’s a New Year, Prepare for the Stage with these Great Workshops!
In an effort to continue to educate and improve the artistic process RSP is dedicating February as education and training month. RSP will offer four specific workshops to actors and performers in the Sacramento area. These workshops are only presented on a very limited basis so please take advantage of this opportunity to participate in these valuable workshops.
Runaway Stage Productions is pleased to announce that registration is now open for a series of adult workshops for musical theatre. These classes will be offered on a first-come first-served basis and there is a limited enrollment offered for each workshop.
All classes will take place at the RSP Studio (2424 Castro Way, Sacramento). The fee for each class is $30 per participant.
To register please provide the following information:
Name:
Address:
Phone Number:
E-mail:
Credit Card Number and expiration date:
Class name and date:
RSP accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and personal checks for all registration fees. Registration is open until January 16, 2006. Classes are open to everyone 16 years of age and older. Register early to secure space in the workshop of your choice.
Workshops Offered:
CHARACTER ANALYSIS
Instructor: Bob Baxter, Producing Director
Saturday, February 4, 2006 3-5 p.m.
Character Analysis sounds pretty imposing doesn’t it? Well, it isn’t. When you’ve learned how to do it, it’s fun. It’s also hard work, but it’s satisfying and creative hard work that will make you the exciting actor you want to be. With character analysis you are the private detective! With this training it will make it possible for you to find the information you need form the script. With Character Analysis you get to know the character you’re presenting to the audience. You have all the information you need to make your decisions as an actor. This class will work on scenes and develop the analysis as a group on a two person scene. With a strong character analysis memorization and natural fact based acting comes so much easier. Understand unspoken ideas, facts, logical assumptions and ideas.
Instructor Bob Baxter is a member of SAG, EQUITY, multiple Elly award winning director and former staff director for Film Industry Workshops, Inc. (FIWI) in Studio City, California.
Registration fee: $30 per participant. Class limited to 20 participants. Age: 16 and above are welcome.
COLD READING CRAFT
Instructor: Bob Baxter, Producing Director
Saturday, February 11, 2006 3-5 p.m.
The purpose of a reading is to give the person you’re reading for (agent, casting director, director or producer) the information they need to make their decision about either representing you or hiring you for the part. This workshop will teach the skills needed in auditions (for television, film and stage) for the actor to work with scripts and other written materials that they encounter in the audition process. Actors will learn how to handle, manipulate and work with the paper in their hands and not let it steal their audition. They will learn skills that will help them work with other actors on stage or in a reading, and the tricks of the trade to make the best first impression and show off their talents as a professional actor. In addition, there will be a section of the class devoted to the resume and how it speaks for the actor before the actor speaks. (Instructor:
Instructor Bob Baxter is a member of SAG, EQUITY, multiple Elly Award winning director and former staff director for Film Industry Workshops, Inc. (FIWI) in Studio City, California.
Registration fee: $30 per participant. Class limited to 20 participants. Age: 16 and above are welcome.
DANCE FOR MUSICAL THEATRE
Instructor: Tiffany Hurley, RSP Staff Chorographer
Saturday, February 11, 2006 1 – 3 p.m.
In this workshop, participants will learn how to prepare properly for a dance audition (for example Guys and Dolls Auditions are February 26 & 27th), however, this workshop will be applicable to any audition for musical theatre. Learn combinations that are typical of a musical theatre dance audition, how to present yourself, communication with the choreographer, appropriate attire and how to show yourself to the best of your ability. Everyone can learn something to help develop their skills and prepare better for an audition. Auditions are your few minutes to show what you can do, and this workshop will make those few minutes count, helping you to demonstrate your abilities and talents.
Registration fee: $30 per participant. Class limited to 20 participants. Age: 16 and above are welcome.
BOB FOSSE STYLE INTENSIVE MASTER CLASS (INTERMEDIATE LEVEL)
Instructor: Darryl Strohl
Saturday, February 4, 2006 1 – 3 p.m.
The workshop will begin with a thorough isolation warm-up, building to some of Fosse's signature stylistic poses and moves. More complex dance vocabulary will follow, culminating in the reconstruction of a piece or two from a Fosse show (i.e., All That Jazz or The Hot Huny Rag from Chicago, Big Spender or The Rich Man's Frug from Sweet Charity, or Mein Herr from Cabaret).
Darryl Strohl has danced with the VA Ballet Theatre (The Nutcracker (Russian, Snow cavalier, u/s Sugar Plum cavalier) and Cinderella (Step Mother)), and the VA Musical Theatre, (Gregory Gardner in A Chorus Line with original Michael Bennett staging and choreography), Brigadoon, Good News, and The King & I), VA Opera (La Traviata, The Merry Widow, Don Giovanni, Romeo et Juliette, Turandot, Carmen, The Mikado, The Marriage of Figaro, Otello, La Traviata, and Don Pasquali). While performing with VA Opera, Darryl grew musically by cantoring and directing the choir for his church. Community theatre credits include: Love! Valor! Compassion! (Buzz Hauser) and choreographing and performing in Chicago, Sweet Charity, West Side Story, Nunsense, Oklahoma, Little Shop of Horrors, Grease, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, 42nd Street, Anything Goes, Pirates of Penzance, South Pacific, Big River, Bye Bye Birdie, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (director), and Fame (asst director). Darryl has conducted several Master classes on his favorite choreographer: Bob Fosse. The Fosse style is a difficult one to master, as it draws heavily on isolations and technique which often runs counter to classical ballet principles. Darryl honed his Fosse skills through extensive study of archival videos of Fosse musicals, working on Fosse musicals, and participating in master classes with Anne Reinking and Dana Moore (dancers who worked extensively with the choreographer.)
Registration fee is $30 per participant. Class limited to 20 participants. Age: 16 and above are welcome. However this master class is targeted to intermediate level dancers.
ACTING AUDITIONS FOR MUSICAL THEATRE
Instructor: Bob Baxter, Producing Director
Sunday, February 5, 2006 3-5 p.m.
In this workshop, participants will learn how to prepare properly for an audition (Guys and Dolls Auditions are February 26 & 27th), however, this workshop will be applicable to any audition for musical theatre. Learn how to present your self at a cold/warm reading for a musical comedy, how to present that scene and how to show yourself to the best of your ability. Everyone can learn something to help develop their skills and prepare better for an audition. Auditions are your few minutes to show what you can do, and this workshop will make those few minutes count, helping you to demonstrate your abilities and talents.
Instructor Bob Baxter is a member of SAG, EQUITY, multiple Elly Award winning director and former staff director for Film Industry Workshops, Inc. (FIWI) in Studio City, California.
Registration fee: $30 per participant. Class limited to 20 participants. Age: 16 and above are welcome.
SINGING MUSICAL AUDITION WOKSHOP
Instructor: Ray Fisher, Musical Contractor
Date and time TBA, but is anticipated in early February
In this workshop, participants will learn how to prepare properly for an audition (Guys and Dolls Auditions are February 26 & 27th), however, this workshop will be applicable to any audition for musical theatre. Learn how to select a song appropriate for your voice, how to present that song and how to show yourself to the best of your ability. Everyone can learn something to help develop their skills and prepare better for an audition. Auditions are your few minutes to show what you can do, and this workshop will make those few minutes count, helping you to demonstrate your abilities and talents.
Instructor: Ray Fisher is a Grammy nominated performer and RSP staff Vocal Director.
Registration fee: $30 per participant. Class limited to 20 participants. Age: 16 and above are welcome.
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All The World Is A Stage, But Why Not Join Us Performing On Our Stage!
Calling all Performers…
Runaway Stage Productions is looking for performers for the following upcoming productions:
Upcoming Auditions: Baby – The Hilarious Broadway Musical
Auditions: January 8th & 9th
7 p.m. - RSP Studio (2424 Castro Way, Sacramento)
Audition Criteria is available at the RSP Website: www.runawaystage.com
Perusal Scripts (Libretto) and Vocal Books will be available on December 21st. Scripts will be available at 5:30 p.m. There are a limited number of scripts available for check out so it will be on a first come, first served, basis. Check-out procedures for these books will be as follows:
- All books must be returned by Wednesday, January 4th in preparation for the auditions.
- There will be a $10 dollar deposit on each book (payable by cash, check or credit card slip) and will be credited towards the replacement of the book if not retuned by 5 p.m. on 1/4/06).
Directed by Bob Baxter
Musical Direction by Steve David
Vocal Direction by Ray Fisher
Choreography by Tiffany HurleyBy Sybille Pearson, Music by David Shire,
Lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr.
A delightfully up to date musical comedy about the joys and perils of parenting. Three couples struggle with the responsibilities, complications, and comedy of having babies. One young unmarried couple - he a punk rocker and she a feminist, a 30-something couple having difficulty getting pregnant, and an older couple who celebrate their last child going away college only to discover they have a surprise on the way, share the trials and tribulations of parenthood. Warm and witty, Baby is comedy "in the family way!"
Surprise! You're pregnant! Exciting news for thirty-somethings Pam and Nick; overwhelming news for unmarried college students Lizzie and Danny; and downright shocking news for Arlene and Alan, middle-aged parents of three grown daughters. Packed with laughter, warmth and insight, Baby moves beyond mood swings and labor pains in a celebration of life—and the challenges of creating it.
Director’s Note: Baby is a cast of 15, not 6 as many feel the show is, in addition to the six leads there are parts for 5 women in the ensemble who play multiple parts as well as 4 additional men who also play multiple parts.
Principle Breakdown:
ALAN, 48, older man, a college administrator
ARLENE, 48, his wife with a new empty nest
DANNY, 20, young idealistic musician, tenor
LIZZIE, 20, young independent student
NICK, 30, a coach
PAM, 30, a coach, a bit neurotic
The True Tale of the Big Bad Wolf
An original musical retelling from the Wolf's point of view!
Music and Script by Ray Fisher
Two Performances each Saturday: March 4, 11 & 18
Auditions: Wednesday, January 11, 2006
All roles are open (ages 16 to adult). For audition information visit our website at www.runawaystage.com and click on "Auditions.
There’s still time to become an official “RSP Partner” for the exciting 2006 Season!
As you know, Runaway Stage Productions is a non-profit Community Theatre Company who has been providing high quality theatre entertainment for eight years in the Sacramento area. What began as a one-time only show in 1997 has turned into a year round operation, producing Broadway-style productions, Storybook Children's Theater, delighting children of all ages and Youth Musical Theater Workshops providing performing arts education for hundreds of area youth.
RSP produces some of the highest quality theater in the Sacramento area as evidenced by increased performance attendance and multiple Elly nominations and Awards from the Sacramento Area Regional Theater Alliance (SARTA).
However, we are at a critical point in RSP history. The cost of producing quality theatre has increased dramatically over the last couple of years, and we are experiencing financial difficulty in delivering the superior theatrical productions our patrons enjoy and have afforded us recognition in the theatre community. RSP has relied solely on ticket sales and occasional individual donations to provide the necessary operational revenue. And in support of our #1 objective to provide the best possible live theatre entertainment that can be enjoyed by the entire community, we strive to keep our ticket prices affordable for our diverse patron base. Additionally, we continue to evaluate our budget management guidelines ensuring that we are operating at the most resourceful and efficient costs possible. However, we are still faced with the significant challenge to keep the “Stage Door” open at RSP.
How can you help? You can become an RSP “Partner” by making a tax deductible donation of $50.00 or more as described below. In return, we are offering complimentary tickets, recognition in our playbills, etc. Moreover, we are seeking “Sponsors” to help underwrite our productions. If you own or work for a business that is supportive of the Arts, please ask if they will help with a grant to cover some of the expenses of producing a Broadway Style Musical. The business or individual will receive full recognition in our playbills, banners, advertising, etc., giving them great visibility in the community. In an average season, RSP reaches over 10,000 people!
Thank you for your support and look forward to seeing you at the 24th Street Theatre!!
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Calling all dashing Knights and Ladies . . . King Arthur is about to enter into the Realm of Runaway Stage and you don't want to be left out!! Come and see if you can pull the sword from the stone yourself!! Find out if the dastardly dragon ever gets his fill of gnomes! Will Lady Rowena and Lady Guinevere every find their true loves? What about that dashing and debonair French knight, Sir Galahad? Will Merlin and Kay, the squire, turned mouse, ever succeed in seeing Arthur to his rightful place at the roundtable? And no story is complete without an evil villain and ours is Morgan Le Fey, and is she mean with a capital M!! 
Get your special someone a night out at the theatre! RSP has gift certificates good for any denomination and are available by calling the box office at 916-207-1226 or send the box office an e-mail at boxoffice@runawaystage.com and request yours today! We accept all major credit cards and this is an easy way to show someone you care this holiday season. These gift certificates are good for any tickets to any of our great shows – Broadway Shows, Storybook Children’s Theatre Shows, Youth Musical Theatre Workshop Shows, or even a tuition for that special child who wants to join the next workshop, the possibilities are endless so don’t miss out on this easy way to give the gift of entertainment!
RSP has now upgraded our website with a new page! 
RSP is looking for input from you, our friends and patrons, on what you think of RSP. Applying for grants and funding opportunities is always a difficult project, and RSP is always working on these endeavors, so we are looking to you, our friends and patrons, to help with some information. Funding organizations are always looking to see how a program impacts the people who access the services it provides, so we are asking you to share your thoughts. If you have had an experience that has touched you, or someone you know, please let us know. We are looking for any stories or thoughts you may have had about the work that RSP does. So whether you have seen a show that you thought was well done, or if you have been involved in our YMTWs or if you just would like to send a letter of support please feel free, we would love to hear from you. In addition, if there is something that you feel we could work on, or if there is a concern you have please also feel free to send that along with your thoughts. Please be sure to include your name and contact information along with your letter. We appreciate your support for our work and we hope that with your help we can achieve some additional funding and be able to continue to produce the best community theatre around.