THIS WEEK WITH MCP ...
NEXT ON STAGE ...
Join us for our 50th Anniversary Fall Show, Escanaba un da Moonlight, performances are September 8th, 9th, 14th, 15th and 16th at 8:00 PM and September 10th at 2:00 PM in the Mason Community Playhouse.
Get your tickets
HERE
!
IN THE NEAR FUTURE ...
W&S/ATP Tennis Parking Fundraiser
August 12th - 20th
MCP Finance Committee
August 14th at 7pm (Virtual)
Trivia Team of Theatre Nerds
August 17th at 7pm
Save the Date
to CELEBRATE
in 2023!
The brothers Soady are at the center of the conflict and the comedy of Escanaba in da Moonlight. The brothers are being portrayed by a relative newcomer to the MCP “stage” and by someone who has been with the group nearly his entire life.
Justin Hanks will be taking on the role of Remnar Soady. Justin comes to us from a recent performance in The Play That Goes Wrong presented by The Story Collective. Though he has not appeared “on stage” with MCP before, he was a member of the cast of Gender Bender 4, which you might remember, was streamed in a video performance in 2020. Often appearing with Loveland Stage Company, he has been a member of the casts of Twelfth Night, Company, and Mission: Possible, for that troupe. For Mariemont Players, he appeared as Royce in Dearly Departed.
No stranger to musical revues, he has numerous credits in that art form with both TSC and LSC. Other theatre credits include Ben Weatherstaff in The Secret Garden, the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz, and lead Ken Gorman in Rumors. Justin is a member of Queen City Vaudevillians, who perform one Saturday a month in tri-state venues.
MCP is thrilled to have this versatile performer in the cast. Justin knows musicals: Justin knows Shakespeare; and most importantly for this show, Justin knows comedy!
Stephen Catlin will be portraying Reuben Soady. Steve’s first appearance with MCP was at age five. Like Justin, he has a gift for both musicals and comedies. He enters rehearsals for Escanaba hot off the closing of MCP’s summer musical Above the Sand. His comedic roles include Jack Worthing in The Importance of Being Earnest, Dr. Evil in Dr. Evil and the Basket of Kittens, and Bernard in Boeing, Boeing. Some of his favorite musical roles include Sister Mary Hubert in Nunsense A-men, Lord Farquaad in Shrek, the Musical, Sir Harry in Once Upon a Mattress, and Perchik in Fiddler on the Roof. Steve is also no stranger to musical revues - book or otherwise - he has appeared in dozens for MCP, including being a member of Traveling Troupe. Steve is also a lighting technician and designer for MCP and a veteran of many stage and set crews over the years. It’s always a good thing when this long-time member is a part of a show.
MCP can’t wait for these two to take the stage. We’re certain they will instigate a great deal of laughter.
For the list of the cast and their roles, visit our web site for all the details HERE! Escanaba in da Moonlight will be performed September 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16 at 8:00 PM and September 10 at 2:00 PM in the Mason Community Playhouse. Tickets are available ... use the link in the NEXT ON STAGE section.
Does the Buck Stop Here?
Director Peyton Hahn and Musical Director Jon Scheiding would like to introduce you to the cast of Gender Bender 5.0 that will be coming to the Playhouse stage this fall. Join us in congratulating the cast; Cathy Alter, Shell Bellamy, Brenden Blackburn, Evan Blanton, Eva Bower, Tim Breithaupt, Mollie Bryson, Kimary Carlson, Issiah Current, Alisha Flaherty, Nicole Forbus, Paula Gerhardt, Tosha Gibson, Lara Gonzalez, Eric Grimm, Paul Henkler, Darien Hewett, Spencer Jones, Lacey Knauer, Holly Kothe, Bri Landrum, Krista Lynn, Amanda Marasch, Lolo Pateras, Mike Pateras, Sadie Petry, Genna Pisano, Giulia Pisano, Charlie Rader, Pia Rader, Niki Rasmussen, Justin Reilmann, Riley Ritze, Gail Rudolph, Gaylene Schumacher, Chris Toney, and Maddie Wilkerson. Gender Bender 5.0 graces the Playhouse stage October 27th, 28th, 29th, and November 3rd, 4th.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY...
Please keep in thought and prayer Gail Rose, Amy Sullivan, and Joel Lind. These members are experiencing some ongoing health issues.
Good thoughts for Susan Berger as she recovers from her recent knee surgery. We are hoping for a complete recovery in a timely manner with no complications.
Please keep in thought and prayer all of those members who are mourning the loss of family and friends, especially Chris Toney, Lara Gonzalez, Mo and Roger Rettig, and David, Kate, and Eva Bower.
And, please keep praying for
Carol Wright,
in her continuing health struggles.
If you know someone hurting, who could use good thoughts or prayers, please let the McPost Staff know and we will share it here.
SEND GOOD THOUGHTS...
TICKETS ON SALE ...
Tickets for all of the remaining shows of the 50th Season are on sale now!
PlayBook 2023
This year's remaining titles and dates are:
No August Gathering
September 27:
The Once and Future King
by T.H. White
October 25:
Cheaper by the Dozen
by Frank Gilbreth
Nov/ Dec TBD:
A Christmas Carol
by Charles Dickens
January 24, 2024:
Gypsy, A Memoir
by Gypsy Rose Lee
The August 50th Anniversary Event is a cookout being hosted at the Tim and Linda Geering Estate, 4052 Royal Dornoch in Mason. It is to honor our association with what we affectionately call "ATP Parking", though that is not the official name. The Geering Estate is just a stone's throw from the infamous North Lot where we will spend those lovely eight days.
The event at the Geerings will begin at shift-end for our very first day of being in the lot. Shift end is 8:00 PM. Our first day? Saturday, August 12th.
Here is the great news: You do not have to be volunteering that day to attend the cookout that evening. Now, that does not mean that we do not need the 27 people to volunteer for that shift, but it does mean that if you are not scheduled for that day but for another date, you can still come and celebrate day-glo vests, walkie-talkies, flags, and wands.
Tim and Linda will provide refreshments. They will be serving steakburgers, meatless burgers, hot dogs, buns, fixins', potato salad, cole slaw, veggie tray, chips, an ice cream bar (with appropriate fixins' for that), soda, juice, wine, and beer! There will be gluten free buns. If you have any other dietary needs, please mention those when your RSVP. Please RSVP by August 9th to Tim by clicking here or look for the event on the McPeeps Facebook page coming soon.
Do you want to help MCP but don't have a lot of time? Can you give one hour three times a year? MCP's Facilities Committee is looking for someone to spray for insects around the Playhouse in early spring, mid-summer, and late fall. We have the sprayer and pesticide. Training will be provided. If you can help, contact Susan Berger. Click here to send her an e-mail.
August 12th is an exciting day in the MCP Pantheon. The afternoon means ATP. The evening means a Cookout. And the morning? Well, it's Coffee Corner, of course. It's nice to have a regular go-to place for our bi-monthly event, but every once in a while, we like to mix it up. On August 12th, you will find the coffee (and whatever other morning beverage you like) at the Muddy Goose Coffee Company, 465 North Main Street, Springboro. Coffee Corner begins at 9:00 AM. This one's for you, Northerners. Come join the fun!
MCP members are performing in a special recital, With String & Pipes, at St. Michael Church, 11144 Spinner Ave, Sharonville, 45241 at 7:30pm on Friday, August 11th, and you are invited.
Instrumentalists include Brian Bisig on piano and organ (one of our veteran musical directors and performers), Michael Bisig on violin (you saw him in All Together Now, with his family)
, Andrew Critzer on trumpet, Alex Geoppinger on flute (you just might recognize that last name, son of Neil and Kelly), Jeremy Helmes on piano, Dominique Tardivon on flute (the dialect coach for Above the Sands ), Isabelle Tardivon on violin, and Lara Gonzalez on viola (MCP Prez). They would love your support!
MCP's 50 for 50 Campaign Needs Your Support!
It cannot be successful without every member helping to promote it. The campaign's goal is to raise $50,000 by December 31st of this year.
You can donate now!
Just click here!
Or make out a check to Mason Community Players for the amount you would like to donate. Be sure to write "50 for 50" on the memo line. You can hand the check to Treasurer Susan Berger or mail it to P.O. Box 300, Mason, OH 45040.
This is not just a fundraiser designed to solicit donations from members. Ask your family and friends to donate. Ask a local business. Remember that we are a 501c3 corporation and the gifts are tax deductible.
This is the YEAR to make the goal! Let's do this!
Don't Miss These MCP Members Appearing in Area Shows:
Darren Lee is the director of The Murder Room with The Drama Workshop. Remaining shows are August 10th at 7:30pm, August 12th at 8pm, and August 13th at 2pm. Tickets are available here!
Are you an MCP member who is participating in a show with another theatre group? Let us know the details by sending an e-mail to this address and we will publish the information here in the newsletter.
We know that it is more than a month away, but it is SO important. It's the 50th Anniversary Gala. Please make sure to mark the evening of September 23, 2023, on your calendar. September 23, 1973 was Opening Night of our first show and we intend to celebrate us 50 years later to the day!
Please schedule your shifts NOW to support MCP's biggest fundraiser - the Western & Southern Open. The event takes place from Saturday, August 12th, through Sunday, August 20th. It requires 2,068 man-hours over 473 shifts for us to fulfill our commitment to this event. But ... as we often say ... there is no other fundraiser we know of that can provide $22,000 for MCP in 8 days!
It only works, though, if we have the people to do the job.
Below is the link to schedule the shifts that you are able to volunteer. You will need to watch four videos produced at the request of the tournament. Those take 22 minutes to view. Please be attentive to the information. Though some of it is outdated, there is a great deal that still applies. The final video is completely up to date. Experienced volunteers are urged to pay special attention to this final video. Once the videos have been viewed, you can sign-up for your shifts right then or later. You might find it more convenient to watch the videos now and sign-up later; there is a button after the videos to schedule your shifts. You can also return to the site, without watching the videos, to make changes to your schedule.
You are able to sign-up now and the site will remain available until August 13th. The passcode is mcp (not case sensitive). If you have any difficulty with sign-up e-mail Laureen Catlin here.
As soon as you know your schedule and can sign up, please do so. It really helps the leadership team to be able to make assignments and, also, to know if there is a need to recruit more volunteers.
Never directed cars with MCP before? Experienced volunteer for ATP who wants to know what's new this year? Just plain curious about what the future will bring because you have heard the news that the tournament will not be in Mason after this year?
Be curious no longer! Join the leadership team virtually at 7:30pm on Tuesday, August 8th, consider attending this virtual "gathering" to learn more. If you are available; we will be having an open-ended discussion of all things parking, view the parking layout at the venue, ask any question, sit and chat about the present and the future. If you will be attending, please E-mail here! And we will make sure you have the link.
Whether this is Year One for you or Year 20, attending one of the gatherings will help you to feel comfortable to support MCP in the best way possible.
MCP will begin its next 50 years in 2024 with:
Proof, directed by Jim Cronin, presented February 24 - March 2
Timeless, A Musical Revue, directed by Kim Toft,
presented April 12 - 20
God's Favorite, directed by Lara Gonzalez, presented June 21 - 29
Schoolhouse Rock Live!, directed by Laureen Catlin,
presented September 6 -14
The Mousetrap, directed by Susan Berger,
presented November 15 -23
Expressing Gratitude...
Thank You ...
... To Brandon Blair, Jess Bunn, Dana Davis, Mike Earach, John Miller, and Sonya Neff, who spent their Sunday morning with outside the theatre to complete the "deconstruction of pallets" project and then worked their way inside to help with the set construction.
... To Jim Cronin, who spent his Sunday morning completing the construction and bracing of the Escanaba set.
... and, as sure as the flow of the tide, Mary Stan Fizer, back out in the sun again this week caring for the landscaping.
When are you sending us your story for 50 for 50? Your story can be funny or inspiring or sweet or proud. It can be from on stage or backstage. It's YOUR story. The only restrictions are no vulgar language and don't hurt others. It is that simple. Share what you have discovered being a part of MCP. Do not make Laureen or Robert or Tess have to write the next story! Get ready, get set, write! Submit your MCP story today via this e-mail!
Warren County's Oldest Continuously Operating
Community Theatre...
One Year on Mason Road,
50 Years in Mason
50 Stories for 50 Years
Me and MCP
By: Pete Padolik
My introduction to MCP was a rather abrupt one. Way back in 2009, my friend and MCP mainstay Mary Taylor sent me an email saying that the keyboard player for the upcoming show, Copacabana, was called away at the last minute, and they were looking for someone to fill in pronto. I thought, this might be fun, so I said, “Why not?” Next thing I know, I have two 2-inch thick music books and find out my first rehearsal is the Tuesday before the show starts! And it’s Barry Manilow, so the key changes are obscene. The first act had numerous scenes where the leads are going around to auditions, so I focused on the songs where I was the audition accompanist.
The second act I just faked. I have to admit that I was a little ill before opening night! OK—more than a little ill. And the fact that the band was up on stage didn’t help. I was concentrating so hard on the music that it wasn’t until the Sunday matinee that I found out who shot Rico! At that point, I was hooked. Somehow I pulled that show off, to the extent I was invited to play in the orchestra again for the next show, which I then did every year until that nasty pointy-headed virus showed up, and then some more after the coast was (sort of) clear. After a while, I started to get sucked in a little more each year, starting as a rehearsal pianist, then vocal director for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, then assistant music director for The Wizard of Oz. I even got to step out from behind the keyboard and show off my vocal and (lack of) dancing skills in the Sweetheart and Love Lost
reviews. My biggest challenge was as music director for Sentimental Journey, where I had to find all the big band music for the songs and then find someone who could actually conduct a big band (thanks Mike!).
Most recently, I served as the music director for the lovely ladies of Nunsense and the even lovelier gentlemen of Nunsense A-men. These shows were particularly rewarding as a) I had my first speaking lines and b) I won my first Orchid!
Even though I have now moved to Anderson, I hope to continue my relationship with the beautiful, talented and gracious people of MCP. I will always cherish the friendships, the making of memorable musicals, and the baking on the ATP parking lot while waving an orange light saber.
ED NOTE: Shown above is Pete in a costume (from Nunsense), something we rarely see. Below are pics of Pete in the midst of Copacabana, of his performances in Sweetheart and Love Lost Revues, and of a few times at the keyboard. Pete has been a part of the orchestra or ensemble for 20+ shows. That combined with his vocal and instrumental direction is why he is the recipient of the Dallas and Helen Bowyer Award!
ACT Cincinnati's
2023-2024 Season
Has Begun
Visit their web site to stay up-to-date with all of the member theatres.
Take a look at the pics from MCP shows that are on the site!
Ohio Community Theatre Association State Conference
Labor Day Weekend
September 1, 2, 3 & 4, 2023
Do you have questions about the organizations to which MCP belongs?
Your questions are welcomed.
The members of the Liaison Committee are the MCPers most familiar with AACT, ACT and OCTA. Please feel free to reach out at any time to Gail Rudolph (committee chair), Laureen Catlin, Lara Gonzalez, Joel Lind, or Mary Taylor.
Plan to Participate in
OCTA State Conference 2023
Register Now for the Early Bird Rate!
It has been a while since the Southwest Region of OCTA, which is MCP's region, has hosted the State Conference. It is a whirlwind weekend of many aspects of theatre.
There are 16 excerpts from 8 regions that have been invited from across the state. Three of those are from our southwest region. This is another great opportunity to see a lot of theatre in just two days. It's entertaining. It gives members of theatres a chance to experience shows that might be of interest to their troupe. It is also a way to assess that a show may not be a good choice for a troupe.
There are workshops. This Conference will be offering a Master Class workshop in singing by Richard Oberacker, who composed the music for the Broadway hit, Bandstand. Anyone is welcome to attend Richard's class and observe his instruction, but if you would actually wish to participate in the class itself and receive instruction from him, there is an audition process. Those who wish to
be a model participant for the Master Class are asked to submit an audition with an introductory slate, a one-minute monologue of your choice, and 16-32 bars of a Musical Theatre piece that best showcases your vocal talent/range.
Click here to submit your audition for that class.
There will be other workshops on preparing for auditions and first rehearsal, writing plays, presenting new works, building sets, adjudicating productions, and designing set decor and props.
There is networking. With this many theatre nerds in one place (attendance had reached more than 500 in the past), there is a lot to be shared just in idle conversation. More than one producer has been able to arrange the loan or rental of a costume, set piece or prop. Many learn tricks of the trade. Everyone loves the immersion in all things theatre.
There are evening activities and late night games that are legendary. It wouldn't be a theatre event without Karaoke, so there is Karaoke. There is an annual Ball with costuming (if you choose) and dancing.
There are weekend long challenges. You can join in the weekend long "Star Search" and collect stars for participation or just because. Daily prizes are awarded for those with the most stars and there is a Grand Prize Weekend Get-a-Way.
The Early Bird Deadline for registration is August 1st. You can register for a day or two days or the whole weekend. Click here to register!
The event is being held at the Eastgate Holiday Inn. Since the Conference is close by, Southwest theatre members have the choice to book a room or travel back and forth from home to the weekend events. Though many of us live close enough to travel back and forth, booking a hotel room makes a lot of sense and helps OCTA to fulfill its room commitment. There are late night activities and parties to attend after midnight. Driving home afterwards might not be the best choice, and who wants to miss all that fun?
Consider staying one, two or three nights.
Make reservations here!
Be sure to change the dates, if you are not staying the whole weekend!
This newsletter will be sent to you each Sunday evening. It is the hope of the leadership of MCP that this will be an easy communication for you to refer to throughout that week and that you will not have as many messages from the group in your inbox over the course of the week. You can always reach out to us at any time with suggestions.
513-398-7804
newsletter@masonplayers.org
www.masonplayers.org
The Mason Community Post is edited by Laureen Catlin with support from Assistant Editor Robert Terry, Staff Writer Tess Catlin, and IT Technician Phil Catlin.