OPEN HOUSE!

Monday, May 14, 2012
7:00pm at the DTC Firehouse

Located at 1948 Oak Park Blvd.
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

Meet the summer instructors and learn about the Performing Arts Academy programs and training opportunities. The Performing Arts Academy is open to ages 7-30 and all skill levels.

*Free Food and Beverages
*Drama Games, Discounts, and Take-Aways!

For more information, contact Brittany Danielle at brittany@diablotheatre.org or (925) 262-2138.

Amber….Haylee Cooper & Emma Covington

Corny Collins…Marcus Lance & Nick McKenna

Edna…Jacob Judd

Female Authority Figure…Sarah Mori & Halia Roth

Lil’ Inez…Nina Hernandez & Mallory Weberski

Link…Tony Conaty & Braden Sweeney

Male Authority Figure…Alex Hernandez & Miguel Lukban

Motormouth…Idara Akpakpa & Elecia Tyson

Penny…Harleigh Ford & Brianna Gohranson

Seaweed…James Higgins & Jeremiah Poti

Tracy…Teresa Moore & Shelby Stewart

Velma…Shelby Olsen & Abby Woodman

Wilbur…Nicholas Crossen & Jackson Perkins

Dynamites…Rebecca Brown, Jordan Dong, Madi Kay, Gabriella Marchion, Tracy Sokat

Vanessa Anderson – Corny Collins Kids/Ensemble
Kai Baines – Corny Collins Kids/Ensemble
Sophia Blake – Corny Collins Kids/Ensemble
Lucy Clearwater – Ensemble
Giana Gambardella – Ensemble
Emily Jones – Corny Collins Kids/Ensemble
Cailin Luneburg – Ensemble
Laura Means – Ensemble
Erin Morrissey – Corny Collins Kids/Ensemble
Jenna Nilson – Ensemble
Angie Pardini – Corny Collins Kids/Ensemble
Erin Schoemann – Ensemble
Stella Vaisima – Ensemble
Alexandra Young – Ensemble
Victoria Young – Ensemble
Molly Zeiger – Corny Collins Kids/Ensemble
Andrew Alcaraz – Ensemble
Aaron Bertucio – Corny Collins Kids/Ensemble
Dane Colunga – Ensemble
Ken Davis – Ensemble
Wesley Enos – Corny Collins Kids/Ensemble
Angel Fletes – Ensemble
Dominic Heiden – Ensemble
Gabe Hernandez – Ensemble
Nicolas Hutchins – Ensemble
Connor Johnson – Ensemble
Bryce Maniex – Ensemble
Zachariah Mohammed – Corny Collins Kids/Ensemble
Devin Morrissey – Ensemble
Griffin Silva – Corny Collins Kids/Ensemble
Gerardo Valencia – Ensemble

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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New Leadership at Diablo Theatre Company

The Board of Directors of Diablo Theatre Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Krissy Gray as Managing Director and Ian Leonard as Artistic Director.

Krissy is no stranger to Diablo Theatre as she formerly served as the Marketing and Business Manager for the company. Her parents, Mike & Betty Harwood, have been longtime supporters of the company for 30 years, and Krissy literally grew up on the Diablo Theatre stage, performing, choreographing, or working in the wings. A graduate of Loyola Marymount University, Krissy previously worked in the entertainment industry where she ran the in-theater marketing departments for a number of film distribution companies before returning to the Bay Area.

Ian grew up in the Bay Area and is a University of San Francisco graduate. An Equity Actor, he played Rolf on The Sound of Music International Tour. Locally, he has performed with TheatreWorks, American Musical Theater San Jose, and 42nd Street Moon. Most recently he appeared in the Diablo Theatre production of Legally Blonde, The Musical playing the lovable role of Emmett. He has extensive arts management and teaching experience with Children’s Musical Theater San Jose. He is also a founding member of “The Peelers”, one of the Bay Area’s busiest cover bands.

“As we begin our 53rd season, we are thrilled to have this dynamic management team at Diablo Theatre Company,” announced Carole Wynstra, Board President. “Krissy and Ian bring exciting and diverse experiences to the company and we look forward to their leadership.”

Diablo Theatre Company’s Performing Arts Academy presents GLEE CLUB! Our Triple Threat Technique students will be performing a fully-staged musical revue featuring songs from Broadway Hits including, RENT, Hairspray, A Chorus Line and Grease!

ONE PERFORMANCE ONLY
Sunday, April 15th at 1:00pm

Del Valle Theatre
1963 Tice Valley Blvd.
Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Tickets available at (925) 943-SHOW and www.LesherArtsCenter.org

For more information about the Performing Arts Academy and upcoming classes, click here.

Krissy Gray wasn’t exactly born in a trunk.

But as a kid she tagged along with her parents to rehearsals and to the back offices of one of central Contra Costa County’s venerable theater organizations.

While Gray grew up with her mom and dad, Betty and Mike Harwood, in Alamo near the Walnut Creek border, it’s safe to say that “the Firehouse” was Gray’s second home.

The Firehouse on Pleasant Hill’s Oak Park Boulevard is the longtime headquarters and rehearsal space of Diablo Theatre Company – formerly known as Diablo Light Opera Company.

Betty Harwood performed in DTC’s musical theater shows and later did marketing and publicity for the company. Not wanting to be miss out on a family bonding opportunity, Mike Harwood volunteered to work backstage.

Now Gray will be running the 53-year-old company. She was recently named the new managing director.

“It’s a full circle moment,” said Gray. “I’m very excited and honored to be managing director. Besides being a great professional opportunity, this is personally very meaningful. This company is close to my heart.”

Completing that circle will be Gray’s 10-year-old daughter, Kailyn, a St. Isidore School 5th grader. Kailyn likes to be onstage and has appeared as a Munckin in the company’s fall production of The Wizard of Oz.

Gray, a graduate of Carondelet High School in Concord, studied dance, graduated from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and headed in-theater marketing for an independent film distribution company before returning to the Bay Area with her husband and daughter. She handled marketing and business for DTC prior to becoming managing director.

She will share duties of running DTC with new artistic director Ian Leonard. For the 2012-13 season, the company will stage two shows at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts: My Way, a musical revue that pays tribute to the songbook of Frank Sinatra, and the exuberant Singin’ in the Rain.

Putting on a show can be lots of fun and creatively rewarding, of course. But Gray acknowledges the challenges of running an arts organization in an economic climate when many people are cutting back on “extras” like philanthropic donations or going to the theater.

DTC has “fantastic donors and amazing volunteers” who help keep things humming, Gray said. But even with their help and the possibility the Bay Area is working its way out of a recession, Gray said she and her DTC colleagues must make smart choices about the shows they pick.

They want shows that appeal to the company’s long-time fans while also attracting new audiences, including families. This past season, the company staged The Wizard of Oz with kids in mind. The company also took a big chance with a musical version of Legally Blonde, hiring up-and-coming Broadway actress Bailey Hanks to play the role that Reese Witherspoon made famous in the 2001 film. Legally Blonde was a critical and commercial hit for DTC.

“It was a huge show, and by bringing in Bailey Hanks we were hoping to get a lot of publicity,” Gray said. “The great press we got exceeded our expectations, and Bailey was amazing to work with.”

Finding the right show to put on, along with the right cast, director, sets and costumes, will keep Gray busy at DTC. The company also runs a summer youth theater camp and the longstanding Stars 2000 pre-professional teen training program.

“That’s an important part of our mission to introduce theater to kids and to cultivate the next generation of performers and arts lovers,” she said.

Director/Choreographer: Derrick Silva
Musical Director: Cesar Cancino

Auditions:

Sunday, May 20:
6:30-7:30pm (Dance Appointments)
7:30-8:30pm (Vocal Appointments)
8:30-9:30pm (Dance Appointments)
9:30-10:30pm (Vocal Appointments)

Monday, May 21:
6:30-7:30pm (Dance Appointments)
7:30-8:30pm (Vocal Appointments)
8:30-9:30pm (Dance Appointments)
9:30-10:30pm (Vocal Appointments)

If you are interested in a singing role, please only make a vocal appointment. If you are interested in a dancing role, please only make a dance appointment. If you would like to be considered for both singing AND dancing roles, we encourage you to come to both calls.

To schedule an audition, please click here and note in the subject line: “My Way audition appointment”. The following information needs to be included in your email:

• Your Name
• Phone Number
• Email address
• Your preferred date & time slot
• Character name if you are interested in a specific role

An email will be sent back to you confirming your time and date.

*AEA guest contracts are available*

Please arrive 15 minutes before your time slot. Actors will be seen in order of arrival for each time slot.   Prepare 32 bars from a jazz standard, classic Broadway or from a Frank Sinatra tune.  Please bring sheet music in your key, your resume and a headshot if you have one. An accompanist will be provided. Dancers please bring jazz and/or (females) character heels.

Callbacks:

May 23: 7:00PM – 10:30PM
May 24: 7:00PM – 10:30PM

Please note: Travel stipends will be provided.

Rehearsals begin July 30, 2012.  Performances are
September 7 – 29, 2012 at Lesher Center for the Arts.

All auditions are held at our studios, “The Firehouse” located at: 1948 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill.  Do NOT use Mapquest for directions.  See MAP here.

Cast Breakdown:

SINGERS: All singers must be strong musically, possess an excellent ear for tight 4-part harmonies, and be equally proficient in harmonizing as part of a mixed quartet, as well as shining as solo cabaret performers. Some movement will be required (movement will be seen at CALLBACKS). Roles as follows:

Man #1:
40-60, baritone, leading man (possibly dark/Italian), sets the “Rat Pack” tone of the show. NOT A SINATRA IMPRESSION, but this actor/singer has a great feel for the classic Sinatra phrasing and style, a la Harry Connick Jr.or Michael Buble

MAN #2:
25-40, lyric baritone/tenor to G. A big band crooner type with comedic flair. Moves well.

WOMAN #1:
30-50, classy, sophisticated “dame,” oozing with style. A strong torch singer, a la Lena, Judy, Ella. Moves well, dance a plus!

WOMAN #2:
20-35, soprano with belt. A young leading lady with an energetic, youthful appeal. (Reminiscent of some of Mr. Sinatra’s loves: Marilyn, Ava Gardner, Natalie Wood, Mia Farrow, etc.) Vocally, this actress/singer has the liquid Big Band sound. Dance a plus!

DANCERS: Looking for 4 men and 4 women who are strong partner dancers. The styles of dance will include jazz, ballroom, and some ballet. Ability to emote while dancing is every bit as important as clean lines and technique. Some ensemble singing is required (singing will be heard at CALLBACKS).

Sheri Stockdale was born to dance. And teach dance — Thousands of students since the 66-year-old ran her own studio at 17. “I had big dreams of going to Broadway,” she said.

Though Stockdale never made it to New York City, she made quite a name for herself first in Sacramento, where she came from a pioneer family, to Vallejo, where she lives and commutes to her teaching job at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill.

With a resume that includes 13 years at DVC, 32 years at Solano Community College and a stint teaching at SCC, DVC and Napa Community College simultaneously, Stockdale has sent many quality dancers into the world.

“I’ve been doing it for awhile,” Stockdale said.

And it’s all acknowledged on Thursday when the Contra Costa Commission For Women honor Stockdale with a lifetime achievement award in the Women Contributing to the Arts category at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Concord.

“This is how I make a living. I feel guilty getting an award for it,” said a humble Stockdale, planning a June retirement.

Good for her. But not good for up-and-coming instructors and students wading through ongoing budget cuts.

“It’s sad,” said Stockdale. “It makes me worry about education. Arts is one of the first things to get cut. I feel so sad for the young people coming out of college. They’re cutting so much.”

Stockdale said “it’s understandable” that her ballet, tap, jazz and modern dance courses aren’t imperative.

“But cutting all activities, I don’t get it,” she said. “I don’t know where any of the money’s gone. I certainly don’t have it.” Stockdale said if money appears and there’s an opening, she would be glad to get back into it. If not, she’s ready for her garden.

“I’ve had a great run,” she said. “I’m doing what I love to do. And I’ve been doing this (dancing) since 4. I’ve always danced. I can’t do anything else. It’s all I’ve ever done. Dance is my life.”

Physically, “I’ve been really lucky,” she said.

Sure, there were sprains here and there, “but, knock on wood, nothing real serious,” Stockdale said. “A little cortisone and you go on that night.”

Stockdale had ballet early, learning the art of dance “and how to do things properly,” she said. “So many dancers today just want to be a star when they’ve never had real training.”

Not that there isn’t that special talent. One may go onto the Joffrey Ballet School. One may end up on a cruise ship or a musical or in Las Vegas. Or to Paris, which Stockdale’s daughter, Suzanne Brandt did before becoming a choreographer.

“Every once in a while, you find a student who is gifted,” Stockdale said.

If you go

What: Contra Costa Commission For Women’s 2012 Hall of Fame Dinner

Who: Vallejo’s Sheri Stockdale, six others, honored

When: Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Crowne Plaza Hotel, Concord

Info: (925) 324-9595, womenscommission.com.

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Diablo Theatre Company Announces 2012-2013 Season

The Ultimate Season of Classics with My Way, A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra and Singin’ in the Rain

Pleasant Hill, CA, March 15, 2012 – Diablo Theatre Company, under the leadership of Managing Director, Krissy Gray, announced their 53rd season of musical productions. The new season spotlights one of the greatest performers of the 20th century in My Way, A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra and one of the greatest musicals of all time, Singin’ in the Rain.

My Way, A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra celebrates the pivotal moments of Sinatra’s life, which would solidify his legendary status. This musical revue takes you from his early beginnings in the 1940’s swing era, to the bright lights of Las Vegas with the Rat Pack in the 1960’s, to his later success in the 1990’s.

Nicknamed Ole’ Blue Eyes, The Voice, The Sultan of Swoon, The Chairman of the Board, Sinatra is known as the greatest singer of the popular song and one of the most popular entertainers of the 20th century. His successful career spanned more than 50 years. Relive the magic of Sinatra’s songs with such hits as “Strangers in the Night”, “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”, “Fly Me to the Moon”, and “New York, New York”. This musical tribute will delight all generations.

My Way, A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra will run at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek from September 7-29, 2012.

Set in the late 1920s, Singin’ in the Rain is one of the most-loved and celebrated musicals of all time filled with humor, romance, dancing and singing as the stars comically struggle with their egos, as they transition from silent movies to talking pictures in pursuit of Hollywood stardom.

The show features a glorious score including “Good Morning”, “Make ‘Em Laugh” and the classic “Singin’ in the Rain”, as well as delightful and imaginative choreography, sure to entertain audiences of all ages.

Singin’ in the Rain will run at the Lesher Center for the Arts from February 8-March 2, 2013.

Season tickets are currently available and offer subscribers a 22 percent discount from regular ticket prices as well as other benefits including free unlimited ticket exchanges, discounts for family and friends and a $25 gift card to Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Walnut Creek. Single tickets will go on sale July 17th. For additional information, please visit our website at www.diablotheatre.org.

WHAT: Diablo Theatre Company’s 2012-2013 Season featuring My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra and Singin’ in the Rain
WHEN: My Way: September 7-29, 2012; Singin’ in the Rain: February 8-March 2, 2013
WHERE: Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek
TICKETS: (925) 943-7469; www.lesherartscenter.org or www.diablotheatre.org

We are thrilled to be here (thanks in great part to you, our patrons) doing what we love most. We’re sure you will agree there are few experiences that compare to live theatre. Perhaps it is the show’s ability to whisk you away for a few hours when the curtain rises or the anticipation building toward the finale. The best part of all is that it happens right here in our own backyard.

Last season we hope you were enchanted by The Wizard of Oz, charmed by Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and tickled pink by Legally Blonde, The Musical. In the 2012 – 2013 season, we return to the golden age of music. This fall, a smoky nightclub sets the scene for My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra, which celebrates his life and his songs. The arrival of spring will bring a return of a much-loved American classic, Singin’ in the Rain complete with all the show stoppers that have made this musical famous.

Whether it is your first time to the theatre or a tradition you have been sharing with your family or friends for years, it is our hope that each time you walk into the Lesher Center for the Arts, you experience the music and magic that makes live theatre so special.

Here’s to a fabulous 2012-2013 Season!

Krissy Gray
Managing Director
Diablo Theatre Company

For complete show information, click here. Single tickets go on sale July 17th, 2012.

Interested in saving 22% off ticket prices? Consider becoming a season subscriber. Season Subscriptions are currently available, click here.