This is what community theatre is all about:
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Creating magic.
Developing talents. Fostering a sense of belonging. Delighting the senses. Sharing gifts. Touching the soul. Opening portals. Elevating the spirit. Igniting the imagination. Cultivating creativity. Building characters. Encouraging buds to blossom and bloom. Inspiring young and old to reach for the stars. RSVP salutes our fellow community actors at Randolph Youth Theatre Company and Asheboro High School Exceptional Children's Department ... with very special thanks to The Table Restaurant for showcasing us all this month in "Just for Joy!" |
RSVP Coming Attractions:
February 28 - March 2 and March 7-9, 2025
Four Old Broads
By Leslie Kimbell
Things have not been very pleasant at Magnolia Place Assisted Living since Nurse Pat began working there. Retired burlesque queen Beatrice desperately needs a vacation, hoping her friend Eaddy Mae will stop praying and go on a cruise with her. Imogene is suddenly losing her memory. Maude is obsessed with planning her own funeral. A mystery unfolds as the gals try to outsmart the evil Nurse Pat and figure out why so many residents have been moved to “the dark side.”
AUDITIONS: Saturday, 12/7, 10:00am-12:00noon; or TUESDAY, 12/10, 6:30-8:30pm. More details to come shortly.
May 16-18, 2025
As You Like It
By William Shakespeare, as adapted by RSVP
In RSVP’s fine tradition of adapting the setting of a Shakespeare masterpiece to more modern times, of course retaining the original brilliant dialog, and POSSIBLY adding a bit of whimsy, next Spring we will present Shakespeare’s pastoral comedy. It follows its heroine Rosalind as she flees persecution in her uncle's court, accompanied by her cousin Celia to find safety and, eventually, love, in the Forest of Arden. They encounter a variety of memorable characters, notably the melancholy traveller Jaques who speaks many of Shakespeare's most famous speeches (such as "All the world's a stage,” "too much of a good thing,” and "A fool! A fool! I met a fool in the forest!"
Four Old Broads
By Leslie Kimbell
Things have not been very pleasant at Magnolia Place Assisted Living since Nurse Pat began working there. Retired burlesque queen Beatrice desperately needs a vacation, hoping her friend Eaddy Mae will stop praying and go on a cruise with her. Imogene is suddenly losing her memory. Maude is obsessed with planning her own funeral. A mystery unfolds as the gals try to outsmart the evil Nurse Pat and figure out why so many residents have been moved to “the dark side.”
AUDITIONS: Saturday, 12/7, 10:00am-12:00noon; or TUESDAY, 12/10, 6:30-8:30pm. More details to come shortly.
May 16-18, 2025
As You Like It
By William Shakespeare, as adapted by RSVP
In RSVP’s fine tradition of adapting the setting of a Shakespeare masterpiece to more modern times, of course retaining the original brilliant dialog, and POSSIBLY adding a bit of whimsy, next Spring we will present Shakespeare’s pastoral comedy. It follows its heroine Rosalind as she flees persecution in her uncle's court, accompanied by her cousin Celia to find safety and, eventually, love, in the Forest of Arden. They encounter a variety of memorable characters, notably the melancholy traveller Jaques who speaks many of Shakespeare's most famous speeches (such as "All the world's a stage,” "too much of a good thing,” and "A fool! A fool! I met a fool in the forest!"
RSVP's previous performances:
THE CAFÉ MOCHA MURDERS
by Deanna Strasse
Despite the raging storm outside, it seems like a perfectly normal night for an employee meeting at the local coffee shop, The Bean Shack.
That is, until the lights go out, and someone winds up dead.
In this over-the-top whodunit, it’s all about latte art, caffeine content and the imminent threat of death.
by Deanna Strasse
Despite the raging storm outside, it seems like a perfectly normal night for an employee meeting at the local coffee shop, The Bean Shack.
That is, until the lights go out, and someone winds up dead.
In this over-the-top whodunit, it’s all about latte art, caffeine content and the imminent threat of death.
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A GUIDE TO WHO’S WHO IN THE BEAN SHACK:
SOMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aly Stephenson-Allred Loud, a bit abrasive, likes to shout. She’s a veteran barista at The Bean Shack and is good at her job but doesn’t like to get bogged down by the rules. She acts like she hates it but secretly enjoys working at The Bean Shack and likes her customers. IAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nathan Stilin Sweet and naïve. He’s the newest employee and still learning the ropes. NEIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brandon Rancourt A regular at The Bean Shack. MEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alanna Cheek Another barista. She is apparently oblivious to Ben’s feelings. CATHI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Starla Hughes The owner of The Bean Shack. She has an excellent mind for business but not always for people. IVY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erica Eul Another seasoned veteran barista. Very prim. Adheres ardently to the rules and expects others to do so. She doesn’t let her emotions get to her, but she does have a soft side underneath it all. She isn’t mean, she’s just very logical and doesn’t understand that she may come off as condescending. BEVERLY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marcia Weatherly James Your typical sweet Midwestern lady. A regular at The Bean Shack. BEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Landon Allmon Another barista. A bit of a buffoon. He is madly in love with Mel and doesn’t hide it very well. EDDIE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daniel Bressler A pizza delivery guy who stumbles into the wrong place at the wrong time. 
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PEEPS IN THE PICTURE ABOVE, left to right:
Michele Dawes (Props Master, Stage Crew) is a long-time member of the RSVP Advisory Board, who has generously applied her talents to more productions than we can count. Tammy Willcox (Director) is excited to direct her first play for RSVP! She's participated in many RSVP shows: backstage as a sound/lighting technician or stage manager; and on stage, most recently as Granny in Into the Woods. Starla Hughes (Cathi) is a CPA by day and a theater enthusiast at night. This is her first time with RSVP and her first time in a long time on stage. Philip Schuyler (Stage Manager) has been teaching Earth and Environmental Science for 13 years for Randolph County Schools and has been at Randolph Early College High School for the past seven years. He’s also an evening instructor for RCC’s College & Career Readiness department. Marcia Weatherly James (Beverly) taught gifted education for 43 years, and has enjoyed community theatre acting for 30 years. She is a piano teacher, a freelance newspaper columnist, and has dabbled in playwriting. Landon Allmon (Ben) is a junior at Randolph Early College High School. This is his third RSVP show, and he has also appeared in five shows with RYTC. Erica Eul (Ivy) is making her performance debut with this production and has now caught the “theater bug!” She works from home so this has been a great opportunity for her to get out and meet new people. Brandon Rancourt (Neil) has worked with RSVP for nearly a decade. He’s brought numerous characters to life both on stage and behind the scenes in productions like Mamma Mia, The Music Man, Clue, and The Little Mermaid. Alanna Cheek (Mel) is excited to be in her first murder mystery and her fourth show with RSVP, as well as many shows with RYTC. Shelley Peterson (Props Assistant) has had a lifelong love of music and jumped head first into the musical theatre world, with The Music Man in 2023. She has assisted with several RSVP shows since then. Daniel Bressler (Eddie) is a mild-mannered science teacher by day, and community thespian by night. He performs with the Downtown Asheboro Historical Ghostwalk and the Christmas Caroling Trolley Tour. Aly Stephenson-Allred (Soma): “I am a pharmacy tech. I'm autistic and an advocate for the disability community. My hobbies include acting, writing, and being several coping mechanisms in a trench coat.” Nathan Stilin (Ian) is a college freshman at Davidson Davie Community College. This is his second RSVP show and fifth show overall, with some of his past shows being Into The Woods and Willy Wonka Jr. PLUS, A WELCOME FROM THOSE OF US BEHIND THE SCENES: Brandon Almazán (Graphics Designer) is a Randolph County native, Southwestern Randolph cultural arts alumnus, and avid arts performer/instructor. He would like to express his appreciation for all who keep the local arts alive in the local hearts of our community! Stephen Ellison (Lighting Design) chose the auspicious day of April First this year to join the Asheboro community, and found the RSVP group soon after. While he is new to the area and to RSVP, he has been involved in lighting design since his days in high school, we won’t say when that was. He has a degree from North Carolina School of the Arts in Lighting Design and Technical Direction. He hopes to be a resource to RSVP for the foreseeable future. “Life is too short not to find the spotlight.” Ethan Everhart (Sound Technician) is a freelance audio engineer and musician who frequently works with churches, theaters, bands, festivals, corporate events, and more. This is his second production with RSVP and he’s excited to bring sound to the Sunset Theatre again. Ethan is a recent graduate of the Popular Music and Technology program at UNC Greensboro. Peggy George Kilburn (Webmaster; Playbill; Publicity Team) is Program Manager for the Randolph Arts Guild. As well, she helps the community organize The Heart of Christmas Dinner: a free, festive dinner party on December 25 for seniors who would otherwise be alone on the happiest day of the year. Her favorite onstage roles include Mrs. Paroo in The Music Man for RSVP, and Mrs. Henry Dubose in To Kill a Mockingbird for RhinoLeap [she likes to think heavy makeup was required for the latter]. Alisa Smith McNeill (Associate Producer) has been a part of the RSVP Theatre Community for the past 25 years, both on and off stage. A project manager for Fortuna Enterprises in Greensboro, Alisa is also the lead tour guide for the Historic Downtown Asheboro Ghostwalk and the Christmas Caroling Trolley Tour. She thanks the cast and crew for all the laughs and new friendships. She hopes the audience can enjoy a night of laughter and forget their worries for an evening. And she encourages the audience to support all the local theatre offered in Asheboro. Scott Murkin (Light Technician) is enthusiastic about storytelling in general and community theater in particular. Scott performs in the Historic Downtown Asheboro Ghostwalk and the Christmas Caroling Trolley Tour. He has been involved with nearly every aspect of RSVP productions over the past 15 years and is excited to dip his toes in the tech waters this year. He is grateful to his friends and family for their enduring support. Jackson Rose (Publicity Team) has performed with RSVP since 2017. He is passionate about theatre and photography and loves dedicating his talents to assist in theatre productions. He looks forward to another great show with some caffeine-fueled, and maybe slightly jittery, baristas. Justin Tarlton (Producer) has been on the stage or behind it consistently for the last 40 years of his life. His secret identity is that of a high school science teacher but please don’t tell anyone that. It’s a secret. |
RSVP's production of The Café Mocha Murders was performed at the Historic Sunset Theatre in downtown Asheboro, NC,
October 25-27 and November 1-3, 2024
It was premiered in the American Association of Community Theatre’s
AACT NewPlayFest by Golden Chain Theatre in Oakhurst, California
In INTO THE WOODS - one of Stephen Sondheim’s most popular works - The Brothers Grimm hit the stage with an epic fairytale about wishes, family, and the choices we make. And this cast did not disappoint :-)
Our audiences have kindly said:
“THANK YOU for bringing amazing musical theatre to our small town!”
“All the singers were so so so wonderful, like, WOW! Those voices!”
“The talent in Randolph county just keeps getting better year after year.”
“Truly, just blown away by the power and beauty of the vocals.”
“LOVED and delighted that there was live music. Kudos to the fantastic musicians.”
“I love that we have such a professional dedicated group in our town. Thank you and all those who sponsor RSVP!”
“It was absolutely marvelous. Keep up with great work!”
“THANK YOU for bringing amazing musical theatre to our small town!”
“All the singers were so so so wonderful, like, WOW! Those voices!”
“The talent in Randolph county just keeps getting better year after year.”
“Truly, just blown away by the power and beauty of the vocals.”
“LOVED and delighted that there was live music. Kudos to the fantastic musicians.”
“I love that we have such a professional dedicated group in our town. Thank you and all those who sponsor RSVP!”
“It was absolutely marvelous. Keep up with great work!”
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Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine have taken everyone's favorite storybook characters and brought them together
for a timeless, yet relevant, piece ... and a rare modern classic. The Tony Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching. The story follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King's Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone's wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results. |
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WE'D LOVE HEAR FROM YOU!
If you came to see our production of INTO THE WOODS - thank you!
Your input is very important to us. We hope you’ll take a moment to provide your feedback by clicking this link:
https://forms.gle/fE4hkJVFZtsRZKM38
If you came to see our production of INTO THE WOODS - thank you!
Your input is very important to us. We hope you’ll take a moment to provide your feedback by clicking this link:
https://forms.gle/fE4hkJVFZtsRZKM38
Performances of James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim's INTO THE WOODS
were held JULY 26-28 and AUGUST 2-4, 2024 at the Historic Sunset Theatre in downtown Asheboro, NC.
For more information about the show including synopsis, cast breakdown, and songs, click here:
https://www.mtishows.com/into-the-woods
INTO THE WOODS
was presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
www.mtishows.com
KUDOS to the splendid cast and crew ...
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... and most of all, many thanks to our audiences, who had this to say: “A well done production. BRAVO!” “What great fun!” “You really made me laugh – hard, several times!” “Great job by all involved.” “Haven’t laughed so much in a long time.” “Rollicking fun!” “Lots of confusion – rather like REAL LIFE!” “SOOOO funny!” “I laughed until I was out of breath!” |
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PLAY ON! is the story of a community theatre group trying desperately to put on a play in spite of maddening interference from a haughty local playwright who keeps revising her script, Murder Most Foul (name sound familiar? Stay tuned.)
It’s a complicated show containing a “play within a play.” That gives each player three names except the stage manager and the tech guy, they only have two. The others have their personal name, their character in the play name, and the name of the character in the play within the play. This is a solid basis for confusion. Act One presents the cast in rehearsal for their upcoming show while the playwright frenetically adds finishing touches (she fancies herself a master of double alliteration). Act Two presents the dress rehearsal while the playwright is threatened, thus failing to finish adding her finishing touches. Act Three is the actual show itself and the pretentious playwright is still alive and kicking. Until she decides to give a speech on the state of the modern theatre during the curtain calls, no doubt expecting thunderous applause, BUT ... RSVP’s production of PLAY ON! was held February 2-4 and 9-11, at Asheboro’s Sunset Theatre, directed by Jordan Willis with Kenton Williams as Stage Manager. |
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Meet the splendid company of RSVP’s outstanding production of Neil Simon’s RUMORS,
dubbed “Absolutely fantastic!” by our audiences.
Shown L-R: Jordan Willis, Stage Manager; Michele Dawes, Props Mistress; Shelley Peterson, Props Assistant; Philip Schuyler, Lenny Ganz; Aubri Henley, Claire Ganz;
Alisa Smith McNeill, Cookie Cusack; Elijah Laprise, Ernie Cusack; Alicia Kellum, Cassie Cooper; John Halsey, Glenn Cooper; Chris Scott, Ken Gorman;
Kira Geiger, Chris Gorman; Joel McClosky, Officer Welch; Dan Bressler, Lights Tech; Lauren Wood, Officer Pudney; Justin Tarlton, Sound Tech.
With a special salute to Director Extraordinaire Jeremy Skidmore (not shown here), Executive Director of RhinoLeap Productions.
Alisa Smith McNeill, Cookie Cusack; Elijah Laprise, Ernie Cusack; Alicia Kellum, Cassie Cooper; John Halsey, Glenn Cooper; Chris Scott, Ken Gorman;
Kira Geiger, Chris Gorman; Joel McClosky, Officer Welch; Dan Bressler, Lights Tech; Lauren Wood, Officer Pudney; Justin Tarlton, Sound Tech.
With a special salute to Director Extraordinaire Jeremy Skidmore (not shown here), Executive Director of RhinoLeap Productions.
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Neil Simon’s RUMORS is a farce - a fast-moving compilation of misunderstandings intended to provoke deep mirth.
Four couples are at the townhouse of a deputy New York City mayor and his wife to celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary. The party never begins because the host has shot himself in the head (it’s only a flesh wound) and his wife is missing. His lawyer’s cover-up gets progressively more difficult to sustain as the other guests arrive and nobody can remember who has been told what about whom. And then the police arrive. Doors slam and hilarity abounds as the couples get more and more crazed. RUMORS is late Simon but not final Simon. Of the 30 plays he wrote, this one clocks in at number 23. It was on Broadway for 535 performances in 1988-90. Simon’s was an illustrious career that has affected almost anyone you know through stage, movies, television. His jokes are golden and they hit what they aim at. RSVP’s production of RUMORS was held October 27-29 and November 3-5, 2023, at Asheboro’s Sunset Theatre, directed by RhinoLeap Productions Executive Director Jeremy Skidmore, assisted by Jordan Willis as Stage Manager. |
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76 Trombones and 50+ Cast Members Came to River City! (er, Asheboro!)
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Traveling con artist Harold Hill targets the naïve residents
of small town River City in 1912 Iowa by posing as a boys' band leader to raise money before he can skip town. But he might just get his foot stuck in the door this time ... Meredith Willson’s THE MUSIC MAN marched over to Asheboro’s Sunset Theatre, July 28-30 and August 4-6, 2023 Artistic Director: Jim Shover; Music Director: Rick Morgan; Choreographer: Elizabeth Parry. It was a bang-beat, bell-ringin', big-haul, great-go, neck-or-nothin', rip-roarin', ever'-time-a bull's-eye show! |
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Meet the cast of THE MUSIC MAN!
A zillion cast members gather for the first script read-through of RSVP'S production of Meredith Willson's THE MUSIC MAN
Ladieeees and Gentlemen! Break out the double bell euphoniums and big bassoons, and the noggins and the piggins and the firkins – The Music Man is coming to Asheboro’s Sunset Theatre! A cast of fifty-one — count ‘em, Fifty-One! Young, Old, and Middle! — right here in the bosom of your community.
The Music Man has been on Broadway three times since 1957 and will now be presented locally by RSVP Community Theatre for the second time since 1991.
One of the most enduring pieces of show-biz Americana, The Music Man by Meredith Willson has your Fourth of July celebration, your tuneful hit songs, your soulful romance, and a ton of irrepressible fun. Add to this a con man selling band instruments he doesn’t intend to materialize, stir a bit, dance a bit, and what do you have? Small Town America at the turn of the previous century. Taking all the good parts and forgetting all the bad ones, you might as well have us today.
Propelling this extravaganza is an all-star propulsion unit: Artistic Director Jim Shover, Music Director Rick Morgan, Choreographer Elizabeth Parry, Stage Manager Ann Greene (assisted by Gracie Faith Macon), and Property Mistress Michele Dawes (assisted by Theresa Thompson). The show is produced by Alisa Smith McNeil.
We might have trouble in River City had we not a charming troublemaker by the name of Professor Harold Hill. In that category we have located with great delight Timothy Miller. And if we have the professor we must have the librarian: for the role of Marian Paroo, Shannon Lowe, sweet singer of the west, will perfectly do. She has a mother Paroo played by Peggy George Kilburn and a brother Winthrop otherwise known was Owen Scott.
The administrative needs of River City are attended to by Mayor Shinn (Justin Tarlton) while community cultural niceties are the domain of Eulalie MacKecknie Shinn (Laurine Varner). Prof. Hill has an old friend in town, Marcellus Washburn (Brandon Almazan). Townspeople including young folks and passers-through include Amaryllis (Edith Gee), Zaneeta Shinn (Alanna Cheek), Tommy Djilas (Michael Silva-Garcia), Charlie Cowell (Phillip Schuyler), Ethel Toffelmier (Megan Smith), Alma Hix (Lauren Wood), Maud Dunlap (Bethany Kidd), Mrs. Squires (Hannah Beaton), Gracie Shinn (Alex Griffith), Constable Locke (Tom Tennison), and Train Conductor (Charlie White). JB Griffith, John Halsey, Mike Miller, and Nicholas Neighbors make up the barbershop quartet.
The ensemble of kids and townspeople is enormous: Carolyn Auman, Kaitlyn Bunch, Mae Cox, Fernanda Guerrero, Rylee Holdaway, Elaina Hunter, Makayla Hunter, Susan Jarrett, Elijah Laprise, Shelley Peterson, Brandon Rancourt, Jackson Paul Rose, Joyce Spoon, Evelyn Strider, Tom Tennison, and Charlie White are the elders while Landon Allmon, Sophia Ashraf, Kellan Auman, Alanna Cheek, Liam Evavold, Alex Griffith, Chloe Mitchell, Krimson Powell, Michael Silva-Garcia, and Tatum White are the youngers.
In your examination of the cast, you will find RSVP veterans and first-timers as well. Let this be a suggestion that the future might have you, dear reader, in a cast list. ;-)
The Music Man has been on Broadway three times since 1957 and will now be presented locally by RSVP Community Theatre for the second time since 1991.
One of the most enduring pieces of show-biz Americana, The Music Man by Meredith Willson has your Fourth of July celebration, your tuneful hit songs, your soulful romance, and a ton of irrepressible fun. Add to this a con man selling band instruments he doesn’t intend to materialize, stir a bit, dance a bit, and what do you have? Small Town America at the turn of the previous century. Taking all the good parts and forgetting all the bad ones, you might as well have us today.
Propelling this extravaganza is an all-star propulsion unit: Artistic Director Jim Shover, Music Director Rick Morgan, Choreographer Elizabeth Parry, Stage Manager Ann Greene (assisted by Gracie Faith Macon), and Property Mistress Michele Dawes (assisted by Theresa Thompson). The show is produced by Alisa Smith McNeil.
We might have trouble in River City had we not a charming troublemaker by the name of Professor Harold Hill. In that category we have located with great delight Timothy Miller. And if we have the professor we must have the librarian: for the role of Marian Paroo, Shannon Lowe, sweet singer of the west, will perfectly do. She has a mother Paroo played by Peggy George Kilburn and a brother Winthrop otherwise known was Owen Scott.
The administrative needs of River City are attended to by Mayor Shinn (Justin Tarlton) while community cultural niceties are the domain of Eulalie MacKecknie Shinn (Laurine Varner). Prof. Hill has an old friend in town, Marcellus Washburn (Brandon Almazan). Townspeople including young folks and passers-through include Amaryllis (Edith Gee), Zaneeta Shinn (Alanna Cheek), Tommy Djilas (Michael Silva-Garcia), Charlie Cowell (Phillip Schuyler), Ethel Toffelmier (Megan Smith), Alma Hix (Lauren Wood), Maud Dunlap (Bethany Kidd), Mrs. Squires (Hannah Beaton), Gracie Shinn (Alex Griffith), Constable Locke (Tom Tennison), and Train Conductor (Charlie White). JB Griffith, John Halsey, Mike Miller, and Nicholas Neighbors make up the barbershop quartet.
The ensemble of kids and townspeople is enormous: Carolyn Auman, Kaitlyn Bunch, Mae Cox, Fernanda Guerrero, Rylee Holdaway, Elaina Hunter, Makayla Hunter, Susan Jarrett, Elijah Laprise, Shelley Peterson, Brandon Rancourt, Jackson Paul Rose, Joyce Spoon, Evelyn Strider, Tom Tennison, and Charlie White are the elders while Landon Allmon, Sophia Ashraf, Kellan Auman, Alanna Cheek, Liam Evavold, Alex Griffith, Chloe Mitchell, Krimson Powell, Michael Silva-Garcia, and Tatum White are the youngers.
In your examination of the cast, you will find RSVP veterans and first-timers as well. Let this be a suggestion that the future might have you, dear reader, in a cast list. ;-)
William Shakespeare's immortal comedy
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
as re-imagined in the 1970s by Geri Bressler
KUDOS to the company of RSVP’s excellent production of Shakespeare’s immortal comedy THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR,
as re-imagined in the 1970s by Geri Bressler and directed by Nikki Peters ...
presented May 5-7, 2023 at Asheboro's Bicentennial Park, FREE to the public ...
with special thanks to the City of Asheboro and the North Carolina Arts Council ... and MOST special thanks to our audiences.
"Well, thereby hangs a tale!"
L-R: Dan Bressler, Stage Crew; Michele Dawes, Props Guru; Austin Cooper, Stage Manager, Elijah Laprise, Fenton; Alex Tolar, Anne Page;
Tammy Willcox, Shallow; Dylan Henley, Factotum/Fairy; Aubri Henley, Host of the Garter Inn; JeriLynn Roblee, Mistress Page;
Bradley Tatham, Master Page; Philip Shore, Sir John Falstaff; Justin Tarlton, Master Ford; Emily M Williamson, Mistress Ford;
Alicia Kellum, Mistress Quickly; Kelli Smith, Servant; Brandon Almazan, Doctor Caius;
Shannon Leona Lowe, Sir Hugh Evans; Cameron Surratt, Slender.
Not shown: Charles Peters, Stage Crew; Nikki Peters, Director.
as re-imagined in the 1970s by Geri Bressler and directed by Nikki Peters ...
presented May 5-7, 2023 at Asheboro's Bicentennial Park, FREE to the public ...
with special thanks to the City of Asheboro and the North Carolina Arts Council ... and MOST special thanks to our audiences.
"Well, thereby hangs a tale!"
L-R: Dan Bressler, Stage Crew; Michele Dawes, Props Guru; Austin Cooper, Stage Manager, Elijah Laprise, Fenton; Alex Tolar, Anne Page;
Tammy Willcox, Shallow; Dylan Henley, Factotum/Fairy; Aubri Henley, Host of the Garter Inn; JeriLynn Roblee, Mistress Page;
Bradley Tatham, Master Page; Philip Shore, Sir John Falstaff; Justin Tarlton, Master Ford; Emily M Williamson, Mistress Ford;
Alicia Kellum, Mistress Quickly; Kelli Smith, Servant; Brandon Almazan, Doctor Caius;
Shannon Leona Lowe, Sir Hugh Evans; Cameron Surratt, Slender.
Not shown: Charles Peters, Stage Crew; Nikki Peters, Director.
RSVP Community Theatre was delighted to offer the community this outdoor experience,
thanks to a grant from the North Carolina Arts Council.
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THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR, in a nutshell:
Sir John Falstaff, staying in Windsor and down on his luck, decides to restore his fortunes by seducing the wives of two wealthy citizens. He sends Mistress Page and Mistress Ford identical love letters, but they discover his double dealing and set about turning the tables, arranging an assignation at Mistress Ford's house. Master Ford has heard of Falstaff's plan and decides to test his wife's fidelity. Pretending to be Master Broom, he pays Falstaff to seduce his wife on his behalf, twice almost catching them together. The Pages' daughter Anne is pursued by three suitors. The French physician Doctor Caius is her mother's choice, whilst her father prefers Slender, Justice Shallow's cousin. Anne herself is in love with Fenton. Mistress Quickly is being paid by all three suitors to promote their cause. A duel between Caius and Evans is averted when the Host of the Garter Inn plays a trick on them, and they in turn pay the Host back. In Windsor Great Park at night, Falstaff is set up for his final punishment - and one of Anne Page's suitors is successful. |
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Luigi Jannuzzi's YOU MAKE MY FRAME SHAKE! Special thanks to each and every for sharing your gifts. And MEGA-thanks to all who made this rollicking show not just possible, but a sparkling success: our audiences, our patrons, and all our friends and colleagues ... With EXTRA special thanks to the playwright who generously took the time to inspire us to great heights: visit luigijannuzzi.com |
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THE AMBIDEXTROUS CAST:
Brandon Almazan: Atlas; Fertility God; Security Guard Manashi C-Lim: Cafeteria Worker; Fertility Goddess Michele Dawes: Customer John Halsey: Claude Monet; Hercules; Aristotle; The Thinker Becca Leveille: Alice Hoschede; Customer; Fertility Goddess; Cynthia; Maes Shannon Lowe: Camille Monet; Sofia; Fertility Goddess; Diana Alisa McNeill: Helen Meredith Mitchell: Tour Guide Philip Schuyler: Poseidon; Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier; Giorgio; Chardin Alex Tolar: Lisa; Customer; Sphinx; Baby Maes Charlie White: Ernest Hoschede; Curator; Voice; Joe Lauren Wood: Marie Lavoisier; Maria Director: Alisa Smith McNeill Stage Manager: Tammy Willcox Props Guru: Michele Dawes Publicist and Webmaster: Peggy George Kilburn RSVP's production of YOU MAKE MY FRAME SHAKE! was directed by Alisa Smith McNeill at Asheboro's Sunset Theatre, February 24-26 and March 3-5, 2023. |
YOU MAKE MY FRAME SHAKE! tells 12 love stories set at New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art. Playwright Luigi Jannuzzi combines romantic/absurdist comedy with serious themes of love, truth, and the need to rise above it all.
The masterpiece paintings and sculptures were displayed on Asheboro's Sunset Theatre stage. Almost as a launching pad to spark the imagination. And in addition, some whimsical/outlandish back-stories about their creation ... along with a frisky look at what art might do after dark. For instance, in “Camille Monet on a Garden Bench” ... * Might that vixen in the background with dazzling parasol be more than just a background figure to Claude? *And might Camille be holding a note from her paramour? * And might that very paramour be standing behind her? It was great fun finding out the answers to these questions and more! |
Standing, L-R: Scott Hunter, Lights Tech; Charlie White, Chief of Police; Elijah Laprise, The Motorist; Victor Slaughter, Colonel Mustard; Dan Bressler, Mr. Boddy;
Deanna Slaughter, Mrs. Peacock; Emily Williamson, Mrs. White; Jason Mandara, Professor Plum; John Halsey, Wadsworth the Butler; Alicia Kellum, Ms. Scarlet;
Philip Schuyler, Mr. Green; Lauren Wood, Ze Cook; Parris Lee, Yvette the Maid; Brandon Rancourt, The Unexpected Cop;
Michele Dawes, Props Goddess and Co-Producer.
Seated: Alisa Smith McNeill, The Singing Telegram Girl and Co-Producer; Justin Tarlton, Director; Tammy Willcox, Stage Manager and Sound Tech.
Deanna Slaughter, Mrs. Peacock; Emily Williamson, Mrs. White; Jason Mandara, Professor Plum; John Halsey, Wadsworth the Butler; Alicia Kellum, Ms. Scarlet;
Philip Schuyler, Mr. Green; Lauren Wood, Ze Cook; Parris Lee, Yvette the Maid; Brandon Rancourt, The Unexpected Cop;
Michele Dawes, Props Goddess and Co-Producer.
Seated: Alisa Smith McNeill, The Singing Telegram Girl and Co-Producer; Justin Tarlton, Director; Tammy Willcox, Stage Manager and Sound Tech.
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On a dark and stormy night, six guests were invited to a very unusual dinner party. No one knew the others. Approaching warily, each was greeted at the door by a somewhat sinister (and slightly smarmy) butler. WHY have they been invited to dinner? Will they all survive it? Based on the cult classic film and the popular board game, Clue On Stage is a madcap comedy that kept the audience guessing until the final twist! RSVP's production of CLUE ON STAGE was directed by Justin Tarlton at Asheboro's Sunset Theatre, October 28-30 and November 4-6, 2022. Adapted from the Paramount Pictures film written by Jonathan Lynn and the board game from Hasbro, Inc. Written by Sandy Rustin, based upon the works by Jonathan Lynn, Hunter Foster, and Eric Price. |
MAMMA MIA, WHAT A SHOW!
RSVP so very much enjoyed seeing you at our 2022 Summer Musical :-)
It takes MANY hands to deliver a production like this.
We especially wish to thank:
Asheboro High School Fine Arts Department * Brightside Gallery, Mary Murkin
The City of Asheboro * First United Methodist Church of Asheboro
Taylor Crawford, Jonathan Sermon, and Asheboro's Cultural and Recreation Services Department
Liberty Advisors, JB Griffith III * Charles Peters * PIP Printing Asheboro * Randolph Hub
Randolph Youth Theater Company * RhinoLeap Productions * WKXR, Larry Reid
We especially wish to thank:
Asheboro High School Fine Arts Department * Brightside Gallery, Mary Murkin
The City of Asheboro * First United Methodist Church of Asheboro
Taylor Crawford, Jonathan Sermon, and Asheboro's Cultural and Recreation Services Department
Liberty Advisors, JB Griffith III * Charles Peters * PIP Printing Asheboro * Randolph Hub
Randolph Youth Theater Company * RhinoLeap Productions * WKXR, Larry Reid
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Music and Lyrics by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus Book by Catherine Johnson |
On a small Greek island, Sophie dreams of a perfect wedding — one which includes her father giving her away. But Sophie doesn’t know who he is! Sneaking a peek in her mother’s old diaries, she discovers three possible fathers and secretly invites all three to the wedding, convinced that she’ll know her father when she sees him. But it might not be so easy ... dot, dot, dot
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In order of appearance:
Sophie Sheridan – Sabine Langer Donna Sheridan – Megan Smith Sam Carmichael – JB Griffith III Bill Austin – Brandon Almazan Harry Bright – Tom Tennison Sky – Clayton Morgan Tanya – Alisa McNeill Rosie – Carmen Deese Lisa / Ensemble – Shannon Lowe + Ali / Ensemble – Fernanda Guerrero + Pepper / Ensemble – Cameron Surratt + Eddie / Ensemble – Michael Silva-Garcia + Father Alexandrios / Ensemble – Edward Ramsey + (plus sign = both a speaking part and in the ensemble) |
The Cast of MAMMA MIA!
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TOWNSPEOPLE / ENSEMBLE:
Sara-Michelle Figueroa Fernanda Guerrero + Donna Hunter Elaina Hunter Makayla Hunter Susan Jarrett Bethany Kidd Aaron Long Rachel Long Shannon Lowe + Meredith Mitchell Brandon Rancourt Edward Ramsey + Alex Robinson Jackson Rose Michael Silva-Garcia + Cameron Surratt + (plus sign = both a speaking part and in the ensemble) |
Kudos and profound thanks to our Asheboro theatre colleagues at RhinoLeap Productions, for inviting Randolph Youth Theater Company and us (RSVP Community Theatre) to co-produce a rollicking musical comedy with them - LIVE on stage!
THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE ran July 10-25, 2021, to an enthusiastic, long-starved-for-live-stage-musicals audience at Asheboro’s Sunset Theatre. The cast was an utterly delightful blend of professional actors (the adults) and local talent (the kids).
"BEE" is a wildly funny musical that follows a group of six teens vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the contestants spell their way through a series of increasingly crazy words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake.
Six spellers enter. One speller triumphs! This Tony Award-winning musical has been charming audiences across the country for years and it was Asheboro's turn to enjoy it.
THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE ran July 10-25, 2021, to an enthusiastic, long-starved-for-live-stage-musicals audience at Asheboro’s Sunset Theatre. The cast was an utterly delightful blend of professional actors (the adults) and local talent (the kids).
"BEE" is a wildly funny musical that follows a group of six teens vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the contestants spell their way through a series of increasingly crazy words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake.
Six spellers enter. One speller triumphs! This Tony Award-winning musical has been charming audiences across the country for years and it was Asheboro's turn to enjoy it.
THE CAST:
The Teachers:
Vanessa Hernandez – Miss Rona Lisa Poretti
Lalenja Harrington – Vice Principal Donna Panch
Patrick Osteen (in a dual role) - Mitch Mahoney, Comfort Counselor;
and Olive’s Dad
The Contestants:
Sabine Langer – Olive Ostrovsky
Laney Dowell – Marcy Park
Madison Barrier – Logainne SchwarzandGrubeniere
Clayton Morgan – Leaf Coneybear
Anthony Costello – Chip Tolentino
Jason Diaz - William Barfee
The Parents:
Jim Langer – Dan Grubeniere
JB Griffith III – Carl Schwarz
Micki Bare – Leaf Coneybear’s Mom
Dave Bare – Leaf Coneybear’s Dad
Katie Muhlenkamp – Olive’s Mom
The Most Special of Guests:
Larry Reid
The Production Team:
Jeremy Skidmore – Artistic Director
Jeff Whicker – Music Director
Cameron Wade – Choreographer
Jennifer O’Kelly – Lighting Designer
Tara Raczinski – Costume Designer
Mark Dillon – Sound Designer
Evan Finch – Assistant Sound Designer
Kate Baxter – Stage Manager
Joshua Way – Assistant Stage Manager
Allison Kauffman - Assistant Choreographer
Tom Osteen – RhinoLeap Producer
Nikki Peters – RSVP Producer
Carey Way – RYTC Producer
The Teachers:
Vanessa Hernandez – Miss Rona Lisa Poretti
Lalenja Harrington – Vice Principal Donna Panch
Patrick Osteen (in a dual role) - Mitch Mahoney, Comfort Counselor;
and Olive’s Dad
The Contestants:
Sabine Langer – Olive Ostrovsky
Laney Dowell – Marcy Park
Madison Barrier – Logainne SchwarzandGrubeniere
Clayton Morgan – Leaf Coneybear
Anthony Costello – Chip Tolentino
Jason Diaz - William Barfee
The Parents:
Jim Langer – Dan Grubeniere
JB Griffith III – Carl Schwarz
Micki Bare – Leaf Coneybear’s Mom
Dave Bare – Leaf Coneybear’s Dad
Katie Muhlenkamp – Olive’s Mom
The Most Special of Guests:
Larry Reid
The Production Team:
Jeremy Skidmore – Artistic Director
Jeff Whicker – Music Director
Cameron Wade – Choreographer
Jennifer O’Kelly – Lighting Designer
Tara Raczinski – Costume Designer
Mark Dillon – Sound Designer
Evan Finch – Assistant Sound Designer
Kate Baxter – Stage Manager
Joshua Way – Assistant Stage Manager
Allison Kauffman - Assistant Choreographer
Tom Osteen – RhinoLeap Producer
Nikki Peters – RSVP Producer
Carey Way – RYTC Producer
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The VERY non-Norman-Rockwell family of the not-so-dearly departed Carlton Larraby.
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Pat Cook's MUCH ADO ABOUT MURDER is an interactive murder mystery, with the audience participating in solving the crime. The scene: rich (but rotten) Carlton Larraby's Halloween party, with the guests dressed as characters from Shakespeare, impatiently waiting for their macabre host to show up ... unaware that he has been gruesomely bludgeoned to death, right in his own study. RSVP's cast included: Charlie White as Mr. Hawker; Alisa Smith McNeill as Jolene Larraby; Jill Cofer as Mrs. Larraby; Dan Bressler as Steven MacDonald; Hannah Grace as Leslie Larraby; Alex Robinson as Presley Larraby; Manashi C-Lim as Lillian DeMonde; Tammy Willcox as Margaret Larraby; and Shannon Lowe as Kimberly Trent. Nikki Peters directed this production, held October 25-27 and November 1-3, 2019, at Asheboro's Sunset Theatre. |
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ANNIE the Musical
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Plucky little orphan Annie charms everyone's hearts, despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other girls in the orphanage, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations ... and finds a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.
Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie has become a worldwide phenomenon and was the winner of 7 Tony Awards, including best musical. The beloved book and score by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse, and Martin Chanin feature some of the greatest musical hits ever written, including "Tomorrow." RSVP's July-August 2019 production was directed and choreographed at Asheboro's Sunset Theatre by Jim Shover - with Kathleen Gee as Music Director, and Joshua Way as Stage Manager. |
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Seeking Creative Applicants for RSVP's 2023-2024 Season
RSVP Community Theatre is looking for experienced and enthusiastic production team members for our 2023 -2024 Season, and beyond.
RSVP is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization committed to producing high-quality amateur theatre in Randolph County and the Piedmont Triad Area.
RSVP is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization committed to producing high-quality amateur theatre in Randolph County and the Piedmont Triad Area.
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Director: The director is in charge of all the creative elements on the stage. He/she is responsible for working with the producers to carry out the vision through the different creative aspects. He/she casts the show along with the choreographer and musical director (for a musical, by themselves for a drama). The director is in charge of running the rehearsals, "blocking" the scenes, and coaching the actors in their performance. He/she must also have a good understanding on how to work the technical aspects to facilitate the creative vision of the show.
Choreographer: "The key to good choreography is creating the right dances for the level of your performers and making them look good performing it" (Gary P. Cohen, The Community Theater Handbook p 26). The choreographer is essential to a musical whether it is a "heavy" dance show or not. The choreographer is responsible for both creating the dances and ensuring that the show flows like a musical should.
Musical Director: A musical theater necessity. In short, the musical director (MD) is responsible for everything musical. The MD must be present for casting, teach the music to the cast, act as a vocal coach, compile and rehearse an orchestra, and conduct the show. Proficiency with the piano is a definite plus.
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Stage Manager: The stage manager is responsible for a great many things; most notable of these is keeping the production going. The stage manager is responsible for facilitating rehearsals and attending each as well. The SM must take extensive notes on blocking, props, set changes, and the like for the prompt book. The SM also acts as the liaison between the cast and the creative staff, and answers to the producers on the state of the production. The SM is critical for tech rehearsals and performances. The SM sits backstage or in the wings to "call" the show (giving instructions to stage crew, lighting, and sound).
Lighting Designer: The lighting designer must be knowledgeable of basic theatrical lighting fixtures and how to use them in creating various moods and effects. He/she is responsible for coming up with a lighting plot that lights the stage while conveying the vision agreed upon by the director and producers. The lighting designer must closely read the script and attend rehearsals to understand the blocking of the actors. The lighting designer must be available for tech week of the show, where the lights implemented and focused. A board operator may be provided if there is interest, but it is not uncommon for the designer to run the board. The designer is expected to take notes and make changes to the cues as necessary.
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Producer: In community theater, a producer’s job is to make sure everything happens in the time it is supposed to happen. They coordinate production meetings, coordinate logistics for the production, and work closely with the publicity and house committee chairpersons. Producers are expected to assist the director, production team and board members with details like getting volunteers for backstage and coordinating any special events or promotions of the show.
Costume Designer: The costume designer is responsible for everything that the actors wear in the show. He/she must be able to work with the director/producers to understand the vision and make it happen in conjunction with the set, the lighting, the blocking, and the specific actors. Costumes are acquired either through designing and building, renting or borrowing. Ability to sew is a plus, but not always necessary.
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Interested? Just click here, fill out the form, and we'll contact you.
RSVP's Mission:
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RSVP Grand Masters Carole Davis, Philip Shore, Joe Thatcher, and Alisa Smith McNeill enjoy the glorious re-opening of Asheboro's Sunset Theatre.
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Questions? Suggestions?
Please click here to contact RSVP
And we'd love to have you like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Looking forward to seeing you at ... or IN ... one of our upcoming performances.
(Want to get involved? Click here!)
And we'd love to have you like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Looking forward to seeing you at ... or IN ... one of our upcoming performances.
(Want to get involved? Click here!)