Theater students to present first-ever spring Mich Mash May 10

Students rehearse a scene from the fall semester Mich Mash held in December.

Students rehearse a scene from the fall semester Mich Mash held in December.

Kellogg Community College theater students will present more than a dozen theatrical scenes and a handful of short films as part of the college’s first-ever spring semester Mich Mash beginning at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 10, at the Binda Theatre, 450 North Ave. in Battle Creek.

Admission is free and the event is open to the public.

The event is the second of what is planned to be a semiannual showcase highlighting the work done by students in KCC theater classes each semester (the first Mich Mash was held last fall).

Brad Poer, a KCC instructor and director of the college’s theater productions, said the evening will include nearly three dozen students performing 10 to 15 scenes live and presenting two or three short films.

“This semester we are featuring a new, original zombie satire, a send-up of ‘No Country for Old Men,’ fresh new improv, and several scenes from our Acting I students,” Poer said. “You never know what’s around the corner!”

Most of the featured pieces are a few minutes long, Poer said, giving the event a likely runtime of around 90 minutes. All ages are welcome, but Poer said the content of the evening likely would be rated PG-13.

For more information, contact director Brad Poer at poerb@kellogg.edu.

For more news about Kellogg Community College, view our latest press releases online at www.kellogg.edu/daily/category/press-releases.

KCC’s production of the musical ‘Spelling Bee’ opens tonight

Kellogg Community College’s spring production of the comedic musical “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” opens tonight!

Above is the trailer for the show, which will run today through Sunday, March 17, and Friday through Sunday, March 22-24, in the Binda Theatre on KCC’s North Avenue campus. Friday and Saturday shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday shows will begin at 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students and senior citizens and $10 for members of the general public. They will be available at the door or can be reserved by calling 269-965-4154.

Click here to view a photo gallery including images of the “Spelling Bee” cast of KCC’s Facebook page. Click here to read interviews with cast members from KCC Theater productions — including “Spelling Bee” — in posts on this blog.

For more information about the Theater Program at Kellogg Community College, visit www.kellogg.edu/performart/theatre/index.html.

Jenny Barnhart discusses her role as Logainne in ‘Spelling Bee’

Jenny Barnhart pictured during a recent "Spelling Bee" dress rehearsal.

Jenny Barnhart pictured during a recent “Spelling Bee” dress rehearsal.

Jenny Barnhart will play the role of Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre in Kellogg Community College’s spring production of the comedic musical “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” which will run this Friday through Sunday, March 15-17, and Friday through Sunday, March 22-24, in the Binda Theatre on KCC’s North Avenue campus.

Below, Barnhart, a 33-year-old Flint native who boasts a degree in theatre and history from the University of Michigan, discusses her role in “Spelling Bee” in the third of our interviews with the cast, which we’re rolling out in the days leading up to opening night.

The KCC Daily: Tell us about your role. What kind of a person is she and in what ways is she different or similar to yourself?

Jenny Barnhart: Logainne is a 10-year-old girl who speaks with a lisp. She is being raised by her two dads and she feels she needs to win the spelling bee so they will be proud of her. She is involved heavily in her school politics and gay rights. But there are some times that she really wishes she could fit in and just be a kid. I know what it’s like to want to do the best you can so your parents will be proud; I’m still worried I’ll let my mom down when I’m performing even though she past away six years ago. Other than that Logainne and I are very different. I could care less about politics and I’m dyslexic so my spelling is really bad.

KCC: What are some of the roles you’ve played in the past and how is your current role different or similar? Are there aspects of this role that are particularly challenging as compared to your previous roles?

JB: I have been acting since I was 9, so I’ve played many different characters, including Sister Mary Hubert in “Nunsense,” Shirley in “Fifth of July,” and Ambrose Houston in Marshall’s “Haunted Reflections” this pass Halloween. I prefer to have the character roles in shows over the straight roles, and Logainne is definitely a character. The only aspect of this role that’s particularly challenging is trying to keep my lisp going while I’m singing and trying to make sure I can be understood.

KCC: What about this performing in this role are you particularly excited or nervous about?

JB: I’m really excited about doing this show because this is the first show I’ve done in eight years and I’m glad to be back on the stage, but I’m really nervous about having to spell.

KCC: Who or what influences or motivates you in this role? In your acting in general?

JB: My mom was always the one to motivate me to be on stage. It showed me that there was something I could do and do well.

KCC: What should people know before seeing this play? What can people do before seeing this play that you feel might enhance their experience?

JB: This is a very funny show and has a lot of quick jokes, so pay attention! If they want to enhance their experience, sign up to be part of the bee when they get to the theater. Yes, we will be recruiting audience members to be apart of the show.

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” will play Friday through Sunday, March 15-17, and Friday through Sunday, March 22-24, in the Binda Theatre on KCC’s North Avenue campus. Friday and Saturday shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday shows will begin at 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students and senior citizens and $10 for members of the general public. They will be available at the door or can be reserved by calling 269-965-4154.

Click here for more interviews with cast members from KCC Theater productions from posts on this blog. For more information about the Theater Program at Kellogg Community College, visit www.kellogg.edu/performart/theatre/index.html.

Taylor Mohney discusses her role as Olive in ‘Spelling Bee’

Taylor Mohney pictured during a recent "Spelling Bee" dress rehearsal.

Taylor Mohney pictured during a recent “Spelling Bee” dress rehearsal.

Taylor Mohney will play the role of Olive Ostrovsky in Kellogg Community College’s spring production of the comedic musical “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” which will run Friday through Sunday, March 15-17, and Friday through Sunday, March 22-24, in the Binda Theatre on KCC’s North Avenue campus.

Below, Mohney, a 20-year-old Western Michigan University dual-enrollee from Battle Creek who’s finishing up her psychology minor requirements here at KCC, discusses her role in “Spelling Bee” in the second of our interviews with the cast, which we’re rolling out in the days leading up to opening night.

The KCC Daily: Tell us about your role. What kind of a person is she and in what ways is she different or similar to yourself?

Taylor Mohney: I play Olive Ostrovsky, a young and playful new contestant in the bee-sphere. She is very innocent and isn’t jaded to the competition like many of her fellow spellers. Because her parents are often too busy to be as attentive and loving as they should be, Olive finds comfort in her best friend, an over-sized dictionary. Throughout the process of this production, I’ve really found a lot of the younger version of myself in Olive. Don’t worry, my parents have always been extremely supportive of every crazy adventure I’ve attempted! But I was always the type of kid that wanted to be everyone’s friend, even if they jabbed at something silly like my name.

KCC: What are some of the roles you’ve played in the past and how is your current role different or similar? Are there aspects of this role that are particularly challenging as compared to your previous roles?

TM: Last semester, I played the role of Mollie Ralston in “The Mousetrap.” Both of these roles have been and are extremely emotionally challenging. However, as if the age difference wasn’t obvious enough, both of these characters approach conflict and their self-concept extremely different. The heart-breaking reality with Olive though is that because her parents aren’t around very much and she is forced to find comfort in inanimate objects, she is learning that she will have to face some very adult things, but is very confident that she can face it all.

KCC: What about this performing in this role are you particularly excited or nervous about?

TM: I’m super excited that this is my first musical performance in such a small cast where I can really dive into a character and really think about Olive in a much more detailed way. I’m also really excited for everyone to come see the show! It’s going to be so fun and high-energy with a few surprises along the way.

KCC: Who or what influences or motivates you in this role? In your acting in general?

TM: With this role specifically, I’ve been influenced majorly by just my normal visits to my mom’s school, where she is a principal. It’s so fun to watch all of these elementary kids interact. I have to continue to remind myself of that time when we all genuinely wanted the best for each other, had skyscraper dreams, were anxious so chase them and were so innocent to the outside world. It has been a really eye-opening journey to view the world through a 10-year-old’s eyes being a decade older now. It’s inspiring, really.

KCC: What should people know before seeing this play? What can people do before seeing this play that you feel might enhance their experience?

TM: Audiences just need to come to this show ready to have a good time. I can’t wait for people to come see it and maybe even be just as challenged as the spellers. :)

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” will play Friday through Sunday, March 15-17, and Friday through Sunday, March 22-24, in the Binda Theatre on KCC’s North Avenue campus. Friday and Saturday shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday shows will begin at 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students and senior citizens and $10 for members of the general public. They will be available at the door or can be reserved by calling 269-965-4154.

Click here for more interviews with cast members from KCC Theater productions from posts on this blog. For more information about the Theater Program at Kellogg Community College, visit www.kellogg.edu/performart/theatre/index.html.

DeQuan Perry, Jr., discusses his role as Chip in ‘Spelling Bee’

DeQuan Perry, Jr., right, spells during a recent "Spelling Bee" dress rehearsal.

DeQuan Perry, Jr., right, spells during a recent “Spelling Bee” dress rehearsal.

DeQuan Perry, Jr., will play the role of Charlito “Chip” Tolentino in Kellogg Community College’s spring production of the comedic musical “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” which will run Friday through Sunday, March 15-17, and Friday through Sunday, March 22-24, in the Binda Theatre on KCC’s North Avenue campus.

Below, Perry, a 19-year-old sophomore general studies major from Battle Creek, discusses his role in “Spelling Bee” in the first of our interviews with the cast, which we’re rolling out in the days leading up to opening night.

The KCC Daily: Tell us about your role. What kind of a person is he and in what ways is he different or similar to yourself?

DeQuan Perry, Jr.: I play the role of Charlito “Chip” Tolentino. I am 12 years old. In last year’s competition of the Spelling Bee, I (Chip) came out as the champion. In my head I believe, no, I KNOW that I am the winner and once again I will come out as champion. I may come off as snobby, but as a Boy Scout I am no such thing, I’m just a winner. Unfortunately for me, puberty isn’t exactly my friend at the moment. I fall into a very awkward situation when I spot a beautiful girl in the audience who goes by the name of Marigold Coneybear.

KCC: What are some of the roles you’ve played in the past and how is your current role different or similar? Are there aspects of this role that are particularly challenging as compared to your previous roles?

DP: My most current (past) role in a KCC production was as Vinnie DeRuzzio in the show “Lucky Stiff.” This character and Chip are two completely different characters and are also exactly the same. I don’t exactly see it as too much of a challenge but it is a different task to take on characters I never thought I would take on. A lot of my past characters have proven themselves to be either angry and stubborn. While in these shows I have to be scared, awkward, sad; these are attributes I’ve honestly never studied when creating my characters mentally because I never actually had to. I see this as my only issue but also as an opportunity to become that much more of a great actor/performer.

KCC: What about this performing in this role are you particularly excited or nervous about?

DP: My most exciting part would definitely have to be being able to run around the audience singing about an erection. This is not a normal thing to do, therefore making it that much more fun. I also get to throw candy at people; I’m pretty excited about that!

KCC: Who or what influences or motivates you in this role? In your acting in general?

DP: When it comes down to getting mentally prepared for a role I have a few simple things flow through my mind. All of my past directors and teachers who have influenced me in my life to be a better actor and person. There are quotes they have said to me that flow through my brain that keep me content and calm as I go on. It also takes down the nervousness that flows throughout my body. My favorite quote that flows in my head was stated by Lane Gordon, a past teacher/director. “When on  stage, don’t lose touch with yourself. Keep him alive  as you live through with your other role. Don’t over do it, and find the medium.” These are words I cherish and will hold onto forever.

KCC: What should people know before seeing this play? What can people do before seeing this play that you feel might enhance their experience?

DP: This show holds a nice bit of language and adult content, so be prepared for anything, especially if you are bringing a child to see it. I also encourage people to practice their spelling and get ready. We will have four lucky volunteers get a chance to come up on stage and spell with us who will also have a chance at winning the show!

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” will play Friday through Sunday, March 15-17, and Friday through Sunday, March 22-24, in the Binda Theatre on KCC’s North Avenue campus. Friday and Saturday shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday shows will begin at 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students and senior citizens and $10 for members of the general public. They will be available at the door or can be reserved by calling 269-965-4154.

For more information about the Theater Program at Kellogg Community College, visit www.kellogg.edu/performart/theatre/index.html.

KCC to present ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’

Cast members from KCC's upcoming production of "Spelling Bee" pictured during a recent dress rehearsal.

Cast members from KCC’s upcoming production of “Spelling Bee” pictured during a recent dress rehearsal.

How do you spell entertainment? K-C-C. That’s how it’ll be spelled in Battle Creek, at least, during  Kellogg Community College’s run of the comedic musical “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” later this month.

The play will be performed in KCC’s Binda Theatre, 450 North Ave., and is scheduled to run Friday through Sunday, March 15-17, and Friday through Sunday, March 22-24. Friday and Saturday shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday shows will begin at 3 p.m.

Brad Poer, director of the production and a theater instructor at KCC, said the play – which features a cast of adult actors playing the roles of intense 10- to 12-year-old spelling bee competitors – is an unpredictable, side-splitting musical sure to bring the audience to tears of laughter and tenderness.

“Besides the awesome music and crazy characters, the most unique and unpredictable element of this show is that members of the audience are encouraged to volunteer to be spellers in The Bee onstage with the actors,” Poer said. “No prior acting experience is needed – audience members can show up 20 to 30 minutes before the show starts to fill out a form for a chance at one of four slots per night. It will truly be a different show every night.”

Tickets to KCC’s production of “Spelling Bee” are $5 for students and senior citizens and $10 for members of the general public. They will be available at the door or can be reserved by calling 269-965-4154.

For more information about KCC’s production, visit www.kellogg.edu/performart/theatre/productions.html or contact Director Brad Poer at poerb@kellogg.edu.

For more news about Kellogg Community College, view our latest press releases online at www.kellogg.edu/daily/category/press-releases.

Student theater group holding auditions today and tomorrow

DeQuan Perry

KCC student DeQuan Perry, the play’s director .

Kellogg Community College student theater club, Encore Theatre Company, is holding auditions today and tomorrow for their upcoming production of “The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet,” directed by KCC student DeQuan Perry.

Auditions run from 4 to 6 p.m. today and from 4 to 5:45 p.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, Feb. 13, in the Davidson Center Auditorium on KCC’s North Avenue campus.

Auditions are open to anyone 14 or older who would like to participate. Scripts will be prepped for the audition, but participants may bring a monologue of their choice no longer than three minutes in length.

Participants should bring paper and something to write with for notes.

The play will be performed at KCC’s Binda Theatre at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 12 and 13. For more information, visit the KCC Theatre Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KCCTheatre.

Cast list announced for KCC’s spring musical ‘Spelling Bee’

KCC theatre students stand during a dress rehearsal for their fall production of "The Mousetrap" in October.

KCC theater students stand during a dress rehearsal for their fall production of “The Mousetrap” in October.

Auditions for Kellogg Community College’s spring musical, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” were held last week, and the cast list was announced last night on campus and on the KCC Theatre Facebook page.

Here is the cast list, which includes a number of faces that may be familiar to those who’ve been following KCC theater and choir productions over the past few semesters:

  • Understudies: Patrick Lucas and Amber Isaacson
  • Rona Lisa Peretti: Amanda Irwin
  • Vice Principal Douglas Panch: Khaliid Canales-King
  • Mitch Mahoney: Roderick Simmons
  • Chip Tolentino: DeQuan Perry, Jr.
  • William Barfee: Zach Andrews
  • Marcy Park: Elena Hensel
  • Leaf Coneybear: Jesse Cowles
  • Olive Ostrovsky: Taylor Mohney
  • Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere: Jenny Barnhart

Rehearsals start at 7 p.m. tonight at the Binda Theatre for the play, which is scheduled to run Friday through Sunday, March 15-17, and Friday through Sunday, March 22-24. Friday and Saturday shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday shows will begin at 3 p.m.

For more information about KCC’s production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” including descriptions of each role, visit www.kellogg.edu/performart/theatre/productions.html, or contact Director Brad Poer at poerb@kellogg.edu.

Auditions for KCC’s spring musical are Jan. 24 and 25

A photo from KCC Theatre rehearsals for the college's fall play.

A photo from KCC Theatre rehearsals for the college’s fall play.

Community members are invited to audition for roles in Kellogg Community College’s spring musical, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday or Friday, Jan. 24 or 25, at the college’s Binda Theatre.

The show will be performed at the Binda Theatre Friday through Sunday, March 15-17, and Friday through Sunday, March 22-24. Friday and Saturday shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday shows will begin at 3 p.m.

Those wishing to audition for a role should choose one night of the two to audition and will not need to bring anything prepared. The show calls for a cast of nine including five men and four women.

Brad Poer, director of the production and an instructor at KCC, said each role will require some movement but no complicated choreography will be required.

“This play is an unpredictable, side-splitting musical portraying the intense competition of a grammar school spelling bee as experienced by adult actors playing the roles of the bee’s 10-12 year old competitors,” Poer said. “KCC Theatre is looking for cast members with excellent musical and comedic chops (great dancers not so much) to help bring our audience to tears of both laughter and tenderness.”

“Spelling Bee” is a Tony Award winning musical comedy about six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, who learn that winning isn’t everything and that losing doesn’t necessarily make you a loser.

For more information about KCC’s production, including descriptions of each role, visit www.kellogg.edu/performart/theatre/productions.html, or contact Director Brad Poer at poerb@kellogg.edu.

For more news about Kellogg Community College, view our latest press releases online at www.kellogg.edu/daily/category/press-releases.

KCC music students to present ‘Opera Meets Broadway’ Dec. 12

Members of a recent Opera Workshop perform a scene from “Porgy and Bess.”

Students from Kellogg Community College’s Opera/Musical Theatre Workshop will perform nearly a dozen scenes from popular operas or musicals as part of their “Opera Meets Broadway, Part 2: Get Your Diva On” presentation at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, at the college’s Binda Theatre, 450 North Ave., Battle Creek.

The event is free and open to the public, and a freewill offering will be taken during the event to support musical initiatives at KCC.

Dr. Gerald Blanchard, vocal music professor at KCC and director of the production, said the event serves as a finals project for the 25 students who will be performing and who worked exceptionally hard to learn the staging, history and music of their respective pieces.

“The music will vary widely in style, range, period and genre,” Blanchard said. “There will be something for everyone in attendance.”

Fans of opera will enjoy scenes from greats like “The Marriage of Figaro” and “The Magic Flute,” Blanchard said, while those who lean more toward musical theater will enjoy scenes adapted from productions like “Wicked,” “Into the Woods” and “Chess.”

Scenes included in the presentation will include:

  • “Art is Calling for Me,” from the operetta “The Enchantress” by Victor Herbert, to be performed by soloist Shannon Egan
  • “Ah, Belinda,” from the opera “Dido and Aeneas” by Henry Purcell, to be performed by soloist Jan Emery and a chorus
  • “It Takes Two,” from the Broadway musical “Into the Woods” by Stephen Sondheim, to be performed by soloists Kayla McCarthy and DeQuan Perry, Jr.
  • “Three Little Maids,” from the operetta “Mikado” by Gilbert and Sullivan, to be performed by soloists Shannon Egan, Jan Emery and Shanna Anderson
  • “As Long as You’re Mine,” from the Broadway musical “Wicked” by Stephen Schwartz, to be performed by soloists Elena Hensel and DeQuan Perry, Jr.
  • “Ah, I Feel,” from the opera “The Magic Flute” by W.A. Mozart, to be performed by soloist Shannon Egan
  • “In this World of Fashion,” from the operetta “The Fortune Teller” by Victor Herbert, to be performed by soloist Jan Emery
  • “Voi che sapete,” from the opera “Le Nozze di Figaro” by W. A. Mozart, to be performed by soloist Elena Hensel
  • “Anthem,” from the musical “Chess” by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, formerly of ABBA, and with lyrics by Tim Rice, to be performed by soloist DeQuan Perry, Jr.
  • “Giovani liete, fiori spargete,” from the opera “Le Nozze di Figaro” by W.A. Mozart, to be performed by the Opera Chorus

The evening will include lighting by Theatre Manager Teresa Peet and musical accompaniment by Paula Krontz-Harris.

For more information about vocal arts at Kellogg Community College, contact the college’s Arts and Communication offices at 269-565-7859 or visit www.kellogg.edu/performart.