Catching up; or Year in Review

Boy, a lot has happened since the last blog. We're already onour fourth play for 2010, an original play called, "There's No Such Thing as Ghosts!" I describe it as Guys and Dolls meets Abbott & Costello in a haunted house. It has a great cast and we've been having a lot of fun in rehearsals.

Year in Review: "Isn't She Lovely?" in February was a big success for our first show. The next show, "First Impressions," although better in a lot of ways, was only a moderate box office success. "Same Time, Next Year" was a risk that didn't quite pay off financially. We ended up losing about $350. But, it was set up a great relationship in our new home, Perfect Presentations, in Neenah. It's a real theatre, with seats, a stage, and lights. We are very to be there.

After No Ghosts, we will end the year with "A Christmas Carol, an Old-Time Radio Show." Next year, we will be doing more comedies, a couple mysteries, and a children's show. Check us out.

Rehearsals Going well

The first week of rehearsals is almost in the books and things are going great. Blocking is usually not the most fun, but actors are already getting their lines down and we seem ahead of the curb, which is great news because there is so much more to do!

Reservations are already coming in. We're hoping for a big turn-out. If we reach a certain number, then the whole ballroom will be opened up to us. Fingers are crossed.

Rehearsals Start Soon!

Monday, January 11 will be the first rehearsal of many leading up to the opening night of "Isn't She Lovely?" This should be interesting, because I am not only directing the show, but now I will be one of the leads in it. No worries, I have lots of experience acting, and directing, and in a few cases acting in a show I directed. In fact, I've come full circle because it was my very first show I directed where I was required as an actor. Should be fun. It's definitely exciting!

Auditions A Success!

The cast has been assembled for "Isn't She Lovely?" Last weekend's auditions had a small, but strong turn-out. Scripts have been e-mailed out. Next up in the process is work on marketing / getting tickets ready for the public. And then rehearsals will start January 11. Rehearsal blogs will begin at that time. The $29.95 ticket prices will include full dinner, dessert, and show.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. I have my family, my home, my health, and now an opportunity to perform theatre at a high, professional level. Our first show will be "Isn't She Lovely?" - a romantic comedy about two guys trying to cover-up a little white lie that keeps snowballing out of control. I also had my birthday this week. I won't lie, I'm on the other side of 40, but I feel very lucky and youthful -- Theatre will do that for a person. I hope you will have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

-James R. Lawrence

Artistic Director, FRVTC

2010 Season shaping up

I had a wonderful meeting with Sue Lamers, Director of Sales and Banquets, at Wave Bar and Ballroom yesterday. It looks like The Fox Dinner Theatre has a home! The first two set of show dates have been reserved: Feb. 17-19 and April 14-16. Shows to be announced soon!

Welcome

A new community theatre company is coming to the Fox River Valley of Wisconsin. It will be our mission to provide fun entertainment for the whole family, presenting comedies, mysteries, children's theatre, and musicals. And, we'll have a few surprises here and there. Starting in 2010, the Fox River Valley Theatre Company will make it a goal to produce five plays each year.

During productions, we will give regular blogs so that you can feel like you're at the rehearsals and backstage with the actors.

We will want to hear from you. What plays would you love to see? Your feedback is important to us.

We, as a community theatre, will not only make it our mission to serve the community through the arts, but as an active member in area non-profit's fundraisers for important causes.

The FRVTC is your theatre. We'll try to make you feel right at home.