Farmers Alley Theatre

Farmers Alley Theatre brought a touch of Broadway to Kalamazoo last month with “An Evening with Lauren Kennedy”.  If you are unfamiliar with this amazing woman’s work, you can visit her website at LaurenKennedy.com.  Lauren was college best friend to our very own Denene Mulay Koch and has kept in touch over the years with both Denene and husband Jeremy.  She serves as a member of our Artistic Advisory Board and was very enthusiastic about coming to perform at what she called “our amazing space!”  She was blown away by the look and feel of the theatre as well as the professionalism of our talented production staff (headed by Lanny Potts, Tom Shuster, Lisa Watson and Kyle Waterman.)  She was also thrilled with her musical director and accompanist, Catherine Walker Adams and threw many a kudo to Joe Badalamenti on guitar and Ryan Andrews on percussion.  As a quartet, Lauren and the band were incredible.

The show flowed effortlessly to the sold-out opening night crowd, creating beautiful, moving moments.  All were complimented by the inspired lighting design of the incomparable Lanny Potts.  The response to Lauren was wonderful.  Her ability to get comfy and cozy with the audience won them over completely.  With touching ballads such as “I Dreamed a Dream” to new contemporary songs and over-the-top humorous numbers (“My Christmas Wish”), Lauren took the crowd on a journey to the center of her heart.  Denene and Jeremy joined her onstage for a couple duets adding just the right touch of homespun talent to the show.  Read the Kalamazoo Gazette’s take in our “NEWS” section for what the reviewer had to say about the evening.

Broadway veteran Scott Burkell also graced the stage with a song he and writing partner Paul Loesel composed.  Scott hit all the right notes with the crowd and had a chance to promote our holiday show (FOREVER PLAID: PLAID TIDINGS) which he directed and is currently starring in.  By the way, tickets are almost gone, so call us right now for the chance to see it!!

We couldn’t be more proud of the sheer commitment put forth by Lauren and all involved with “An Evening with Lauren Kennedy” and we are very much looking forward to bringing more of these experiences to our audience.  Lauren actually really wants to come back!  She wants to perform, direct, bring friends – and I’m sure a lot of this has to do with the fact that she stayed with wonderful hosts John and Kathy Mulay for the duration of her stay in Kalamazoo!  She said she was going to move in!  Thank you to John and Kathy for providing their hospitality!

And thank you to all of you who support the theatre!  If you missed this one, that’s okay – just don’t let it happen again!

Happy Holidays and we’ll see you at FOREVER PLAID: PLAID TIDINGS!

Well, well, well, well, well, well, well.  That is just one of the fabulous lyrics found in our opening show SHE LOVES ME, which opened on Friday, October 2nd. OK, maybe its not the most creative of lyrics, but maybe you just need some perspective.  OK, enough inside jokes. If you’ve seen SHE LOVES ME, you know what I’m talking about, but if you haven’t you are missing out on a charming romantic musical. But not to fret, we still run two more weekends, Friday and Saturday at 8pm, and Sunday at 2pm.

It’s hard to believe that almost exactly a year ago today, we were opening A FEW GOOD MEN. I was putting on my white uniform whilst trying to handle the truth. And here we are today, celebrating our one-year anniversary with a show that is a complete 180. I guess that’s what makes working here so thrilling: it’s always something a little different.

The response to SHE LOVES ME has been overwhelmingly positive. From the glowing review in the Kalamazoo Gazette: which you can read HERE, to season ticket holders leaving the theatre with bright smiles across their faces.  And a quick shout out to the high school students from both Portage Central and Portage Northern who took advantage of our $10 student rush tickets for all performances, and thoroughly enjoyed this endearing tale of love.  These students were a great audience and we couldn’t be happier to have such a pleasant relationship with these two schools.  Gee, I wonder why.

But all students from the area: college, high school, middle school, et al.  can take advantage of our $10 student rush pricing at ALL performances (subject to availability).  Considering the talents we’ve drawn from at Farmers Alley between high schools and colleges and universities, we would love to have Farmers Alley be an entertainment venue for theatre lovers of ALL AGES.

So from ages 8 to 88 (or beyond!), make a date with SHE LOVES ME at Farmers Alley Theatre these next two weekends!  You dont need to bring a copy of Anna Karenina with a rose as a bookmark!  Don’t get that reference?  Then come see the show!

-Robbie

Just one short year ago the Founders of Farmers Alley Theatre and their Board of Directors held its Inaugural Benefit Gala at the Cityscape Events Center to announce its first season and garner support from the community.  It was so thrilling to see that room filled with people who believe in the power and beauty of the arts and were willing to champion the Farmers Alley Theatre from the very beginning.  Drinks were enjoyed, wonderful food was served, songs were sung, and a fantastic evening of entertainment was had by all.

Thanks, in large part, to the generous donations from supporters like yourself, our first season was a hit!  Whether you were moved to tears by JANE EYRE, brought to tears of laughter from THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL, or attended any of our exciting shows this past year the simple fact remains, we could not have succeeded without our donors.

By now, you have hopefully received your invitation to our Second Season Gala that is sure to be “RIGHT UP YOUR ALLEY”! We will be holding this event in the fabulous FARMERS ALLEY THEATRE with Hearty Hors D’oeuvres and drinks to be served at 6:30pm with entertainment from our talented ensemble and special guests to follow at 8:00pm.

Farmers Alley Theatre is a not for profit organization.  Tickets are $40 per person or $80 per couple.

Please RSVP at info@farmersalleytheatre.com or by calling the box office at 343-2727.

We hope to see you at our Benefit Gala again this year and we cannot wait to show you what we have in store for our Second Sensational Season!

The summer is in full swing, and Farmers Alley Theatre is cooking up the hottest ticket for family fun in the Kalamazoo area.

Our Children’s Series presents its first production with the stage version of the super popular television show, NICKELODEON’S “BLUE’S CLUES LIVE!” opening July 24^th and running through August 8^th. Join Steve and everyone’s favorite pup, Blue, as they search for the most spectacular place! Their travels take them to Storybook Forest where they encounter Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Jack and the Beanstalk, and the Big Bad Wolf. Blue and Steve also venture into Outer Space!! Children will have the opportunity to collect clues in their very own handy dandy notebook, and interact with the cast during the performance, and after the show in a Special Meet and Greet with Steve, Blue, and the rest of their favorite characters. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children 10 and under. Morning shows and matinees will be available. Visit our website at www.farmersalleytheatre.com for specific dates and times. You won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind experience for your children or grandchildren as they will experience professional live theatre up close! Call our Box Office at 343.2727 or visit our website for tickets!

SEASON SUBSCRIPTIONS

Season Subscriptions are now on sale! Subscribe for our 2009-2010 season and save up to 20% off our normal ticket prices. With one of our season flex passes you will receive 7 admissions to our fabulous plays and musicals plus an opportunity to reserve seats prior to public sale. A maximum of 2 admissions per production. If you enjoyed JANE EYRE, ESCANABA IN LOVE, or THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL, then you’ll want to be sure to reserve your tickets for our sensational sophomore season! Adult Flex Passes are available for $130 and Senior/Student Flex Passes for $120.

Please call our box office at 343.2727 or order online at www.farmersalleytheatre.com

THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL

OPENS THIS WEEKEND!

Style your mullets, crack open a Natty Light, and come on down to the Farmers Alley Trailer Park, err, Theatre this weekend for the opening of The Great American Trailer Park Musical. This show is raunchy, outrageous and flat-out hysterical. With musical numbers that range from Rock to Disco to Country, you won’t want to miss this high-energy production.

Starring Gina Maria Chimner, Joe Dely, Hannah Sielatycki, Whitney Wade, Cece Weeks, Adam Weiner, and Amanda Wyant.

Directed By Laurel Scheidt

Music Direction By Catherine Walker Adams

Show dates are:

June 12 (SOLD OUT!), 13(LIMITED!), 18, 19(SOLD OUT!), 20(LIMITED!), 21, 25, 26, 27, and 28.
Tickets can be purchased at www.farmersalleytheatre.com or by calling the box office at 343-2727.

STUDENT RUSH TICKETS AVAILABLE!

Student Rush tickets will be available for Trailer Park 60 minutes before curtain for only $10! At that time we will put the students name on a list, and release any tickets we have available 5 minutes before curtain. Must have a valid college or high school ID to be eligible for rush tickets.

COMING SOON!

Nickelodeon’s

BLUE’S CLUES LIVE!

Gather up the kids and grandkids and get them ready for the first production in our Children’s Series as we welcome everyone’s favorite pup, Blue, to the stage for NICKELODEON’S BLUE’S CLUES LIVE!!!

Blue joins up with his best friend Steve as they take a clue filled journey to find the most spectacular place. Their journey takes them to the storybook forest where they meet get help from Goldilocks, The Three Little Pigs, the Big Bad Wolf and other storybook characters. Blue and Steve’s clues even take them into outer space where they discover planets and celestial wonders along the way.

Performed by our ensemble company and Directed by Artistic Director Jeremy Koch, Blue’s Clues Live! will open on July 24th, and run through August 8^th. Tickets will be on sale soon! It’s the perfect summer destination for families in search of fun!

2009-10 SEASON ANNOUNCED!

Farmers Alley Theatre is pleased and proud to announce our second spectacular season. Here are the shows and dates at a glance!

SHE LOVES ME

A Heartwarming Musical – October 2^nd-25^th

AN EVENING WITH LAUREN KENNEDY

A Special Cabaret Event! – November 13-14

FOREVER PLAID : PLAID TIDINGS

Family Holiday Cabaret – December 4^th -27^th

FENCES

Poignant Drama – February 5^th- 21^st

ALL IN THE TIMING

Hilarious One Act Comedies – March 12^th-27^th

SPEECH & DEBATE

Contemporary Dark Comedy – April 9^th-25^th

PARADE

Epic Musical – June 11^th- 27^th

YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN

Classic Family Musical – July 16^th – August 1^st

SEASON SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR 2009-2010 SEASON!

We are so excited to offer our patrons the chance to SAVE 20% when they become a Farmers Alley Theatre flex pass subscriber!

What do you get?

-7 admissions

-A maximum of two (2) admissions per production

-The opportunity to reserve seats prior to public sale.

ADULT FLEX PASS: $130

SENIOR/STUDENT FLEX PASS: $120

*$5 surcharge added per ticket if “Flex Pass” is used for Plaid Tidings

* Lauren Kennedy is not included in “Flex Pass”

PLEASE CALL THE BOX OFFICE AT 343-2727 TO ORDER

or go to www.farmersalleytheatre.com to purchase your flex pass online!

Coming off the heels of the wildly successful musical JANE EYRE, the Farmers Alley Theatre is proud to announce the next Signature Series production to grace our stage.

MARVIN’S ROOM tells the story of Bessie, a woman struggling to care for both her bedridden father Marvin and her eccentric Aunt Ruth. When Bessie finds her own self in the midst of a medical crisis, she calls upon the help of her estranged sister Lee to shoulder some of the burden. Lee, however, has her own issues, not the least of which is her rebellious teenage son Hank. How do families strengthen in times of struggle? MARVIN’S ROOM is a touching, heartfelt, and humorous look at the years that keep us apart…and the moments that bring us together.

Directed by Dr. Robert L. Smith, MARVIN’S ROOM stars Sharon Williams as Bessie, Peg Small as Ruth, and Shayne Plemmons as Lee. It opens this Friday, May 8^th and continues through Sunday, May 24^th. Ticket reservations can be made by calling our box office at 269.343.2727 or by visiting our website at www.farmersalleytheatre.com. Our intimate space only holds around 100 seats, so make your reservations now for this Award Winning Play.

You can read the feature article in the Kalamazoo Gazette about Marvin’s Room here:

http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2009/05/sisters_face_serious_issues_in.html

COMING SOON

Unfold your lawn chairs, polish off the pink flamingo, and crack open a Pabst Blue Ribbon! It’s almost time to visit THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL. Armadillo Acres in Starke, Florida is the setting for the wildest, funniest, trashiest new musical this side of the White Castle on Route 12.

Directed by Laurel Scheidt and under the musical direction of Catherine Walker Adams, TRAILER PARK tells the story of the toll collecting, beer guzzling husband Norbert Garstecki, and his Lifetime-TV watching, agoraphobic housewife Jeannie. She hasn’t left the trailer in 20 years, when she got the most hideous perm! (oh, and her baby was kidnapped too.) Their marriage is on the rocks, and things get even more rocky when Pippi, a stripper on the run from her magic marker sniffing ex-boyfriend from Oklahoma City, moves in next door and moves in on Norbert!

Starring Gina Chimner, Joe Dely, Hannah Sielatycki, Whitney Wade, Cece Weeks, Adam Weiner, and Amanda Wyant, THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL hitches up starting June 12^th and runs through June 28^th. Tickets are on sale now by calling 269.343.2727 or by going online at www.farmersalleytheatre.com.

Coming in July: Calling all kids and grandkids! Everyone’s favorite mystery solving dog, Blue is appearing live onstage with his good friend Steve, in NICKELODEON’S BLUE’S CLUES LIVE!!! It’s the perfect summer destination for kids of all ages.

Another Kalamazoo first is happening at the Farmers Alley Theatre!!

JANE EYRE, the musical, will be making its Kalamazoo Premiere this spring at the Farmers Alley Theatre!

Based on the lavish novel by Charlotte Bronte, this new musical adaptation of one of the greatest love stories of all time is sure to delight and amaze the entire family! JANE EYRE, the musical, opens April 3^rd and runs through the 19^th.

JANE EYRE is a story of passion, faith, forgiveness, and – most of all – the eternal healing power of an all-consuming love. Its sweeping love story is breathtaking in its scope and beauty, steeped in rich tradition and overflowing with joy. Filled with soaring melodies, the score embodies a romantic lyricism uncommon in the modern Broadway musical. The Tony-nominated score was written by Paul Gordon, and the book was adapted by John Caird (Les Miserables).

Farmers Alley Theatre is especially excited about our first major musical for several reasons. The first reason is that it stars founders and ensemble members Denene Mulay Koch and Jeremy Koch as Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester, respectively. Also, that they will be directed by Denene’s mother and Farmers Alley Board of Directors Vice President, Kathy Mulay. Come be the first Kalamazoo audience to witness this gorgeous new musical.

Showtimes are April 3^rd, 4^th, 10^th, 11^th, 17^th, and 18^th at 8pm, and the 16^th at 7pm. Sunday matinees perform on the 5^th and 19^th at 2pm. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Farmers Alley Theatre Box Office at 343-2727 or be visiting our website at www.farmersalleytheatre.com. Tickets are $22 general admission and $19 seniors/students.

I’m from Michigan.  As, I assume, are most readers of this blog, and friends of Farmers Alley Theatre.  But for me, my associatoin with our great state is limited to travels up and down I-94 from Kalamazoo to Ann Arbor to Detroit and back, and the occasional trip up to Charlevoix with my family for a week in the summertime.  Only once have I traveled to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.  So, to say I am familiar with the ‘yooper’ ways would be a false statement.

However, with ESCANABA IN LOVE, the hilarious romantic comedy by Jeff Daniels, opening this weekend, I seem to have adhered myself to some of the yooper ways.  For instance, I now add ‘Eh’ the end of most of my sentences, and have acquired a taste for Venison Jerky.   The most important part of feeling like a yooper though, is what I’ll call Yooper-Speak.  And now I would like to pass along some vocabulary lessons for when you come down to Farmers Alley Theatre this month and get magically whisked away to the UP, eh?

Obviously, “Yooper” is a name for an inhabitant of the Upper Peninsula.  Whether you’re from Escanaba, Marquette, or up Nobbin Way, you’re a yooper.  Here are some other words that you’ll need to be familiar with when you get your ticket and spend a night at the Soady Deer Camp with us.

(www.usaring.com)

Bag – to kill, re: a buck.

Beer – Da Yoopers favorite drink.

Da Soo – Sault Ste. Marie, Yooperland.  Right across the border from Sault Ste. marie, Ontario, Great White North.

Dooker – In bathroom terms, No. 2.

Eh – A word that ends practically every sentence.

Holy Wha – Yooper expletive meaning, roughly “Holy  $&*@!”

Jerky – Da Yoopers favortie food.

Jesus Crumps - Similar in meaning to Holy Wha.

Pitters -Armpits.

T’roat – Throat. (ex: “She stuck her tongue down my t’roat.”)

Troll – Refers to a native in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan.

Two holer – Toilet

That’s just some of da words you’ll be hearin’ when you get your tickets to da romantic comedy ESCANABA IN LOVE, playin’ dis February at da Farmers Alley T’eatre.  You can get your tickets right here on dis website or by calling 343-2727.

And if you miss dis’ show, Holy Wha!, I won’t know what to do wit ya, eh?

2008.  Bye.  See ya. Adios.  Don’t let the door hit you on the way out. Make way for a brand new year full of possibilities.  BUT…before we embrace 2009, I feel like we must look back at 2008 in all the ways that it shaped Farmers Alley Theatre, and maybe in some ways it didn’t.

January

Farmers Alley Theatre business plan fleshed out.  Rob Weiner celebrates his birth.  Kalamazoo Civic is the first community theatre to mount a production of Avenue Q – starring our Executive Director Adam Weiner. Sylvester Stallone makes another Rambo.  It is not nominated for any Academy Awards.

February

People celebrate Valentine’s Day.  Others don’t.  Farmers Alley starts meeting with potential board members.  The New England Patriots lose a football game.  The month seemed shorter than other months.

March

Founders Jeremy Koch and Adam Weiner celebrate birthdays.  Not on the same day, that would be weird.  The color scheme is decided on for the theatre.  The men involved have very little input.  Many beers are consumed near the 17th.  For several weekends, madness occurs.

April

Jeremy Koch stars in the Whole Art’s Assassins.  Rob Weiner attends and is frightened by Jeremy pointing a gun at him.  The Farmers Alley Board of Directors is established.  The Season Calendar is fleshed out.

May

The first board meeting in Farmers Alley Theatre History occurs.  Construction begins on the new theatre.  Our opening night of October 17th is decided on.  Robert Downey Jr. declares, “Yeah.  I can fly.”

June

The Farmers Alley Theatre brochure is designed.  The Kalamazoo Gazette prints its first article reporting on our conception.  Adam and Rob travel to Las Vegas.  They return having given a donation to the Nevada Economy.  Hillary Clinton finally concedes.  I think.

July

The founders travel to the Purple Rose Theatre.  Denene almost runs a red light in Chelsea nearly ending the Farmers Alley Theatre’s short existence.  Fireworks go off.  The Dark Knight opens.  Rob sees it.  He sees it again.  He sees it again.

August

Progress in construction speeds up.  The office in which I’m writing this blog is built.  Brochures, mailings, invitations are sent out.  Farmers Alley Theatre holds its first open casting call.  A wonderful flux of actors comes out.  Casting for A Few Good Men takes place.  Michael Phelps swims.

September

The Farmers Alley Theatre has its gala fundraiser at the City Centre in downtown Kalamazoo.  It is highly attended.  Tours of the theatre space are given.  Rehearsals for A Few Good Men are going full steam.  Our first show hasn’t opened and we already have callbacks for A Grand Night for Singing.  The world is introduced to Sarah Palin.  The Detroit Lions lose.

October

Farmres Alley Theatre opens on the 17th.  A soldout production of A Few Good Men is hailed by the Kalamazoo Gazette.  Jeremy Koch can’t handle the truth.  Denene Mulay Koch has a birthday and no one in the cast knows about it.  Kinetic Affect plays for a weekend, complete with juice boxes and sitar music.  Rob’s life is completed with the release of High School Musical 3.  Kris Dalton dresses up as an Elephant for Halloween.  The Detroit Lions lose.

November

The United States elects a new president.  Farmers Alley completes its successful run of A Few Good Men.  Casting for Escanaba in Love is finalized.  James Bond underwhelms.  We give thanks.  And the Detroit Lions lose.

December

A Grand Night for Singing plays to sold out houses.  Wonderful desserts are had by many.  Hot chocolate is made by the gallon.  A Grand Night is had by all.  The play Marvin’s Room will be performed in our May slot.  Holidays are happy.  Seasons are greeted.  And the Detroit Lions lose.

08 was great.

09 is gonna be mighty fine.

Happy New Year from all of us!

For anyone who’s ever been in theatre, you know that the last week before a show opens is the most exciting, stressful, whirlwind of a time.  And this week has been no different as we look to open ‘A Grand Night for Singing’ on the 5th.  The Farmers Alley Theatre cast and crew have been working non-stop to make this event unique for its audiences.

Step one is having a fabulous product.  When you start with the music of the best songwriting team in musical theatre history that’s a good beginning.  One you have Marie Kerstetter musical directing and leading a fabulous orchestra of six talented musicians, that’s a great next step.  And when you hear this fabulous cast of past and future New York professionals singing new arrangements of some of the most famous songs in American culture, you know you’ve got a grand night of music, love, and romance.

Step two is getting the word out.  We have a wonderful graphic designer named Chris Honeysett who has designed all of our programs, posters and postcards.  We sent out nearly 1500 postcards getting the word out.  If you want to be on our mailing list, please send your name and address to farmersalleytheatre@yahoo.com.  We also had the priviledge of being on the Lori Moore show on 590 WKZO at 6:45 in the morning this past Tuesday.  We sang snipets of three different numbers on her show, and you can hear our audio by joining of Facebook Fan Page!  Just search for Farmers Alley Theatre on Facebook and listen to our singers at the crack of dawn singing about ‘Some Enchanted EVENING’ or ‘A Grand NIGHT for Singing’.  The show runs from December 5th through the 20th.  So if you like what you hear, please spread the word to your friends and family.

And step three, is putting all the work in place to make the entire elegant evening a smashing success.  As mentioned before, we are going to be setting up the theatre in beautifully decorated tables and chairs, and serving desserts and coffee from some of the finest local restaurants in town (Mangia Mangia, The Union, Epic Bistro).  The lighting, the decorations, the silverware has all been meticulously planned and picked for the enjoyment of our audience.

To order tickets for ‘A Grand Night for Singing’ you can call our box office at 343.2727 or simply go to the home page of our website and order online.  Tickets are $22 general admission, $19 for students and seniors with $5 for desserts and coffee.  But wait, there’s more…

STUDENT RUSH TICKETS

Farmers Alley Theatre will be offering Student Rush Tickets for $10 a half an hour before each show.  Anyone with a valid student ID, just show up 30 minutes before the show, and get nearly a 50% discount on your ticket.

Enjoy the Show!