Author: Renee

“A Chorus Line” tickets on sale now

Tickets for Lancaster Community Players’ (LCP) production of the Broadway musical “A Chorus Line” are now on sale. The show is set to run at the Grantland Theatre in Lancaster, Wis., April 25-28, 2024.

Reserved seats downstairs are $20 and general seats in the balcony are $18. Showtimes for April 25, 26 and 27 are 7:30 p.m. and for April 28 is 2 p.m. For tickets, contact Angela Walter at 608-778-7726. Please note the show contains language and adult themes (PG-13).

LCP is comprised of individuals who direct, act, and do numerous behind-the-scenes tasks to make a show happen well before the audience gets to enjoy it. Rehearsals for this show began in January. Of course, it all begins with the vision of a director, this time being Bill Haskins. Our 26 actors sing and dance their way through the story of what it takes to audition for and make the cut of a Broadway chorus line. Every musical number is learned and then choreographed and rehearsed. Lisa Swanson is vocal director, and Brandi Dreher is choreographer. Larry Busch leads the orchestra.

Behind the scenes, Tom Nicolai has updated sound equipment in place to enhance the overall sound quality for our audience. The stage lights have been professionally designed specifically for this show. A crew built the stage set, another painted or applied its design, and a third will be adjusting it during the show. Other behind the scenes volunteers include costumes and props, a production team, and an usher caption.

LCP is grateful to have many tristate area community members active in our theatre troupe. We welcome anyone interested in sharing their talents, on stage or off. Our home is the vaudeville-era Grantland Theatre, which has a storied history of live shows dating back to the 1920s. Please join us in celebrating the continuation of live theatre in Lancaster’s historic Grantland Theatre!

Rehearsals have begun for “A Chorus Line”

Rehearsals have begun for the Lancaster Community Players’ production of A Chorus Line, which will be performed at the Grantland Theatre April 25, 26, 27 and 28. Director Bill Haskins is working with another large cast of 26 performers. Stay tuned for more glimpses of the work happening behind the scenes.

Auditions for spring 2024 play

Lancaster Community Players holds auditions for ‘A Chorus Line’

LANCASTER, WIS–Lancaster Community Players (LCP) announces auditions for “A Chorus Line” to be held April 25-28, 2024, at the Grantland Theatre, Lancaster. Two audition times are scheduled: 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, in the Council Chambers of Lancaster City Hall and 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8, at the Grantland Theatre. Those auditioning are to prepare a 60-to-90-second musical selection and come in appropriate attire for a short group dance lesson. Please bring the music for the accompanist. There are roles for 12 women and 14 men. Those interested in auditioning who cannot make the scheduled audition times should contact Director Bill Haskins at 608-723-6600.

“A Chorus Line” is a stunning concept musical capturing the spirit and tension of a Broadway chorus audition, with music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Edward Kleban and a book by James Kirkwood Jr. and Nicholas Dante. Exploring the inner lives and poignant ambitions of professional Broadway gypsies, the show features one powerhouse number after another. Memorable musical numbers include “What I Did for Love,” “One,” “I Can Do That,” “At the Ballet,” “The Music and the Mirror” and “I Hope I Get It.” A brilliantly complex fusion of song, dance and compellingly authentic drama, “A Chorus Line” is a celebration of those unsung heroes of the American musical theatre: the chorus dancers—those valiant, over dedicated, underpaid, highly trained performers who back up the star or stars and often make them look even more talented than they are. It is also a celebration of the American musical itself.

About “A Chorus Line,” Haskins said “This is one of those timeless musicals which I have admired for years. It touches on timeless themes, including love, rejection, joy, and many more. We look forward to bringing it to life!” Haskins previously directed “Mamma Mia!” and “The Producers” and several more musicals for LCP. Join him and local theatre lovers as they produce another great Broadway hit!

Setting aside fall play

Dear LCP family,

It is with great disappointment that I share with you that we had to cease production on our fall show. We had a full cast, and then our actor for the part of Lenny, let me know that he had too many scheduling conflicts to do the show. We searched for over a week to find a replacement. Many of you offered help. Thank you. Unfortunately, we were not able to fill the role.

The good part about the two weeks we dedicated to rehearsals is this: we have new actors for our group! Michael Harding, Patrick Ralph, Matthew Harper, and Julianne Washa (Andrea’s daughter) have joined our LCP family. If you see them or have contact with them, welcome them. Other actors were Cheryl Schmieder, Andrea Washa, Shawn Steinhoff, and Bob McKelvey. The two weeks that we rehearsed showed much promise. Lines were already being memorized. The fine blocking was in place. A set was designed and ready to be built. Thanks, Stuart. Some costume pieces were ordered. Renee had the poster draft ready before we even began rehearsals. Ann was ready to produce. Angela and Kristin were ready for the tickets and house management. The stage crew (Tom, Michael S., Lisa Z.) was almost all in place (one more needed back stage). Michael Walter gave great support with every aspect of this show! I can’t say enough good about this group!

I know our audience was excited about a fall show. So were Michael and I and the cast. We’ll keep this show in the hopper but make sure we have a commitment to fill the role of Lenny before we move forward.

Thank you to everyone who supported us in any way.

In theatre,
Eileen

Auditions for our fall show

Red Curtain Spotlight Stage Background

LCP will be holding auditions for our fall show, “Duck Hunter Shoots Angel”

Production dates for “Duck Hunter Shoots Angel” by Mitch Albom, will be Friday through Sunday, Oct. 20, 21, and 22 at the Grantland Theatre in Lancaster, Wis.

Audition Times and Locations

  • Monday, August 14 from 6:30 – 8:30 at the Senior Center in City Hall
  • Wednesday, August 16 from 6:30 – 8:30 at the Senior Center in City Hall

There are parts for nine actors: two women (age young adult and 20s-30s); six men (all age 30s-60s); and one role that can be either male or female (age 30s-60s). One of the male roles is written for a black man in the age range of 30s to 50s. All those interested in community theatre are invited to audition. Scripts are available for review at Schreiner Memorial Library. Lancaster Community Theatre also welcomes those who want to work behind the scenes. Rehearsals will be held Saturday mornings and Monday and Thursday evenings.

Contact Eileen Dushek-Manthe with questions at 608-345-5626 or if you are interested and cannot attend the scheduled audition times.

Director Eileen Dushek-Manthe chose this play because of its excellent script. “I’ve been wanting to find a show of this style for years. I’m excited to bring this to the Grantland stage,” she said. “Duck Hunter Shoots Angel” is the uproarious story of two bumbling Alabama brothers who have never shot a duck but think they shot an angel. As they lament their fates in a murky swamp, they are chased by a cynical tabloid journalist and his reluctant photographer, who don’t believe any of it—until feathers, wings and a tiara are discovered along the way. The play hysterically interweaves a love story, sibling rivalry, tawdry media, race relations and cultural stereotypes as the chase to find the angel builds to a crescendo in the swamp. Ultimately a sweet allegory about redemption, “Duck Hunter Shoots Angel” has been hailed by audiences as a rare comedy with a surprisingly heartfelt lesson.

A very successful return to the stage

The cast and crew of Murdered to Death would like to thank everyone who came to the show! We are very appreciative of the community’s support of local theater! Thank you to our loyal following and new audience members alike. You are a big part of what makes Southwest Wisconsin such a great place to live! We can’t wait to see you again in the fall.

Lancaster Players return to stage with “Murdered to Death”

LANCASTER, WIS–The plot will thicken as Lancaster Community Players (LCP) returns to the Grantland Theatre stage March 24-26 with “Murdered to Death” by Peter Gordon. The cast will bring to life characters reminiscent of an Agatha Christie whodunit, only with all the side-splitting comedy of an Inspector Clouseau spoof. Prepare to be transported to a 1930s English country manor.

Director Ann Savides Dolan has assembled a talented group of nine LCP veterans and one newcomer, Andrea Washa of Highland. Washa plays Joan Maple, the neighborhood snoop who pops in just in time to witness–well, sort of–a murder! The audience will see the bumbles of Inspector Pratt played by Bill Haskins and assisted by Max Nalepinski as Constable Thompkins. Hosting the weekend getaway is Mildred Bagshot (Kim Martens); her niece, Dorothy (Amy Alcott), and sole heir; and Bunting the butler (Bill Mahaney). Visiting for the weekend are Colonel Charles Craddock (Shawn Steinhoff) and wife Margaret (Sally Harper), along with art dealer Pierre Marceau (Michael Steffel) and companion Elizabeth Hartley-Trumpington (Lisa Nicolai).

The group is anxious and excited to be back in production after their two-and-a-half year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Savides Dolan said, “I’m tickled to death to bring live theater back to Lancaster! When I asked about people’s interest in doing a show, I had an overwhelmingly positive response. This is a very talented cast, and the show is pure, unadulterated comedy.”

Tickets are available by contacting Angela Walter at 608-778-7726. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 24 and 25, and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 26. Reserved seating is $12 and balcony seating is $10. The show is presented by special arrangement with Dramatist Play Services, Inc.

Auditions for spring 2023 show, “Murdered to Death”

The Lancaster Community Players are back after a long hiatus!

We are planning a Spring Production of the play “Murdered to Death” by Peter Gordon. This is a light hearted fast paced murder mystery in the style of Agatha Christie. There are parts for 10 actors; approximately 5 women and 5 men. Production dates are tentatively set for March 24, 25, and 26.

Audition Times and Locations

  • Monday, January 16th from 6:30 – 8:30 at the Senior Center in City Hall in Lancaster
  • Tuesday, January 17th from 6:30 – 8:30 in the Council Chambers on the 3rd floor of City Hall

If you are interested but unable to attend auditions please contact Ann Dolan / Director at 608-988-6772 to make other arrangements.

Another great show in the books

The cast and crew of Rehearsal for Murder would like to everyone who came to the show! We are very glad the community supports local theater, and without our loyal following, we truly could not have sustained our presence among you for 41 years! You are a big part of what makes Southwest Wisconsin such a great place to live! We can’t wait to see you again in the spring of 2020.