St. John Theatre’s 2012 season has something for everyone

Published 12:00 am Saturday, February 11, 2012

By Ryan Arena

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – The Board of Directors and others involved in St. John Theatre announced the schedule of their upcoming season Thursday night in a get together at PJ’s Coffee.

Rehearsals are already ongoing for “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” a musical that officially opens March 10.

From there, the theater will begin work on “Seussical,” a Dr. Seuss-themed musical that is slated to be the group’s summer production, set for July.

Finally, in August, St. John Theatre will present its “Creative Dramatics and Voice Acting Workshop,” a full day workshop that instructs aspiring actors “in theatre exercises such as vocal, physical and improvisation, script work, characterization and scene work.” The workshop will be hosted by Todd Haberkorn and Kent Williams, well-known actors in the anime industry, the same pair that put on the event the first time around last year.

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is often the center of some confusion, said Darryl Clement, the show’s director.

“People see the title and think it’s an actual spelling bee,” he said with a chuckle. In actuality, the musical comedy is centered on a fictional spelling bee, and the entertainment is not limited to those who begin on stage. Clement noted the show employs audience participation, and the theater group is looking to feature “a celebrity guest speller” in each show pulled from prominent members of the local community.

“While on Broadway, one of the “guest spellers” was Al Sharpton, and that became a really big deal,” said Clement. “We’ve been contacting principals from our local schools, for example. People that everyone would know in general.”

Clement described it as a “90-minute, non-stop, no intermission musical.” The shows will take place on March 10, 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. and March 11 at 2:30 p.m.

St. John Theatre will hold auditions for “Seussical” at the end of April.

Clement said that while the theater’s production of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” last year was a PG-13 production and a “very adult show,” this year “Seussical” will be geared more toward a family outing.

“It won’t be just for kids, but we’re hoping for this to lend to families who are hoping to find a hobby to do together,” said Clement.

The show is based on the books of Dr. Seuss and features many of its characters, such as the Cat in the Hat and Horton. August’s workshop is focused on voice acting and providing help to those who want to break into that field, particuarly in regard to animated films. The cost of that event is $45 per person. It is a one-day event slated for Aug. 18.

For more information, those interested can follow St. John Theatre on Facebook or at www.stjohntheatre.org.