Ho, Ho, Ho! The OLD CRUSTY MINSTRELS
will try to be both naughty and nice at The Upstage
Restaurant on Thu Dec 22 at 6:00 p.m. (the singing will
start around 6:30 p.m.).
It will be only three days before Christmas, so to help get you
in the mood, we will have a completely new list of
Christmas and seasonal songs to sing along with.
Come to downtown Port Townsend and do your last-minute Christmas
shopping, then stop in at The Upstage to enjoy some
Holiday Cheer (the UPSTAGE has food and spirits to suit your
HOLIDAY SPIRIT). You will be able to lift that spirit even
more as you sing along with some of your favorite Christmas
songs!
This is a benefit for Key City Public Theatre so you will
feel even better after being there because you will have
participated in the "spirit of giving" and received a lot of
seasonal JOY while doing it.
There will be door prizes, and other surprises!
It's like GROUP KARAOKE with a room full of semi-crazy
fun-lovers – many of whom can really sing! The words will
be projected, but many of the songs we do you know by heart...
For those who have resisted coming because you “can’t sing” or
are not sure about the kind of music we do (EVERYBODY knows
Frosty the Snowman!!), you should come anyway because there is
as much fun watching the singing as participating in it...
Be sure to get your friends to come – it is much more fun when
"everybody who is anybody" is there – which, of course, means
YOU just have to be there!
Give Mark at
The
Upstage Restaurant a call at 385-2216 to make your
reservation. Otherwise, you may end up sitting out on the
patio (in which case, you might be able to build a campfire –
you’ll probably need one).
The Upstage Restaurant is at 923 Washington Street, Port
Townsend.
There will be a suggested donation at the door
of $5. All donations and bids will benefit KCPT and its
education programs.
2011 Performing Arts
Series
Our 2011 guest artist
Performing Arts Series was initiated by
Lee Blessing's
performance at the Fifteenth Annual Playwrights' Festival in
February and continued with a visit by playwright
Carolyn Gage in March.
KCPT Performing Arts Series Faye Driscoll returns to Port Townsend
with her new work-in-progress
"NOT....NOT"
The
Faye Driscoll Dance Group is returning to Port Townsend to develop another work
-- as she did so successfully in August 2008 when she showed us her
dance-theater piece "837 Venice Boulevard." That
work went on to
performances in New York City which the New York Times said "confirm[s]
Ms. Driscoll as one of the most original talents on the contemporary
dance scene.” It also received a prestigious Bessie
Award in the fall of 2010.
Now -- Faye Driscoll brings to KCPT a pre-New-York-City showing of
her latest work-in-progress "NOT....NOT". She is joined
by dancer Jesse Zaritt and an original score by Brandon Wolcott.
Faye Driscoll’s newest work “Not…Not” uses the
archetypal dance form of the male/female duet to explore the
poignant tension between fantasy and present tense sensation,
seeking to at once satisfy and debunk the duet's expectations around
romance, gender, beauty, sex, partnering, role-play, and
autobiography.
Performers Faye Driscoll and Jesse Zaritt rapidly
slip from recognizable narratives to imagined ones-a couple at a
dance club, then imagined beasts, then "original" man and woman in
the seductive Contrapposto of a renaissance painting-in an effort to
transform the logic of fixed identities. Not…Not has
been commissioned by the Kitchen where it will premier in
April 2012.
Faye Driscoll will perform "NOT....NOT" at Key City Playhouse
on:
Friday November 11 at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday November 12 at 8:00 p.m.
Update (Spring 2012): The piece "NOT...NOT"
(now titled "You're Me") appeared at The Kitchen in
NYC for six nights. You're Me has been
co-commissioned by The Kitchen and The Wexner Center
for the Arts at Ohio University. You're Me
has been created, in part, through a NEFA National
Dance Project production grant which are generously
supported by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation
and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. You're Me
is also being created in part, through a residency
at Headlands Center for the Arts, Key City Public
Theater, and the Baryshnikov Arts Center.
Faye
Driscoll is a dance-theatre maker, performing artist and teacher
working in New York. She was named as “one of twenty-five to
watch out for” by Dance Magazine. She is also the
daughter of Marrowstone Island resident and KCPT performer Lawrason
Driscoll.
Driscoll has worked with the American Dance Festival, HERE Arts
Center, the BAX/Brooklyn Arts Exchange, and was choreographic
assistant to David Neumann in his creation of "The Common Foreign
Language of the Red-Haired People" with Mikhail Baryshnikov.
She is currently an Artist-in-Residence at the Joyce SoHo.
“Ms. Driscoll is fascinating in that she makes
such utterly
original work. It doesn’t look like anything you’ve ever seen
before, nor can you imagine thinking it up.” --
The New York Times
2012
KCPT Comedy Nights -- Thursday January 19 with Kermet Apio
Our first "Comedy Night" for the new year will be Thursday
January 19
at 8:00 p.m.
Returning
to headline the evening
is the popular Kermet Apio -- winner of the Seattle
International Comedy Competition and the Great American
Comedy Festival.
General admission is $15. A limited number of VIP Tickets are
available for $25, which include a pre-show party with the comics,
two free drinks and priority front row seating. The lobby bar will
open one hour prior to the show.
Key City Playhouse is located at 419 Washington St. in Port
Townsend. KCPT “Comedy Nights” are arranged courtesy of
Olympic Peninsula Comedy!
and benefit all the programs of Key City Public Theatre.
Advance tickets are available by cash
or check at Quimper Sound, 230 Taylor St., Port Townsend; by
calling KCPT at 379-0195 with a credit card.
KCPT Performing Arts Series
Past event: Carolyn Gage in "The Second Coming of Joan of Arc"
KCPT presents “The
Second Coming of Joan of Arc” written and performed by visiting
playwright Carolyn Gage on Sunday March 13 at 3:00
p.m. at Quimper Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 2333 San Juan
Avenue, Port Townsend.
Carolyn Gage has toured with the one-woman play nationally
and internationally for t\en years. It has been performed in hundreds
of women’s theatres and festivals, won the Lambda Literary Award,
and recently was the subject of a featured interview on National
Public Radio.
“Joan of Arc” is the explosive story of a cross-dressing, runaway,
lesbian Joan who returns from the dead to share her experiences of
patriarchal betrayal with contemporary audiences.
The Women’s News of Belfast, Northern Ireland called it “a living
manifestation of the power of articulate anger.” Kristina Armenakis
of the Women’s Resource Center at the University of Oregon called it
“an educational, cathartic, heartbreaking, and empowering
experience.”
Gage
herself comments, “Joan of Arc represents one of the most censored
archetypes in theatre history — not just the lesbian, not just the
butch, but the angry young woman. People who see the show are
electrified by this energy — not because young women aren’t enraged
— they are — but because it is so taboo to show it on the stage.”
Gage’s theatre pieces often reclaim women whose stories have been
distorted or erased from history. She has written a musical about
the athlete Babe Didrikson, and a one-act play about Harriet Tubman
which was a winner at the Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Festival.
She is the author of seven books on lesbian theatre and fifty-five
plays, musicals, and one-woman shows.
This performance caps KCPT’s weeklong salute to International
Women’s Day, beginning with the third annual “Here, There &
Everywhere” event on March 7 and 8, which included the performance
of a monologue written by Ms. Gage.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to KCPT's producing
partner Discovery Bay RV Resort to fund their Memorial Garden
honoring lives lost in their community.
General admission is $20; Students $10.
Recent event:
Michael Townsend & Friends present songs and stories of struggle
Northwest
artists come together to share “Talking Stick: Songs and Stories
of Struggle” at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday July 23 at Key City
Playhouse. The evening is a celebration of Native America’s search
for justice and self-determination.
Singers and storytellers include members of the Salish, Quileute,
Lakota and Hawaiian peoples. Joining and supporting these artists
will be Daniel Deardorff, Judith-Kate Friedman and Michael Townsend
(at right in photo).
In the aftermath of this continent’s invasion by European soldiers
and settlers, Indians responded with armed resistance or attempts at
co-existence. This presentation will honor both the warriors and
peacemakers of the First Nations.
Gary “Big Wolf” Buckman(at left in photo) is a
respected artist and keeper of Lakota language and lore.
Erma “Homelani”
Kuenzli plays with husband Mike in this area’s foremost Hawaiian
group “Naki`i.”
With her soulful singing, Erla “Princess Zion” Penn is a
popular performer at protests and peace gatherings.
Paul “Che oke’ten”
Wagner, an award winning Coast Salish Native flutist weaves
stories, drums and flutes into multi-media roots music.
“Talking Stick” is another collaboration of Michael Townsend and his
friends. Previous themed evenings at the playhouse have included
“Murder Ballads,” “Hell & Heaven,” and “The
Water Is Wide.”
Key City Playhouse is at 419 Washington Street, Port Townsend.
Tickets are available for cash at Quimper Sound, or by calling the
KCPT office at 379-0195. The price of admission is $14.92.
Annual Summer Event:
Jazz and Blues Festival events at Key City Playhouse
Key City Playhouse
will be one of the town venues for events of Centrum's Jazz Port
Townsend and Port Townsend Acoustic Blues Festival.
Friday, July 29 and Saturday, July 30
Jazz Port Townsend at Key City Public
Theatre. Begins at 10:00 p.m. both evenings as a venue for Centrum’s
Jazz Port Townsend event. Key City Playhouse, 419 Washington Street,
Port Townsend.
Port Townsend Acoustic Blues Festival at
Key City Public Theatre. Begins at 8:00 p.m. both evenings as a
venue for Centrum’s Acoustic Blues Festival. Key City Playhouse, 419
Washington Street, Port Townsend.
Annual event: "Here, There & Everywhere" programs March
7 and 8
KCPT will present the
third annual "Here, There & Everywhere"
-- a program of monologues by contemporary women playwrights from
around the world -- on March 7 and 8 at 7:00 p.m.
Key City Public Theatre presents “Here, There & Everywhere” as a
benefit forthe University Women’s Foundation of the Port
Townsend chapter of the AAUW on Mon. Mar. 7 at 7:00
p.m. at Key City Playhouse, 419 Washington St., Port Townsend.
Suggested donation $15.
[SOLD OUT, please join us Tuesday, see below.]
Read more about their
University Women's Foundation
(UWF)...
--- Tuesday, March 8, 2011 --- International Women's Day ---
Key City Public Theatre presents the third annual “Here, There &
Everywhere” on Tue. Mar. 8 at 7:00 p.m. at Key City Playhouse, 419
Washington St., Port Townsend. A program of monologues by
contemporary women playwrights from around the world. Suggested
donation $15.
Past
event: Jazz Brunch celebrates Hoagy Carmichael
Cast of "Ladies!" sing Carmichael songs; Son Hoagy B.
Carmichael shares stories
George Rezendes (guitar), John Morton (clarinet),
Fred Nussbaum
(cello)
Saturday, October 16 at 11:00 a.m.
... "Two Sleepy People" ... "I Get Along
Without You Very Well" ...
Sit down to a delicious cinnamon roll, then choose crab cakes,
Grecian omelette, or steak and eggs for your brunch. Enjoy the jazz
trio Blue Crows while you dine.
After the meal, listen to Hoagy B. Carmichael (at left) tell stories of his great father, interspersed
with performances of his songs by the cast and creators of KCPT's
current musical cabaret "Here's to the Ladies!"
At The Castle Key Restaurant, Seventh and Sheridan (at
Manresa Castle), Port Townsend.
At the
Jazz Brunch: George Rezendes, Fred Nussbaum, Hoagy B Carmichael,
Linda Dowdell, and John Morton.
Hoagland
Howard Carmichael (1899 – 1981) was a composer, singer, and
actor during Hollywood’s golden age. He is best known for writing
classics like “Stardust,” “Georgia On My Mind,” and “Heart and
Soul,” each among the most-recorded American songs of all time. He
is considered one of most sophisticated and jazz-oriented of the
contributors to the Great American Songbook, and can still be seen
performing his music in films like “To Have and Have Not,” and “The
Best Years of Our Lives.”
His
son Hoagy Bix Carmichael is a film and theatrical producer.
He was director of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” the Peabody
Award-winning television series for children. A founding member of
AmSong, an advocacy organization for American songwriters, Mr.
Carmichael served as its president for three years. He is also
co-chairman of the American Tap Dance Foundation, an avid trout and
fly fisherman, and author of several highly-respected books on the
sport of fishing.
Performing
and representing KCPT’s currently-running musical cabaret “Here’s
to the Ladies!” will be the show’s co-creators Joanne Schmoll
and Linda Dowdell, and the actors Heather Dudley Nollette...
... and Marlette Buchanan, and Lee Harwell (at left).
Recent event: KCPT’s spring benefit a “Gala on Second Avenue”
Young actors toast theatre; Raffle winners
announced
Key City Public Theatre says “Thank you!” to everyone who helped
make their annual spring benefit on Friday June 25 a success.
Local theatre-lovers celebrated a “Gala on Second Avenue” under the
party tent at The Bishop Hotel with champagne and local taste treats
before attending a private performance of “The Prisoner of Second
Avenue” at Key City Playhouse.
Veteran
Hollywood and theatre actor John Considine, now a Port Townsend
resident, entertained the crowd with humorous stories of his many
years in “show biz.” Lively music was provided by Kristen and Otto
Smith.
KCPT President David Hundhausen announced winners of the “Great
Escape Give-Away” raffle. The $1000 first prize goes to Mary Ann
Verneuil. Melissa Carlson won a private three-hour sailboat cruise,
and Sharon Black won a dinner at The Ajax Café. Proceeds from the
raffle will help support KCPT’s many community and youth programs.
Community and youth were topics of Artistic Director Denise Winter’s
comments. Noting the theater’s growth over the past five years,
Winter expressed “pride in the talent that KCPT is attracting to
Port Townsend — especially the growing number of young people and
young families who are choosing to stay in Jefferson County because
of their connection and commitment to Key City Public Theatre.”
Anna Smith and Amanda Steurer, both Port Townsend natives, gave
testimony to underscore Winter’s comments. Smith (left below)
received four scholarships from KCPT to support her theatre major at
Adelphi University. Now a magna cum laude graduate and recipient of
the senior performing arts award, she works as a professional
actress/performer in New York City.
Steurer (right below) always dreamed of coming back to her
home town and starting a theatre. After training at NYU, the Stella
Adler Conservatory, and performing with New York Public Theatre and
“Saturday Night Live,” she has returned to Port Townsend to discover
that the theatre she wanted to start already exists. Steurer made
her KCPT directorial debut with “The Prisoner of Second Avenue.”
Local businesses who generously contributed to the gala include
Jordini’s, Khu Larb Thai, Mt. Townsend Creamery, On Common Grounds,
Pan D’Amour, Peninsula Daily News, Perfect Endings Cupcakes,
Personalize It!, The Public House, Rainshadow Properties,
Silverwater Café, T’s Restaurant, and Water Street Brewing.
KCPT also wants to thank the individuals who made the benefit come
to life: JoAnn Bussa, Joe and Cindy Finney, Abbie Greene, David &
Pat Hundhausen, Don Knapp & May Jo Nichols, Jane Kopriva, Christina
Mace, Catherine McNabb, Ginger McNew, David & Thelma Parris, Jacque
Peters, Otto & Kristin Smith, and Terry Lynn Wagner.
<<< Young theatre artists play an
increasing role in the growth of Key City Public Theatre. Kellyn
Traenkenschuh, Maggie Wegener, Jesse Wiegel, and Angela Gilbert
attended KCPT’s annual spring benefit on June 25.
All photos by Kathie Meyer / KCPT.
To make a donation to Key City Public Theatre, visit our
donate page.
Recent
event: "Texas Hold 'em Poker Night" Benefit
It
might look like Harry and Zoe Ann Dudley’s living room. But on one
night every year, it becomes “The Wild Card Saloon” — site of the
annual “Texas Hold ‘Em Poker” benefit for Key City Public
Theatre. You’re invited to join the evening of Texas-sized fun that
begins at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 17.
For a contribution of $60 per person (100% of which benefits KCPT),
players are given a seat at one of the saloon tables, a stack of
poker chips, plenty of Texas-style food and drink, and a full house
of excitement and camaraderie. The saloon seats 32 players, so come
wearing your best Western duds to dazzle the competition and
increase your luck.
In addition to the Dudleys, your hosts for the evening will include
John and Donna English, Don and Sarah DuBose, and David and Teresa
Goldsmith. They will provide dealers, with at least one “beginner’s
table” provided for the novice card players. The dealers do not
play, so all guests compete against each other — not against the
“house.”
Tournament play continues until 10:00 p.m., when each player's chips
will be counted to see who has the tallest stack. Prizes are awarded
to the “big money” winners.
An
“Old Crusty Minstrels” Christmas Party!
KCPT Performing Arts Series
Faye
Driscoll is a dance-theatre maker, performing artist and teacher
working in New York. She was named as “one of twenty-five to
watch out for” by Dance Magazine. She is also the
daughter of Marrowstone Island resident and KCPT performer Lawrason
Driscoll.
Returning
to headline the evening
is the popular Kermet Apio -- winner of the Seattle
International Comedy Competition and the Great American
Comedy Festival.
KCPT presents “The
Second Coming of Joan of Arc” written and performed by visiting
playwright Carolyn Gage on Sunday March 13 at 3:00
p.m. at Quimper Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 2333 San Juan
Avenue, Port Townsend.
Gage
herself comments, “Joan of Arc represents one of the most censored
archetypes in theatre history — not just the lesbian, not just the
butch, but the angry young woman. People who see the show are
electrified by this energy — not because young women aren’t enraged
— they are — but because it is so taboo to show it on the stage.”
Northwest
artists come together to share “Talking Stick: Songs and Stories
of Struggle” at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday July 23 at Key City
Playhouse. The evening is a celebration of Native America’s search
for justice and self-determination.
---
Monday, March 7, 2011 ---
Past
event: Jazz Brunch celebrates Hoagy Carmichael
Hoagland
Howard Carmichael (1899 – 1981) was a composer, singer, and
actor during Hollywood’s golden age. He is best known for writing
classics like “Stardust,” “Georgia On My Mind,” and “Heart and
Soul,” each among the most-recorded American songs of all time. He
is considered one of most sophisticated and jazz-oriented of the
contributors to the Great American Songbook, and can still be seen
performing his music in films like “To Have and Have Not,” and “The
Best Years of Our Lives.”
His
son Hoagy Bix Carmichael is a film and theatrical producer.
He was director of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” the Peabody
Award-winning television series for children. A founding member of
AmSong, an advocacy organization for American songwriters, Mr.
Carmichael served as its president for three years. He is also
co-chairman of the American Tap Dance Foundation, an avid trout and
fly fisherman, and author of several highly-respected books on the
sport of fishing.
Performing
and representing KCPT’s currently-running musical cabaret “
Veteran
Hollywood and theatre actor John Considine, now a Port Townsend
resident, entertained the crowd with humorous stories of his many
years in “show biz.” Lively music was provided by Kristen and Otto
Smith.
It
might look like Harry and Zoe Ann Dudley’s living room. But on one
night every year, it becomes “The Wild Card Saloon” — site of the
annual “Texas Hold ‘Em Poker” benefit for Key City Public
Theatre. You’re invited to join the evening of Texas-sized fun that
begins at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 17.
