HAYLOFT HAPPENINGS/ JANUARY 2011

            Eight·y [ey-tee] –noun   a cardinal number, ten times eight; indicating the years of a lifetime or of a century.  This paraphrases the Dictionary.com definition of eighty – a number of some significance to us at the Hayloft for our 2011 season.  Yes, that’s right; we are in our 80^th season of entertainment in the form of great theatrical productions for the Burlington area.  Ahem… we are one of Wisconsin ’s and indeed, the USA ’s, longest continuously performing theater groups!  We are very proud of our long and interesting history and are also proud of the offerings we have in store for 2011. 

       Our spring show will be the very crazy and funny farce “Lend Me a Tenor” (directed by Mary Hubbard Nugent).  Auditions will be held March 13 at 1:30 PM at the theater.  Production dates will be April 28 - 30, May 6 – 8 and 13 – 15.  Our summer musical will be “Jesus Christ Superstar”, a show we have been trying to get the rights to for years.  The show comes with some “restrictions” in that we can’t advertise it or announce that we are producing it outside of 20 miles (unless through email or our website – that also means not in our yearly Brochure!).  Watch to see how we creatively publicize this show – it will be interesting, but well worth the effort.  “Jesus Christ Superstar” is the story of the last days of Christ, told in musical form by the amazing Andrew Lloyd Webber.  We are very proud to say that Jenny Hoffman will be directing this stirring and touching musical.  Auditions will be held on May 24 & 25 at 7 PM at the theater.  Production dates will be July 14 – 17, 21 – 24 and July 28 - 31.  The final “regular” season show in fall (directed by Jesse Hurst) will be the 2^nd longest running Off Broadway production of all time, "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change."  The show deals with the central theme of love and relationships in a musical format through vignettes.  This show is also a show with “restrictions” on its rights because it has just been released for community theaters, so; once again look for some creative advertising.  Auditions will be held on August 22 at 7 PM at the theater.  Production dates will be: October 6 – 8, 14 – 16 and 21 - 23. 

       A Bonus show is on the agenda for our 80^th anniversary year!  We are excited to announce that “Dog Park: The Musical”, a musical comedy told through barbershop harmonies and following the adventures of 4 dogs at the dog park, will be added as a bonus show to our Hayloft schedule.  Auditions will be September 19 at 7 PM at the theater.  Production dates will be November 3 – 6 and 10 – 13.

      The Young Haylofters play will be “Aladdin”, the romantic Disney musical about a beggar who falls in love with a Princess and how wins the girl.  “Aladdin” will be directed by Julie Busch and assistant director, Dana Schmaling.  Auditions will be June 13 at 1 PM & June 14 at 10 AM at the theater.  Production dates will be:  August 11 – 14 and 18 – 21. 

      Last but certainly not least, Christy Heinzelmann and Melissa Rodriguez will once again be directing our Christmas program, the “Winter Cabaret”.  Auditions for this program are TBA but production dates will be November 26 & 27 and December 2 – 4.  As always, look for any updates in future issues of “Happenings”.

As previously noted, the Haylofters are in our 80^th year of existence and that hasn’t happened by accident.  We, here at the ‘Loft, offer a great product for a minimal price.  We are offering our season ticket package for the great price of $30 a ticket.  Your season ticket allows you to see three great “regular” season shows (our spring, summer and fall shows) and gives you first chance at those sometimes hard to get tickets before they become available to the general public. The bonus offerings, the Young Haylofters show and the Christmas program are individually priced.  Another way to help us and you at the same time is to become a Patron of the Haylofters. 

           The Haylofters are licensed as a 501c3 tax-exempt organization, so your donation is also a tax deduction and, at the $150 level, you will receive 2 complimentary season tickets.  Learn more about season tickets and patron donations by calling the theater at (262) 763-9873 or, if you choose, send us a check for your season tickets/patron donation. Our address is Haylofters, P.O. Box 164 , Burlington , WI , 53105 .  Another way of helping us is to consider becoming active in some way.  Memberships are available at $25 for a family membership or $15 for a single membership.  We always need people – whether to help us backstage, with props, costuming, acting or crew – this is how the theater continues to run!  Remember, that you are the reason that our doors remain open after 80 years.

            As always, we are looking for sponsors for our shows.  Sponsorship offers positive publicity for any sponsoring group by prominently featuring their business in all our ads, posters and playbills while helping us maintain our community theater program.  If your business is interested in sponsoring a play or would just like more information about this very valuable program, call Phyllis at (262) 763-9395.

Election update:  We held elections in December and Melissa Rodriguez and Phyllis Hartwick were elected to the board for three year terms.  Our friend and coworker, Jordan Debbink resigned due to personal obligations and Bill Corey was chosen to serve out the remainder of Jordan ’s term (2 more years).  Thank you , Jordan for all your energy and hard work while working with us!  Our door is always open to you.  Taa daa … I present to you your 2011 board of directors:  Jennie King, President; Lenore Swoboda, Vice President; Melissa Rodriguez, Secretary; Phyllis Hartwick, Treasurer; Mary Skwierawski, Business Manager/Member at Large and Don Fresen/Bill Corey, Members at Large. 

            Can I take this opportunity to crow about the wonderful Shine the Light Benefit concert from last fall?  Unfortunately, I was not able to participate in or attend the concert due to travel plans, but instead saw it on DVD.  All I can say is WOW!  Director, Jordan Debbink, Musical Director, Dr. Anne Armetta, the accompanists and all the singers were simply fabulous!  What a great way to end the year and anticipate our 80^th season.  Thank you everyone for such a memorable event.                           

Finally, the next board meeting will be held at Phyllis Hartwick’s home* on Monday, February 7 at 7 PM (note the change in normal meeting date).

                                     Your Hayloft Treasurer,

                                                 Phyllis Hartwick

*Note: meeting has been changed to Don F's home. Please email us for address: info@thehaylofters.com