After trying and trying, we have FINALLY gotten the rights to produce “Jesus Christ Superstar” – and can you tell that I’m a little excited!  Did you know that we have the privilege of being one of the first community theaters to present this rock opera?  This show is so wonderful – great content, music and very moving.   Songs such as “What’s the Buzz”, “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”, “Everything’s Alright” and of course, “Jesus Christ Superstar” punctuate this well loved blockbuster. The show is loosely based on the last week of Jesus’ life, beginning with the arrival of Jesus and his disciples in Jerusalem and continuing through the crucifixion.  Truly a wonderful show! 

Auditions for “Jesus Christ Superstar” will be held at the Malt House Theater on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 24 & 25 at 7 PM.  Jenny Hoffman, our director, tells me that she would like auditioners 15 years and older to come with a prepared song (an accompanist will be available), be ready to learn some simple dance steps and expect to be asked to cold read from the script. 

Please spread the word to your friends and neighbors about this wonderful show’s auditions because, due to a restriction on the rights of this show, we are not able to advertise outside of a 10 mile radius of our theater! 

Production dates for the show will be July 14 – 17, 21 – 24 and July 28 – 31.  Tickets for “Jesus Christ Superstar” will be available to the general public two weeks prior to opening at The Grater Tater, 140 W. Chestnut St., Burlington, at the cost of $12 or on-line (at a slightly higher price) at www.thehaylofters.com.  Plan to get your tickets early because our summer musicals usually sell out.  By the way, we’re very proud to announce that the Runzheimer Foundation will be sponsoring the run of this play.  This is the sixth year that Runzheimer has been our summer musical sponsor.  Thank you Runzheimer!  As usual, we will be holding a small silent auction through-out the run of the play, so if you have an item that you would like to donate to the cause, please call Jennie at 262-763-5145.

Our next auditions after “Jesus Christ Superstar” will be for the Young Haylofters’ musical version of “Aladdin Jr.”.  “Aladdin Jr.” is the Disney musical about a beggar who falls in love with a Princess and how he wins her heart and hand.  Director Julie Busch and assistant student director, Dana Schmaling would like children age 6 – 15 to audition for this Disney Classic.  Julie tells me that she would like auditioners to be ready to sing a solo if they would like a large part in the show – otherwise singing in a group will work for children wanting small parts/chorus.  Children should also expect to be asked to read from a script and do some movement for Julie to judge dancing abilities. Auditions will be held at the theater on June 13 at 1 PM and June 14 at 10 AM.  Production dates will be:  August 11 – 14 and 18 – 21.

I hope you were able to see the hilarious “Lend Me A Tenor”.  What a great show and a great way to start off our 80th season!  Great job cast, crew and director!

What’s next on the docket, you ask.  Well, I have just the thing!  We will be holding a movie night at the theater on Saturday, May 21 at 7 PM.  A “Hairspray” sing-along is planned.  Join other fans of the musical movie “Hairspray” for this very fun filled night!  There will be no admission fee, just a donation if you choose, you need not be a member to come (but why aren’t you?) and concessions will be also available on a donation basis.  Join the fun and come even if you are tone deaf!

It’s spring, so beautification is in order!  A needed planting day will be taking place on Saturday, June 4 at 9 AM, and we need your help!  Seriously, you don’t need to have a green thumb to plant stuff and pull weeds.  If you can help us, please come! 

Lastly, our next Board of Directors meeting will be held on Thursday, June 9, at 7 PM, at Jennie King’s home ( 340 S. Kane St. , Burlington ).  As always, these are open meetings.

 

                     Your Hayloft Treasurer and Board member,

                     Phyllis Hartwick