BWW Previews: THE MAIN STAGE, INC. Prepares For a Thrilling 2015 Season

By: Feb. 01, 2015
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Looking for a place to 'act out' in 2015? The Main Stage, Inc. could be the place for you. The Main Stage is kicking it into gear with their 2015 season, and there's no slowing them down! They have included four productions, as well as a youth summer camp that will take place in June of 2015. I recently sat down with the Executive Director of The Main Stage, Jon West, to find out what makes this season much more special than the previous years. Let's take a look at the 2015 season for The Main Stage, Inc.

Shrek The Musical TYA March 27-28, 2015

The Main Stage is currently working on a version for young audiences of "Shrek The Musical" written by Jeanine Tesori. "Shrek" is the classic story of the beloved Ogre who finds he's falling in love with the Princess of the kingdom, with some help from a slightly annoying Donkey. This show comes with an excellent score by Tesori, with showstoppers such as, "Freak Flag", and "Who I'd Be".

Shrek will be part of the student theater season that The Main Stage produces every year. During this production, students will endure a 8 week rehearsal period where they will not only produce a full musical, but will learn the fundamentals of singing, acting, and dancing from the staff at Main Stage. Students start with audition workshops and get-to-know-you games followed by an audition. Then they go into rehearsing, and learning the show.

"Shrek" is a perfect production for kids, and audiences coming to see the production. It's a win/win for The Main Stage. West says, "We've done "Shrek" before with adults but I think I am more excited to see what the kids can do with it. They've all seen the movie so it's easy for them to identify and relate with the characters."

"Shrek The Musical" will be March 27-28, 2015 at The RJ Kroc Center in South Bend. For tickets and more info, visit www.themainstageinc.com.

Oliver! The Musical June 12-13, 2015

The first summer production for The Main Stage will be, "Oliver! The Musical" written by Lionel Bart. This production will be filled with adults and children, making it a musical that is sure to blow audiences away. West says his goal is to have a children's ensemble of up to 75 kids!

"Oliver!" is based on the Dickens novel, which is filled with pathos and drama, while delighting everyone with its outstanding musical numbers. "Food, Glorious Food", "I'd Do Anything", "Where is Love?", and "Consider Yourself", are all numbers in this show that have become classics in the Broadway world. Dickens' characters are brought to life - perhaps larger than life - with all their facets glowing in this production.

The Main Stage is certainly excited about this summer production. West says, "Main Stage started a tradition last summer of doing one musical that is a Broadway classic, and a second production that introduces a relatively new musical." He goes on to say, "Our specialty is Children's Theater and this show (Oliver!) Showcases kids singing/dancing and of course picking a pocket or two."

"Oliver! The Musical" will be on June 12-13, 2015 at The RJ Kroc Center in South Bend. Auditions will be held in late April at The Main Stage, Inc. Studio. Stay tuned to their website for more information.

The Addams Family The Musical August 28-29, 2015

Whether you are ready or not, The Addams Family is rolling into town, and The Main Stage couldn't be more excited to be one of the first community theaters in the South Bend region to be producing this musical.

The Addams Family features an original story, and it's every father's nightmare. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family - a man her parents have never met. And if that weren't upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he's never done before - keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday's 'normal' boyfriend and his parents.

West says, "This amazing musical brings to life all the television characters from the show, such as, Morticia, Wednesday, Uncle Fester, and all the gang. This production will be full of fun and full disclosure!"

The Addams Family will be August 28-29, 2015 in South Bend. Auditions will be July 6th at the Main Stage Studio in Mishawaka. For more info, visit their website.

Tarzan The Musical November 2015

Are you a Disney fanatic and love this score written by Phil Collins? Then you will want to make sure you catch Main Stage's production of "Tarzan" which is included in the 2015 Student Theater Season. Whether you perform in this production, or check it out in November, you won't want to miss it!

Washed up on the shores of West Africa, an infant boy is taken in and raised by gorillas who then name him Tarzan. Apart from striving for acceptance from his ape father, Tarzan's life is mostly monkey business until a human expedition treks into his tribe's territory and he encounters creatures like himself for the first time. Tarzan struggles to navigate a jungle, thick with emotion as he discovers his animal upbringing clashing with his human instincts.

Speaking with West about Tarzan, he says, "I've always been a huge fan of Disney, and this will be the first time I've been involved with Tarzan. I always love bringing new works to Main Stage, so doing Tarzan with the kids is very exciting. It'll be fun to see what they can do, and what kind of production we will have!".

Tarzan will be in November of 2015. For more info, visit The Main Stage's website.

If you would like to see a Main Stage production, or become involved, please visit their website, www.themainstageinc.com, or email them at, info@themainstageinc.com .

I've enjoyed speaking with The Main Stage, Inc. and I'm excited to see their productions this year! The South Bend Region is looking strong this year in musical theater, and The Main Stage, Inc. is ready to compete and produce some amazing works! Tweet me! @AP_95


 

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