City Theatre of Independence Presents ARCADIA 6/3-13

City Theatre Of Independence's spring production of Tom Stoppard's "Arcadia" will play June 3-13: 8 pm Thr-Sat; 2 pm Sun.

The production, directed by Jamie Close, will feature Victoria Hust-Day as Thomasina Coverly, Bob Ingram as Ezra Chater, David Calkins as Richard Noakes, Michael Masterson as Bernard Nightingale, Aaron Smithson as Septimus Hodge, Bethany Hall as Hanna Jarvis, Marcie Ramirez as Lady Croom, Jackie Coomes as Chloe Coverly, Michael Brown as Valentine Coverly, Spencer Carney as Gus/Augustus Coverly, and Kurt Moegle as Captain Brice. The role of Jellaby is still open.

"For me, casting is one of the hardest parts of directing," Close said. "It is hard to let people know that, despite the fine job they did at auditions, you made another choice."

Ramirez, a local actress, said, "The callback is my favorite aspect of auditions. It's the only time when an actor has the opportunity to play every suitable role. It's creative and fun to compete against yourself."

Seventeen people auditioned for "Arcadia" April 19 and 20. Actors auditioned with prepared monologues and selected individuals were invited to callbacks April 21. Close contacted cast members before the cast list was announced.

Ramirez said, "I'm excited about the 1809 upper-class English jargon and working with a cast and crew that seems qualified and talented."

The production staff for "Arcadia" includes Close, assistant director Joyce Walker, stage manager Stephen Kennedy, lighting designer Jack McCord, costume designer Joyce Stone, sound designers Aaron Smithson and Nathan Stone, and properties master Martha Maggio.

During its 30-year history, CTI has staged more than 150 productions, including plays, musicals, revues, and original works. Located at the Powerhouse Theatre in the Roger T. Sermon Center, the organization promotes live theater for the greater Kansas City area. Through engaging audiences and offering equal opportunities to interested persons, CTI has grown from 20 to more than 400 members. Community involvement has consisted of participation in the Santa-Cali-Gon festival, the Independence Arts and Crafts show, the Enchanted Forest, and "Powerpalooza." CTI is a member of the Missouri Association of Community Theatres and the American Association of Community Theatres. For more information, visit www.citytheatreofindependence.org.

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