Gigi

Date: Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Time: -

Please scroll down

Camelot Theatre Company opens the first musical of its 2010 season, the Tony Award winning “Gigi,” with Book and Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and Music by Frederick Loewe, based on the novel by Colette. In turn-of-the-century Paris, Gaston, the heir to a fortune, is bored with his superficial lifestyle. His only joy is visiting his uncle’s former mistress, now a grandmother, and Gigi, her granddaughter. Gigi, bored with what she perceives as Parisian preoccupation with romance, finds her only joy when her friend and confidant Gaston comes to visit. Their friendship develops into love as Gigi’s relatives connive to make her Gaston’s mistress. But Gigi has other plans in this delightful Cinderella story!

Artistic Director Livia Genise directs Camelot’s production of “Gigi.” Choreography is by Audrey Flint and Musical Direction is by Mark Reppert. “Gigi” stars Amanda Andersen in the title role, with Bob Jackson Miner as Honore Lachailles, Michael Maisonneuve as Gaston, Ellie Holt-Murray as Mamita and Presila Quinby as Aunt Alicia. “Gigi” is sponsored by the Rogue Valley Harmonizers.

A former Broadway actress, Livia Genise has both directed and starred in many Camelot productions, including “Cabaret,” “Shenandoah,” “Do I Hear a Waltz,” “Sockdology,” “Meet Me in St. Louis,” “Master Class,” “Woody Guthrie’s American Song,” “Man of La Mancha,” “Into the Woods,” “Promises, Promises” and “Brigadoon.”

Audrey Flint has choreographed many past productions at Camelot, including “Annie,” “Oliver,” “Do I Hear A Waltz,” “Man of La Mancha,” “Brigadoon” and last summer’s smash hit, “Cabaret.” Other credits include choreographing musicals in the SF bay area, TV shows in London, summer stock theaters, and her own bi-yearly dance student extravaganzas.

The musical director for Camelot’s recent productions of “The Secret Garden,” “Cabaret” and “Shenandoah,” Reppert recently retired from a 33 year career in the public schools teaching music and having directed award-winning choirs at North Medford High School as well as numerous musical theatre productions, including “Into the Woods,” “The King and I” and “Fiddler on the Roof.”

A recent graduate of the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts and acting intern with Camelot’s Conservatory for two years, Amanda Andersen’s acting credits at CTC include Martha in “The Secret Garden,” Rosie in “Cabaret,” Yonah in “Children of Eden,” Rapunzel in “Into The Woods” and Clarisse in “Fahrenheit 451”.

Theatre-going audiences will recognize Bob Jackson Miner from previous Camelot productions (“The Secret Garden,” “Shenandoah,” “A Little Night Music,” “1776” and “Do I Hear A Waltz?”), or the Oregon Cabaret Theatre (“Pump Boys & Dinettes” and “Guys On Ice”). Also known as Harmonica Bob ®, Miner had his own television show on a FOX affiliate for 4 years.

Also a recent graduate from the Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts, Michael Maisonneuve recently appeared in Camelot’s production of “The Secret Garden” as Dickon. Past productions at PCPA include “The Music Man,” “Les Misérables,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “White Christmas” and “Othello.”

Making her Camelot debut, Ellie Holt-Murray’s career has been in the world of opera as well as musical theater. A well-known vocal instructor, Murray was the Musical Vocal Coach for O.S.F. for two seasons, is a vocal instructor at S.O.U. and is co-founder of “Sing It! Say It! Dance It,” a musical theater summer workshop for children.

Presila Quinby was most recently seen (and heard) in the Arlen Spotlight. Other Camelot performances include “The Secret Garden,” “I Remember Mama,” “Bullshot Crummond” and “Dancing at Lughnasa.”

Other cast members include Daniel Stephens (Charles), Grant Shepard (Manuel), Meagan Kirby (Liane D’Exelmans), Casey Faubion (Sandomir), Barbara Reins (Mme. Dumard), Bunny Spady (Jacqueline), Sarah Gore (Juliette), Timothy Kelly (Maitre’ D) Jonathan Andrew Oles (Jacques), Sunshine Bucy (Jean-Paul), Kathy Wing (Mme. Orlean), Kaia Bucy (Aimee), Lilly Michaels (Madeleine), Tristan Bucy (Etienne), Alexa Nienhaus (Colette), Juliet Nienhaus (Gabrielle), Lilli Patton (Brigitte) and Reese Rush (Pierre).

Musicians for “Gigi” are Karl Iverson (piano and accordion), Joanna Lynden (synthesizer) and Steve Sutfin (drums). The production team for “Gigi” is Camelot’s resident designers: costumer Barbara Rains, set designer, properties master and master carpenter Don Zastoupil, lighting designer Bart Grady and sound, audio and video designer Brian O’Connor. Peter Wickliffe is assistant director and dramaturg. Resident stage manager Taja Watkins heads the technical crew of Casey Faubion (asst. stage manager), Tana Watkins (light board operator) and Julia Holden-Hunkins (sound board and video operator).

Reservations are definitely recommended for “Gigi.” March 17th is a Fundraiser for Community Health Center All tickets for this performance ONLY are $20. March 18th is a preview and tickets for that performance are $12. All other regular performances are $19 for students and seniors and $21 for Adults. Reserved seating is available for $2/ticket. Student rush tickets of $10 will be available 5 minutes before show time subject to availability. Tickets may be purchased in person, over the phone at the Camelot box office, located at the corner of Talent Ave and Main St in Talent. Reservations may also be requested on-line (click here). Box Office hours are Monday through Saturday from 1-5 p.m. and one hour before performances. To reserve tickets, call the Camelot Theatre Company Box Office at 535-5250.