In fact, it may be the nearest to a Broadway . . . → Read More: PEGGIE MILLER COURIER TICKET AUGUST 20, 2010]]> THE CRIGHTON PLAYERS opened musical comedy “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” last weekend in downtown Conroe’s Owen Theatre, and I must say it caught me by surprise. I was unfamiliar with this play taken from a movie-from-a-movie, and was not expecting it to be so amusing.

In fact, it may be the nearest to a Broadway production that I have seen locally—ever.

Director TRAVIS BRYANT reaps a lot of credit, and rightfully so. His vision spilled into all aspects, from the slick, almost imperceptible sliding of set pieces, to the brilliant lighting that I found myself admiring more than once. The lights moved like electronic checkers on a well constructed board, with spots silhouetting actors in the most intriguing ways. Kudos to the technical staff, especially CHRIS JOHNSON for lighting design.

Of course, cast members from among theater majors at SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY warrant praise for the slick dance routines, as do certain folks in high places at the TEXAS RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL, whose smooth professionalism added oomph to the whole production.

And never, never neglect the musicians, seen on stage at all times, much like those dance bands from long ago musicals.

It’s a clever script, deftly localized with—get ready—references to The Woodlands and Cut and Shoot!

Credit SUE MCCLELLAND HAYES with eye catching costumes. Thank BRANDI BALDWIN for set design, production stage managing, and assistant director’s duties.

Although I did blush once or twice, I can rather overlook that in appreciation for the sheer professionalism of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.” Theater students, especially, could reap great benefits from this one; and those who just opt for an evening of escapism will be gratified.

I concur with that fiddle player in a certain TV commercial when he declares, “That’s how it’s done, boys!”

See “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” weekends through September 4 at 8 p.m.; and two 2 p.m. Sunday matinees in the Owen Theater, 225 Metcalf, downtown Conroe. To reserve, call (936) 539-4090 or select your seat location at www.crightonplayers.org .

I stopped by the Owen Theatre Saturday after breakfast (I eat late on the weekends) to speak with my friend Travis Bryant.  Travis is directing DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS and was at the theatre working on the set.  It never ceases to amaze me, the amount of work that the entire . . . → Read More: And Another Set is Built]]>

Travis giving direction*

I stopped by the Owen Theatre Saturday after breakfast (I eat late on the weekends) to speak with my friend Travis Bryant.  Travis is directing DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS and was at the theatre working on the set.  It never ceases to amaze me, the amount of work that the entire crew puts into a Crighton Players production.  Set construction is just one aspect of many for a show and a director must have their thumb on all.  Place a wall a few inches in the wrong place and a scene’s believability can be affected, or an audience member could be placed out of the sight line, causing the director to change blocking at the last minute (not a good thing).  We are fortunate at the Owen Theatre to have professional set construction capability, but putting up walls and painting them is just touching the surface of what it takes.

This particular set is a two level set, meaning someone must act on a level above the first.  Sounds simple, right?  But, what if the height from the stage to the overhead lighting equipment was only designed for one level?  Such is the case with the Owen.  When we relocated from the Crighton Theatre we had some pluses and some minuses.  On the minus side we do not have the overhead room to use “flies” or a “fly system” where backdrops can be hung or special background scenery can be suspended.  On the plus side we gained a wider stage area and room in the wings to maneuver set pieces.  We also gained an intimacy with our audiences which are now seated much closer to the action on stage.

The set is going to be great!  Although not complete when I saw it, the basics were in place and the potential was obvious.  I can’t wait to see it during the production when it is properly lighted by the myriad of lights from our lighting grid.

While I was there I saw many from the cast pitching in and “getting things done” in the manner which makes a member of this fine organization proud. I snuck out through the back door before anyone could notice and put me to work. (Just kidding, actually I had other commitments and left via the front.)

*Pictured from left to right; Director Travis Bryant, Addison Roush, Hillary Bryant, and Jeffery Baldwin

This time, fresh faced students, who just earned performance credentials from SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY, or are about to, join seasoned favorites.

“Our choreographer HEATHER SANDERS . . . → Read More: PEGGIE MILLER, Courier TRENDS AUGUST 1, 2010, ‘Dirty Rotten Scroundels’]]> Looking to encourage talent from every which way, the CRIGHTON PLAYERS open their season at downtown Conroe’s Owen Theatre Friday, August 13, with musical comedy “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.”

This time, fresh faced students, who just earned performance credentials from SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY, or are about to, join seasoned favorites.

“Our choreographer HEATHER SANDERS just graduated from the SHSU musical theater program,” said play director TRAVIS BRYANT, “and two of the leads, ADDISON ROUSH and HILARY BRYANT will finish this year.”

MICHAEL HAYES, JEFF BALDWIN and KIMBERLY BRYANT are among the regulars leading the charge into this field that is booby trapped with laughter, dancing, and clever music.

“Patrons will be amazed at the incredible professionalism and artistry of this cast,” said director Bryant, whose regular job entails year around duties with the TEXAS RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL near Plantersville.

Bryant continued with background information about this comedy, based on a popular 1988 film, which in turn came from a Tony winning Broadway musical. That film starred Steve Martin and Michael Caine.

“That script actually is based on an earlier movie, ‘Bedtime Story,’ which premiered in 1964, starring David Niven, Marlon Brandon and Shirley Jones,” Travis said. “It’s really grounded in the Buddy Movies of Martin and Lewis; Hope and Crosby.”

Travis thinks this one very well could have been subtitled “The Road to the French Riviera” because much of the action transpires there.

An array of songs in the styles of Cole Porter, George Gershwin, and Henry Mancini further enhance the full evening of entertainment, Travis added. There’s also a nod to classic country/western, and Celine Dion style rock ballads.

“Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” has not been staged in this area since the 2006 original tour played in Houston.

The plot revolves around a duo of competing confidence men who meet on a train. An inexperienced crook (Roush) encounters a master con man like whom he aspires to become by working with that consummate con expert, Lawrence, played by Baldwin.

The town on the French Riviera is too small to accommodate both, so they make an exit pact—the first to extract $50,000 from a naive target (HILARY BRYANT) wins, and the loser must go far away.

Three women provide romantic involvement, adventure and possible targets. Widow Muriel (Kimberly Bryant) is looking for love and does possess a bit of cash. Oklahoman Jolene (ANDREA ARENALES, making an encore appearance after “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”) is on the prowl for a man. Christine (Hilary Bryant) is tender hearted, but not the brightest lipstick in the cosmetic case.

Another player who adds complications to the best laid plans is CHRIS JOHNSON, a New York transplant with multiple credits in many theatrical areas, appearing for the third time with CP.

This season the Players added Thursday evening shows that will replace previous Sunday matinees on closing dates. For “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” this will be at 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 19, with no matinee on Sunday, September 4. However, 2 p.m. matinees are scheduled on August 22 & 29.

“Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” runs weekends August 13—September 4. Call (936) 539-4090 to reserve early or for season tickets. Consider joining First Nighters, as well, where parties follow every opening performance with abundant refreshments from FAY BETH BECKMAN, JUDITH BAKER and others. First Nighters’ parties also provide ebullient camaraderie between cast members and CP season ticket holders.

DEARLY DEPARTED will run September 24th through October 23rd.  The weekend of October 8th, 9th, and 10th will be off due to the Catfish Festival.

Director Carole Lamont will need 8 men and 8 women between the ages . . . → Read More: AUDITIONS for "Dearly Departed"]]> Auditions for DEARLY DEPARTED will be held on August 15th and 16th at 7PM each night.

DEARLY DEPARTED will run September 24th through October 23rd.  The weekend of October 8th, 9th, and 10th will be off due to the Catfish Festival.

Director Carole Lamont will need 8 men and 8 women between the ages of 25 and 75.  She will also be looking for singers and musicians who can play the guitar, banjo, and keyboard.

A great, Texas comedy, DEARLY DEPARTED, is about the Turpin Family who, in coming together to bury their father, find their place as a family once again.

Those auditioning should be prepared to do a cold reading from the script. If auditioning for the “Joy of Life Singers,” be prepared to sing at least 16 bars of the song of your choice. (Depending on availability of accompanist, be prepared to sing A Cappella.) Note: Song in show is “I’ve got that joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.”

“We would come up with story lines and costumes from a movie or television show we liked,” he recalled, “and try to put on some kind of show for our parents.”

But, just as with many . . . → Read More: PEGGIE MILLER COURIER TICKET JULY 23, 2010]]> Like nearly all children, BILL GIFFEN and his cousins loved to entertain with some sort of make believe.

“We would come up with story lines and costumes from a movie or television show we liked,” he recalled, “and try to put on some kind of show for our parents.”

But, just as with many children, Giffen became shy and self conscious as he grew older and even “dreaded getting up to give speeches in school.”

But along the way, Giffen lost that timidity, and he credits theater arts teacher, CONNIE GODWIN, at The Woodlands High School. She taught him well because at present Bill Giffen portrays the difficult major role of Randle P. McMurphy in the CRIGHTON PLAYERS’ “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” in its final weekend at downtown Conroe’s Owen Theater.

“I didn’t take a theater class until my senior year in high school,” Giffen said. “I had one elective left to take. I heard Ms. Godwin’s class was easy and fun. As long as you gave effort you’d get an A. So I thought ‘okay, we’ll see.’”

He described Connie Godwin (who still teaches at TWHS) as “awesome. She made me feel completely comfortable and I ended up having a great time in her class.”

He entered NORTH HARRIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE where he took acting classes and began auditioning for shows. When he started winning parts, he “was

hooked,” and transferred to SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY. “That’s when I really studied and learned about acting,” he said.

Giffen snagged roles at the Fan Factory Theater in mid-town Houston and elsewhere. During the past six years, he made industrial training films for oil companies.

“I ran into a guy the other day who’s a roughneck and he actually recognized me from the videos.”

Next month Giffen begins his fourth year teaching drama at THE WOODLANDS COLLEGE PARK HIGH SCHOOL. Before that he taught in Huntsville and spent time as a substitute teacher.

As a drama instructor he offers some tips for wannabe actors.

“When you go to an audition, don’t keep your head down in the script; the director needs to see your face. Be honest, actively engage in listening to what the other characters say and respond accordingly. Don’t be afraid to try something different; feel free to move around.”

Giffen said of learning lines: “There are several key ways to memorize a script. “Read it over and over aloud; record yourself reading and play it back; write the lines out.”

About his role as McMurphy, Giffen said, “This show takes a lot of energy, 10,000 RPMs. By the end of the show it’s a contradiction of exhaustion and being one hundred percent energized.

“Once I get on stage, the show seems over almost the second it starts. It’s so fast it’s almost like an out of body experience, but one where I still have control.”

This character is not too difficult, he said, but in some plays there are characters “you really have to research, think about, and figure out. In this one, the script suggests how to play him.”

“When analyzing McMurphy, I thought about a happy drunk, but without the drunken part. It’s all there—the boisterous, loud voice, the laughing, the manic smile, trying to get what you want, and being combative at times.”

Giffen decided to audition for “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest” when some of his students brought a CP program to class and he noticed the schedule. He had always wanted to be in this show. The fact that it was a summer production appealed to him because “it’s hard to do anything during the school year.”

Giffen crafts McMurphy on the Owen stage this weekend when the production ends after Sunday’s 2 p.m. matinee. Directed by DON HAMPTON, it is professionally done, although with a depressing denouement, as well as adult themes and language. Call (936) 539-4090 to reserve.

As you know STAGE RIGHT opens musical comedy “Annie” tonight at downtown Conroe’s Crighton Theatre.

Yesterday a gang of young “orphans” descended on Conroe’s mayor and city council where they sang, and introduced “Ginger” who portrays Annie’s mutt “Sandy” in the show. Youngest cast member, three-year-old VICTORIA ELIZABETH WESTBROOK, delivered an invitation to Mayor WEBB MELDER and council members.

The young cast had a good time at rehearsal last week cutting Daddy Warbuck’s hair. HAROLD WOOD, JR. allowed the kids to give him his Daddy Warbuck’s haircut prior to shaving his head to become that character. This was so much fun it must have come in a close second to eating food from Sonic every night during rehearsals, but the kid jury is still out on that decision.

HOPE HARRIS of Katy portrays the title character tonight, and again on July 31, August 6 & 8. KAYLIE KING of The Woodlands performs the title role July 24, 30, and August 1 & 7. Highly experienced TINA CAFEO directs.

See “Annie” with the family tonight and Saturday at 8. Call (936) 441-SHOW to reserve.

Contact Peggie at (936) 448-6455 or pegmillr@juno.com.

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Subscribe to our RSS feeds.  The Crighton Players provide two RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds.  One for our “posts” and one for “comments”.  The links to . . . → Read More: How do I know whats going on if I don’t check the website often?]]> The Crighton Players try to announce all of our “goings on” on the website, but if you do not visit the website frequently here’s a couple of tips:

Subscribe to our RSS feeds.  The Crighton Players provide two RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds.  One for our “posts” and one for “comments”.  The links to get these feeds can be found in the icons over the search field in the website’s header section.

The calendar page will also give you important event dates at a glance and the home page of the website has two notice areas on the left side which display an event which may be happening “today” and another below that displays “upcoming events” which may be occurring within the next 7 days.  If there are no events on the calendar for those time periods then those notice areas simply don’t appear.

Another way to stay current with dates for auditions or shows is to check out the local Conroe Courier.  Although we also try and announce our events in other publications, such as Dock Line, or the Houston Chronicle, your local sources will be more apt to have what you are looking for.

As always you can contact the box office and our staff will gladly try and help you.

Jeff Baldwin, Craig Campobella, Jeff Elkins, and Judge Kathy Hamilton were elected to replace the members who rotated off the Board after serving their three (3) year terms of office. The four (4) members who . . . → Read More: New Board Members Elected At The AGM Meeting]]> Four (4) new Board members were elected last night at the Annual General Membership Meeting of the Crighton players.

Jeff Baldwin, Craig Campobella, Jeff Elkins, and Judge Kathy Hamilton were elected to replace the members who rotated off the Board after serving their three (3) year terms of office. The four (4) members who rotated off the Board were Bill Garland, Sue McClelland Hayes, Bill Garland, and Carole Lamont.  Ms. Hayes will serve in the capacity of Ex-officio with the responsibility of heading a committee to search for qualified candidates for our elections next July.  The Crighton players wish to thank those members who just finished their time on the Board for all their hard work, time, and effort on behalf of the organization.

At the conclusion of the AGM meeting, the new Board met and elected its officers.  The list of Board members and officers are as follows:

• Sue McClellan Hayes – Ex Officio
• Terry Lynn Hale – President
• Bill Torgan – President Elect
• Vince Roby – Treasurer
• Becky Teague – Secretary
• Marty Craig
• Jim Hefner
• Jim Walker
• Larry Calhoun
• Jeff Baldwin
• Craig Campobella
• Jeff Elkins
• Kathy Hamilton

For more information on each Board member click here.

The new Board will meet on Aug 14th to work on priorities and goals for our next year.

The Crighton Players would like to add some interesting links to the “Fun Links” section. We’d like links that are of an interest to you and that are related (even remotely) to . . . → Read More: Looking For New Links!]]> Do you have a favorite website that is Theatre related and would like to share it with other Crighton Players website users?

The Crighton Players would like to add some interesting links to the “Fun Links” section. We’d like links that are of an interest to you and that are related (even remotely) to the performing arts. If we deem the link interesting enough that we feel our website users would like to visit the site suggested, we’ll add the link to our fun links section.

…The CRIGHTON PLAYERS continue “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest” at Conroe’s downtown Owen Theatre, 225 Metcalf.

It boasts a superior cast, with skillful direction from DON HAMPTON. Some disturbing scenes and distasteful language are inappropriate for young teens, as this vehicle explores abuse and . . . → Read More: CRIGHTON PLAYERS continue "One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest"]]> by PEGGIE MILLER,  PERFORMING ARTS COLUMNIST, THE COURIER   

…The CRIGHTON PLAYERS continue “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest” at Conroe’s downtown Owen Theatre, 225 Metcalf.

It boasts a superior cast, with skillful direction from DON HAMPTON. Some disturbing scenes and distasteful language are inappropriate for young teens, as this vehicle explores abuse and bedlam in a mental ward run by a  pitiless nurse. It runs weekends through July 25, with some Sunday matinees.  Call (936) 539-4090 for more.

The Players’ annual meeting is at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 18, in the Owen Theatre.

Three Four* new board members will be elected and various business matters discussed. (*correction added by webmaster)

Board nominees include CRAIG CAMPOBELLA, JEFF ELKINS, JUDGE KATHLEEN HAMILTON and CAROL HALLEY.

Campobella, a well known bronze sculptor, appears in the current production, and has participated in many Players’ endeavors. He also recently voiced Sam Houston in a three-hour PBS documentary about that historical figure.

Elkins has portrayed various roles on stage here and elsewhere, including the Crighton stage as well as the Owen. He also offers technical and backstage expertise.

Judge Kathleen Hamilton has been involved with the Players for a very long time, having served on the board years ago, as well as being an actress (most recently in “Our Town”) and in other capacities on and off stage.

A relative newcomer, CAROL HALLEY jumped into CP activities with both feet. A county resident for 26 years, she is a nurse case manager at Memorial Hermann Hospital in The Woodlands.

Carol first became aware of CP in the 1980s when she experienced a friend’s play produced at the Crighton.

Three years ago, with her family grown and with time to carry out a commitment, Carol won a part in “Mash.” Since then, her know-how of backstage responsibilities increased. This occurred because of her stage managing and acting in seven shows in a short time frame. “I would like to do this for the rest of my life!” she proclaimed.

Contact Peggie at pegmillr@juno.com.