Review: Pivoting with Nick Sugar and the Town Hall Arts Center – John Moore

by John Moore (Senior Arts Journalist, Arvada Center)

How a lovely outdoor musical experience grew out of necessity and innovation

‘Almost Heaven’ was scheduled to open inside the Town Hall Arts Center on April 3 when rehearsals were shut down by the pandemic on March 13. What a strange set of circumstances that allowed for the musical to be reimagined as an outdoor, botanic experience at sunset that perfectly matches the tenor of John Denver’s music. Director Nick Sugar talks about it.

What are you doing to pivot?
We were shuttered during our third week of rehearsal. When I realized this was going to be much worse than expected, my first conversation with Town Hall was that “Almost Heaven” was the show that needed to open our theatre back up when the time came. The music is inspirational. It is the spirit of our community at Town Hall. “Almost Heaven” is Colorado. This version at Hudson Gardens is not the theatrical production that we had envisioned. It is not being performed on the set that was designed and completed on our stage. However, being able to see and hear these amazing singers without their masks on is joyous. “Almost Heaven” gives us all hope.

Why are you doing it?
All of us at Town Hall were invested in the show physically and emotionally. The cast was committed to the show as well. If I had to re-cast several performers, or if the Town Hall team felt it weren’t appropriate material to be doing for our first venture back, “Almost Heaven” would not be happening. Putting up a production takes a lot of work. Getting “Almost Heaven” up at Hudson Gardens has taken even more hard work, dedication and determination, and that work will continue throughout the run. After every performance, the band, lights, tent and sound have to be set-up and taken down each night.

Is there a timeline for programming to return to the indoor theatre?
It’s pointless to even speculate right now. Town Hall was lucky enough to be able to pivot with “Almost Heaven.” Hopefully, we can continue to pivot successfully with our next production.

Words of encouragement for others who are now pivoting their way through 2020?
We as a theater community are hurting. We have lost wages and jobs. We are re-learning, growing and trying to survive. Be brave and stay strong. We are a creative group of people. Create. We will pivot.

“Pivoting With …” is a new, ongoing series talking with members of the Colorado theatre community about how they are adapting to changes in their creative and personal lives as the COVID pandemic continues.

Get to know Matt LaFontaine

Matt LaFontaine as St. Jimmy

LET’S GET TO KNOW YOU…
Name: Matty LaFontaine
DOB: August 23
Hometown: Castle Rock, CO
Education: Douglas County High School and University of Northern Colorado
Day Job: lots… often.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE…
Off-Time: let’s be honest, day drinkin with friends
Season: Fall! (Summer?) Fall!
Movie: Clue
Musical: In the Heights
Color: Green
Animal: Lion
Book: And Then There Were None – Agatha Christie
Band: Ben Folds Five
Song: Like a Prayer – Madonna
Beverage: …..tequila…..

THIS OR THAT…
Cats or Dogs? Dog. Harold.
Beer or Wine? Beer.
Sweet of Sour? Both
Mild or Spicy? spicy!
Coffee or Tea? Coffee
Piercings or Tattoos? Tattoos
FroYo or Ice Cream? Ice Cream
Boxers or Briefs? Speedo… live your dreams
City or Suburbs? Country, y’all.
Coke or Pepsi? Mountain Dew
Netflix or Hulu? Netflix. Until they take FRIENDS off
Early Bird or Night Owl? Night owl.

ANSWER ME THIS…
Are we the waiting? In line at Water World, yes.
When life hands you lemons? Squeeze them in the eyes of someone who is irritating you.
Who do you admire most? Tracy Salter, my old voice coach
What is your biggest fear? Not performing
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Being the next Nick Sugar… but after being schooled BY Nick Sugar on how to be Nick Sugar
What is one thing on your “bucket” list? Directing and choreographing Chicago
What is the most rewarding advice you’ve received? Tom McNally “what do you want, what’s in your way, what do you do to get what you want”
Can we follow you? FB? Twitter? Instagram? Facebook… I’m old. 
Why see American Idiot? Because live theatre lifts you to the sky, enriches your soul and makes you experience raw talent whether you are ready or not.

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Get to know Mike Martinkus

Mike Martinkus

LET’S GET TO KNOW YOU…
Name: Mike Martinkus

DOB: October 25th
Hometown: Fort Collins, CO
Education: BA in Acting from the University of Northern Colorado
Day Job: Office of the Bursar – Advisor at University of Denver

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE…
Off-Time: Cooking, gaming

Season: Fall
Movie: The Dark Crystal
Musical: Hamilton
Color: Orange
Animal: Wolf
Band: Reel Big Fish
Song: Either “Take On Me” by A-Ha or “Africa” by Toto
Beverage: Tea

THIS OR THAT…
Cats or Dogs? Cats
Beer or Wine? Beer
Sweet of Sour? Sour
Mild or Spicy? Spicy
Coffee or Tea? Tea
Piercings or Tattoos? Used to have eyebrow and labret pierced, tattoo of an ankh on my back, Triforce on my calf
FroYo or Ice Cream? Ice Cream
Boxers or Briefs? Commando
City or Suburbs? City
Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi
Netflix or Hulu? Netflix
Early Bird or Night Owl? Night Owl

ANSWER ME THIS…
Are we the waiting? Not anymore

When life hands you lemons? Check if they’re moldy
Who do you admire most? My parents
What is your biggest fear? Being inadequate
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? NYC giving my shot to the actor’s life
What is one thing on your “bucket” list? Skydiving
What is the most rewarding advice you’ve received? I don’t know if it’s the most rewarding, but it has been a great philosophy to follow: “Hope for the best, plan for the worst, and expect everything in between”
Can we follow you? FB? Twitter? Instagram? Of course! Facebook.com/mike.martinkus; Twitter: @MikeTinkus; IG: @mikey_andolini
Why see American Idiot? It’s a show that truly embodies lot of the angst and conflict many young people have felt throughout many decades, just placed in the early 2000’s. It shows the need to get out of your home town, to branch out and try new things, to find who you are as an individual, and all the speed bumps that can come along the way. It has three separate stories with all three guys experiencing vastly different hardships. It also speaks to the feelings of pride and resentments of going to the Iraq war. It’s 90 minutes of non-stop energy mixed with moments of stillness and quietude.

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Get to know Faith Siobahn Ford

Faith Siobahn Ford

LET’S GET TO KNOW YOU…
Name: Faith Siobahn Ford
DOB: December 2nd, 1993
Hometown: Loveland, CO
Education: Double Bachelors in Theatre and Psychology from University of Northern Colorado
Day Job: Starbucks and Noodles 

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE…
Off-Time: Hanging out with friends
Season: Fall
Movie: Tarzan
Musical: Dear Evan Hansen
Color: PINK
Animal: Dogs
Book: The Girls Guide To Hunting and Fishing
Band: I listen to everything. Current favs are Ariana Grande and The Hunna
Song: Current fav is Breathin by Ariana Grande
Beverage: Chai tea or a good ol margarita 

THIS OR THAT…
Cats or Dogs? DOGS
Beer or Wine? Wine, or a good sour beer
Sweet of Sour? Sour
Mild or Spicy? Spicy
Coffee or Tea? Tea
Piercings or Tattoos? Piercings
FroYo or Ice Cream? Icecream
Boxers or Briefs? I wear boxers when I perform drag
City or Suburbs? City
Coke or Pepsi? Coke
Netflix or Hulu? Netflix
Early Bird or Night Owl? Night Owl (which causes me many issues working at Starbucks opening shift)

 ANSWER ME THIS…
Are we the waiting? Yes. We are always waiting for something.
When life hands you lemons? Make the most of it.
Who do you admire most? Everyone who has been a huge support to me over the last couple months
What is your biggest fear? Not fulfilling my dreams.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Living in NY, healthy, and being a full time actress.
What is one thing on your “bucket” list? Go skydiving!
What is the most rewarding advice you’ve received? Everything has been said before, but never by you.
Can we follow you? FB? Twitter? Instagram? Of course! @Faithsiobahn is my in for just about everything! (links: FBTwitterInstagram)
Why see American Idiot? This is a stellar cast and we have truly created something special for everyone. Also, we will rage hard, rock your faces off, and hopefully bring some awareness to the world in it’s current state. Things haven’t changed too much since I was 9 years old when this album came out. I hope this show starts a conversation about how far we have to go.

 

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Get to know Krystle Schaub

Krystle Schaub

LET’S GET TO KNOW YOU…
Name: Krystle Schaub

DOB: June 2nd, 1987
Hometown: North Fond du Lac, WI
Education: BFA Musical Theater Performance from UW-Milwaukee/Massage Therapy Licence Berkana Institue Denver
Day Job: Massage Therapist/Nanny

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE…
Off-Time: Concerts, hanging with my boo, exploring the city and mountain sides 

Season: Fall
Movie: Moulin Rouge
Musical: I haven’t met a musical I didn’t like…
Color: Changes with the month (like my hair color)
Animal: “Animal” (The Muppets)
Book: Where the Wild Things Are
Band: Tedeschi Trucks
Song: Glenn Tells Kengo
Beverage: By morning-Extra dirty Chai/By night-Gin And Kombucha 🙂

THIS OR THAT…
Cats or Dogs? Doggies
Beer or Wine? Do I have to choose?
Sweet of Sour? SOUR!!
Mild or Spicy? Spicy (well spicy for me!)
Coffee or Tea? Besides my Chai…a coffee kind of gal
Piercings or Tattoos? Tattoos
FroYo or Ice Cream? Ice cream
Boxers or Briefs? boxer briefs!
City or Suburbs? City
Coke or Pepsi? Neither!
Netflix or Hulu? Netflix?
Early Bird or Night Owl? Night Owl 🦉 

ANSWER ME THIS…
Are we the waiting? Waiting for what?! Let’s live NOW! 

When life hands you lemons? Down the disposal they go!!
Who do you admire most? My mom💜 AND  everyone I know who has made their dreams and goals come true while staying true to themselves
What is your biggest fear? That I won’t be able to see and experience everything this beautiful world has to offer…but I can try!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Living happily and healthily…somewhere! 
What is one thing on your “bucket” list? To live in another country
What is the most rewarding advice you’ve received? Stay present. Stay focused. Be grateful 🙏🏼
Can we follow you? FB? Twitter? Instagram? Stylee Roser on FB!
Why see American Idiot? It’s a punch in the face! In a good way! 

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Get to know Brian Robertson

Brian Robertson as Johnny

LET’S GET TO KNOW YOU…
Name: Brian Robertson

DOB: 5/31/95
Hometown: Mesa, AZ
Education: Some College
Day Job: Server/ Bar Tender & Bouncer

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE…
Off-Time: Playing with my bands!

Season: Fall
Movie: Emperors New Groove
Musical: Sweeney Todd
Color: Red
Animal: Dolphins are super cool.
Book: Bridge to Terabithia
Band: relient k
Song: Sadie Hawkins Dance
Beverage: Whiskey or Guava Juice

THIS OR THAT…
Cats or Dogs?  – Dogs!!!!
Beer or Wine?  – Beer never fails.
Sweet or Sour?  – Sweeeeeet
Mild or Spicy?  – Spicy Spicy Spicy
Coffee or Tea?  – Tea.. chai to be exact.
Piercings or Tattoos?  – Tattoo addict.
FroYo or Ice Cream?  – FroYo boiii
Boxers or Briefs?  – Boxers (more room).
City or Suburbs? – I love the City.
Coke or Pepsi?  – Pepsi of course!
Netflix or Hulu? – I LOVE BOTH… Hulu?
Early Bird or Night Owl? – Night Owl for sure.

ANSWER ME THIS…
Are we the waiting? Yes, unfortunately.

When life hands you lemons?  Make a cocktail, and relax.
Who do you admire most? I admire a lot of people… mainly my family. They’re the strongest and most loving people I know, and I am grateful to have them.
What is your biggest fear? Snakes. I can’t stand em.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Touring the world with my bands, I’ll be married, and be a father.
What is one thing on your “bucket” list? Play Red Rocks… far fetched, but it’s something I really aspire to do.
What is the most rewarding advice you’ve received? Trust your gut, follow your heart, and be good to others.
Can we follow you? FB? Twitter? Instagram? 
-Sure! Feel free to add me on FB!
-Twitter: @BrianRob95 / @_SONA_band
-Instagram: @brian_robertson_95 / @saintsofneverafter
Why see American Idiot? Why NOT?! The angst, the music, the message… everyone could use this show in their lives. This cast has put in a lot of hard work, and I know you’ll all want to see Nick’s amazing vision. Right now, this musical is more relevant than ever. Can’t wait to see you all there!

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Get to know Caleb Reed

Caleb Reed as Will

LET’S GET TO KNOW YOU…
Name: Caleb Reed

DOB: March 20th, 1987
Hometown: Lyndsey Ohio…current population: 425
Education: Bachelor of Arts : Theatre Performance, Bachelor of Arts: Film Writing
Day Job: Operations Lead at Denver Language School, a k-8 Chinese and Spanish immersion school. I also teach technical theatre as an elective.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE…
Season: Fall – I’m a hoodie guy.
Movie: Lord of the Rings, Return of the King
Musical: Traditional : Les Miserables, Modern – Once
Color: Scarlet ( Gryffindor! )
Animal: Phoenix
Book: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , Non-Harry Potter Answer – Ender’s Game
Band: Thrice
Song: Jimmy Eat World – For Me This is Heaven
Beverage: Coca Cola

THIS OR THAT…
Cats or Dogs? Dogs
Beer or Wine? Wine
Sweet of Sour? Sweet
Mild or Spicy? Spicy
Coffee or Tea? Earl Grey forever!
Piercings or Tattoos? Tattoos
FroYo or Ice Cream? Ice Cream
Boxers or Briefs? Briefs ( Skinny Jeans struggle with boxers )
City or Suburbs? City
Coke or Pepsi? Coke
Netflix or Hulu? Netflix ( But Hulu has American Gods…tough call)
Early Bird or Night Owl? Night Owl

ANSWER ME THIS…
Are we the waiting? Um… maybe? I feel like it, but it seems like many of my friends have their lives together

When life hands you lemons? Make a French 75 Martini
Who do you admire most? 
Personal – Donna Reed ( My mom, not the actress I don’t have a famous person. It’s weird to me to admire someone that I don’t actually know.
What is your biggest fear? Dying
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Hopefully able to pay my bills in a job I like.
What is one thing on your “bucket” list? Visit New Zealand
What is the most rewarding advice you’ve received? Travel in Up With People
Can we follow you? FB? Twitter? Instagram? Instagram – @CalebReads , but It’s not related to anything specific. Pictures of books, martinis, and friends.
Why see American Idiot? 
1) Support Local Theatre 
2) Have Variety in your theatrical viewing – this is unlike any other show
3) Punk Music! 

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AUDITION ANNOUNCEMENT:  Casa Valentina

  • Nick Sugar – Director
  • Opens January 11, 2019 – February 3, 2019
  • All positions paid
  • Audition and callback dates will be announced at a later date
  • Interested actors please submit headshots and resumes to: THAC@townhallartscenter.org by September 1, 2018

Production Description:

  • Casting “Casa Valentina,” a story set in 1962, when most men went to the Catskills to escape the summer heat, but others took the two-hour drive to escape something else entirely: being men. Nestled in the land of dirty dancing and borscht belt comedy sat an inconspicuous bungalow colony that catered to a very special clientele: heterosexual men whose favorite pastime was dressing and acting as women. It was paradise for these men—white-collar professionals with families—to spend their weekends discreetly and safely inhabiting their chosen female alter egos. But when faced with the opportunity to become an official organization, these “self-made women” had to decide whether public recognition would help them gain a place in open society or spell their own personal disaster.

Roles:

  • George/Valentina : Male, 40-49
    Married to Rita, with whom runs Casa Valentina; an insurance salesman type as a man, strong and poised as a woman; the center of the group; stable and comfortable within the life he’s created for himself, but rattled by the encroaching forces which threaten it; needs an actor with real classical experience (appears in and out of drag).
  • The Judge/Amy : Male, 60-69
    A regular at Casa Valentina; large and imposing as a man, and a clunky sort of Tug-boat Annie woman; older and more repressed than most of the others; we watch his transformation (appears in and out of drag).
  • Charlotte/Isadore : Male, 50-59
    The ultimate WASP, a buttoned-down strict disciplinarian; a school marm. Not your favorite aunt; an activist and a snake; opinionated and manipulative; appears in drag only.
  • Jonathan/Miranda : Male, 20-29
    Making his first visit to Casa Valentina, masculine, shy, and bookish; the youngest of the group; a teacher, overly polite and cautious, excited, but frightened and insecure; has never worn women’s clothing in public before (appears in and out of drag).
  • Albert/Bessie : Male, 50-59
    Chubby; Willie Loman by day, Ethel Mertz at night, fixture at Casa Valentina; quick-witted and friendly, fond of quoting Oscar Wilde, unaffectedly feminine; appears in drag only.
  • Michael/Gloria : Male, 20-29
    A regular at Casa Valentina, very handsome and sexually charged chap who is accustomed to compliments whether dressed as a male or female; the most modern and sexual of the group; appears in drag only.
  • Theodore/Terry : Male 64-80
    A regular at Casa Valentina; sweet and gentle and slightly silly like a favorite old auntie, but there’s a hard-won integrity and sense of self underneath; appears in drag only.
  • Rita : Female, 40-49
    Married to George; co-owns and operates Casa Valentina; on the outside, she’s a classy lady who owns a wig shop on 5th Avenue but underneath, she’s a resigned, determined, but worn earth mother; her love of the girls barely covers an inner sadness.
  • Eleanor : Female, 40-49
    The Judge’s daughter; brittle, cold and angry.

Get to know Alison Mueller…

Alison Mueller as Maxene Andrews

LET’S GET TO KNOW YOU…
Name: Alison Mueller

DOB: Groundhog’s Day!
Hometown: Kohler, WI
Education: BA music therapy – go RAMS!
Day Job: Project Manager

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE…
Season: fall 

Movie: The Cutting Edge.  “Toe pick!”
Musical: The Light in the Piazza
Color: blue
Animal: my sweet fuzzy girl, Lilly
Book: Pride and Prejudice
Band: always changing
Song: right now, “Don’t Let Me Down” by The Chainsmokers – but smoking is bad for you!
Beverage: iced chai

THIS OR THAT…
Cats or Dogs? Dogs

Beer or Wine? Wine please!
Sweet of Sour? Sweet
Mild or Spicy? Mild
Coffee or Tea? Tea
Piercings or Tattoos? Ouch!
FroYo or Ice Cream? Both!
Coke or Pepsi? Coke
Netflix or Hulu? Depends on what I’m in the mood to watch.

ANSWER ME THIS…
When life hands you lemons? Accept, Adapt, and Move On.

Who do you admire most? My mom – she is a constant demonstration of how strong a gentle woman can be.
What is one thing on your “bucket” list? Travel to Greece
Why see Sisters of Swing? The amazing LIVE BAND!!!

LINKS:
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Get to know Katrina Kuntz…

Katrina Kuntz as LaVerne Andrews


LET’S GET TO KNOW YOU…
Name: Katrina Kuntz
DOB: March 13th
Hometown: Castle Rock, CO
Education: BFA Chicago College of The Performing Arts
Day Job: Area Manger of Internet Sales for Sunrise Senior Living

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE…
Season: Fall

Movie: Blazing Saddles
Musical: Hello Dolly
Color: Orange
Animal: Dog
Book: The Power of Now
Band: The Divine Comedy
Song: Charmed Life
Beverage: Soda water

THIS OR THAT…
Cats or Dogs? Dogs!

Beer or Wine? Wine (red)
Sweet of Sour? Sour
Mild or Spicy? Mild
Coffee or Tea? Coffee
Boxers or Briefs? ummm…NA?
FroYo or Ice Cream? Ice Cream
City or Country? BOTH!
Coke or Pepsi? Neither
Netflix or Hulu? Either
Early Bird or Night Owl? Whatever I need to be

ANSWER ME THIS…
When life hands you lemons? Make lemonade (I actually sang a song about this in the “American Girl Revue”) 

Who do you admire most? my mom
What is your biggest fear?  I don’t really have one… 
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I can’t even begin to imagine, so I’ll just let it happen!
What is one thing on your “bucket” list? to play Dolly in Hello Dolly (hopefully years from now…)
What is the most rewarding advice you’ve received? To follow your dreams and be fearless
Can we follow you? FB? Twitter? Instagram? FB, but I’m boring
Why see Sisters of Swing? Because of Scott’s costumes 😉

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