THE SPOTLIGHT - Lyric Theatre Company

THE SPOTLIGHT
Editor: Pat Boera Web Site: www.lyrictheatrevt.org · Email: Office@lyrictheatrevt.org April 2011
BOARD CHAIR’S MESSAGE
By Keith McManis
On Saturday, March 12th, 2011, the Board of Directors
held our Annual Retreat that took the better part of a full day.
This year we brought in a facilitator, Jane Van Buren of Noon
Mark Services, who guided us through the business details that
a Board can be faced with so that we can have better record
keeping and communications now and for future Board
Members. With any Board there are a number of decisions that
need to be made every day, in Lyric Theatre this is no
exception. During this year’s Annual Retreat, we focused on
the outcomes of a complete assessment of over 40 questions the
Board was asked to fill out and send to Jane in advance. We
also brainstormed some possible solutions in policies,
committees, recruitment of Board Members and Executive
Officers, along with governance practices. As a group, we
discussed the strategic plan and how to continue to set the bar
higher and grow the organization. At the end of the day Lyric
Theatre is a business and we all want to have fun, together as a
Board we will all find new ways of meeting this number one
goal!
Participating in committee meeting and monthly Board
meetings can be time consuming, so I would like to thank those
Board Members who gave up this additional time to make Lyric
better.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
By Syndi Zook
Lyric Theatre Company is so lucky to have strong
supporters in our local and regional media community. No one
has been more dedicated to getting the story of Lyric and all
that we do out the world than our friend Jack Thurston. After
nine years at WCAX-TV, and hundreds of great stories on the
arts in our region, Jack is leaving for another reporting
opportunity. Jack has accepted a new job at New England
Cable News as their Vermont correspondent, which keeps him
here in the area. All of us at Lyric wish Jack luck with his new
position and are grateful for his support for community arts
organizations. Talking to Mr. Thurston this week reminded me
how indebted we are to our friends in the media. As Lyric
volunteers work hard to create high-quality musical theater for
everyone, supporters are working to get the word out and
encouraging people to come and see our efforts and enjoy that
“buzz” that you can only get from a live theater experience.
There are too many people to thank in one column, but I want
to acknowledge some stand outs. Along with WCAX-TV, I
would like to thank Wendy Mays and Ginny McGhee at WJOY
and KOOL105 radio for their years of support for every show
we do. I would also like to thank our friends at The Burlington
Free Press (including Chris Bohjalian), and Seven Days for
previews and reviews and their ad departments for helping us to
navigate the best use of our precious marketing dollars. I would
like to thank Lis Gerber, Pat Boera and Geri Ann Higgins for
their great graphics and design sense that keep our message
intriguing and Stephen Mease and Karen Pike for their
photography that captures us in time. And last but not least, I
thank all the Lyric members who call their friends, post on
Facebook and buy tickets for their families. It is so gratifying
when that curtain goes up to a full house of eager theater-goers.
We know it is not a coincidence. People worked to get them
there and we are grateful.
LYRIC MEMBER BENEFITS!
Thank you to the following businesses for offering discounts to
our active Lyric members during the production week of
Chicago. We certainly appreciate their support and generosity.
Please be sure to thank these businesses in person on behalf of
Lyric Theatre when you frequent their establishments! You
must show your Lyric membership card to access benefits:
Restaurants
156 Bistro: 10% discount on food only
A Single Pebble: 10% discount on food only
Burlington Bay Market: $2 off sandwiches
Kountry Kart: Free can of soda with sub/sandwich purchase
Leunig’s: 20% discount on food only
Scuffer Steak and Ale House: 15% discount on food only
Sweetwaters: 10% discount on food only
Shanty on the Shore: 20% on lunch entrees only
Services
Lines for the Body: 10% on dance and fitness wear
Mirror Mirror: 50% off lash tint
O’M Studio: $10 off haircut booked during this period
Kathy and Company: 10% discount on flowers
UPS Store at Tafts Corners and North Ave. only: 20% discount
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO MADE
LYRIC DAY AT LEUNIG’S A SUCCESS
On behalf of the Membership Committee, I would like to
thank Leunig’s Bistro and all of our Lyric members who
donated their time and resources to make Lyric Day at Leunig’s
Bistro a success. It was wonderful to walk into that
restaurant (I was there for both brunch and dinner) and see
many familiar Lyric faces helping to fill those seats and support
our theatre company. A big thank you to Bob Conlon and Nora
Pemberton for creating a special drink menu in honor of
Chicago and for all of their generosity. For those of you who
couldn’t make it, I urge you to stop in to Leunig’s and enjoy
some great food and atmosphere between now and the
upcoming show....and when you do, be sure to thank them for
their support of Lyric!
~ Serena Magnan O’Connell

LYRIC’S FIRST LIVE AUCTION A FUN AND
SUCCESSFUL EVENING–OVER $5,500 RAISED!
Lyric Theatre held its first Live Auction Event on
Saturday, April 2 nd , at the Ethan Allen Club. Auctioned off
were a variety of goods and services provided by Lyric
members. Over 90 people turned out to bid on such great items
as “A Day with Your Gay Best Friend, Chris Brown,” “A
Night on the Town with Lyric Executive Director Syndi Zook,”
“Fly Fishing Lessons with Marc Tischler,” and tickets to shows
at the Flynn Center, Vermont Stage and Lost Nation Theater,
among other great prizes. The high bid of the evening was for a
walk-on role in Lyric’s fall production of Hairspray. This was
won by Kerry Castano. Congrats, Kerry. Now you will know
first-hand what your son Chris feels when he comes to work for
Lyric. Wendy Valastro entertained us with show tunes all
evening with Hannah Brown and Serena Magnan O’Connell
giving us a sneak peek song from Chicago. Other entertainers
included Mark Cranmer, Syndi Zook and Patrick Clow, James
Blanchard and Martha Alexander. The evening moved along
seamlessly with the help of emcee Tim Kavanagh, including a
game he hosted that chose the winner of an Apple iPad2
generously donated by Physician’s Computer Company. Don
O’Connell and Serena Magnan O’Connell were the lucky
winners of a weekend in Montreal generously donated by our
friends at KOOL 105. The food, catered by Susanna Keefer,
was delicious and our friends at Champlain College and the
Ethan Allen Club were delightful hosts. Thank you
Development Committee Chair Freda Tutt, Marna Bisaccia,
Keith McManis, Geri Ann Higgins, Bev Hill, Marc Tischler,
Pat Boera and Paul Zengilowski. Thank you to all who attended
and a special shout out to event co-coordinator Phyllis
Stambolian for a job well done!
LETTER FROM TED ANDERSON: MARDI GRAS PARADE!
Thank you to all who participated in the Mardi Gras
Parade. I am hoping that everyone had fun! I was so happy that
it was not pouring rain all day as had been predicted. Thanks to
all the cast members who spent even more time with Lyric, in
addition to all their rehearsal time, who rode the float and
tossed beads and candy. Special thanks to Michael Tutt for
driving the truck again and to Andrea Cronan and DEW
Construction for the use of their lovely vehicle. Thanks to
Corey N. Gottfreid for his always amazing job as emcee getting
the crowds pumped up and to Pat, Geri Ann, Martha Alexander,
Chris Castano, Kerstin Anderson, Rebecca Wells and Jeffrey
Garrant for helping with all the final preparations. Thank you to
Cathie Covey and Lyn Feinson for sets and costumes for the
float. Next year the float will be Titanic. That will be fun!
Message from Lyric: Thank you, Ted!
SYNDI ZOOK JUDGING CONTESTANTS
FOR THE X-FACTOR
On May 7 th Syndi Zook along with singer/musician
extraordinaire Marie Clarie, will be seeing (and judging)
individuals from all over our region. We have the honor of
picking from what will be over 200 people, those who will go
on to compete on Simon Cowell’s nationally televised show
The X-Factor. The contest is being sponsored by FOX44 and
information will be circulating soon on their website as to how
to audition.
LITTLE CITY PLAYERS PRESENT THEOPHILUS NORTH
The Little City Players present Theophilus North by
Matthew Burnett based on the novel by Thornton Wilder at the
Vergennes Opera House. The production which runs April 7 th -
9 th and 15 th -16 th is directed by Jeffrey Fox. It is the spring of
1926. Thirty-year-old Theophilus North quits his teaching post
in New Jersey and embarks on a quest for fun, adventure and
his place in the world. His used car breaks down in Newport,
Rhode Island, and he is stranded in this city of renowned
wealth. Theophilus becomes involved in the lives and troubles
of Newport’s residents and is changed by the lessons he learns
through them. The cast features Jay Stetzel as Theophilus
North, along with an ensemble cast that includes Eileen
Corcoran, Rob Demic, Josie Fox, Morgan Ingenthron, Tom
Noble, Mack Roark, Blythe Usher, and Hannah Weisman.
Curtain time is 8 p.m.; 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 16th only.
Tickets are $12; $10 for students and seniors. Tickets will be
available at the Vergennes Opera House, Classic Stitching and
online at www.brownpapertickets.com. For more information
visit http://littlecityplayers.org/ or contact us at 802/877-6737.
ESSEX COMMUNITY PLAYERS PRESENT THE NERD
Essex Community Players concludes its 2010-2011 season
with The Nerd, a comedy by Larry Shue. The Nerd is being
produced by Dick Hibbert and directed by Donna Boisselle.
Set in Terre Haute, Indiana in late 1979, The Nerd is the
story of Willum Cubbert, an unassuming young architect,
friends Tansy and Axel, and unexpected houseguest Rick, who
saved Willum’s life in Vietnam. Over the years, Willum and
Rick have exchanged occasional letters and greeting cards,
though they never met. Willum has promised Rick that he could
come to him for help at any time. While Willum is hosting a
dinner party for his boss, Rick shows up. His awkward manner
and inappropriate behavior throw the occasion into shambles.
Rick decides to move in, leading to one uproarious incident
after another. Eventually at his wit’s end, Willum decides to
take a chance on Axels plan to get rid of Rick.
Cast members include Richard Camilli, Alise Certa, Chris
Evans, Bob Fishel, Sarah Gibson, and Nathalie Stapleton.
Crew members include Art Kilmer, Lillie Bleau, Kimberly
Wrede Findlay, Bruce Finney, Jan Kilmer, Cindy MacKechnie,
Don MacKechnie, Carol Mauger, Louise Richmond, Rachael
Smith, Beth Volker, Chuck Weger, and Frank Weston.
Performances will be on Thursdays (May 12 th and 19 th ),
Fridays (May 13 th and 20 th ), and Saturdays (May 14 th and 21 st )
at 8 p.m.; and Sundays (May 15 th and 22 nd ) at 2 p.m., at
Memorial Hall. Tickets may be purchased through Essex
Community Players only. Tickets are $14 for adults and $12
for children and seniors. As part of the “Essex Players Give
Back” initiative, all proceeds from the sale of concessions at
intermission will be donated to the Veterans Administration’s
Needy Patients Welfare Fund #1015. The fund may be used to
provide Veterans with emergency food, housing, transportation
or any other situation where the Social Worker documents an
urgent need. For additional information, visit our website
www.essexplayers.com or call the box office at 878-9109.

YOU CAN’T STOP THE BEAT!
Don’t miss out on the fall’s BIGGEST musical event! You
won’t want to miss your chance to get involved in this
fantastically fun show. And we aren’t just looking for onstage
performers. Come to Kick-Off and learn about all of the
wonderful backstage opportunities that are available for this
show.
Kick-Off Meeting: April 20 th
7 p.m., South Burlington High School
Auditions: April 25 th -April 29 th
The Schoolhouse, 8 Catkin Drive (off Dorset Street)
South Burlington.
First Cast Meeting: May 8th
12:45 p.m., The Schoolhouse
Rehearsals begin on August 21st at The Schoolhouse.
Hairspray will be presented on the MainStage at the Flynn
Center for the Performing Arts from November 10 th -13 th .
Visit the Lyric website at www.lyrictheatrevt.org for all the
most up-to-date information about the production–Character
Descriptions, Frequently Asked Questions, Audition Schedules,
etc. If you are interested in auditioning and/or need more
information please feel free to contact Freda Tutt, Stage
Manager, at fredankt@comcast.net. Besides the onstage roles
we will be filling at auditions, the production team is still
looking for volunteers to chair the following Committees:
Costume Construction; Safety and Security; Promotional Wear;
Production Party.
We look forward to seeing you all at Kick-Off and
Auditions! If you are interested in getting involved with one of
these volunteer opportunities or have other questions, we’d like
to hear from you. Please help us spread the word about the
show, Kick-Off, and auditions outside the Lyric community.
Hairspray scripts are currently on reserve at most community
libraries in Chittenden County. For literature, handouts, or
other ideas, please contact Erin Evarts, Producer, at
erinevartsvt@gmail.com.
Point your smart phone at this QR code and go right
to the Hairspray web site.
JOIN US APRIL 23RD 10A.M.-2P.M. FOR AN
AUDITIONING CLASS AT DIVERSITY STUDIOS
Learn skills that will set you apart from the crowd! Time
will be spent discussing how to build portfolios and resumes,
choosing material (songs and monologues), making the most of
cold readings, getting a great headshot and learning what to
wear. Students will also spend time “mock” auditioning for
vocal, acting and movement calls. The master class will be led
by performer, vocal coach, acting instructor and Lyric member
Natalie Miller. Space is limited to 15 students so call today!
Fee: $75; ages 13+; registration for spring/summer classes is
going on now! You can register at: www.diversitystudios.com,
or email info@diversitystudios.com.
LYRICKIDS SUMMER CAMP PRESENTS
JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
July 18th-29th
For youth entering 7th through 12th grade
Auditions on May 14th!
Know what part you are playing before getting to camp. If
you cannot audition on May 14th, please call and another
audition may be arranged for you. You won’t want to miss
being a part of this year’s camp–great roles for girls and boys.
Once again, LyricKids Summer Camp will take place at
Williston Central School. Your great directors will be Tim
Maynes, Kim Nowlan, Nate Venet, John Luce and Matt Winter.
Call the Lyric Office at 658-1484 or go to our website at
www.lyrictheatrevt.org and download the enrollment form.
DELANO-NULTY SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE IS APPROACHING
Each year, Lyric awards a scholarship, named in honor of
founding members Howard Delano and Polly Nulty, to a
Vermont high school student with aspirations of studying for a
career in the performing arts field. Scholarship info has been
sent to the Guidance Departments at all Vermont high schools.
Check with the Guidance Department at your school or call the
Lyric office (802/658-1484) to request an application.
Don’t wait until the last minute … purchase your tickets now!
Just a reminder that Chicago opens on Thursday, April
14 th , for a five-performance run on the Flynn MainStage.
Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through
Saturday and matinees are at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and
Sunday. Stop by the Flynn Box Office, call 86-FLYNN or
order online at www.flynntix.org.

P.O. Box 1688
Williston, VT 05495
Chicago opens on April 14 th
Hairspray Kick-Off on April 20 th
Non-profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 333
Burlington, VT
05401
The Spotlight
A monthly publication of Lyric Theatre Company.
To submit material for the next issue, write
Attn: Pat Boera, The Spotlight, c/o Lyric
mailbox or e-mail boerap@champlain.edu.
Distribution questions, call 802/658-1484.
Deadline for May issue: April 28th, 2010
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
AT YOUR SERVICE--LYRIC THEATRE COMPANY BOARD & STAFF
Marna Bisaccia marna@bisaccia.net 238-4896
Jane Burchard jdburch@aol.com 859-0914
Mitch Cantor gadfly1@aol.com 985-9945
Karyn Dubie kadubie@earthlink.net 658-6339
Cheri Forsythe caforsythe@juno.com 862-8775
Steve Grunberg oncdoctor@aol.com 985-2578
Serena Magnan O’Connell serenamagnan@hotmail.com 233-2516
Tim Maynes tmaynes1@gmail.com 999-6117
Keith McManis keith@fusionmgmtgrp.com 233-2057
Rob Parzych r_p67@yahoo.com 655-2568
Donna Riera driera46@gmail.com 922-1946
Rosalind Saunders rzsaunders@yahoo.com 860-7138
Nanette Stevens
nanette@tcvermont.com
Marc Tischler marc.tischler@vtmednet.org 860-3686
Freda Tutt fredankt@comcast.net 488-8729
Betsy Whyte
bwhyte@pkc.com
Paul Zengilowski pzengilowski@post.harvard.edu 482-3496
Emily M. and Pat H. Office@lyrictheatrevt.org 658-1484
Syndi Zook, Executive Dir. Director@lyrictheatrevt.org 658-1484
LET'S GO GREEN: You can help Lyric conserve paper
and postage costs by viewing an electronic version of
the monthly Spotlight newsletter. Contact the Lyric
office to provide your current e-mail address.
MEETING TIMES FOR LYRIC’S STANDING COMMITTEES
Board (Chair: Keith McManis): 3 rd Tuesday of the month, TBA
Building (Interim Chair: Syndi Zook): Quarterly, time TBA,
Lyric warehouse
PR/Development (Chair: Freda Tutt): 1 st Tuesday of the month,
5:30 p.m., Pat Boera’s Office, Burlington
Education (Chair: Jane Burchard): 1 st Thursday of the month,
Jane Burchard’s home
Finance (Chair: Mitch Cantor): 2 nd Wednesday of the month,
5:30 p.m., Kathy Richards’ Office (Lund Conference Room),
South Burlington
Membership (Chair: Serena Magnan O’Connell): 4 th Tuesday of
the month, 7 p.m., home of the O’Connell’s, Burlington
Show Selection (Chair: Cheri Forsythe): 1st Tuesday of the month,
Time TBA, Location varies
April 14 th -17 th , 2011
Show Sponsor:
Purchase your tickets to Chicago!