Who Am I?

I first saw Cats when I was about 6 years old, and do you know what I remember about my first time seeing it? I remember that the white cat was my favorite, and I remember that at intermission Old Deuteronomy stayed on stage and signed Playbills. I distinctly remember my mom gently nudging me out of my seat, telling me to take my Playbill up on stage and give it to Old Deuteronomy. I was nervous as heck and had no idea why my mom wanted me to do this crazy thing, but I did it anyway, and now I have a signed Playbill and an incredible memory to go along with it.

Musical theatre has always been a part of my life, but over the past decade or so things have changed for me. Theatre has gone from being a part of my life to being my passion, bordering on an obsession. I've gone from enjoying musical theatre to feeling a need to be a part of it.

My biggest struggle over the past few years has been trying to figure out where I fit in with the crazy and unpredictable world that is theatre. I know that I'm not an actor. I don't feel qualified to be a director. And while producing is definitely a long-term goal of mine, it's not really where I feel that I fit right now. I know that I want to be involved in the creative development side of musicals, but I'm not a writer or composer. So who am I?

I've done so much research into different theatre jobs that I feel qualified to teach a course on the subject. But with all the different jobs there are in theatre, I can't say that I've found one that really fits me. Dramaturg is the closest actual theatre "job" that sort-of-kind-of-in-a-way-maybe fits who I am, but it still doesn't feel completely right.

After all this research, I finally realized why I can't find a job that fits me. It's because it doesn't exist. At least not yet.

I'm not sure why I remember the white cat from Cats, but I definitely know why I remember going on stage with Old Deuteronomy. It's because it was a little something extra that made me feel connected to the show. And this is what I want to do for musicals. I want to create that connection between the audience and the show.

There is definitely a place for this kind of service in theatre, especially in today's world where everyone wants to feel connected to everything. In fact, there are already plenty of musicals making these kinds of connections, and it's paying off big time for them. Shows like Once, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and Hamilton are all using various forms of audience engagement, but the thing is, the ideas all come from different places. A director might come up with an idea; the writer might come up with an idea; an ad agency might come up with an idea. But in all my research I couldn't find any kind of job that specifically specializes in this. So I decided to create one!

While a quick Google search of "audience engagement in theatre" produces some intriguing results, including some people who are in the same boat as I am, it only proves that this is just the beginning for this new trend. I've decided to seize this opportunity to create the perfect theatre job for me. So please say hello to the new audience engagement specialist for musicals!

As an audience engagement specialist, I will be helping musicals find creative ways to connect with their audiences. While it's currently a very limited market, it's also a quickly growing market, making now the perfect time to throw myself into it. More and more musicals are starting to navigate the world of audience engagement, and I want to be there to help them. It's a perfect combination of my lifelong theatre passion, my 15 years of marketing experience, and several years of theatre production experience, and I can't wait to get started! As a matter of fact, I've already gotten started on a few things, which leads me to some changes that will be taking place with Row L Seat 1.

For starters, I'll be shifting the focus of Row L Seat 1 to focusing exclusively on audience engagement. In just a few days, when you go to www.RowLSeat1.com, you'll see a very different website. The new website will reflect these changes and the updated focus of Row L Seat 1. I'll also be updating the Row L Seat 1 Facebook and Twitter sites to reflect this new focus as well.

So what does all this mean for Row L Seat 1 in the Central PA area? Don't worry - it's not going anywhere anytime soon! I still love supporting theatre in this area, and I'm happy to help promote the amazing theatres and actors we have however I can. Row L Seat 1 started as a blog, and I plan to keep the Row L Seat 1 blog active by continuing to publish news, events, and reviews related to theatre in Harrisburg and the surrounding area. The website that you're on right now will remain unchanged and dedicated exclusively to Central PA theatre. The only difference is that from now on the link to get here will be www.RowLSeat1.blogspot.com. I also created a brand new Facebook page specifically for the blog, which you can find (and like!) at www.facebook.com/theatrekim. I'll be blogging under the pseudonym "Theatre Kim," which is were the Facebook page name came from.

The reason for these changes is simply because I now have two very different focuses. Most people who are interested in Central PA theatre probably don't have an interest in my audience engagement services, and vice versa.

I realize that the coming weeks might cause a little bit of confusion as this transition to break Row L Seat 1 into two very different focuses occurs. I promise it's for the better, and I also promise to try to make the transition as seamless as possible. As always, thanks to everyone who reads or follows Row L Seat 1, either the "old" one or the "new" one, or better yet both. Your support means so much to me, and I look forward to sharing my new adventures with you soon!

Dutch Apple's 'West Side Story' Delivers Love, Tragedy, and Heartfelt Emotion

I have fond memories of playing percussion in the pit of West Side Story during my junior year of high school. I remember as if it were yesterday the feel of the claves in my hands as I started the song "America" and the ring of the chimes as I struck them following "The Rumble." As I sat in Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, watching their production of West Side Story, I couldn't help but feel a little nostalgic as every song and line came back to me.

West Side Story brings a version of Romeo and Juliet to the West Side of New York City, where the Jets, an American street gang led by Riff, are trying to defend their home territory from the Puerto Rican Sharks, led by Bernardo. Riff's best friend Tony falls in love with Bernardo's sister, Maria, and tries to make peace between the two gangs. The result is a delicate balance between tragedy and love, where either could end up winning.

Dutch Apple's West Side Story is an energetic production that is as enjoyable as it is emotional. It alternates between upbeat moments and tender moments, with a few powerful, dark moments that create an intense environment. The quick and seamless transitions from a lighthearted scene where the characters seem like traditional high school students having innocent fun to a darker scene where these same characters draw knives and guns makes the intense moments that much more intense.

The characters are just as opposing as the story itself, with the pure Maria, played by Alexis Semevolos, contrasting with a vibrant Anita, played by Zoe Raphael, and trustworthy Tony, played by Carver Duncan, contrasting with an always-up-for-the-challenge Bernardo, played by Chris Kane.

The entire cast demonstrates consistent vocal and acting talent, especially Raphael who dominates her role and at moments steals the show. But what really stands out in this production is the dancing. With high energy music numbers such as "America," West Side Story is a show that demands considerable dancing talent on top of the usual vocal and acting talent required of other less energetic musicals, and these performers don't disappoint. From the jazzy "Dance at the Gym" to the dreamy "Somewhere," the dancing is both dynamic and heartfelt.

Featuring a talented cast that sing and dance their hearts out, West Side Story at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre promises to be an enjoyable time. Oh, and the asparagus/ricotta ravioli at the buffet was one of the best things I've ever had to eat at Dutch Apple (aside from the desserts, of course!).

West Side Story plays at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre through September 19. For details and tickets, please visit www.dutchapple.com.

PRiMA Theatre to Present 'Children of Eden'

PRiMA Theatre will present Children of Eden on Sundays, September 6, 13, and 20 at 7:00pm at St. James Episcopal Church in Lancaster. Tickets to the show start at $22.00 and are available at primatheatre.org or by calling the box-office at (717) 327-5124.

Children of Eden is loosely based on the stories from the Book of Genesis. This heartfelt musical is a tale about the difficulties of parenting, breaking generational patterns, and the power of second chances. Experience this moving musical in concert staging within the magnificent St. James Church in Lancaster City.

Songs from Children of Eden include “Spark of Creation,” “Lost In The Wilderness,” and “Hardest Part of Love.”

The show loosely journeys from the creation story (Act I) to Noah and the flood (Act II). With the same principle actors playing the feature roles in each act, we see the semblance and patterns of each era's family struggles.

From the inspiration and curiosity of Eve, to the dead-fast love of Yonah and Japheth, Children of Eden reflects the heights and perils of humanity. Amidst this tale is a gorgeous score from the composer of Wicked, Stephen Schwartz.

'Once' Kicks off 2015-16 Broadway Season at Hershey Theatre

 

Once, winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical and winner of the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, will play Hershey Theatre for a limited engagement from Tuesday, September 15 through Sunday, September 20.

Tickets for this show are $25.00, $35.00, $38.00, $53.00, $68.00, $73.00, $78.00 and $83.00 (tax and applicable fees apply) and are available at Hershey Theatre Box Office. They can be charged by phone at 717-534-3405 and online at www.HersheyEntertainment.com or www.TicketMaster.com.

Once features the Academy Award-winning music and lyrics of Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, a book by award-winning Irish playwright & screenwriter, Enda Walsh (Penelope, Hunger, The New Electric Ballroom), direction by the acclaimed Scottish director of Black Watch, John Tiffany, movement by Steven Hoggett (Black Watch, American Idiot) and music supervision and orchestrations by Martin Lowe (Mamma Mia!). The set and costume design are by five time Tony Award winner Bob Crowley (The Coast of Utopia, Mary Poppins), lighting design is by Tony winner Natasha Katz (Aida, The Coast of Utopia), and sound design is by Clive Goodwin.

Once is the celebrated new musical based on the Academy Award-winning film. It tells the story of an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant drawn together by their shared love of music. Over the course of one fateful week, their unexpected friendship and collaboration evolves into a powerful but complicated romance, heightened by the raw emotion of the songs they create together. Brought to the stage by an award-winning team of visionary artists and featuring an ensemble cast of gifted actor/musicians, Once is a musical celebration of life and love: thrilling in its originality, daring in its honesty... and unforgettable in every way.

Please note: There is a 25-minute hold for late patrons, during which patrons will not be allowed to enter the house or proceed to their seats. In order to not miss a moment of this Tony Award-winning production, we encourage you to arrive to the Theatre early. In addition, due to some adult language, this show is recommended for ages 10 and above. 

For more information, please visit www.OnceMusical.com.

Dutch Apple Will Present 'West Side Story'

It’s 1957, and summer is ending in the West Side of New York City. A dance at a local gym brings Tony and Maria together, and it's love at first sight! However, their love is threatened by a strong rivalry between two gangs: the Sharks, a Puerto Rican gang, and the Jets, made up of ‘American’ boys. Maria is the sister to the leader of the Sharks, and Tony is an ex-member and the best friend of the leader of the Jets. Preparations are being made for one big rumble to settle the rivalry once and for all. Can Tony and Maria bridge the gap between the gangs and bring peace to their love before it’s too late? West Side Story is a modern take on the classic love story of Romeo and Juliet, and you can catch it at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre August 6 – September 19.

Fresh out of the roles of Dream Curly and Cord Elam in Dutch Apple's Oklahoma, Carver Duncan is hitting the stage as Tony, which he refers to as one of his dream roles (thanks to his parents who introduced him to the show when he was eight). Duncan also played Caleb in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, both at Dutch Apple and on the national tour. Maria will be played by Alexis Semevolos, who is reprising this role from a run at Dutch Apple’s sister theatre, Broadway Palm in Florida. Semevolos’ Off-Broadway credits include The Love Note, and regional credits include La Dispute and Macbeth at Hartford Stage, A Proper Place at Goodspeed Opera House, and Blood and Fire at Tru Voices.

Bernardo, leader of the Sharks and Maria’s brother, will be played by Dutch Apple alum, Chris Kane. Kane just performed in Ogunquit Playhouse’s production of Victor/Victoria and was seen at Dutch Apple last season as the heartthrob Link Larkin in Hairspary. He is also a three-time professional ballroom dance regional champion. Bernardo’s girl, Anita, will be played by Zoe Raphael, who is also reprising this role from the Broadway Palm production. Raphael’s favorite credits include the reading of A Proper Place for Goodspeed Opera House, Les Miserables at North Shore Music Theatre, Footloose at Maine State Music, and singing with the Boston Pops.

Dutch Apple’s production of West Side Story will be directed by Dean Sobon, who just finished directing Oklahoma! and also directed the national tours of Fiddler on the Roof and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. He has a history with this show, performing in an international tour and two national tours. Sobon has worked for the Dutch Apple for 11 years now and is also an acting teacher for their Broadway Bound summer camps.

Samantha Hewes Cramer will be choreographing the production. She has worked with Dutch Apple since she was young, appearing on stage in Gypsy at the age of nine. Cramer is now excited to be on the other side of the stage with her work most recently being seen on the national tour of Memphis, The Musical as the Assistant to the Director, and she recently choreographed Crazy For You at Dutch Apple.

The score, by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, features songs such as "Tonight," "I Feel Pretty," "Maria," "(I Want to Be in) America," "Somewhere" and "One Hand, One Heart."

West Side Story will be at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre August 6 through September 19, 2015. Ticket prices range from $49 to $56 for meal and show with a special rate for groups of 16 or more. A limited number of show-only seats are available for $34. Call 717-898-1900 to make a reservation or order your tickets online at DutchApple.com.