La Crosse Community Theatre presents the comedy Leading Ladies

Rediscover the humor of mistaken identities in La Crosse Community Theatre’s production of Leading Ladies, beginning March 9 and running through March 25, 2012. In this comedy by Ken Ludwig – laced with his trademark humor – two struggling English actors, Jack and Leo, pose as long-lost nephews to inherit the estate of a rich old woman who has just died. Their trouble begins when they arrive to find out that the long-lost nephews are actually nieces, and the old woman isn’t as dead as they thought! LCT patrons might recall Ludwig’s Lend Me a Tenor (2008).

Cast members include Katie Clausen as Meg, Kevin Laumbach as Leo; long-time LCT actors Michael Marcou as Jack, Megan Larson as Audrey, Dennis Kuhn as Duncan, Susan Fox as Florence and Daniel Schneider as Doc; and Daniel Rapoport, who is making his LCT stage debut, as Butch.

Leading Ladies is this season’s “Patron’s Pick” and will be directed by guest director Anne Drecktrah, with set and lights designed by Andrew Brackett and costumes by Mandy Parmeter. The production is rated theatre PG.

Performances are on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Tickets for adults are $22.50 for Friday and Saturday performances and $21.00 for Thursday and Sunday performances. Tickets for students and current military members are $10 on Thursdays and Sundays.

Season ticket holders may reserve their Leading Ladies tickets beginning February 13. Tickets go on sale to the public on Monday, February 20, 2012. To purchase tickets, or for more information, call the box office at 608-784-9292 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays or one hour before show time, or visit our website at www.lacrossecommunitytheatre.org.

La Crosse Community Theatre presents Patron's Pick Evening

Join fellow theatre-goers in choosing one of La Crosse Community Theatre's shows for next season at a staged reading on Friday, February 17, 2012, at 7:30 p.m. Patrons will vote for one of two plays: The Matchmaker by Thornton Wilder and Bus Stop by William Inge. These were the first two plays ever produced by La Crosse Community Theatre, in 1963.

"We want to honor our history as we move forward," said LCT artistic director Greg Parmeter.

This event is free and open to the public. LCT Patron Donors vote for free and ballots will be available to non-donors for $5 at the event. Organizers will collect ballots after the second production and announce the winning show before the audience leaves. LCT volunteers will direct these abridged versions: Kelsey Taunt for The Matchmaker and April Brown for Bus Stop. The LCT staff thanks them and the other volunteers who make this event possible.

For more information, call the box office at 608-784-9292 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Leading Ladies cast announced!

The cast has been selected. See cast list.

Auditions for Leading Ladies will be held January 30 and 31

Auditions for the farcical play Leading Ladies at La Crosse Community Theatre will be held on Monday, January 30, and Tuesday, January 31, at 7:00 pm at 118 5th Avenue North in downtown La Crosse. Anne Drecktrah will be the production’s guest director.

Roles are available for 3 women and 5 men. Auditionees should prepare for cold readings from the script. Perusal scripts are available at the box office for a one-week check out, with a refundable deposit of $10. Callbacks will be held Wednesday, February 1, if needed. Rehearsals begin on Monday, February 6. To schedule an audition for Leading Ladies, or for more information, please call the box office at 608-784-9292, ext. 2.

In this new farce by Ken Ludwig, two struggling English actors, Jack and Leo, pose as long-lost nephews to inherit the estate of a rich old woman who has just died. Their trouble begins when they arrive to find out that the long-lost nephews are actually nieces, and the old woman isn’t as dead as they thought! This production is our 2011-2012 Patron's Pick.

Leading Ladies begins March 9 and continues through March 25, 2012, with performances on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $22.50 on Fridays and Saturdays, and $21 for adults and $10 for students and current military members on Thursdays and Sundays.

La Crosse Community Theatre presents the Tennessee Williams classic The Glass Menagerie

Join La Crosse Community Theatre in exploring how memories can be the most fragile illusions of all with The Glass Menagerie, beginning January 27 and running through February 12. Performances are on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Tickets for adults are $22.50 for Friday and Saturday performances and $21.00 for Thursday and Sunday performances. Tickets for students and current military members are $10 on Thursdays and Sundays.

The classic American drama tells of Tom, Amanda and Laura Wingfield, a family trapped by their own illusions. Each survives by hiding in a world they have created for themselves, safe until the arrival of a gentleman caller, when they discover that dreams can be as fragile as glass.

This work will be directed by LCT artistic director Greg Parmeter, with the set and lights designed by technical director Andrew Brackett and costumes by Mandy Parmeter. The production is sponsored by The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern and Schomburg Refrigeration and is rated Theatre PG.

To purchase tickets to The Glass Menagerie, or for more information, call the box office at 608-784-9292 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays or one hour before show time, or visit our website at www.lacrossecommunitytheatre.org.

FAST FACTS
WHO: La Crosse Community Theatre
WHAT: The Glass Menagerie
WHERE: 118 5th Ave N, Downtown La Crosse
WHEN: January 27-28, February 2-4 and 9-11 at 7:30 pm, January 29, February 5 and 12 at 2:00 pm

PRICE
Adults: $22.50 (Fridays and Saturdays), $21.00 (Thursdays and Sundays)
Students/Current Military: $10 (with ID, Thursdays and Sundays)

BOX OFFICE HOURS
Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., one hour before show time

PRODUCTION TEAM
Director: Greg Parmeter
Set and Light Design: Andrew Brackett
Costume Design: Mandy Parmeter
Stage Manager: April Brown

CAST
Amanda Wingfield.......Diane Breeser
Laura Wingfield..........Katie Clausen*
Tom Wingfield............Will Leonard
Jim O’Connor..............Mathew Tukua*

* designates LCT stage debut

Welcome LCT's new technical director Andrew Brackett

La Crosse Community Theatre is pleased to announce that Andrew Brackett has been named its new technical director. He moved here from Janesville, WI, where he worked as a freelance lighting designer.

"We are excited to welcome Andrew to the LCT staff," said executive director David Kilpatrick. "He will bring a new perspective to our productions that will provide for some wonderful surprises for our audiences and performers."

Andrew has previously worked with Bower City Theatre Company, Wisconsin Theatreworks, Broadway Dinner Theatre, and Theater Unlimited, Inc. He graduated from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities in 2008 with a degree in technical theater and architecture. Some of his favorite past productions include Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Producers, Cabaret, and Into the Woods. In addition to his work with community theatres, Andrew has also tech-directed student crews for high school shows and worked as a lighting technician for Norwegian Cruise Line.

Artistic director Greg Parmeter shared his views also: "Andrew is a young, dynamic artist. I think he's going to bring a lot to the table in terms of skills and ideas, as well as the ability to work with and teach volunteers everything he knows. When people come in to work with Andrew on a project, they can be confident that by the end of that project, they're going to have a whole new set of skills and knowledge. That, and he's just a fun guy to be around."

Andrew's first project will be designing the set for The Glass Menagerie.

La Crosse Community Theatre to hold Annual Meeting January 24th

La Crosse Community Theatre’s Annual Meeting will be held on January 24th, 2012 at La Crosse Community Theatre starting at 5:30 pm. LCT is located at 118 5th Avenue North in Downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin. All Patrons, Season Ticket Holders and volunteers are invited to attend as participating members.

The meeting is open to all and there will be a time for questions and answers about the current and future status of LCT.

Please attend and be a part of your community theatre.

The Glass Menagerie cast announced!

The cast has been selected. See cast list.

Auditions for The Glass Menagerie will be held December 12 and 13

Auditions for the Tennessee Williams’ classic The Glass Menagerie at La Crosse Community Theatre will be held on Monday, December 12 and Tuesday, December 13 at 7:00 pm at 118 5th Avenue North in downtown La Crosse. La Crosse Community Theatre Artistic Director Greg Parmeter is the director.

Roles are available for 2 women and 2 men. Auditionees should prepare for cold readings from the script. Perusal scripts are available at the box office for a one-week check out, with a refundable deposit of $10. Callbacks will be held Wednesday, December 14 if needed. Rehearsals begin on December 19, with a break for the Christmas holiday. To schedule an audition for The Glass Menagerie, or for more information, please call the box office at 608-784-9292, ext. 2.

This classic American drama tells the story of Tom, Amanda and Laura Wingfield, a family trapped by their own illusions. Each survives by hiding in a world they have created for themselves, safe until the arrival of a gentleman caller, when they discover that dreams can be as fragile as glass.

The Glass Menagerie begins January 27 and continues through February 12, 2012 with performances on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $22.50 on Fridays and Saturdays, and $21 for adults and $10 for students and current military members on Thursdays and Sundays.

La Crosse Community Theatre celebrates the holidays with The Last Christmas Gift

Join La Crosse Community Theatre as they discover the joy of finding the “perfect gift” with The Last Christmas Gift, beginning December 9 and running through December 18. Performances are on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Tickets for adults are $22.50 for evening performances and $21.00 for matinees. Tickets for students and current military members are $10 and tickets for kids 12 and younger are $5 at any performance.

What happens after Santa leaves for his annual delivery? Elves will play, of course, until the discovery of the worst possible disaster – one gift has been left behind! Try as they might, the elves only make matters worse until they learn the unexpected answer that ensures everyone a merry Christmas.

This original work by LCT executive director David R. Kilpatrick and artistic director Greg Parmeter features long-time LCT volunteer Sean McDevitt in his directing debut. Musical direction is by Amy Gleason, choreography by Scott Jenks, set by Greg Parmeter, lights by David R. Kilpatrick and costumes by Mandy Parmeter.

To purchase tickets to The Last Christmas Gift, or for more information, call the box office at 608-784-9292 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays or one hour before show time, or visit our website at www.lacrossecommunitytheatre.org. Searching for the perfect holiday gift? Give the gift of theatre with the LCT Six Pack: 6 ticket vouchers to use throughout the rest of LCT’s 2011-2012 season for any show in any combination. Each Six Pack is $115, a 10% savings over the single ticket price. Give vouchers as a gift, or use to join us for the rest of the season. Call or stop in at the box office to purchase.

La Crosse Performing Arts Center

Get Ready for a Brand New Vision. Groundbreaking for a new La Crosse Performing Arts Center announced for Nov. 16; Viterbo University to join the La Crosse Community Theatre to form collaborative alliance in the new building. Read more.

The Last Christmas Gift cast announced!

The cast has been selected. See cast list.

You are invited to an important meeting at LCT!

Greetings, Friend!

I would like to invite you to a special ALL VOLUNTEERS meeting on Wednesday, November 9, at 5:30 pm at the theatre building.

There has been a lot of work on the campaign for our NEW building, and we would like to share with everyone who is part of La Crosse Community Theatre.

At this meeting the oversight committee will share with you the process of the capital campaign and give you an up-to-date status report. Additionally, you will see the most recent plans for the theatre, including the updated exterior, and you'll find out about ground-breaking (exciting news!). We also will be announcing the chair campaign and giving you an opportunity to make a gift to the theatre.

This will be a very important meeting that I hope you will attend.

Thank you for all that you do for the theatre. I look forward to seeing you there!

Greg Parmeter
Artistic Director
La Crosse Community Theatre

P.S.: The meeting will last only an hour as we have rehearsals for two productions: Leaving Iowa and The Last Christmas Gift. Have you seen them yet? Or perhaps signed up to be an usher or technician?

La Crosse Community Theatre continues season with comedy Leaving Iowa

La Crosse Community Theatre continues the 2011-2012 season with the comedy Leaving Iowa, opening October 28 and running through November 13. Performances are on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $22.50 for Friday and Saturday performances. Tickets for Thursday and Sunday performances are $21.00 for adults and $10 for students and current military members. Tickets are on sale now.

In this heart-warming comedy, a middle-aged writer relives the summers he used to spend trapped in the back seat of a station wagon on crazy family vacations. Join Don, played by LCT stage veteran Michael Marcou; Sis, played by newcomer Amy Anderson; Mom and Dad, played by LCT stage favorites Kate Kersten and Dan Radtke, as they learn that the journey is just as important as the destination.

This production is directed by LCT artistic director, Greg Parmeter. Costume design is by Mandy Parmeter with lights by Andy Krage and props by Dawn Anderson.

To purchase tickets to Leaving Iowa, or for more information, call the box office at 608-784-9292 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays or one hour before show time, or visit our website at www.lacrossecommunitytheatre.org.

La Crosse Community Theatre creates productions and projects that enhance the theatrical literacy of our audience members, volunteers, students and staff. We provide opportunities for creativity and personal growth in a fun, collaborative environment. We have been a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation since 1963.

FAST FACTS
WHO: La Crosse Community Theatre
WHAT: Leaving Iowa
WHERE: 118 5th Ave N, Downtown La Crosse
WHEN: October 28 – 29, November 3 – 5, 10 – 12 at 7:30 pm, October 30, November 6 and 13 at 2:00 pm

PRICE
Friday and Saturday: $22.50 for all tickets
Thursday and Sunday: $21.00 for adults, $10.00 for students and current military members

BOX OFFICE HOURS
Mon through Fri, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., one hour before show time

CAST/CREW
Director: Greg Parmeter
Costume Design: Mandy Parmeter
Lighting Design: Andy Krage
Props Design: Dawn Anderson
Stage Manager: Jeff Copsey

CAST
Don……………………Michael Marcou
Dad……………………Dan Radtke
Mom…………………Kate Kersten
Sis……………………Amy Anderson*
Character Guy……Lawrence Levesque
Character Gal……Maria Johnson
* LCT Stage Debut.

Seeking: Set Designer/Production Manager

The La Crosse Community Theatre, a professionally staffed, volunteer-based theatre, seeks a Set Designer/Technical Director.

For further details, please visit our employment page.

Leaving Iowa cast announced!

The cast has been selected. See cast list.

LCT and The Pump House present a special 10th Anniversary presentation of with their eyes: September 11th – The View from a High School at Ground Zero

La Crosse Community Theatre will have a special presentation of with their eyes: September 11th – the view from a high school at ground zero at the Pump House Regional Arts Center 119 King Street in Downtown La Crosse, on September 11, 2011 at 2:00 pm. Tickets for this event are $15 in advance and $18 day-of-show. Students are $10 and available in advance, in person at the Pump House with valid student ID. Call the Pump House Regional Arts at 608-785-1434 or visit them on the web at thepumphouse.org.

On the morning of September 11 the students and faculty of Stuyvesant High School witnessed the attacks on the World Trade Center from their windows. Shortly thereafter, the students created a play based on interviews of those witnesses and in doing so defined how America would frame the tragedy in the subsequent months. The play, with their eyes, is a moving portrait of grief, fear, anger, heartbreak and hope in the face of great turmoil. The show is produced by La Crosse Community Theatre, directed by LCT Artistic Director Greg Parmeter, and stars youth volunteers of LCT.

La Crosse Community Theatre creates productions and projects that enhance the theatrical literacy of our audience members, volunteers, students and staff. We provide opportunities for creativity and personal growth in a fun, collaborative environment. We have been a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation since 1963.

LCT Celebrates Advancement of Technical Director

La Crosse Community Theatre announces the departure of Dillon McArdle, an award-winning set and light designer, who served as the theatre’s technical director for over five years. McArdle has accepted a new position as general manager for a local production company, providing design, management and technical solutions to productions in a four-state region. LCT Artistic Director Greg Parmeter acknowledges, “As part of the creative process, it is important to seek other opportunities to try new approaches, solve different problems and stretch creative solutions.”

McArdle came to LCT in 2006, having graduated from Viterbo University. Since that time, he has served as lighting designer, set designer or sound designer on every production. He has earned accolades from Wisconsin Association of Community Theatre and regional and national recognition from the American Association of Community Theatre. His award-winning productions have includedGodspell, Almost, Maine, and The Women of Lockerbie.

Although McArdle is leaving, the process of creating theatre will continue with the opening of The Wizard of Oz on September 9. In looking forward, David Kilpatrick, Executive Director of LCT recognizes “that this is a significant time to search for a replacement. With the positive momentum of the capital campaign, LCT anticipates that there will be a number of strong candidates interested in being a part of a new construction project.”

McArdle’s last day is officially September 16, but as Kilpatrick shared, “Everyone at LCT knows that McArdle’s legacy will be a part of the theatre’s tradition and future.”

La Crosse Community Theatre creates productions and projects that enhance the theatrical literacy of our audience members, volunteers, students and staff. We provide opportunities for creativity and personal growth in a fun, collaborative environment. We have been a 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation since 1963.