 Well before there was a Regina George, children of the 80's were terrorized by the Heathers. May 12-15, 2016, Imagine is bringing these nearly beyond redemption teens to NPAC in the Central Ohio Premiere of Heathers: The Musical.
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For our 19th musical, everything has changed, except the talent. A favorite of musical theatre lovers, auditions for Andrew Lippa's The Wild Party brought fantastic talent to Imagine's new home, the Northland Performing Arts Center (NPAC). Director Brandon Boring and his production team were stunned with the quality of actors, singers and dancers that brought their gifts to bear, all hoping to get an invite to the party of the year. We appreciate everyone who came out to audition and hope to see you again in March to audition for Heathers. Our new venue offers more seats, more amenities, and all of the intimacy you've come to expect of an Imagine show. Imagine is proud to announce the cast of our inaugural show as a resident company at NPAC. Tickets are on sale now! March 3, 4 & 5, 2016 @ 8:00pm and March 6, 2016 @ 3:00pm Book, Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa Directed by Brandon Boring Based on the Poem by Joseph Moncure March Partially Developed and Received Readings at The O'Neill Theatre Center during the 1997 National Music Theatre Conference. Originally Produced in New York City by The Manhattan Theatre Club Lovers Queenie and Burrs decide to throw the party to end all parties in their Manhattan apartment. After the colorful arrival of a slew of guests living life on the edge, Queenie's wandering eyes land on a striking man named Black. As the decadence is reaching a climax, so is Burrs' jealousy which erupts and sends him into a violent rage. Gun in hand and inhibitions abandoned Burrs turns on Queenie and Black. The gun gets fired, but who's been shot?  Original Graphics by Trevor List Melissa Hall - Queenie
Patrick Schaefer - Burrs Jonathan Collura - Black Alexa Rybinski - Kate Brent Fabian - Phil Eric Walker - Oscar Eli Rouscoulp - Eddie Chloe Patterson - Mae Di Drago - Madeline Alex Lanier - Max Sam Vestey - Sam Rachel Marschner - Delores Rachel Moore - Nadine Kirsten Rosenthal - Jackie Brittany Bronder - Ensemble Corrine Buuck - Ensemble Stephanie Harris - Ensemble Natalie White - Ensemble Director - Brandon Boring Music Director - Zac DelMonte Choreographer - Jessica Rigsby Stage Manager - Dante DiNucci Assistant Stage Manager - Becky Durra In July of 2011, Wall Street Nightclub became the home of Imagine Productions of Columbus. Then owner Scot Hafler took a chance on a new group that just wanted to perform. Over four years, eighteen musicals, nine cabarets and a generous helping of fun, Wall Street has been a kind a gracious host for our company. When Sandy Rollins and Amber Meyers purchased Wall Street in 2014, Imagine was again lucky to have the support of these friends of the Arts. Hundreds of actors have found their voice on the Wall Street stage and thousands of patrons have made Imagine a significant part of the Columbus Theatre Community. We thank everyone involved in making that all possible.  Starting in 2016, Imagine will be growing into a new space, again with a fantastic partner. The Northland Performing Arts Center (NPAC) will become home to the continuation of Imagine's 2015-16 Season with Andrew Lippa's The Wild Party in March, Heathers; The Musical in May and Saturday Night Fever in July! This venue offers everything a growing theatre company could wish for, including the ability to more than double our seating capacity, host after-parties, and most importantly, NPAC offers a host of technical and staging elements that will let us grow as a theatre company and put on better shows for our patrons! And don't worry...there IS a bar! Imagine is already moved into the new space and excited to get started with all the fun! Reservations for our 2016 shows will begin as soon as we've integrated with the NPAC box office system. Scroll down for pictures and a map of NPAC! We hope that all who love Imagine and are excited to join us in this new chapter will plan on joining us for our first cabaret show on February 7th. #GivingTUESDAY In the spirit of growth and change, Imagine will have multiple ways for you to get involved and help usher in the next chapter of our story. #GivingTuesday is the perfect opportunity to consider a fully tax deductible donation to Imagine before the end of the year. Any amount is greatly appreciated and will go directly to making our first shows at NPAC everything you've come to expect from Imagine.
With Imagine's most awaited auditions since 2014's RENT, Sweeney Todd brought out some of most talented people we've ever seen! With over 70 people coming out to audition, Director Ryan Scarlata and his team had their work cut out for them. After three days of shaving down the competition, Imagine is proud to announce our own Demon Barber and the entire fantastic ensemble that will bring Sweeney Todd to life (and death) for seven performances in October at Wall Street Nightclub. Thank you to all who came out to audition. Sweeney Todd runs October 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10 & 11, 2015 @ 7:30pm with an Opening Night Celebration after the show on October 2nd! Reserve your seats now!
 Our summer show brought out fierce competition for the leading characters with strong singer-dancers who showcased their voices and their tapping! Imagine is proud to announce the cast of our summer show - Thoroughly Modern Millie - bringing in almost all new members to the Imagine family.
Congratulations to Director Rose Babington for finding a top-tapping cast! Rose has years of experience as a performer and director having worked on the production staff for Dreamgirls, Chicago, and Hairspray with Imagine. She has experience at Short North Stage, Little Theatre Off Broadway, and Curtain Players and has been a strong member of the Columbus theatre community for many years. Imagine is happy to have her leading this production. Millie Dillmount - Meredith Zahn Miss Dorothy Brown - Ann Johnson Muzzy Van Hossmere - Hannah Berry Mrs. Meers - Kathy Taylor Miss Peg Flannery - Joyce Patrone Mr. Trevor Graydon - Chad Anderson Jimmy Smith - Jared Joseph Ruth - Odette Gutierrez del Arroyo Perez Gloria - Megan Louia Alice - Deborah Chow Cora - Carolyn Cutri Rita - Cassie Gress Lucille - Dani Moyer Ethel Peas - Emily Boggs Kenneth - Brian Gray George - Josh Fouasnon Rodney - Dante Dinucci Ching Ho - Dasacion Huot Bun Foo - Sharon Kibe Director/Choreographer - Rose Babington Assistant Director - Molly Dees Finney Music Director - Jared Joseph Assistant Music Director - Phil Dupont Assistant Choreographer - Ann Johnson Stage Manager - Andrew Norris Assistant Stage Manager - Emily Alice Dunn Set in New York City in 1922, Thoroughly Modern Millie tells the story of young Millie Dillmount from Kansas who comes to New York in search of a new life for herself. Her grand plan is to find a job as a secretary for a wealthy man and then marry him. However, her plan goes completely awry. The owner of her dingy hotel kidnaps young girls to sell to the Far East; her wealthy boss is slow in proposing marriage; and the man she actually falls in love with does not have a dime to his name –or so he tells her. Millie takes the stage for 3 weekends this summer: July 17, 18, 19 July 24, 25 July 31, August 1, 2 Doors at 6:30pm Show at 7:30pm Make your reservation today at www.imaginecolumbus.org/reservations.  The muses smiled down as we auditioned for another exciting musical at Imagine Productions. The numbers were small but mighty, and making the final cast list was anything but easy. You can look forward to some amazing dancing, fun skate moves, hilarious villains and effortlessly charming vocals. The production team would like to sincerely thank everyone who participated in auditions and Stonewall Columbus for once again hosting us. Keep a look out on our blog for cast interviews and fun behind the scenes adventure!
XANADU May 1 – 17, 2015 Friday- Sunday 7:30pm THE CAST: KIRA (CLIO): Shelby Butz SONNY MALONE: Danny DiMarino DANNY MAGUIRE (ZEUS): Luther W.Center, Jr. CALLIOPE (APHRODITE): Dakota Thorn MELPOMENE (MEDUSA): Jenna Lee Shively ERATO: Tashayla Harrison EUTERPE: Cassie Gress TERPSICORE: Ryan Patrick Jones THALIA: Caleb Baker URANIA: Stephenie Harris POLYHMNIA: Alexa Rybinkski PRODUCTION TEAM: Director: Corey Notman Asst. Director: Andrea Klinker Music Director: Jonathan Collura Choreographer: Tony Ingham Stage Manager: Kevin McCarty Asst. Stage Manager: Andrew Norris Costumes: Jason Guthrie The Show Must Go On  Despite a tremendous effort on the part of Wall Street Nightclub and our many friends and partners in the Columbus community, issues with frozen pipes at the venue have continued to hamper our production of Dreamgirls. In consideration of our patrons, many of whom have already adjusted plans from our original opening weekend and are coming from out of town, Imagine has made the decision to move the entire run of the production to Axis Nightclub, 775 N. High St, Columbus, OH 43215. Our friends at Axis are able to accommodate all scheduled performances except for Friday, March 6th, which will now be cancelled. All other show times and dates will remain the same. If you are ticket holder for the Friday, March 6th production, Imagine will contact you to reschedule or refund your ticket. Due to the change, seating for all performances will now be GENERAL ADMISSION and patrons will be seated first come, first served. Accessible seating will still be honored. More seats will be made available to accommodate exchanges from the cancelled performances and walk-ins are always welcome. Our online ticket sales will be temporarily disabled while the box office team switches seat holders to the new venue and communicates with patrons of the cancelled performance. We appreciate your patience through this complex process and apologize for the last minute change. The cast and crew have put their heart and soul into this production and this change ensures the opportunity to perform it. We appreciate the support from our patrons and the friends in the Columbus theatre community who have worked to secure this opportunity. All patrons that have purchased seats will receive an email with more details regarding the venue change. Please contact us with any additional questions via email at [email protected] or by phone at (614) 398-1110. Axis Nightclub is located in the Short North, just one mile north of the original venue. Metered street parking may be available and there is a parking garage just a block away from Axis at 30 E. Hubbard Ave. 
 Christina Turner (Effie White) Dreamgirls has not been performed in Columbus for years, and the challenge of reviving the iconic musical is thrilling for Imagine and the talented cast. Effie White, portrayed in Imagine's production by Christina Turner, sings the hit "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" and is one of the most well known characters in Broadway. We took a some time to ask Christina about her experience preparing for the role. You can see Christina, along with her equally talented castmates, perform Dreamgirls at Wall Street Nightclub February 20 - March 8, 2015.
Do you remember the first time you learned about Dreamgirls? First time I learned about Dreamgirls I had to be about 7 years old and I heard "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" on the radio. Is Effie a bucket list role for you? What other roles to you hope to perform in the future? Effie White is absolutely a bucket list role!! What has been the most challenging part of learning this role thus far? The most challenging part of learning this role thus far is making sure I portray Effie as not just a diva, but capturing all of her complexities and layers; Why she is the way she is. What has been the most fun part of learning this role? The most fun part of learning this role is belting out such fabulous songs! Are there parts of Effie's character that you relate to in real life? There are definitely parts of Effie's character that I relate to in real life, such as: Effie's stubbornness. I'm a Taurus, and we are notoriously known for being stubborn. We also share in common the fact that we are both quite misunderstood. What is your go-to audition song? Usually my go-to audition song is "Mama Will Provide" from Once On This Island. What do you like to sing at karaoke? Usually any Kelly Clarkson song is a great to sing at karaoke....and TLC's "No Scrubs" is a lot of fun!! Favorite rehearsal snack? Mixed Nuts Favorite pastime? Watching Indie Flicks What was the first musical theatre role you have ever portrayed? The first role I ever portrayed was Aunt Em in "The Wiz". Jennifer Holiday or Jennifer Hudson? Jennifer Hudson's acting and Jennifer Holliday's musical interpretation. But if I had to choose, I'd go with Jennifer Holliday. Anything else you'd like to share? Thank You Imagine Production for this opportunity to portray such an iconic and DREAM role; I've literally been wanting to play Effie White since I was about 17 years old and I am finally getting the chance! Now I'm ready to sing, dance, act and tear the stage down! Dreamgirls Cast Announced
Imagine saw an impressive slate of auditionees for our upcoming production of Dreamgirls and is excited to announce our cast and production team. Performances will begin on February 20 and run Friday-Sunday at 7:30pm for three weekends. Dreamgirls follows the story of a young female singing trio from Chicago who get their big break at an amateur competition and begin singing backup vocals for James "Thunder" Early. However, things begin to spin out of control when their agent, Curtis Taylor, Jr., makes Deena and not Effie, the star of what will become known as "The Dreams.” Cast List Updated December 2, 2014 at 10:30pm Effie White – Christina Turner Deena Jones – Ayana Cheston Lorrell Robinson – Cynthia Hill Michelle Morris – Samara Baptist Curtis Taylor, Jr – Michael Quinichett James “Thunder” Early – LaRon Hudson C.C. White– Jay Artist Marty Madison– Troy Anthony Harris Ensemble Women - Denise Andersen, Justine Appiah-Danquah, Carrie Ayres, Kyla Booher, Alicia Brown, Melanie Dancy, Michelle Golden, Emily Lasko, Mary Richmond-Leeth, Milana Yarbrough Ensemble Men - Hubert Escarpeta, Brian Gray, Jonathan Mendes, Bobby Peaks, Gerald Sinclair, Orlando Sumlin, Trey Villalobos Director/Music Director – James Blackmon Assistant Director – Constance Hester Choreographer – Rose Babington Based upon the story of musical acts such as The Supremes, The Shirelles, James Brown, Jackie Wilson, and others, Dreamgirls tells the story of a young female trio called The Dreams and their rise to fame from the 1960’s to the 1970’s. This musical story was brought to the screen in 2006 staring Jamie Fox, Beyonce Knowles, Eddie Murphy, and Jennifer Hudson. The song “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” was made famous by Jennifer Holliday who played the original Effie on Broadway.
Imagine is thrilled to announce auditions and our director for this upcoming production coming to Wall Street Night Club in February 2015. Auditions will take place on November 15-16 and times are now available on our website. More information about the audition process including a list of roles is also available. Doing justice to this score of Motown and Disco as director will be Imagine alum James Blackmon. James performed in our 2012 production of Hairspray but his background in theatre and music is far greater. He studied theatre at The University of Alabama and The Ohio State University. As an actor, James has appeared in numerous theatrical productions including, Hairspray, Showboat, The 1940’s Radio Hour, The Wizard of Oz, Hello Dolly, Peter Pan, Oliver, A Raisin In The Sun, Of Mice And Men, Pvt. Wars, and Waiting For Godot,. As a director, James has directed dramas, comedies and musicals, including, The Lisbon Traviata, The Real Queen of Hearts Ain’t Even Pretty, Cyndi: An American Musical, and An Evening Of Love Songs For Lovers. In addition to the theatre, James has been a musician practically his whole life. He first started playing the piano at age 4 and has been a professional musician for 38 years having booked his 1st paid gig at age 8 as the church youth choir pianist. As a musician, James was the Headline Entertainer at The Fine Arts Center, New Orleans, LA from September 2000 - March 2002 where he performed a Gospel & Jazz Brunch Show Every Sunday. Since 2005, James has been a Headline Entertainer at various clubs, festivals and venues all around Columbus, including de-Novo Bistro, Club Diversity, Side Bar 122, Art Crawl, and the Columbus Pride Festival. From July 2007 - September 2009 James was the Headline Entertainer and Owner of James’ Club 88 Piano Bar and Café in Columbus, OH where he performed several nights a week, every week. He then moved on to serve as a piano bar entertainer for Holland America Cruise Line until 2013. Most recently, James and his newest vocal group Love United’s Unity performed the “Star Spangled Banner” at the historic Why Marriage Matters Rally For Marriage Equality in Cincinnati in August of 2014 James has recorded 2 CDs – Born Too Late, a collection of jazz standards, and Christmas Time Is Here, a disc of both sacred and secular holiday favorites. James looks forward to casting the best talent of Columbus for this upcoming production of Dreamgirls. The performances will run February 20 – March 8. |
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