Fauquier Community Theatre presents
Side by Side by Sondheim
Fauquier Community Theatre presents the Tony award-winning musical Side by Side by Sondheim on Fridays and weekends from April 29 - May 15, 2022. Stephen Sondheim learned to play the piano by ear at age four and then went on to be, as the New York Times described "theater’s most revered and influential composer-lyricist of the last half of the 20th century and the driving force behind some of Broadway’s most beloved and celebrated shows.” Sondheim passed away in November 2021 at the age of 91.
Fauquier Community Theatre's director Steve McBride says, "The genius of Sondheim is that of a timeless art; always relevant and ever telling a story. Working on this production of Side by Side by Sondheim is a great honor and pleasure. The talented actors bring to life the lyrics, melodies, emotions, and stories so beautifully articulated by Sondheim. With every phrase, this show promises to bring a laugh, a tear, a memory, or a smile to each person in the theatre."
Music and Lyrics are by Stephen Sondheim as well as classics written with musical theatre giants Leonard Bernstein, Jule Styne and Richard Rodgers. Musical numbers include favorites from Broadway shows like Company, Follies, West Side Story, Gypsy, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, A Little Night Music, and more!
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From left to right: Kate Clark, Cheryl Bolt, Patrick Mulhern, Danica Shook, and Rachelle White are part of the cast of nine actors in Side by Side by Sondheim. |
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Audiences can expect to be entertained with many song and dance numbers by the talented cast of nine actors. Also, interspersed throughout, is the narration (written by Ned Sherrin) that contains fascinating tidbits of Sondheim’s time in London, the ups and downs of show business, and his first meeting with Oscar Hammerstein.
The cast is led by three principal actors. Cheryl Bolt is an actress and sopranist who has graced the stages of theaters in musicals across the region. Patrick Mulhern is a classically trained lyric tenor and has produced several recordings and toured throughout the US and abroad. Mezzo-soprano Abbey Smith has performed locally in musical theater and with the Washington Chorus, National Symphony Orchestra, and Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. She says, "I am thrilled to be working with an amazing cast to bring the work of the great Stephen Sondheim to life."
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Mezzo-soprano Abbey Smith |
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The six featured actors round out the cast and add pizzazz to the show. Rachelle White has had lead roles in theatre, film, and television in New York (pictured in the first group photo of five actors, on the far right.) Kate Clark (pictured below on the left) has played Sara in a production of Company and says, "That experience cemented my love of Sondheim!"
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Andrew Morin (pictured above) was just seen in FCT's "Noises Off" showing his great comedic and entertaining timing. Danica Shook (pictured above on the right) returns to the FCT stage and it is her third musical role in the last five months in area theaters. |
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Elizabeth Steimel (pictured above) played Jenny in “Company” during the 11 shows she performed in at the University of Virginia. Larry Finkel (pictured above) is known for his many versatile stage roles in the area and this one highlights his musical theater charm. |
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Sondheim’s music is renown around the world. Like the lyrics in “I’m Still Here”, Sondheim had seen “Good times and bum times, I’ve seen ‘em all.” Perhaps that is one reason of many, that makes Sondheim’s lyrics and music extraordinarily relatable and popular.
Side by Side by Sondheim is produced by special arrangement with Music Theatre International. Steve McBride is both the director and music director. FCT artistic committee chairperson Sheryl Solow remarks, "There is no doubt that Steve's musical background and experience as a director have brought a new level of quality to this production and FCT."
McBride is also one of the two pianists who physically play the piano "side by side" on stage. New to FCT, Bart MacMillan is the other pianist and Jacob Kidder will step in for McBride on May 7. All three bring their expertise for the quality needed for Sondheim's music.
Part of the beauty of the show is the dance choreography led by Danica Shook with assistance by Kate Clark. To see these popular Broadway songs from the many different award winning musicals be performed all in one show with talented actors/vocalists with fast moving dance steps will be a joy for audiences.
Award winning Dan Martin’s sound and lighting design add much ambiance to the show. Artist Lorna McBee’s set design is extraordinary with instant impact as the audience arrives and is perfect for the Sondheim tribute numbers.
Performances of Side by Side by Sondheim take place on Fridays and weekends between April 29 - May 15 at the Vint Hill Theater on the Green located at 4225 Aiken Drive, Warrenton, VA. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2:00 pm. Tickets prices range from $18-$22 and may be reserved at www.FCTstage.org or by calling 540-349-8760.
Meet the Cast! Reserve your tickets for opening night and included is a special time to congratulate the cast and enjoy complimentary beverages.
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Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach
June 10 - 19, 2022
Roald Dahl's fantastical tale is of a boy, his insect friends and their amazing journey across the ocean on a giant piece of fruit! Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach is now a musical for the whole family to enjoy! Featuring a wickedly tuneful score by the Tony Award-nominated team of Pasek and Paul (Dogfight and A Christmas Story the Musical) and a curiously quirky book by Timothy Allen McDonald (Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka, The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley), critics rave: James and the Giant Peach is a "masterpeach!"
When James is sent by his conniving aunts to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion that results in a tremendous peach... and launches a journey of enormous proportions. Suddenly, James finds himself in the center of the gigantic peach, among human-sized insects with equally oversized personalities, but after it falls from the tree and rolls into the ocean, the group faces hunger, sharks and plenty of disagreements. Thanks to James' quick wit and creative thinking, the residents learn to live and work together as a family. The dangerous voyage is a success, but the adventure takes a whole new twist once they land on the Empire State Building.
FCT's artistic production team for Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach includes Director Jack Tessier, Music Director Carolyn Karcher, Choreographer/Assistant Director Gabrielle Buonocore, and Stage Manager Esther Wells. Stephen Hyland is the producer. There are 22 youth cast in the show.
Tessier enthusiastically remarked, "I am directing this youth show because I love youth theatre. I got my start in FCT’s Beauty and the Beast, Jr, and I want to give other kids a great opportunity to shine in their youth. I have always loved the James and the Giant Peach book and film, just like I love all of Roald Dahl’s work. I’m a big fan and advocate for the whimsical, fantastical, and childlike wonder that exists in James and the Giant Peach. This show will also give great opportunities to many young performers to show off their talents and become larger than life characters."
The show sponsor is XS Telecom - Voice and Data specialists. Performances for Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach will be performed on June 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, and 19 at the Vint Hill Theatre on the Green located at 4225 Aiken Drive, Warrenton, VA. Friday and Saturday performances take place at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees are at 2:00 pm (except for Fathers Day, June 19 which will be at 1:00 pm.) Tickets for reserved seating are available online at www.FCTstage.org or by calling 540-349-8760.
FCT's production of Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach is presented through special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI).
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WHAT'S AVAILABLE NOW AT
THE ONLINE BOX OFFICE?
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MUSICAL THEATRE SUMMER CAMP
ROALD DAHL'S WILLY WONKA JR.
JULY 11 - 22, 2022
SUMMER CAMP IS FULL TO CAPACITY
FCT LOOKS FORWARD TO WELCOMING THE YOUTH!
PERFORMANCES WILL TAKE PLACE JULY 22 AND 23
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Let's Volunteer Day! May 7, 2022
Volunteer with Fauquier Community Theatre!
Spring Clean Up by Day or Usher by Night
The PATH Foundation has created a whole week of volunteering in the commuity with many non-profit organizations! Join Fauquier Community Theatre on Saturday, May 7, 2022 for various ways to volunteer!
Daytime: Spring Clean Up Day! From 9 am to 2 pm there are stage set pieces to be moved, props to sort through, and moving items from one location to another in the Vint Hill section of Warrenton. A benefit to you is lunch is available to all volunteers.
Nightime: Another opportunity is to join in at 6 pm to be ushers for the upcoming musical revue of "Side by Side by Sondheim." Volunteers are needed at the will call window, as ushers, and also selling concessions during intermission. A nice benefit is that you see the show at no cost and receive a VIP Concession Card as a thank you.
For more information, click HERE to see the full volunteer opportunity and to respond to become a volunteer. |
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Give Local Piedmont
Donations Began on April 19 and are Currently Accepted!
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Give Local Piedmont is an annual event that inspires community members to contribute to non-profit organizations that make our region stronger and special. Fauquier Community Theatre was founded in 1978 and for 44 years has provided musicals, plays, summer camps, after school classes, and performing arts opportunities for all ages. Please consider making a contribution of $10 or more to Fauquier Community Theatre by clicking HERE Your contribution helps to keep the performing arts at Fauquier Community Theatre front and center stage. Think about if each person who reads this newsletter gave $10, the effect that it would make on expanding FCT's programs for all ages! Be a part of the success and legacy of the performing arts in our community! |
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Business sponsors and partnerships help us all build a better and more resourceful community. Fauquier Community Theatre sponsorships can be started at any time throughout the year. Whether as a new sponsor, or a returning one, it is easy to add your sponsorship. For more information and to see the list of sponsors, click on COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS. Please frequent the businesses of these generous sponsors, many have online services. Have your business front and center in the community with FCT. Questions? Email [email protected] or call FCT's executive director Debra Smyers at 540-349-8760. |
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BUSINESS SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT |
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FAUQUIER COMMUNITY THEATRE
Stage Address: 4225 Aiken Drive, Warrenton, VA 20187
Mailing Address: PO Box 3046, Warrenton, VA 20188
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FCT enriches and entertains a range of audiences through a variety of live theatre productions that enhance the cultural life of the community.
FCT offers a range of challenging creative opportunities that inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in theatre.
FCT cultivates an appreciation of the performing arts in the community, educates through experience, participates in local activities, and collaborates with other arts groups.
Many thanks to all the actors, production teams, volunteers, business sponsors, individual donors, and members who work together to support the performing arts at Fauquier Community Theatre.
FCT is thankful for the grants that support the mission and vision of the community theatre. Founded in 1978, Fauquier Community Theater is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization, supported in part through local grants from the PATH Foundation, The Jesse and Rose Loeb Foundation, Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, Claude Moore Charitable Foundation, Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.
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Stay IN-TUNE, Stay IN-TOUCH |
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