Mary Hall, Henry Timm and playwright Scott Kopischke (l to r)

Directed by Henry Timm, Eclipse of the Soul finds an odd assortment of characters filling the cast of Othello as a local theater company prepares for its annual Shakespeare festival. Drama ensues both onstage and off. The stage manager falls for the leading lady who wants nothing to do with him, there are disagreements about casting, actors are MIA for rehearsals and two disinterested teenagers find ways to cause trouble. Attempting to lead the motley troupe towards a quality production, the harried director is compelled to take aspirin with ever-increasing frequency. When rehearsals are further interrupted by the appearance of a mysterious spirit, members of the group must solve the clues to figure out how and why she needs their help. Can they rescue her in time and still put on a show?

Members of the cast include Josh Augustson, Ginger Auld, Kevin Gossen, Mary Hall, David Magle, Margaret Magle, Hans Ribbens, David Smrz, and Chris Weidenbacher.

Playwright Scott Kopischke hails from the Milwaukee area, and has won many awards with his writing, including Honorable Mention in the Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition, semi-finalist for the Mildred & Albert Panowski Playwriting Award and finalist for the Robert J. Pickering Award. His works have been produced in Wisconsin, Arizona and Florida. Eclipse of the Soul was workshopped with a staged reading at Sunset Playhouse in Elm Grove Village, but this will be the first fully-staged production of the work.

For more information about Isadoora Theatre Company and their Tenth Anniversary Season, visit www.Isadoora.com.

Tickets for Eclipse of the Soul are $14 for adults and $10 for students and are on sale at the theater box office, 239 N. Third Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, 920.743.1760, Mon – Fri, 10 am – 3 pm and also one hour prior to performances. Tickets are also available at Dancing Bear, 13 N. Third Avenue, Java on Jefferson at the corner of Fifth and Jefferson and online at www.ThirdAvenuePlayhouse.com.

…Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm, Sunday at 2 pm at the Ephraim Village Hall. Tickets are available at the door, beginning 45 minutes before each show, or call 920.493.3667 to reserve – $14 adults and $10 students.

Isadoora’s current production of Waiting for Lefty, by Clifford Odets, is a play that explains where we have come from and possibly shows us the risks we are facing today. Odets gives us a gritty sample of daily life at a low ebb in regard to employer concerns about the social infrastructure for the working class.

There is a common back drop shared between 1935 and 2011 consisting of: the perennial fight between the ruling class and working class over the definition of a living wage, truth, freedom and safety. The difference is that in 1935 labor was gaining strength to negotiate for fair wages and safe working conditions while today we are seeing that hard-fought strength crippled by the lobbying efforts of the bankersters and the corporate elite.

These well-financed lobbying efforts have brought very favorable legislative changes for the wealthiest members of our society which leave the folks that do the work with less and less pay, benefits and social safety nets.

In Waiting for lefty we find New York City on a slim recovery from the crash of 1929. Cab drivers are barely making enough money to feed their families and pay rent. Pre-medicade/medicare bed-ridden family members are left home alone as all who can find work spens long shifts out of the home. The spin of the day… if you are in favor of a strike you are a dirty RED.

The Hearst-owned newspaper, The New York Journal is sited with the invention of Yellow Journalism. According to Upton Sinclair’s book, The Brass Check: A Study of American Journalism, Hearst’s newspapers lied “remorselessly about radicals,” excluded “the word Socialist from their columns” and obeyed “a standing order in all Hearst offices that American Socialism shall never be mentioned favorably.”

Odets also touches on the medical industry in a scene between old Doc Barns and a young, promising Dr. Benjamin. As he looks back on the changes in medicine that he has witnessed Dr. Barns says, “I’ve have seen medicine change plenty- anesthesia, sterilization – but not because of rich men, in spite of them!” What better analogy for a medical industry that stands silent as the FDA, an agency charged with public health, drags its feet in banning compounds proven to be cancer-causing which are frequently used in products manufactured by food and cosmetic companies.

It is easy to read this and see the actions of the FDA as grossly pandering to corporate needs at the risk of public health. Where is the hard-felt reaction from the medical industry? All we hear is an enabling silence on issues of cancer, a disease whose treatment they profit greatly from.

Another point Odets makes is the caricaturization of the American spirit and the question about the ultimate purpose of science. In a heated meeting between a young chemist and the industrialist that employees him, the young chemist is asked to work under odd and inconvenient conditions for a handsome raise and the opportunity to work with a top chemist on a top-secret military project.

Recalling the loss of his brother and two cousins in  the World War and the influence of his mother’s questioning attitude about the rightness of that conflict, the chemist exclaims “But sneaking – and making poison gas – that’s for Americans?”

Another pet issue of Hurst’s Yellow Journalism was war. Sinclair reports that Hurst News was “willing by deliberate and shameful lies, made out of whole cloth, to stir nations to enmity and drive them to murderous war.”

The issues Odets visits in this gem of a play are, I would argue, much more relevant today than in 1935. The concentration of wealth in such a small portion of population; war having hijacked the national focus of our scientific efforts and our diplomatic processes; agencies charged with public safety often staffed with executives from the very companies that they oversee; social services, privacy, collective bargaining… all are being viciously attacked.

Waiting for Lefty points to the major crossroad at which we found ourselves in the past and present to remind us that we don’t have to go along with the unacceptable conditions that are handed to us.

Directed by Ross Dippel, the show will play May 13-15 and 19-22 at the Ephraim Village Hall.  Thursday through Saturday performances will be at 7:30pm with Sunday matinees at 2pm.

In Waiting for Lefty, set in 1935 New York City, union cab drivers consider a strike.  Through a series of vignettes, the characters discover the truth of their human condition.  Isadoora is excited to spark thoughtful conversation about current events with this potent theatrical production; post-show talkbacks will be held following every performance.

The show will feature the talents of local actors Bill Bauernfeind, Doug Blahnik, Marcel Bruyere, Bob Bultman, Ed DiMaio, Ross Dippel, Andy Hall, Mary Hall, Meghan Holly, Rich Higdon, Chad Luberger, Craig McClelland, Mark Moede, Clara Wendland, and Chris Weidenbacher.

Persons may make advance ticket reservations for Waiting for Lefty by calling Isadoora at 920.493.3667. Adult tickets are $14, student tickets are $10.  Any remaining tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

The mission of Isadoora Theatre Company is to celebrate theatre through its basic elements of movement, music, story and thought. Isadoora Theatre provides theatrical experiences of intellectual integrity fulfilled by open self-examination and artistic risk for the educational and cultural enrichment of our community.  Learn more at www.facebook.com/isadoora or www.isadoora.com.

Directed by Ross Dippel, the performance will consist of staged readings of three Ray Bradbury one-acts: A Device Out of Time, The Flying Machine, and Kaleidoscope.

In the spirit of Door County Reads Fahrenheit 451, in which readers catch a glimpse of a proposed Bradbury future, those attending “An Evening of Bradbury” will discover Bradbury’s future through the lens of the past. Readers at the event will include: Ross Dippel, Mary Hall, Mark Moede, Ed DiMaio, Chris Weidenbacher and others.

In A Device Out of Time, two young boys take their “time machine,” a simple mason jar of fireflies, into the old home of Colonel Freeleigh. As the fireflies light up, so does the colonel, and with soaring, lyrical words, we are transported through time.

The Flying Machine introduces us to an Emperor in ancient China. When the Emperor feels threatened by a man who has invented a kite that allows the user to fly, he is forced to decide whether he should maintain the security of China, or risk supporting the advancement of knowledge.

Kaleidoscope poses the question, “What would you do if you were a million miles from earth and your rocket ship was hit by a meteor, leaving you with the knowledge of certain and imminent death?” The people in this Bradbury story contemplate their fate and philosophize about life and its purpose.

“An Evening of Bradbury” will be staged February 25, 26 and 27; Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm, Sunday at 2 pm. Isadoora will accept donations for admission; suggested donation of $5 per person. For more information, visit www.isadoora.com, find them socially at facebook.com/isadoora or call 920.493.3667.

The mission of Isadoora Theatre Company is to celebrate theatre through its basic elements of movement, music, story and thought. Isadoora Theatre provides theatrical experiences of intellectual integrity fulfilled by open self-examination and artistic risk for the educational and cultural enrichment of our community.

Ray Bradbury Caricature by John Sherffius

Directed by Ross Dippel, the performance will consist of staged readings of three Ray Bradbury one-acts: A Device Out of Time, The Flying Machine, and Kaleidoscope.  Isadoora Theatre Company will accept donations for admission. Suggested donation: $5 per person. For more information, visit www.isadoora.com or call 920.493.3667.

facebook.com/isadoora

The mission of Isadoora Theatre Company is to celebrate theatre through its basic elements of movement, music, story and thought. Isadoora Theatre provides theatrical experiences of intellectual integrity fulfilled by open self-examination and artistic risk for the educational and cultural enrichment of our community.

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde is a new adaption by Jeffrey Hatcher of the R.L. Stevenson classic novella.  Hatcher’s intriguing adaption uses four actors to play the menacing Mr. Hyde, who double in other roles throughout the piece.

Auditions will take place on Monday, August 23 and Tuesday, August 24.  Monday’s auditions will be held at Björklunden Lodge, just south of Baileys Harbor on Hwy 57 from 6:30-8:30pm.  On Tuesday, auditions will be held at the Sturgeon Bay Library in the basement, also from 6:30-8:30 pm.  Any interested parties are strongly encouraged to attend one of the two sessions.

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde will run October 28-31 and November 4-7 at the Third Avenue Playhouse in Sturgeon Bay.  Thursday through Saturday performances are at 7:30 pm and the two Sunday performances are at 2:00 pm.

Find out how to join Isadoora in their mission to celebrate theatre through its basic elements of movement, music, story and thought by emailing info@isadoora.com or calling 920.493.3667.  Isadoora Theatre provides theatrical experiences of intellectual integrity fulfilled by open self-examination and artistic risk for the educational and cultural enrichment of our community.  Visit them online at www.isadoora.com.

Editor’s note: On Thursday, May 13 I attended the opening night performance and included the following comments in our Friday e-news…

It’s a lot of fun to get old, really! I get to see my humble friends become famous, some wealthy, some saintly – even if it’s only for what seems like a Warhol 15-seconds-of-fame moment. That theme echoes throughout Isadoora’s production of “Painting Churches” now on stage in Ephraim. The star performance by aging actor, Richard Ooms is nothing short of brilliantly electric – not to slight the great work by Amy Ensign and Renee Kujawski who complete the cast. Go see director John Wilson‘s successful efforts to deliver a really great play. It will leave you thinking… as expected with any work by Isadoora Theatre Company.

presented by Isadoora Theatre Company

Painting Churches is a semi-autobiographical story that honors and analyzes its subjects in a captivating collage of resonant drama, poignant revelations and hearty, life-inspired laughs. The portrait for which the play is named exists both on canvas and in the lovingly sketched portrayals of its three characters: an aging couple, Fanny and Gardner Church, preparing to leave the Boston townhouse they’ve lived in for decades; and their daughter Margaret, a painter on the verge of artistic celebrity who comes home to help them pack up.

Isadoora is excited to announce the addition of Richard Ooms to the cast. Ooms takes over the part of Gardner for local actor Merv Massey, who was forced to withdraw from the role due to unforeseen circumstances.

“We are extremely appreciative to Merv for his work on the show and are privileged to have an actor step in who just recently played the role with another company,” says Isadoora Board President Joy Manweiler.  “We’re thrilled to have Richard on our stage.”

Door County audiences will recognize Ooms, a member of the Actors’ Equity Association, from his multiple appearances in Door Shakespeare shows.

Local actors Amy Ensign (Margaret) and Renee Kujawski (Fanny) round out the cast of the three-person show. Ensign, also appearing professionally with Door Shakespeare for that company’s past three seasons, has played multiple roles for Isadoora, including her 2007 portrayal of Laura in The Glass Menagerie. Kujawski was last seen with Isadoora in the company’s May 2009 production of Wit, in which she played the lead role of Vivan Bearing. John Wilson makes his directorial debut with Isadoora and was last seen onstage for the company in the fall 2008 production of Sideman.

Painting Churches will run May 13-16 and 20-23 at the Ephraim Village Hall, located at 9996 Water Street in Ephraim.  Thursday through Saturday performances are at 7:30 pm with a matinee on each Sunday at 2 pm.  Tickets are $14 for adults and $10 for students and may be reserved in advance by calling Isadoora at 920.493.3667.

The mission of Isadoora Theatre Company is to celebrate theatre through its basic elements of movement, music, story and thought.  Isadoora Theatre provides theatrical experiences of intellectual integrity fulfilled by open self-examination and artistic risk for the educational and cultural enrichment of our community.  Visit www.isadoora.com to discover more about them!

presented by Isadoora Theatre Company

Painting Churches is a semi-autobiographical story that honors and analyzes its subjects in a captivating collage of resonant drama, poignant revelations and hearty, life-inspired laughs. The portrait for which the play is named exists both on canvas and in the lovingly sketched portrayals of its three characters: an aging couple, Fanny & Gardner Church, preparing to leave the Boston townhouse they’ve lived in for decades; and their daughter Margaret, a painter on the verge of artistic celebrity who comes home to help them pack up.

Director John Wilson will have the pleasure of working with three seasoned performers: Amy Ensign as Margaret, Renee Kujawski as Fanny, and Merv Massey as Gardner. Isadoora patrons will remember Kujawski for her simultaneously joyful and heartbreaking portrayal of Vivian Bearing in last May’s Wit. Ensign portrayed Laura in Isadoora’s 2007 production of The Glass Menagerie; she also continues to perform professionally with Door Shakespeare as she has for that company’s past three summer seasons. Massey has been deeply involved in the community theater scene in Door County for many years; this will mark his second show with Isadoora, having made his first appearance in Side by Side by Sondheim in 2004. Wilson is making his directing debut with the company, but will be familiar to Isadoora audiences from his onstage roles as Jonesy in 2008’s Side Man and Charlie Baker in The Foreigner in 2005.

Painting Churches will run May 13-16 and 20-23 at the Ephraim Village Hall in Ephraim. Thursday through Saturday performances are at 7:30 pm with a matinee on each Sunday at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $14 for adults and $10 for students, and may be reserved in advance by calling Isadoora at (920) 493-3667.

Did you know Isadoora is completely volunteer-operated? They’re always looking for more willing hands to help further our mission. If you’d like to help Isadoora with a production role or by joining their board, email info@isadoora.com.

The mission of Isadoora Theatre Company is to celebrate theatre through its basic elements of movement, music, story and thought. Isadoora Theatre provides theatrical experiences of intellectual integrity fulfilled by open self-examination and artistic risk for the educational and cultural enrichment of our community. Visit www.isadoora.com to discover more about them!

Isadora Duncan

The Theatre Company that brought you last February’s hit She Loves Me at Birch Creek’s Juniper Hall, will this year present Neil Simon’s The Dinner Party, directed by Henry Timm; and Tina Howe’s Painting Churches, directed by John Wilson.

In The Dinner Party, a mysterious invitation brings six divorcees together for dinner at a swank Parisian restaurant. In this humorous yet profound examination of marriage, the group speculates wildly about their conspicuously absent host, the apparent secrecy regarding the invitation, and the party’s true purpose. The Dinner Party is perhaps Simon’s most personal play, as sharp and frequently painful truths lurk behind the laugh lines – truths that should be evident to anyone who has ever undergone marriage followed by divorce.

Painting Churches is a semi-autobiographical story that honors and analyzes its subjects in a captivating collage of resonant drama, poignant revelations, and hearty, life-inspired laughs. The portrait for which the play is named exists both on canvas and in the lovingly sketched portrayals of its three characters: an aging couple preparing to leave the Boston townhouse they’ve lived in for decades; and their daughter, a painter on the verge of artistic celebrity who comes home to help them pack up.

The Dinner Party will be performed at the Third Avenue Playhouse in Sturgeon Bay on February 11-14 and 18-21. Painting Churches will be staged May 13-16 and 20-23 at the Ephraim Village Hall in Ephraim.  Thursday through Saturday performances are at 7:30 pm with a matinee on each Sunday at 2 pm.  Tickets for adults are $14 and $10 for students.  You may purchase tickets for The Dinner Party by contacting Third Avenue Playhouse directly at (920) 743-1760.  Tickets for Painting Churches may be reserved in advance by calling Isadoora at (920) 493-3667.

The mission of Isadoora Theatre Company is to celebrate theatre through its basic elements of movement, music, story and thought.  Isadoora Theatre provides theatrical experiences of intellectual integrity fulfilled by open self-examination and artistic risk for the educational and cultural enrichment of our community. Visit www.isadoora.com or email info@isadoora.com to learn how YOU can get involved!

Albin Erhart's "Patriotic Dodekaeder"

Artwork for display and for sale will be accepted on Tuesday and Wednesday, January 5 and 6, from 9 am – 4 pm at the School, 3900 County Road F, Fish Creek. Artists may submit up to two pieces, with an entry fee of $10 per work. Art work previously shown in the Guenzel Gallery is not eligible.

In recent years, over 150 works have been displayed, with art filling the walls of the School’s Guenzel Gallery in authentic salon, floor-to-ceiling style. The Gallery Salon culminates with a party on Saturday, January 23, from 6 – 9 pm. In addition to complimentary refreshments and readings of original works by local poets, the Isadoora Theatre Company will present vignettes from their upcoming play, “The Dinner Party,” by Neil Simon. The party and exhibition is free and open to the public.

According to Executive Director Cathy Hoke-Gonzales, the Guenzel Gallery Salon has become so popular in recent years that the exhibition has been extended from one week to two weeks.

“We wanted to provide an opportunity for those who might have missed the Salon due to a more limited time frame to experience it this year,” she says.

Prospectuses are available at the School or online at www.peninsulaartschool.com. For more information about this event and other Peninsula School of Art workshops, exhibitions, and community programs, call 920.868.3455 or email info@peninsulaartschool.com.

Peninsula School of Art, located in the heart of Door County, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the visual arts through education, exhibitions and community outreach. Peninsula School of Art offers one- to five-day workshops, lectures, exhibits and family-friendly events for students of all ages and abilities. The School and Guenzel Gallery are located at 3900 County Hwy F, in Fish Creek, Wisconsin. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm. www.peninsulaartschool.com.