Keep moving! You’re wearing sweats – so do some stretching, simple, careful – but move it or lose it! And while the dire situation we’re in implies all things coming to a standstill, there’s no way! Our office email box is popping with activity full of good will keeping our Paramount family close, informed and supporting each other. Meanwhile we’re brainstorming ways to keep our audience engaged with their love of music and in tune with their own creativity. Last week, New Works Development Director Amber Mak announced “Connection: A Social Media Concert Series.” Whether you’re a seasoned singer-songwriter or an emerging artist, be moved to compose and sharpen your craft. A different theme per week will be posted on Wednesdays. For tomorrow, April 1, last week’s theme is for student compositions about their connection to school right now. If you haven’t yet, you’ve got until 5PM tomorrow to get those songs submitted! Say hello and email your video to Amber Mak at newworks@paramountarts.com. On Saturday, April 4, (and every Saturday for the next three weeks), the Connection Series compilation will “drop” on our Facebook page: Facebook.com/paramountaurora. Get movin’!
Yesterday would have been the first day of rehearsal for Paramount’s Kinky Boots, the regional premiere! Due to social distancing regulations and stay-at-home mandates, our production directed by Trent Stork (Legally Blonde) has been postponed and will run next summer from June 30 to August 15, 2021.
Here’s a quick listing of each member of the cast and their role:
Devin DeSantis (Charlie Price), Michael Wordly (Lola), Nathaniel Buescher (Young Lola), Patrick Dugan (Young Charlie), Daniel Font-Wilets (Young Lola), Mark Lancaster (Don), Emilie Lynn (Nicola), Nolan Maddox (Young Charlie), Sara Reinecke (Lauren), Mark David Kaplan (Ensemble/George), Terrell Armstrong (Angel), Anthony Avino (Angel), Lydia Burke (Ensemble), Jack Cahill-Lemme (Ensemble), Barry DeBois (Ensemble/Harry), Vasily Deris (Ensemble), Neil Lee Friedman (Ensemble/Mr. Price), Carisa Gonzalez (Ensemble), Christina Hall (Ensemble/Trish), Luke Halpern (Swing), Immanuel Houston (Ensemble), Dakota Hughes (Swing), De’Jah Jervai (Ensemble), Christopher John Kelley (Angel), Bernell Lassai III (Simon Sr./ Ensemble), Yando Lopez (Ensemble), Joe Musiel (Angel), Maisie Rose (Ensemble), Ken Singleton (Ensemble/Richard Bailey), Anthony James Sullivan Jr. (Angel), Dana Tretta (Ensemble/Pat), J Tyler Whitmer (Angel) and Missy Wise (Ensemble).
Welcome this company of 33 actors, 11 of them making their Paramount debut! With Music Director Kory Danielson and Co-Choreographers Isaiah Silva-Chandley and Michael George, a great privilege was experienced attending auditions for this show. Kept on the edge of my seat realizing we have a deep pool of talent here with outstanding actors reaching back to our very first Broadway Series season and a tantalizing representation of new faces! This compelling story gets to the heart of very human issues with a resolve that sheds an empowering light of hope shining brightly on our future together as a family, a community, and as a nation. Instead of ending this season, it will end next season with all of us dancing in the aisles to the incomparable Cyndi Lauper’s Tony Winner for Best Original Score and Best Musical of 2013! What a way to close Season 10 as it follows, Rock of Ages, Cinderella, Groundhog Day and Ragtime!
Grant me a moment to direct your attention to Paramount Theatre’s Facebook page where you will see updates for your edification and our continued engagement with you. Check out our website as well at paramountaurora.com where all programming and scheduling is available. You will also see where you can contribute to the ongoing well being of the Paramount Arts Center and the Paramount School of the Arts. Subscribe, make a donation, we appreciate your loyalty and generosity. Do what you can and what you feel. Emotion is motion. Now let’s keep this movin’!
Love & thanks,
Jim