Comedy City will bring its hilarious group of improv performers to Abrams on Friday, Oct. 4, for a night of fun and laughter. The De Pere troupe has performed improvisational theater for over 30 years. Nothing is scripted. By incorporating audience suggestions, the performers create a series of short scenes, songs, and sketches that keep the audience laughing.
This event is presented by Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. Doors open at 6 p.m. for Happy Hour; refreshments will be served on the outdoor patio at the Nancy Byng Community Theater, 5852 Maple St., Abrams. Also, the indoor concession stand will open for snacks and refreshments at 6 p.m. The show starts at 7 p.m., lasts about 90 minutes and includes an intermission.
The Comedy City performance is family-friendly, so everyone is welcome. General admission tickets are on sale now at AbramsTheater.com. Tickets are $13 each or $12 for a group of six or more.
Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. will spread holiday cheer this Christmas with its production of “Elf The Musical Jr.” Kids ages 8-18 are invited to audition for the show on Monday, Sept. 16, or Tuesday, Sept. 17, at the Nancy Byng Community Theater, 5852 Maple St., Abrams. Auditions are scheduled from 6-8 p.m., and everyone auditioning should arrive by 6 p.m. Callbacks will be from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19.
Auditions will consist of sight-singing a song from the show, reading from the script, and participating in a short, choreographed dance. All materials will be provided. Kids who audition are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes that they can dance in. No previous performance experience is required.
“Elf The Musical Jr.” is based on the 2003 hit movie about of an orphan raised at the North Pole who journeys to New York City as an adult to find his true identity.
Rehearsals are tentatively scheduled on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays starting Oct. 1. Not all cast members will be called for every rehearsal, but everyone must be available Sunday, Dec. 1, to Thursday, Dec. 5, and all show dates, Dec. 6-8 and 13-15.
Children who want to help out but feel a little shy are invited to become behind-the-scenes elves. Contact volunteers.aspi@gmail.com for more information.
“Elf The Musical Jr.” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684www.MTIShows.com.
Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. invites the community to experience deer camp with the Soady family this fall at “Escanaba in da Moonlight,” written by Jeff Daniels. Tickets are on sale now for this PG-13 show to be presented Sept. 12-15 and 19-22 at the Nancy Byng Community Theater in Abrams. Tickets can be purchased online at www.AbramsTheatre.com or by calling the box office at 920-826-5852.
The play depicts the Soady clan reuniting for opening day of deer season at the family’s Upper Peninsula camp. Reuben Soady has the infamous reputation of being the oldest Soady to never bag a buck. With humor, horror, and heart, the play describes his pursuit of that elusive buck. Director Tim Rutten-Kempees said the story brings Yooper ways to life.
“This show has so much in it, from bucks and guns to alien abductions and magic potions. It’s a crazy story populated by crazy characters. You won’t know what to expect,” he said.
With a cast of only six actors, each character is memorable, he said. “They all have their quirks. Some are just more upfront about them than others,” Tim said. “What’s really exciting is half the cast is appearing on the Abrams stage for the first time, and the other half are returning veterans.”
The set of the show is truly authentic, with many pieces coming from real deer camps.
Opening night of “Escanaba in da Moonlight” is Thursday, Sept. 12, with a 7 p.m. show and celebratory gala. The audience is invited to enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks with the cast and crew after the performance. Additional performances are at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 13-14 and 20-21 and at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15 and 22. All shows will be performed at the Nancy Byng Community Theater, 5852 Maple St., Abrams. For Thursday’s shows, guests who wear hunting clothing will receive free popcorn.
“Escanaba in da Moonlight” is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service Inc., New York, and produced by After Dark Productions, a division of Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. Due to adult themes and language, the show is rated PG-13 and is suitable for mature audiences only.
Packerland Websites has added two experienced website designers to its staff. From right, Tom Norman and Miranda Schlise-Gomez have joined website developer Mike McGraw and owner Bill Koehne. Their team creates powerful, effective websites for businesses, nonprofits and municipalities.
Packerland Websites is growing. Two experienced website designers, Tom Norman and Miranda Schlise-Gomez, have joined the staff. The website builder now employs three full-time developers who create powerful, effective websites for businesses, nonprofits and municipalities.
“Having three full-time developers on staff gives our company a wide breadth of abilities and deep scope of talent,” said Bill Koehne, owner of Packerland Websites. “It also allows me to shift my focus from developing sites to developing business strategies and goals for each client. We have so much more to offer clients today than I imagined eight years ago when we opened.”
Norman, of Green Bay, worked in the security field for 15 years before changing careers to web development. In 2013 he earned a Web Development Certificate at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. He has nine years of experience designing websites.
“I enjoy trying new processes and can adapt to new and unknown situations,” Norman said. “Every project is different. Different design, issues, challenges. I really love the building process, putting it all together.”
Norman also enjoys working with varied clientele who look to Packerland Websites to grow and promote their business or organization.
“Each client is unique in their needs and behaviors which makes every interaction important,” he said.
In his free time, Norman enjoys reading, writing, watching sports, playing video games and doing woodworking and refinishing projects.
Schlise-Gomez, of Green Bay, graduated in 2017 from NWTC with an Associate Degree in Web Development. She was previously employed as a web developer for an Oshkosh advertising agency. Schlise-Gomez said she enjoys the “puzzle aspect” of designing websites.
“There is always a new piece to put together,” she said. “When it comes to working with clients, I enjoy the satisfaction on their face when they see their website come to life.”
She tackles web development from a practical standpoint, integrating the technical and artistic elements into a unified package.
“My approach is to find out what the client needs and do my best to accomplish it,” she said.
After hours, Schlise-Gomez enjoys playing guitar, singing, and writing songs. She also enjoys the challenge of Escape Rooms and the excitement of attending Brewers games.
With the addition of two developers, Packerland Websites is ready to serve more clients at its Green Bay and Abrams offices. Contact the website professionals at 920-826-5901 or Bill@PackerlandWebsites.com.
Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. will
hold auditions for its fall show, “Escanaba in da Moonlight,” a hunting story
to beat all hunting stories.
When the
Soady clan reunites for the opening day of deer season at the family’s
Upper Peninsula camp, 35-year-old Reuben Soady brings with him the infamous
reputation of being the oldest Soady to never have bagged a buck. “Escanaba in da Moonlight” spins a tale of humor, horror and heart as
Reuben goes to great lengths to shoot that elusive buck.
The play calls for six male roles of various ages and one cameo female role. Performers will have two opportunities to audition, from 6-8 p.m. Monday, July 8, or 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, July 9, at the Nancy Byng Community Theater, 5852 Maple St., Abrams. Callbacks will be from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 10.
Anyone 16 and older is encouraged to audition.
The show is produced by ASPI’s After Dark Division. Performance dates are Sept. 12-15 and 19-22. ““Escanaba in da Moonlight,” is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.
The cast of “Footloose: The Musical” rehearses a scene at the Byng Community Theater in Abrams. Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. will present “Footloose: The Musical” on the weekends of June 21-23 and June 28-30. From left to right are Charis Wirtley, Jack Anderson, Owen Goffard, Katie Koehn, Abby Frank, Akeem Edmonds, Tyler Otto, and Bella Frank.
Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. proudly presents “Footloose: The Musical” for a two-weekend run on June 21-23 and June 28-30. The story follows city teen Ren McCormack and his move to the small town of Bomont, Utah, where dancing and rock music are not only discouraged, but banned. Follow Ren, his newfound friends, and the community as they grapple with love, loss, rebellion, and the right to dance.
The musical is based off the hit 1984 film and features 80’s Billboard hits such as “Let’s Hear if for the Boys” and “Holding Out for a Hero”.
“When Footloose was being adopted as a stage musical the writers transferred many of the songs directly from the movie soundtrack,” explained ASPI “Footloose” director Michael Laskowski.
“It was actually one of the very first musicals to be based on a non-musical movie which I think makes this production quite special and unique,” he continued.
“Footloose” is Laskowski’s first production with ASPI and his directorial debut of a musical. Though new to the ASPI family, Laskowski is no stranger to theater. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts from UW-Oshkosh and has been involved in several area theatre companies including Evergreen Theatre, Green Bay Community Theatre, Riverside Players, and Wolf River Theatre.
“One of the many reasons why I adore my cast is that there is such a wide range of talents and experiences among them,” said Laskowski.
The show spotlights Akeem Edmonds as newcomer Ren McCormack and Abby Frank as reverend’s rebel daughter Ariel Moore.
“One of the special things we have with this cast is that it truly is a family affair,” explained Laskowski.
The “Footloose” cast features several family member ties, including sisters Abby and Bella Frank, (portraying Ariel and Rusty), along with two father/daughter duos, Jerry Wirtley and Charis Wirtley (portraying Rev. Shaw Moore and Wendy Jo) and Mark Koehn and Katie Koehn (portraying Coach Dunbar and Urleen).
“When you put together a cast for any type of show, that cast becomes like a family. And these coincidences just put a delightful ironic touch to that thought,” he continued.
Showtimes for ASPI’s production of “Footloose: The Musical” include June 21, 22, 28, and 29 at 7pm and June 22, 23, 29, and 30 at 1pm. All shows will be performed at the Byng Community Theater, 5852 Maple St., Abrams.
ASPI will celebrate opening night on Friday, June 21, with a gala after the show. The audience is invited to enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks with the cast and crew.
To purchase tickets, check out the ASPI website at abramsspotlightproductions.com or by calling the box office at 920-826-5852.
“Footloose” is presented through special arrangement with R&H Theatricals. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by R&H Theatricals, 229 W. 28th St., 11th Floor, New York, NY 10001. Tel: (212) 541-6600 Fax: (212) 586-6155 www.rnh.com. Stage Adaptation by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie. Lyrics by Dean Pitchford. Music by Tom Snow and additional music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins, and Jim Steinman.
(L to R: Emily Gonnering, Gail Yatso, and excited visitor Luna Star)
The Oconto Falls Area Chamber of Commerce recently donated $3,000 to the fundraising efforts of a dog park in Oconto Falls. Donations continue to come in after the project received approval from the Oconto Falls City Council. To date, the campaign has raised approximately $20,000.
Emily Gonnering, an Oconto Falls High School senior and Girl Scout is working toward her Gold Award by spearheading the creation of a dog park – from budgeting to fundraising to design concepts.
The Chamber supports the project because of its focus on being a healthy community. Oconto Falls was recently awarded the Bronze Level from the Wisconsin Health Communities – the only city receiving an award north of Appleton. “It’s with great pride to say that our community has been awarded such an honor. Oconto Falls offers so many wonderful opportunities and programs to make our lives healthier. With the addition of the Oconto Falls Dog Park, our furry family members can stay healthier, too. Playtime is a perfect way to spend time with our pups and get the exercise we both need. Great achievement, Emily!” stated Chamber President Gail Yatso.
Teens and adults who sing and dance are encouraged to audition for the Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. summer musical, “Footloose.” “Footloose” is an explosive musical about teen-age rebellion, leading to resolution and healing in a small town.
Performers will have two opportunities to audition, from 6-8 p.m. Monday, April 22, or 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, at the Byng Community Theater, 5852 Maple St., Abrams. The musical calls for a variety of roles, both male and female, teen and older. Newcomers are welcome. Families are encouraged to audition and make memories together by performing in the show.
Individuals who audition should come prepared to read from the script and sing a 2-minute selection of a Broadway tune. Songs may be sung a capella or with a karaoke track. Individuals are encouraged to wear appropriate footwear for a short choreography audition.
The show which will be performed June 21-23 and 28-30 at the Byng Community Theater. Tickets for the show are on sale now at AbramsSpotlightProductions.com or by calling the box office, 920-826-5852.
OFHS Choral Students: Seated – Laken Wall; Row 1 – Christina Bauer, Hope Hujet, Jesalynn Wilkerson, Madeline Dorn, Andrea Waschbisch, Mackenzie Staidl, Paige Stapleton; Row 2 – Charis Wirtley, Carina Wirtley, Autumn Canavera, Emma Bliskey, Lydia Romback, Isabella Rennie, Catelyn Kramer, and Grace Williams
16 Oconto Falls High School Choir students recently participated in the M & O Music Conference and Near North Music Conference Treble Honors Choir. The festival, held at Gillett High School, included three schools from the M & O Conference – Gillett High School, Suring High School and Coleman High School, and three schools from the Near North Music Conference – Oconto Falls High School, Marinette High School and St. Thomas Aquinas Academy. Participating choral directors included Abbygaile Jadin (Gillett HS), Kaci Halverson-Boehmer (Suring HS), Kathleen Bader (Coleman HS), Amy Thiel (Oconto Falls HS), Cyndee Giebler (Marinette HS), and Susan Thornton (St. Thomas Aquinas Academy).
The area choir students worked together for the day-long festival and presented a Treble Honors Choir concert in the Meunier-Pelow Auditorium at Gillett High School. Performance selections included Omina Sol (Let your Heart Be Staid) by Z. Randall Stroope, Bashana Haba’ah arranged by V. Pasternak, No Time arranged by Susan Burmfield, Faithfully by Jonathan Cain, and Changes by Audrey Snyder.
Dr. Sarah Parks, Professor of Music at St. Norbert College in DePere served as the clinican and conductor for the Treble Honors Choir. She joined the music faculty of St. Norbert College in 2009 as head of choirs and choral music education. Her college choirs have toured regionally and internationally, most recently to Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa. The St. Norbert College Chamber Singers have been selected as a featured performance ensemble for WMEA and WCDA state conferences and the choirs have been invited to perform on stage with distinguished musical artists, ranging from John Rutter to Kenny Rogers.
Student participants from Oconto Falls High School included: Christina Bauer, Emma Bliskey, Autumn Canavera, Madeline Dorn, Hope Hujet, Catelyn Kramer, Isabella Rennie, Lydia Romback, Mackenzie Staidl, Paige Stapleton, Laken Wall, Andrea Waschbisch, Jesalynn Wilkerson, Grace Williams, Carina Wirtley, and Charis Wirtley.
Other area student participants included: Camilla Doherty and Grace Fischer (Suring High School); Livia Benson, Halle Beranek and Karah Nelson (St. Thomas Aquinas Academy); Jerika Heroux and Myriah Marohl (Gillett High School); Mckenzie Champagne, Gabrielle Meyer, and Coral Ermis (Coleman High School); and Kayden McClurg, Kandyce Mitchell, Skylar Norman, and Lily Teske (Marinette High School).
The Northeast Wisconsin Chapter of Best Christmas Ever, a non-profit organization aimed at providing families in need an unforgettable Christmas experience, is looking for nominations of local families deserving of this once-in-a-lifetime gift.
Best Christmas Ever partners with business leaders and communities to lift up families who have fallen on hard times through no fault of their own by providing them the ultimate Christmas. Gifts provided to the families depend on their needs and can range from everyday necessities, to appliances, services or money to cover bills such as medical expenses, groceries and vehicle repairs.
Best Christmas Ever, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in Minnesota in 2011, surprised 100 families across the country last year and gave additional help to 200 others. The Northeast Wisconsin Chapter of Best Christmas Ever was established in 2017, when members surprised a family in need in Manitowoc. This year, they hope to bless at least five families in Northeast Wisconsin.
“Our purpose is to make a long-lasting impact on families that have come upon hard times, and to truly change their lives for the better,” said Justin Spettel, leader of the Northeast Wisconsin Chapter of Best Christmas Ever. “It’s an amazing experience for everyone involved, and now, we need Northeast Wisconsin’s help in nominating families deserving of a Best Christmas Ever in 2018.”
The Northeast Wisconsin Chapter of Best Christmas Ever is taking nominations for families in need now through Thursday, Nov. 15. Nominations can come from people in the community, or friends, relatives or co-workers of families in need; however, families cannot nominate themselves. To nominate a family, please visit: http://www.bcemovement.org/nominate-a-family
To see first-hand how Best Christmas Ever touches the lives of families, watch the short video posted on the organization’s web site, http://www.bcemovement.org/. For more information on the nomination process or to learn about how you can help, please contact Justin Spettel at (920) 750-8176 or Justin@coreinsurance365.com.
