The following article by Tony Davis originally appeared in the October 15, 2011 issue of seveneightfive magazine. Since then, a Kickstarter project has been set up to raise funds for the Highland Park HS Scots Theatre group to go to (fittingly) Scotland, to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. We encourage you to visit their Kickstarter webpage by clicking here, and help them reach their goal. You can also call 785.274.6119, or email Scott Kickhaefer to make a donation.

For those in Topeka who are looking to enjoy a good comedy or tragedy, or maybe something a little more off-beat, most immediately think of the Topeka Civic Theatre and Academy or the Topeka Performing Arts Center. To be sure, these fine establishments are bright focal points in the community, and with the Jayhawk Theatre progressing in all current renovations, no doubt there are some big things coming for the Topeka stages.

What many local patrons of the arts seem to have forgotten is that there are several other venues for actors to display some serious talent, and one of these places is the stage at Highland Park High School.

To some, the thought of high school theatre evokes visions of poorly delivered lines from plays so classic that they have become a bit cliché. To the Highland Park Scots Theatre, nothing could be further from the truth. Scott Kickhaefer, a language arts teacher at Highland Park and resident “Drama King”, loves to point out that his students cannot only deliver lines and convey emotion with the best of them, but are willing to put everything, even their own personal lives, out for everyone to see.

“It’s like they have no fear, like they feel like they have nothing to lose out there,” Kickhaefer says, managing to look both bewildered and proud at the same time. “To most people, getting up in front of a crowd would scare them silly, but not these kids.”

Kickhaefer points to the wall where dozens of playbills plaster almost every available inch. “We have done almost every kind of play out there.” Which, as he explains, can be tough on a public school budget, especially as funding for the arts in schools is becoming more and more scarce. “I would love to do ‘Hairspray’ when it comes out, I mean, that’s us! We have the school for it if anybody does, but to do it, and do it right, takes money.”

Instead, the Scots find other plays which are more economical to produce. One such play was The Me Nobody Knows, an Off-Broadway musical from the 1970’s by Gary William Friedman and Will Holt. It is a series of narratives from the perspectives of underprivileged children in New York, taken from their own writings. Despite its critical acclaim, the play just wasn’t enough for Kickhaefer and his Scots.

“These are compelling stories,” says Kickhaefer, “ but I thought, ‘We have kids here with their own stories, let’s make this more Topeka.’”

By adapting the stories, the Scots told a different set of stories in their version of Me, and the stories were of some of the very same student portraying them.

This kind of creativity and passion has not gone unnoticed. The Scots have standing invitations from the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) groups in the region to perform another original Scots production at their meetings to provoke discussion among members and leadership.

Additionally, the Scots have come to the attention of the real Scots. In August of 2012, Highland Park thespians will be performing a new original play as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, in Scotland, a huge rally of performers and the arts. From over 2300 high school theatre groups nominated throughout North America, only 51 groups were chosen to be invited to perform, and the Scots were among that select group.

“It’s an honor to be invited by the AHSTF (American High School Theatre Festival) to perform,” says Kickhaefer, “we would only be the second school from the state of Kansas to ever attend.”

This trip could be life-changing for the students involved, especially since some of them have never even left the state of Kansas. Traveling to the United Kingdom, the students would get to stay in dormitories with other young actors from many countries spanning the globe, and even get to participate in a workshop at the Royal Shakespeare Company, possibly the most famous classical theatre company in the world. But, this opportunity doesn’t come cheap.

“The AHSTF takes care of everything for us, and they are really trying to help us out, but it will still cost around $6,000 per student to fund the trip.” The grimace on Kickhaefer’s face as he relates the daunting costs is one everyone has seen in these tough economic times. “We’re only a little behind our goal right now, but we need community support to make this happen for these students.”

Topeka has the honor of being home to internationally recognized talent, and with that comes a responsibility. These 18 passionate students and their self-titled “live-in teacher” can be wonderful ambassadors of our community and fulfill the legacy of brilliant actors and actresses at Highland Park for the past decade and beyond. They don’t need a hand-out, they need a hand-up; a little help to seize the opportunity of a lifetime.

So, Topeka, do you have a spare dollar?

[ story by Tony Davis | photos by EJ Drake | EJ Drake Photography ]

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is probably my all-time favorite Christmas story. I’ve seen movies, plays, and even cartoons based on the story. To think that I would now get to see the musical version was so exciting – and that the score was done by none other than Alan Menken meant it should be stellar. I’ll be the first to admit, I walked into the invited dress rehearsal of A Christmas Carol – the Musical at Topeka Civic Theater and Academy with very high expectations.

For the most part, my expectations were met with gusto by the cast and crew of nearly 70. As the curtain opened on act one, I was struck by the sparseness of the set. I guess it would have to be pretty sparse to have room for such a large cast.  As the play progressed, the set and lighting design worked in perfect harmony with the help of some wonderfully subtle special effects. The audience is seamlessly moved from the cozy fireside, to the bustling, wintery streets – from the love around the Cratchets’ hearth to the emptiness and fear of the stone-cold graveyard. Yes, the set is sparse, but it works so well - with one exception. The first scene of the second act left me uninspired with its departure into a dream sequence. However, the rest of the show kept me quite welcomed in Victorian era Britain and completely enthralled.

Being a musical, the music is of utmost importance. Menken’s score has moments that tug at the heartstrings, especially around the character of Tiny Tim – played superbly by Griffen Ramos. When Tiny Tim and Bob Crachet, played by Robbie Ramos (Griffen’s real-life dad) interact, the genuine father-son relationship shines through and brings a small tear to your eye. But the best part about Menken’s score is that you don’t notice it on a conscious level, unless you are specifically listening for it. You find yourself angry, nervous, calm, etc. and realize it’s the subtle music in the background, directed by Marylin Foree.

And what about Scrooge, you ask? Ebenezer Scrooge, the crotchety old miser, is played extremely well by Walt Boyd. I almost wish he had been nastier at the beginning, just to make his conversion all the sweeter. Even so, the transition from miser to charitable human being is played very sincerely and is wonderfully believable. Scrooge is warned that spirits will be visiting him by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley (Daniel Lassley), and a crew of condemned, chain-carrying spirits.

We are then given glimpse into Scrooge’s past provided by an innocently and beautifully sung Ghost of Christmas Past (Sarah May Shaffer), allows us to see how remembered suffering from childhood contributes to Scrooge’s miserly ways. The Ghost of Christmas Present (Ivory Mazur) finally gives us an emotional break as we find some joy and humor in the world. However, the Ghost of Christmas Future (Julie Moffet) is not so kind.

Her silence is deafening as she glares at Scrooge and the way she seems to float across the stage gives her an incorporeal essence that adds to the graveyard scene.

In all, Director Shannon Reilly and the team at Topeka Civic Theater seem to have another hit on their hands. While it is definitely a family favorite and appropriate for all ages, a few of the darker scenes such as the graveyard or the visit by the ghosts to Scrooge’s bedroom may find smaller children in their parent’s lap. This writer, who was full of high expectations, left with a smile. Highly Recommended!

Click here to purchase tickets.  Showing until December 23, 2011.

On Wednesday nights, way back in the seventies we watched a program entitled NBC Mystery Theatre. Featuring three programs alternating every week; on any given Wednesday you could watch McCloud, portrayed by Dennis Weaver; MacMillan and Wife with Rock Hudson and the lovely Susan Saint James; and of course, Columbo, portrayed by the irrepressible Peter Falk.

Although Falk wasn’t the original Columbo, (that would be Bert Freed), he is certainly the archetypical embodiment of the character. A well-worn trench coat, chewing on a cigar, and always looking like he should have shaved two days ago; Columbo was the epitome of grunge long before it became a musical genre and fashion statement.

Being a fan of the show, when the opportunity presented itself to catch a showing of the production, I jumped on it faster than Charlie Sheen jumping on a bus loaded with strippers and porn stars.

It seems Dr. Roy Flemming (Jim Ramos), a successful psychiatrist, with a rich wife (Jesyca Rodenberg) and lovely young mistress (Maeghan Bishop) is dissatisfied with his marriage, and his darn wife just won’t grant him a divorce. He wants to start a new life with Susan, his patient/lover, so Dr. Flemming conceives an elaborate plot to murder his wife, create an alibi, and get off scot free. The only thing is; he didn’t count on Inspector Columbo to be on the case.

Ted Shonka absolutely nails it in the role of the scruffy and tenacious lieutenant., obviously logging many hours studying the fine art of being Columbo. Hell, just walking onstage, Shonka elicits chuckles from the audience, with just his body language alone. Those familiar with Peter Falk’s lovable Lt. Columbo will appreciate what Shonka brings to the role. Yes, the trench coat isn’t as worn-in and maybe Mr. Shonka has shaved in the last few days, but, dammit, he smokes a real cigar in Act 2 (at least it smelled like one from where I sat), and ya gotta love him for that!

On the way home, my wife asked me what I liked most about the show. I replied that I’ve always been fascinated by seemingly intelligent people who coldly calculate and execute a murder, boldly assuming they’ve covered all trails leading back to their part in the crime, arrogantly believing nobody will find them out. Such was the case with Dr. Flemming and his nefarious little scheme; but in the end the reasoning that was the catalyst for his horrendous act of violence on his wife becomes the factor that reveals his guilt.

Prescription Murder is a stunning production and one of my favorites that I’ve witnessed on the Main Stage. Anybody with a love for mystery and great intellectual discussion will be delighted to attend this outstanding performance. ‘Props’ go out to the lightening fast stage crew, who never allowed the suspense to wane between scenes.

And even though we arrived late and missed the ‘Can You Columbo?’ contest, I’d like to submit my impression of Columbo if he was a writer.

 “Yes, uh, would you mind if I write . . . one more thing.”

Thank you, (bowing) thank you very much.

The show runs through November 5. Visit the Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy website to make your reservations, or call the box office at (785) 357-5211.

 [October 2011 | Robin Cremer]

The Event

Local businesses will serve as venues for the display and performance of art created by over 100 regional and local artists. A large array of artwork will be showcased, including:

• 2D visual art
• music
• film
• poetry + prose

A variety of activities will occur throughout the afternoon, including activities geared toward entertaining and immersing children in art.

Handmade signs directing pedestrian traffic will mark the Art Walk route.

The location of the Art Walk is meant has special meaning to ReThink Topeka, which is a grassroots organization that seeks to enlighten Topekans and visitors about the positive aspects of the city.

“All the venues will emphasize the importance of downtown’s resurgence,” said Justin Marable, co-founder of ReThink Topeka. “Local eateries will provide refreshments at chosen venues, which will bring more local flavor to the event, stimulate the economy and produce an awareness of Topeka cuisine.”

The event is open to the public and asks for a $2 donation, which will give the attendee a handmade ReThink Topeka button and admission to all venues and activities.

Venues and Activities

• Break Room (911 S. Kansas Ave.): film, music and youth art. Food for sale by the Break Room. Youth/Adult activity: make a city collage with provided materials.
• Blue Planet Café (110 S.E. 8th Ave.): Artwork by regional artists, live music, readings and food provided by the Blue Planet Café. Youth/Adult activity: Linda Carson will do storytelling at 2, 4 and 5 p.m. Merchandise will be headquartered at Blue Planet, with ReThink Topeka shirts, chapbooks and Frisbees for sale.
  

  ReThink Topeka Chapbook for sale at the event

• Jayhawk Tower (700 Southwest Jackson St.): Artwork by regional artists, live music, readings and food provided by the Brickyard Barn Inn.  The Jayhawk Theatre will be conducting tours of the theater throughout the afternoon. Youth/Adult activity: cookie decorating.
• NexLynx (123 SW 6th Ave.): Artwork by regional artists will be on display. Youth/Adult activity: poetry workshop. Chapbooks featuring regional authors will be on sale at this location. Door prize provided by NexLynx.
• Supersonic Music (117 S.E. 6th Ave.): Local musicians will perform out front.  Youth/Adult activity: chalking
• Topeka Community Cycle Project (TCCP) (423 S. Kansas Ave.): Local craft and art group, the Craftavists have partnered with the TCCP to upcycle bike parts and materials in order to create handmade bicycle inspired art, which will be on display and for sale at this location
• Music, chalk drawing and other activities will line the sidewalks during the event.

For more information, visit www.rethinktopeka.com

[ April 2011 | press release | images provided by ReThink Topeka | cross-posted at xyztopeka.com ]

A musical based on the 1988 movie of the same name, the story follows Lawrence Jameson (Steve Crouch), a suave conman in Beaumont-Sur-Mer in France, who strikes up a rivalry with the younger small-time conman Freddy Benson (Dan Denton). The two make a bet to see who can be first to extract $50,000 from “The American Soap Queen,” Christine Colgate (Ashley Bunyar), with the loser leaving town. The riotous competition builds till we find out just who ends up on top.

Crouch gives an excellent performance as Jameson, and his dry delivery makes a fantastic straight man to complement Denton’s performance as Benton, which mixes together just enough Martin Short and Alfred E. Newman to be a hilarious nuisance. The chemistry and comedic timing between the two is impeccable and serves as the highlight of the show. Bunyar’s performance as the sweet and bumbling Christine is endearing and plays well against the two brash conmen. The supporting cast fills out the show incredibly, and the musical numbers will have you humming well after you leave the theatre. Though the show could benefit from fewer scenery changes, it moves along at a pretty rapid pace, quick enough to keep you interested and sweeping right into the jazzy songs that punctuate the play.

This is one performance you certainly don’t want to miss, as it’s one of TCTA’s best shows of the season so far. Make sure you book your spot to catch the show before it’s gone.

“Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” runs February 25-March 26 on TCT’s mainstage. Tickets are $25 (students are $20); dinner is $18 (children are $16). To purchase tickets or for more information, call the box office at 357-5211 or visit topekacivictheatre.com.

[by Lyle Vaughn | February 2011]

The public (21+) is invited to put on their cocktail attire,  walk the red carpet, and join Phi Alpha Delta on January 27th at Bullfrogs Live (located at Huntoon + Gage).

What can you expect from an audience participation murder mystery?  According to the group, “fun the minute you walk in the door.”  Doors open at 7:30 p.m., where guests will have a chance to mingle with the cast as they drop hints about themselves and the show and give you a chance to ask questions. The performance starts at 8:00 p.m. Guests must keep their  eyes and ears open and gather clues, because at evening’s end, someone will be ruthlessly murdered, and it’s up to you to guess who done it and why.

Tickets for the show are $30, which includes the live show, appetizers, and drinks. For additional information or to make reservations, email Renee Henke at renee.henke@washburn.edu. Cocktail attire preferred. Ages 21+ only. Tickets will be sold at the door if they are still available.

Learn more

The game is simple:  Your name goes into one bucket and your song pick is dropped in a second.  Hobbs, the K-DJ will than pick out a name from bucket A and draw a song from bucket B.  The gamble: Combinations like a 6’5’’, 250 lb. man singing “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.”   The reward: An evening of wildly hilarious entertainment paired with good singers stretching their repertoire.

Everyone that comes by College Hill on Friday night is encouraged to participate, and so far – everyone has, explained owner Page Dickeson.  It doesn’t matter your skill level and the good singers are jumping on stage and helping those who aren’t so good. Team participation is encouraged, and there are several seasoned karao-ekers who will help out novices.

Take a gamble, put it all on red and head out to College Hill this Friday night.  Perhaps it might land to be an odd night, or you might just cash in with friends and memories.

Karaoke Roulette

College Hill Tavern

Every Friday @ 9:30 pm

Hosted by Hobbs

Food served ‘til midnight

[January 2011 | Kerrice Mapes | photo provided ]

MAINSTAGE

Crimes of the Heart – A comedy by Beth Henley
September 10 – October 1, 2011 with a special gala performance on September 9, 2011

Prescription: Murder – A thriller featuring the detective Columbo
October 21 – November 5, 2011

A Christmas Carol The Musical – A holiday musical for the whole family
November 25 – December 23, 2011

The Last Night of Ballyhoo – A touching comedy by the author of Driving Miss Daisy
January 13 – February 4, 2012

Hairspray – The hit Broadway musical
March 2 – March 31, 2012

Hamlet – The legendary drama from the world’s greatest writer
April 20 – May 5, 2012

The 39 Steps – A new comedy mixing Hitchcock, spy novels, and a dash of Monty Python
June 1 – June 23, 2012

The Sound of Music – The timeless musical classic
July 13 – August 11, 2012

STUDIO

Charlie Cox Runs with Scissors – A unique and charming new comedy
November 11 – 20, 2011

The Great American Trailer Park Musical – A deliciously campy and trashy musical
May 4 – 20, 2012

The Shape of Things – A drama about love and manipulation
June 22 – June 30, 2012

THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES

The Witches – A fun and spooky play for children of all ages
October 7 – 16, 2011

Miss Nelson is Missing – A musical for the whole family
April 6 – 15, 2012

TCT ACADEMY

A Little House Christmas – A holiday play filled with favorite characters
December 9 – 18, 2010

Tale of a Fourth Grade Nothing – A funny play based on the celebrated book
February 3 – 12, 2012

Pinkalicious – A fun musical to tickle you pink
August 3 – 19, 2012

PERFORMANCE COMPANIES

Laughing Matters – Improvisational Comedy CompanyOctober 7 & 8, 2011
November 11 & 12, 2011
December 31, 2011
February 10 & 11, 2012
April 6 & 7, 2012
August 17 & 18, 2012

The Senior Class – Improv comedy by actors over 50 years oldSeptember 17, 2011
October 29, 2011
January 14, 2012
March 10, 2012
April 28, 2012
June 9, 2012
July 21, 2012

The WTCT Players – Radio plays from the 30s, 40s, and 50s
September 16, 2011
October 28, 2011
January 13, 2012
March 9, 2012
April 27, 2012
June 8, 2012
July 20, 2012

Laughing Matters Jr. – Comedy hijinks from a younger set…totally G-Rated.
October 15, 2011
January 21, 2012
March 3, 2012
April 14, 2012
June 2, 2012
July 14, 2012

For more information visit the Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy’s website.

The Break Room is once again presenting Santaland Diaries on the following dates: Friday, December 2, 2011 at 6:30pm until Friday, December 23, 2011 at 10:00pm. The following is a review of last years presentation.

The Break Room premiered “SantaLand Diaries,” Friday, December 10th at 7:30. Originally an essay written by humorist David Sedaris, it’s based on his experiences as a Christmas elf working at Macy’s SantaLand in New York City. It was first read by him on NPR’s Morning Edition in 1992, and later adapted for the stage by Joe Mantello in 1996.

Carl Peckham gives a brilliant performance portraying Sedaris as he relates to us the saga of applying, interviewing for, and much to his surprise, securing the job as a Macy’s SantaLand elf at the age of 33. Going by the nom de elf, Crumpett, he discusses his dealings with fanatical elves, delusional Santa’s, and overly electronically equipped parents, among other things.

Performing the one man show almost entirely in his absolutely adorable green velvet elf costume, Peckham draws you in with warmth, humor, and a touch of cynicism; bringing to life David Sedaris torrid tale of yuletide turmoil in SantaLand Diaries.

The Break Room, a wonderful establishment located at 911 South Kansas Avenue, has a great variety of dinner items to choose from, including a really scrumptious dessert menu. “SantaLand Diaries” is playing all through the month of December. Treat yourself this Christmas season by attending one of these almost sold-out performances and supporting our downtown establishments.

Show Dates:
Dinner Shows: December 10th + 17th / Cost $29
6:30 cocktail time, 7 pm dinner + 8 pm show

Non-dinner Shows: December 11, 16, 23 / Cost $10
Show starts at 7:30 pm

Reserve Tickets

[December 2010 | Robin Cremer | image provided]

For years, Chris Schultz has been amazing audiences with the art of magic. Being a natural skeptic, when he heard reports that the downtown Topeka building he recently purchased was potentially haunted, he decided to hold a public séance to find out if there is any true validity to the claims. The Tinkham Veale Building, which not only houses his businesses but his home as well, will be the site of an amazing event this year on the Friday before Halloween.

You won’t want to miss when Chris Schultz tries to summon the spirit of D.W. Boutwell, a Topekan who fought in the civil war whose home stood on the very site of the Tinkham Veale Building, now home to Field Of Greens and The Break Room. After several paranormal investigations in the building, one of the psychics on an investigation team named Mr. Boutwell as the man who still inhabits the building after all these years.

Is she right?

This is where the séance will take place.

Guests will congregate at 6 pm on Friday, October 29th in the Cabaret Theater of The Break Room where they will enjoy a five course meal, prepared by Chef Michelle Bryan. After the meal, Chris will take the stage and attempt to summon the spirits within the building, but just to make sure things stay interesting, some of the events you will see will be illusion and some will be reality. The only person who will know which is which is Chris himself. Please join us for one HELL of an evening.

Do you think you can handle it?

This is one event you will be talking about for the rest of your life. Tickets for this amazing evening are only $22 and include the show with the full five course meal. Seating is very limited, so be sure to make your reservations now.   or call The Break Room during regular business hours at 785.215.6633.

[ October 2010 | Kim Schultz | photo courtesy The Break Room ]