Many thanks to all who tried out for the play! You read very well and we could have cast the play three times over giving it a different flavor and texture with each cast. Alas, this play calls for only 6 characters. We look forward to a play with a larger cast for the next production. Please keep us in mind!!! This is an annual joint fundraising event for the MTA and the Monticello Area Education Foundation to benefit education programs in the Monticello area. The play will be performed November 17 and 18 at the Allerton House.
The cast has been set: Andrew - John Tolly, Barrymore - Steve Wadleigh, Gary - Brad Collins, Deidre - Chelsea Pfiester, Felicia - Kelly Nowlin, Lillian - Stephanie Schneider
We would appeal to those of you NOT cast in the play to assist with backstage jobs. We need help with COSTUMES, SET CONSTRUCTION, SET DECORATION, and PROPS.
Play rehearsals will be 7-9 PM and are as follows: 9/21 (read through), 9/26 Act II, 9/29 Act I (no Gary), 10/3 Act I (rough blocking), 10/5 Act II (rough blocking), 10/11 Act I, 10/12 Act II, 10/18 Act I, 10/19 Act II, 10/20 (Andrew and Barrymore only), 10/24 Act I & II, 10/26 (Andrew and Barrymore only), 10/27 Act I pg 10-22 and Act II 44-46 (no Gary or Barrymore), 10/31 Act I (off book)
MTA interim president Carrie Brocksmith presided over the Monticello Theatre Association annual meeting held at the Phoenix Playhouse at 1406 N. Market St. Monticello on Saturday, January 22. In addition to refreshments, the audience was treated to sketches by MTA members. A short business meeting preceded the election of officers for 2011. Those elected were:
President - Lou Cicerello Board Member - Anne Reeser
Vice President - Carrie Brocksmith Board Member - Carolyn Walter
Secretary - Edwina Finet Alternate - Kitty Halton-Berns
Treasurer - Lana Ross Alternate - Stephanie Schneider
Board Member - Brad Collins Building Trustee - Sharon Cicirello
Board Member - Karen Collins Building Trustee - Carl Sebens
This wonderful melodrama is an emotional rollercoaster ride that will have the audience on the edge of their seats! The play stars the lovely Lily Fairweather, who's 'pure as the driven snow'; Compton, her handsome (but weak) sweetheart---and evil Craven Sinclair (BOO! HISS!) whose dasterdly deeds include thwarting their plans for everlasting bliss. There's forgery, embezzlement, unrequited love, heroes, villains and more!
All the elements of an evening of great theatre are contained in this play. The audience is encouraged to boo and hiss, cheer and celebrate throughout the tale and are actively involved in the er...action. Will good win out over evil? Will Lily and Compton wed? You'll have to see it to believe it!
On Monday, June 14, the Monticello Association took a giant step toward returning live theatre to Piatt County with the purchase of a building at 1406 N. Market St. The building, which formerly housed a manufacturing business, will be renovated for live theatre performances, as well as special attractions such as band concerts, DJ's and talent shows. In addition, it will available for rental for special occasions by groups and individuals.
During renovation, anyone willing to lend a hand or anyone with particular expertise, is urged to contact president Jack Deremiah or any board member. Information about MTA can be found at the website: www.monticellotheatre.org. Ongoing progress of the renovations will be posted on the website.
The MTA is proud to announce the winners of the Annual MTA Scholarships for 2010. Sydney Hastings (right in photo) won the $1,000 Theatre Arts Major scholarship, which is awarded to a graduating senior who plans to pursue a major in theatre arts or other technically related fields. New this year, the second $1,000 was awarded to Hannah Sinclair (left in photo). This scholarshp is awarded to a qualified applicant who has participated in theatre during high school but does not plan to pursue a theatre-related curriculum in college.
Congratulations to these very talented young ladies!
"Murder Me Always" the annual benefit Murder Mystery was held on Thursday and Friday, November 19 and 20 at Allerton House. The Monticello Theatre Association (MTA) partnered with the MAEF for the benefit of the Monticello Schools. The hilarious tale was set in a community theater's production of a murder mystery. It was a play within a play!
For more photos, go to the Past Productions area and see some great candid shots!