Ensuring the Future of the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts

Summer 2010

Spotlight, Page 1

Need to contact us?Tel: 805.349.9135Email: gcole-andrews@pcpa.orgwww.pcpa.org

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2 Letter from the President Show Sponsorships

3 Goodbye Mr. Jones The Doctor Is In – John Battalino Sausages for Scholarships

4 West Side Story – Jenkinson, Tanner Team Up

5 Spotlight on Michael Jenkinson

6 Conservatory Graduation 2010 Flight of the White Stag – Daniel Self

7 Behind the ‘Seams’ – A Vintage Costume Tea Gala Sponsorships Heidi Ewart Checks In

From Tony to the Tonys, McCarthy Keeps Making Musicals Magic

As a student at PCPA, Jeff McCarthy played many memorable characters including Tony in PCPA’s 1975 production of West Side Story. Since graduating, Jeff has played almost every major role on Broadway including Billy Flynn in Chicago, Javert in Les Misérables, and the highly comedic role of Officer Lockstock in Urinetown. For his portrayal of the campy cop, he was honored by performing at the 2002 Tony Awards and nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical. Currently starring in Poisoning Pigeons in the Park: The Art of the Satiric Comedy Song, Jeff’s career continues to fly high.

How would your life change if someone, out of the blue, wrote you a check to pay off your mortgage? Just such a feeling was experienced by two PCPA students who found themselves the surprise beneficiaries of the recently created Tracy Scholarships. Knowing that students who have already earned their undergraduate degrees prior to enrolling in the Conservatory fall into a black hole with regard to traditional financial aid programs, Beverly and John Tracy approached PCPA with their revolutionary idea: Make a significant contribution towards paying down students’ loans and provide the financial freedom for them to continue their artistic training. Stunned when given the news, both Clare Lopez and Sabrina Cavalletto, the first time recipients of these scholarships, were thrilled to meet the Tracys at the 2010

Graduation ceremonies. Thanking them for their unbelievable faith in both PCPA and in themselves personally, the young artists look forward to returning in the fall.

PCPA Scholarship Appeal 2010...PCPA Scholarship Appeal 2010...PCPA Scholarship Appeal 2010

Your Gifts, Their Talent - Scholarships, A Winning PartnershipEvery gift made to the Scholarship Appeal is instantly

invested in the talented actors, designers, and technicians currently preparing to bring you a sizzling summer season. Thank you!

Something’s Coming...and it’s Going to be Great!

Clare Lopez, Beverly and John Tracy, and Sabrina Cavalletto

“How Like An Angel...”

“How Like An Angel...”

Spotlight, Page 2

You Make It PossiblePCPA FOUNDATION BOArD OF DIreCTOrs

Nancy K. Johnson President

Maryellen R. Simkins Vice President

Judge Royce R. Lewellen Past President

Dr. Daniel Ng secretary

Judy Hearn

Billy Hurbaugh

Dr. Herb Kandel

Dr. Suzanne Levy

Catherine Luckett

Cindy McKellar

Ron Nanning

Catherine Pepe

Susan Rees

Dr. John Reese

Dr. Dennis Shepard

Maren Thomas

Tim Bennett AHC Trustee

Judy Frost AHC Foundation

Pat Hitchcock O’Connell Director emeritus

Bob Jurgensen Director emeritus

Jan Severson Director emeritus

Brooks Firestone Honorary Director

Mark Booher PCPA Artistic Director, Associate Dean

Michael Black PCPA Managing Director PCPA Foundation Treasurer

FOUNDATION STAFF

Gillian Cole-Andrews executive Director gcole-andrews@pcpa.org

Carrie Rosing Development Coordinator crosing@pcpa.org

Tel: (805) 349-9135 Fax: (805) 346-6085

Design and layout of The Spotlight Susan Rees

805.922.8363

PCPA Foundation President Nancy K. Johnson

As I write this note, we are saying a fond farewell to our conservatory students who are graduating this year. This is another opportunity to give them our heartfelt thanks for the superb work they have performed these past two years for the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts. And it is another opportunity to recognize our professional staff who make this outstandingly successful program possible. None of this would happen without the generous support from all of you. Please join us again to meet our $150,000 Scholarship Appeal goal, consider joining Encore Circle for the 2010-11 Winter/Spring season and become a contributor to the Endowment Fund. Also, inquire about PCPA Forever, where your legacy gift will be a perpetual show of support for PCPA. Of course, we know you all subscribe for our top quality performances! Thank you, thank you, you make it possible for us to maintain one of the finest regional theatres in the country.

Peter PanMusical based on the play by James M. Barrie Lyrics by Carolyn LeighMusic by Mark Charlop

Nov 4 - Dec 23, 2010, MariaN TheaTre, SaNTa Maria

Thank you Ng & Ng Dental and Eyecare

Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 StepsAdapted by Patrick BarlowFrom the novel by John BuchanFrom the movie of Alfred Hitchcock

Feb 10 - Mar 6, 2011, MariaN TheaTre, SaNTa Maria

JuN 16 - Jul 3, 2011, SolvaNg FeSTival TheaTer

Interplay: The Stage BetweenFeb 25 - Mar 6, 2011, SeverSoN TheaTre, SaNTa Maria

Jane Austen’sPride & PrejudiceAdapted for the Stage by Joseph Hanreddy and J. R. Sullivan

apr 14 - May 8, 2011, MariaN TheaTre, SaNTa Maria

Conservatory ShowcaseMay 12 - 14, 2011, SeverSoN TheaTre, SaNTa Maria

Thank you Catherine & Richard Luckett

HairsprayBook by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas MeehanMusic and Lyrics by Marc ShaimanLyrics by Scott Wittman

JuN 16 - Jul 2, 2011, MariaN TheaTre, SaNTa Maria

Jul 8 - 31, 2011, SolvaNg FeSTival TheaTer

Two Gentlemen of Veronaby William Shakespeare

Jul 15 - 31, 2011, MariaN TheaTre, SaNTa Maria

aug 5 - 21, 2011, SolvaNg FeSTival TheaTer

My FairytaleA musical about Hans Christian AndersenOriginal idea and concept by Flemming EnevoldMusic and Lyrics by Stephen SchwartzBook by Phillip La Zebnik

aug 12 - 19, 2011, MariaN TheaTre, SaNTa Maria

aug 26 - Sep 25, 2011, SolvaNg FeSTival TheaTer

Caroline, or ChangeMusic by Jeanine TesoriBook and Lyrics by Tony Kushner

aug 26 - Sep 18, 2011, MariaN TheaTre, SaNTa Maria

SOLD

SOLD

2010-11 Show Sponsorshipsare a great way to demonstrate your support for PCPA!

By putting your name on the poster, you not only get to witness the creative process of your show but enjoy many other privileges of being part of PCPA’s inner circle.

Sponsorship packages include print and web recognition, preferred seating and many other benefits. For full details, call the Foundation Office at 349-9135.

Spotlight, Page 3

Many who have enjoyed and admired the work of seasoned guest actor John Battalino (most recently seen as King Duncan in Macbeth), may be unaware of the depth and range of John’s professional talents. Before retiring, John was a neurologist and the Chief Medical Officer for the State of California.

Now self described as an actor, director, writer and metaphysician, he has a profound belief in the power of the human consciousness and of the impact of intentional living. Additionally, as a philanthropist and mentor, he supports the theatre on and off the stage. Often ready to share experiences from his life’s journey, in rehearsal, John can always be seen generously coaching and mentoring less experienced members of the cast.

Performing regularly with PCPA, his most recent credits have included: Leonato, Much Ado About Nothing; Adam, As You Like It; Baptistin, A Flea In Her Ear and Old Man Stone, Urinetown.

To keep in touch with John when he is not acting on the PCPA stages, find him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jbattalino

The Doctor is In

Mr. Jones, Mr. Jones Recently, PCPA sadly said goodbye to one of its most beloved actors, Corey Jones. From his first role as Max Dettweiler in The Sound of Music to his powerful portrayal as Macbeth, his performances both comedic and dramatic never failed to bring the house to its feet.

As Aslan in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, his rich baritone voice, roaring life back into Narnia, barely needed amplification, but for sheer stage presence who could forget his pink-zoot-suit-wearin’ role as Lord High “Everything Else” Pooh-Bah in Hot Mikado.

In his goodbye letter to the community, Jones said: “I have had a great experience these past three years, and it has been a honor to perform in front of you. I am grateful for your support, your patronage and for your hospitality – you made it a home away from home.”

Fans of Mr. Jones won’t have far to travel to continue enjoying his work; this summer sees Corey at the Shakespeare Santa Cruz Festival where he will be reprising his much acclaimed role as The Moor of Venice in Othello.

Sausages for Scholarships!

Top to Bottom, L-RLife x 3, 2008Macbeth, 2010Hot Mikado, 2008

John Battalino, Macbeth, 2010

Many thanks

to the

Nichols Family

Foundation

for supporting

YPP

During the month of July, PCPA’s stages will be filled with the next generation of rising stars. The Young People’s Project (YPP), a unique acting experience, gives aspiring artists a taste of professional theatre. Through eight days of intensive workshops, students learn alongside guest actors, musicians, and directors to create a showcase highlighting their own budding talents. Want to help this program? Have breakfast at Applebee’s on June 27th, 7-9am. This great start to your morning will also be a great start for YPP scholarships. To get your tickets or to sign up for YPP call Leo Cortez at 928-7731x3156.

Spotlight, Page 4

PCPA Alumnus Jim Tanner Now Celebrity Designer

Michael Jenkinson’s first encounter with West Side Story, through the

1961 film, found him instantly captivated by the lush lens of Robert Wise and soaring cho-reography of Jerome Robbins. This summer as both director and choreographer, Jenkinson makes his own mark on this cornerstone of the American dance canon fueled by a desire to root this most famous of urban dramas in gritty realism.

Of his process, Michael says he began with source texts but perhaps surprisingly did not overly linger on Romeo and Juliet. Although often cited as being the modern day rendition of this Shakespearean tale, “West Side Story” he says, “is significantly different – for example, unlike Juliet, Maria clearly lives.” This brings its own singularly poignant theme; after a lover’s death, how does one keep on living?

His efforts to bring the art piece half a century forward of its Broadway roots has innovation being injected into every element of the design. At initial concept meetings, Jenkinson told his team that West Side Story is the only musical whose elements can exist independently of one another: its score can be enjoyed as symphony; its choreography as ballet; its lyrics as opera; each part being synergistically independent.

Though his personal dance style is greatly influ-enced by Robbins and his era, the choreography for this show will not be derivative of the sixties production. “Inspired by the current day rhythms of Hispanic culture,” says Jenkinson, “the dance vocabulary will make it technically the most challenging ever performed by PCPA.” Those who saw his demanding numbers created for The Music Man and Curtains, will take this as no small claim. Helping effect the vigorous Puerto Rican inspired routines, underpinned in balletic precision, will be Aaron Lopez who, while still a PCPA student, was credited as Assistant to the Choreographer for Les Misérables.

Costuming will play a vital role in defining the racial tensions between the two cultural groups. Describing the shared vision he has with designer and fellow classmate Jim Tanner (Class of ‘99) Michael says he called for a palette of iconic 1958 colors on the American men (slate blues, olive greens, and industrial beiges) and for the Puerto

Growing up on a ranch, where there was little to do but take things apart and put them back together, took the young Jim Tanner from

curious to creative. Eventually this basic understanding of how things work led the innovative Jim to PCPA and his role as costume designer for this summer’s production of West Side Story.

Encouraged by a grandmother who was a professional actress, Jim performed in community and high school theatre. For one production of Cinderella, with only two days to go before opening, Jim turned family bedspreads into elegant ball gowns. Although visually an onstage triumph, his mother told him to simply ask her the next time he needed fabric!

After high school, studies in costuming, set and lighting design at Porterville College was then followed by two years in the acting conservatory at PCPA (Class of ‘99). After graduation, Jim found himself gravitating towards the costume shop,

becoming a specialist in wig making.

Fast forward ten years; his current career as a Hollywood stylist and designer finds him creating custom pieces for celebrities as diverse as Ryan Seacrest, Jennifer Lopez, Lucy Lawless, and Lady Gaga. His resume now boasts artistic input on American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance?, and Dancing with the Stars. This past winter he also starred on Bravo’s Launch My Line.

Coming full circle, Jim returned to PCPA as wig designer for White Christmas. This spring, director of

West Side Story, Michael Jenkinson, decided to reunite with Jim, his former classmate. Inviting him to come alongside as costume designer for this summer’s production, Michael knew that the audience would be thrilled to enjoy Jim’s work once again. Speaking from his LA home, Jim said that while he has created

historically accurate, authentic 1950’s clothes for the show, we will also enjoy “a few surprises!”

PCPA is proud to announce that it has

received national recognition through

an award from the National Endowment

for the Arts (NEA). This prestigious award

for artistic achievement will be used to

underwrite West Side Story this summer.

something great is coming...The air is hummin’ and

Spotlight, Page 5

Ricans, he asked for lavish and vibrant colors evocative of their Caribbean roots.

A minimalist, abstract metal set created by Resi-dent Scenic Designer DeAnne Kennedy, defines the impersonal character of the city, and provides the backdrop to the sparring factions. With the play speaking to gang violence, it is hoped that the show will provoke constructive dialogue for communities facing such challenges. “Through the work,” says Jenkinson, “I hope that we remind ourselves that whenever we discriminate, with words or acts, we can unintentionally create the possibility for painful repercussions.”

And speaking of words, Michael says that a vital part of the production sensitively addressed has been language. For those parts of the script notated as ‘ad lib’, an authenticated Puerto Rican dialect will be used, not just generalized Spanish slang. Continuing this theme, he says that for his production everything from lights to sound, paints to props, will be asked to contribute “its own voice; a voice of today.”

The production opens on July 9th in Santa Maria; tickets are on sale now at www.pcpa.org

Originally from Sacramento, Michael Jenkinson graduated from the PCPA program in 1999 going straight to work in the regional theatres. National tours of Grease and Fame primed him for a return to his home stage where as a resident artist he

began teaching movement, musical theatre dance styles and musical theatre ensemble. A recent sabbatical saw him participating in the China International Arts Festival in Macau. As choreographer, Michael has raised the ‘barre’ for the Company;

his challenging routines no doubt contributing to the national recognition recently received for Les Misérables. Look for his artistic signature on the upcoming West Side Story where, as director, he is certain to create another acclaimed production.

Top to Bottom, L-R: Les Misérables, 2009, Seussical, 2006, The Pillowman, 2008, Macbeth, 2010

Ovation for JurgensenPCPA Applauds Past President

In recognition of decades of dedication, PCPA is proud to honor

Foundation Director Emeritus

Bob Jurgensen with this season’s production

of West Side Story.

So, You Think

You Can Dance?

Spotlight on Michael Jenkinson

Bob & Jan Jurgensen

“Everyone told us West Side Story was an impossible project. We were told no one was going to be able to sing augmented fourths (Mar-i-a!) and that the score was too rangy for pop music. Besides, who wanted to see a show in which the first act curtain comes down on two dead bodies lying on the stage?”

Leonard Bernstein, Rolling Stone 1990

something great is coming...The air is hummin’ and

Spotlight, Page 6

Flight of the White Stag

May 13-16, the Marian Theatre was abuzz with graduation activities as second year students rehearsed the productions The Musical of Musicals

(The Musical!) and The Penelopiad, in preparation for their Conservatory Showcases. Both shows, graciously sponsored by long time supporters Richard and Catherine Luckett, were later enthusiastically received, as

proud parents and members of the public packed the Severson Theatre.

The highlight of the weekend came with the Class of 2010’s graduation ceremony on Sunday afternoon with resident artists Andrew Philpot and Jennifer ‘Z’ Zornow delivering commencement speeches. Receiving scholarships for

outstanding achievement were Sam Francis (Kristi Nell Diller Perpetual Scholarship), Drew Swaine (Elaine Marie Miller Scholarship) and Kimberly Bernard (Jack Shouse Scholarship). Two

new scholarships were awarded this year, provided through the generosity of John and

Beverly Tracy, and were presented to students who will be returning in the fall, Clare Lopez

and Sabrina Cavalletto.

Miles Duffield and Devin Anthony Day petition the gods in The Penelopiad

Recent graduate Daniel Self continually graced the PCPA stage throughout his two years in the conservatory. Joining the company already a skilled dancer, Daniel brought his considerable artistry to the roles of the White Stag in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Tommy Djilas in The Music Man and most recently

Randy Dexter in Curtains. An additional dramatic role in Macbeth as Angus and ensemble work in White Christmas and Les Misérables saw Daniel seldom from the stage.

Speaking from his home in Lancaster, CA, while taking a well-deserved break before rehearsals begin for West Side Story, Daniel said that the training received at PCPA has well-prepared him to succeed in the tough world of professional theatre.

Catch Daniel in his first professional role as Jet gang member Baby John in West Side Story and take this last opportunity to enjoy Daniel’s lyrical technique before he heads off to the Pacific Northwest.

Brenna Wahl and Nicholis Sheley ham it up in the satire The Musical of Musicals – (The Musical!)

Daniel Self as the White Stag, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, PCPA 2009

Daniel Self -

Conservatory Graduation 2010

Spotlight, Page 7

Behind the ‘Seams’ Tea - desserts, dresses and the secrets of design

Looking for a new way to advertise your business while supporting PCPA?

Join Best Western Big America Hotel; Clos Pepe Vineyard; The Historic Santa Maria Inn;

Image Factory; Moss, Levy & Hartzheim, CPAs; & Your People Professionals

as sponsors of our biggest party of the year!

Foundation Gal a 2010

Gold Sponsorship $5002 Gala tickets (a $250 value) or 4 PCPA show tickets

Listing in Gala program, welcome board and on event screensLogo in The Spotlight

Silver Sponsorship $2502 PCPA show tickets

Listing in Gala program, welcome board and on event screensMention in The Spotlight

Bronze Sponsorship $100Listing in Gala program, welcome board and on event screens

Mention in The Spotlight

To sponsor this premier event or for more information, please call the Foundation Office at 349-9135 today!

Heidi Ewart - RA to Renegade

Fans of former PCPA Resident Artist Heidi Ewart will be pleased to hear that she recently checked in with her home stage. Doing well and living and working in Glendale CA, she now plays the role of executive assistant for Renegade Animation. Enjoying exploring all the diverse cultural events that LA has

to offer, she still finds time to volunteer with a local literacy program. She asked for a big thank you to be sent out to her PCPA ‘family’ for all of the support and care she received during her residency—we are never far from her thoughts!

Heidi Ewart, The Man Who Came To Dinner, PCPA 2007

Vintage Dresses, circa 1920

A lthough many of the costumes featured in PCPA period pieces may look like faithful reproductions, in fact most are specially adapted for the stage. Technical tricks of the trade were recently shared at the Vintage Costume Tea, an auction item competitively bid upon at the Foundation Gala.

The auction package, which included an authentic English tea and a tour of the PCPA costume shop was won by Kate Riggins and Ann Hansen and graciously hosted by Judge and Diane

Beebe. After a delicious tea of scones and cucumber sandwiches, enjoyed against a backdrop of beautifully displayed vintage dresses, guests were regaled with behind the ‘seams’ secrets from PCPA Resident Costume Designer, Juliane Starks.

Juliane, who designs many of the PCPA shows (The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe, Distracted, and the upcoming Sylvia), said that sometimes authenticity plays second fiddle to practicality. For example, should a dancer need to be gracefully tossed into the air, her partner will thank Juliane for not designing a historically accurate 70 lb woolen skirt!

The afternoon was topped off with a special tour of the PCPA costume shop which, on average, designs, patterns, cuts and sews nearly 600 costumes a year.

PCPA’s production of Pride and Prejudice will be the inspiration for one of this year’s gala auction items “A Jane Austen Tea”. Be the top bidder and who knows, perhaps you’ll find yourself sharing a scone with Mr. Darcy!

Miles beyond the moon… an Evening filled with Stars!

P.O. Box 6803Santa Maria, CA 93456

If your name does not appear in the way you would like us to address you, please let us know!

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PAIDSanta Maria, CAPermit No. 210

PCPA Box Office 805.922.8313For Groups 12+ 800.PCPA123www.pcpa.org

What's On Where?

RETuRn SERviCE REquESTED

CurtainsJun 17 - Jul 3Festival TheaterSolvang

InviernoAug 27 - Sep 19Severson Theatre Santa Maria

West Side StoryJul 9 - Jul 25Marian TheatreSanta MariaJul 30 - Aug 22Festival TheaterSolvang

SylviaJun 24 - Jul 3Marian TheatreSanta MariaJul 9 - Jul 25Festival Theater Solvang

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