Classes at Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette, 2009-2010 season: #3 - Writing a Play

People throughout the community can now learn more about the art and craft of theatre through several class offerings from Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette throughout the 2009-2010 season.

All classes will be held in the historic Monon Depot Theatre in downtown Lafayette, taught by seasoned Civic veterans. There also will be special master classes and presentations from theatre professionals from around the country.

The third and final category of classes is Writing a Play. The five classes being offered during the 2009-2010 season includes a four-class workshop.

September 19 - Write a Play, Part 1

• Instructors: Arliss Jeffries, Steve Gooch and Steve Martin
• Cost: $20 (total for all 4 writing workshops is $60)

December 19 - Write a Play, Part 2

• Instructors: Arliss Jeffries, Steve Gooch and Steve Martin
• Cost: $20 (total for all 4 writing workshops is $60)

February 6 - Write a Play, Part 3

• Instructors: Arliss Jeffries, Steve Gooch and Steve Martin
• Cost: $20 (total for all 4 writing workshops is $60)

March 20 - Write a Play, Part 4

• Instructors: Arliss Jeffries, Steve Gooch and Steve Martin
• Cost: $20 (total for all 4 writing workshops is $60)

May 8 - Write a Play, Part 5

• Instructor: Special guest Charles Pogue
• Cost: Free with paid admission to any other workshop.
• Charles Pogue has had an extensive writing career that includes film (D.O.A., The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Fly and Dragonheart), and published several plays including a new translation of Moliere's Tartuffe. Charles will lead a discussion of writing as a profession, including several stories of his time in Hollywood.

Each class session will last from 12 noon to 2 p.m.

Payment is required in full before the first class and can be made by cash, check or credit cards. Checks should be made payable to Civic Theatre. Attendees are not considered to be registered until full payment is received.

Refunds are given only for medical reasons.

Space in each class is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Civic Theatre reserves the right to cancel any class due to low reservations.

Paid registration to any class entitles a person to attend all three classes with special guest instructors in May.

Look for further details online at http://www.lafayettecivic.org/ and a mailed brochure.

Classes at Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette, 2009-2010 season: #2 - Technical and Design

People throughout the community can now learn more about the art and craft of theatre through several class offerings from Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette throughout the 2009-2010 season.

All classes will be held in the historic Monon Depot Theatre in downtown Lafayette, taught by seasoned Civic veterans. There also will be special master classes and presentations from theatre professionals from around the country.

The second category of classes is Technical and Design. The four classes being offered during the 2009-2010 season include:

September 12 - Visual Composition Workshop

• Instructors: John David Collier, Steven Koehler and Larry Sommers
• Cost: $20

December 5 - Building the Show

• Instructors: Dan Becker, Dave Lahr and Tom Moran
• Cost: $20

March 13 - Lighting the Subject

• Instructor: Steven Koehler
• Cost $20

May 22 - Stage Management 101

• Instructor: Steven Koehler with special guest Valerie A. Peterson
• Cost: Free with paid admission to any other workshop, otherwise $20
• Valerie Peterson is a professional Equity Stage Manager with Broadway credits. She will provide a basic introduction to the life of a professional stage manager including stories of triumph and despair. See how stage managing a professional show is different and similar to stage managing a Civic Theatre show.

Each class session will last from noon to 2 p.m.

Payment is required in full before the first class and can be made by cash, check or credit cards. Checks should be made payable to Civic Theatre. Attendees are not considered to be registered until full payment is received.

Refunds are given only for medical reasons.

Space in each class is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Civic Theatre reserves the right to cancel any class due to low reservations.

Paid registration to any class entitles a person to attend all three classes with special guest instructors in May.

Look for further details online at http://www.lafayettecivic.org/ and a mailed brochure.

Classes at Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette, 2009-2010 season: #1 - Acting and Directing

People throughout the community can now learn more about the art and craft of theatre through several class offerings from Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette throughout the 2009-2010 season.

All classes will be held in the historic Monon Depot Theatre in downtown Lafayette, taught by seasoned Civic veterans. There also will be special master classes and presentations from theatre professionals from around the country.

The first category of classes is Acting and Directing. The five classes being offered during the 2009-2010 season include:

September 5 - Audition Workshop

• Instructors: Melanie R. Buchanan, Laurie Russell and Kate Walker
• Cost: $20

December 12 - Breaking Down the Script

• Instructors: Larry Sommers and Steve Martin
• Cost: $20, plus $5 material fee

January 30 - All You Ever Wanted to Know About Shakespeare, But Were Afraid to Ask

• Instructor: Arliss Jeffries
• Cost: $20

February 13 - Who Are You: Character Development

• Instructors: Melanie R. Buchanan and Julia Colby
• Cost: $20

May 15 - A Career on the Stage

• Instructor - Melanie R. Buchanan with special guest Ward Billeisen
• Cost Free with paid admission to any other workshop, otherwise $20
• Special guest and Broadway veteran Ward Billeisen will give a presentation on a life in the professional theatre. Get a glimpse at the "glamorous life" through the eyes of this veteran performer.

Each class session will last from 12 noon to 2 p.m.

Payment is required in full before the first class and can be made by cash, check or credit cards. Checks should be made payable to Civic Theatre. Attendees are not considered to be registered until full payment is received.

Refunds are given only for medical reasons.

Space in each class is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Civic Theatre reserves the right to cancel any class due to low reservations.

Paid registration to any class entitles a person to attend all three classes with special guest instructors in May.

Look for further details online at http://www.lafayettecivic.org/ and a mailed brochure.

Share Your Thoughts: Guys and Dolls Jr.

Now that Guys and Dolls Jr. has closed, share your thoughts about the production on this blog.

What will you most remember about the show? What were your thoughts about the performances? The design? The story and theme? What were the standout moments?

One Size Fits All presents "The Cheese Show"

To Commemorate Swiss National Day on August 1,
One Size Fits All presents "The Cheese Show"* at Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette.

During this night of wacky Improv comedy, the players will mention at least one variety of cheese in every game they play and every song they sing.

Feta
Cheddar
Brie
Blue
Colby
Asiago
Mascarpone
Gouda
and yes, even Swiss!

There even may be** a special surprise appearance of a cheese-themed costume during the show!

• What: An evening of Improv Comedy with One Size Fits All


• Where: Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette in downtown Lafayette on the corners of 5th and North Streets


• When: Saturday, August 1 at 8 p.m.


• Who: It's fun for all ages, from 1 month to 99 years!


• Why: Why not?


• How: With verve***


• No, how much: $4 per person at the door the night of the show or call 765-423-7529 to reserve a ticket or thirty.
  
  

* The Swiss are known for cheese and little else. Seriously. Name 3 things Switzerland is famous for except for being neutral ninnies during wartime. Go on, try. Can't do it can ya? Nope, didn't think so. So the next time you want to criticize the themed shows created by One Size Fits All, just remember it isn't as easy as it seems to connect show dates with overriding ideas for full 90-minute shows. I mean, it takes at LEAST 10 minutes.

** In this instance, "There even may be" can be roughly translated to the phrase "There is no way on God's Green Earth that you'll see..."

*** "Verve" is a French word. The Swiss speak French. See how everything ties in together? It's very impressive and it just took another two minutes to write this message. I hope you appreciate it. The next time you see me, please let me know you appreciate the hard work that goes into these e-mail reminders for One Size Fits All. It'll make me feel good, momentarily.

In the Wings: Guys and Dolls Jr. Photos of the cast.

The actors shown in the photographs above are participating in an intensive four-week camp at Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette to mount a production of Guys and Dolls Jr., directed by Civic Youth Theatre Director Melanie R. Buchanan.

Guys and Dolls Jr. opens Friday, July 24 and runs through Sunday, July 26. Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 7:00 p.m.; the Sunday afternoon performance begins at 2:30 p.m.

For more information about the show or to order tickets, call the Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette office at 765-423-PLAY (7529).

In the Wings: Guys and Dolls Jr. Meet Gaia Attardo.

Gaia Attardo plays Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls Jr., the production mounted during an intensive four-week summer camp led by Civic Youth Theatre Director Melanie R. Buchanan.

Gaia said, "Sarah starts as a die hard missionary worker who is very committed to her cause. Unfortunately the mission will be closed because she cannot get any sinners to confess their sins. She then meets Sky Masterson, one of the main gamblers in the city, and makes a bet with him."

Gaia also attended last summer's camp, which culminated in a production of Pirates of Penzance Jr.

"I had so much fun last year and wanted to come back to this year's camp," she said. "You meet a lot of new people at these camps. When I arrived at the first camp, I was worried if I'd get along with everyone but we all bonded and became friends."

Gaia concluded by suggesting what audience members will remember most about Guys and Dolls Jr.

"They are going to look back at the show and marvel at how all these kids managed to do all these dances and sing at the same time," she said. "The cast is bigger than last year's cast. We have young kids who do a great job on stage."

Guys and Dolls Jr. opens Friday, July 24 and runs through Sunday, July 26. Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 7:00 p.m.; the Sunday afternoon performance begins at 2:30 p.m.

For more information about the show or to order tickets, call the Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette office at 765-423-PLAY (7529).

In the Wings: Guys and Dolls Jr. Meet Nate Shumate.

Nate Shumate plays Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls Jr., the production mounted during an intensive four-week summer camp led by Civic Youth Theatre Director Melanie R. Buchanan.

Sky is "a self-involved, cocky gambler who thinks he's better than everyone else," Nate said. "During the show he falls in love with Sarah Brown."

Nate participated in last summer's four-week intensive summer camp, which culminated with a production of Pirates of Penzance Jr.

"Last year was really fun," he said. "I'm in the camp this year because I want to improve my acting abilities."

Nate concluded by suggesting what an audience may enjoy the most about Guys and Dolls Jr.

"People will be impressed because there are a lot of young kids doing a very good job with this show," he said.

Guys and Dolls Jr. opens Friday, July 24 and runs through Sunday, July 26. Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 7:00 p.m.; the Sunday afternoon performance begins at 2:30 p.m.

For more information about the show or to order tickets, call the Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette office at 765-423-PLAY (7529).

In the Wings: Guys and Dolls Jr. Meet Erica Gibson.

Erica Gibson plays Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls Jr., the production mounted during an intensive four-week summer camp led by Civic Youth Theatre Director Melanie R. Buchanan.

Erica was part of the technical crew at last summer's camp, which culminated in a performance of Pirates of Penzance Jr. She thought it looked like a lot of fun, which is why she got involved in this summer's camp.

Erica said "Miss Adelaide is an over-the-top kind of person. She is a dancer at the Hot Box, which is a club. She has been engaged to Nathan Detroit for fourteen years, and has become very frustrated with him."

Guys and Dolls Jr. opens Friday, July 24 and runs through Sunday, July 26. Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 7:00 p.m.; the Sunday afternoon performance begins at 2:30 p.m.

For more information about the show or to order tickets, call the Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette office at 765-423-PLAY (7529).

Civic Youth Theatre's First Class Only performed at Dancing in the Streets

First Class Only, a youth comedy group directed by Civic Youth Theatre Director Melanie R. Buchanan, performed at Dancing in the Streets on Saturday, July 18 in downtown Lafayette.

Melanie was quoted in an article written by Zoe Hayes, summer reporter at The Exponent, Purdue University's independent daily student newspaper:

"The Civic Youth Theatre of Greater Lafayette touring team performed scripted and improv comedy for part of the evening," Hayes wrote.

"'I just like the reaction that people have to them,' said Melanie Buchanan, youth director of the theater. 'They’re impressed that they can just get out there without inhibitions.'"

You can read the full article here.

In the Wings: Guys and Dolls Jr. Meet Nathan Keiller.

Nathan Keiller plays Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls Jr., the production mounted during an intensive four-week summer camp led by Civic Youth Theatre Director Melanie R. Buchanan.

"Nathan Detroit is a gambler, a crapshooter. He organizes every crapshoot in New York City," Nathan said. "Adelaide, his fiancée of 14 years, wants him to stop running the game and marry her."

Nathan was involved in last summer's camp, which culminated with a production of Pirates of Penzance Jr.

"Last year's camp was a whole bunch of fun, and I wanted to see if this summer's camp would be just as fun," he said.

Nathan concluded by explaining why other young actors may be interested in being part of a Civic summer camp.

"Not only do you meet new people and make friends, but you also build on skills like acting and improvisation," he said. "Everyone acts in real life, even if they don't know it. The camps are a lot of fun."

Guys and Dolls Jr. opens Friday, July 24 and runs through Sunday, July 26. Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 7:00 p.m.; the Sunday afternoon performance begins at 2:30 p.m.

For more information about the show or to order tickets, call the Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette office at 765-423-PLAY (7529).

In the Wings: Guys and Dolls Jr. Meet Abby McClure, the assistant director.

Abby McClure is the assistant director of Guys and Dolls Jr., the production mounted during an intensive four-week summer camp led by Civic Youth Theatre Director Melanie R. Buchanan.

Abby has been part of several Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette productions that were created during a six-week rehearsal process. She described the rehearsal schedule for Guys and Dolls Jr.

"The actors - who are between the ages of 9 and 17 - were immediately thrown into the production," Abby said. "The first day started with theatre games for a short amount of time, but the actors moved directly into examining the script, auditioning and doing the first read through. The next day we started blocking the action and teaching the songs and choreography. I think the actors were surprised and exhausted by the end of the first week by how much they were doing and how hard Melanie and I were pushing them. But they picked up everything really quickly.

"Actors arrive at the theatre at 9 a.m., and we make announcements and do theatre games for about half an hour. They rehearsed blocking and choreography in the morning at the start of camp; toward the end of camp they do full run-throughs of the show. They have 50 minutes to eat lunch at noon. After lunch, Cecil Shoemaker rehearses the music with them for two hours. After that there is either another run-through or we conclude with more theatre games."

Abby explained why she wanted to be involved with Guys and Dolls Jr.

"I saw Guys and Dolls my sophomore year in high school," she said. "When I read the script again I thought it was funny, but listening to the songs on CD really sold me on being part of the show. I love 'Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat,' I love 'Luck Be a Lady,' I love all the songs. They're all amazing."

She concluded by explaining why a young actor might be interested in being involved in future Civic Theatre summer camps.

"I grew up attending Civic summer camps," she said. "They are a fun way for people to make friends and open up. Young kids have fun dressing up and pretending, and it's still fun to do that when you get older. It's also a good way to learn more about the theatre. The actors work hard, but they also reap the rewards."

Guys and Dolls Jr. opens Friday, July 24 and runs through Sunday, July 26. Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 7:00 p.m.; the Sunday afternoon performance begins at 2:30 p.m.

For more information about the show or to order tickets, call the Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette office at 765-423-PLAY (7529).

Share Your Thoughts: The King and I

Now that The King and I has closed, share your thoughts about the production on this blog.

What will you most remember about the show? What were your thoughts about the performances? The design? The story and theme? What were the standout moments?

Announcing the cast of The Mousetrap

Director Susan Kisinger has announced the cast for The Mousetrap, the first production of the 2009-2010 Mainstage Season at Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette. The script is by Agatha Christie.

The cast includes:

• Mollie Ralston - Kate Martin
• Giles Ralston - David Dietz
• Christopher Wren - Matthew A. Turczi
• Mrs. Doyle - Trish Peterson
• Major Metcalf - Dean Hunter
• Miss Casewell - Whitney Hinds
• Paravicini - Allen Banning
• Sergeant Trotter - Michael Greenan

The production of The Mousetrap will open Friday, September 4 and run three consecutive weekends through Sunday, September 20 at the historic Monon Depot Theatre in downtown Lafayette. Friday and Saturday evening performances will begin at 8 p.m.; Sunday afternoon performances will begin at 2:30 p.m.

For more information about the show or to order tickets, call Civic Theatre's office at 765-423-PLAY (7529) or visit Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette's Web site.

The Board

The Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette Board of Directors for the 2009-2010 season is comprised of:

• Sonya Basaran
• Dan Becker
• Cadi Bien
• Ann Cohen
• Julia Colby
• Ned Derhammer
• Geriann Fish
• Sherri Guido
• Kris Kazmierczak
• Sue Lakin
• Denise Laussade
• Steve Martin
• Rod Ray
• Laurie Russell
• Helen Slagel
• Larry Sommers
• Ruth Wukasch

Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette needs space for storage, rehearsal

A Message From Civic Theatre Managing Director Steven Koehler:

A few weeks ago I mentioned in an e-mail message that Civic Theatre is in need of storage space. This need is still there. We need a dry space about 20' by 30'; it does not need to be climate-controlled. Part of the set for The King and I coming down this weekend needs this space, so please get in touch with me ASAP if you can assist.

We also are looking for a new rehearsal space. Generally we rehearse Sunday through Thursday from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. There are several times a year that multiple shows are in rehearsal at the same time. If you have access to a large open room for this very important need, please contact me as soon as possible. Thank you.

Steven Koehler can be contacted via e-mail at steve@lafayettecivic.org or via telephone at 765-423-7529.

The Review Is In: The King and I

The review of The King and I has been published in the Journal & Courier, Lafayette and West Lafayette's daily newspaper. It was written by Dick Jaeger. You can read the full review here.

The King and I concludes its run this Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m. at the Tippecanoe County Amphitheater.

To inquire about tickets, call the Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette office at 765-423-7529.

The King and I: Photos of the set

Preview of The King and I on www.jconline.com

A preview of The King and I appears online on www.jconline.com, the Web site of the Journal & Courier, Lafayette and West Lafayette's daily newspaper. The preview also can be read in the Journal and Courier's Friday entertainment magazine TGIF.

You can read the preview here.

WLFI interview of Anna and The King

The King and Anna (Rob Spaulding and Jodie Schlatter visited the studios of WLFI yesterday. Sue Scott interviewed the two on the eve of opening night.

You can view the video here.

The King and I opens tonight, Friday July 10 at 8:00 PM. Tickets are available at 765-423-7529 or here. You can also purchase tickets at the Tippecanoe County Amphitheatre at the box office, which opens at 6:30.

Enjoy the Show 3: Cell phone etiquette

As Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette begins its 2009-2010 season, we're including a brief series about how the theatre-going experience can be made even more enjoyable for all members of the community.

In his About.com article "5 Cell Phone Rules for the Theater," Paul Cozby shares his thoughts about communication devices and their place in a live performance. His first rule for cell phones at the theatre: turn them off.

You can read the entire article here.

What stories do you have to share about cell phones and other electronic communication devices used by audience members during shows? Share your humorous or horrific stories in the Comments section.

Rob Spaulding and Jodie Schlatter speak about The King and I on WLFI-TV.

On Thursday's noon news program on WLFI-TV, Rob Spaulding and Jodie Schlatter of The King and I spoke with Sue Scott about the size of the production, the people involved, the music and more.

You can watch the full interview here.

The King and I opens tomorrow, Friday, July 10 and runs July 11, July 17 and July 18. The two rain dates are July 12 and 19. To learn more about the show or to order tickets, call Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette's office at 765-423-7529.

Enjoy the Show 2: Children and the theatre

As Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette begins its 2009-2010 season, we're including a brief series about how the theatre-going experience can be made even more enjoyable for all members of the community.

In his About.com article "5 Tips for Taking Children to the Theater," Paul Cozby offers suggestions on bringing children to performances as audience members. One of his suggestions: prepare them for what they are about to see. He says children will be able to follow the plot and the characters' actions better because of it. This preparation won't "spoil" the show because kids will be entranced by the action onstage.

You can read the full article here.

What was your first theatre experience as a child? What do you remember most about it? What suggestions would you offer to people bringing children to a live performance? Share your ideas in the Comments section.

Enjoy the Show 1: Audience etiquette

As Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette begins its 2009-2010 season, we're including a brief series about how the theatre-going experience can be made even more enjoyable for all members of the community.

In his About.com article "What Actors Wish You Knew About About Attending the Theater," Paul Cozby shares thoughts from New York performers about how the audience can influence a show.

One suggestion to audience members from Cozby: become involved with the moment. Live performance gains some of its power because the audience is watching people in real space, rather than pixels or shadows on screens. It can be easy to be pulled into the excitement, so let it happen.

You can read the full article here.

What tips can you share about being a good audience member? What stories do you have about an excellent experience in a theater, or perhaps a humorous or horrific one? Share them in the Comments section.

Announcing auditions: The Mousetrap

Audition dates have been announced for The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie, the first production in Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette's 2009-2010 Mainstage Season. They will take place Sunday, July 12 and Monday, July 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the historic Monon Depot Theatre on the corners of 5th Street and North Street in downtown Lafayette.

Director Susan Kisinger is looking to cast 3 women ages 20-60 and 5 men ages 20-60. All characters except one speak with a British accent. Auditioners should prepare to read from the script; no appointment is necessary.

From the pen of Agatha Christie comes the story of a group of strangers stranded in a boarding house during a snowstorm, one of whom is a murderer. The suspects include the newly married couple who run the house, a spinster with a curious background, an architect who seems better equipped to be a chef, a retired Army major, a strange little man who claims his car has overturned in a drift and a jurist who makes life miserable for everyone. Into their midst comes a policeman, traveling on skis. To get to the rationale of the murderer's pattern, the policeman probes the background of everyone present and rattles a lot of skeletons. The Mousetrap holds the world record as the longest initial run of a show, with more than 23,000 performances in London’s West End.

The Mousetrap will open Friday, September 4 and will run three consecutive weekends through Sunday, September 20.

In the Wings: The King and I. Meet Jodie Schlatter.

Jodie Schlatter portrays Anna Leonowens in The King and I, the Civic Under the Stars production of the 2009-2010 season of Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette.

Jodie has performed the role of Anna before. She enjoys the role because like Anna she is a teacher and loves children. She has done a lot of research about Anna, including reading about her experiences in Siam.

"Anna had four children, but two of them died as did her husband," Jodie said. "Anna had to have a job. The king of Siam wanted an English-speaking teacher and she traveled to Siam to teach his children. She then learned that she was expected to live in the palace, which she didn't want. What really affected me was learning that she really improved the lives of the people of Siam."

Jodie concluded by explaining what an audience will take away from a performance of the show.

"The audience will be affected by the story," she said. "The relationship between Anna and the king is complex – sometimes they enjoy one another's company, sometimes they hate each other. The story of their relationship will affect the audience. I also hope the audience will realize that there is good talent in Lafayette, that we can create a worthwhile evening of entertainment in this area."

The King and I runs July 10, 11, 17 and 18 at the Tippecanoe County Amphitheatre on State Road 43. Shows begin at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for youth aged 18 and under.

For more information about the show or to order tickets, please call 765-423-7529 or visit Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette's Web site.

In the Wings: The King and I. Meet Rashmi Joglekar.

Rashmi Joglekar portrays Tuptim in The King and I, the Civic Under the Stars production of the 2009-2010 season of Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette.

Rashmi is making her Civic debut in this production.

"A lot of my friends have been involved with Civic shows, and they have raved about what an amazing experience it is. That's one reason I auditioned for the show," Rashmi said. "The second reason is that I love to perform. When I saw the show, I was attracted to the role of Tuptim. She is a classic role."

According to Rashmi, Tuptim is trapped by the circumstances she faces during the course of the show.

"Tuptim is forced to leave the man she loves to be with the king, whom she knows nothing about. She perceives him as a beast who treats women as toys. She is struggling to live the life she wants to live," Rashmi concluded.

The King and I runs July 10, 11, 17 and 18 at the Tippecanoe County Amphitheatre on State Road 43. Shows begin at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for youth aged 18 and under.

For more information about the show or to order tickets, please call 765-423-7529 or visit Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette's Web site.

In the Wings: The King and I. Meet Jeffrey Baumgarn.

Jeffrey Baumgarn portrays Lun Tha in The King and I, the Civic Under the Stars production of the 2009-2010 season of Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette.

Jeffrey explained why he auditioned for the show.

"One of my friends from church choir convinced me to audition for the show," he said. "I had picked up singing again within the last year after doing it in college."

Jeffrey said Lun Tha finds himself in a difficult situation in the course of the show.

"Lun Tha comes from Burma, and brings Tuptim to Siam to live with the king," he said. "Lun Tha and Tuptim love one another, and he wants to be with her. It's a difficult situation because what they want brings them into direct conflict with the king."

The King and I runs July 10, 11, 17 and 18 at the Tippecanoe County Amphitheatre on State Road 43. Shows begin at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for youth aged 18 and under.

For more information about the show or to order tickets, please call 765-423-7529 or visit Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette's Web site.