Cortland Repertory Theatre...In The News !
Cortland Rep presents "Broadway on the Lake"
In photo: Crystal Gramkee as Jean, Brendon North as Charlie, Emily Beth Brockway as Fiona and Peter Carrier as Tommy in CRT's magical musical production of "Brigadoon" which will give a special performance at "Broadway on the Lake" on July 31.
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The Cortland Repertory Theatre Board of Directors and Guild invite one and all to attend CRT's annual fund-raiser, "Broadway on the Lake" on Saturday, July 31 at the Little York Pavilion in Dwyer Memorial Park. This exciting gala affair will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a cocktail buffet offering hearty appetizers, assorted seafood and carving stations, along with complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. During the evening, a silent auction will take place with many donated items from Central New York businesses that support CRT. Following the auction, attendees will be treated to a special performance of CRT's mainstage production of the magical musical "Brigadoon" beginning roughly at 7:45 p.m.
Special auction items include:
· a 68-piece Satin Easton stainless steel flatware set, valued at $1,245;
· an autographed Jets football;
· passes to Disney World and Darien Lake;
· tickets to Mets games;
· one pound of coffee per month for a year from CoffeeMania;
· unique artwork and jewelry;
· wool blankets made from CRT Artistic Director Kerby Thompson's family sheep farm;
· opportunities to watch a show from the CRT Stage Manager's booth or backstage, and to sit in on CRT's New York City auditions.
Also offered will be homemade soaps, tickets to area theatres, ski packages, dance lessons, gym memberships, golf packages, bed & breakfast gift packages, gift certificates to restaurants and hotels in Cortland, Ithaca and Syracuse, bottles of wine and champagne and much more!
For the second year in a row, CRT is combining with The Cultural Council of Cortland County to host a "Plein Air Paint-Out" in conjunction with the event. Visual artists will be arranged around the Little York Pavilion (the CRT theatre) and will paint or draw a view of the building or park for 2 hours prior to the benefit. The public is invited to tour the grounds and watch the artists paint. The paintings will be collected and sold in the silent auction, with the proceeds split between CRT and the CCCC.
Tickets for the show are reserved seating. Complimentary coffee and cookies will be available at intermission. The show will take place on the second floor of the Pavilion, which is handicapped accessible and air conditioned. Tickets for the entire evening are available at $45.00 per person and should be ordered in advance to secure seating. For tickets, visit the CRT Box Office at 37 Franklin Street, Cortland, call 800-427-6160 or visit www.cortlandrep.org. Come celebrate 39 years of Cortland's "gem of a theatre" with an evening of delicious food, refreshing drink, exciting bidding and quality entertainment. You'll be glad you did!
"CRT Kids" presents the Children's Show "The Jungle Book"
Cortland Repertory Theatre, celebrating their 39th annual season of live theatre summer productions, invites children of all ages to attend the enchanting production of "The Jungle Book" based on the stories of Rudyard Kipling and adapted by Tim Kelly. Four performances are planned: July 29, 31, August 6 and 7, all at 10:00 AM. Tickets are $6.00 per person. Shows will be on the CRT mainstage at the national historic Pavilion in Dwyer Memorial Park on the shores of Little York Lake.
Directed by Kim L. Hubbard with assistance from Meredith Van Scoy, "The Jungle Book" tells the story of Mowgli, a jungle boy raised by wolves. He lives in the bush with his good friends Baloo the bear, Bagheera the panther and Kaa the python snake. His mortal enemy is Shere Khan, a man-eating tiger. Shere Khan wants to rule the jungle, and it's up to Mowgli to defeat him. This adaptation of this classic story includes audience participation, where children will portray silly monkeys, helpful elephants, wolves, bees and even a tropical storm! The play contains a strong theme of the importance of friendship, and also includes a message about ecology. The show is approximately 45 minutes and is appropriate for children 5 to 105!
The six person cast is made up of CRT's multi-talented acting intern company: Annie Duckett, Kaitlyn Frotton, Sean Patrick Gibbons, Crystal Gramkee, Aaron Fried, and Brendon North. CRT tech intern, Kate Wilson, serves as Stage Manager. Scenic Design is by Jason Lajka, with a colorful, traditional sari costume design by Wendi Zea.
"This is our tenth children's show production, in as many years." says Producing Artistic Director Kerby Thompson. "I think this is one of our best productions – certainly one of the most creative, colorful and fun to watch. The setting and sari costumes come from the fact that the original Jungle Book stories take place in India. Some of our actors dress on stage, and "become" the characters in front the audience, complete with face make-up. It's a very exciting and theatrical show, and a new way for children to see this familiar story."
CRT suggests families make a day of it. Bring a picnic lunch for after the show, then enjoy the kiddie pool or park playground. For tickets or more additional information, call the CRT box office at 607-756-2627 or 800-427-6160. Tickets are also available for purchase on-line at www.cortlandrep.org. There is an additional charge for on-line purchases. Seating is general admission on a first-come, first-served basis. The theatre is handicapped accessible and air conditioned. Parking is free.
Magical Scottish Musical "Brigadoon" Makes CRT Debut
Cortland Repertory Theatre will take their audience on a magical, musical trip to Scotland in the next production of their 39 th season, the classic romance "Brigadoon", with book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe, the team best known for writing the musical "My Fair Lady". The original Broadway production of "Brigadoon" opened in 1949 and ran for a successful 581 performances, with choreographer Agnes De Mille winning the Tony for Best Choreography. An even more successful production opened in London later that year and ran for 685 performances. New York City Opera has twice revived the musical since then, and both Broadway and London have seen one revival each since the original. This will be CRT's first time presenting the musical.
Performances of CRT's "Brigadoon" will run from July 28 – August 14 with evening performances at 7:30. Matinees are available on July 30, August 4, 8, 11 and 13 at 2:00 PM. Tickets may be purchased by calling 800-427-6160 or in person at the CRT Box Office at 37 Franklin Street in Cortland. Tickets are also available for sale 24 hours a day through the CRT website at www.cortlandrep.org. There is a small additional charge for online sales. The show is suitable for all ages with a wonderfully romantic storyline and a score rich with beautiful songs.
"Brigadoon" tells the story of a mysterious Scottish village that appears for only one day every one hundred years, though to the villagers, the passing of each century seems no longer than one night. The enchantment is a blessing to the villagers because it saved them from foreboding destruction by witches in "the outside world". However, according to their covenant with God, no one from Brigadoon may ever leave the town or the enchantment will be broken, and the village and all its inhabitants will disappear into the mist forever. Two American hunters, lost in the Scottish Highlands, stumble upon the village and their arrival has surprising implications . New Yorker Tommy Albright, who is searching for a cure to his melancholia, meets the lovely Fiona McLaren who is also waiting for the love of her life. It is love at first sight. Tommy's jaded traveling companion Jeff Douglas meets the bawdy milkmaid Meg Brockie but to Jeff, the entire day is a dream because none of it makes logical sense. Also on this day, Fiona's younger sister Jean is wed to handsome Charley Dalrymple in a ceremony complete with a traditional sword dance. But young Harry Beaton, in love with Jean and broken-hearted over the wedding, threatens to leave the town and break the enchantment.
"This is such a beautiful show with some of the most gorgeous music ever written for musical theatre." says CRT Producing Artistic Director Kerby Thompson. "So many of the songs have become standards, including 'Almost Like Being in Love' and 'From This Day On'. We're so thrilled to bring it to Cortland for the first time, with a wonderful cast, crew and design team."
"Brigadoon" is directed by Jim Bumgardner, whose previous CRT credits include "Fiddler on the Roof", "South Pacific" and "Damn Yankees". Choreography is by SUNY Cortland dance instructor Cindy Halpin, whose work has been seen for many years in SUNY Cortland's musicals and at the Cortland Performing Arts Center in downtown Cortland. Music Direction is by Markus Hauck, in his first show at CRT.
Tommy will be played by a frequent CRT actor, Peter Carrier, who played Young Joe Hardy in last year's "Damn Yankees" and also appeared in "Almost Heaven: The Songs of John Denver". Fiona will be played by Emily Beth Brockway, making her CRT debut. Dustin Charles, in his first musical at CRT returns to play Jeff, after appearing earlier this summer in "See How They Run" as well as many shows in past seasons. Charles will also act as the dialect coach for the cast's Scottish accents. The milkmaid Meg is played by Caitlin Sams, who appeared in CRT's "Best Little Whorehouse in Texas". Claus Evans, best known for playing Tevye in CRT's "Fiddler on the Roof" will be Mr. Lundie, the school teacher of the town. CRT's performing interns round out the principal actors: Brendon North is the young bridegroom Charlie with Crystal Gramkee as his bride; Sean Patrick Gibbons is Harry Beaton, the young man in love with Jean and Kaitlyn Frotton is Maggie, a girl with unrequited love for Harry. Aaron Fried is Sandy the candy maker, and Annie Duckett is his wife, Kate. All six interns can currently be seen in "The Pajama Game" and will also be the cast of the children's show "The Jungle Book" later this summer.
Other visiting actors include dancers Matthew Couvillon and Ben Gleichauf who will lead the sword dance, and Alex Piper, Marc Cornes, Annali Fuchs and dance captain Marissa Dompe adding to the ensemble. Many local performers will be part of the show as well, headed up by Tim Mollen as Andrew MacLaren, Fiona and Jean's father and Ted Nappi as Archie Beaton, Harry's father. Other local talent includes Ingrid Fox, Rona Knobel, Roberta Kohut, Cara K-B McLaughlin and Elisabeth Kisselstein, who also serves as Assistant Director. Youth ensemble members are Josh, Nate and Zack Apker, Sophia Convertini, Seamus Gailor, Cassidy Halpin, and Bailey and Madison Kote.
Eric Behnke handles stage management duties, assisted by Kate Wilson. Design staff includes many CRT returnees including Scenic Designer Jason Lajka, whose work was seen in "Spider's Web" earlier this summer, Costume Designer Jimmy Johansmeyer, Lighting Designer Shawn Boyle, Props Designer Sam Sheehan and Sound Designer Dave Huber, all fresh from "The Pajama Game". Patrick McGovern serves as Technical Director.
CRT continues the tradition of "Friday Night Talk Backs" at which a Q & A session with the actors, designers and crew take place after every Friday evening performance. Tickets are also on sale for the rest of CRT's summer season, including the upcoming Central New York premiere of the comedy "Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks", "The Andrews Brothers" and four performances of the children's show "The Jungle Book", on July 29, 31 and August 6 and 7 at 10:00 am. See CRT's website for more details at www.cortlandrep.org.
Sassy and Brassy "Pajama Game" at CRT
Cortland Repertory Theatre's stage will spark with "steam heat" in the third show of their 39 th season as they present the all-singing, all-dancing musical "The Pajama Game", with music and lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, and a book written by George Abbott and Richard Bissell based on Bissell's novel "7 1/2 Cents". The original 1955 Broadway production won the Tony Award for Best Musical, and Bob Fosse won his first of many Tonys for Best Choreography. The recent 2006 Broadway revival starred Harry Connick Jr. and won the Tony Award for Best Musical Revival with Kathleen Marshall also winning for Best Choreography. CRT's production will be the first time this theatre has presented the musical, which will also be the first professional production in Central New York in years.
Performances of CRT's "The Pajama Game" will be presented from July 7 – 24 with evening performances at 7:30. Matinees are available on July 9, 11, 14, 18 and 21 at 2:00 PM. Tickets may be purchased by calling 800-427-6160 or in person at the CRT Box Office at 37 Franklin Street in Cortland. Tickets are also available for sale 24 hours a day through the CRT website at www.cortlandrep.org. The show is lively, fluffy and energetic, and suitable for all ages.
Set in 1954, "The Pajama Game" bristles with hot music, electric dances and steamy situations as it tells the tale of a seemingly impossible romance between the new superintendent of the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory, Sid Sorkin and the Chair of the company's Union Grievance Committee, Babe Williams. The lovers find themselves on opposite sides of a smoldering tug of war during a union strike demanding a 7 ½ cent raise. With a clever and funny script, the show is filled with goofy characters including Hines the clock-watching foreman, his quirky girlfriend Gladys and Mabel, a wise-cracking secretary. The score features the frisky dance numbers "Steam Heat" and "Hernando's Hideaway" as well as popular standards "I'm Not At All In Love" and "Hey There", which became a Top 40 hit by Rosemary Clooney.
"We're very excited to be bringing this timeless musical to CRT for the first time." says CRT Producing Artistic Director Kerby Thompson. "We've got an incredible cast and production team put together, so we're sure this show will be the highlight of an already spectacular season."
The director of "The Pajama Game" is Bert Bernardi, whose previous CRT credits include "Johnny Guitar", "Over the River and Through the Woods" and "The Great American Trailer Park Musical". Choreography is by Daniel Hess, whose work was seen in CRT's "Damn Yankees", "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" and "Almost Heaven: The Music of John Denver". Music Direction is handled by Ethan Deppe, in his fifth show at CRT.
Playing the star-crossed lovers are two actors who have become CRT favorites: Sonya Cooke, fresh from her starring role in "Spider's Web", making her CRT singing debut as Babe Williams and Marc Goldhaber, who appeared in CRT's comedy "Leading Ladies" and in musical tributes to both Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, will play Sid Sorokin. Not so coincidentally, Cooke and Goldhaber also played opposite each other in CRT's "Over the River and Through the Woods". Also returning is SALT Award nominee Dominick Varney as Vernon Hines, the clock-watcher foreman. Varney appeared in "Damn Yankees" and "Leading Ladies" among many other CRT productions. Rounding out the four leading characters is dancer and comedienne Amy Desiato making her CRT debut, as Gladys, Hines' girlfriend.
CRT performing intern Aaron Fried plays Prez, the flirty Union President. Gerard Pauwels is in his third production this season, playing Mr. Hasler the owner of the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory and Kelly Goyette makes her CRT debut as his secretary Mabel. Familiar local actor Bob Finley returns to play Pop.
The singing and dancing ensemble is comprised of CRT performing interns and visiting professionals. Interns include Annie Duckett, Kaitlyn Frotton, Sean Patrick Gibbons, Crystal Gramkee, and Brendon North. "Steam Heat" will be danced by Matthew Couvillon and Ben Gleichauf, with Alex Piper and Marc Cornes playing factory workers and salesmen. SUNY Cortland actress Annali Fuchs joins dance captain Marissa Dompe in rounding out the ensemble.
Stage Manager Kris Valentine is charged with organizing the production and crew. Design staff includes many CRT returnees including Scenic Designer Jason Bolan, from last year's "Damn Yankees", Costume Designer Jimmy Johansmeyer, who has handled many designs over the last six seasons, Lighting Designer Shawn Boyle and Sound Designer Dave Huber, both in their second CRT summer. Syracuse Stage Designer Sam Sheehan joins CRT for his first show as Props Master. Zarin Barnes continues as Technical Director as does Kate Wilson as Assistant Stage Manager.
CRT continues the tradition of "Friday Night Talk Backs" at which a Q & A session with the actors, designers and crew take place after every Friday evening performance. Tickets are also on sale for the rest of CRT's summer season, including the upcoming "Brigadoon", the CNY premiere of the comedy "Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks", "The Andrews Brothers" and four performances of the children's show "The Jungle Book".
CRT Presents the Classic Farce "See How They Run"
Cortland Repertory Theatre's second production of the 2010 summer hits the ground running as they present "the funniest farce ever written" according to the British Theatre Guide: "See How They Run" by Phillip King. First produced in London in 1943, when wartime evening blackouts were the routine, the West End theatres defiantly stayed lit to show this and other similar hysterical plays and farces. In fact, during one performance, three bombs went off far above the theatre, but not a single person left. The only reaction was one of the actors complaining that the sounds of the bombs drowned out his best laugh lines! 
Performances of CRT's "See How They Run" will literally 'run' from June 23 rd – July 2 nd with evening performances at 7:30. Matinees are available on June 25 th , 27 th and 30 th at 2:00 PM. The show will close one evening earlier than usual, on Friday July 2 nd , to accommodate the annual July 3 rd holiday in Dwyer Park. Consequently, a performance has been added on Sunday night, July 27 th at 7:30. Tickets may be purchase by calling 800-427-6160 or at the CRT Box Office at 37 Franklin Street in Cortland. Tickets are also available for sale 24 hours a day through the CRT website at www.cortlandrep.org.
The story takes place in the vicarage of the sleepy village of Merton-cum-Middlewick where a new addition to the community – Penelope Toop, a former American actress and the new wife of the local vicar – riles the church ladies because she is seen wearing pants in public. When Penelope is visited by a former acting partner and current American soldier, Corporal Clive Winton, the pair plans to relive their glory days on stage by sneaking out to see a local production of "Private Lives". Since the theatre is out-of-bounds for troops, and since the vicar is away for the evening, Clive slips on the vicar's "second best suit", and off they go. This begins a night of confusion and mistaken identity when soon, no less than five vicars (though not all genuine) are joined by a cockney maid, an escaped Russian prisoner, and a tipsy church prude tasting alcohol for the first time, all running in and out of the numerous doors of the vicarage, trying to either catch or avoid each other.
"I've always loved farces, and over the years CRT has built a reputation for producing solid productions of this brand of comedy" says CRT Producing Artistic Director Kerby Thompson who also directs this production. "The most challenging part for a director of a farce is casting, and we have put together an incredibly talented cast. They make my job easy!" Thompson previously directed last summer's SALT Award nominated "Unnecessary Farce" as well as "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" at CRT.
Returning actors to CRT include Dustin Charles, who was nominated for a SALT Award for his performance in "Unnecessary Farce" and has been seen in six other CRT plays, including "Bedroom Farce" and "How the Other Half Loves". Michael Schaeffer, who's CRT credits include "Moonlight and Magnolias", "It Runs in the Family" and "Sylvia" plays the pompous Bishop of Lax. Also returning from last year's farce are Mark Bader as the befuddled Reverend Humphrey and Joshua Murphy as the dangerous Russian intruder. Rebecca McGraw, seen in last year's "Damn Yankees" plays the church lady Miss Skillon, and Gerard Pauwels, fresh from "Spider's Web" plays Army Sergeant Towers who has the difficult task of sorting out vicars.
Making her CRT debut as the "indiscrete" Penelope is DeAnne Dubin, who is joined by British actor Richard Hollis as the Reverend Lionel Toop. CRT performing intern and recent graduate from Elon University Annie Duckett plays Ida, the fresh mouthed maid.
Stage Manager Eric Behnke is in his fourth summer at CRT, and Scenic Designer Carl Tallent is in his fifth. Wendi Zea checks off her 16 th CRT costume design. Rachel Budin handles lighting design with Marthe Hoffman on Properties and Dave Huber on Sound. Zarin Barnes continues as 2010 Technical Director as does Kate Wilson as Assistant Stage Manager.
CRT continues the tradition of "Friday Night Talk Backs" at which a Q & A session with the actors, designers and crew take place after every Friday evening performance. Tickets are on sale for all of CRT's summer season, including the upcoming "The Pajama Game", "Brigadoon", "Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks", "The Andrews Brothers" and the children's show "The Jungle Book".
CRT Actor Brian Runbeck Wins SALT Award 
Brian Runbeck, who starred in the title role in Cortland Repertory Theatre's production of "Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde" last summer is the recipient of the Syracuse Area Live Theatre (SALT) Award for Best Actor of the Summer Season. The SALT Awards recognize outstanding achievement in Central New York theatre productions over the past year. Hosted by the Syracuse New Times, the awards ceremony was held at the Palace Theatre in Syracuse on Sunday, April 26. Primarily an evening for community theatres in Syracuse, this is the sixth year that the awards have included a category for summer theatres, which besides CRT includes the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca and the Merry Go Round Playhouse in Auburn.
Written by Moisés Kaufman, "Gross Indecency" uses trial transcripts, personal correspondence, interviews and other source materials to dramatize the downfall of Oscar Wilde, who endured three court trials for "gross indecency with male persons". Wilde was convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment at hard labor, which eventually led to his death. In a written acceptance speech, Runbeck said that he was "deeply honored to be recognized for what was arguably one the most challenging roles of my career. In the process, I found a much greater appreciation for the wit and intellect of Oscar Wilde." Runbeck thanked director Bill Kincaid who "enabled his actors to create freely and experiment outside the box. He somehow combines it all into a cohesive production, and working with him is an exhilarating joy." Runbeck also said he shared the award with "a truly ensemble cast that mixed four 40-something actors with five college-aged interns; both groups had plenty to learn from the other." Finally, he thanked the staff and crew at CRT "for caring so deeply about what they do and accomplishing so much in so little time" and Producing Artistic Director Kerby Thompson, "a very close friend for too many years", for his friendship, belief and providing him with many performing opportunities at CRT.
Other nominees in the category included two other CRT actors, Dustin Charles for "Unnecessary Farce" and Dominick Varney for "Damn Yankees", as well as Kevin Carolan in Hangar's production of "Dirty Blonde". CRT was also nominated for Best Summer Production with "Gross Indecency" and "Unnecessary Farce". The winner in the category went to the Hangar's production of "Rent". Best Actress of the Summer Season went to former 2008 CRT intern Catherine Stephanie who starred as Maureen in Hangar's "Rent". Other nominees and winner can be seen at www.saltawards.net .
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CRT PLANS FOR THE FUTURE WITH EXPANSION
TO DOWNTOWN CORTLAND
(From The Cortland Standard's "2010 Outlook" Publication)
"I felt like Goldilocks." Cortland Repertory Theatre's Producing Artistic Director Kerby Thompson says, regarding the search for an additional CRT facility. "Some of the buildings we looked at were too big, some were too small, some weren't in a good location, some had no parking. Where we ended up, however, is pretty close to being 'just right'." For the past five years, CRT had been on the hunt for a building, not to replace their summer home at the Little York Pavilion, but to compliment it. "CRT is very lucky to have a Board of Directors and Theatre Guild made up of forward thinkers who not only plan for five years from now, but for ten and twenty years down the road. To make sure CRT has the staying power for years to come, we knew it was time to expand our horizons."
As previously reported, CRT has purchased the former Recreation Bowling Alleys at 24 Port Watson Street in downtown Cortland . In the coming year, the theatre will renovate the building to hold their Administrative and Box Offices, construction shops and storage of theatrical sets, props and costumes, and a theatre space for plays and musicals. CRT plans to sell their current office and warehouse at 37 Franklin Street in Cortland .
With this new "CRT Downtown" location, the theatre has potential to assist in the staying power of local restaurants and businesses in easy walking distance. In addition to an audience of SUNY Cortland professors, students, neighborhood seniors and other Cortland residents, CRT's bus tour business will continue outside the summer. "Currently, our summers host up to 20 busses from around the region, with visitors looking for places to eat and shop." he says. Additionally, the building will be designed as a multiuse facility. Arts and craft fairs, Under-21 dances, corporate meetings and a New Year's Eve Ball are all possibilities. "With this building, our only limit is our imagination." Thompson says.
In recent years, the theatre has enjoyed record high attendance, but expenses grew at an equal pace. Last summer, the theatre was hit by the economic downturn. "Individual attendance was significantly down, though our subscriber base stayed steady." Thompson 
says. "We always have our audiences' best interests at heart, so rather than raising ticket prices to pay the bills, we looked outside the summer. We needed to spread our wings in a new facility that could accommodate a winter theatre." Thompson points out that CRT has the most affordable ticket price of professional theatres in the area, a significant factor in their mission statement. "Our mission is to provide excellent quality theatre at an affordable price. To stay affordable, we needed a plan other than just raising prices." Thompson says. "It was time for a leap of faith."
Initially, this expansion will tax CRT's minimal coffers even more, but Thompson and the Board's administrators are confident that they will be supported. "This step shouldn't be misconstrued as an indication that CRT is rolling in the dough." Thompson says. "We bought this building with a considerable loan. We'll have significant construction and renovation costs to get up to code compliance and become operational, not the least of which are a complete overhaul of the electrical wiring, rebuilding walls, patching the roof and adding heating. A capital campaign is definitely in the works. If anything, we need out supporters' help now more than ever!"
Thompson adds that the theatre will not ignore their summer home, the Little York Pavilion. "Talk about 'Staying Power'! Think of how different the world was when the Pavilion was built in 1906. CRT is so lucky to have it as our summer home and Cortland residents should be proud to have such a beautiful and unique building in our community. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the County, who owns the Pavilion, in keeping it safe and looking good." he says. "Besides the sprinkler system and elevator that CRT took the lead on installing a few years ago, last year we began rebuilding the first floor porch railing to go along with the County's significant work in rebuilding the second floor porch. As one of Cortland 's main summer attractions, we'll continue working with the County to reach our goal of restoring the Pavilion back to looking as beautiful as it did when it was built."
In hearing of CRT's expansion, most residents have been supportive. "There are some naysayers, of course, who have said they'll stop donating because it appears we have money to burn, which couldn't be further from the truth! However, a majority understand what we're trying to do. We're planning not only for the future of CRT but doing our part for the future of downtown and Cortland County . We can easily partner with the 1890 House Museum , the Cortland Arts Trail and Cultural Council, even Greek Peak and their new water park and the Lime Hollow Nature Center . Having a year-round professional theatre is a tremendous selling point for the BDC/IDA and the Chamber of Commerce in attracting businesses to Cortland . Arts and culture add to the quality of life of a community, and a significant trait that businesses look for if they're considering moving here. Add our plans to the performances offered at the Homer Center for the Arts, the Country Music Park and in the Downtown Music Series, and it's easy to see that Cortland is a thriving, simulating place to live, work and play."
As Board, Guild and community members put in hours of volunteer work on the downtown location, CRT continues planning for the upcoming 39 th summer season. "In addition to everything else that's happening, we still have an exciting summer ahead of us." Thompson points out that all 2010 shows are making their CRT debut. Opening the season is Agatha Christie's murder mystery "Spider's Web" followed by the British farce "See How They Run". July and August will see two musicals: the fun and steamy "The Pajama Game" followed by "Brigadoon", a magical love story set in the hills of Scotland . Next up is the Central New York premiere of the comedy "Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks" in which a feisty older woman gets more than she bargains for by hiring a flamboyant dance instructor to teach her social dancing. The season concludes with the New York State premiere of "The Andrews Brothers" which see three male stagehands taking the place of the missing Andrews Sisters in a hilarious USO Show.
In the "CRT Kids" programs, the young and young at heart can enjoy performances of "The Jungle Book". Also CRT hosts two summer youth theatrical workshop programs: "Showstoppers and Superstars" for grades K–5, which is offered twice, from July 12 - 17 and July 19 - 24 at the Homer Center for the Arts. "Stars of Tomorrow" drama camp is for grades 5 –12, and is offered for four weeks from June 28 - July 24 at the Little York Pavilion. Registration forms are available on CRT's website.
Supporters can stay updated on the CRT Downtown renovation progress at www.cortlandrep.org, and linking to CRT's Facebook page or Twitter account, and by visiting CRT's Flickr.com photo album. Summer subscriptions, flex passes and reservations for groups of 10 or more may be purchased now by calling 800-427-6160. Staring May 10, individual tickets will go on sale at the Box Office, by phone or on the website.
"It's an exciting time for CRT!" Thompson says. "Everyone involved feels a great responsibility to the staying power this theatre has, and I encourage everyone to get involved, lend us your support and help us make some life-long memories!"
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CRT PURCHASES BUILDING FOR "CRT DOWNTOWN" FACILITY
Cortland Repertory Theatre has announced the purchase of the former Recreation Bowling Alleys, located at 24 Port Watson Street in downtown Cortland . CRT has a three-phase plan for the 13,000 square foot building: to relocate the Box Office and Administration Offices from the current Cortland location at 37 Franklin Street ; then to move the scenic, costume and props shops and storage; and third, to create a performance space for fall, winter and spring productions. The theatre plans to begin a capital campaign and will sell the Franklin Street warehouse.
"The most important point to make is that CRT is not leaving the Little York Pavilion for our summer productions!" Producing Artistic Director Kerby Thompson says. "Over the years, CRT and Cortland County have invested a great deal of time and money to create a comfortable summer home for us all. As long as the County will have us, we plan to stay there for the summers. It's a beautiful location, and frankly, we'd be crazy to want to leave."
However, the plan for CRT to expand beyond a summer season has been in the works for a few years. "We've looked at different locations for about five years, in hopes of finding an affordable building that would serve our purposes." Thompson says. "The fact of the matter is, we can't keep raising ticket prices in order to meet our financial needs. Part of our mission statement is to offer our shows at an accessible price, and we're proud that we're still the most affordable professional summer theatre in the area. However, even though our attendance in recent years is the highest it's ever been, expenses obviously continue to grow. Due to the size of the Pavilion, we can't add more seats, and lengthening our season would be questionable because of the cool fall weather in an unheated theatre with no insulation."
Also, Thompson says, CRT has outgrown their warehouse space. "The Franklin Street building is solid and secure, but we simply don't have the room to work there anymore. We save and recycle a lot of wood, set pieces, props and costumes, so our current storage space is overflowing. Also, most of our set building is done on our lawn, which is challenging in the changeable Central New York summer weather. After much searching, we believe that this downtown building is able to accommodate everything we want and need - more room, more visibility, and more productions."
A theatre at the Port Watson location - tentatively called "CRT Downtown" - would seat 125 - 150 people. The performance space is planned to be one large open room called a black box theatre, which would allow for a great deal of creative staging and audience seating. Scenic designs could be created for shows "in the round", ¾ round or proscenium style. Audience seating may include small cabaret style tables, which will allow for snacks and drinks to be served at the seats. The building will also include a lobby, refreshment counter, dressing rooms, and upgraded, handicapped accessible rest rooms. The theatre will double as CRT's summer rehearsal space and could also serve as a meeting hall for conferences, receptions, parties, art and craft shows, and more. "The only limitation is our own imagination!" Thompson says.
Thompson cautions that significant renovations are necessary, including ripping down walls and ceilings, installing new electrical wiring, upgrades to heating and air conditioning, and expansion of plumbing. No definite date has been set for when CRT would move in, though a goal of Fall 2010 has been tentatively set for the office and shop relocation. "Actual performances may be at couple of years away." Thompson says. "Honestly, it all comes down to the speed and amount of financial and volunteer support we receive. Obviously, the quicker we raise the funds and complete the renovations, the faster we can get the building ready for a winter season. We're extremely excited about what this could mean to CRT and downtown Cortland . We're glad that we can be part of it!"
