Ole Olsen Memorial Theatre, Inc.

  Ole Olsen Memorial Theatre will be holding auditions for “Working”, the 2nd production of it’s 48th season, on 2 successive Saturdays, November 12th and November 19th at 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Peru Depot Located at 154 S. Broadway. Peru, Indiana.
A musical revue based on Studs Terkel’s best-selling oral history, “Working” is a very original piece which couples thought-provoking monologues with a …multi-styled score by different composes including Stephen Schwartz (“Godspell”, “Wicked”) and James Taylor.
Co-Directors Kelly Mathias and Kurt Schindler are hoping to find an energetic ensemble of over 20 performers (aged 18 and up) of all ages and types. The show’s singing requirements range from full solos to only performing in group numbers, so performers not usually comfortable with auditioning for musicals are encouraged to attend. Those auditioning will be asked to sing a song of their choice (or just a portion of a song for the really nervous) without accompaniment. Monologues will also be chosen for the performers to read. Those who would like to use any kind of portable musical instrument for their audition are welcome to do to.
“Working” will be presented February 16th-19th, and 24th-26th. Evening shows( Dinner Theatre, Friday and Saturday performances) are at 7:30 p.m. Matinees (Sunday Performances) are at 2:00 p.m. The rehearsal commitment will be once or twice a week through December, 2 to 4 times a week through January, and then heavy through February.
Those auditioning should know that the words spoken by the characters in “Working” are taken from Studs Terkel’s very personal and revealing interviews, and some characters do deal with adult topics and language. The show would be rated somewhere between PG=13 and R.
Those with any questions may contact Kurt and Kelly by leaving a message at the Depot 765.472.3680 or at tchair@oleolsen.org

Ole Olsen Memorial Theatre is gearing up for their second show of the 48^th season, a musical entitled  “The Spirit of Reindeer”.  This original script and score, written by Brian Cimmet and Erich Goldstein, chronicles an unfortunate situation at the North Pole.  Vice President of Transportation Wendall Winters has decided it will be more economical to replace Santa’s reindeer with animatronics plastic models for the famous around the world flight, leaving seven of Santa’s eight reindeer without jobs and forcing them into early…uh…pasture.  The reindeer must band together and save the spirit of Christmas (and their jobs!)

Making her directorial debut is Ole performer Angel Mumaw.  She fell in love with the show after seeing a staged reading at Festival 56, a summer-long theatre festival in Princeton, Illinois.  Ken Kemper, another patron from the staged reading audience, is also participating in the show appearing as the misguided Wendall Winters.  Says Mumaw of the script, “What I love most about this show is that it is so much about teamwork, unity, and heart, which are the things I love most about theatre as well.  We all work together to bring the story to life…and become family along the way.  The Spirit of Reindeer…and the spirit of theatre…in one beautiful gift to us all.”

Also making their debuts to the Ole stage are newcomer Haley Martin (Comet) and stage novice Teresa Hershberger (Dancer). Rounding out the cast are Joe Pyke (Dasher), Twanna Jiles (Prancer), Katherine Woessner (Vixen), John Kraning (Cupid), Shanna King (Donner), and Jerra Moreland (Blitzen). 

Technical staff is still being assembled, but Mumaw is excited to collaborate with Assistant Director Tammy Hileman and Creative Consultant Kurt Schindler. 

Show dates are Dec 1-4 and 9-11, 2011 at the historic Peru Depot.  

Asst. Director Tammy Hileman warns, “Family-friendly Christmas shows such as this one sell quickly.  Make your reservations so as not to be left out in the cold, without your yearly dose of Christmas SPIRIT”. 

Call 765-472-3680 for reservations.

Mark your calendars for Sunday, Oct. 2nd and Monday, Oct. 3rd (7 pm both nights) for Auditions for “The Spirit Of  Reindeer” A family friendly holiday musical written by Brian Commet and Erich Goldstein. It takes place at the North Pole at Christmas time. Things are not going well at the north Pole as Santa’s Reindeer find their jobs in jeopardy thinks to the arrival of a surly Efficiency Expert. Will the reindeer find a way to keep themselves employed and save the tradition and spirit of Christmas?

Director Angel Mumaw was lucky enough to see a staged reading of this holiday gem years ago and knew that she wanted to bring its message of hope and unity to the stage here.

All those auditioning should prepare to sing a song of their choice, either acapella or with a CD accompaniment.  There will not be an accompanist present for the auditions.  Auditinees will also be asked to read a scene from the script. Please bring your calendars and ay and all conflicts to the auditions. Performance dates are December 1st for the dinner theatre performance (the dinner begins at 6:30 pm); December 2nd, 3rd, 9th, at 7:30 and December 4th and 11th at 2:00 pm

The Characters will all be played by adults and the show calls for a cast of 9 characters: Santa’s eight reindeer and the north pole vice president of transportation 5 min: dasher (the leader). Prancer (the entertainer), Comet (the actor) Cupid ( the playboy) and Wendell Winters (The human VP of Transportation). 4 women; Dancer (the mediator). Vixen (The cover girl), Donner(The optimist) and Blitzen (the grouch).

Please contact Angel Mumaw with any questions at ammsonbird@yahoo.com or at 765.419.3474

Is there a star in you just waiting to come out? Do you have talents that could be used backstage? Do you like to express yourself with paint, clothes or lights? Well, why don’t you join our merry troop? Membership is open to anyone who is interested in any aspect of the theatre. We have a wonderful time, but the most fun we have is putting the shows together. Talent of acting or singing is not a requirement.

Membership is only $10 per year and entitles you to newsletters, play selections, audition announcements and membership meetings. Where else can you make new friends and have a great time for such a small cost??!

Anyone interested in theater, either on stage or off, is invited to join Ole Olsen Memorial Theatre. Membership is only $10 a year! For information on how to become a member of Ole, call 765-472-3680, or visit our Tickets page (there is a ‘membership’ option on the order form).