LULLABY OF BROADWAY COMES TO THE GREEK The Plot: Small town girl comes to the Big Apple hoping to land a dancing role in a show. Prima donna (past her prime) is cast as lead in a show so the show can get financial backing from her wealthy beau. Prima donna breaks her ankle and small town girl lands big lead role, learns the dances in two days, and saves the show with her talent. It may be a tad too simplified, but punctuate the above with singable music and some of the greatest dance numbers you will ever see—with nearly every genre of dance represented—and you can expect to be thoroughly entertained under the stars

as St. Dunstan’s undertakes 42nd Street, opening June 2.

42nd Street, this “quintessential backstage musical comedy is the song and dance fable of Broadway, hard work, and the American Dream.” You will be singing along and tapping your toes to songs like, “We’re in the Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “I Only Have Eyes for You,” and, of course, “42nd Street.”

This show requires “all hands-on deck” from St. Dunstan’s volunteers. The cast and crew are working extremely hard to get everything ready for its June 2nd opening. Director,

Jennifer Ward, is no stranger to directing big musicals, but is excited to be making her directing debut in the Greek. “I just love putting on a big musical – and 42nd Street certainly fits the definition! It’s big in every way, from the size of the cast and the number of costumes they wear, to the big splashy song and dance numbers. We have some fantastic dancers, some professional level singers and lots of great acting chops. We even like to think we have a few of that rare and beautiful theatrical creature known as ‘the triple threat’! My challenge is to make the most of everyone’s skills and experience so that the whole show shines…and

MAY 2017

I’m having a wonderful time in the process.” Ward is joined by a fabulous production crew, including choreographer, Roberta Campion , who says “We are excited and working diligently to produce the most professional quality show we can. For this production, we are learning some of the original iconic Gower Champion choreography (which is quite difficult) and adding 'flairs' and 'touches' of our own.” Playing the lead role of Peggy Sawyer is Erin Johnson, who is no stranger to 42nd Street. Johnson received her BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan. After college, she pursued a career in professional theatre which included Broadway tours of 42nd Street and Thoroughly Modern Millie (each of which was seen at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit). Our talented cast includes: Dorothy Brock: Kendall Doman Bert Barry: Jeff Foust Maggie Jones: Katherine DiBiase Julian Marsh: Mitch Master Billy Lawlor: Kyle Patrick Mac: Hoggie Amare Andy Lee: Ryan Quinn Oscar: Jay Joliffe Pat Denning: Andrew McMechan Ann Reilly: Brynn Ward Peggy Sawyer: Erin Johnson Abner Dillon: Alan Binkow

Phyllis: Sarah Kwas Lorraine: Angela VanKempen Gladys: Elaine Parenteau Diane : Stephanie Peltier Chorus: Adam Bernard, Andrea Sevonty, Andela Nepa, Ann Vermeersch, Craig VanKempen, Emma Lockwood, Erin Quetell, Maritoni Harte, Victoria Costantini Ensemble: Josh Kimball, Beth Egan DeGuise, Heather Clement, Zoe Hecker Roberta Campion enlisted her former student from Marian High School, Maritoni Harte, to help with the dance numbers as needed. “She was the only student I ever had who choreographed a number without any help from me,” Roberta said. “It was ‘America’ from West Side Story. She was fabulous then, and just keeps getting better.” GIRLS OF CALENDAR GIRLS RAISE SPIRITS AND FUNDS! They made us laugh, and then we cried, and most of the audience members recognized a part of themselves somewhere in the script brought to life by the talented cast of St. Dunstan’s Calendar Girls. How fitting it is that this sweet play, based on a true story of eleven WI members

who posed nude for a calendar to raise money for the Leukemia Research Fund, caused our St. D’s cast to be moved to do likewise—well, yes, they took off their clothes, but they also raised more than $400 among themselves to donate to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Michigan, merely by pooling the money they would have spent on cast gifts, and giving it to such a worthy cause. The ensemble feeling was undeniable throughout the show. They were having FUN together on stage, and it was infectious! The audience cheered at Chris’ tirade against cancer and laughed through tears when she finished saying she would run naked smeared in plum jam if that would eradicate cancer!

The PG-13 rating for partial nudity had every member in the audience marveling at the bravery of the women who bared many parts on stage, which were deftly covered by buns, cakes, Christmas music, poinsettias, teapots and Santa hats. As Director, Sandra Prokopp, wrote, “Their cooperation on this fundraise taught them about true friendship, self-awareness, self-acceptance…and that women of middle years can be “glorious.” One of the most delightful surprises of the show was seeing Mary

Myers in her first time ON stage as Brenda. Mary has been working behind the scenes, designing and sewing costumes for MANY shows, and it was such fun to see her stage debut—maybe more in the future?

Several of the shows were sold out—proof that our audiences love to be swept into the action on stage, and when they are thoroughly entertained, they tell their friends. What a great show Calendar Girls was! Congrats to all involved!

Cranbrook Theatre School Coming Again to St. D’s St. Dunstan’s Theatre will once again host Cranbrook Theatre School (CTS) this summer, marking its 76th year. This article explains a little about CTS, for those in the Guild who hear about it but don’t know how CTS functions. Weston Outlaw kindly wrote up this article about CTS for our Guilder.

CTS hosts children entering grades 2-8 for a one-week, five-week, or six-week session between June 26 and August 4, 2017. The senior division, grades 9-12, attend all six weeks with half-day and full-day options at

Kingswood Auditorium at Cranbrook Schools.

CTS’ curriculum is designed to meet campers at their individual skill levels, working to cultivate confidence and nurture an understanding of the theatre arts through hands-on experience and exploration. The staff is composed of working theatrical and educational professionals, many with multiple years at CTS. These dedicated and devoted artists work to develop the same passion in the campers they teach. Bios on the staff are provided on the website.

Last summer, nearly 40 campers spent the summer celebrating the 100th anniversary of Cranbrook’s outside Greek Theatre. Three mini-shows throughout the summer provided parents and guests the enjoyment of an outside performance. Camp concluded with final performances of Godspell Jr., Legends of the Parthenon, and Once On This Island Jr.

Lunches and swim time are included. Extended care and busing available. Register your child or grandchild today!

For more information, visit https://schools.cranbrook.edu/summer

ALTRUSA CONTINUES PROFITABLE PARTNERSHIP St. D’s offers benefit performances for many of our productions. We give an organization a break on the price of tickets (sometimes they buy half a house and sometimes they buy the whole performance—all seats), and they re-sell the seats to members of their organization as a fundraiser for the cause they support. It is a fabulous way to bring people to our little theatre who may not know about it, and in a small way, we are supporting the many charities involved. A great way to be benefitting our community and community outreach! The following by Margaret Callahan, President, Altrusa

The Altrusa Club of Greater Birmingham is an international volunteer service organization dedicated to improving our communities through personal service. Our local club was chartered in 1953. Our primary focus is literacy; however, each club develops service projects to meet community needs identified by its members.

We have enjoyed our partnership with St. Dunstan’s for over 12 years, with the recent Calendar Girls as our 25

th event. This

was our most successful to date in raising funds and we will be using the proceeds for our local literacy projects. We currently have a “Birthday Book” project with Grace Centers of Hope in Pontiac, providing a new, gift wrapped book for each child in their day care program. We also have provided new books to children at the Ferndale Early

Childhood Center which hosts Head Start and Great Start Readiness Programs, Special Education as well as a tuition based preschool. We plan to continue these projects in the coming year as well as others.

We are pleased to be a part of the work of Altrusa International as we celebrate our Centennial Year! On behalf of our local Club members, I wish to express our sincere gratitude to St. Dunstan’s in helping us to serve our communities. We look forward to our continued partnership! (The benefit Altrusa did during Calendar Girls, netted them $1400 from the combination of ticket sales and donations. How fitting that such monies were raised at a benefit held at a show about fundraising!).

A PIANO FOR THE TAKING Anyone who saw Calendar Girls, will remember the upright piano where Suzette Ho plunked out “Jerusalem” night after night. That piano can be YOURS! It is in the theatre, is a true antique, and is in search of a loving home. It is yours for the taking---PLEASE! If you want it, or know someone who does, write to Pam Richards at snakeladypam@yahoo.com, and she will help you make arrangements to get into the theatre to pick it up. Hurry! Avoid the rush!!! NO MORE RE-ENROLLING! For those of you who have registered to have St. Dunstan’s benefit from your

Kroger purchases through the Community Rewards program, as of the end of March, there is no more need to re-enroll every year, for St. D’s to continue to earn money from your Kroger purchases. If, for any reason, a member does re-enroll they will just continue to earn as they were. As always, new members will be able to join the program at anytime. Our St. Dunstan’s number is 90023. FREE MONEY!

ALFIE BYRNE CALLED IT AAHHHT! Chris Steinmayer always amazes. He graces our stage, changing his persona for each role he tackles, then he masters the brand-new sound board, programs it and runs it for our shows. Not only does Chris sing jaw-droppingly well, he has built sets, props, and now, with the love and encouragement of his talented wife, Julie, Chris is making gorgeous metal sculptures. Here is part of the story in Chris’ own words: I have always been interested in artistic expression. It seems to be

genetic, as my family includes many talented artists: my father makes stained glass and paints watercolors and his father did oil painting. My mom’s grandfather was a talented painter in oils, as well as a prolific photographer and cinematographer who worked for Jam Handy in Detroit. My great grandfather, George Satory, decorated churches in fresco painting. My aunt and my sister both dabbled in ceramics and pottery. My brother Greg, an architect, is a tremendous artist in many disciplines--from illustrating to model building.

In grade school, one snow day, I fashioned a dinosaur instead of a snowman, and explained to my mom that “I just needed to create something." Skills learned in high school welding and casting classes helped me land a job as a welder at a hydraulics company, and eventually, I moved onto being a model maker for Ford, building whole vehicles from scratch on fixtures that I built from blueprints. I built replicas of components before stereo lithography and 3D printing took over. This was just before 3D CAD environments took over the world of physical bucks that have all but disappeared from the industry. In my down time, I made little "joke" sculptures and gave them

titles like "Man's Inhumanity to Vice Grips." (SEE ABOVE) I did get positive feedback on those sculptures, but my career focus was in engineering.

Through the years, I made custom props for the theater like Sweeny Todd’s razors, as well as gift sculptures for directors. I also did set design and custom set pieces like the Forte Piano for Amadeus. My lovely wife, Julie, loves my little pieces of art, and encouraged me to do more. I soon returned to my shop, and with the help and encouragement of my brother-in-law, (a relative of the famous Harry Bertoia), I embarked on what I hope will be my retirement income—“Original works of fine art and commissioned pieces, as well as any other custom metalwork that may come my way. I have since sold a few pieces, and built some custom items. With any luck, I will continue to do so.” (Editor’s note: ALL that talent, and the guy is HUMBLE! St. D’s is very fortunate to benefit from so many of Chris’ talents!)

MADE BY CHRIS AS A DIRECTOR’S GIFT FOR “A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE”

PRESIDENT’S NOTES By Jon Huegli

As the season end approaches, there is much to be grateful for and still much to anticipate. We have produced four well-received shows that have assured our reputation for excellent performances. Besides attracting new talent in actors, singers, dancers and directors, we are also innovating in staging and

construction. Our stalwart design and construction crew created a revolving set that provided for fluid scene changes in August: Osage County, powered by “the pushin’ hole gang.” We premiered another successful children’s theatre production that contributed to attracting young aspiring actors [and recruiting their parents]. And many of our productions played to standing-room-only audiences. Behind the scenes in the realm of administration and leadership, we have benefited from two amazing and committed St. Dunstanites whose service to the Guild over the years has been immeasurable: Kathy Brooks (Burch) and Ruth Bennett. As many of you know, Kathy Brooks turned over the reins of bookkeeping and financial management to our new member, Stephanie Linton. After years of expanding her job description to cover all the work that needed to be done, Ruth has rightfully limited her roles at the Theatre going forward. Kathy has served us for many years and has provided so many Board presidents and members with solid, reliable and accurate record-keeping, banking and check writing over the years. She has been a go-to person well beyond her accounting and

bookkeeping duties in providing answers to questions and preventing potential problems. She fills in when organizers are needed, dressing actors backstage, stage managing and reminding the “pushers” of the revolving stage which way to push with each scene change. Kathy has sewn monster costumes, run lights, cooked some LEGENDARY Black and Tan mac and cheese, directed, assistant directed, and we even saw her on stage once, even though she refuses to sing. We are so thankful for her quiet, consistent and faithful service. When you see her next, express your appreciation for her years of service and amazing commitment to the theatre. Ruth Bennett has been a pillar of consistent and committed service to St. Dunstan’s for decades. She has led our ticketing reservations, sales, complimentary tickets, phone lines, Constant Contact publicity, season tickets, house supplies and cleaning, administrative email, all performance usher crew deployment, display case dressing as well as the concessions sales. This year, based on her recommendations, and under her leadership we have successfully launched and sustained reserved seat ticketing. And to support that effort, Ruth oversaw the

successful construction of an enhanced phone ticket ordering and reservation system. For those of you who have enjoyed the Greek Theatre seating made comfortable by the folding seats, thank Ruth for regularly setting them up and overseeing their take down after every performance. After so many years of taking on more jobs, Ruth will be limiting her services primarily to basic

ticket sales; benefits & group sales; ticket counter display case; and mobilizing a crew for

performances. She has helped us a great deal by mentoring others in her duties so that we can more easily transition others to pick up her other jobs. Please take a moment to thank Ruth for all that she has done behind the scenes to welcome guests, recruit new members and to present a very positive image of St. Dunstan’s to our many publics. This year’s Board has taken on the challenges of enhancing our membership attraction and retention, creatively addressing our financial and fundraising needs and refreshing our marketing and public relations efforts. The Board has assigned itself to three task forces to recommend improvements in these three areas which directly affect St. Dunstan’s vitality and growth into the future. Through member feedback sessions,

we have learned what our constituents are looking for in our culture, governance and organizational structure. The task force leaders will be making recommendations at the 22 May Annual Meeting that are going to challenge us to step out more boldly. The present Board will be finishing this season’s duties in June when we orient the new Board to its duties and responsibilities. Three new members, voted on at the 22 May Annual Meeting and new officers will be prepared with packets and briefings to help them best take on next season’s challenges. The Monday 22 May Annual Meeting will set the stage for an exciting and robust 2017-2018 season. We invite you to join us at 7:00 pm for a light meal to be followed by an energized 7:30 meeting. PLEASE JOIN US TO: Vote in new Board members Decide on membership requirements Commit to the 3-M task force recommendations Experience a “teaser” from our 42nd Street production cast As your president, I thank our dedicated Board members who have invested problem solving, decision -making and planning hours, individually and together, to lead the Guild into the future. Thanks also to so many of you who have

quietly and without fanfare, served in designing, sewing and fitting costumes, provided make-up to bring out the best in actor’s faces, trained tappers to dance, designed sets, lighting schemes and balanced sound; who constructed, painted, hauled out and struck sets; who have produced shows, stepped in to fill vacated positions, set up tables for feasts, created and edited production videos, recruited and enfolded new members, created and published posters, cards and road-side signage, and who have offered your talents and gifts unconditionally to the cause called St. Dunstan’s Theatre Guild of Cranbrook. Enjoy an evening under the stars and tap your feet to the tunes of 42nd Street running the first three weekends of June! Have a glorious summer!

BRING LOTS OF CASH St. Dunstan’s is set for the raffle fundraiser during the run of 42nd Street to benefit the theater for needed updates. So, when you come to see this fantastic performance, slip a couple $20 bills in your pocket and go wild bidding on spa days, vacation homes, fabulous jewelry and all the other treasures hunted up and donated to the cause by St. Dunstan’s members. …AND SPEAKING OF SUNFLOWERS…

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY

Pictured at left: Erin Johnson playing the part of Peggy Sawyer and Kyle Patrick as Billy Lawlor. Hooray for word-of-mouth and social media. Fran Hayes knew Erin and suggested that we contact her about auditioning for 42

nd Street.

When the role of Billy hadn’t been filled, we posted on FB,

…AND SPEAKING OF SUNFLOWERS…WE HAVE JAKE ZINKE, OUR VERY OWN VAN GOGH!

A group from St. Dunstan’s enjoyed a weekend in NY to see HAMILTON! Judging from the smiles on their faces, it was a successful trip…now if we can just get the rights to the show one day….