S E A S O N 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 9

THE CURTAIN RAISER

October 31 – November 24SPONSORED BY: Clear Channel Outdoor

In this delightful modern comedy, four strong, sassy Southern women are drawn together by fate in their quest for happiness… through happy hour! Perfectionist workaholic Randa (Susan Moring) is struggling with a derailed career and no personal life. Sweet, ditzy Dot (Janet Grogan) is a recent widow learning to start her life over alone. Boisterous good ol’ gal Marlafaye (Laney Clark) is freshly divorced and looking for revenge on her tom-catting ex. And spunky fireball Jinx (Danuta Jacob) offers her services as a life coach, though she needs good advice more than anyone.

Over six months of laughter, hilarious misadventures, and bonding over cocktails, these Savannah soul-sisters form lasting friendships, renewing their confidence and passionate enthusiasm for life. Cheers to Southern sass and sisterhood!

The Savannah Sipping Society is directed by Christine Perry. Stage manager is Virginia “Frenchie” Bisiaux. Set design is by Tara Houston. Costume design is by Eryn Brooks Brewer. Lighting design is by Robert P. Robins. Sound design is by Steven Whipple.

There will be 21 public performances from October 31 – November 24, 2019. Tickets are $27 for adults and $13 for full-time students (school ID required for college students). Group rates are available as well. Call (352) 236-2274 or go to www.ocalacivictheatre.com.

By Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten

Coming Events

The Savannah Sipping SocietyOctober 31 – November 24

The touring veteran dramaWhen the Wind StopsNovember 11-12

Auditions forAlways… Patsy ClineDecember 6-7

Barbergators ChorusConcertDecember 7

Menopause The MusicalJanuary 2-19

Always… Patsy ClineJanuary 30 – February 23

Father of the BrideMarch 12 – April 5

To Kill a MockingbirdApril 16-26

BrigadoonMay 21 – June 14

Local distillery Fish Hawk Spirits will be hosting a tasting night at the Friday, November 15 performance of The Savannah Sipping Society. Drinks will only be for sample, not for sale, both before the show and at intermission. Fish Hawk will be offering a Smoky Old Fashioned, made with their Siren Song Whiskey, and a Lemon Drop, made with their Lemon Citrus Vodka. Located on a farm in Ocala, Fish Hawk Spirits is the most award-winning distillery in Florida. For more information, visit www.FishHawkSpirits.com.

P2 | THE CURTAIN RAISER

When The Wind Stops

November 11-12SPONSORED BY: Hiers-Baxley • WUFT

Based on the true experiences of central Florida veterans, the touring production of the drama When the Wind Stops will be live on stage at Ocala Civic Theatre for a special Veterans Day presentation November 11-12.

When the Wind Stops was co-written by Katrina Ploof, artistic director of Ocala Civic Theatre, along with collaborators Darian Henne and Christopher Eubanks. Ploof also served as the director of the production. First titled The Veterans Project, the play was written for and premiered at Theatre Winter Haven in 2017.

Ploof and her collaborators spent more than a year interviewing 42 central Florida military veterans who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan. They recorded more than 100 hours of stories, which were distilled into a powerful hour-long theatrical performance.

Those whose stories are told in the play range from active-duty soldiers in their twenties to World War II veterans in their nineties. Many of their remembrances and recollections are woven into the script in their own words, sharing their memories from boot camp to combat to homecoming.

When the Wind Stops is performed by seven actors. Several of the actors are veterans, though none whose stories are told in the play.

There will be two performances of When the Wind Stops at Ocala Civic Theatre: Monday, November 11 at 7 p.m. and Tuesday, November 12 at 2 p.m. A talkback with the cast and director will follow each performance.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for veterans, active-duty military personnel, and full-time students (school ID required for college students).

The OCT board of directors and staff are pleased to announce that Katrina Ploof has been named the new Artistic Director of Ocala Civic Theatre.

Katrina has served as Interim Executive Director since the death of long-time OCT Executive Director Mary Britt in April 2019. She has been involved with OCT as a director and choreographer for the past seven seasons, having previously directed Matilda, The Addams Family, Mamma Mia!, Shrek, Sister Act, My Fair Lady, and Camelot.

“The board of directors is thrilled by the addition of Katrina Ploof to provide the leadership and vision for OCT,” said George Kirkland, president of the Ocala Civic Theatre board of directors. “We look forward to her insight in advancing Mary Britt’s dream of maintaining OCT’s outstanding national reputation.”

Born and raised in Maine, Katrina is the daughter of a music teacher and a vocalist. She spent 20 years touring the U.S. and Canada as an actor before moving to Orlando in 1983 to pursue her true passion: directing and teaching theatre to students and adults. She was instrumental in the early years of Orlando’s Mad Cow Theatre and spent 28 seasons as a director and choreographer at Theatre Winter Haven. Since 1992, Katrina has directed more than 200 plays, musicals, readings, and concerts, winning awards from the Florida Theatre Conference, Southeastern Theatre Conference, and Broadway World Orlando. She also is an acclaimed acting coach, teacher, and playwright.

“I cannot think of a better fit for Ocala Civic Theatre,” said Quiana Clark-Roland, Executive Director of the American Association of Community Theatre. “Katrina’s passion, heart, and lifelong commitment to theatre provide a wealth of experience unmatched by many. She is a pivotal leader within the theatre community. Congratulations to Ocala Civic Theatre and Katrina!”

Ocala Civic Theatre looks forward to this vibrant and exciting new chapter and a bright vision for the future, embodied in the dynamic leadership of Katrina Ploof as Artistic Director.

“I really believe in the power of community theatre to change lives,” Katrina said. “If you come through our doors, we’ll change you. We will illuminate your life in some way.”

Tickets on sale early for Menopause The Musical!

Due to popular demand, tickets for Menopause The Musical will now go on sale November 18, two weeks earlier than originally scheduled! They’ll go fast, so don’t have a hot flash trying to get your tickets at the last minute – keep your cool and reserve them now.

Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for full-time students (school ID required for college students). Group rates are available as well. Make it a ladies’ night out! Call (352) 236-2274 or go to www.ocalacivictheatre.com.

Ocala Civic Theatre announces

Katrina Ploof as Artistic Director

P3 | OCALA CIVIC THEATRE

Letter From the Director of Education

Terry LeCompte

Haul out the holly, put up the tree before my spirit falls again. Fill up the stocking, I may be rushing things but…sure does seem like I am rushing things. The Education Department’s MacCabaret: Back from the Dead only just came down and I’m already reading Christmas story adaptations, singing fun holiday music mashups, and (not so) slowly driving my colleagues in the office batty.

What is the hurry? Can’t we stop for a moment and celebrate Thanksgiving, especially given the great opportunities Ocala Civic Theatre has presented me and for which I am deeply grateful?! Afraid not – not this year!

Our C.A.S.T. (Creative Arts Student Troupe) is already in rehearsals for their biggest gig of the season – Light Up Ocala! For we need a little Christmas, right this very minute… This year, C.A.S.T. will open the Light Up Ocala festivities with a 20-minute musical theatre performance in the downtown square in front of the gazebo.

Please mark the date and time and make plans to join us Saturday, November 23 around 4 p.m.! Our troupe consists of 14 young performing artists between the ages of 9 and 17. They are working hard on a fabulous, uplifting, and energetic show that we are proud and eager to share with the Ocala community! We will give thanks for your presence (see what I did there?).

And speaking of Thanksgiving, I share heartfelt gratitude for all of you who are part of the education department community – the learners, their families, our educators and volunteers, as well as all of you who come out to enjoy the theatre we create for you.

May you all have a bright and joyful season,Terry LeCompte, Director of Education

Mary Britt Memorial FundThe Mary Britt Memorial Fund has been

established to benefit Ocala Civic Theatre. In addition, Mary’s estate has committed to match total donations up to a total amount of $100,000. If you wish to contribute, contact the Theatre at (352) 236-2274. Online donation also is available at www.ocalacivictheatre.com.

Costume Sale!The Costume Shop is having a sale! Whether

you’re hoping to purchase costumes for a party, a theatrical production, or as a souvenir of your favorite show, we have lots of fabulous possibilities for you. A photo album of all costumes for sale has been posted on our Facebook page. The sale is by appointment only. Call the costume shop at (352) 236-2851, ext. 110, to book an appointment or for sizes and prices.

When you take your seat to see your next show, look down and see if there’s a shiny new brass plaque on your arm rest. If you purchased a seat during our seat campaign and gave us the dedication you wanted inscribed on your plaque, the name plates have now been installed!

We hope you enjoyed the first season of our new, wider, more comfortable seats and have settled in happily for many more to come. For those who still wish to participate in the auditorium renovation campaign, we still have many seats available.

Each seat donation is $500. Donors will be recognized with a brass plaque attached to the seat, bearing an inscription of your choosing. Monthly payments are available. Call (352) 236-2274 for more details.

The Seat Plaques Are In!

Book the Golden Troupers Today!

The Golden Troupers are a terrific group of age 55+ performers who travel Marion County entertaining local audiences with comedy skits and songs. They perform at no charge for non-profit organizations, but donations are gratefully accepted. To join or to book the Troupers for your club or community, call (352) 236-2274 or Marlene Harr at (352) 687-3868. Rehearsals are held at the Theatre on Mondays at 1 p.m. from September to May. Join the Troupers – it’s a golden opportunity

P4 | OCALA CIVIC THEATRE

2019-2020 Board of Directors

President George KirklandPast President Philip LeppertVice President Glenda “Rusty” Belote, PhDTreasurer Sarah LankesterSecretary Darrell Riley

MembersDeborah Barckhausen

Todd Duffy

Ana Dunwoody

Sheryll Goedert

James Hilty

Sean McCord

Joy Newkirk

Dave Schlenker

Gordon Schwenk, MD

Laurie Zink

StaffArtistic Director Katrina PloofTechnical Director William SprattGeneral Technician/Custodian Ken NobleScene Shop Intern Joey CoombsAdministrative Assistant Janice KirkBox Office Manager/Volunteer Coordinator Craig JamesBox Office Assistants Ann Dietrich Lynn VinciDirector of Education Terry LeCompte Director of Marketing & Promotions Larry KiernanMarketing Assistant Melody MurphySocial Media Coordinator/Concessions Sherece GerardConcessions Kelsey PlanteComptroller Marilyn PriceCostume Designer Eryn Brooks BrewerCostume Shop Assistant Rebekah LeppertCostume Shop Intern Alice Bryant

Volunteer Spotlight Nan Fisher

This month we’re shining the spotlight on Nan Fisher, one of our most dedicated costume shop volunteers. Nan and her husband George have been attending shows at OCT since 1989, only a year after the theatre moved into this building. She began volunteering in the costume shop four seasons ago – a perfect fit, considering her background.

Originally from Quincy, Illinois, Nan has a B.S. degree in Textiles and Clothing from Iowa State University. She learned how to sew during WWII, when she was 13. She remembers making a blouse every Saturday – until she had 25. “I decided that was enough,” she said.

Nan grew up to work for McCall’s Patterns, Singer, and Talon, doing educational programs in the Milwaukee school system. So she has an impressive set of sewing skills, talents, and experience she shares with OCT, helping to create the amazing costumes you see on stage.

We also can thank George, Nan’s husband of 65 years, for our good fortune in having her here. Several years ago, he saw in the newsletter that we needed costume shop volunteers for Shrek and mentioned it to Nan, knowing her background. We’re so glad he did!

In addition to her sewing talents, Nan is also an accomplished musician. She plays piano and string bass (she even used to play in a symphony), and taught public-school music in Wisconsin and Texas. She also enjoys playing duplicate bridge. George and Nan’s daughter, Gayle, attends OCT shows with them, and granddaughter Mera Mae is in grad school at UF.

In her 30 years as an OCT patron, Nan has gotten to know three of our resident costume designers. She knew long-time costume designer Bridget Bartlett and has worked for both previous costume designer Molly Demers and our current costume designer, Eryn Brooks Brewer.

The exchange of costume-creation wisdom goes both ways. “I learn from the young people and they learn from me,” said Nan. “There is a lot of satisfaction in creating a costume for a production.”

Nan does costume construction and enjoys hand-sewing tasks like buttons and hemlines. She also liked working on the La Cage aux Folles costumes (“That was a lot of ruffles”). One example of her excellent work is the Civil War nurse Ancestor costume from The Addams Family, which she helped construct. That gorgeous costume went to this year’s AACTFest as part of the exhibit which won Eryn two national awards from the American Association of Community Theatre: Outstanding Overall Design and Outstanding Costume Design for The Addams Family.

Nan is a stickler for a straight hemline, as Eryn will attest. “I love working with Nan,” Eryn said. “She is great at sharing her knowledge and is THE BEST dress

hemmer I have!”Eryn and Nan have a great system of working together.“Eryn designs, does the cutting, and puts it on my chair,” said Nan. “I have asked, ‘Do you have a

formula for constructing this?’ “‘No, just do it.’ “That is trust! That’s fun!”And that’s one of the best things about having such wonderful volunteers – the trust we have in

them to use their marvelous talents to create theatre magic. Thank you, Nan, for generously sharing your wisdom, experience, and skills with us. We couldn’t do it without you!

P5 | OCALA CIVIC THEATRE

Notes from the Interim Executive Director

Katrina Ploof

I sometimes wonder if I will ever get used to driving up the road onto the theatre property. I hope not. I hope it always makes me feel as thrilled as I do in these early days of my new job as Artistic Director of Ocala Civic Theatre. To those of you who have lived in beautiful Marion County for some time, I guess it’s just another day in your community of beautiful tree-lined streets and parks. But I’ve been a city girl since college, and I’ve lived the past 36 years in a city that has slowly turned into what I believe can best be described as a concrete slab. So my days in Ocala are a delight.

To wind down our driveway, with glimpses of the beautiful Appleton Museum through the trees, and to end up at the theatre, with its gentle roof and beautiful glass front, is a pleasure I enjoy again and again. There is something so protective about the woods that surround our spaces. Even in the deepest recesses of the building, I am still aware of the beauty of the land we sit on. It is a constant, sustaining us through what has been a difficult year of change and challenge.

There is much that can be said about change, too much for a tiny column in a newsletter. And certainly the change brought about by loss can feel overwhelming at times. Navigating grief always makes me feel as though I’m in a boat, and I can’t see the shore. But as time has passed here since April, I’ve been more and more aware of change as an opportunity to utilize our strengths.

So as I begin my tenure as Artistic Director at OCT, it is our strengths that I am sure of: a visionary and passionate staff, a devoted audience, a new generation of volunteers, and most importantly a community whose commitment to the arts is unwavering. I cannot wait to see what the future holds.

There will be challenges. I’m certain of that. Nothing worth fighting for comes easy. But in the midst of the change and the challenges, I am also certain that the beautiful forest which surrounds our theatre will remain a constant, and I will go to it to find all that we need – to not just survive, but also thrive. I will continue to delight in each and every time I drive onto the property and see our theatre. I am so very, very grateful.

Box Office HoursMonday – Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

On Saturdays with a performance: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The lobby and box office open one hour before each performance.

Get information and buy tickets online any time at www.ocalacivictheatre.com (A service charge applies to online purchases.)

Box Office: (352) 236-2274Administrative Offices: (352) 236-2851

Tickets On Sale Now

• 2019-2020 season tickets

• The Savannah Sipping Society

• When the Wind Stops

• Barbergators Chorus

Tickets Go On Sale

• Menopause The Musical: November 18

• Always… Patsy Cline: December 30

Ocala Civic Theatre@ocalacivic#ocalacivictheatre

@ocalacivicOcala Civic Theatre Ocala Civic Theatre Education Department

We’re Going Digital!

December 2019 will be the last printed month for The Curtain Raiser! Our newsletter will become all-digital in 2020, exclusively available online and by e-mail. It will soon change to an exciting new format with video and audio clips, full-color photos, and much more. A limited number of text-only newsletters will be available at the Theatre box office upon request. Contact the box office to switch to e-mail.

Give the gift of theatre for the holidays!

The magic of live theatre is a great gift idea for anyone! Gift certificates can be given in any amount and may be used for any show (once tickets go on sale to the public) or toward tuition for Education Department classes. For more information or to purchase gift certificates, call (352) 236-2274 or stop by the box office.

P6 | OCALA CIVIC THEATRE

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

NOVEMBER Savannah 8pm

Savannah2pm & 8pm

Savannah2pm

Savannah8pm

Savannah8pm

Savannah8pm

Savannah2pm & 8pm

Savannah8pm

Savannah 8pm

Savannah8pm

Savannah2pm & 8pm

Savannah2pm

Savannah2pm

When the Wind Stops

7pm

When the Wind Stops

2pm

Savannah 8pm

Savannah8pm

Savannah2pm

Savannah2pm

Happy Thanksgiving! Theatre Closed

Theatre Closed

The Curtain Raiser is the official newsletter of The Marion Players, Inc., dba Ocala Civic Theatre. The Theatre is located at 4337 East Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala, Florida, 34470. The Curtain Raiser is published monthly and is available free of charge to anyone who is interested in our activities. For information about the organization or to be added to the e-mail list, call (352) 236-2274.

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts & Culture.

LARGE PRINT

If you have any questions, please contact Katrina Ploof at (352) 236-2851, ext. 104, or kploof@ocalacivictheatre.com.

Treat Yourself at the Concessions Stand!

The next time you’re at the Theatre to see a show, visit our concessions stand before the performance or at intermission. We’ve got lots of treats for you to enjoy! Hungry for a snack? We sell chocolate, candy, cookies, crackers, and granola bars. And if you’re craving a cool treat on a hot day, we have Klondike bars, too! Thirsty? We have sodas, ginger ale, iced tea, and water. If you need a little pick-me-up, we now offer iced coffee! And if you’d like to enjoy an adult beverage, we sell beer, wine, and bottled cocktails like margaritas and cosmopolitans. Let us make your visit to OCT a delicious experience!

ACT 4 PRESENTS

and the

PHABULOUS PHLEGMTONES Barbershop Quartet

featuring a program of traditional and popular a cappella holiday music in the barbershop,

doo-wop and traditional styles Sponsored by Aardvark Encore and B. Thomas Fuson, M.D.

Onstage at Ocala Civic TheatreSaturday, December 7, at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets $15.00 Adults, $10.00 Students

Call the Ocala Civic Theatre Box Officeat (352) 236-2274 for Reservations

or Purchase Online at www.ocalacivictheatre.com

BarbergatorsChorusOn Sale

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31 Patsy Cline

tickets on sale

Menopausetickets on sale

Merry Christmas!

Theatre Closed

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

Merry Christmas!

Theatre Closed

DECEMBER

Patsy ClineAuditions

7pm

Patsy ClineAuditions

7pm