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The Herb Strauss Schoolhouse Theater is Sanibel Island’s ONLY professional musical theater and offers Broadway caliber talent in an intimate atmosphere. The Schoolhouse Theater is proud to offer the best family oriented entertainment in one of the world’s most beautiful vacation destinations. |
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Seasoned Director, Victor Legarreta, a showman for the past seventeen years, a seven year performer at the original Old Schoolhouse Theater, and three-year Artistic Director at the Off Broadway Palm Black Box, continues to bring his unique, stylish brand of musical comedy to the Islands. In the past two seasons we introduced close to thirty new professional actors to our audiences in twelve brand new shows. This season expect more new faces with five original Schoolhouse revues, two nights with world-renowned pianist Jon Weber, and the comedy that took Sanibel Island by storm, Run for Your Wife. "I have been a professional actor for the past 18 years and a director for over a decade, and this season has to be one of the most exciting I have ever had. In the past three seasons, we have introduced over 40 new professional actors to our audiences in 20 incredible productions. This year we've brought you more new faces with four original SCHOOLHOUSE revues, an evening with world-renowned entertainer and pianist John Weber, two award-winning musicals and two comedies including 'Caught in the Net' and the much-anticipated 'Funny Money' written by Ray Cooney. At least once in an actor's career you perform in a show that is nothing but fun! About 10 years ago I performed in the musical 'Lucky Stiff' and did just that. I loved everything about this musical. It is funny, heartfelt and is the best portrayal of modern musical theater. I hope you enjoy watching tonight as much as we love performing." Victor Legarreta |
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The Schoolhouse Theater is located at 2200 Periwinkle Way. We have 160 seats, each with a perfect view of the stage and offer season subscriptions and group rates. For reservations and show times please call our box office at (239)472-6862. http://www.theschoolhousetheater.com www.myspace.com/theschoolhousetheater
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by Reviews by Bekki as I see the shows! What great fun! See ya there! |
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Welcome to our Fifth Season here at the Schoolhouse Theater!
2008-2009 Season
WE LOVE A PIANO Starring: James Lane ~ Victor Legarreta ~ Bobby Logue Rachel Miller ~ Chloe Sabin An Irving Berlin Musical Revue Oct 16 - Nov 8, 2008
Justin Cowan, musical director ~ Welcome Justin! The man sings, dances AND plays the piano.. his fingers NEVER leaving his hands! Click on each picture to enlarge. Click the back arrow at the top of your browser to return to the page.
Heatwave ~ Easter Parade ~ James Lane ~ Chloe Sabin & Rachel Miller
James Lane & Bobby Logue ~ Bobby Logue, Victor Legarreta & James Lane ~ God Bless America All photography is courtesy of Nick Adams Photography ~ http://www.nickadamsphotography.com (fabulous site, Nick!) Irving Berlin at his finest. Production Credits for We Love a Piano: Written & Directed by: Victor Legarreta ~ Musical Arrangements & Direction by: Justin Cowan ~ Choreography by: Bobby Logue ~ Lighting, Sound & Scenic Design by: Todd Sherman ~ Costume Design by: Victor Legarreta SPONSOR: The Schoolhouse Theater Board of Directors  Bekki's
Review:
AS
USUAL.. Victor scouts and finds the most WONDERFUL, elegant talented
people in the WORLD!!! And brings them to Sanibel Island.
If you like Manhattan Transfer, close harmonies, two songs being sung simultaneously and Justin playing along just like it was normal AND tap dancing, this is definitely the show for you!! FIVE powerful, wonderful voices and great moves. I love harmonies and these harmonies are so tight you can't slide a piece of tissue paper between them. Fabulous, ladies and gents! Let's break down these incredible, new people that you'll have the most fabulous time watching and hearing: Resident Musical Director: Justin P. Cowan. Justin is originally from Greensboro, North Carolina where has worked for numerous years as a freelance Musical Director/Conductor. Justin is 26 years old and has served as Musical Director for over 20 productions. Alongside his busy directing schedule in North Carolina, Justin operated his own Voice & Piano studio working with around 13 students of all age ranges. Recent Music Directing credit include: 'West Side Story', 'Batboy: The Musical', 'The Secret Garden', 'Into The Woods', 'The Wizard Of Oz', 'Songs For A New World', and 'Oliver!' Justin is thrilled to be welcomed to The Schoolhouse Theater Family, and would like to thank Vic Legarreta for this wonderful opportunity. www.justinpcowan.com ~*~*~ James Lane. James is thrilled to be making his debut on The Schoolhouse Theater stage. You may have seen him last year on The Broadway Palm Theatre stage last year on the Main Stage show 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' and on the Off-Broadway Palm stage in 'Monkee Business' just to name a very few of his amazing portrayals. His voice, vocal range, dancing and elegance are totally fabulous.. He's a joy to watch and listen to! Welcome, James! Rachel Miller. Rachel is pleased to be making her debut at The Schoohouse Theater! Currently living in Atlanta with her husband, we're so pleased to be able to 'rent' her for a while to be with us! And adding her voice to the ensemble is like a wonderful piece of the puzzle to help make the whole. Welcome, Rachel!! Chloe Sabin. Chloe was with The Schoolhouse Theater's hilarious production of Run for Your Wife and Caught in the Net (obviously young enough to enjoy being able to remember a GAZILLION MILLION lines common to a Ray Cooney production.. I can't even THINK that fast!! YOU GO GIRL!!) And WHO KNEW she could sing too?? Five5!! Bobby Logue, Resident Choreographer. What can I say about Bobby? He's got world-wide credits as long as his arms and legs.. and he's a tall dude! He's traveled the world as a performer, dance captain and teacher for the nation's largest entertainment company, Chezzam Entertainment. Bobby has performed over 90 productions Nationally and Internationally and been in nearly all of The Schoolhouse Theater musical productions for the last season and this new one. An amazing talent, just walking around like a mortal man.. very sneaky, Bobby!! Victor Legarreta. What can I say about Victor?. Well, see the intro to this page and that tells about his accomplishments. What *I* know is that he's got the most wonderful singing voice (still waiting for that CD from last year's great songs and I KNOW you should be doing one for THIS year's productions to.. giving you the MOM look, mister!!), he's a bone-deep comic, and from what I've witnessed, one of the nicest guys on the planet. Loveya, Babe. My love to all.. Victor, you've done it again! Bekki ~*~*~
Sponsored by Nov. 13 - Dec. 6th
This play is about how disastrous 'home spun' plays can be! A fabulous night was had by all!! Let's see who's in this exciting performance: Shawn Holiday (Saul Watson) ~ Shawn's acting career began on the stage at Cypress Lake Middle School and has taken him through murder mysteries, television, teaching, children's theater, and sketch comedy. His favorite roles are Scrooge in A Christmas Carol and Don Quixote in his own adaptation that he presented in area schools. Great job, Shawn and welcome to The Schoolhouse! James Lane (Billy Carewe) ~ You may have seen him last year on The Broadway Palm Theatre stage last year on the Main Stage show 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' and on the Off-Broadway Palm stage in 'Monkee Business' just to name a very few of his amazing portrayals. His voice, vocal range, dancing and elegance are totally fabulous.. He's a joy to watch and listen to! Kelly Parker-Legarreta (Phyllis Montague) ~ Is happy to be back from a brief theater hiatus! A professional actress for 17 years, she has performed in almost every theater in South Florida in over 50 productions. Great job, Kelly, as always! I love seeing you work! Lisa Marie (Aggie manville) ~ is delighted to return to The Schoolhouse Theater, where she was seen in Caught in the Net last January. Fun as always, cutie patootie!! Chloe Sabin (Violet Imbry) ~ Chloe graduated from Marymount Manhattan College with a BFA in Acting and a Minor in Musical Theater. One of her favorite roles at Marymount was playing Vi Moore in the musical Baby. This past summer Chloe was in The Schoolhouse Theater's hilarious production of Run for Your Wife and Caught in the Net as well as this season's We Love a Piano. Totally fabulous performance! Cathy Schwartz (Marla "Smitty" Smith) ~ Welcome to your first show at The Schoolhouse Theater! Favorite roles include Eponine in Les Miserables and Ariel in Footloose. She has also been involved with productions at the Cultural Park Theatre and FGCU's Theatre Lab. So fun to watch!! Jenny Smith (Geraldine "Gerry" Dunbar) ~ Jenny is thrilled to be making her Schoolhouse Theater debut. A native of St. Lous, MO, Jenny has a BFA in Theater from Arkansas State University and an MFA in Acting from the University of Arkansas. Welcome to The Schoolhouse Theater!!! Tammy Truitt (Louise Peary) ~ Tammy is ecstatic to be back at The Schoolhouse. You may remmber her from Get Down Tonight, Feeling Groovy and Holiday Follies -07. It was so cool watching your performance!! MORE MORE MORE!!! Elayne Wilks (Polly Benish) ~ After teaching for 25 years, this native New Yorker studied theatre and began a second career. She has performed Off-Broadway and since moving to Hollywood, FL., elayne has worked the east coast from Boca to Coconut Grove and the west coast from Tampa to Fort Myers and - finally - Sanibel! Great to have you aboard, Elayne! Dave Yudowitz (Henry Benish) ~ is so happy to be back performing on the stage of The Schoolhouse theater. Although he is in the theater regularly serving as business manager, there is nothing to compare to 'treading the boards'. He was last seen in Caught in the Net and Run for Your Wife during this past summer's productions. Another cutie pie! It was great seeing you again! ~*~*~ THE HOLLY JOLLY FOLLIES
Sponsored by Dec. 16th – Dec.
31st
~*~*~
Sponsored by Jan. 12th - Feb. 7th
~*~*~
Sponsored by Feb. 12th - March
7th
Check out this cast:
Both he and Victor Legarreta have the most incredible versatility to blend in any .. and I MEAN any vocal venue on the planet. Adam shook us with his "Old Man River" and when he and Victor don long-haired wigs and add their higher end vocals to blend with the girls as nuns (with beards) in stunning controlled falsetto, they, together with the group brought us the most solid and intricate harmonies I've ever heard being utilized the whole evening thru. And funny as all get out to watch. Adam's memory is also incredible (as are his stunning good looks.. whew! {flaps hand in front of face to cool me down.. giving a Cougar-like grrrowl }).. I did a very glowing but totally truthful review about him around 4 years ago and he darn near recited it back to me! Dang!! And he remembered I'm an Iowa girl.. heck, *I* can't remember I'm an Iowa girl.. Adam, I love ya, man! (wipes tear).. again, digressing all over myself, luckily I keep Handy-Wipes with me for just such moments.. ok, where was I... ?? Oh, yes!
My friend, Linda and I saw Amanda and Olivia, that I will tell you about in a second, during a bingo game at the Schoolhouse Theater Fund-raiser, Sunday, Feb. 22, at The Sanctuary Golf Club clubhouse.. she's funny as all get out just in REAL life!! She's totally a scream on stage and Olivia is the most positive side of precociousness I've seen in a very long time, but digressing again.. Ok, I'm back!
Every show is more memorable than the last and the first show I ever saw is STILL with me to this day. (totally unusual in someone as ancient and venerable as myself, but somehow it's all in there and accessible! Go figure.. I can't remember what I had for breakfast today..). To come up with the serious productions with the side-splitting undercurrent of humor that surfaces, stays for a second til we 'get it' and then gently submerges again where we say, "What did we just see?" to the out and out OUT there laugh-riot.. you slay me, my friend. Every show is a MUST SEE AGAIN show. If you enjoyed it and your friend didn't get out to see it, you MUST bring them and YOU see it again. You really must. I insist!
~*~*~
Sponsored by
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
Starring Adam Clough, Jayar Garcia, James Lane, Amanda Lawson, Amanda Martin, Andy Meyers, Samantha Rotella, Tammy Truitt and Dick Westlake. Now let's get to the REAL meat of the show.. OH, MY GOSH!!! I Love the movie.. I LOVE this show!!! And most of all, being a vocalist myself and LOVING powerful voices, this show is incredible! The plant is amazing and.. wow.. it's just ALL great!
The TRIO
The reason I'm grouping these three fabulous women is that together, their harmonies left me breathless and gave me chills. Their moves, their voices, their total blend was sooo.. wow! This production would have been so bereft without them. I want to thank you all so much for all you give to us every night, every production, every year. And a mere thanks is so little, it seems, but it's so heart-felt. Thank you, ALL. ~ Bekki ~*~*~
MURDER AT THE HOWARD
JOHNSON'S
Written by Sam Bobrick & Ron Clark, Directed by Victor Legarreta, Properties by Bobby Logue, Lighting ~ Sound ~ Scenic Design by Todd Sherman and Costume Design by Victor Legarretta. Scene 1 takes place in room 514 a week before Christmas.. Mitchell and Arlene are plotting Arlene's husband Paul's murder. Ok, I thought this was hilarious.. Scene II takes place in room 907 on the 4th of July. Arlene and her sort-of estranged husband are plotting to kill her lover, Mitchell. Ok, THIS was even MORE hilarious. I thought .."what could be more funny than the first two scenes?" I had NO idea how funny the final scene was.. Scene III takes place in 1015 on New Year's Eve. Mitchell and Paul are plotting to kill Arlene (sheesh, can't we all just GET ALONG? but how funny would THAT be??) The humor level is totally maintained and as soon as we catch a breath from rolling at one totally rocking moment, the next is upon us! VERY VERY VERY FUN JOB, all!!! Check out the cast:
Thank you ALL so much for all you do for us! We are totally blessed to have the ability to come and see you, groove with your productions and have you mingle amongst us mortals for just a little while. And it was so cool to see your past-castmates in the audience with us enjoying your work as well.. a total treat! Keep up the wonderful, excellent work! ~ Bekki
BUT WAIT, THERE"S MORE!!! there will SUMMER ATTRACTIONS AS WELL!! Two fun musical reviews (and you KNOW how we love them!!!) Where the Girls Are! Featuring Swing ~ Motown ~ Do-wop & Broadway!!! CAN"T WAIT ~ AND ~ on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 7 pm: Now THAT"S Entertainment!
But what I saw was amazing.. AS USUAL!!! Little Olivia is BACK!!!! and there's a New Kid and wow! the show (what I got to see of it) ROCKS!!! First of all there's Victor.. the fun-meister extraordinaire!! The songs SEEM like they're going to be serious and then he whips humor into it and it's wonderfully funny!! Heavenly voice (please do a CD or so.. I'll buy whatever you produce!) and what range.. dances, sings, acts.. wow.. Good job, as usual, Vic! Olivia Miller.. this kid's 11 years old!! do you have a CLUE as to what I was doing at 11? All I can say is that parts of it entailed chewing the feet off my Barbie Doll.. don't ask.. but I was so appalled it's stuck w me for years. Probably what caused 'the twitch' in my right eye.. but I digress.. This little whipper is adorable! Sings (ON KEY!!!), dances, acts, has a black belt in karate and plays competitive soccer (well, that's because she's young and tiny and CAN move like that.. check back w me when you're sixty, babygirl!) ..and if that's not enough, she commands the room wherever she goes.. good girl! The New Kid! Kallie Torres, is a junior at the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama. And this is her debut production! and doesn't seem scared at all by all of us! Brave girl! This girl can sing and her dance moves are so fluid and funky.. a joy to watch and hear.! Welcome, sweet! My girl Samantha Rotella.. someday I want a video of her, just so I can practice her graceful moves.. perhaps they're not 'instantly attained' since it's so innate in her to move with such grace and elegance and SING!! Dang, woman.. the whole package! You and your buddy Olivia make the cutest people to watch! It shows! No wonder you're so sought after in Vic's productions! I loveya, girlie! My buddy Bobby! Sings, Dances, looks cute in wigs.. the total guy! I'm so proud to know you! And he loves my art.. what can I say? Bobby is also out in the lobby selling 50/50 tickets.. the monies gifted while purchasing these go to the Children's Theater.. which teaches them that there IS more than wii, video games, couch potatoeing (sounds like an Olympic Sport, doesn't it? sadly, it's wide-spread enough ~ like some buns I've seen ~ that it's become scary. Vic and the gang are SO trying to change that and personally, I think it's workin!!!! yay, ya'll!) Our Tammy Truit.. have you SEEN her eyes? She's gorgeous! AND can sing, act and dance.. NO idea where Vic finds all these gems, but count Tammy as one of his shining ones! She runs karaoke on Fort Myers Beach and voted Best of the Beach 2007.. of course she was.. they'd be nuts-o if they hadn't voted her best!
And next is Where the Girls Are!! Can't wait! I'll be back! ~ Bekki
Where the Girls Are
May 23rd- Aug. 15th
Tues. and Thurs
Samantha Rotella ~ Tammy Truitt ~ Olivia Miller ~ Kailie Torres (photo coming soon!) and Justin Cowan Where the Girls Are Features Talented Cast Join local favorites Samantha Rotella, Tammy Truitt, Olivia Miller, and newcomer Kailie Torres as they travel through the decades- bringing classic female songs to life. Music provided by Justin Cowan, musical director! The man sings, dances AND plays the piano.. his fingers NEVER leaving his hands! Samantha Rotella was last seen delivering the comedy in the hit Murder at the Howard Johnson’s. Earlier this season she appeared in Little Shop of Horrors, Classic Broadway Abridged, and The Holly Jolly Follies. Tammy Truitt has also been a familiar face this season having performed in Play On, Out of Order, and Little Shop of Horrors. Child prodigy Olivia Miller has quickly sung her way into the hearts of audiences throughout the season. She was featured in The Holly Jolly Follies, and Classic Broadway Abridged. Kailie Torres rounds out the group of talented females. While new to the island, Torres is no stranger to performing and is currently a student at Carnegie Mellon School of Drama and has appeared in many productions such as The Producers at the West Virginia Public Theater. Where the Girls Are opens Saturday, May 23rd and plays through August 13th. This high-energy musical pays tribute to some of the most recognized female-sung songs of all times such as RESPECT, Sincerely, and Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy! Where the Girls Are runs Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday through June 20th. After that, on Tuesday and Thursday nights only. Special summer prices are in effect; $25 for adults and $10 for children 16 and under. Performances are also at the special time of 7pm. Please call the Box Office at (239) 472-6862 for tickets or visit our website at www.TheSchoolhouseTheater.com for more information. Also, follow use on Twitter at SchoolhouseSNBL! The Herb Strauss Schoolhouse Theater is located at 2200 Periwinkle Way Sanibel, Fl. 33957.
Remember the Andrews Sister, McGuire Sisters, Lennon Sisters? Well, sistah, this IS the production that is like cotton candy for your ears! I loved it.. the guests we brought ADORED it! What a GREAT show!!! I love harmonies.. and this show is so tight you can't slide a piece of onion-skin paper between any part of it. It has it all, Dancing, Singing, A cutie-patootie kid (our own Olivia!) and the vocals are, as they continually are if Victor has anything to say about it, and trust me.. he does!, totally amazing. I love every production that occurs at The Herb Strauss Schoolhouse Theater, and this is no exception. Come and join in the fun and EAR candy! Do NOT hesitate to join in the fun and bring all your friends, your visitors, your family.. they ARE the best!What better way to spend the summer?? I certainly can't think of a better one! Love to all! Bekki ~*~*~
The Schoolhouse
Theater http://www.theschoolhousetheater.com http://www.myspace.com/theschoolhousetheater ~*~*~ Bekki's unashamed plug: 'Stylin' to save the planet, One Bag At A Time'. Please help stop the use of plastic bags! You can purchase my bags directly from Bobby Logue at the Theater, or order some from my website, below: |
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We
welcome Adam Clough to the Schoolhouse
stage. A little back story: This man totally won me over when I saw him
in several productions at The Broadway Palm Theatre on the
mainland. His voice is the deepest, most resonant bass I've ever heard.
Tonight and in this production, we finally realize his scope and range.
Let's
also welcome Amanda Martin. Jeez.. I
thought her voice knocked my sox off when she just .. sang.. then when
they did the 'Phantom of the Opera' segment and she sang 'Christine's
part all the way to the top (of course, shrugging it off with pretend
coughing at the end and looking at her watch waiting for her note to
finish.. we howled). She's adorable, her voice is totally amazing.
And then
there is Samantha Rotilla.. ah,
Sam.. Sam..
Damn, Sam!! You continue to thrill and
entertain us. She says she's the comic relief. You can say that again
until she gets down and serious with a song. Continuing in her fabulous
way, she is SUCH a wonderful addition to this and any production we have
the pleasure to see her in. Wow. Thanks, Sam
for allowing us so much of you.
And wait
til you check out Olivia Miller.. holy
mother of pearl!!! Is she ever a small person to be reckoned with now
and I can't even figure out how huge she'll continue to be as she grows
.. notice I didn't say 'grows up'.. I don't think any of us in the
entertainment world grow up, no matter how 'out there in the lights' or
low profile we are. Olivia is like, 11
years old. She totally holds her own with her power of voice amongst
these other most seasoned performers.. WOW! She sings, she dances, she
acts and IS the tiny powerhouse that helps propel this incredible
evening's production to the awesome and fun level that it starts,
maintains and ends with. So much for low blood pressure with this show..
it's excitement all the way!
I've got
GOT GOT to give Victor more Props.. the
man.. Vic, YOU are the most amazing man for
bringing together CONSTANTLY the most 'some sort of adjective that I've
not used but can't remember what it is' talent, voices, people together
consistently on the stage before us that I've EVER seen. 
Jayar
Garcia is the PUPPETEER for THE PLANT. We don't get to see him
but his work at making the plant MOVE is awesome! He's done great work
on the mainland with the Prather Family at The
Broadway Palm and is an incredible singer, dancer and all around
performer. Great job, Jayar!
James
Lane. He IS the Deh-he-n-tist! So Steve Martin-like it's awesome,
and yet.. scarily accurate. Totally wonderful. And again what a voice.
He, too, has come to us after being seen in some of
The Broadway Palm productions. Ladies and
Gentlemen, if you're not running back and forth between both theaters in
excitement and awe I have no idea why not. Some of the most amazing
productions TO ME, in our little corner of the world are produced
between these two fabulous houses of art and entertainment. And they
host ONLY the best of the best for us to enjoy.
Andy
Meyers is SEYMORE. Yet another powerful voice. And is another
gift to the theater, a gift to the community and a total gift to the
show. Thanks, Andy!
Dick
Westlake is Mr. Mushnik. Outstanding and an interesting note: He
directed the first 3 productions ever seen in the Sanibel Schoolhouse
Theater! He, too, comes to us from The Broadway
Palm family. I LOVE how everyone works together for the thrill
and love of the stage and we are so blessed with that desire for
entertainment.
Tammy Truitt is CHIFFON and runs karaoke on
Fort Myers Beach and voted Best of the Beach 2007! You GO, GIRL!!!!
Amanda
Lawson is CHRISTAL and she's here all the way from Indiana, just
for us! Thank you for such an wonderful
performance, Amanda!
Marcus Kiehl (Mitchell
Lovell) is back from L.A! What a hoot! Thanks, Marcus for
journeying back to us! We've missed you and wife Mindy Montavon SO
MUCH!!!! Marcus is a total joy to watch.. playing a character with
arrogance and the timing is PERFECT! You are SO good.. and so funny!
Great job!
Matthew Edwards (Paul Miller) returns to
The Schoolhouse Theater after having last been seen as "Stanley" in
Caught in the Net, and as Richard in Out of Order. How in the
heck do ya'll remember all those lines?? Ok, probably because you're not
as old and feeble-minded as I am!! LOL (thank heaven I still maintain my
devastatingly good looks to get me by! LOL) We're so happy to have you
in the show! The three of you work so well together