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 By JENNIFER TANGEMAN
Staff Writer
Few people exhibit an enthusiasm about historical artifacts as Jim Bowsher does.
When crews working for G.A. Wintzer and Son Co. started working to build new office space on West Auglaize Street, they came across some interesting finds where a rental home had previously sat.
Jim Kent and others of Kent Surveying began finding pieces of artifacts. They called in local history buff, Bowsher, to try to figure out what the bits and pieces meant.
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Lightning strikes with 'Grease' showings |
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Wednesday, 22 July 2009 |
By KRISTA HAYES
Staff Writer
After rehearsing eight weeks to get their singing and acting skills near perfection, members of the Wapak Theatre Guild once again take the stage this weekend to perform the hit broadway musical production of “Grease.”
With the Thunderbirds and Pink Ladies, the Guild members are slated to perform this weekend, July 24-26, and next weekend, July 31-Aug. 2 at the Buckland Community Center, with all Friday and Saturday shows beginning at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees starting at 2 p.m.
“Everybody loves ‘Grease’,” Wapak Theatre Guild Director Scott Bowman said. “It’s just one of those productions that nearly everyone has seen in theater or on film over and over and can recite all the songs and characters lines by heart.
“I know in theater, people are always comparing the production to the movie,” he said, “and our interpretation is really not all that different. The characters are all there and I think the cast has had a ball in rehearsing and is ready to show the community what they’ve been up to for the past eight weeks.”
With more than 30 years experience in community theatre, Bowman said “Grease” will be the eighth show he has directed for the Wapak Theatre Guild with the help of his assistant director Derek Morman, music director Adam Dillinger and choreographers Vickie Beining and Jan Crumrine.
“I actually got started in theater while I was working as a stage hand for our school’s production of ‘Grease,’” Bowman said. “I was helping to paint the set during rehearsal and since I knew all the songs, I decided to sing along. Well, the director overheard me and told me I just had to be in his show, so I was cast to play Roger and I haven’t stopped performing since.”
Holding productions three times a year in the spring, summer and fall since its establishment 41 years ago in 1968, the guild has performed production pieces of all genres — drama, comedy and musical — including “Come Blow Your Horn,” “The Odd Couple,” “On Golden Pond” and “Love, Sex and the IRS.”
“We usually perform a musical at least once a year, but we also try to strive to offer a good representation of the other genres as well, with comedy seeming to be everyone’s favorite,” Bowman said. “In the past we have held dinner theatres, performing ‘Steel Magnolias’ last fall and ‘Dearly Departed’ last spring.”
Bowman said tickets for the Guild’s upcoming production of “Grease” cost $10 and can be purchased by contacting the Guild at 419-738-2248 to make reservations or can be bought at at the door.
“The money we collect from our performances is used to cover the costs of printing the programs, paying the orchestra, and handling the expenses associated with hair, makeup and costumes,” Bowman said. “Sometimes we will purchase costumes from Good Will or will borrow items from other groups, such as the theatre group from Ohio Northern that is letting us use their poodle skirts and Pink Ladies jackets for ‘Grease.’”
Among the 16 cast members ranging in age and location, is Wapakoneta resident Sarah Mollohan, playing a leading role as the beloved Frenchy, or better known to most as a beauty school drop out.
“This will be my first time performing with the Guild and I’m really excited,” Mollohan said. “Frenchy is such a fun character to play because she helps bring out my girly side as opposed to my everyday sports girl side.”
After giving the local community a taste of what their in for by performing a series of songs from ‘Grease’ during the Summer Moon Festival, Bowman said the group is always seeking new talented members.
“We’re always welcoming new members to join us anytime by holding opening auditions for all our shows, and we can teach and train anyone,” Bowman said. “Community theatres are hidden treasures that hold so much talent that really their productions are just as good as you would see anywhere else, offering the same quality as big-named theatres in Dayton and Lima.”
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 23 July 2009 )
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