CenterStage Clovis started off their 2019 Season on a high note Saturday, March 9, at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District. Part of the Encore! Cabaret Series, “Duets” celebrated popular duets of the American musical theatre and gave ticket holders a preview of the quality entertainment they can expect to see this season.
Tickets included a pre-performance reception. Guests enjoyed complimentary champagne, delicious hors d’oeuvres, the opportunity to participate in a silent auction, and to mingle with the evening’s performers.
Several members of the audience were returning guests.
“We have such talent right here,” said Harriet Smith. “I so enjoyed this last year.”
“I was invited at CenterStage show Beauty and Beast three years ago by my good friend, Ikuko Watnick,” said Kimiko Schock. “I not only enjoyed the show but also was very impressed by energetic people making the show a great success. Timeless songs can bring back memories; it sure did fondly for me. I am looking forward to seeing both shows in summer.”
Emcee Darren Tharp expertly guided the audience through the duets from 12 favorite musicals, including the CenterStage upcoming productions of “Matilda” (performance date June 21-29) “When I Grow Up” (Klaire Mason and Michael Medina) and “Legally Blonde” (performance date July 25- August 3) “Legally Blonde” (Jessica Massie and Joseph Ham.) Tharp also announced the expected celebrity appearance of Victor E. Bulldog III in “Legally Blonde.”
Other selections included “You Love Who You Love” from “Bonnie and Clyde” (Madi Broach and Jacquie Broach), “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” from “Beautiful” (Joseph Ham and Heather Price), “Apex Predator” from “Mean Girls” (Grace Reyes and Emelie Richardson) and “The Phantom of the Opera” from “The Phantom of the Opera” (Olga Bergstrom and Chris Moran).
Kim Schapansky provided musical accompaniment for the arrangements, which ranged from upbeat to humorous to hauntingly beautiful. The barbershop quartet, The Front Line, began the program with their toe-tapping sound, “Come Fly with Me” and closed with a rendition of “Paper Moon.”
CenterStage Clovis is a community non-profit (501c3) organization dedicated to bringing fine live theatre to the Central Valley. Production costs are met by theater box office revenues, community donations, and sponsor support.
There are a variety of theatre-related opportunities in which community members may participate, such as performing, lighting, playwriting and directing. Open auditions are held for each production.
Roald Dahl’s multi-award-winning “Matilda the Musical” will be performed June 21-29, 2019, at the Mercedes Edwards Theatre. It is the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life.
“We’re particularly excited about this production,” says board president Brandon Crane. “It will be a great family-friendly production with loads of opportunities for Valley performing arts students. We’re putting particulars together for a three-day spring break camp that focuses on acting, singing, and dancing using material from our upcoming production of Matilda. At the end of the course, we’ll have the kids ready for auditions!”
For more information about season tickets, sponsor opportunities, and upcoming events, please visit centerstageclovis.com or call 559-323-8744.