Broadway In Concert!

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Broadway In Concert!




This Saturday, August 14, Seattle Musical Theatre presents "Broadway in Concert: A Gala Fundraiser for Seattle Musical Theatre."


The gala concert features favorite performers from Seattle Musical Theatre performing your favorite Broadway songs--and Gina Wilhelm Actress is one of those performers!

The numbers featured will represent songs from past, current, and future shows that have played on the SMT stage, as well as a few that will probably never be shown there (I believe mine falls into the latter category).

Proceeds from this concert will benefit Seattle Musical Theatre. There are two performances on August 14, one at 3 p.m. and another at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20 per person, but children under 12 can attend the 3 p.m. performance for free with a paying adult.

Both concerts are on Seattle Musical Theatre's stage at the Magnuson Park Theater, at 7250 62nd Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115, in building 74.

For reservations, please call (206) 363-2809 or visit http://www.seattlemusicaltheatre.com/.

Come to a fun concert for a terrific cause!

Gina Wilhelm Actress

"Company" at Seattle Musical Theatre

Gina Wilhelm Actress - "Company" at Seattle Musical Theatre

Stephen Sondheim's "Company" opened this weekend at Seattle Musical Theatre and is playing through February 28. I had the opportunity to see the show today, and I highly recommend it.

The play was groundbreaking when it premiered, telling a story in associated vignettes, rather than as a linear narrative.

The play tells the story of Robert, played by Ryan Demerick, on his 35th birthday. Robert's married friends are throwing him a birthday party. Throughout the play, Robert and his friends reflect on marriage.

The whole cast, made up of SMT veterans and a few strong newcomers, is very strong, handling the intricate rhythms and harmonies masterfully.

Standouts include Demerick, who has much of the weight of the show on his shoulders, and must make frequent rapid mood shifts throughout. His "Being Alive" was poignant.

Allison Standley, as Marta, has a strong voice on "Another Hundred People," extolling the virtues of Manhattan, before having a fun dialogue with Robert.

Kat Schroeder, last seen at SMT as Ulla in "The Producers," brilliantly portrayed frantic neurosis in her patter song "Getting Married Today."

Dawn Brazell gives a powerful performance as Joanne, a "difficult woman," who is brashy and strident. Her "The Ladies Who Lunch" was a revealing insight into the character.

Finally, Danielle Barnum, was played the title character in "Jane Eyre," was adorable as April. Her performance was all the more impressive for the contrast between the two characters.

April and Robert have the duet "Barcelona," which can be dull and pedantic, but here was charming.

The high point of the show for me was their scene together before that duet. The characters connected well with each other and the audience.

"Company" runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. They also have a 7:30 performance on Thursday, February 25.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 206-363-2809. You can also visit the SMT website. Tickets range from $30-35 for adults and $25-30 for students and seniors.

The address for Magnuson Park is 7400 Sand Point Way NE. The theater is in building 47. Directions and maps are also on the SMT website.

The website also has a "study guide" for the play. Come find out why Sondheim called "Company" his favorite show he's written!

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Last Chance to See The Producers!

Last Chance to See The Producers!

Seattle Musical Theatre's production of "The Producers" closes this weekend at Seattle's Magnuson Park. The play runs through October 4th.

We have a 7:30 performance Thursday, Oct. 1. We also show Friday and Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 2 pm.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 206-363-2809. You can also visit the SMT website. Tickets range from $30-35 for adults and $25-30 for students and seniors.

The address for Magnuson Park is 7400 Sand Point Way NE. The theater is in building 47. Directions and maps are also on the SMT website.

It is being suggested that audience members be age 17 and up. As Max says of the play-within-the-play, it's "certain to offend peoples of all races, creeds, and religions."

Of course, what he neglected to add is that it's absolutely hilarious.

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Review of The Producers in the Seattle Times

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Review of The Producers in the Seattle Times

The Seattle Times printed a lovely review of "The Producers," in which I appear as Lick Me-Bite Me (a little old lady), as well as a number of other roles.

Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. through October 4 with an additional Thursday show October 1 at 7:30 p.m.

The theater is in Magnuson Park at 7400 Sand Point Way in Seattle in building 47.

For tickets, call (206) 363-2809 or visit the website for details.

In particular, the review pointed out the good chemistry between Max (Andrew Parks) and Leo (Justin Beal).

It also singles out Doug Knoop as playwright Franz Liebkind and Buddy Mahoney as Roger DeBris

The author says that Kat Schroeder, as Ulla, "sizzles" in her performance of "When You've Got It, Flaunt It."

The review is highly complimentary of the "tight ensemble" and the direction. He particularly likes the "ghastly glory" of the "Springtime for Hitler" number.

The reviewer, John Hartl, particularly likes the technical touches and calls the show a "snappy production" that "can't go wrong."

There are two weeks left to catch "The Producers!"

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Pay-What-You-Can Preview for The Producers

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Pay-What-You-Can Preview for The Producers

There will be a pay-what-you-can preview for "The Producers" on Thursday, September 17. Doors open at 7:30, curtain is at 8.

This is a great opportunity to see the show on a budget and a good chance for us to see where the laughs are going to be. There will be plenty!

The address for Magnuson Park is 7400 Sand Point Way NE. The theater is in building 47. Directions and maps are also on the SMT website.

Then, we open on Friday!

Hope to see you there!

Gina Wilhelm Actress

The Producers are Coming!

Gina Wilhelm Actress - The Producers are Coming!

Seattle Musical Theatre's production of "The Producers" opens Friday, September 18th, at Seattle's Magnuson Park. The play runs through October 4th.

We show Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. We also have a 7:30 performance on Thursday, Oct. 1.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 206-363-2809. You can also visit the SMT website. Tickets range from $30-35 for adults and $25-30 for students and seniors.

The address for Magnuson Park is 7400 Sand Point Way NE. The theater is in building 47. Directions and maps are also on the SMT website.

The website also has a "study guide" for the play.

"The Producers" is Mel Brooks's musical based on his 1968 movie of the same name starring Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder.

The Broadway play starred Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick and won a record-breaking 12 Tony awards.

It is being suggested that audience members be age 17 and up. As Max says of the play-within-the-play, it's "certain to offend peoples of all races, creeds, and religions."

Of course, what he neglected to add is that it's absolutely hilarious.

I play various characters, including a "First Nighter," the follies girl with the bratwurst costume, and Lick Me-Bite Me (one of the little old ladies).

I'm particularly excited, as I really love the 1968 movie and the Broadway production, and I actually get to be a dancer in this play. It's a lot of fun.

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Review of Jane Eyre in the Seattle Times

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Review of Jane Eyre in the Seattle Times

The Seattle Times printed a lovely review of "Jane Eyre", in which I appear in dual roles of Miss Scatcherd and Lady Ingram, today.

Showtimes are Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. through March 1st.

The theater is in Magnuson Park at 7400 Sand Point Way in Seattle in building 47.

For tickets, call (206) 363-2809 or visit the website for details.

In particular, the review pointed out the good chemistry between Jane (Danielle Barnum) and Rochester (James Padilla).

It also singles out the girls playing young Jane (Keaton Whittaker) and Helen Burns (Olivia Spokoiny). It doesn't say so in the review, but both of these girls, less than half my age, are complete professionals.

Other accolades are given to Jenny Shotwell as Blanche Ingram and Walayn Sharples as Mrs. Fairfax.

The review is highly complimentary of the performance, though has some criticism of the script itself.

The reviewer, John Hartl, particularly likes the touches that director Gregory Magyar did involving young and adult Jane.

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Jane Eyre Opens Today!

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Jane Eyre Opens Today!

Seattle Musical Theatre's production of "Jane Eyre" opens today, February 13th, at Seattle's Magnuson Park.

The play runs through March 1. We show Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. We also have a 7:30 performance on Thursday, Feb. 26.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 206-363-2809. You can also visit the SMT website.

Tickets range from $30-35 for adults and $25-30 for students and seniors.

The address for Magnuson Park is 7400 Sand Point Way NE. The theater is in building 47. Directions and maps are also on the SMT website.

The website also has a "study guide" for the play.

I play Miss Scatcherd, Lady Ingram, and a maidservant.

I'm particularly excited, as this is my first show with SMT, a company with which I've wanted to work for QUITE some time.

The show is directed by Gregory Magyar, who directed me in Inherit the Wind.

You've read about the auditions, now see the show!

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Dates for Jane Eyre

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Here's an early announcement for dates and times for Jane Eyre:

The show will run February 13-March 1, 2009. It will be Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, Sundays at 2 pm.

There will also be a performance on February 26 at 7:30 pm.

Tickets can be purchased by calling (206) 363-2809 or by going to Click4Tix.

Ticket information can be found at Seattle Musical Theatre's website.

Gina Wilhelm Actress

The Conclusion of the Audition Saga

Gina Wilhelm Actress

I had my "Jane Eyre" callback last night at Seattle Musical Theatre.

It was a good-if very chilly-audition. I have it on good authority from my friend who's done two shows there that the dressing rooms are frigid. I bet that a space heater is a really poor idea, too. Darn.

There were a ton of people there I know, and a ton more that I've seen in other shows.

The director said up front that they were going to have people read for certain roles; we wouldn't necessarily read for all parts. Then folks would be going home as he was finished with us.

I appreciate this. I've been to 6-hour callbacks, and they're frustrating. It makes me feel like the director actually respects my time, too.

First they had the little Janes go. All really good candidates; I could see any of them in the part. Luckily, there are other children in the show, so maybe the other two will get in.

After that, they had most of the candidates do a big ensemble piece. The music director kept swapping people in and out and listening to the group.

There were only four people there who weren't auditioning for roles that double with ensemble, so they had us pretty much all up there. Then they had some girls read for another role.

Finally, they called up a Mrs. Fairfax candidate. It turns out they wanted me to read that, too. There was a scene, and then they had us learn not one but TWO songs.

The first song was a character piece, sort of pattery, with all sorts of chromatic notes. With lots of counting and syncopation. Ack! It was HARD!

Then we learned another song. This one was a trio. With more counting. So, um, ack again.

They kept changing up the parts this time again. But they had me sing my voice part twice. I was the only one who got to sing that voice part twice.

Anyway, the upshot of all this is that I got a call at 5 p.m. today (Well, 4:58)!

I've been cast as Miss Scatcherd (which was the part I sang twice in the trio) and Lady Ingram, who is the mother of Jane's rival. And then I'll be in the ensemble when I'm not playing those.

I have no idea who else is in my show.

The two women who were reading for my daughter are awfully close in age to me. So I'll be acting AND in make up. I get to create two completely different characters that are both older than I am.

I'm very excited. I've wanted to work with this director again since the last show I did with him, and I've wanted to work with this company for a long time.

First rehearsal is this upcoming Monday. I'm sure I'll post more about rehearsals as things occur.

Huzzah!

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Audition Update

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Earlier this week I reported on my general audition for Seattle Musical Theatre's production of "Jane Eyre the Musical."

Yesterday I received a call from my friend, who happens to be doing props for the show. She frequently stage manages at SMT, but not this time out. Anyway, apparently she was doing the callback calls, because she told me I'm called for the second day of callbacks.

I have no idea for what I'm called. I'm hoping it's for Bertha, the wife locked in the tower. I've been told by a few people I'm well suited to the role and vice-versa. But I'll just have to see.

The callback is on Monday. Stay posted. Once again, more details to follow.

Gina Wilhelm Actress

In Which I Audition for a Show

Gina Wilhelm Actress

That's right, it's a post about ME for once.

Today I had an audition for an actual-gasp-musical. Not Gilbert & Sullivan or Opera or anything. This was Seattle Musical Theatre's "Jane Eyre The Musical."

And I was even there on time. As promised.

Everyone there who knew me seemed pleased to see me, and the assistant stage manager, whom I don't know, was very nice. And she kept me from saying I wanted to be considered for what I assume was an ingenue part (Two characters with names beginning with "B" with which I would never ever saddle a poor kid. Too confusing).

I'm especially pleased with how my song went. We spent a lot of time working on it, and I think it paid off. It's been out of my regular rotation, but I think I may go back to singing "My Funny Valentine" more often.

After I sang, the music director wanted to hear me do some other things, so I'm feeling optimistic about this one. Fingers crossed. Hopefully this post will be just part one of a series. Stay tuned!

Gina Wilhelm Actress