It is not every day that a former world-renowned Rockette and Broadway performer embarks on a mid-sized town to lead a regional production.  Former Rockette, Eileen Grace, has recently settled in Roanoke to live and work during the next four weeks.  Grace will serve as the director and choreographer for Mill Mountain Theatre’s final show of 2016, the ever-popular White Christmas.  She will direct nearly two dozen cast members as they exhibit their exceptional talent on the Mill Mountain Theatre Trinkle Main Stage beginning November 30.

Grace directed and staged the wondrous Radio City Christmas Spectacular touring productions for nine years and her choreography credits include more than 40 musicals.  Her television credits include the Grammy Awards, the Tony Awards, One Life to Live, the Today Show, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Kennedy Center Honors, the Late Show with David Letterman, and Oprah.  “I never dreamt that I’d have this kind of career.  It’s been an amazing ride,” Grace exclaimed.

White Christmas has enabled Grace to make a return trip to the Star City.  She served as the choreographer for 42^nd Street during Mill Mountain Theatre’s 2015 season.  This year several local students will have the opportunity to work alongside the seasoned professional.

Four area students that have been involved with the Mill Mountain Theatre Conservatory program will be part of the youth ensemble for the upcoming production.  Cave Spring High School junior, Caitlin Carter, most recently appeared as Cinderella in Mill Mountain Theatre’s summer production Into the Woods, Jr.  A junior at Patrick Henry High School, Cathleen Turner, will also return to the Mill Mountain Theatre stage after performing in 42^nd Street last year.  Mason Peters, a fourth grader at Parkway Christian Academy, has performed locally in a variety of roles.  Olivia Goodman, a Fincastle, Virginia, native and Central Academy Middle School student, will play the part of Susan Waverly as she represents the child’s perspective in the holiday classic.  Most recently she performed as Little Red Riding Hood in the family-friendly show, Into the Woods Jr.

As White Christmas comes to a close on December 18, Mill Mountain Theatre will conclude the 2016 season with a two-night only concert entitled Holiday Music. The shows on December 20 and December 21 will delight audiences of all ages.

White Christmas runs November 30 through December 18.  The shows will take place on the Trinkle Main Stage in the Wells Fargo Auditorium at Center in the Square.

Beverages can be purchased from the bar beginning at 6:30 p.m. and continuing through intermission.  Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 7:00 p.m.  The Saturday and Sunday matinees will begin at 2:00 p.m. with doors opening at 1:30 p.m.

Tickets are available from the Center in the Square box office by calling (540) 342-5740 or online via Mill Mountain Theatre’s website at www.millmountain.org.

Mill Mountain Theater is grateful for the support from Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital; The Roanoke Star and TheRoanokeStar.com; and WDBJ Television. 

Additional support for White Christmas is made possible in part by generous underwriting by Boxley; Corrugated Container Corp.; Member One Federal Credit Union; Avis Construction Co.; Catawba Capital Management; Varney, Inc.; Elk Hill Advisors, Inc.; Integrated Textile Solutions; Miller, Long & Associates; The Wadsworth Group at Morgan Stanley; Oakey’s Funeral Service & Crematory; Richfield Living; Roanoke Animal Hospital; Roanoke Gas Company/RGC Resources; and Spilman Thomas & Battle PLLC.

Appreciation is also extended to the following sponsors for their support of the 2016 Music Series: Bank of Floyd; Jefferson Surgical Clinic; Skyline Capital Strategies, LLC; Virginia Varsity Transfer/Virginia Varsity Storage; Woods Rogers PLC; and Business Solutions, Inc.

The Education Department at Mill Mountain Theatre is excited to announce auditions for our spring programming. There are several opportunities for students of all ages to perform and grow both onstage at MMT, and outside the theatre’s walls. Auditions will be held Tuesday, December 6th from 5:00-8:00 PM on the Waldron Stage. Please email conservatoryauditions@nullmillmountain.org to request an audition time, and indicate in your email which opportunities you would like to be considered for. If you are unavailable on the scheduled day, please email to request an early audition.

Patchwork is a new play which will be performed and devised by the company with Travis and Jay co-directing. The production is the result of a partnership with History Museum of Western Virginia, and will run alongside their current exhibit, Reading Appalachia. The performances will be on Saturday, February 18th with rehearsals beginning in January. We are looking for High School and Middle School performers. Those who want to audition should prepare a short monologue for their audition.

Music Theatre Conservatory is our by-audition-only, advanced music theatre performance class. This class will meet on Thursday evenings from 7:00-9:00 PM from February 2 – March 30. The class will be co-taught by Jay, Travis, and Seth. We are looking for High School and Middle School performers. Those who want to audition should prepare a 1 minute monologue and a short audition song cut.

The Velveteen Rabbit is our spring Young Audiences production. It will be an original adaptation of the classic story, written and directed by Jay Briggs to feature young performers. Rehearsals will begin the week of January 30th. The show opens on March 25 with additional performances on March 27, 31, and April 1. We are seeking Middle School and Elementary School performers and one adult female performer. Auditionees should prepare a short monologue or poem.

Our last feature on the POE cast is an interview with Tela Espelage. Tela is rejoining MMT as a high school student after last taking classes with us in elementary school! We are happy to have her back. She has been an important member of this cast and our Music Theatre Conservatory this fall.

MMT: How old are you, Tela?

Tela: 15

MMT: And, what school do you attend?

Tela: William Byrd High School

MMT: Which means you live in…

Tela: Vinton, VA

MMT: So, do you have a favorite poem or story in the show?

Tela: “The Raven” and “Pit and Pendulum” are my favorite pieces. “The Raven” was one of the first poems I had ever read and it was my moms favorite, too. It also has so many meanings and symbolism and is a really beautiful peace. “Pit and Pendulum” was a creative challenge and it really broke down my walls. I had never acted in a way of life and death situation. I loved getting to know my character and working with it.

MMT: Yes! It’s been really great to see you wrestle with that piece and grow as an actor working on it. So, you’ve rejoined MMT after awhile, right?

Tela: I did a couple of classes when I was in kindergarten, and am now coming back. This is my first year working with MMT again.

MMT: Did you know much about Poe before starting rehearsals?

Tela: I did know about Poe. Poe is a family favorite author and when we found out I was cast we were extremely excited.

MMT: That’s awesome! Have you learned anything new working on the show?

Tela: One thing I learned was in his piece, “Alone,” how he had felt that way often. It was insightful which and different from his usual scary side.

MMT: I love that perspective. Do you have a favorite word from the show?

Tela: My favorite word is endeavor.

MMT: Which means?

Tela: to exert oneself, to make effort.

That feels like a great way to close this series and show! We are so proud of the way all these students have endeavored to bring these poems and stories to life. You’ve got two more shots to catch the show: Saturday at 1 & 3 PM. We hope to see you there!

Meet Mariah! She is a multi-talented performer who not only dances but has recently choreographed a production for a local middle school. POE is her first non-musical production, and it’s been a pleasure to see her tackle new material.

MMT: Mariah, how old are you?

Mariah: I’m 12 years old.

MMT: Where do you live?

Mariah: In Roanoke County.

MMT: Where do you go to school?

Mariah: North Cross School.

MMT: What is your favorite story or poem in POE?

Mariah: The Raven, because it is fun to interpret what you think the poem is saying.

MMT: That’s cool, what’s your favorite piece to be in?

Mariah: The Raven, where I play the narrator.

MMT: That must be a fun part. How long have you been performing at MMT?

Mariah: 7 years.

MMT: Another familiar face. Did you know about Poe before this show? What have you learned about him?

Mariah: I did know about him, I’ve learned how dark his life was and how he wrote his feelings in his poems.

MMT: His poems do show a lot of emotion. What’s your favorite word that you’ve learned from the show?

Mariah: Tintinnabulation is probably my favorite. But I also really like voluminously which means of great size.

MMT: That’s a good one! Thanks for talking with us Mariah!

POE picks up again tomorrow night at 7 PM. You can also catch it on Saturday afternoon at 1 & 3 PM. We hope to see you there!

Meet Joe Francis! He’s a busy actor around town, having done multiple roles at Roanoke Children’s Theatre and Showtimers. We are thrilled that he has joined the cast of POE for his first show with MMTC. And he is doing some heavy-lifting in this show, with roles in both “Annabel Lee” and “The System of Dr. Tarr and Prof. Fether.”

MMT: Joe, how old are you?

Joe: 11

MMT: Where do you live?

Joe: I live in Roanoke city.

MMT: Where do you go to school?

Joe: I go to Woodrow Wilson Middle school.

MMT: What’s your favorite poem or story in the show?

Joe: “The Tell-Tale Heart,” because it’s creepy and I like how it’s written.

MMT: It is very creepy. What’s your favorite character to play in the show?

Joe: Monsieur Defour, in “The System of Dr. Tarr and Prof. Feather.”

MMT: That’s a fun character. When did you start performing or taking classes with MMT?

Joe: I started this year.

MMT: Well, welcome! We’re glad you’re here! Did you know anything about POE before starting this show? What have you learned about him?

Joe: I knew very little about him, I learned his writing is very creepy.

MMT: It is quite creepy. What’s your favorite word that you’ve learned from the show?

Joe: Tintinnabulation, which means a ringing or tinkling sound.

MMT: Wow, everyone loves that word. Thanks for talking with us Joe!

Three more performances this weekend: Friday at 7 PM and Saturday at 1 PM & 3 PM. All tickets are pay what you can. We hope to see you there!

Starting off a new week of interviews with the cast and creative team behind POE is a sit-down with Charlotte Pearl. Charlotte is a talented comedic actress — she even has her own YouTube channel. In POE she brings that skill to play as Madam Petite from the comically dark short story “The System of Dr. Tarr and Prof. Fether,” among other characters.

MMT: Charlotte, how old are you?

Charlotte: 13

MMT: Where do you go to school?

Charlotte: I go to Roanoke Valley Christian School.

MMT: Where do you live?

Charlotte: I live in Troutville.

MMT: Oh, I think you’re our only actor from that area. What’s your favorite poem or story in the show?

Charlotte: The Raven.

MMT: What’s your favorite character that you play?

Charlotte: Madam Petite, the insane women who takes over a mental asylum in The System of Dr. Tarr and Prof. Feather.

MMT: That’s a great part. How have you been performing at MMT?

Charlotte: Hm, I think about five to seven years, I can’t remember.

MMT: Wow, so you’ve been with us for a long time. Did you know anything about Poe before starting this show? What have you learned about him since starting rehearsals?

Charlotte: I didn’t know much about him before this show but I’ve learned that he’s a very creepy person.

MMT: He definitely had a creepy side and his poems show that. There’s a lot of interesting words in this show, which one is your favorite?

Charlotte: Tintinnabulation, which means a ringing or tinkling sound.

MMT: Everyone seems to love that word! Thanks Charlotte!

You can catch POE tonight at 7 PM on the Waldron Stage! Tickets are Pay What You Can at the door!

Next up in our POE interview series is Josie Wiegandt. You might recognize her as Jack’s Mom from “Into the Woods, Jr.” this summer. For POE she has taken a turn at design, putting together the costumes for our steampunk-inspired, gothic tale.

MMT: How old are you?

Josie: 17

MMT: In what part of Roanoke Valley do you live?

Josie: Botetourt County

MMT: And what school do you go to?

Josie: Lord Botetort High School

MMT: As a designer, you get to put your touch on every part of the show. What’s your favorite poem or story in the show?

Josie: “Annabelle Lee” – it’s so somber but also so beautiful.

MMT: What’s your favorite part about working behind the scenes?

Josie: It’s been really rewarding seeing my vision recognized, and the whole show come together.

MMT: Did you know much about Poe before being in this show? What’s something you’ve learned about him or his writing since starting rehearsals or doing your designs?

Josie: I knew a little about Poe, but had only read one story, “The Tell-Tale Heart.” But now I know that Poe was way ahead of his time. The stories are outrageous, but reveal a certain truth about the human nature.

MMT: How long have you been doing shows/classes at MMT?

Josie: Forever! I’ve been a part of the community for eight years.

MMT: And we will certainly miss you around here when you head off to college next fall. I sure hope we can find some more projects before you between now and then. Thanks for taking the time for the show, and to tell us about it!

POE opened today at 1 PM! This weekend we also have shows at 3 PM today, and 7 PM on Monday night! We hope to see you there!

Next up in our series of interviews with the students involved with POE is Sophie Sons. Sophie is a student at Community High School. You might recognize her from this summer’s production of Into the Woods, Jr. In POE she gets to try her hand at one of Poe’s most famous poems, “The Raven.”

MMT: Sophie, how old are you?

Sophie: 16

MMT: Where do you live?

Sophie: I live in Roanoke county.

MMT: What’s your favorite poem or story in the show?

Sophie: My favorite story is “The Pit and The Pendulum.” I love how suspenseful it is and I like the surprise ending.

MMT: I think I might already know the answer to this, but what’s your favorite character that you play?

Sophie: My favorite role is in “The Raven.” I get to play someone who is going insane, which is new for me.

MMT: How long have you been doing shows and classes at Mill Mountain?

Sophie: For two years.

MMT: Relatively new to us, but we are glad to have you! Did you know about Poe before being in this show? What’s something you’ve learned about him or his writing since starting rehearsals?

Sophie: I did know about Poe before doing this show, and I’ve learned that many of his stories include a little piece of his own story.

MMT: And finally, what’s your favorite word you’ve learned from this show?

Sophie: Tintinnabulation, which means a ringing or tinkling sound.

MMT: That’s our second vote for that word. It’s a popular one! Thanks again, Sophie! We will see you this weekend!

And we also hope to see you! POE opens on Saturday (Oct 22nd) at 1pm. Tickets are pay-what-you-can at the door!

Continuing our series of interviews with the cast and creative team behind MMTC’s POE, today we sit down with Layla Esch-Bickel. Layla is a multi-talented contributor to MMTC. She is an actor and technician, and was recently awarded one of two inaugural John Sailer Scholarships for recognition of her commitment and interest in technical theatre. For POE, she is putting all those interests to good use by performing in show and serving as Assistant to the Director.

MMT: Layla, how old are you?

Layla: 15

MMT: What school do you go to?

Layla: I’m homeschooled.

MMT: Excellent. So, where do you live?

Layla: I live in Roanoke city.

MMT: As the Assistant to the Director, you get to work a bit on all the stories and poems. Do you have a favorite?

Layla: “The Tell-Tale Heart” or “Annabel Lee.” Those are the most interesting stories to me.

MMT: Yes. Those are great ones. And you even get to do some choreography for “Annabel Lee.” What is your favorite character that you get to play?

Layla: Definitely the murderer in “The Tell-Tale Heart.”

MMT: Congratulations on your recent award by the way! How long have you been doing shows and classes at MMT?

Layla: Thanks! I’ve been participating in different ways since 2011.

MMT: What’s something you’ve learned about Poe or his writing since starting rehearsals?

Layla: I knew a few of his stories, but I’ve learned how self-reflective a lot of his poems are.

MMT: And lastly, what’s your favorite word you’ve learned from this show?

Layla: Brazen, which means bold and without shame.

MMT: That’s an excellent word! Thanks for taking the time to chat!

You won’t want to miss Layla and the rest of the cast as they present POE, starting this Saturday at 1pm on the Waldron Stage! Tickets are pay-what-you-can at the door. We hope to see you there!

Opening for our Fall Young Audiences Production of “POE” is just a week away! Over the next couple weeks, we will be introducing you to the young artists that are bringing this brand new adaptation to life on the Waldron Stage. They are creative, courageous, and at times, downright creepy performers! It’s going to be a great show, and we hope you will join us Oct 22nd – 29th.  Now, without further ado, let me introduce you to Mateo Lara-McNamara.

MMT: Mateo, how old are you?

Mateo: 11

MMT: And, what school do you go to?

Mateo: I go to Roanoke Catholic School.

MMT: In what part of Roanoke Valley do you live?

Mateo: I live in Southwest County.

MMT: You’ve been working on the show for about six weeks now. Do you have a favorite poem or story in the show.

Mateo: “The Raven” because it was the one I was most familiar with, actually from watching “The Simpson’s.” Also, I get to play The Narrator in that poem.

MMT: You’ve had a good run with animals this year, huh? You performed in Aesop’s Fables, and was one of our Milky White cows in Into the Woods, Jr. How long have you been doing shows and classes at MMT?

Mateo: I’ve been doing this for over six years – since kindergarten.

MMT: Did you know about Poe before being in this show? What’s something you’ve learned about him or his writing since starting rehearsals?

Mateo: Yes I did know about Poe, but I’ve learned more. I’ve learned he was a dark person and that he was somewhat depressed. Plus, I did not realize he lost his wife early.

MMT: What’s your favorite word you’ve learned from this show?

Mateo: Tintinnabulation, which means a ringing or tinkling sound.

MMT: That’s awesome. I didn’t know that word either!

There you have it folks! Come see Mateo and the rest of the cast starting Oct 22nd!

Just in time for Halloween, Mill Mountain Theatre Conservatory (MMTC) will round out its 2016 performance programming with POE: a theatrical exploration of the mysterious and macabre, an original adaptation of poems and short stories by the renowned author Edgar Allan Poe. This 40-minute new work, adapted and directed by Mill Mountain Theatre’s Alicia Varcoe, brings to the stage some of the author’s most beloved works including “The Raven,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” and “The Bells,” amongst others. The cast and crew features ten middle and high school performers, designers, and technicians from the ranks of MMTC’s pre-professional training program.

“These talented young actors are having a blast interpreting the mysterious (and even creepy) works of Edgar Allan Poe. Modern steampunk and goth elements in the production design will only make this adaptation more accessible to a contemporary audience,” said Varcoe. In keeping with the educational aims of MMTC, the material is intentionally challenging. “Not only are these students creating an artful performance for Roanoke audiences, but they are also learning how to interpret and perform verse, something that will surely help them approach more complex works in the future, such as Shakespeare’s plays,” Varcoe stated.

POE also stands as the next project in a series of performances MMTC has produced as part of an ongoing initiative to connect theatre to reading. Jay Briggs, Director of Education & Community Engagement, said, “At Mill Mountain Theatre we believe the experience of participating in or witnessing live performance is an excellent way of activating words on a page and bringing them to life. In that spirit, Alicia has done an incredible job of helping her young cast comprehend difficult texts to create a compelling and educational production experience.”

Extending this educational impact beyond the cast and crew, POE presents another opportunity for MMTC to collaborate with Star City Reads, Roanoke’s All-America City Award-Winning Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. Through this partnership, MMTC will distribute free books to students who attend a performance. Previous collaborations in this series (Aesop’s Fables, Tall Tales, All the World’s a Stage, and Into the Woods, Jr.) have, thus far in 2016, led to the distribution of 665 free books to youth in Roanoke Valley. Moreover, research from those productions has shown that 82% of children read the distributed books and 42% planned to visit libraries for more books. “Our goal is not only to provide an opportunity for young artists to learn through the process of performing great works, but also to serve as a gateway to great literature for audience members who leave our shows inspired to read,” said Briggs.

POE also marks Mill Mountain Theatre’s first official production offering pay-what-you-can admission. “We are committed to the principle that our theatre and its educational initiatives should be a resource available to everyone in our community. We hope that by lowering the financial barrier to entry to our education productions, we can continue to cultivate the next generation of artists and audiences in Roanoke Valley,” said Producing Artistic Director, Ginger Poole.

POE opens on Saturday, October 22^nd, with performances at 1 PM and 3 PM on MMT’s Waldron Stage (20 Church Ave, SE). Other performances are slated for October 24^th at 7 PM, October 28^th at 7 PM, and October 29^th at 1 PM and 3 PM. All performances are pay-what-you-can for admission at the door.

Roanoke, VA – Mill Mountain Theatre (MMT) is pleased to announce a new trio joining Mill Mountain Theatre’s Conservatory team as the organization expands its education and outreach programming. The new team will consist of Jay Briggs serving as the director of education and community engagement, Travis Kendrick assuming the position of education associate and Jillian Hannah joining the Conservatory as a teaching artist. “This is a dream team with an incredible skill set. Our new talent will showcase their expertise in directing, choreography, music direction and teaching multiple disciplines. All three hold degrees in their fields, including two masters’ degrees. They are performers themselves with expansive credentials from across the country,” according to Ginger Poole, producing artistic director. “We could not be more excited about this accomplished group joining us,” Poole said.

Jay Briggs, a native of Hendersonville, North Carolina, recently relocated to Roanoke from Greenville, South Carolina, where he was employed as a teaching artist, director and consultant with several organizations. “It’s an exciting time to be a part of Mill Mountain Theatre’s education department. As the professional regional theatre is experiencing growth, the infrastructure is in place to diversify the offerings within the Conservatory and expand the reach within the Roanoke Valley, “ Briggs exclaimed.

Travis Kendrick is returning to his home state of Virginia after working and pursing an advanced degree from the University of California – Irvine (UCI). He developed his love for the theatre during his childhood years in Hopewell, south of Richmond. “It is such a joy to return to my theatrical roots and have the opportunity to work with young people who are perhaps in the midst of this same discovery and enchantment with theatre,” he said. The public is encouraged to participate in a fun social media (MMT Facebook and Instagram) campaign called “Tracking Travis from California to Mill Mountain Theatre.”

As a recent graduate of Elon University where she music directed numerous productions, Jillian Hannah had her first experience with Mill Mountain Theatre as a member of the summer apprentice company. Her new role will be an extension of her experiences where she has focused on public performance, collaboration, continuing education and service to the community through teaching and outreach.

As Mill Mountain Theatre continues to grow as a strong company producing top-notch regional programming throughout the area, more than 476 students were served in-house last year with successful opportunities for the community extending far beyond the theatre walls. The fall Conservatory schedule, featuring the new team, and show tickets are available at millmountain.org. For more information, contact Ginger Poole at (540) 342-5749 or via e-mail atginger@nullmillmountain.org.

Roanoke, VA – More than 100 talented middle and high school students auditioned for 26 roles that are part of Into The Woods, JR., a musical that will take place July 27 through August 7 at Mill Mountain Theatre. The accomplished students that were selected for the performance represent at least 14 area schools throughout the community.

The family-friendly show, based on a book written by James Lapine and music by Stephen Sondheim, incorporates several Brothers Grimm fairy tale characters. Classic stories of Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk) and The Baker and his wife are intertwined in an interesting and imaginative way.

Songs that will be included from the original musical will include I Wish, It Takes Two, and On the Steps of the Palace. Themes of perseverance, hope and responsibility are portrayed through the lyrics and characters. “With a stellar production team, a talented cast of local student actors, and a passionate crew of student technicians, we are excited to share this important musical fairy tale with the Roanoke Valley,” Anna Kimmell, director and choreographer, said.

Each summer, the Mill Mountain Theatre Conservatory program gives young aspiring local performers the chance to appear on the theatre’s main stage. In addition to the annual show, other educational opportunities such as professional instruction in voice, dance, acting, musical theatre and technical theatre are provided by the Conservatory program for pre-K through adult students.

Into The Woods, JR. runs July 27 through August 7 on the Trinkle Main Stage in the Wells Fargo Auditorium at Center in the Square. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 7:00 p.m. The Saturday and Sunday matinees will begin at 2:00 p.m. with doors opening at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are available from the Center in the Square box office by calling (540) 342-5740 or online via Mill Mountain Theatre’s website at www.millmountain.org.

Mill Mountain Theater is grateful for the support from Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital; The Roanoke Star and TheRoanokeStar.com; and WDBJ Television.

Additional support is made possible in part by generous underwriting by BNC Bank; chocolatepaper; Friendship Retirement Community; Dr. David Jones with Roanoke Valley Orthodontics; and Lanford Brothers Co. Grantors supporting this production are Center in the Square; City of Roanoke Arts Commission; County of Roanoke; Sam and Marion Golden Helping Hand Foundation; Kiwanis Club of Roanoke; Kathryn B. McQuade Foundation; National Endowment for the Arts; and the Virginia Commission for the Arts.

Into The Woods, JR. cast:

• Savannah Amos (Witch) – William Byrd High School & Center for the Performing Arts
• Mackenzie Bowles (Rapunzel) – Northside High School & Center for the Performing Arts
• Mary Brothers (Granny/Forest Spirit/Assistant to the Director) – Patrick Henry High School
• Caitlin Carter (Cinderella) – Cave Spring High School
• Jack Dunkenberger (Cinderella’s Prince) – Hidden Valley High School Simon Elliot (Forest Spirit) – Roanoke Valley Christian School
• Layla Esch-Bickel (Lucinda) – Homeschool
• Olivia Goodman (Little Red Riding Hood) – Central Academy Middle School
• Ben Kennedy (Narrator/Mysterious Man) – Salem High School
• Mateo Lara-McNamara (Milky White/Cow) – Roanoke Catholic School
• Ben Lewis (Baker) – Salem High School
• Abby Martin (Stepmother) – Lord Botetourt High School
• Cedar Moore (Jack) – Alleghany High School
• Sawyer Mullins (Milky White/Cow) – Read Mountain Middle School
• Ian Ridgway (Steward/Cinderella’s Father) – Hidden Valley High School
• Victoria Riego de Dios (Cinderella’s Mother/Forest Spirit) – North Cross School
• CJ Rodenberg (Wolf/Rapunzel’s Prince) – Hidden Valley High School
• Rachel Shores (Baker’s Wife) – Hidden Valley High School
• Sophie Sons (Forest Spirit) – Community High School

Production staff:

• Anna Kimmell – Director/Choreographer With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Theatre from Elon University, Anna has performed and taught all over the country. Along with managing and teaching Mill Mountain Theatre Conservatory in Roanoke, Anna choreographs at Patrick Henry High School and for the Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir. She also serves as an adjunct professor at Hollins University. Favorite performance credits include: The Wizard of Oz National Tour, Peter Pan (Wendy) at Rhode Island’s Theatre By the Sea, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Rosemary) at Florida’s Show Palace, Nuptials (Kitty) at North Carolina’s Flat Rock Playhouse, Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey) at Colorado’s Lake Dillon Theatre, White Christmas (Judy) at the Atlanta Lyric Theatre, Annie at Georgia’s Theatre of the Stars. She has been a regular at Mill Mountain Theatre by performing in 42nd Street (Peggy), The Sound of Music (Liesl), Swing! (featured dancer/singer), and Hairspray! (Amber). She also proudly directed and choreographed the successful Mill Mountain Theatre productions of The Wizard of Oz, Young Performers’ Edition, Shel’s World, and Beauty and the Beast JR. Anna can regularly be seen in television, film, and commercials, most recently guest starring on the Lifetime show Devious Maids. Behind the scenes, Anna serves as a photography assistant, production assistant, and seamstress. Find out more at annakimmell.com.
• Seth Davis—Musical Director Seth, another Georgia native, is thrilled to now call Roanoke his home. First coming to Mill Mountain Theatre in 2013 for The Sound of Music, Seth has served as resident music director for the past two seasons. His favorite regional music directing credits include: Spring Awakening and The Rocky Horror Show (Actor’s Express), Hair and Time Between Us (Serenbe Playhouse), Illyria (Georgia Shakespeare), and The Red Balloon (Theatre du Reve).

For more information, contact Ginger Poole at (540) 342-5749 or via e-mail atginger@nullmillmountain.org

Roanoke, VA – The 2016 Music Series continues at Mill Mountain Theatre as the Music of ABBA returns next month. After a successful inaugural season last year with the two one-night performances selling out, Mill Mountain Theatre has expanded the Music Series to three shows that will span two nights each this year.

It’s been 24 years since a band from Stockholm, Sweden formed and quickly rose to fame after winning a song contest where they debuted their smash hit, “Waterloo.” ABBA, an acronym from the first names of the four band members: Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Agnetha Faltskog, became one of the most successful and beloved pop groups in music history. Long after the last performance by the group in 1982, ABBA’s music was adapted into the successful musical “Mamma Mia!” in 1999. An estimated 40 million people from around the world have seen the performance, one of the longest-running Broadway shows in history. Nearly ten years later, ABBA’s timeless tunes were again resurrected as a film version and accompanying soundtrack were released.

The group disbanded after just a decade, but the music will live on at Mill Mountain Theatre for two consecutive nights in June. The audience can enjoy their favorite beverages while being entertained with well-known dance floor classics that include “Take a Chance on Me,” a chart-topper that has graced many movies and television show soundtracks; “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” an upbeat best-selling single; and their number one pop masterpiece, “Dancing Queen.”

Three talented entertainers will take the audience back to the disco era of the 1970’s and 1980’s as they harmonize the unforgettable melodies made popular by the iconic Scandinavian foursome.

The Music of ABBA will premier June 3 on the Trinkle Main Stage in the Wells Fargo Auditorium at Center in the Square. The second performance will be on June 4. Beverages can be purchased from the bar at 6:30 p.m. with service continuing through intermission. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. with the performance beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available from the Center in the Square box office by calling (540) 342-5740 or online via Mill Mountain Theatre’s website atwww.millmountain.org.

After the show, keep the party going at Lucky’s, (18 Kirk Ave., Downtown Roanoke). Grab a bite and sample the “Fernet-do,” a cocktail created by Lucky co-owner and master mixologist Hunter Johnson to celebrate The Music of ABBA.

Enjoy a mixture of Fernet Branca, vodka, lemon and sugar, topped with pear cider. This specialty drink is available now through June 4.

The Mill Mountain Music Series grateful for the support from Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital; The Roanoke Star.com; and WDBJ Television.

The Music Series is made possible in part by generous underwriting by Bank of Floyd; Business Solutions, Inc.; Jefferson Surgical Clinic; Skyline Capital Strategies, LLC; Virginia Varsity Transfer/Virginia Varsity Storage; and Woods Rogers PLC. Grantors supporting this production are Actors’ Equity Association; Center in the Square; National Endowment for the Arts; and the Virginia Commission for the Arts.

About The Music of ABBA cast:

• Jorie Janeway will make her third appearance at Mill Mountain Theatre this week. She most recently appeared in 42nd Street as brassy Maggie Jones. In her first performance at Mill Mountain Theatre, she was the grouchy Sister Berthe in The Sound of Music. Her other favorite roles include being Chaperone in The Drowsy Chaperone, performing as the female authority figure in Hairspray, playing Cindy Lou in The Marvelous Wonderettes, and being part of the ensemble of Sister Act.
• Lindsay Nantz returns to Mill Mountain Theatre after playing Penny Lou Pingleton in Hairspray last season. Her former credits include: The Marvelous Wonderettes (Suzy); The Secret Garden (Lily); Les Miserables (Cosette); Merrily We Roll Along (Beth), The Rocky Horror Show (Janet); the Addams Family (Alice Beineke); Grease (Patty Simcox); A Christmas Carol (Belle/Mary); The Producers; Show Boat; The Drowsy Chaperone; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamboat; and The Lost Colony. For more information, visit www.LindsayNantz.com.
• Jill Vanderoef has been seen in two previous performances at Mill Mountain Theatre. She appeared in the production of Opry Divas and played Yonah in The Children of Eden. Some of her most memorable roles have been appearing as Cathy in The Last Five Years; Shelia in Hair; and playing Shelby in The Spitfire Grill. Visit www.jillvanderoef.com to learn more.

The band will include: Seth Davis (pianist), Mike Havens (bass/guitar), and Sam Nash (drums).

Production staff:

• Alicia Varcoe—Director Alicia is a director, lighting designer and theatre administrator currently employed at Mill Mountain Theatre as assistant to the producer. She is a native of Allentown, Pennsylvania and a graduate of Elon University’s Theatrical Design, Production and Music programs. Alicia has served in a variety of roles at Mill Mountain Theatre including: calling stage manager for “Swing!”, and assistant lighting designer for “Children of Eden,” “Hairspray,” and “42nd Street.” She made her directorial debut with The Music of Motown at Mill Mountain Theatre last month and she was also in charge of lighting for the production. Additional lighting credits include: Headvoice (New York Musical Festival); Next to Normal (Elon); 18 months at 54 Below. She has served as assistant director for: Our Guy, Cy (54 Below); Chasing the River & Reefer Madness (New World Stages). Her prior experience has led to jobs and internships with the Manhattan Theatre Club, New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, The Juilliard School and INFINITY Stages/Darren Bagert Productions.
• Seth Davis—Musical Director Seth, another Georgia native, is thrilled to now call Roanoke his home. First coming to Mill Mountain Theatre in 2013 for The Sound of Music, Seth has served as resident music director for the past two seasons. His favorite regional music directing credits include: Spring Awakening and The Rocky Horror Show (Actor’s Express), Hair and Time Between Us (Serenbe Playhouse), Illyria (Georgia Shakespeare), and The Red Balloon (Theatre du Reve).
• Bill Webb (lighting designer)
• Ayme Gierchak (sound engineer)

Roanoke, VA – Three two-night performances are scheduled during the 2016 season as The Music Series at Mill Mountain Theatre returns next month. After a successful inaugural season last year with the two one-night performances selling out, Mill Mountain Theatre will expand the music series to two nights beginning with The Music of Motown on March 11 and 12.

Tamla Records, better known as Motown (a combination of “motor” and “town”), became the biggest and most successful independent record company in the United States. Founded by Berry Gordy, Jr. in Detroit, Michigan in 1959, Motown quickly became the heart of American pop music that boasted a roster of artists that encompassed many different genres of music from early rhythm and blues to soul, funk, pop and more. Motown’s signature sound served to inspire a generation, define an era and re-shape the music industry. It spanned an audience broader than any in history with its commercial appeal.

Mill Mountain Theatre will bring more than 30 of Motown’s iconic hits to the Trinkle Main Stage with two consecutive nights of top tunes beginning March 11. The audience can enjoy their favorite beverages in the informal concert setting as they are entertained with lively music that includes “Mr. Postman,” a number one chart topper on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961 along with “You Can’t Hurry Love,” one of 10 number one hits by The Supremes. “For the past three years, Mill Mountain Theatre has been fortunate to have Seth Davis as our resident musical director. Once again, the audience will get to experience his incredible talent as his masterful music direction and arranging will be heard throughout The Music of Motown,” Ginger Poole, producing artistic director for Mill Mountain Theatre said.

The dynamic onstage performances by talented entertainers (see cast information below) will showcase the rich history of Motown with hits by Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, and one of the biggest pop music acts of the 1970’s, the Jackson 5.

The Music of Motown runs March 11 and 12 on the Trinkle Main Stage in the Wells Fargo Auditorium at Center in the Square. Beverages can be purchased from the bar beginning at 6:30 p.m. and continuing through intermission. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. with the performance beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available from the Center in the Square box office by calling (540) 342-5740 or online via Mill Mountain Theatre’s website at www.millmountain.org.

The Mill Mountain Music Series is made possible in part by generous underwriting by Bank of Floyd; Business Solutions, Inc.; Jefferson Surgical Clinic; Skyline Capital Strategies, LLC; Virginia Varsity Transfer/Virginia Varsity Storage; and Woods Rogers PLC. Grantors supporting this production are Actors’ Equity Association; Center in the Square; National Endowment for the Arts; and the Virginia Commission for the Arts.

About The Music of Motown cast:

• Chris Flowers is a Michigan native and a graduate of Aquinas College. This will be his first appearance in a Mill Mountain Theatre production. Some of his former roles include performing as C.C. White in “Dream Girls” and Jake in “Side Show.” Visit www.chrisflowersonline.com for more information.
• Kris Roberts is a New York University (NYU)/Tisch alumnae. She was named a finalist in the New York Musical Theatre Festival’s Next Broadway Sensation last year. She was also nominated for BroadwayWorld Detroit’s Best Actress in a Musical and Richmond Theatre Critic’s Circle’s Best Actress in a Musical. Some of her roles have included: Lead Singer/Vocal Captain for Royal Caribbean, performing as Charlayne in “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and Michelle in “Dreamgirls.”
• Michael Jemison is currently living in New York City and just recently finished portraying Adrian in a production of Smokey Joe’s Café at the Starr Theatre. Other credits include his role as TJ in “Sister Act.
• Patrick Clanton – Following graduation from Elon University, Patrick has been a familiar face at Flat Rock Playhouse in North Carolina as he has performed in “Hairspray,” “Miss Saigon,” and “My Fair Lady.” He has also toured nationally as part of the cast of “Sister Act.”

The band will include:

• Seth Davis (keyboard),
• Mike Havens (bass/guitar), and
• Sam Nash (drums).

Additional production staff:

• Director and Lighting Designer: Alicia Varcoe is a native of Allentown, Pennsylvania and a graduate of Elon University’s Theatrical Design, Production and Music programs. She will make her directorial debut with The Music of Motown at Mill Mountain Theatre next month. She served in a variety of roles at Mill Mountain Theatre last season. Those positions have included: calling stage manager for “Swing!”, and assistant lighting designer for “Children of Eden,” “Hairspray,” and “42nd Street.” Her prior experience includes serving as an arts manager, director and lighting designer which has led to jobs and internships with the Manhattan Theatre Club, New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, The Juilliard School and INFINITY Stages/Darren Bagert Productions.
• Sound Engineer: Ayme Gierchak

For more information, contact Ginger Poole at (540) 342-5749 or via email at ginger@nullmillmountain.org

ROANOKE – 42nd Street is the classic show about show business: A musical tale about a starry-eyed young dancer with a dream of making it on Broadway. Peggy Sawyer leaves her hometown in Pennsylvania to audition for a new show, gets a chorus role and then a big chance when the leading lady breaks her ankle. Peggy takes over and becomes a star. Mill Mountain Theatre’s production next month of 42nd Street couldn’t come closer to that story. Eileen Grace, the show’s choreographer, began her dancing career nearly the same way. “No sooner than I got to New York out of college, I landed a role in the first road tour of 42nd Street,” Grace said. Most of the cast had already been hired when the final auditions were to fill three remaining slots and Grace got one of those. “It was the big jump in my career. I went off with that show for two years, came back with enough money to live in New York and pursue my career,” which included the Broadway cast of 42nd Street, another road tour, the initial cast of The Will Rogers Follies and eight years dancing with the iconic Radio City Music Hall Rockettes. With the high-kicking, 36-tap dancing Rockettes, Grace has been a dancer, choreographer and dance captain for special performances with big stars and director of its touring shows for nine years. “I never dreamt that I’d have this kind of career; it’s been an amazing ride,” she said.

Like the 42nd Street character Peggy Sawyer, Grace said she “has worked hard at my craft. In my youth I have up a lot to stay focused on dancing. It took a lot of encouragement from many people for me to go to New York. And it was luck of being at the right place at the right time. Absolutely, 42nd Street is my story.” And when Mill Mountain Theatre’s Producing Artistic Director Ginger Poole called Grace to work in Roanoke, “I was thrilled,” she said. “In rehearsals, more than once I almost got teary looking at those young performers and realizing how lucky I’ve been.”

Today, Grace lives in Pittsburgh, is married, with six-year-old twins, a daughter and a son. “My best role by far is being Mom.”

The production runs Dec. 2 to 20 on the Trinkle Main Stage in the Wells Fargo Auditorium at Center in the Square. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays through Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are available from the Center in the Square box office, by calling 540.342.5740 and on line via MMT’s website, www.millmountain.org. Three tiers of seats mean there are affordable tickets for every show.

The production of 42nd Street is made possible in part by generous underwriting by Avis Construction Company, Inc.; Bank of Floyd; Better Sofas; Lee F. Brooks/Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.; Business Solutions, Inc.; Catawba Capital Management; Claytor/Wirt Associates; Davis H. Elliot Company; Elk Hill Advisors, Inc.; Gentry Locke; Chas. Lunsford Sons & Associates; Miller, Long & Associates; Oakey’s Funeral Service & Crematory; Physicians to Women; Rutherfoord; Skyline Capital Strategies LLC, and Spilman, Thomas & Battle.

Full-season sponsors in 2015 are Carilion Clinic, The Roanoke Star.com and WDBJ Television. Grantors supporting this production are Actors’ Equity Association, Center in the Square, the National Endowment for the Art s and Virginia Commission for the Arts.

MMT distributes free tickets to clients of several local nonprofit organizations that serve low-income children and families. Those tickets are underwritten by sponsors of our Share the Magic fund: Benefit Plan Administrators, Inc.; Fee-Only Financial Planning; PlasticsOne and Union Bank.