What do Henry Higgins, Eliza Doolittle, and Freddy Eynsford-Hill have in common? They are all played by fellow stage directors, David Rhinard, Karen Beacom, and Christopher Hollingsworth.
Dave Rhinard (Henry Higgins) has directed shows all over the Upper Peninsula, including the Soo Theatre’s productions of Annie and Oliver! He has also brought shows he’s directed from DeTour Village to the Soo Theatre, such as Chicago, On Golden Pond, The Fantasticks, and An Evening With Mark Twain. Dave says that his favorite part about being a director is having the “ability and opportunity to work with people of all ages.” He says it always “ends up being a family experience” when there are people of all ages, from children to senior citizens. Dave also “like[s] to do shows that have a good amount of emotion and heart.” He’s “interested in the shows that have some drama and real life situations.” Working with people to bring deep emotion to the stage is what Dave finds fulfilling as a director, and we count ourselves lucky to have him back at the Soo Theatre as Mr. Higgins in one of his favorite musicals, My Fair Lady, this summer!
Karen Beacom (Eliza Doolittle) is no stranger to the Soo Theatre stage, but it has been a number of years since she appeared in the main stage summer show. Her last musical appearance was in the 2012 production of Carousel where she played the role of Julie Jordan. Karen shares, “I am really excited to sing the role of Eliza Doolittle alongside these other fabulous actors and directors. It is equally gratifying to share the stage with so many current and former students.” She goes on to say, “It is really rewarding to interact with my students, some of who are truly good friends now!”
“It is really fun to work with a group of kids and to learn to speak the same language.” Students who have been through productions under Beacom’s direction can practically read her mind and anticipate what is coming – what she means by, “You know, that thing over there….” or what a clump is…and never any inadvertent straight lines!
Beacom has directed all of the Soo Youth Theatre productions, many summer camp productions, operas and most recently our productions of Alice in Wonderland Jr., Aladdin Jr., Grease and The Wizard of Oz.
Chris Hollingsworth (Freddy Eynsford-Hill) has directed fourteen operas as well as five musicals to date. But he says, “My favorite show that I have directed is most definitely Godspell, as the power of its message is unparalleled. My favorite part of directing is telling the story in an honest and genuine way while helping each performer discover how to bring a personal touch to the character that they are portraying.” Chris is a visiting professor from Hardin-Simmons University in Texas where he is the Associate Professor of Voice and the Director of the Opera program. He has spent many years visiting the Soo Theatre in the summer leading voice, opera, and musical theatre workshops, as well as performing in the Soo Theatre’s summer operas. The Soo Theatre is excited to have Chris with us again this summer assisting and playing the role of Freddy in My Fair Lady!
AUDITIONS FOR SOO OPERA’S MADAMA BUTTERFLY!!!
Materials are currently being accepted for chorus and comprimario roles for the Soo summer opera. Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly” is on deck for August 7 and 9 performances at the Soo Theatre and August 11 on Mackinac Island. Interested parties can arrange an audition with artistic director Karen Beacom or submit their materials online by emailing sootheatre@gmail.com. Artists are encouraged, but not required, to participate in the vocal and opera workshop to be held on July 22-26. Workshop students will perform their own gala on Friday, July 26 at 7pm on the Soo Theatre stage. Sing along side professional opera singers and enjoy the spectacular music of the Italian master Giacomo Puccini!
Chamber Music Camp
July 22-26
Monday-Friday, 4:30-7:30pm
Because this camp had such great success last year with strings, we have opened it to woodwinds and brass, as well. Both adults and youth are welcome and you do not have to register as a group. If you register, we will assign you to a group. Instructor Alan Jacobus joins us to coach the woodwinds, and Brian Carter from Alpena, MI, joins us to coach brass. Chamber Music Camp will meet July 22-26, Monday through Friday 4:30-7:30pm with a performance on Friday, July 26th.
SAVE THE DATE
My Fair Lady
Be sure to mark your calendar so you don’t miss this iconic performance!
Thursday through Saturday, July 11-13 at 7:30pm and Sunday, July 14 at 3:00pm performed on the Soo Theatre stage. General Admission by July 10th is $18, after July 10th is $20, and student tickets are $10.
Starring Karen Hughes Beacom as Eliza Doolittle, David Rhinard as Henry Higgins, John David Walsh as Alfred P. Doolittle, Dean Hardesty as Colonel Pickering, and Christopher Hollingsworth as Freddy Eynsford-Hill, this show is one not to miss! Directed by Karen Beacom, choreography by Deborah Choszczyk and music conducted by Alan Jacobus.
Emperor’s New Clothes Friday, July 19th – 2pm and 7pm. General admission for adults is $10, students are $8, and kids 5 and under are free.
Register for Summer Camps at the Soo theatre
We have fifteen amazing camps to choose from for all ages from preschool to adults varying from musical theatre camps to chamber music and so much in between.
Call to register today!
Soo Theatre Project, 534 Ashmun Street, SSM 49783, (906) 632-1930, www.sootheatre.org.
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