The 2011-2012 Theatre Season begins at Eastpointe's Broadway Onstage Live Theatre when THE SEX MANIAC, a comedy by Dennis Wickline, opens on Friday, July 22. Running Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Select Sundays at 2pm, this delightful comedy continues through Saturday, August 20.
Select Sunday Matinees are only performed at Broadway Onstage when a prearranged group of 30 or more is scheduled to attend. Broadway Onstage Live Theatre is located at 21517 Kelly Rd. at Toepfer (8 ˝ Mile Rd.) in Eastpointe. The theatre is the home of the patented TeeVeeStage™ Presentation system, which employs cameras above the audience and monitors above the stage to provide audience members with different viewing perspectives of the live stage performance. Broadway Onstage Live Theatre is also the home of Dennis Wickline Productions, Inc., which began producing Non-Equity professional live theatre on the Eastside of Detroit in February of 1980. |
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THE SEX MANIAC introduces us to Lorraine Hudzinga, a candidate for State Senate. Many points behind in the polls, Ms. Hudzinga is confronted on the phone by Mrs. Frederickson, the manager of the Christian Women's Retirement Community, where Lorraine's parents have resided. Unfortunately for Lorraine, her father has been very vocal in recent days about sex. So much so, that the home has found no other recourse than to deliver Mr. and Mrs. Hudzinga to their loving daughter's campaign headquarters. To her unsuspecting campaign manager, Aaron Greenly as a matter of fact. Lorraine returns to the headquarters finding her parents are not speaking to her, or anyone, except for a few "choice" words. Aaron reaches out to Lorraine's estranged sister, Madge. Madge wanted nothing to do with the retirement home when Lorraine championed the effort to move them there, but soon finds out that their parents are not speaking to her either. They finally make a desperate attempt to find their other sister, Estelle, who six and a half years ago, ran off with a naturalist cult to South America. The family "reunion" that ensues is charming, irreverent and funny.
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The cast of THE SEX MANIAC at Broadway Onstage is exceptional. Appearing for the first time at Broadway Onstage is Krista Schafer. Ms. Schafer has appeared in a number of films and theatrical productions on a professional level in California, Pennsylvania and New Orleans. Eric Niece, who has also appeared professionally at Planet Ant theatre and other local venues, will be seen as Aaron Greenly. Mr. Niece is also being seen at Broadway Onstage for the first time. Elizabeth Rager, who has appeared at Broadway Onstage on numerous occasions, will take on the role of Madge. Marie Lorinez will be seen as Mrs. Frederickson. Ms. Lorinez is marking her return to live theatrical performance after an absence of many years. Sharron Nelson, who just choreographed and appeared in A MUSICAL SALU TE TO VAUDEVILLE AND BURLESQUE at the Eastpointe Theatre will be seen as Estelle, the eccentric "naturalist" sister. Broadway Onstage favorites Stan Newman and Jann Hight will appear as Mr. and Mrs. Hudzinga, respectively. The production is under the able direction of Christopher Oakley who directed last season's THE SOCIAL SECURITY MURDERS at the Eastpointe theatre. John Arden McClure, a veteran of many Broadway Onstage productions, will act as Stage Manager for the production.
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Tickets for Opening Night, Friday, July 22 are $14. Tickets for all other performances are $16. Again, Broadway Onstage is located at 21517 Kelly Rd. at Toepfer (8 1/2 Mile Rd.) in Eastpointe, Michigan. Ticket Reservations are strongly recommended by calling (586) 771-6333.
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KRISTA SCHAFER (Lorraine) - This is Krista's first appearance on our stage but she has a wealth of experience in a variety of professional venues across the country. Krista received her B.S. in Theatre at Northwestern University. She has appeared in a number of films and videos. She also has appeared in a number of professional productions in California and Philadelphia, including A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM as Helena and RICHARD III as Queen Elizabeth, among others. She was seen as Agnes in DANCING AT LUGHNASA in Bakersfield, California as well as the Angel in ANGELS IN AMERICA, PART I for the same theatre. She was seen as Roxanne in INDECENT PROPOSALS for the Actor's Theatre of New Orleans and Catherine in PROOF for the same company. We're happy to have her with us and hope she will perform with us again. Welcome, Krista! |  |
ERIC NIECE (Aaron) - Another newcomer to Broadway Onstage, Eric also is a seasoned actor with many roles to his credit. He was just seen as Brad in ENDANGERED at the Planet Ant Theatre and has appeared at the Matrix Theatre as Moe in BACKSTAGE PASSES and Roberto in PARA SIEMPRE. Eric also has been seen at Meadowbrook Theatre as Mark in PUPPET PLAY and Player 6 in THE MACBRIDGED MACTRAGEDY OF MACBETH, among other professional roles he has portrayed. He was also a nominee for the Irene Ryan Scholarship and graduated Magna Cum-Laude with a B.S. in Theatre Performance from Northwest Missouri State University. We hope his role in THE SEX MANIAC is the first of many for our company. It's a pleasure to have Eric with us! |  |
JANN HIGHT (Mrs. Hudzinga) - Jann was just seen in December 2010 as Alberta in THE NUTCRACKER'S NUTS, a role she originated and portrayed for 9 of our 10 productions. Jann appeared as Bridget in our spring 2009 production of DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE. She also appeared as Claudia in our summer 2007 production RED HOT MAMAS. She portrayed Anne, the mother, in THE COCKTAIL HOUR here at Broadway Onstage several seasons ago. She recreated her role as Clairee in STEEL MAGNOLIAS in 2002, which she first performed for Wickline Productions at the Golden Lion in 1991. She has been in many productions here at Broadway Onstage. Jann was also seen in 2001's I HATE HAMLET, and 2000's YOU KNOW I CAN'T HEAR YOU WHEN THE WATER'S RUNNING, in which she portrayed three very different and complicated ladies. We're honored to have her back again. Thanks, Jann.
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STAN NEWMAN (Mr. Hudzinga) - Stan was just seen as Inspector Lestrade in SHERLOCK HOLMES IS COMING TO DINNER last fall and appeared as Malcolm in our December 2010 production of THE NUTCRACKER'S NUTS. He was the original Malcolm in THE NUTCRACKER'S NUTS during its first two productions in 2001 and 2002. He appeared in our 2009 closer DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE as Inspector Newcomen. He was seen in the spring of 2008 in ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT as Ranger Tom. He was also seen in the summer of 2007 as Russ in RED HOT MAMAS and as Hawkins in CORPSE! in January and February of 2008. Stan was seen as Mishkin in our spring 2007 production of NEIL SIMON'S FOOLS. He appeared as Jonas in our summer 2005 production of MY DAUGHTER'S RATED "X." He has been involved with our company since the days of Dinner Theatre at the Golden Lion. He portrayed Doctor Zubritsky in our original production of Neil Simon's FOOLS at the Golden Lion and also appeared in our production of THE THEATRE MURDERS here at Broadway Onstage several seasons ago. He has been very involved in a number of professional venues throughout the area. He has a role in the recurring local production of TONY 'N TINA'S WEDDING, and has been seen a number of times in the Mystery Productions at Dave 'n Busters. We welcome him back to our stage. |  |
MARIE LORINCZ (Mrs. Frederickson) - Not only is this Marie's first appearance on our stage, but it is her first appearance onstage in many years. We're very happy that she has joined us. Not only does she bring a wealth of talent, but an honest love for the theatre and performing. We're very pleased that she has leant her skills to THE SEX MANIAC. Here's hoping that Marie joins us for many more performances in the future. She has been a joy to work with and we look forward to working with her again. Thanks for everything, Marie! |  |
ELIZABETH RAGER (Madge) - Elizabeth gave a memorable performance as Dorothy in last season's opener THE SOCIAL SECURITY MURDERS, and as Mrs. Hudson in SHERLOCK HOLMES IS COMING TO DINNER. She was our Stage Manager for MURDERER to begin 2010 and stage managed our 10th NUTCRACKER'S NUTS last December. She appeared as Alberta in THE NUTCRACKER'S NUTS and as Susan in our summer show LOVERS AND OTHER STRANGERS last season. She was seen in our closer two seasons ago DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE as Pauline. She was seen as Leah in our summer 2008 production of LADIES OF HARMONY. She was also seen in the 2007-2008 season closer, ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT, as "Wolf Moon Dance." Elizabeth also portrayed Mrs. McGee in CORPSE! in January 2008 here at Broadway Onstage. She was also Stage Manager for ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT and our fall 2007 production of A THOUSAND CLOWNS. She made her acting debut with her performance as Stella in our September/October 2007 production of SOMETHING TO HIDE. She is no stranger to the stage, peforming parody songs as part of a singing group as well as performing skits in theatre-in-the-round. She is also an able pianist, playing in a variety of venues including accompaniment for soloists and musicals. She believes her occupation as a trainer helped prepare her for the stage: "In training others, you design and present everything for learning with a little entertainment spread throughout; with theatre, you design and present everything for entertainment with a little learning spread throughout." We welcome you back, Elizabeth. |  |
SHARRON NELSON (Estelle) - Sharron just choreographed and appeared as Madame Ziegfried in A MUSICAL SALUTE TO VAUDEVILLE AND BURLESQUE. She is a theatrical veteran. She appeared as Felicia in our fall 2009 production THE WEREWOLF OF THE FULL MOON. She appeared here as Nurse Kelly in HARVEY and Miss Poppenghul in MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS in the fall of 2008. She was also seen here in the spring of 2008 in WEEKEND COMEDY (as Jill) and in the summer of 2007 as Abby in our hit comedy RED HOT MAMAS. She portrayed Sophia for us in the spring of 2007 in NEIL SIMON'S FOOLS. Sharron has appeared in a number of theatrical venues on a professional and community level. She has appeared in a number of roles for the Heidelberg Dinner Theatre, and interactive theatre on the Michigan Star Clipper and Detroit Princess. She is also quite active with Grosse Pointe Theatre, and portrayed Louise in their version of EPIC PROPORTIONS in January 2007, and was seen in their 2008 production of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. She was just seen in their Purdon Studio Theatre production of THE EXONERATED and has also has served on their Board of Directors. She was seen here in the spring of 2010 as Susan in THE CRAZY TIME. Sharron teaches power skating at University Liggett School and runs clinics in power skating at other arenas. She also has appeared in two independent films that are premiering soon. It's a pleasure to have her with us. Welcome back, Sharron! |  |
JOHN ARDEN MCCLURE (Stage Manager) - John just stage managed THE BROADWAY ONSTAGE MURDERS and appeared as R.A.P. Blotkin in A MUSICAL SALUTE TO VAUDEVILLE AND BURLESQUE. He was seen as Professor S.F.X. Van Dusen in THE PROBLEM OF CELL 13 (which he also wrote), Sherlock Holmes in SHERLOCK HOLMES IS COMING TO DINNER, Sam in THE LAST GREAT BRITISH SEX FARCE EVER!, Warren in THE SOCIAL SECURITY MURDERS and Jeff in THE SCOTTISH PLAY here. He also portrayed Dirk in THE CRAZY TIME in the spring of 2010. John was seen as Richie in LOVERS AND OTHER STRANGERS and Mitch in MURDER AT THE HOWARD JOHNSON'S in 2009. He followed that by portraying Dr. Emrich in THE WEREWOLF OF THE FULL MOON. He took on the title roles in our closer in 2009 DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE to great acclaim. John was seen as Remnar in our 2007-2008 closer ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT and was seen in our fall 2008 production of HARVEY as Mr. Wilson. He portrayed CHUCK, one of the moving men, in MIXED EMOTIONS here three seasons ago. John was also seen as Inspector Davies in SOMETHING TO HIDE, and also in A THOUSAND CLOWNS in the fall of 2007. John's first appearance on our stage was in 2005 as Charley in THE BOOK OF MURDER. Since then he has been in numerous productions here, including Charles Wellington York in 2007's SHERLOCK'S VEILED SECRET and Dr. Zubritsky in FOOLS. He has also appeared as Benny in EPIC PROPORTIONS, Reverend Chasuble in THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, Donnie in THE FOURSOME, Charlie Dugan in APRIL, MAE AND JUNE, and Mellersh Wilton in ENCHANTED APRIL. John is a theatrical veteran, having portrayed Ranger Tom in ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT, Bozidar in DEAR SANTA, and Trent in THE LAST RESORT for Starbrite Dinner Theatre. He is also a member of Grosse Pointe Theatre, having portrayed Anthony Marston in TEN LITTLE INDIANS and Kenny Norman in PROPOSALS. We welcome him back to our stage. |  |
CHRISTOPHER OAKLEY (Director) - Christopher directed last summer's THE SOCIAL SECURITY MURDERS and our fall 2009 production of MURDER AT THE HOWARD JOHNSON'S. He also directed our fall 2008 production of MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS. Christopher directed our 2007 production of A THOUSAND CLOWNS and our fall 2006 production MISTER 80%. He directed Avon Players' 2007 production of A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, and also directed YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU there. In September of 2006, he directed Grosse Pointe Theatre's opening production DIAL "M" FOR MURDER, and he directed our production of THE FOURSOME in January of 2006, and our EPIC PROPORTIONS in the spring of 2005. He has directed a number of our most successful productions, including BREAKING LEGS several seasons ago, and our production of CRIMES OF THE HEART in the summer of 2001. He also directed our spring 2002 production of MISERY. In January of 2002, Christopher portrayed Lord Fancourt Babberly to great acclaim in Grosse Pointe Theatre's CHARLEY'S AUNT. He has been with us since the beginning of Broadway Onstage. Thanks for everything, Chris! |  |
DENNIS WICKLINE (Producer, Author) - Dennis portrayed Hector in THE NUTCRACKER'S NUTS here in December of 2010. He portrayed Miles in our spring 2010 comedy THE CRAZY TIME as well as appearing as Ty in THE SCOTTISH PLAY to close our 2009-2010 Season. He portrayed David O Selznick in MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS and Elwood P. Dowd in HARVEY in the fall of 2008. He was seen as Major Powell in CORPSE and Frank in WEEKEND COMEDY here in 2008. Dennis was also seen as Bradley in THE COCKTAIL HOUR in the fall of 2004, among other productions. He is the producer of all shows at Broadway Onstage. He began producing theatre in February of 1980 at Stouffer's Eastland. This season is his thirtieth of producing non-Equity professional theatre in the Detroit Metropolitan area. He is the author of a number of plays and musicals, including THE NUTCRACKER'S NUTS. He also appeared as Fagin in Grosse Pointe Theatre's 2001 production of OLIVER! and was seen as Joe Keller in their production of ALL MY SONS in March of 2005. Dennis was also seen here in the thriller THE WOMAN IN BLACK in the fall of 2002, portraying 5 separate characters. He also directed GPT's 2005 SHOWBOAT and 2008's JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. |  |
