The 2010-2011 Season comes to a close at Eastpointe's Broadway Onstage Live Theatre when A MUSICAL SALUTE TO VAUDEVILLE AND BURLESQUE opens on Friday, April 15. Running Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Select Sundays at 2pm, this original musical comedy takes a fond look back at an era from long ago in Show Business. The production runs through Saturday, May 14.
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. |
 |
 |
A MUSICAL SALUTE TO VAUDEVILLE AND BURLESQUE takes us back to 1929 and the fictional Markhoff Theatre, "the Palace Theatre of the Midwest." Larry Smile, the M.C. and Top Banana introduces us to his cast mates; Sara Singer, Madame Siegfried, R.A.P. Blotkin, Sally Fans and Big Bill Gotlieb. All perform classic comedy skits from the past, as well as original songs, including: "Hello," "Tacky Shack," "It's Raining in My Bedroom," and "My Bicycle and You" just to name a few. As Act One comes to a close, the stock market crashes and Mr. Markhoff immediately turns his theatre into a "House of Burlesque." The Act II entertainment from the Markhoff is bawdier, as was the custom in Burlesque, and the costumes are skimpier, but the Second Act is "just as much fun!"
|
The cast of A MUSICAL SALUTE TO VAUDEVILLE AND BURLESQUE is an exceptional group of talented individuals ready to take the audience back in time. Ed Schneider takes on the role of Larry Smile, the Top Banana. Mr. Schneider was just seen as Jack Reed in THE BROADWAY ONSTAGE MURDERS at the Eastpointe venue. Samantha White will be seen as Sally Fans. Ms. White was seen as Lady Anne in SHERLOCK HOLMES IS COMING TO DINNER at Broadway Onstage this past fall. Newcomer Miranda Tully will be seen as Sara Singer. Ed Thomas, author of THE SCOTTISH PLAY from last season at Broadway Onstage takes on the role of Big Bill Gotlieb and Broadway Onstage favorite John Arden McClure portrays R.A.P. Blot kin. The cast is completed by Sharron Nelson, who is also the choreographer of the production. Ms. Nelson takes on the role of Madame Siegfried. Musical Direction and Accompanist is also the composer of the production John Dickinson. Dennis Wick line is the Director and also the author of the production. It was originally produced at Stouffer's Eastland Dinner Theatre in December of 1981.
|  |
 |
Tickets for Opening Night, Friday, April 15 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.
|
|
ED SCHNEIDER (Larry Smile) -This is Ed's second appearance for our company. He was just seen as Jack Reed in our production of THE BROADWAY ONSTAGE MURDERS. Ed is no stranger to theatre. He has been very active with theatrical companies throughout the area on a community and professional level. He was also active in theatre in school. He has been seen in a number of varied and exciting roles which all display his versatility and talent. Ed also writes and produces murder mysteries which he also appears in. He was seen as the Italian Father in THE ITALIAN WEDDING and as John Paul Ringo in THE ITALIAN WAKE. He also appeared recently as Fred in a SKOOBY DOO Murder Mystery Spoof. Welcome back, Ed! |  |
SAMANTHA WHITE (Sally Fans) - This is Samantha's second appearance on our stage. She was seen as Lady Anne Bliss in our fall production SHERLOCK HOLMES IS COMING TO DINNER. She has been seen in a number of local venues on a professional and community level. She was seen in May of 2009 as the Alcalde's Wife at the Detroit Opera House. She also appeared as the Acid Queen in TOMMY, THE ROCK OPERA in May of 2004 and as Geneva Lee Brown at St. Dunstan's Theatre production of 1940'S RADIO HOUR in January of 2004. She has also appeared in the local film FRAGILE WINGS and has appeared as a stand-up comedienne at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle, Joey's Comedy Club, Shotz Bar and Grille and Augie's. It's a pleasure having her back with us again. Welcome back, Samantha! |  |
ED THOMAS (Big Bill Gotlieb) - Ed has written three productions that have been premiered here at Broadway Onstage, including last spring's THE SCOTTISH PLAY. He authored ALL'S WELL IN 804 that was presented here in 2003, as well as APRIL MAE, AND JUNE which was premiered here in 2006. Ed also appeared as Harry Lambert in that production and Ted in THE FOURSOME that same season. Ed was seen here in MY DAUGHTER'S RATED "X"(as Cliff) in the summer of 2005. He was also seen in the spring of 2005 in EPIC PROPORTIONS (as Phil)and THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (as Algernon). Ed appeared in 2003's summer production UNDER THE YUM YUM TREE. Ed was also seen as Captain Faragut in our world premiere musical 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA in the spring of 2003. He was seen as Ron, the biker in our production CANDY AND SHELLY GO TO THE DESERT, also in 2003. He appeared on a number of occasions at Dave and Buster's Mystery Theatre. Ed is very active with Grosse Pointe Theatre and appeared as Jack in their CHARLEY'S AUNT several seasons ago, and portrayed Ray in Neil Simon's PROPOSALS for GPT in the spring of 2003. He has created a number of memorable theatrical scripts and is an award winner of the Community Theatre Association of Michigan's annual playwrighting contest, and several national contests. His WORKING STIFFS was premiered by Stagecrafters in 2007. Congratulations, Ed! |  |
SHARRON NELSON (Madame Ziegfried, Choreographer) - Sharron 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 last spring 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! |  |
MIRANDA TULLY (Sara Singer) - While this is her first appearance on our stage, Miranda has a wealth of theatrical appearance. She was recently seen as Mina in DRACULA, THE MUSICAL? for Ridgedale Players and was seen as Sister James in DOUBT for Marquette Straz Theatre. She was seen in a number of productions at DePaul University and at Marquette University where she received her B.A. in Theatre. She has also been seen in a number of film productions. It's a pleasure to have her with us and we hope this is the first of many roles for our production company. Welcome, Miranda! |  |
JOHN ARDEN MCCLURE (R.A.P. Blotkin) - John just stage managed THE BROADWAY ONSTAGE MURDERS. 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 last spring. John was seen as Richie in LOVERS AND OTHER STRANGERS and Mitch in MURDER AT THE HOWARD JOHNSON'S earlier last season. He followed that by portraying Dr. Emrich in THE WEREWOLF OF THE FULL MOON. He took on the title roles in our closer in 2008 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 two 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. |  |
DENNIS WICKLINE (Director, Author) - Dennis just portrayed Hector in THE NUTCRACKER'S NUTS here. He portrayed Miles in our spring comedy THE CRAZY TIME as well as appearing as Ty in THE SCOTTISH PLAY to close last 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. |  |
JOHN DICKINSON (Composer, Musical Director) - John is a supremely talented gentleman. He has directed music for countless productions for a variety of theatrical groups on a professional and community level for many years. He has been very active with Grosse Pointe Theatre and Village Players in Birmingham. Most recently he directed orchestras for Grosse Pointe Theatre's productions of GODSPELL and ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. He also appeared as Zoot Doubleman for the Birmingham Village Players' production of 1940'S RADIO HOUR for which he also acted as music and vocal director. We're honored to have him with us tonight and have enjoyed working with him on many occasions. Thanks for everything, John! |  |
