Clarksville, TN Online » Ryan Bowie

Roxy Regional Theatre introduces actors and actresses for upcoming performances

Ryan Bowie — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:41:35 +0000

Clarksville, TN – The warmer weather is not the only change happening in Clarksville, as the Roxy Regional Theatre has a whole new company taking on the next several shows in the 29^th season. Some of you will recognize from past Roxy productions and we are excited to have several new faces joining us this season.

I wanted to take a moment to introduce them, as they are a part of our Roxy family and will serve Clarksville with their stellar performances over the next several months.

“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” is having its two final performances this weekend at the Roxy Regional Theatre.

Josh Bernaski

Bernaski is originally from Nazareth, PA, an hour north of Philly, where he later attended school at Temple University. He is very excited to be back at the Roxy Regional Theatre as a Company Member for the remainder of the season and was last seen here in “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.” Next up, he will be playing Antigonous in “The Winter’s Tale,” as well as appearances in “The Red Badge of Courage,” “Spring Awakening,” and one of his favorite musicals, “The Wedding Singer,” playing Robbie Hart.

Prior to returning to the Roxy, Josh was last seen working at Memphis’ Playhouse on the Square, performing in the season, including “Footloose,” and “Ragtime.” Following his time at the Roxy, he will be setting up a new home base in Chicago.

Hannah Church

Church is originally from Clarksville, Tennessee and a graduate of Clarksville High School. She went to school near Chicago at Rockford College and is one semester away from receiving a BFA in Musical Theatre. She has spent the last two summers with the Roxy, first as Rapunzel in “Into the Woods,” and then as Liesel in “The Sound of Music.”

Since closing “The Sound of Music,” she spent the fall playing Elaine in “Arsenic and Old Lace” and the Millworker in the musical “Working” at Rockford College. She also wrote a musical adaptation of “The Yellow Wallpaper” in which she wrote, directed, produced, designed and starred in the five person musical.

She is currently working on copyrighting the show to be available to theatres in the future. At the end of August, she will return to Rockford College to finish her last semester of school and will begin working regionally again in January.

Travis Kendrick

Originally from Virginia, Kendrick received his Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from Point Park University Conservatory of Performing Arts in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

From there, he worked his way up the big cities, first to Chicago and then to New York City. He has performed around the country and different regional theatres, as well as in New York City. There, he also exercised his collaborative chops in “Gin and Jazz,” based on the short stories of F. Scott Fitzgerald (choreographer and role of Clark) and collaborated with Roxy company member Ashley Laverty on “Dotty Dot: A New Children’s Musical” (co-writer, director and choreographer).

He first came to Clarksville in September of 2012 from “Dracula” and has had the wonderful opportunity to be in many productions since. Having bought a house and making Clarksville his home, he also enjoys teach dance for the Roxy School of the Arts, as well as Natalie’s Dance Network.

Last fall, Travis received his Yoga Teacher Certification and teaches around town and in the mornings, Monday through Saturday, at the Roxy Regional Theatre. He feels so lucky to be doing so many of the things he loves here in Clarksville, and is excited about all the beautiful things that the future will bring.

Ted Jones

Jones, a Clarksville native, is performing the role of Autolycus in THE WINTER’S TALE and the Marquess of Queensberry in GROSS INDECENCY.

He received his theatrical training at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NY and has performed over 30 roles at the Roxy on and off since 1987. His last role was that of Mr. Lorry in A TALE OF TWO CITIES.

Ted taught at Austin Peay State University for 14 years. He plays the harp and most recently put together a harp, flute, hammered dulcimmer, and guitar ensemble to play for the Clarksville Arts and Heritage “Champagne, Chocolates, and Chamber Music” event just before Valentine’s Day.

Ashley Laverty

Laverty was born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts, majored in Musical Theatre at Point Park University Conservatory for Performing Arts in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and currently lives in New York City.

Before coming to the Roxy in January, Ashley toured the Nashville area elementary schools as Nikki Neutron, a superhero who saves energy, with The National Theatre for Children. She even performed in a school in Clarksville. Ashley is here from the end of the 29^th season and will have the opportunity to play Paulina in “The Winter’s Tale,” Martha in “Spring Awakening,” and, one of her dream roles, Julia in “The Wedding Singer” later this summer.

As of right now, Ashley has no definite plans after August but lots of “up-in-the-air” plans! Maybe another tour, maybe returning to New York City, her options are open.

Gregory Pember

Pember returns to Clarksville and the Roxy for his third time and begins rehearsals for his fifth show at the theatre. Gregory is originally from Vancouver, Canada and after receiving his B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from The Boston Conservatory, he has been residing in New York City.

Before coming back to Clarksville, Gregory has been busy auditioning in the city as well as making his Off-Broadway debut in the original cast of “Ghostlight” at The Signature Theatre.

After “Spring Awakening” this season, he will be returning to New York in search of the next adventure. Some things are in the works for this summer, but if nothing comes up he is looking forward to the first full summer in the big city.

Colin Ryan

Ryan is originally from Norman, Oklahoma. He will be playing Leontes in “The Winter’s Tale,” Oscar Wilde in “Gross Indecency,” and also be seen in “The Red Badge of Courage.” He received his BFA in Acting from The University of Oklahoma.

Prior to coming to the Roxy Regional Theatre, he was seen as Claudious and the Ghost in a four man “Hamlet” with The Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre.

After the Roxy, he will be organizing and performing at a medium-sized music festival, Norman Music Festival 5, and teaching a Shakespeare camp this summer with Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park.

Evy Gildrie-Voyles

Gildrie-Voyles was born in Clarksville, Tennessee. She made her Roxy debut in 1986 in “A Tennessee Waltz” by Artistic Director John McDonald. Her training comes from the Parks and Recreation summer acting classes and is an alumnus of Oberlin College and Trinity ILAMAMA.

She has learned the most from being on the Roxy Stage with a host of superb performers: Leslie Greene, Sandra Sears, Marge Lillard, Gene Wolff, John McDonald, Tommy Thayer, Kris McCarthy and the list goes on. Currently, she lives and teaches pre-school in Madison, Wisconsin and previously taught drama and directed for Madison Creative Arts Program.

She was last seen at the Roxy as Lady Macbeth in “Macbeth,” and Amalia in “Othello.” She is currently playing Hermione in “The Winter’s Tale.”

Now you have officially been introduced. So, make these performers feel as welcome as you made me feel when I first came to Clarksville in the summer of 2010 and continue to make me feel as I build my life in a city I now call home.

You will not want to miss the final weekend of “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” on Friday, March 2nd at 8:00pm and Saturday, March 3rd at 8:00pm.

William Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale,” opens at the Roxy with Pay-What-You-Can-Night on Friday, March 9th at 8:00pm. Pay-What-You-Can tickets will be available at the box office starting at 7:30pm that night. Performances continue Saturday, March 10th at 8:00pm, Firday, March 16th at 8:00pm and Saturday, March 17th at 2:00pm and 8:00pm.

We look forward to seeing you at the theatre.

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Love Is In the Air

Ryan Bowie — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:11:12 +0000

Clarksville, TN – Love is in the air and the Roxy Regional Theatre is no exception. Currently playing in Downtown Clarksville is the musical comedy revue, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. This very funny and very poignant musical touches on all aspects of love and relationships and every audience member is sure to see themselves on stage at least once.

I asked the ensemble cast of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change if they remembered the first time they were in love and to tell us about it.

The cast of "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change", (L to R) Ryan Bowie, Heather Anderson, Ashley Laverty and Josh Bernaski.

Heather Anderson, a Pittsburgh, PA native that currently resides in Nashville had this to say. “The first boy I used the “L” word with was Bobby H. We were in the 5^th grade and he wrote it on the back of a “Pepe le Pu” valentine. We had a tumultuous relationship for 5^th grade. He bought me one of the very first “albums” (ok, It was a cassette tape) that made me want to sing; The Bodyguard soundtrack. Eventually we broke up, for the third and final time, at a roller skating party. He dumped me in the pizza line and I did the “couple skate” with my best friends. Bobby H. moved away in middle school, but he will always hold a special place in my heart…right next to Whitney Houston.”

Ashley Laverty, a native of Massachusetts and current resident of New York City said, “ I was in love with my high school sweetheart. He was tall and skinny, two years older that me, and a violinist. It couldn’t get any better. I remember we passed notes for about a week right before Halloween. Then, at a friends Halloween party, we talked all night long! It would have been a lot cuter had I not decided to dress up like an old man for Halloween, complete with a bald cap! Oh well! I guess I must have been a cute, old, balding man, because he became my boyfriend and first love not long after that.”

Josh Bernaski, a previous Roxy favorite had this to say about his first love experience. “I don’t know if I can say I’ve ever actually been in love, but I can remember my first real love interests… as well as the truly awful ways i dealt with them at a young age.

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change now playing at the Roxy.

In sixth grade, I thought Lauren in my class was the coolest..and her locker was in my hallway, so it seemed destined that we were to be together. But when she approached me and told me she liked me in the hallway in front of everyone, I panicked and called her the newest curse word I learned that year, trying to look cool… Obviously that’s where that ended. Not my proudest moment.

The next year, I moved on and became infatuated with another girl in my class. I made it my goal to make her laugh at least once a day and it was really working – I was feeling super smooth. But it fell apart at each school dance without fail. I was mostly concerned with drinking lots of punch and tormenting the teacher chaperones, but Erica wanted to actually dance at the dance – imagine that. And I wouldn’t give in until her friends hunted me down to tell me I broke her heart and she was crying in the bathroom. We’d finally dance to some 90s ballad (probably 98 degrees’ ‘I Swear’ because it played at every dance for 3 years), it would be awesome, and then we’d hold hands until we were picked up by the folks. True love, huh. But as you can guess, that one didn’t last too long either.

I can’t say I’m a master of relationships today, but I like to think I’ve at least improved since middle school.”

As I read all of these youthful love stories, I began to look back on my own “love life,” trying to remember where it all began. My earliest love memory takes place in my pre-school/kindergarten class. I grew up in this little school, Child Time, and it is where I remember performing for the first time and where I had my first piano lesson. Every day, normally after lunch, we would have nap time. There was this one girl that I was very fond of and we would spend lots of time together in class. During nap time, even though the boys were on one side and the girls on the other, I remember exchanging glances with this little girl. Was this love or was this the simple act of being “twitterpated?”

It is funny to look back on love in your life. The four of us presenting I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change have the pleasure of bringing love to the stage every night for the next several weeks. We start with the very basics of relationships all the way to the love that has grown and ripened over time. We can all relate to some kind of love and as a cast, we have been able to love, laugh, and cry our way through this crazy world of relationships.

This is a show you don’t want to miss. Come out to the Roxy Regional Theatre and see what love is all about! Now showing, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:00pm and Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm through March 3rd with a matinee performance on Saturday, February 18th. For more information and tickets go to www.roxyregionaltheatre.org.

See you at the theatre.

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Resolutions for a New Year

Ryan Bowie — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:00:12 +0000

Happy New Year!

Clarksville, TN – We are excited to be back at the Roxy Regional Theatre after a couple of weeks off for the holidays. The staff has come back rested and some – tanner than others.

We are also excited to welcome back some friendly faces and a few new faces to the acting company this winter as the prepare to present the next several shows in our 29^th season.

I asked them, “Are you making any New Year’s resolutions this year?”

Happily Ever After opens at the Roxy Regional Threatre January 14th at 2:00pm.

Ashley Laverty

Ashley Laverty is making her Roxy Regional Theatre debut this winter in Happily Ever After, playing several different characters. You will get to know her very well this year, as she will remain throughout the 29^th season.

Ashley is making a couple New Year’s resolution this year and here is what she said. “I am! I want to make a greater effort in remembering my friends and family on their birthdays, especially since I’ll be in Tennessee until August! I’m usually pretty good about birthday cards, but I want to go a step further and send gifts, too. I have to have a healthier lifestyle I want to get a juicer and start juicing fruits and veggies. Fresh juice is so healthy for you and yummy, too! I’ve also been taking Travis Kendrick’s morning yoga class and I’m getting a bike, too! I’ll be able to explore Clarksville by bicycle soon!”

Travis Kendrick

Travis Kendrick is, of course, back at the Roxy Regional Theatre this winter, currently working on Happily Ever After. He will also continue teaching Morning Yoga at the Roxy, Monday – Saturdays as well as the dance curriculum for the Saturday School of the Arts.

He had this to say. “My New Year’s resolution this year is to be more diligent about thank you cards. I love getting physical mail, and want to take the time to write thank you cards as a way of showing my gratitude. This leads me to my second resolution – take the time to be grateful for the wonderful people in my life, and for the things they give me (both tangible and intangible). Lastly, my third resolution is a two-parter: I want to drink less soda and more water. What you put in your body directly effects what you get from it. Hopefully my year will be filled with exploration in thank you cards, gratitude and water!

No one would know that these two are best friends and probably discussed their New Year’s resolutions while writing these, would they?

Heather Anderson

Heather Anderson is back at the Roxy Regional Theatre after successful runs in The Sound of Music and Beehive: The 60’s Musical Sensation. She is here this winter in The Vagina Monologues, Happily Ever After and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.

“I actually make a goal list. Last year, I did eleven in 2011 and this year twelve in 2012. Some are easier than others. For instance, drink more water and run a full marathon are both on the list.” stated Anderson. ” I’ll give you one guess as to which one is going to be harder for me (and it isn’t drink more water!). Sometimes, I actually accomplish all of the goals. Mainly, I just like to make lists and cross things off of them. Maybe I should resolve to make less lists? Hmmmmm….”

Josh Bernaski

We are super excited to have Mr. Josh Bernaski back with us after a brief hiatus. You may remember Josh from the productions of Forever Plaid and Into the Woods. Josh will be with us, just like Ashley, for the remainder of the 29^th season.

He had this to say about his 2012 resolution. “Happy 2012 everyone! I’m very happy to be back here in Clarksville for the New Year, for what should be a great time at the Roxy. I have a few resolutions to work on this year. Traveling around to acting jobs around the country sometimes makes it challenging to stay in touch with friends and family back in Pennsylvania. I hope to make a more conscience effort to keeping in touch with people across the country on a regular basis…and Facebook doesn’t count. I also hope to become a more responsible adult when it comes to my finances. Less Starbucks, more savings! Lastly, I will learn how to play guitar. It could be a great new hobby, and also come in handy for future shows.”

Brandon Meeks

Brandon Meeks is back this winter after a successful run of A Christmas Carol this December. Brandon will stay on for the next several shows and had this to say about starting off 2012.

“The idea of New Year’s Resolutions are funny to me, because they are made with gusto and enthusiasm in the beginning, but typically slow down and peter out as the novelty of the change begins to fade. Since everywhere I look is plastered with people’s intentions for the 2012, especially thanks to networks like Facebook, I am beginning to ponder the fact that I have not, and will not, make any “resolutions” for this year. At least, not in the typical sense.

Ryan Bowie

I have decided, however, to make a number of major changes in my life. To begin with, I am starting to heavily refine my never-ending pursuit of healthier eating, which I will not share the details of, in order to avoid judgment and eye rolls. That is going well so far.

I have also started many new explorations and projects in my creative work. These range from a mix of street performance to radio dramas to full blown plays. I am also looking forward to refresh my five years of experience with improvisational comedy when I teach an improv class at the Roxy, beginning on January 17th. The more I think about it, the more I have decided that I will simply aspire to be better than I am, for its own sake, and not for the sake of a deadline.”

Our winter company of actors are not only making resolutions for their own lives but the are also working hard in rehearsals for the opening performance of Happily Ever After, next Saturday, January 14th at 2:00pm. Also running at this time is the 10^th annual production of The Vagina Monologues in the OTHER SPACE. Performances continue every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, at 8:00pm, from now until the 4th of February.

Add seeing more live theatre and supporting downtown Clarksville to your own New Year’s resolution. You’ll be glad you did.

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Christmas Memories

Ryan Bowie — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 20:00:40 +0000

Clarksville, TN – The Roxy Regional Theatre’s annual production of A Christmas Carol is in full swing after three very successful weekends. With the holidays being such an important time to us all, and our actors having to give up some of these holiday traditions to be apart of this cast, I thought it would be good for us all to reflect on what makes Christmas special to us.

So, last week, I asked the cast of A Christmas Carol, “What is your favorite childhood Christmas memory?” Here are some of the responses.

A Christmas Carol playing through Saturday at the Roxy.

Joylene Taylor, playing one of the Solicitors, Mrs. Fezziwig, Little Miss and Mrs. Dilbur in A Christmas Carol said, “My favorite childhood Christmas memories involved spending time with my father to find a Christmas tree. We would go to my grandfather’s farm and go up on the hill to look for a tree. When my younger brother was old enough, the three of us went. We would try to look for a small pine tree. It was always interesting to find out if our small tree would fit in the living room. My parents had nine foot ceilings and many times our small pine tree had to be cut down a bit to fit.”

Travis Kendrick, playing the other Solicitor, Mr. Fezziwig, Christmas Present said, “One Christmas Eve when I was very young, my family and I were sitting around the Christmas tree listening to Christmas music by the fire, when I heard Santa’s sleigh bells coming from the roof! I got so nervous-because everyone knows you have to be in bed ASLEEP when Santa comes or he might pass your house, duh-that I ran up the two flights of stairs to my room, jumped into bed (clothes and all) and pretended with all my might I was asleep. I then noticed a new sound-the sound of uproarious laughter coming from downstairs. I came downstairs to find my whole family in tears from laughing so much as the song “Jingle Bells” plays in the background. I had heard the intro to a song and not Santa’s sleigh. Whew! What a relief! There was still him before he came.”

John McDonald, the Roxy Regional Theatre’s artistic director and Scrooge in A Christmas Carol said, “Did I ever tell you about the time Santa Claus came to my house? Yes, to my very own home. I don’t mean in the wee hours of Christmas morning — in point of fact, it was Christmas Eve, before bedtime, when I was four and wide awake. Lowenstein’s, Memphis’ chic dress shop, had closed early for the holiday. My Aunt Loyce worked in the lingerie department, and she knew the man who was standing in for Santa. I know when I was small, when we saw more than one Santa in a day, Mother would say, “Oh, he is one of Santa’s helpers.”

Well, that Christmas Eve the real Santa entered our first house, a new GI Bill home. Santa sat on one of our dining room chairs. I can still see the striped material on the chair and its mahogany harp-shaped back. The wallpaper too sticks out, but only as the background for the man in the red velvet suit, backed up by huge pink cabbage roses. I remember sitting on his lap and being told to tell Santa what I wanted for Christmas. I don’t remember what I asked for. I think I was mute for the first and, alas, the last time in my life. I was told not to peek out the windows, for fear of frightening the reindeer.

It was only after he left that I remembered that I had forgotten to ask for an electric train. I never asked for the train. That night — and I’ve told this story for many years to anyone who would listen — that night I remember like yesterday, saying my prayers and asking God to let Santa know I wanted a train set. At that moment the alleluia angel, just like the one that hung above the crèche my grandmother had bought for us, flew across the ceiling, or rather, its silhouette did.

All prayers are answered, but rarely in the time we humans want them to be. God doesn’t carry a watch. But He has a vast colorful vision — you remember, he created the rainbow. I’ve told the Santa story — and the alleluia angel — for many years. It was only on the last telling that it wasn’t the angel flying over my bed, but my mother or father — or better, both -– standing in the doorway, checking on me, while blocking the hall light, as their shadows passed over the ceiling above my head. The miracle of the angel with the miracle of loving parents who had already purchased, on layaway, a Lionel train set. How many two-dollars put aside for how many weeks, I’ll never know, nor was I ever meant to know.

You have a few more chances to see the Roxy Regional Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol. Don’t miss out on this exciting annual event!

See you at the theatre.

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Tis the Season

Ryan Bowie — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 12:00:52 +0000

We have officially left the battles of the French Revolution and the Roxy Regional Theatre stage has begun its transformation to the snow filled village of “A Christmas Carol.” Rehearsals for this annual holiday production are well under way and Scrooge will make his entrance in good fashion the day after Thanksgiving.

Black Friday proves to once again be a busy day of shopping across the country. After scooping up great deals on electronics and visiting your local boutiques, come to the corner of 1st and Franklin Street for the opening performance of “A Christmas Carol.”

A Christmas Carol now playing at the Roxy.

Back for “A Christmas Carol,” pay-what-you-can-night will be held on Friday, November 25th at 8:00pm. However, bring a new and unwrapped toy to the theatre in lieu of payment for your ticket. All the proceeds go to the Q108 annual Toy Drive for the Clarksville community.

This year, let the Roxy Regional Theatre be your one-stop-shopping for the theatre lovers on your list. We have tickets available for the remainder of our 29th season including “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” “The Winter’s Tale,” “Spring Awakening,” “The Wedding Singer,” “Happy Days” and many more. Also available, to accompany the tickets are the original soundtrack recordings for the upcoming musicals.

Season Ten Packs are a great way to go if you are having trouble deciding which shows and dates to choose. Give the gift of 10 hows at a discounted price and leave the decision making to the recipient.

Also available this holiday season is our 29th Season Production Poster Book. All the posters from the 29th season are included in one book. We are encouraging patrons to bring the book with them to the theatre and have the actors sign it for a full year of signatures at the end of the season. Poster designs from past graphic designer, Mike Fink, have also been compiled into one book and are available at the theatre. Both would be great additions to complete the avid theatre goers wishes this holiday.

Who says you have to go to Nashville to shop this holiday season? Stay local and give the gift of live theatre. Take advantage of your professional, live theatre, celebrating it’s 29th season and help us continue for the next 29 seasons.

See you at the theatre!

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Oh the weather outside is frightful…

Ryan Bowie — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:00:24 +0000

Well, it’s official, it is the time of year when we go to work in the dark and leave work in the dark. Thank you daylight savings time. We at the Roxy Regional Theatre must now wait until “spring forward” to be able to frolic about in the sunlight.

I guess it is appropriate to say that we have officially entered the 2011 holiday season. The annual Christmas tree is up in the lobby of the Roxy, this year courtesy of our friends at Wal-Mart after a post holiday donation last year. The walls of the lobby are being serenaded by the harmonic sounds of Christmas carols and good ol’ Scrooge is about to wake up from his long winters nap.

Ebenezer Scrooge at Fezziwig's Warehouse. Mrs. Fezziwig is center left, Mr. Fezziwig is center right

The holidays are always a busy time at the Roxy and in Historic Downtown Clarksville. This year is no exception. We have five different casts of very talented young people joining the professional company of A Christmas Carol, as they rotate playing the Cratchit children. Our Cratchit company includes, Hannah Collins, Gavin Berlyak, Sidney McCarty, Brooke Schauer and Addisyn Bryant as Martha; Truman Jepsen, Christian Rieke, Nathaniel Pittman, Liam Poland and David Snyder as Peter; Sydney Barksdale, Jesse Boyle, Kourtni Cottrell, Madeline O’Connor and Whitney Flickinger as Belinda; and Scott Hall, Nicholas Cavin, Nathaniel Dorminey, Colby Adams and Noah Holt as Tiny Tim.

The Roxy Regional Theatre will host a special holiday event this year as a fundraiser for the new Center for Arts and Education. “Christmas Over the Cumberland” will take place, Thursday, December 8th at 5:00pm. At press time, only fifteen seats are available for this dinner and show event, complete with a holiday buffet, wine courtesy of Beachaven Winery, dinner entertainment featuring Ted Jones on the harp and the APSU Women’s Quintet and that evening’s performance of A Christmas Carol.

Professional Christmas Carolers, decked out in beautiful period costumes, are also available this holiday season through the Roxy Regional Theatre. Four trained singers are offering sets of Christmas Carols for holiday parties, corporate events and other seasonal gatherings. For rates and to book this group for your upcoming event, please contact the Roxy box office directly.

This holiday season take advantage of the world-class entertainment in your own backyard. The Roxy Regional Theatre is committed to the fostering of the arts and its continued growth in our region.

Catch the cast of A Tale of Two Cities in their final two performances, Friday, November 11th at 8:00pm and Saturday, November 12th at 8:00pm. Performances of A Christmas Carol begin at the Roxy Friday, November 25th at 8:00pm.

See you at the theatre.

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Just a Typical…Saturday at the Roxy

Ryan Bowie — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:00:14 +0000

One of the major misconceptions about the Roxy Regional Theatre, I think, is the fact that everything we do throughout the week takes place inside the 153-seat theatre. So, as Saturday, October 30th quickly approached, we stocked up on coffee, energy bars and hit the floors running.

A typical Saturday at the Roxy is already jam-packed but this particular Saturday was a little more packed than usual. The day began with our Saturday School of the Arts at 10:00am. We are fortunate to have close to 60 young people takes the acting portion of the program with our Artistic Director, John McDonald. They are working on a “workshop in-formance” of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream coming up in December.

Mary Nell Wooten hands out candy for the Roxy Regional Theatre at Fright on Franklin Street

After acting class, Travis Kendrick took over as 25 young people stay on to take dance class where they are learning the techniques of musical theatre dance and have just begun their choreography projects. If the Roxy does not have a matinée on Saturday, those 25 young people would then stay on for voice class currently taught by Lisa Conklin-Bishop, faculty at Austin Peay State University.

While the School of the Arts program took place inside, preparations were being made outside for the Roxy’s participation in the annual Fright on Franklin. Old Christmas Carol sets, draped with dyed tobacco close and some muslin from Hodgepodge gave a spooky feel. Ghost luminaries made out of recycled milk jugs lit the path around the table.

As dance class let out at 1:30pm, the audience for the matinée began to shuffle in to the Roxy for the afternoon performance of The War of the Worlds. After Martians attacked the earth…again…and the bow was taken, the cast quickly shifted gears into A Tale of Two Cities rehearsal for the next three hours.

I, however, was absent from that afternoons rehearsal, as I was committed to Fright on Franklin. Myself, along with Roxy board members Mary Nell Wooten, Judi Sinks, Nancye Britton and Walter Marczak manned the tent throughout the evening, handing out candy to thousands of little goblins lining the streets of Historic Downtown Clarksville. I must applaud the Parks and Recreation Department, Niki Crowe and Planters Bank for a successful event. We, at the Roxy, were able to reach a lot of people that day just because of interest in the old 1947 building that stands on the corner of First and Franklin.

At the time when most people are ready to close up shop and go home and put their feet up, the Roxy continued it’s long Saturday with the final public performance of The War of the Worlds, presented to a packed house Saturday evening. Are you tired yet?

When you look back on a jam-packed day like that Saturday you know that all the hard work and long hours are worth it. We get to reach 60 plus young people every Saturday, molding and teaching them in the arts. We were able to reach close to 250 audience members coming into the Roxy and supporting live theatre. But most importantly, on that particular Saturday, we were able to reach thousands of ‘Clarksvillians’ through Fright on Franklin and bring awareness to the live-professional theatre that has been on the corner of First and Franklin for the last 29 years. It makes it all worth it.

This week A Tale of Two Cities continues performances on Friday, November 11th at 8:00pm and Saturday, November 12th at 2:00pm and 8:00pm. Performances continue that following week on Friday and Saturday at 8:00pm.

Click here to view the embedded video.

See you at the theatre!

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