Munchkins, Monkeys, Men In Tights, Music, and More at STP

Wow! How can one place offer so much? The Soo Theatre Project is a vibrant arts center for sure: Munchkins and monkeys (Wizard of Oz in July), Men In Tights (The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood in June), Music (Barbershop next Sunday, June 4), and so much more (summer camps and lessons all summer).

STP’s summer musical, Wizard of Oz, will be performed July 13, 14, 15, & 16. Auditions have been held, cast has been selected, and rehearsals are well underway. This 1900 story will come to life once again for your viewing pleasure. Come see Dorothy discover the land of the munchkins as she wears the ruby shoes and finds her way home together with the help of her friends the tin man, the lion, and the scarecrow while dodging the wicked witch and those flying monkeys. With Director Karen Hughes Beacom at the helm, it will be another fantastic production at The Soo Theatre Project.

You’re just gonna love The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood this June 16, 17, & 18! Director Lisa Dunn is very familiar with stage, theater, and performances:

Lisa Dunn holds a B.A. in Theater Arts from Arizona State University.  She co-founded and ran the Les Cheneaux Education Foundation’s Summer Theater Program in Cedarville for 20 years.  Lisa is now in her 16th year serving as the Les Cheneaux Community Schools Drama Club Advisor.  Lisa has had the pleasure of directing two previous productions at Soo Theatre Project: “Carousel” and “Fiddler on the Roof.”  She is delighted to be back at Soo Theater for this year’s summer show.

Not so sure just what the humorous performance The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood is all about? Here’s a synopsis:

“It sure is hard to be humble when you’re a swashbuckling, egocentric super-hero. But our gallant guy-in-green tries his best as he swaggers through The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood, a frantically funny, Monty Pythonesque retelling of the classic. This time around, the legendary legend, in his never-ending quest to aid the needy, encounters a lovely damsel-in-distress (oddly obsessed with skin conditions); an ever-scheming sheriff who would rather bowl a strike than hit a bull’s-eye; a gold-hoarding, bad-guy monarch wannabe; and a good-natured “Town’s Guy” who manages to make his way into every scene, whether he belongs there or not. Combine them with an expandable band of spoon-wielding Merry Men whose collective IQs equal six, and you’ve got an irreverent jaunt through Sherwood Forest you won’t soon forget!”

Just who will you be seeing acting on stage? Director Lisa Dunn is proud to announce the cast of The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood:

ROBIN – Aaron Jenkins, TOWN’S GUY – Jim Taylor, SHERIFF – Mark SanAngelo, PRINCE – Dan Harris, MARION – Keelan Jenkins, LADY – Cindy Smith, FRIAR TUCK – Tom Lehman, LITTLE JOHN – Sean Van Dyke, ALAN ADALE – Anna Kowalski, WILL SCARLETT – Faith Nayback, and the FAWNING LADIES – Ariana Atkinson, Ellah Deeghan, Ashley Kasper, Sara Waucaush.

So come see the men in tights in STP’s production of The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood in June.

The Lock Cities Chorus of Sweet Adelines International’s and The Northland Chorus are celebrating 10 years performing together on STP’s stage. Next Sunday, June 4 at 3 pm, these two wonderful barbershop choruses will perform two very engaging concerts.

Regarding Our Favorite Things by The Lock Cities Chorus of Sweet Adelines International (composed by Terri Miller):

The Lock Cities Chorus of Sweet Adelines International certainly has something to sing about! Not only is the group celebrating its 10th anniversary with the Soo Theatre Project, but also its 30th Anniversary of the Lock Cities Chorus as a sister chapter in the Sweet Adelines organization.

Director Linda Sirie asked chorus members to name one or two of their all-time favorite chorus numbers. From that list, Lock Cities developed this year’s show aptly named Our Favorite Things.

The show opens with long time crowd favorite Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” and then moves on to some great Irving Berlin classics. A popular doo wop number from the 50’s “Hold Me Thrill Me” is another favorite, along with some wonderful ballads and toe tapping up-tunes including a naughty little number entitled “It’s Raining Men.

About The Northland Chorus show, The Last Voyageur – or – All Fur Naught: A Barbershop Melodrama (composed by Bob Shami):

In celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary in 2017, the Northland Chorus presents a show set in the 1880’s, near the end of the Voyageur era. The fur trade had long been the backbone of an emerging national economy and at the heart of Canada’s identity as a new nation. It fell to the Voyageur to transport the furs from outlying ports to market. By the late 1800’s…the fur trade had come to an end and with it, the Voyageur’s way of life.

Melodramas are characterized by acting which incorporates large gestures and lavish facial expressions. Modern melodramas are more about having fun and are never intended as passive entertainment…as the audience is encouraged to show its displeasure by booing and hissing at the heartless villain and its delight by cheering the heroine and her intrepid hero as good triumphs over evil.

Get your tickets now to hear the great sounds of The Go Rounds from Kalamazoo on Thursday, June 29 at 8 pm as part of the “Raise The Roof” Concert Series. “Sip and Support The Heartbeat of Downtown.”

At the Soo Theatre Project, there is always something for everyone all year long. Call at 906-632-1930. Or, visit at 534 Ashmun Street downtown Sault Sainte Marie, MI. Or, like us on Facebook at Soo Theatre Project, Inc.