Julie Yolles Finds Southern Comfort in Dixie

Julie Yolles as Dinah Grayson, Esquire

Julie Yolles may be from Birmingham, Michigan, but she’s been in so many “Southern” plays that you might think she’s from Birmingham, Alabama instead.  As she says, “I guess I’m becoming a ‘Southern’ veteran, having been in Miracle Worker, Steel Magnolias, Last Night of Ballyhoo and now the Dixie Swim Club.” In Dixie, five women -- teammates on their college swim team -- reunite every August at a North Carolina beach house for a girls-only weekend that is always full of fun, fights, and twists of fate.

In her first role with the Farmington Players, Julie plays Dinah Grayson, a fast-talking, wise-cracking, hard-boiled attorney who is never far from her martini glass. Julie contrasts her character with herself: “As Dinah, I am supposed to be a very ‘seasoned’ drinker, shall we say.  In ‘real life,’ I’m a cheap date. I don’t drink at all, except regular Coke, which I’m trying to give up daily.  So, now, I need to find myself a handsome professional bartender to show me how to mix the ultimate martini and screwdriver onstage, while staying in character, with a Southern accent and timing my lines correctly.”

Despite their differences, Julie does have one thing in common with Dinah: “I do have my varsity letter in synchronized swimming from Southfield-Lathrup High School.” Some of her talent must have been passed on to her daughter, Madison, who is a state champion on her synchronized swim team, the Troy Synchro Sharkettes.

Julie says she “hit the jackpot” with the Farmington Players.  “I couldn’t have asked for a nicer, more talented, friendly and welcoming cast and crew.  It’s a pleasure and honor, as our director Tim Timmer and A.D. Rick Mickley always say, to share the stage and backstage with them.” Julie says that Dixie’s all-male directing team makes it “intriguing and fun to get that male perspective on the female psyche.”

One challenge facing all the characters is to age 33 years on stage, but Julie is even incorporating that into her role: “I’m having many a ‘senior moment,’ which could be a good thing for my character as there are so many lines to learn and it doesn’t come as easily as it did in the old—or should I say younger—days.”

Julie’s favorite roles include Sylvie in the Female Odd Couple, Aunt Gert in Lost in Yonkers, Chris in Rumors, Columbia in The Rocky Horror Show, Rita in The Vast Difference, Annelle in Steel Magnolias, Pfeni in Sisters Rosensweig, Electra in Gypsy, Lala in Last Night of Ballyhoo, Minnie Faye in Hello Dolly and Virginia in Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up.  By day, Julie is the Social Scene Columnist for the Observer & Eccentric newspapers, a Features Writer for Styleline magazine and a freelancer.

The Dixie Swim Club runs October 5th – 27th.  Reserved seats for this comedy sponsored by Mall, Malisow & Cooney, P.C. are available now at farmingtonplayers.org or at the box office (248) 553-2955. 

Anne Craft is a Natural as a Dixie Chick

Debra Rockey (Vernadette), Anne Craft (Sheree), Julie Yolles (Dinah), Erin Osgood (Lexie), Kandi Krumins (Jeri Neal) are the members of the Dixie Swim Club 

“I'm every woman/It's all in me/Anything you want done baby/I do it naturally”

Like Whitney Houston’s “Every Woman,” Anne Craft sees part of herself in each of the five female characters that make up the Dixie Swim Club:  “Each of the five women is different, and has strengths and weaknesses that I possess.  I could have been any one of these women at one time during her life.  It is rare that a script has so many characters available to five female actors.  We are an ensemble.”  The Dixie Swim Club tells the story of five friends who meet on the college swim team. They reunite one weekend each year at a North Carolina beach house to laugh, love and enjoy life, free from men, children and work.

Anne describes her character Sheree as “a busy body always poking her nose in other's lives.  She feels she can reorganize everyone else to live the perfect life like she has.   Her heart is in the right place but her constant ‘I'm in charge’ attitude can be wearing on her friends.”  Anne can definitely relate to Sheree’s nutritional and organizational skills, saying: “I like that my character is ‘all about good nutrition.’  I pride myself on eating healthfully and it makes me proud that Sheree feels the same way.  She talks about being an athlete and continues with exercise throughout her life.  Sheree is also very organized.  If you saw my house you would see that I am a very organized person.  I have been known to label drawers and cabinet doors so that anyone who uses my kitchen would know where things are and where they are to be returned.”

Like all the characters, Sheree must age on stage from 44 to 77 during the course of the play.  Anne explains how the actors tackle this challenge: “Aging my character ‘down’ to look younger than I am in the first scene is one challenge.  The five characters will not only be wearing period costumes but also costumes that help determine their age.  The other challenge is making the actor's bodies age.  You can add make-up to the face, but everyone loses muscle tone and gravity pulls at everything we women pride ourselves on; top and bottom, front and back.”

Anne has added her own personal touch to the show by being the costumer: “As the costumer for the show, I had the great privilege of working with the Thurston high school girls and watching the process of the passage of time.”

Anne’s numerous Barn stage credits include curious characters such as the soft and chewy dancing pretzel in The Producers, the nameless mute in Gypsy, and the transgender mail carrier in Miracle on 34th Street.  Anne has been with the Farmington Players for four years and serves on the Board as Director of Membership.

The Dixie Swim Club runs October 5^th – 27^th.  Reserved seats for this comedy sponsored by Mall, Malisow & Cooney, P.C. are available now at farmingtonplayers.org or at the box office (248) 553-2955.  Find us on Facebook under “Farmington Players.”

A Review of "Q"

The creative, collaborative cast of Avenue Q

Okay, so first a disclaimer (after all, I’m a lawyer).  Since I help with publicity and marketing for this show, this can’t really be an objective “review” in the traditional sense.  But having seen Avenue Q on opening night at the Farmington Players barn theater, I wanted to give you my first impressions.

Avenue Q is a roller coaster ride of funny songs, silly jokes, and playful puppets.  The comparisons to Sesame Street (despite all disclaimers to the contrary) are obvious.  But what you might not expect from this show is that Avenue Q is a hard place to live, full of human frailty and life’s disappointments.  It is a bit disillusioning when a wide-eyed Princeton (played by Gary LaKind) has his naïve bubble burst.  And when Kate Monster (Mary Malaney) gets her little heart broken, I even shed a few tears.

This cynical world view – embodied by songs such as “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist” and “Schadenfreude” (pleasure derived from the misfortunes of others) – might make you a little uncomfortable. And if that doesn’t, the vigorous puppet sex certainly will!  It was more than a little awkward watching this show with my 23 year-old daughter, especially during the song “You Can Be as Loud as the Hell You Want (When You're Makin' Love).”

But at its core, Avenue Q really is insightful, funny, and like its characters, has a Purpose. It is also a great showcase for some very talented young actors and vocalists.  Jason Wilhoite and Paige  Wisniewski practically steal the show as the Bad Idea Bears. Connor Rhoades’ mastery with puppets really brings his character Nicky to life. And Bob Cox’s voice, mannerisms and even his tufted haircut make him entirely convincing as Rod, Nicky’s roommate.  Bob explains why it all comes together so well: “Nicky and Rod are a little similar to the way Connor and I act in real life, which could possibly be why our chemistry is good on stage. It also helps that Connor has turned Nicky into a character off stage as well. Lots of times I come into rehearsal, and instead of being greeted by Connor, I get a ‘Oh Hi Bob!’ from Nicky, along with a wonderful puppet hug.”

Avenue Q has a lot of heart. Go in with an open mind, check your political correctness at the door, and be prepared to laugh about things that might be in “bad taste” but still ring true. Avenue Q runs through Saturday August 25.  Get your tickets (while they last) at www.farmingtonplayers.org or by calling the Farmington Players box office at 248-553-2955.  Find us on Facebook under “Farmington Players.” 

It Certainly Doesn’t Suck to Be Gary LaKind

Puppet Love: Kate Monster (Mary Malaney) and Princeton (Gary LaKind)

Avenue Q is definitely not for kids.  But even though most of the characters and cast members are in their twenties, the Internet Generation are not the only ones who can relate to these promiscuous puppets. In fact, Avenue Q may resonate even more closely with Baby Boomers who grew up with Muppets.  So says Gary LaKind of West Bloomfield, who plays the role of Princeton in the Farmington Players’ production.  Princeton is a recent college graduate and a new resident to Avenue Q who is looking for his purpose in life. Gary wanted to be in Avenue Q because “I love the show and I feel like the show truly speaks to someone who is my age. I grew up in the early 1970's, so I watched Sesame Street during its infancy.  I literally grew with Sesame Street.  I can also remember the excitement of watching The Muppet Show when it debuted on network television and seeing The Muppet Movie in the theater.  The lyricist (Jeff Marx) and I are the same age, so we clearly have the same generational sensibilities.  We also attended the University of Michigan at the same time, so songs like ‘I wish I could go back to college’ really resonate.”

When playing Princeton, Gary tries to focus on “Princeton's innocence.  I try to imbue Princeton with a simple, ‘aw shucks’ quality that really highlights the contradiction between a puppet and the adult nature of his words and actions.  The best part of Princeton though, is being able to sing so many amazing songs.”  Gary is no stranger to musical theater, having performed in RENT (Roger), Sunday in the Park with George (George), and Assassins (The Balladeer/Lee Harvey Oswald).  But in his Farmington Players debut, Gary faces some unique challenges, including “to sing, act and move while working the puppet!  I find it quite difficult and I have the utmost respect for those who do it so well.  The art of coordinated movement with the puppet is truly an art form.  We are fortunate enough to have Connor Rhoades, who plays Nicky and is a gifted puppeteer, giving us pointers and assistance.”

Although he loves musical theater and art, Gary lists “husband and father” as his greatest accomplishments, saying “nothing can really compare to my wife and son.”  And his day job isn’t a bad gig either:  Gary practices occupational medicine in metro Detroit.  So when Princeton (and others) sing, “It Sucks To Be Me,” Gary probably can’t relate …  but he is a convincing actor nevertheless.

Avenue Q opens Friday August 10 and runs through Saturday August 25.  Get your tickets at www.farmingtonplayers.org or by calling the Farmington Players box office at 248-553-2955.  Find us on Facebook under “Farmington Players.” 

Playing a Slutty Puppet is Good Clean Fun for Lia Imbronone

When Lia Imbronone vamps as Lucy the Slut,
even Trekkie Monster (Jim Snideman) can't resist her charms.

Sometimes when I tell people that the Farmington Players are putting on Avenue Q, they ask, “Isn’t that like The Muppets?”  Um … not exactly.  While Rod and Nicky have been compared to Bert and Ernie, and there is a Trekkie Monster, when I mention the character Lucy the Slut, they begin to understand:  Avenue Q is a long, long way from Sesame Street.

Lucy the Slut has been described as “a skanky chanteuse who wows the guys, especially Princeton, with a seductive cabaret number.”  Our Lucy is played by the lovely Lia Imbronone. The 24 year-old currently works as a cosmetologist, forensics coach, and DJ, but she soon plans to move to New York City to pursue her “purpose” – a career in musical theatre.  Lia sees Lucy as “the epitome of sex appeal: when she walks into a room all the men fall in lust, and the women roll their eyes in judgment and jealousy. She’s the type of girl who will always win the affection, but can never win the love. A complete Marilyn, without even a drop of Jackie.” (To give you an idea of the power of Lucy’s sexuality, billboards and bus ads featuring the voluptuous puppet’s cleavage were banned in Colorado Springs because they were just too damned sexy!)

Lia enjoys playing Lucy because “I can completely get in touch with my sultry and sexy side while maintaining my dignity... after all, it’s LUCY talking, not me!”  She aptly compares Lucy to “a hybrid of Jessica Rabbit and Miss Piggy.” Lia wanted to be in Avenue Q because “this show is just hysterical.  It’s fun to see just how much puppets can get away with. I wanted to play a fun ‘character-y’ character, but I also wanted a challenge ... and this show is just perfect for that.” 

One of Lia’s biggest challenges has been learning the choreography: “I trip all over myself until I really get into rhythm, so adding a puppet on my arm has really been out of my comfort zone.”  She credits director Allison Boufford for all of her patience, saying, “It took a while to get into a rhythm but she let me get there on my own, never pressured me once. It can be difficult enough for me to take direction, and Lucy has a mind of her own! Trying to manipulate the body as well as the mouth can be exhausting on the arms, but practice ALWAYS makes perfect.”

Lia is making her debut at the Barn, and previous productions (roles) include Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (the Narrator), The Sound of Music (Sister Berthe), The Breakfast Club (Basketcase), Seussical (Sour Kangaroo), and RENT (Joanne).

Avenue Q opens Friday August 10 and runs through Saturday August 25.  Get your tickets at www.farmingtonplayers.org or by calling the Farmington Players box office at 248-553-2955.  Find us on Facebook under “Farmington Players.” 

As the Paige Turns: “Good Girl” Gone Bad as Bad Idea Bear

Bad Idea Bears (Paige Wisniewski and Jason Wilhoite)
give Princeton (Gary LaKind) some advice on how to spend his parents’ money

Your first impression of 19 year-old Paige Wisniewski is that she is as cute and cuddly as the bear puppet she holds in Avenue Q.  Blond and bubbly, she has no qualms admitting to a “lifelong love of anything Disney.” So it’s no surprise that she has played Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and Sandy in Grease, in her hometown of Houghton Lake, Michigan.  As Paige says, “I am so used to playing the ‘good girl’ in musicals and so getting the chance to be on the other side of the spectrum has been really fun for me.”

  

But when Paige goes to the “other side,” she goes all the way.  In Avenue Q, her main character is the girl Bad Idea Bear, whom she describes as follows: “The Bad Idea Bears are the cutest little bears who use their sweet charm to persuade some of the other characters in the show to do, well, bad things.” (For example, when Princeton receives money from his parents, the Bad Idea Bears convince him to spend it on beer.)  As Paige says, “One thing that I love about my Bad Idea Bear the best is that she is the perfect combination of sweet and sour.  She is just so cute and you want to snuggle with her and make her your best friend, but after talking to her for a few minutes you will find yourself involved in some bad things.”

Paige’s other role is Mrs. Thistletwat: “She is a crabby old Kindergarten teacher that Kate Monster works for.  I have never played a character like her before so it has been fun to play with such a grouchy character.”   Mastering the puppetry is a new experience for Paige, who says, “It will be also challenging to channel everything that I am feeling into the puppet.  It is something that is so new to me and I am anxious and excited to be able to do something so different.”  In addition to operating the Bad Idea Bear, a double rod puppet, Paige will be helping to puppeteer Trekkie Monster’s second arm and some other puppets throughout the show. 

While Paige is brand new to the Barn, she can “honestly say that throughout this process so far I have met some really great people.  I am so impressed with our cast and I feel so lucky to be a part of such a great production.  The directors and other staff have been a pleasure to work with and everyone has been so welcoming to me.  I feel that this is truly a great establishment and I cannot wait continue my experience here with The Farmington Players.”  Paige is a sophomore at Central Michigan University studying Musical Theater, Music Education, and Dance.  She was a competitive dancer for eleven years and continues to dance today in CMU’s University Theater Dance Company.

Avenue Q opens Friday August 10 and runs through Saturday August 25.  Get your tickets at www.farmingtonplayers.org or by calling the Farmington Players box office at 248-553-2955.  Find us on Facebook under “Farmington Players.” 

Keshia Daisy Oliver is Gary Coleman? What You Talking About?

Keshia Daisy Oliver as Gary Coleman
kicking back with Trekkie Monster (Jim Snideman)

On Avenue Q, fantasy mixes with reality.  People and puppets coexist.  And even Gary Coleman comes back to life.  Yes, that Gary Coleman.  In the show’s opening number “It Sucks To Be Me,” Keshia Daisy Oliver declares, "I'm Gary Coleman, from TV's Diff’rent Strokes!"  But to Keshia, “It doesn't suck to be Gary! It’s kind of like being the guest star on Sesame Street. Being human, I don't get the added task of learning puppetry, but I do get to ignore other humans to talk to the puppets!  As the superintendent of Avenue Q, I feel like Gary just kind of oversees the day-to-day, taking phone calls, officiating weddings, street-sweeping, and giving those signature phrases that never seem to get old!”

Portraying a now-deceased child TV star make offend the sensibilities of some people, but then again, “That is the style of ‘Avenue Q, to slap you in the face, to the point where nothing offends you and everything becomes O.K.,” according to Danielle K. Thomas, who played the Coleman character for nearly three years on Broadway.  In fact, the decision to keep “Gary” in Avenue Q after his death in 2010 is consistent with the overall oddity of the show.  Jeff Whitty, a writer of Avenue Q, said, “From the very beginning, when we wrote the show, he represented a certain spunkiness and attempting to overcome life’s disappointments. … It’s a show of very heightened circumstances. In that world, I think Gary Coleman can actually live on in some degree of comfort.”  (Quotes from New York Times article by Dave Itzkoff, May 29, 2010.)

In this context, Keshia says, “I enjoy playing Gary, purely out of getting to be a fun-loving character role that gets to use questionable words and phrases! …  Avenue Q's such a good-hearted, high-energy show! It's so neat to see these small folks have big dreams, and to try to get to their respective goals practically.”   Keshia is no stranger to the part, having previously played Gary in Ann Arbor Civic Theatre's production of Avenue Q last September. Despite the repeat role, she says, “It'll never get old. Being a ‘lady of color,’ there aren't a ton of roles quite as fun as this one, and I'd do it again!”  Keshia has been in love with theatre all her life, and is thrilled to make her Farmington Players debut. Some of her favorite shows she's been involved in, both on and off stage, include Miss Saigon, Bare: A Pop Opera, Fame, Cinderella, You Can't Take it With You, Baby with the Bath Water, 42nd Street, The Wiz, and West Side Story. As her day job, Keshia works as a massage therapist in Plymouth.

Avenue Q opens Friday August 10 and runs through Saturday August 25.  Get your tickets at www.farmingtonplayers.org or by calling the Farmington Players box office at 248-553-2955.  Find us on Facebook under “Farmington Players.”