Below are press releases about Regional Theatre of the Palouse.
Press Release
March 14, 2008
For immediate release
For more information contact John Rich, (509) 334-7050
Two Premiers for Regional Theatre of the Palouse
April will be an exciting time for the newly-formed performing arts group Regional Theatre of the Palouse.
The non-profit organization will be opening the RTOP Theatre on Grand Avenue in Pullman with "Seussical the Musical April 10-12 and 17-19. This will be the first theater to open in Pullman's historical downtown area, since 1927 when the Liberty Theater, now Rico's Pub, moved into the Cordova Theater.
The RTOP Theatre is located directly across the street from the old movie Palace, at 122 N. Grand Ave. Artistic Director John Rich said RTOP is keeping the historical feel and design of the building and of theaters of the early part of the 20th century. The theater will have state-of-the-art lighting, sound and ventilation. The back lobby door is next to the original Liberty Theater's Stage Door, which still can be seen.
"It is exciting to still be able to see a bit of theater history that went on in Pullman," Rich said.
Opening in the new 85-seat RTOP Theatre, will be the region's premier production of "Seussical the Musical." The Broadway musical is based on the characters and stories of Dr. Seuss. Seussical was presented on Broadway and then went on the road for years delighting both adults and children. The musical is filled with one of the most original scores to come off Broadway. Seussical will entertain and amaze audiences of all ages.
Reserved seating tickets for adults and children 12 and younger are on sale by calling the RTOP Office at (509) 334-0750. For more information, visit the Website at www.rtoptheatre.org.
PRESS RELEASE
February 1, 2008
AUDITIONS SLATED FOR 'SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL'
"…Oh the thinks you will find
Lining up to get loose
Oh, the thinks you can think
When you think Dr. Seuss"
PULLMAN, Wash.- A mischievous cat, a kind elephant, several neurotic birds and a cast of zanies is being sought for Regional Theatre of the Palouse's upcoming production of "Seussical the Musical."
RTOP, a new theater company that made its debut last summer with "The Wizard of Oz," will have auditions Feb. 12 and 13 to cast roles for its spring production. The show, which makes its premiere on the Palouse, is based on the works of Theodore Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss.
All performers must sing and move well. Those auditioning should prepare a short song in their vocal key and bring sheet music for the accompanist.
There are principal roles for seven women and six men ages teen to adult and one male child role, age 8 to 12. Supporting roles for men, women and children also will be cast. All performers should be 8 or older.
Auditions Feb. 12 will be at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 1036 W. A St. in Moscow and Feb. 13 at St. James Episcopal Church, 1410 NE Stadium Way in Pullman. Children audition from 4:30-6 p.m. and teens and adults audition from 6:30 to 8 p.m. both nights. Some performers will be required to attend callbacks from 6:30-9 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church on Feb. 19.
"Seussical" incorporates bits and pieces of 14 Seuss classics including, "Horton Hears a Who," "Horton Hatches the Egg," "Gertrude McFuzz," and "The Cat in the Hat."
The show runs April 10-12 and 17-19 at the new RTOP Theatre, 122 N. Grand Ave. in Pullman. Evening rehearsals begin Feb. 25.
More information on the cast and show is available on RTOP Web site at www.RTOPtheatre.org.
PRESS RELEASE
March 6, 2007
For immediate release
For more information contact John Rich, (509) 334-0750
PULLMAN, Wash. — John Rich thinks big – and bigger, and bigger and bigger.
Rich, the former artistic director for Pullman Civic Theatre, is working to create a regional theater company on the Palouse.
Regional Theatre of the Palouse, RTOP, hopes to draw talent from Moscow, Pullman, Colfax, Palouse, Garfield, Uniontown, St. John, Troy, Potlatch, Genesee and Tekoa.
"The purpose of RTOP is to bring civic theater to the entire region," Rich said. "It gives an opportunity for talented people to participate in theatrical productions in communities that may not have the resources."
Rich recently resigned his position as artistic director with PCT.
"Artistic focus has led us in different directions," said Rich, who will assume the role as managing artistic director for RTOP. "I want to create a training program for people to go into theater professionally, but not exclude people who want to do it as a hobby."
Many people who have worked with Rich are excited about the new company.
"I am proud to be a part of the birth of RTOP," said Pullman resident Alex Marcelo, who has worked on several shows with Rich the last few years. "The idea of this theater, in contrast to other theaters in the area, is to be more encompassing rather than restrictive to Pullman or Moscow areas. RTOP intends to follow in John Rich’s tradition of large musicals in Washington State University’s Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum, in addition to smaller productions with venues to be announced."
RTOP will makes its debut this summer with the MGM musical "The Wizard of Oz." It will be performed in Beasley Coliseum Aug. 24-26.
Rich said it was the first big musical he directed when he was 16. At that time, Rich was part of the Orange County Civic Light Opera in Anaheim, Calif.
"Not only visually is the show colorful and spectacular with special effects, but it encompasses children, teens and adults," said Rich, who was awarded the Distinguished Merit Award by the American Association of Community Theatre in 2006. "The show has a rich well-known score featuring songs like ‘Over the Rainbow,’ ‘We’re Off to See the Wizard,’ and ‘If I Only Had a Brain.’"
In addition to the large shows performed in Beasley, Rich wants RTOP to produce smaller-scale shows that can be taken on the road to outlying areas throughout the year, which may feature actors from those communities.
In addition to plays and musicals, Rich’s future plans are to create a children’s season for young audiences performed by children and teens. He wants to produce experimental shows featuring original works and themes and also create a training program for performers.
"I’m looking forward to getting everyone involved including actors, dancers, singers, musicians, technicians, fine artists, patrons and anyone who wants to further the performing arts in our region," he said.
Auditions for "The Wizard of Oz," will be in April and held in several communities. Dates and times will be announced.
For more information about RTOP, call Rich at (509) 334-0750.
Tickets will go on sale in May for "The Wizard of Oz," and can be purchased at Beasley Coliseum, Tickets West, The Cougar Depot.
For more information on RTOP visit the Web site at www.rtoptheatre.org
###
