Sunday, March 22 marked Stephen Sondheim’s 90th birthday. It’s impossible to state the great contribution and influences this titan of the stage has made to musical theater (though his nine Tony Awards and Presidential Medal of Freedom speak for themselves). We reached out to a number of people who have appeared in Sondheim shows to tell us what they love most about the legend. Read on for their answers and read their longer tributes here.
As the coronavirus continues its spread around the globe, one thing public health experts seem to agree on is this: Frequently washing your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds helps fight the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Now, a creative teen in England has come up with a website that will turn your favorite song into a custom hand-washing infographic – Wash Your Lyrics. Simply enter the title of a favorite song and artist (say, “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen) and the site automatically generates a poster that pairs the lyrics to a 13-step hand washing routine.
Keep Washing those hands and singing the music of “How to Succeed Without Really Trying” coming soon to Strauss.
Social distancing measures aimed at reducing the spread of novel coronavirus have closed venues and postponed events around the world. Fortunately, Strauss Theatre Center is now planning great shows on the other side of COVID-19. Until then, PBS offers ways to keep engaging and entertaining while most people are trying to stay close to home. If you’re isolated at home, watch these performances on PBS. Click HERE.
“Plaza Suite” auditions has been postponed until the COVID-19 protective measures are behind us. Strauss Executive Board is currently working on alternate plans and dates to ensure we bring this show to the stage. Please keep in touch with our website for updates.
The Strauss Board of Directors and Staff
Our 2020 Reveal party originally scheduled for March 31st will be canceled for this year due to COVID-19 concerns. With national and state mandates of limiting group gatherings, we will cancel this event.
Strauss Board of Directors and Staff are working to proactively plan to reschedule auditions, rehearsals and performances once we have passed through these challenging times. Keep visiting our site for updates.
FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS and Strauss Theatre Center Staff:
The Governor of Louisiana has issued an order that limits the gathering of 250 or more people as a result of the increase in the number of cases of the COVID-19 virus.
With this in mind, Strauss Theatre Center will postpone our production of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” until such time that it is safe for us to have a show.
Please hold on to your tickets as we work to bring our productions back to the Main Stage as soon as we are able.
We want to thank our community for their understanding during this time.
We encourage everyone to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses. If you need more information, please refer to the Centers for Disease Control’s website at cdc.gov.
We will continue to provide updates as more information is available.
The Strauss Board of Directors and Staff
FROM THE BOX OFFICE:
Hello all,
If you would like to purchase tickets for any of our upcoming shows, click this link. Although How To Succeed has been postponed, it has not been canceled. You will be notified when the new show dates are released and all tickets will be honored. If you need to speak to me in the Box Office, don’t hesitate to call me at 318-323-6681 or email me at boxofficemanager@strausstheatre.com. I will be checking messages often so if you require a call back, I will be sure to do so.
Thank you for your understanding and patience. We are navigating new waters with all of this and trying to do our best.
Donna Branson
Box Office/Office Manager
Ken Bryan has recently celebrated 25 years of service with Poly Processing. He also serves as worship leader at First Baptist Church in Calhoun. Ken has appeared on stage at Strauss in My Fair Lady, and Christmas on the River. Ken enjoys working outside on Saturdays, ending the day gathered around the fire pit with family and friends.
Come see Ken as Mr. Ovington in How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying at Strauss Theatre Center! Call 318-323-6681 or go to StraussTC.com to buy your tickets today!
Adrienne LaFrance-Wells is Downtown Manager for the City of West Monroe. A graduate of ULM, she is a familiar face in the Twin Cities, having previously worked as Director of the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum, and with the City of Monroe, where she helped launch the first two seasons of the Downtown River Market. Adrienne and her husband Vernon are both active community volunteers and have long had an appreciation for the arts. Being a member of the ensemble in “How to Succeed” has a special meaning for Adrienne, since her mother, Kay was Rosemary in the 1966 production at Strauss. “I’ve been hearing ‘I Believe in You’ since I was a babe in arms!” She currently serves on the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council Executive Board, as well as the Ouachita Live community concert series committee. She has served on the Monroe Symphony Orchestra Board of Governors, KEDM Public Radio’s Community Advisory Board, Monroe’s Downtown River Jam committee, and the Northeast Louisiana Ad Club. Adrienne is looking forward to her first appearance on the Strauss Theatre stage since performing with the Strauss Youth Ensemble several years ago.
Come see Adrienne in the talented ensemble for How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying at Strauss Theatre Center! Call 318-323-6681 or go to StraussTC.com to buy your tickets today!
Blane Evans has been involved with community theatre for the past 3 years and is currently a student at Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts. Being apart of over 10 productions, some of his most iconic role are Edgar Allen Poe in Poe’s Dreams of Madness, Hamlet in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, and Mr. Dussel in The Diary of Anne Frank. He is dedicated to furthering his experience in this field and telling as many stories as he can.
Come see Blane as Mr. Tackaberry in How To Succeed In Business Without Even Trying at Strauss Theatre Center! Call 318-323-6681 or go to StraussTC.com to buy your tickets today!
Troy “The Mailman” Wold has actually been preparing for the role of Twimble for the past 25 years, as a 25 year career letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, no one in Ouachita Parish – nay, the state – is better qualified. He was most recently seen on Strauss’ stage as Sherlock Holmes in the thrilling “Baskerville”. He has been on the stage and involved in dinner theatres for a decade now and is looking forward to many more years on the boards. His lovely wife Jae is also an actress in her own right and he loves being on stage with her as well. In fact, they have played husband and wife multiple times. His EMT son, Parker, works for Acadian ambulance service and will be happy to save your life if you need him to. Speaking of saving lines, Troy is a 62 gallon blood donor with LifeShare Blood Services. His community service is giving blood, delivering mail, and performing on stage. Enjoy the show and request your autographed 8×10 headshot by mail.
Come see Troy as Mr. Twimble and Mr. Womper in How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying at Strauss Theatre Center! Call 318-323-6681 or go to StruassTC.com to buy your tickets today!
