Yvonne AK Johnson Interview: Annie

(Currently playing on the Spokane Civic Theatre Main Stage).

What was the most challenging aspect of directing Annie at Spokane Civic Theatre?

Yvonne AK Johnson:  Musicals in general are challenging to direct due to the coordination of all the production aspects from music to choreography, scene changes to timing of sound and light cues.   For Annie, Spokane Civic Theatre wanted to produce the best possible production regarding telling the story, technical aspects (set, costumes, lighting, music, sound) and true three dimensional characterizations.

Is there anything unique to share about this production of Annie that is different than the Spokane Civic Theatre production 28 years ago? 

Yvonne AK Johnson:  Annie grew up.  Phedre Burney - Quimby who played Annie 28 years ago is playing Miss Hannigan now in this production.  It’s a joy to see members of the community involved for their lifetime and her daughter, Piper is also in the show.  Civic Theatre is a place that generations of families have been involved and it’s a part of what makes this journey special and unique.

Annie is set in the 1930s. How do you think audiences today can relate to the story and the characters?

Yvonne AK Johnson:  History tends to repeat itself.  The time setting of Annie is during the Great Depression.  In the current state of our economy we are still in the Great Recession.  Many of the lines of dialogue written in the show pertain still today with needing to get people back to work, the jobless rate and general state that people are feeling down on their luck and not very optimistic.  The sun will come up tomorrow and we need to keep our chins up high regarding the future of our country!

What can you tell us about what went on behind the scenes of the Spokane Civic Theatre stage to put on Annie production?

Yvonne AK Johnson:  Over 200 people were directly involved in this production including volunteer actors, backstage crew, orphan families, staff, board members, the dog trainer … you name it.  It takes an entire community to bring to life a Civic production and we are grateful for the time, energy, support and enthusiasm of everyone involved and our generous patrons.

Annie, which is directed by Yvonne AK Johnson, opens at Spokane Civic Theatre this Friday, May 18, 2012. We thought we’d bring you a few backstage notes from some of the Annie cast!

And now Sophia:

Aside from your own, who is your favorite character and why?
Miss Hannigan, because her character would be fun to play and you could really spice it up.

What will you take away from your Annie experience?
Getting to play ‘Annie’ because it has always been my dream part.

What do you love most about the character of “Annie”?
Her story. Her hopes of finding her parents and because she finds a family with Daddy Warbucks.


Mark:

How special is this role to you?
Back in the very early 1980’s a touring production of “ANNIE” was coming to the Spokane Opera House.  Prior to the show arriving my grandmother bought me the Broadway soundtrack which I practically wore out beforehand.  My mother and grandmother took me to “ANNIE” when it finally arrived here in Spokane and it was at that performance that my love of the theatre was “born”.  My grandmother has since passed away and to have this opportunity to portray this role in the show that I originally shared with her and that was the beginning of my theatrical journey is truly touching and so very dear to my heart. 

You aren’t the typical “Daddy” Warbucks type (you have hair), how are you going to convince the audience that you fit the role?
As a 39 year old man with a head full of hair I certainly do not look like the iconic character of the comic strip at all.  Yvonne and I spoke early on in rehearsals and decided to make “Daddy” our own, a very different looking version and a little different take on the character.  I can’t erase what people are used to seeing in a Daddy Warbucks. What I can do is give the audience the best performance I’ve got and share with them our interpretation of this wonderful character. 

Thank you to everyone who auditioned for Annie directed by Yvonne AK Johnson and opening this Friday at Spokane Civic Theatre (tickets!!)!

Peter Hardie has designed scenery, lights and special effects for most of Spokane Civic Theatre’s productions over the past 30 years. The Spokane Arts Commission recently honored him with the Individual Artist award for his accomplishments. Peter served as adjunct faculty at Whitworth University for many years.

Both David Baker and Peter Hardie bring the sets to life at Spokane Civic Theatre. What would we ever do without them?

Yvonne Johnson, Executive Artistic Director for Spokane Civic Theatre, gave us the details about the recent fun-filled overnighter at the theatre for the orphans in the up and coming production of Annie. With the help of family members and cast/crew, this sleepover was intended for the orphans to bond as friends, rehearse, and to make memories they’ll never forget.

The busy schedule included fittings for orphan costumes, a pizza dinner, a visit from Daddy Warbucks actor Mark Pleasant and rehearsals for “Hard Knock Life” and “Never Fully Dressed” with choreographer Michael Muzatko, who also plays Rooster in Annie. The orphans were also given tote bags to design as they wished to use for scripts, shoes, water bottles, etc. and the gifts didn’t stop there!

Deena Caruso, owner of Finders Keepers and mother of Annie actress Sophia Caruso gave individualized charm bracelets to each of the girls while Michael gave them each a NYC charm from the top of the Empire State building. Additionally, the Caruso family donated charms and beads to make matching necklaces for the orphans, a necklace for each cast/crew member, and more to be purchased at the shows with all proceeds to benefit the Academy Scholarship Fund.

After gift time they had ice cream sundaes and then a scavenger hunt that was designed by Spokane Civic Theatre interns so the girls were introduced to the different areas of the theatre that they will need to know in the coming weeks. With the prize of Spokane Civic Theatre swag, those orphans got competitive and ran around the building to collect signatures and complete their riddled tasks.

To conclude the evening, the girls wound down and watched “Puss and Boots” in the lobby with plenty of movie treats and popcorn. After the movie, everyone moved back to the stage to sleep… well, more like tell ghost stories until 3:00 AM.

In the morning, lead costume designer Jan Wanless and her husband Ken made a beautiful hot breakfast including waffles with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, sausages, and juice. They even made homemade cinnamon buns and coffee for the families at the morning showcase!

After cleaning up, packing and preparing the stage the orphans showcased the beginning of the show for families and cast members that came to show support. Everyone left thinking about this experience of a lifetime… and then went home for afternoon naps!

We’d like to thank the chaperones, all of whom were Civic staff and stage managers - they dedicated so much time, energy, support, and endurance!

Next Season is ready to roll! And our thanks to all of the Spokane Businesses and individuals who will be sponsoring the 2012-2013 season at Spokane Civic Theatre.

Spokane Civic Theatre Productions and Sponsors for the Main Stage 2012-2013              

• The Producers ……………….. DIVCO
  
• White Christmas ……………….. Columbia Hearing              
  
• Escanaba in Love ……………….. TicketsWest
• The Drowsy Chaperone ……………….. David and Christina Lynch 
• Treasure Island ……………….. US Bank
• Grease ……………….. Finders Keepers

Spokane Civic Theatre Productions and Sponsors for the Studio Theatre 2012-2013    

• A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline ……………….. Sterling Bank
• Next to Normal ……………….. Hotel Ruby
• On Golden Pond ……………….. Numerica Credit Union
• The Dixie Swim Club ……………….. KDL State Farm/TL Coldwell Banker

In Concert

• Songs for a New World ……………….. R.H. Cooke/Wild Sage Bistro

Academy

• Happy Days ……………….. Bob & Margot Ogden

Thank you to all of these wonderful community partners!

Annie Rehearsals

Michael J. Muzatko teaching the little orphans of Annie all about the Hard Knock Life. The three piece suit throws us off just a little!

Opening at Spokane Civic Theatre on May 18 and running through till June 17. Directed by Yvonne AK Johnson and choreographed by the guy in the three piece suit sitting on the floor =). Tickets for Annie go on sale April 23 at the Spokane Civic Theatre box office - call 509.325.2507 - or online at Ticketswest.

From The Spokesman-Review

April 3, 2012 in City

Photo: A story he can sink his teeth into

For the rest of the story - you have to click your way over to the Spokesman-Review website. Hint: yes, there is a gator man in Duck Hunter Shoots Angel at Spokane Civic Theatre.

We took a few minutes to chat with Mark Pleasant about Duck Hunter Shoots Angel which is opening at Spokane Civic Theatre on April 6th. This is a heartwarming play about two silly brothers who think they have shot an angel. Whoops. So, let’s get some clarification about this production directed by Kathie Doyle-Lipe, shall we?

Spokane Civic Theatre (SCT): What is Duck Hunter Shoots Angel about
 
Mark Pleasant (MP): “Duck Hunter Shoots Angel” is a touching comedic story by Mitch Albom (author of “Tuesdays with Morrie and “The 5 People You Meet In Heaven”) about two bumbling Alabama brothers who think they shot down an angel and the tabloid journalist and his photographer who are sent down to Alabama to report on the so-called story.
 
SCT: Who are the characters?
 
MP: The two backwoods brothers, the tabloid journalist, his photographer, the spoiled rich kid “boss” and a few more zany characters – can’t give it all away.
 
SCT: What about the production is funny?
 
MP: It is a Kathie Doyle-Lipe production – all of it is hysterical.  She is, after all, the queen of comedy. She has also guided us brilliantly in finding the heart of these characters and the heart of this incredible script.  It is not only a comedic piece but a very touching tale.
 
SCT: What’s your favorite part?
 
MP: I am enjoying every bit of this show , but I would have to say sharing the stage with the brilliant Doug Dawson ranks right at the top.  We play the two brothers and we are having a one helluva of a time – it is hard not to break character when working with Mr. Dawson.  He is just a HOOT!       
 
SCT: Why do you keep coming back to the Spokane Civic Theatre stage for more?
 
MP: I love the Spokane Civic Theatre and all the people involved there.  It is my home away from home and I actually think I spend more time at the Civic than I do at my own house.  There is also nothing like performing for a live audience night after night.  Every show is a unique and memorable experience.
 
SCT: Anything else  you want to throw in there?
 
MP: Come see this show – you will not want to miss it. 

Did you know that Phedre Burney-Quimby, who starred as Mona in the Best Little Whorehouse in Texas at Spokane Civic Theatre and is now playing Vern in BINGO, played the leading role in a 1984 production of Annie?

She has now been cast in the role of Miss Hannigan for Spokane Civic Theatre’s upcoming production of Annie and will pass the torch to Sophia Caruso, who will play Annie this spring. Directed by Yvonne AK Johnson, tickets for Annie go on sale 4/23/12.