A Gift That Lasts a Lifetime

Charles and I wish you all the best of the holiday season, and we thank you for your support this year.

Watching a live performance, or enrolling in a class and performing for an audience are memories that stay with people for a lifetime. Consider giving the gift of a lifetime memory this year - take a loved one to see A Christmas Carol, the musical, or enrol a young person in our Little Stars or Stage Right acting class, or give them the experience of being in a major musical with our Musical Theatre Class.

 Tickets for A Christmas Carol include special pricing for Seniors, Students and Children. Balcony seating is at a special rate, and the Saturday matinee is priced to favour families. The show opens soon - December 17 (Thursday) and runs for four performances over three days, closing Saturday December 19. You can get tickets from the Grand Theatre box office in person (noon - 6pm), by phone 613-530-2050, or online here: http://kingstongrand.ca/node/1940

The Winter Term of our Stage Right Acting Classes begins Jan 9 (first week back to school!) on Saturdays. We offer classes for young people ranging in age from 6-17.  http://www.bottletreeinc.com/acting_classes.html

Our popular Musical Theatre course is offered in January and begins Jan 4. This year's project is SHREK the Musical JR. This is a musical theatre intensive, designed to give your child a taste of what being in a full-scale production is like. Everyone enrolled in the class takes on at least two roles (one major role and at least one minor). Training is second-to-none as we bring in top vocal coaches and choreographers, as well as excellent direction and support. http://www.bottletreeinc.com/musical_theatre_class.html

We want you to know that we are independant artists, active in the greater community, teaching performance arts, producing our own new work, and presenting community theatre shows as part of our arts practise. Every time you buy a ticket to one of Bottle Tree Productions' shows or enrol in one of our classes, you are directly supporting artists - not only us, but local musicians, actors, and directors. This is a rare feat in an industry that favours paying administrators instead of artists.  So thank you.

Best wishes of the season - and thank you again for supporting local artists!

Anne Marie & Charles

Greater Tuna - A Comedy

GREATER TUNA
"Two actors, twenty characters, and a barrell of laughs!"
by: Jaston Williams, Joe Sears, Ed Howard

Buy Tickets Now!
Starring:
Mike Bullett
Sean Roberts

Directed by:
Amie Bello

Come to the Baby Grand and set a spell with the good folks from Tuna, Texas. If you like Stuart McLean's Vinyl Cafe, Don Harron's Charlie Farquharson, and the good folks from HEE HAW, you will enjoy this irreverantly funny take on life in Tuna,  Texas' third-smallest town.

Join Arles Struive, and Thurston Wheelis at radio station OKKK as they discuss current events, including the top essays from The Tuna Junior High American Heritage Essay Contest, entitled "Human Rights, Why Bother?", "Living With Radiation" and "The Other Side of Bigotry".  Then, head on over to Bertha Bumiller's kitchen as Charlene, Stanely, and Jody talk about weight management, dogs,  and text book censorship over breakfast. Down to the Humane Society, Petey Fisk is trying to  save  Yippy's life, but the already over-burdened Bumiller's household can't handle another canine. Phinas Blye and Leonard Childers hit the airwaves with "This Week in Tuna". Stanley adds his two cents to the show to suggest taxing the stupid, and over at the Burras' home, Pearl has a solution to the dog overpopulation problem, but gets into trouble with her bitter pill.

And folks, that just some of Act One.

Sean Roberts and Mike Bullet are the hardest-working actors in show business as they bring you all of the characters of Tuna Texas in two acts. Quick costume and character changes make this a fun and challenging show for actors--not to mention the stage dressers who have to get these two changed in seconds flat! Come and set a spell, grab a cool beverage and enjoy the wit and wisdom of Tuna, Texas!

Performing in the Baby Grand Theatre, within the Grand Theatre.

FLEETWOOD NICKS and PRACTICALLY PETTY

FLEETWOOD NICKS and PRACTICALLY PETTY

Friday November 6 at 7:30 PM

Two exciting acts -One ticket!

Rock down memory lane with Practically Petty and Fleetwood Nicks. Using the same equipment as the Heartbreakers, Practically Petty leaves no stone unturned in recreating the original band sound. Their show has all of Petty's hits with the Heartbreakers as well as his solo work. Tom Petty toured with Stevie Nicks and their amazing Stop Draggin' My heart Around is recreated on stage live by Pratically Petty and Fleetwood Nicks. If you love Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Practically Petty is the show for you. But that's not all. Fleetwood Nicks takes the stage with the whole Stevie Nicks-Fleetwood Mac experience. Plucked from relative musical obscurity by the mega band Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks was rocketed to fame and stardom. Fleetwood Nicks has the look, feel and distinctive sound of Stevie Nicks with Fleetwood Mac plus her highly-in-demand solo shows. Fleetwood Nicks portrays Fleetwood Mac with an incredible authenticity. Backed by seasoned professionals, it is definitely a show you will not want to miss.

Practically Petty and Fleetwood Nicks exudes all the charm and mystique of both famous artists in a stunning recreation of some of the worlds most popular music. A highly entertaining night of great music! Two great shows for the price of one!

BUY TICKETS NOW!

For more information about music shows at the Grand Theatre please go to Music Shows in Kingston ON

Gut Punch - You're Welcome

We have the privilege of presenting two dramatic works this week; Edward Albee's "The Zoo Story" in Kingston, at The Baby Grand, and Charles Robertson's "Ghost of the Tree", at Arts Court in Ottawa. The plays have similarities - both are gritty, need few to no props, have minimal sets and are vehicles to showcase talented actors. For actors and directors, these scripts are meaty and exciting. For audiences, these pieces are moving reminders of human connectedness.

The Zoo Story

As theatre artists, we strive to tell stories that touch people. We want to achieve a level of intimacy with strangers that is normally reserved for the closest of friends. We find writing that is honest and poetic, a story that moves in a natural arc, and actors who have the talent to deliver nuanced roles... and then we punch the audience right in the gut. Hard.

Not all dramatic works have this outcome. There are comedies, and histories, and other types of stories - so why choose to produce works that are "hard to watch"? These two particular plays are also hard to define. They are just plain hard. Like life.

But -like life- they are worthwhile. Worthwhile in the writing, worthwhile in the producing, and worthwhile in the watching. In the hands of talented performers, these scripts bring the audience along an

emotional roller-coaster in a risk-free environment.

Ghost of the Tree

Theatre is a safe space for the audience to participate in life, like arenas are safe places for fans to participate in sports. We are not on the field tackling the quarterback, but we are as invested in the outcome as if we were. We share this investment with the other members of the audience. We share the experience, even though we each have a different seat in the stands.

Plays like "The Zoo Story" and "Ghost of the Tree" give watchers  ground to start a discussion (internally or out loud). They stay with you - undefined, truthful, passionate, painful but cathartic.

You're welcome.

At Last – Georgette Fry Offers a Soulful Etta James Retrospective

Ottawa ON – Jazz, blues, soul--the legendary Etta James sang it all--and who better to take us through her songbook than Canada's own 2013 CMA Singer of the Year, Georgette Fry? Backed by her excellent 11 piece band, with 50 members of the local chapters of her Shout Sister! choir providing gospel harmonies, Fry's retrospective will be filling the Harold Shenkman Hall on July 3^rd.

With thanks to Josh Lyon https://vimeo.com/80557090

Like Etta James, Fry has a big voice that seamlessly glides across musical genres. Her love of “good music” does not sit solely with one particular iteration, making this retrospective a powerful work in its own right. Georgette never needs to imitate; she brings her own solid, sensitive self to these treasured songs and honours Etta's legacy.

Fry's excellent band are all-stars from her hometown, Kingston. Jon 'Bunny' Stewart (sax) arranged the music for the show. He plays on stage with James Wannamaker (sax), Janet MacRae (trumpet), Dave Barton (guitar), Zak Colbert (bass), Ken Hall (organ), Alain McCann (piano), Duncan Holt (drums) and vocalists Kevin Head, Anna Robertson and Christina Foster. Rounding out this already spectacular lineup is Shout Sister!, offering gospel backup during the finale.

With thanks to Josh Lyon https://vimeo.com/80557090

Shout Sister!, is Fry's own choral love-child. “I started Shout Sister at the suggestion of one of my vocal students. The idea of gathering women together to sing without judgement was appealing and daunting at first, but I knew that if I had at least 50 singers, willing to blend, that we could make a beautiful sound.” From that humble beginning, just a few years ago, to 19 chapters across Ontario, Fry invites 50 Ottawa-area women to back her up on stage at the Shenkman.

At Last! Georgette Sings Etta has toured Eastern Ontario to rave reviews and sold-out houses, but has never been performed in Ottawa. This is your chance, at last, to see this phenominal show at the Harold Shenkman Hall, the Shenkman Arts Centre on July 3. Tickets, $48.75, available in person at the Box Office, by phone 613-580-2700, or online at shenkmanarts.ca

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“'Fortunate Son', Matthew Woodward, to be Special Guest in Tribute to CCR

Kingston, ON – Local guitarist, Matthew Woodward, has been invited to join Green River Revival for a few songs at The Grand Theatre when they present Canada's most acclaimed Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute on Friday May 29.

Woodward, a well-known Kingston musician and teacher, has played with The Gaudi Birds, Weeping Tile, Wild Blues Yonder, and The Ila Vann All Stars(Dan Ackroyd)-to name a few. He as a founding member of K-Rock 105.7 FM's Local Talent Development Board and of The Kingston School of Music and now has his own teaching studio. He is also an active fundraiser and events creator. His organising efforts in the 1990's with the Live Music Lover's Weekend earned him a volunteer of the year award from the United Way in 1994. His benefit concert for Haiti raised over $16,000, and he has served on the board of The Joe Chithalen Memorial Music Lending Library. While his list of bands, events, and causes, is endless, he still gets excited to be on stage.

When asked about his upcoming guest spot, Woodward said, “I'm really looking forward to playing with the boys! I am good friends with the drummer, Brian Jennings, and this is going to be a great show.”

Green River Revival has been bringing the CCR experience to North American audiences for many years, and have toured from Newfoundland to British Columbia, Manatoulin Island to Mexico City. Their show incorporates a storyline that presents all of the hits from Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Band leader, Joe Brett, is happy to have Woodward come to the stage and play along with some of the numbers. “The show is full of nostalgia and fun – the audience sings along and we are hoping that Matthew's presence will make them feel all the more at home.”

You don't have to run through the jungle to get tickets for the May 29 show! They are available through The Grand Theatre Box Office by phone (613-530-2050) online (kingstongrand.ca) or up around the bend at 218 Princess Street.

April Newsletter

We are looking forward to the start of the Spring session of Stage Right acting classes next weekend, Sat. April 18. If you have not yet registered for class, we have space available for  JR, INT and TEEN students. For information and to register:

http://www.bottletreeinc.com/acting_classes.html

AND if you are looking for a terrific summer camp  - we have TWO in July.  The camps are two weeks each, and are performance-based. We will be working on a play with music - one camp will be performing Cinderella and the other will perform Puss in Boots. Both are written by Charles Robertson with music by Michael K Myers. All experience levels welcome as we work toward public performances of these two fun shows! Play and learn with us.

http://www.bottletreeinc.com/summer_acting_camp.html

 


ADULTS - we are working on putting a workshop together for 18 years and up! It will be a three day workshop, evenings - so a manageable time and dollar commitment. Stay tuned and tune up your skills!

NEXT UP:
April 18 - June 27, Stage Right Acting Classes Our tried-and-true conservatory-style classes start the Spring term and run Saturdays! Register now. Class recitals at The Baby Grand.

May 7-10, Into the Woods JR @ The Baby Grand

Our Musical Theatre students show you what they've got (a lot!) in this made-for-young-people version of Sondheim's Into the Woods. Tickets will be available soon through the Grand Theatre Box Office.

May 29, Green River Revival @ The Grand Theatre in the Regina Rosen Auditorium

The hits of CCR on the main stage at the Grand! You won't believe the quality of vocals and performance as they work their way through the show! Tickets already selling well - get yours now!
http://kingstongrand.ca/event/green-river-revival-best-ccr

 
June 19-27, Ghost of the Tree @ Ottawa Dance Directive, the Ottawa Fringe Festival

In association with Downe's Productions, Charles' award-winning play hits the O.F.F. in its latest incarnation. Starring Hannah Smith (the girl), Sasha French (the ghost), and Darrell Bryan (the musician). Please check the  Fringe Festival Schedule for ticket and performance information. http://ottawafringe.com/2014/05/festival-directors-message/

June 23-27, Zoo Story by Edward Albee @ The Baby Grand

Peter sits, reading on a park bench. A stranger wants to talk about what happened at the Zoo. The play reveals the effects of modernisation and isolation through dark humour and suspense. Tickets available soon through the Grand Theatre Box Office

July 6-17 (Cinderella) and July 20-31 (Puss in Boots) Musical Theatre Camp

Children and youth aged 8 - 16 will love these camps that are based around "puttin on a show"! Register now - all levels welcome to play and learn with us this summer at our studio in St.Andrew's Presbyterian Church. Public perfomances of each show on the final Friday afternoon.

We will be announcing our productions and classes schedule for 2015-2016 soon!

Warm regards,
Anne Marie

Green River Revival at the Grand Theatre

Green River Revival

(the best of CCR)

Friday May 29th at 7:30 pm in the Grand Theatre

Book Now!

If you are searching for North America's most authentic sounding CCR tribute, look no further than Canada's own GREEN RIVER REVIVAL. Their version of "Down on the Corner" sounds so much like John Fogerty you'll swear it is the real CCR! The members of this band have played in CCR tributes across Canada, Scandinavia and the U.S. for the past decade and now they have joined together to bring you the ultimate CREEDENCE REVIVAL.The show presents the music of CCR with a storyline that incorporates all the CREEDENCE hits and includes several costume changes. Chain gang prison uniforms right out of the song MIDNIGHT SPECIAL, those plaid flannel shirts made famous by Creedence in the 60's and you gotta see the boys dressed in army fatigues depicting the era of John Fogerty's Vietnam protest songs!!

For an exciting show full of nostalgia, sing-a-longs and a down right good old time, you've got it all with the GREEN RIVER REVIVAL!!

Friday May 29th at 7:30 pm

Tickets 33.70 plus HST and handling fee.

CALL 613-530-2050

The Grand Theatre

218 Princess Street

Kingston, ON
grandtheatre2@cityofkingston.ca

Come to the Cabaret - A Musical Theatre Buffet!

For many music lovers, a night out on the town means straining to hear the music over the din of fellow customers-or deciding to avoid the bar scene for fear that the music will be painfully loud. Attending a theatre concert can seem too formal; not as enjoyable as being able to sit at a table and enjoy a glass of wine and some excellent music. 

Celebrate, music lovers! We offer you the best of Broadway music, old and new, in a relaxed environment. Book a table with friends, sit in a comfortable chair, and share the evening and a glass of your beverage of preference with us at the Baby Grand.

Cabaret is an old idea, think of the Moulin Rouge-Eith Piaf singing, artists and intellectuals gathering, drinking in the smoke-filled atmosphere along with a glass of Absinthe. We put a new spin on it by bringing familiar hits from Broadway musicals and mixing in key songs from rising shows that will become musical theatre canon. 

We offer you everything but the smoke over four nights at the Baby Grand. Come out for a buffet of great songs from your old favourites and discover some new favourites along the way.

Divas, Duets, and Quartets

@ The Baby Grand

March 25, 26, 27, 28 at 7:30pm

tickets $25.00 (+hst and box office fees)

Music Director: Darrell Bryan

Starring: Alex Whitehead

Andrew Stewart

Hannah Smith

Isabella Cusano

Shawn Barber

http://kingstongrand.ca/event/divas-duets-and-quartets-musical-cabaret

Divas, Duets and Quartets

 

Come drink some wine - come hear the band! Darrell Bryan directs Shawn Barber, Hannah Smith, Isabella Cusano, Alexander Whitehead and Andrew Stewart in a spectacular evening of cabaret. Featuring your favourite show tunes from Broadway hits like Jesus Christ Superstar, Once, Les Miserables, Big Fish, Spamalot, La Cage Aux Folles, Cabaret, Jekyll and Hyde, Edges, and many more!

Grab yourself a drink, grab yourself a table and enjoy these marvellous songs and a great night of entertainment. There is something for everyone-terrific songs, a little humour, beautiful harmonies and some of the most outstanding vocalists in the city.

 

Right this way - your table's waiting!

 

Reserved cabaret table seating in the Baby Grand - upstairs at the Grand Theatre, cash bar will be available. March 25th-28th Wednesday-Saturday at 7:30 pm

 

Tickets are $25.00 plus HST and handling fee and can be purchased online at divas, duets and quartets musical cabaret  

  

FOR TICKETS 

CALL      613.530.2050 

CLICK    Grand Theatre Website 

VISIT      218 Princess St, Kingston 

EMAIL    grandtheatre2@cityofkingston.ca

Year in Review 2014

Year in Review

2014 was a year of big changes for Bottle Tree Productions. We became a company in residence at The Grand Theatre at 218 Princess Street. We produced two music shows on the main stage at the Grand; We Walk the Line and The Bobby Show. We also produced Cyrano-a fun-slimmed down version of Cyrano de Beregerac in the Baby Grand Studio. Our two Musical Theatre classes were five sold out shows of Disney Jr.'s Beauty and the Beast at the Baby Grand  and a sold out free show as Peter Pan flew into St Andrews Presbyterian Church in July. Most of our end of class shows will be performed at the Baby Grand Theatre. Lots of new and exciting things. To top it off we did a full scale musical theatre version of A Christmas Carol on the main stage of the Grand Theatre December 18-20.

In other news, we sold 140 of our plays in 2014.Those plays are Ghost of the Tree and Pretty Pieces. Our website which promotes our classes and shows but also offers mentoring advice to parents and young actors was ranked in the top 1 percent of websites in the world.

Our classes continue to be taught at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church and we have acquired two more rooms for those classes. Our Acting Classes start on Saturday January 10th and our Musical Theatre Classes start the following week. For more information please go to Bottle Tree Acting Classes

Eight years ago Bottle Tree Productions was a company of only three people but we are happy to report that in the last year we paid 26 people for doing music and theatre. We also paid for the rights and books for three musicals so that our productions are completely legal and we paid for a play as well, meaning money from those shows went back to the creative artists like Alan Menken and Stephen Sondheim. Join us on our journey to share the performing arts with Kingston and the surrounding area. Check out our website at Bottle Tree Productions

Hope to see you in 2015!