ACT performers stand up for Standing Ovation

PERU | A talented group of performers will raise their voices in song under arched vaults at St. Augustine's Church here. A special benefit concert coordinated by Jeanette Woodruff on Aug. 30 aims to support Artistry Community Theatre (ACT) productions. A set list full of surprises hints at the benefit's title "Standing Ovation." For Woodruff, the idea to orchestrate an ACT benefit concert has been hovering for a while. "It's bringing in all sorts of people that have performed with the theatre group over the years," she said. "Some will be duets, some will be solo songs, everyone has selected the music they want to perform." Without giving away the full list, Woodruff said they hope to open with "Get Me to the Church on Time," a favorite number from My Fair Lady. Andrew Woodruff, Jeanette's son, will accompany performers at the piano. St. Augustine's has a 1903 Steinway. "Andrew can accompany anyone," she said of the young pianist's versatility. He has been part of ACT's ensemble for years and just graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Piano Performance. He is looking to land a role with a Broadway touring show pit orchestra." Stars aligned for an ACT benefit this year. The call for performing artists drew a wide ranging cast of talent, including Jason Borrie, Amalia Dustin, Ethan Luoma, Sarah Poirier, Sara King, K. Chad Graham and Gina Lindsey, to mention a few. Operatic singer and performer Tom McNichols will make a guest appearance. The set list will be unveiled at show time, but Woodruff said McNichols will perform one show tune and one classical piece. "I'm very excited. This is something I've wanted to do for years and thrilled to see it come to life," Woodruff said. "I am hoping this can be beneficial for the company." There is no cost to attend Standing Ovation, guests are being asked to make a free will donation. ACT's production team is hoping this show will inspire area youth to explore theatre. A long-time music and instrumental educator, Woodruff said the event will be fun for young people to watch. "If there are local high school students interested in local theatre they should try to attend. You're going to see local theatre and performing artists who have been on the stage for many shows, and here they are coming together for a concert." ACT President and Founder Derrick Hopkins said the idea for a benefit comes from Woodruff. Not only does she provide music direction for ACT, she has directed the Keeseville-Peru Ecumenical Choir for 15 years and counting. Woodruff wears many other hats, beyond teaching music, she and her husband play the calliope at the Redford Picnic. "Jeannette is integral in community with everything she does," Hopkins said. "She's organizing the entire concert, 90 minutes of music, with the express goal to raise funds for the theatre. It's for the company," he said. "It will support everything we do." ACT draws large crowds at every show, but the goal is to continue to keep ticket prices low, Hopkins said. Theatre tickets are priced much as they were over a decade ago. Keeping those prices level helps support local theatre goers strapped with rising costs of living. "We strive to keep the theatre available to youth and to community," Hopkins said. "This benefit will help offset cost increases that we don't want to pass on to theatre goers. We're not in the business of making money, we just want to cover our budgets." And continue to bring songs, stories and the passion of theatre to the stage And continue to inspire artistry. ACT is currently working on Dear Evan Hanson, having recently completed their production of Sweeney Todd. "Tom McNichols worked with us on Sweeney Todd and did a couple of workshops with the performers, teaching them how to use diction to clearly communicate their characters," Hopkins said. "It was amazing." Having so many ACT actors, performers and musicians work together on a benefit show is thrilling in itself. "It's just great to see," Hopkins said. He did choose the name for the benefit, working through theatre parlance. "Standing Ovation seemed to highlight some of the real talent we have here," Hopkins said. It will be a show to inspire young actors, people considering theatre and those interested in exploring their own performance ability. "Theatre is both presentation and presence," Hopkins said. "It boosts confidence, helps with communication skills, helps with problem solving, helps with self esteem, helps with literacy. Especially for young people, theatre asks how the whole story ties together for much larger themes. And how do these lessons apply to life? Theatre gives so much to kids, so much to community." ACT's Dear Evan Hansen goes on stage in November. They will do Almost, Maine this winter, and Disney's Frozen will be the spring show with roles for both kids and adults. Hopkins said they are hoping to have a children's choir in Frozen. "A year from now, we'll be in rehearsal for Les Misérables," Hopkins said. To find out more about Artistry Community Theatre shows, tickets and auditions, visit their website: artistrytheatre.org

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ACT performers stand up for Standing Ovation

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