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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - April 1, 1998 (56)CITY OF LODI COUNCIL COMMLiNICATION AGENDA TITLE: Presentation By Tokay Players MEETING DATE: April 1, 1998 PREPARED BY: City Clerk RECOMMENDED ACTION: None required. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Tokay Players has requested to be placed on the agenda to make a presentation to the City Council. Cheryl Baker with Tokay Players will be at the meeting to make the presentation. FUNDING: None required. Alice M. Reimche City Clerk APPROVED: H. D4on Flynn -- City Manager, Tokay Players Presents r � � rS T�Afternoon 6rdgean else ..�_k Fundraiser for our Sustaining Fund 40-_, April 14,1998 12030- 4.30 PM Woman's Club of Lodi t .325 W. Pine St., Lodi Admission: $12 For Tickets call Jeanne Charles at (209) 334-0909 or the theatre (209)368-2225 * I Free Admission �D[AYOj,�Y foe THIS COUPON ENTITLES BEARER TO' I FREE ADMISSION TO ANY TOKAY PLAYERS PRODUCTION FOR THE 1997-98 SEASON. FOR RESERVATIONS, PLEASE CALL (209) 368-2225 * I Free Admission 1W�AYit,nf LI *% THIS COUPON ENITILES BEARER TO 1 FREE AD[►IISSION TO ANY TOKAY PLAYERS PRODUCTION FOR THE 1997-98 SEASON. FOR RESERVATIONS, PLEASE CALL (209) 368-2225 kLr I.odi's Own Community Theatre *+ ChMI Baker, Pixsidad i 17 W. Lockeford St., P.O. Box 1014 Lodi, CA 95241 nameNtanbm Personal Numbers Reservations 368-2225 I Home (209) 836=5201 Backstage 368-2285 Pager 1(800) 5SPRINT, Pin #1581651 Tokay Players Lodi's Own Community Theatre 17 W. Lockeford A Lodi, CA 95241 Our mission: • We are dedicated to educate, entertain and enlighten our audiences while encouraging participation and understanding among people of all ages, races and backgrounds. Our vision for the future: • own our building • to build public awareness of our theatre • to remain a necessary and vital part of Lodi cultural life. • to create continuous ongoing support from the community - financial and otherwise. Our goal: • Goal is to raise $400,000 to buy the building, renovate it and to sell our lot on the comer of Lockeford and School St. • to raise the funds to bring our rent current. • to continue to be Lodi's source of theatrical entertainment. Isere is what we request: • buy our lot on the corner of School and Lockeford (valuable piece of property, but we cannot wait to develop it. • assist us in applying for a block grant • provide a building for us at little or no cost. • grant us an emergency loan to pay the rent for the rest of our season. • help us buy our building, with the down payment of our lot. • help us to create other options to assure our future in Lodi. By supporting this theatre Lodi will: • assure the continuation of a valuable community asset. • preserve cultural activities in Lodi. • assure a future of excellent theatre at an affordable price. • meet the goal of keep Lodi dollars in Lodi. • attract new businesses and new families to Lodi. • show support for the downtown businesses. • enjoy the talents of a dedicated, outrageous group of people. • be a part of community theatre at its forest. Please contact Cheryl Baker, President at (209) 836-5201 H or (209) 368-2225 theatre answering machine. ,70�apers.)Orompter The show must go on! President's Message Hi, folks! Well, where to begin? Most of the time, I'm never at a loss for words. Our Weekend Comedy just closed. Great attendance, many sold out houses. Great cast, awesome director, Dori Polson with a very talented assistant director, Val Acoba. And of course, the set was incredible thanks to Dick Chaffee and Ken Hadley. And the opening night party was catered by Togo's as a donation! Wow! Thanks to everyone for your support and attendance! Our next play is Mama Drama. It is a play about what it is all about being a Mom. Definitely a drama. In fact, be advised for adult content. From listening to rehearsals, they are very intense about this play. Our directors, Ronnye Newell and Rae Ann Nelson have been working hard with the cast on creating a wonderful show for you. Rae Ann was just seen on our stage in Laundry and Bourbon. The stellar cast will be worth watching in whatever role they are playing - with our own past president, Ann Samuelson and Carisa Hosey in it, as well as Lynn Egelston, Rebecca Hatton, Christina Chavez Nelson. I know this show will be one for the memory banks. Our financial situation has a good side and a bad side. Whatever happens in the next two months, we will continue withour season. The place might just be different. Here it is folks. We are in the 11th hour, with not much hope in sight. We are behind in our rent, which is due March 31, to the tune of $26,500. That doesn't even take us to the end of the season m November. Our fundraisers have brought a little in, but not on the scale that is needed to retire this debt. Our plays do not make a huge profit, due to our affordable ticket price and variable attendance. The Arts Commission has given us a gent, but it cannot be used for operating expenses, which is what we lack. The Board and I are doing whatever it takes for Tokay Players to survive, and we are working on a crisis management plan for this month and next. A fundraiser to end all fundraisers is in the works. It will be a silent auction of items sent by celebrities, movie, TV and sports stars. Whichever stars we can get and whatever items we can get. Imagine, wearing a star's tee shirt or boxer shorts. Cool. A raffle for some outstanding door March/ April 1998 prizes will happen concurrently. If you have an item that you would donate to the auction, please call and let us know. Another fundraiser planned it a massive garage sale. If you have things you would donate to us to sell, please call the theatre or me and leave your name, number and a description of the item or items. If needed, we can pick stuff up. Just let us know! Dates, location and times for these events will be forthcoming in the mail. Most likely it will all happen at the end of February and into March. Other plans include a bridge and lunch party. So, start lining up your partners! Here's what we need: ANGELS!! Become a member at the Benefactor level, buy a star, make a significant monetary donation. NOW! We need you now like never before. If you know someone who is financially capable to help us, talk to him or her. Eyeball to eyeball. Have them take action, before we are history. Or, call me and let me call them. We've sent letters to many people asking for help, and so far, we've been turned down. If you who are reading this letter are capable of making an incredible monetary gift, in the words of Jean Luc Picard, "Make it so." Great theatre may be seeing it's last season here in Lodi! Without your help, 37 years of theatre arts in Lodi will be history! The show must go on! Help us keep our lights shining in Lodi for another 37 years. Tokay Players is an asset to our community - brings families and businesses to Lodi. Hutchins Street Square doesn't have a home for us. Help! Now! Cheryl Baker Inside This Issue 1 President's Message 2 1998 Season 3 Fund Raising / Volunteer Report 4 Reach for the Stars 5 Upcoming Plays/ Auditions 6 Membership Information k? Pfgpem,Vrompter 1997-98 SEASON SCHEDULE of TOKAY PLAYERS DATE PLAY DIRECTORS AUDITIONS PERFORMANCE MAR/APR 98 Mama Drama Ronnye Newell and Rae JAN 18,19,20 MAR 13,14,20,21,22 Virginia Zapp Ann Tourville-Nelson Tanya Coleman 27,28,29 APR 3,4 MAY 98 Going to See the Elephant Kay Smith MAR 15, 16,17 MAY 8,9,10,15,16,17, Patsy Lithco 22,23,29,30 SEPT/OCT 98 TBA Ann Samuelson JULY 19,20,21 SEP 18,19,25,26,27 OCT 2,3,4,9, 10 NOV 98 Terra Nova David Motronl SEP 20,21,22 NOV 13,14,20,21,22, 27, 28 29 DEC 4,5 Call 368-2225 to reserve your Tickets SAVE YOUR THEATRE II Look for Donation Cans in Lodi at Stockton Area Businesses. Give a greenback to save the theatrei Pitch in your change and be a part of history! If everybody gave $5 we'll be out of the woods and thriving againll Remembers Donations to Tokay Players may be tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. We have a 501 (3) C exemption. General Tickets $10.00 ATTENTION BRIDGE PLAYERS I!! AFTERNOON BRIDGE a DESSERT When: Thursday, March 19th Time : 12:30 to 5:00 PM Place: TBA Admittance : $ 12 per person Cali Jeanne Charles at 3340909 to reserve your tickets. SPECIAL THANKS FOR DONATIONS I! Tom at Buckeye Appliances for the Refrigerator Russ at Al/ Seasons for the Fireplace insert Jim Smith for the Piano THE Office 1997-98 BOARD OF DIRECTORS!! Name Board of Directors President Cheryl Baker Ann Samuelson Vice -President Dick Chaffee Carmen Musch Secretary Carmela Brown Jeanne Charles Treasurer John Fabing Virginia Zapp Tanya Coleman Carisa Hosey Steve Nichols Patsy Lithco Michael Polson 3 Attendon School PTAs and Service Clubs A great fundraising idea for you and us is to buy a performance for one of our plays. You sell tickets to your supporters, charge what you wish over our group rate price and come see great theatre. Call the theatre and leave a message to reserve your performance night now! Help yourself by helping us. Discover the partnership you can create with the arts. Fundraiser Announced Saved by the Stars Silent Auction Come bid for personal, autographed items from the stars. Items from sports, movie and TV stars. Admittance: $ 10 Hors `d ouevres Date: April 18 Time and Place: TBA Attention Clubs: Looking for a speaker for your next luncheon? Tokay Players would love to speak at your next function. Available any time during March or April. Call Cheryl Baker at (209) 836-5201. Volunteer Needs Ushers, House Managers, Bos Office Managers: Call Jeanne Charles at (209) 334-0909 to sign up today for training and set a date to work! (all box office managers, ushers and house managers receive a complimentary ticket to be used for a seat for that show - any day of the run.) Backstage Crew: Call the theatre and leave your name and number. Fund Raising Support: Call Cheryl Baker at (209) 836-5201 or leave a message on the theatre answering machine to volunteer yourself or your organization. Pla' pem Prompter Contributions needed Used Charge card machine equipment Hardware for set construction (screws, hinges, etc). Carpeting, linoleum, rugs. Light fixtures, lamps. Hardware Wish List 180' 1 1/4" black pipe 6 90 degree elbows 11/4" 9 flanges 1 1/4" 3 tees 11/4" 8" and 10" crescent wrenches 25' tape measure Hacksaw blades 10 pt. cross cut hand saw 2 hammers 3 7 1/4" circular saw blades Lumber 20 2x4 10' 20 1x4 10' Paint: Gallons and gallons Paint brushes Paint rollers 8' straight edge 2 50' extension cords F ladder Big crow bar Philips screw drivers #1, #2 Miter Saw - electric Windows, doors, old furniture of any kind. Electrical materials of any kind. Fake plants, flowers, etc. Yards of material for costumes. Costume jewelry (anything!) Office supplies (paper, pens, rubber bands, envelopes, etc.) OF COURSE $$$$$ always welcome! ! Call the theatre at 369-2225 if you can support us with any of the above contributions. 4 Reach for the Stars !! You can become a Founding Member of the new home of the Tokay Players Yes, you can become a Star!!! WHO WE ARE Since its inception about 36 years ago, Tokay Players has served Lodi as a spirited community theatre. Each year Tokay Players produces five - seven plays - musicals, comedies, dramas and thrillers - and sells between 4,500 and 5,000 tickets. Audiences comprise a wide cross-section of San Joaquin County's population, from senior citizens to youth. Tokay Players is one of Lodi's key resources in the arts. A nonprofit organization, Tokay Players, Inc. is operated by volunteers, including an elected Board of Directors. It is supported by box office receipts, grants (including the City of Lodi's Arts Commission), underwriters, and donations from many patrons. OUR MISSION The organization is dedicated to the performance of live theatre to educate, entertain, and enlighten, while encouraging involvement and understanding among people of all ages and from all segments of our community. This is accomplished through theatrical productions, benefit performances, educational workshops, and participation in community events. [Q I1Z9101.1 Our aim is to raise $400,000 to pay for the upgrade of the present occupied building to a new 150 -seat theatre. Please support us by becoming a member, upgrading your membership, becoming a season ticket holder, volunteering your time, labor, materials, supporting our plays and other events and donating generously. ,Diapers.Prompter "Reach for the Stars" is an integral part of Tokay Players campaign to build a new theatre. Help achieve that goal by being a star and buying one! Your name, or any name designated, will be inscribed on a brass star, and permanently on display in the new lobby. 43/4" Brass Star $ 250 7 " Brass Star $ 500 8 " Brass Star $1000 12 " Brass Star $2500 I want to participate without a star. My donation of $ is enclosed. (Easy payments may be made - call to set up a giving plan) GIFTS MAY BE TAX DEDUCTIBLE TO THE FULL EXTENT ALLOWABLE BY LAW. Catch the star of your choice by sending a check payable to: TOKAY PLAYERS' BUILDING FUND P.O. BOX 1014, LODI CA 95241 Name: Address: City, State, Zip: SPECIAL THANKS TO: Jim Smith Piano Technician 480 Cowell Avenue Manteca, CA 95336 - 5908 (209) 823-7962 Upcoming Plays /Auditions Plays: Mama Drama Directed by: Ronnye Newell Marl 6,17,23,24,30,31 Feb 1,6,7,8 Regular shows at 8 PM/ Matinees at 2:30 PM Director's Note: Tokay Players Takes a "Whimsical and Celebratory Look at Contemporary Motherhood" Tokay Players continues their 1997-98 season with Marna Drama by Leslie Ayvazian, Christine Farrell, Donna Daley and Rita Nachtman. Called "startling, funny, frank and absolutely true," Mama Drama tells the story of five friends through five profound years in their lives. This fast -paced comedy -drama introduces us to Megan, an Irish -Catholic divorced mother of three who fights poverty and tries to live up to the memory of her own mother; Danny, a spirited optimist, who faces infertility and health problems; Anna, a commanding and competent mother of two, who is haunted by the child she gave up for adoption; Leah, who uses her droll sense of humor to fend off her overbearing mother and her own anxieties about childbirth, and Liz, a single woman with an acerbic wit who chooses not to have children but ends up caring for her ailing mother. Mama Drama has something for every adult who has experienced childbirth either vicariously or up close and personal. Mama Drama is directed by Ronnye J. Newell and Rae Ann Tourville-Nelson. These two ladies teamed up to direct Private Lives at Stockton Civic Theatre. Ronnye is a 1996 graduate of the theatre program at California State University Sacramento and has been seen in numerous local productions. Rae Ann has played roles in Tokay Players production of Laundry and Bourbon and at Delta College in Cabaret. She sings with Lucky Diaz and the High Rollers, a hot local band. The set is designed by Glenn Newell, whose work on Lips Together, Teeth Apart and Private Lives have made him one of the area's finest. Mama Drama requires that the five actresses play multiple roles in addition to their main character. p aym prompter Facing this challenge are five of the area's most accomplished actresses. Lynn Egelston (Leah) was last seen at SCT in The 1940's Radio Hour and Tokay Players in Nunsense 11. Rebecca Hatton (Anna) returned to the stage in the hit comedy Rumors and has been seen at SCT in The Dresser, Enter Laughing and many more and at Tokay Players in Alone Together. Carisa S. Hosey (Liz) hasn't acted since her days at Monroe Arts Magnet but has been a mainstay for SCT and Tokay Players as a stage manager and light board operator. She won SCT's Willie Award for Outstanding Crew Member. Christina Chavez Nelson (Megan) is just finishing a successful run for Smiler's Comedy Playhouse in Move Over, Mrs. Markham and It's a Scream Ann Samuelson (Danny) was last seen at SCT in Private Lives, Tokay Players in The Boys Next Door and Circle Theatre Ensemble in Dancing at Lughnasa, Eleemosynary and The Lady and the Clarinet. Mama Drama opens March 13 and plays Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM through April 4 with two Sunday matinees at 2:30 PM on March 22 and 29. Tickets are $10 and can be reserved by calling the box office at 368-2225. Tokay Players is located at 17 W. Lockeford Street in Lodi. Tokay Players is pleased to announce that our comfortable theatre seats are now in. Mama Drama deals frankly with childbirth and pregnancy and may be inappropriate for some young viewers. Mama Drama is produced through special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. Audition Announcement Play: Going To See The Elephant Directed by: Kay Smith March 15, 16 7:00 PM at the theatre Call 369-2225 to sign up for auditions Roles needed are: 2 women in their 20's 1 woman in her 30's 1 woman in her 60's Rehearsals will start on March 17th. Performances are May 8th through May 30th `d0 '100-1 19 'ON Iiu119d d Ibd 0681SOd 'S'n 'M:101 AOW-NON SZZZ--J9 E :SI sJaAeld AeNo 1 J01 jagwnu auoyd HOSU3 JNUNIad �VZ56 V0100"I 00I VW� X08 *O'd 'ONI `S?JDAVld AV>101 jaldwad s ehid With your donation at the following levels you will receive: General Membership $ 5-$19 r---- ----------------t Voting rights, program listing, receipt of Players Prompter ' ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP i I 1 Friends of Tokay Players $20-$49 Same as General, and a Special Gift Special Membership $50-$99 Same as General, and 1 Complimentary Ticket Sponsor Membership $100-S249 Same as General, and 2 Complimentary Tickets Patron Membership $250-S499 Same as General, and 1 Season Ticket Endower Membership $500-S999 Same as General, and 2 Season Tickets, 1 Complimentary Ticket and a Special Gift Benefactor Membership $1000 and above Same as General, and 4 Season Tickets, 2 Complimetary Tickets and a Special Gift Memorial Contribution - No set amount and special person is listed in the program If you have already paid and would like to upgrade to a different level, just let us know. You may choose to pay in instalments. Any questions, call the Theatre. Name: Address: I City: State: Zip: I Phone: ( 1 I ❑ General Membership E] Patron Membership I ($5-19) (S250-499) i I Friends of Tokay Players ❑ Endower Membership I 20- $49) ($500 - $999) I []Special Membership ❑ Benefactor Membership I ($50-S99) ($1000+) (]Sponsoring Membership ❑ Memorials I I ($100 - $249) (Any amount you wish) I eI am a member & I wish to upgrade my membership I pledge to pay $ monthly for a total of $ I Cut along lines and return with your check payable to: I TOKAY PLAYERS, INC. P.O. BOX 1014 34 LODI, CA 95241 i (MEMBERSHIPS MAY BE TAX DEDUCTIBLE) I Your membership helps defray mailing costs, meet general I I operating expenses, allows you to vote for board members I I and shows your support for Community Theatre I I PLEASE JOIN NOWM i L i