FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—Creative Cauldron is pleased to announce that Will Stevenson has joined the staff as Casting Director, effective February 1, 2020. Stevenson brings a decade of DC theater know-how and twenty years of experience as a professional actor, beginning in the United Kingdom. Stevenson has been at the Cauldron since 2016; patrons will remember him as Wilbur in Charlotte’s Web (2018), and Maurice in Beauty and the Beast (2019), and at the helm of several Learning Theater productions.

When asked why, after a career spanning professional international tours and niche performances, is Stevenson stepping off the stage and in to the office, he said “because I believe in Laura’s vision for the future of Creative Cauldron, and for DC theater.” Stevenson also professed enthusiasm for expanding Creative Cauldron’s celebrated education programs, as his own career began when his father enrolled him in a local community musical.

Stevenson joins Nicholas Goodman (Productions and Operations Manager) and Ellen Selby (Interim Managing Director) as new hires this season at Creative Cauldron.

Contact Will Stevenson at casting@creativecauldron.org

MEDIA RELEASE
                                                                                                CONTACT: Elizabeth Meade
                                                                                                703-436-9948
                                                                                                emeade@creativecauldron.org
                                                                                                FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
 
Falls Church, VA – Thanks to a grant from the City of Falls Church, Creative Cauldron will continue its award winning, affordable, enriching, and diverse experiences in the performing and visual arts to Falls Church and the greater Washington, DC community.
 
Creative Cauldron Founder and Producing Director, Laura Connors Hull, remarked: “We are grateful for Falls Church Arts and Cultural Grant Awards which will help us continue to bring our professional theatrical and educational programs in the performing and visual arts to as wide a spectrum of our community as possible.” 
 
“These grants funded by the City of Falls Church support arts organizations and artists to provide a wide range of quality arts programming that transforms lives and builds community.”
 
Creative Cauldron received $5,000 for the Bold New Musical Voices project and $13,437.00 in general operations support. 
 
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FACT SHEET
About Creative Cauldron
Creative Cauldron is an award-winning non-profit theater and educational arts organization whose innovative programs in the performing and visual arts embody collaboration, experimentation and community engagement.  Creative Cauldron was founded by Producing Director Laura Connors Hull in 2002.  In June of 2009, Creative Cauldron acquired a permanent home in ArtSpace Falls Church, a 3,000 square foot flexible arts space that provides a venue for year-round classes, live performances of theater, music and dance and visual art exhibits. Programs are presented in part through grants from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, The National Endowment for the Arts, ArtsFairfax, the City of Falls Church and the Little City CATCH Foundation. Generous corporate and individual sponsors also support creative Cauldron’s programs. 
 
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​Falls Church, VA  Creative Cauldron’s 2019 Summer Cabaret Series will be held on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm, beginning July 12th and running through September 14th at Creative Cauldron, 410 South Maple Avenue. The 2019 Summer Cabaret features cabarets and concerts by some of the most spectacular talent the DC area has to offer. Single tickets range from $18 to $22 and tables range from $60 to $120. Both may be purchased online at www.creativecauldron.org or by calling 703-436-9948. 
"Two for a Song Plus One” with Doug Bowles and Alex Hassan and guest Jennifer Timberlake
Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13 at 8pm: Doug Bowles and Alex Hassan are back at the Cauldron with more laughter, merriment, touching songs and stories from the Great American Songbook. Joined by actress and singer, Jennifer Timberlake, the warblers and pianoodler will introduce you to some amazing lost and forgotten songs of the 20s and 30s that may become your new favorites.
 
"New York, New Nora" with Nora Palka
Friday, July 19 at 8pm: Fresh off her critically-acclaimed performance as Flora Conrad in On Air, this talented singer-songwriter, piano/ukulele player comes back to the cauldron. After two and a half years of living in NYC and being inspired by everything around her, Nora will take you on a journey through song and comedic storytelling of all she has experienced so far as a New Yorker, featuring her original ukulele tunes, favorite jazz standards, and, of course, some musical theatre favorites.
 
Kathy Halenda “Somewhere Over the Rose”
Saturday, July 20 at 8pm: Welcome to “Somewhere Over the Rose,” a celebration of the songs, styles and stories of two incredible yet completely different American icons... Judy Garland and Bette Midler. One is long gone and one is definitely still kickin’. This show celebrates their songs, stories and similarities... as well as a few freaky coincidences. So join Kathy on a sophisticated and sassy adventure... Bon Voyage!
 
Chris Urquiaga “Piano Man”
Friday, July 26 at 8pm: Sing us a song, you're the piano man! Come ready to sing along to and enjoy songs by singer-songwriters who are also virtuosos at the keys. Chris Urquiaga, who has won acclaim in the DC area for his own virtuosity at the keyboard, will perform favorites by artists including Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, and John Legend, in addition to performing his own fun tunes.
 
“The First Lady of Country: Tribute to Patsy Cline” with Jess Eliot Myhre, Maureen Andary & Aimee Curl
Saturday, July 27 at 8pm: Winchester Virginia’s Patsy Cline was one of the most influential and acclaimed vocalists of the 21st century. A true pioneer for women in the country music industry, but also a wild character whose personal stories shine in their retelling, again and again. Come hear Patsy's lush songwriting unpacked to its essential elements, to uncover the caramel-core of the First Lady of Country's songs.
 
Katie McManus “My So-Called (Mid)Life”
Friday, August 2 at 8pm: Creative Cauldron veteran Katie McManus (Blues in the Night, Ruthless, and The World Goes Round) returns with a one-night-only-evening dedicated to that looming "middle" of your life. Filled with Broadway, pop, jazz and standards, perhaps it doesn't need to be a crisis after all. She is accompanied by the always-young, Elisa Rosman, who just recently music directed Thunder Knocking on the Door. 
 
Mark Meadows and Danielle Wertz sing Nat King Cole
Saturday, August 3 at 8pm: Join local award-winning jazz pianist and vocalist, Mark G. Meadows featuring San Francisco-based, Falls Church, VA native, Danielle Wertz, as they pay homage to the one and only, Nat King Cole, celebrating the songs and music that made Cole one of the most acclaimed artists of his time. Mark and Danielle will connect the old with the new as they sprinkle in some originals and arrangements alongside Nat King Cole's timeless hits.
 
Erin Granfield “If The Dress Fits”
Friday, August 9 at 8pm: An evening of song addressing sartorial & other quintessential questions. Erin is grateful to be back at Creative Cauldron after playing Agnes Davis in Conner & Smith’s final Bold New Works production of On Air and Elmira in the critically acclaimed production of Nevermore. 
 
Stephen Gregory Smith “Game On: A Game Night Cabaret”
Saturday, August 10 at 8pm: Join Helen Hayes Award-winning actor Stephen Gregory Smith and journey through musical theatre history in the form of an evening of games, special guests, and prizes! If you like musical theatre and game shows, come out and press your luck!
 
“You Are My Heroine” with Bridget Linsenmeyer and Inés Nassara from HEROINE
Friday, August 16 at 8pm: HEROINE, the Brooklyn based song writing duo of Bridget Linsenmeyer and Inés Nassarra, will be singing songs by their favorite heroines like Sara Bareilles, Lianne La Havas, Lucius, Joni Mitchell, as well as featuring their catchy originals in promotion for the release of their debut EP! Witness their original power anthems, emotional ballads and mesmerizing covers from the heroines who inspired them. HEROINE celebrates intersectional feminism and self-empowerment.
 
Katherine Riddle “Tell Me a Story”
Saturday, August 17 at 8pm: You know those songs that draw you in with just a few words: “When I was girl”…“I met a man”…“There was a time”...  And then take you on an emotional journey covering hours, weeks or years of a character’s life in a matter of minutes? Come join the talented Katherine Riddle for an evening of her favorite story songs…that will soon become yours.
 
Bossa Fever with VERONNEAU
Friday, August 23 and Saturday, August 24 at 8pm: Bossa Nova…it’s a chilled-out, slowed-down, grooved-up version of Brazilian samba and it’s totally irresistible!  Join Creative Cauldron Passport to the World favorites, and 6 times WAMMIE winning band VERONNEAU as they track the unstoppable rise of the Brazilian beat - the first globally successful world-music, which established itself firmly in our musical DNA.
 
Cecily sings Nancy Wilson
Friday, September 6 at 8pm: ​DC’s first lady of soul, Cecily, brings to life the story and music of Nancy Wilson. Vocalist, actress, activist and all-around performer; labeled a singer of blues, jazz, cabaret and pop, Wilson’s 70 year career included performances with such legends as Nat King Cole, Louis Jordan, Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Ruth Brown as she landed more than 30 albums on the Billboard charts.
 
Rochelle Rice “And We Shall March”
Saturday, September 7 at 8pm: ​ Vocalist and award-winning composer, Rochelle Rice, takes listeners on a journey through the social justice causes, key figures, and the empowering music of the Civil Rights Movement, one of the most transformative eras of American history.
 
Tom Sweitzer “Meatballs and Music”
Friday, September 13 and Saturday, September 14 at 8pm: ​ Meatballs and Music is a one man show starring Music Therapist, Tom Sweitzer. He will take us through his unique, colorful and unsettling childhood. This production is Tom's way to share the message of the power of music, the importance of connection and the importance of forgiveness.
 
Tickets for the 2019 Summer Cabarets can be purchased on www.creativecauldron.org or by calling 703-436-9948. 
 
Creative Cauldron is a non-profit arts organization whose innovative programs in the performing and visual arts embody collaboration, experimentation and community engagement.  Creative Cauldron was founded by Producing Director Laura Connors Hull in 2002.  In June of 2009, Creative Cauldron acquired a permanent home in ArtSpace Falls Church, a 3,000 square foot flexible arts space that provides a venue for year-round classes, live performances of theater, music and dance and visual art exhibits.   Programs are presented in part through grants from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, The National Endowment for the Arts, the Arts Council of Fairfax County, the City of Falls Church and the Little City CATCH Foundation.

​Who/What:    2019 Summer Cabaret Series
 
When:             July 12 – September 14, 2019
                        Fridays at 8:00 pm and Saturdays at 8:00 pm
 
Where:            Creative Cauldron at ArtSpace Falls Church
                        410 South Maple Avenue,  Falls Church, VA 22046
           
Info:                Tickets ​General Admission $22 - Seniors/Military $20 - Students $18
Tables for Two with wine $60 - Tables for Four with wine $120
Discounts for Groups of 10 or more
                        www.creativecauldron.org  or 703-436-9948
                        Free Parking is available in the 410 and 400 South Maple Building Garages

Falls Church, VA Celebrating its fifth and final installment of “Bold New Works for Intimate Stages,” Creative Cauldron presents the world premiere of On Air. Set in Pittsburgh, PA during the 1920s, On Air tells the story of Frank and Flora Conrad, who were on the edge of discovering mass broadcasting. These two unsung radio pioneers established the first radio station in America in their unassuming garage. On Air follows their untold love story, and how radio became a constant companion, messenger and soundtrack of our lives over the past century of American life. Matt Conner and Stephen Gregory Smith, the critically acclaimed creative team for Creative Cauldron’s past Bold New Work premieres (Turn of the Screw 2015, Monsters of the Villa Diodati 2016, Kaleidoscope 2017, Witch 2018,) are mining the nostalgia of a bygone era and shedding light on a relatively unknown piece of American history with this newest work. On Air runs May 2 – 26, 2019. Press Night is Saturday, May 11th at 8:00 pm.
 
Composer Matt Conner has been performing, composing, teaching and music directing in the DC area for fifteen years. He has created original music for Creative Cauldron’s Learning Theater shows.  With his artistic partner Stephen Gregory Smith, he composed original musicals: The Turn of the Screw (Helen Hayes Awards Nomination for Outstanding Direction), Monsters of the Villa Diodati, Kaleidoscope, and Witch.
 
Stephen Gregory Smith is a veteran DC Helen Hayes Award winning actor, writer, and director. He directed Creative Cauldron’s Witch, Kaleidoscope, Monsters of the Diodati, Turn of the Screw, Cole Porter; You’re the Top!, and Thunder Knocking on the Door. Stephen was nominated for the Helen Hayes Awards – Outstanding Supporting Actor, Resident Musical for 110 in the Shade.

Jimmy Mavrikes makes his Creative Cauldron debut as radio pioneer, Frank Conrad. Mavrikes has appeared at Signature Theatre, Girlfriend (Will) [Helen Hayes nom. For Best Actor], Cabaret, Signature Tenor’s Cabaret; Constellation Theatre Co, Wild Party (Burrs) [Helen Hayes nom. For Best Actor]; Arena Stage: Fiddler, Oliver; Olney Theatre: My Fair Lady; Adventure Theatre: Petite Rouge, James and the Giant Peach [Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Ensemble]; Imagination Stage: Looking for Roberto Clemente, Princess and the Pauper; 1st Stage: Bat Boy (Bat Boy) [Helen Hayes nom. for Best Actor]; and Toby’s Dinner Theatre, Into the Woods (Jack), Spamalot.
 
Returning to Creative Cauldron, Nora Palka appears as Flora Conrad, wife of Frank Conrad. She was last seen at the Cauldron doing her solo cabarets “Girls Like Us,” and “Live Your Truth.” Other DC area credits include: Girlstar, Gypsy and Best Little Whorehouse... (Signature Theatre), Shear Madness! (Kennedy Center); Orphie and the Book of Heroes, Elephant and Piggie: We are in a Play!, The Gift of Nothing (Kennedy Center TYA); Back to Methuselah, Pygmalion (Washington Stage Guild); Rocky Horror Show (Studio Theatre); Spring Awakening (Keegan Theatre); and Into the Woods (NextStop Theatre Company).
 
Garrett Matthews stars as founder of the first radio station in Pittsburgh, KDKA: Dr. Harry P. Davis/Ensemble. Matthews appeared last season at Creative Cauldron as Homer Zuckerman in Charlotte’s Web. Garrett has been performing regularly with the In Series, appearing in the American Songbook cabarets, featuring the music of Jerome Kern and Irving Berlin as well as a concert of operetta favorites. Other In Series credits include The Magic Flute, Don Pasquale, and Goyescas.
 
National Young Arts Foundation Award winner, Erin Granfield, returns to Creative Cauldron once again this season as the wife of Dr. Harry P. Davis, Agnes Davis/Ensemble. Granfield most recently appeared at Creative Cauldron in the Holiday Cabaret Series and as Elmira in Nevermore. She also played the role of Francesca Johnson to critical acclaim in the DC/Baltimore regional premiere of The Bridges of Madison County (Red Branch Theatre). Other credits include Pallas Theatre Collective: Crazy Mary Lincoln (Mary Harlan Lincoln), Lost in Wonderland (March Hare), and a national tour of The Music Man (Marian).
Sixth grader, Owen Thiebert appears as Francis Conrad/Young Frank. Thiebert made his stage debut as Pinocchio the “real boy” in the Creative Cauldron’s production of Pinocchio. He is a now a veteran of 11 Cauldron productions, including the role of “Oliver” in Oliver Twist and “Uncle” the pig in Charlotte’s Web, and was last seen playing the “Caterpillar” and the “Two of Hearts” in Alice in Wonderland on the heels of his portrayal of “Roo” in the Alden Theater production of Winnie the Pooh.
Television and radio personality, Robert Aubry Davis joins the cast of On Air as the Radio Voice. Davis is a native Washingtonian and an active member of the area’s cultural community. Davis is the creator and host of “Millennium of Music,” a program dedicated to music from the thousand years before Bach. The program now in its 40th season, is carried by more than 100 public radio stations nationwide, internationally, and on SiriusXM Satellite Radio. He has been host and moderator of WETA TV’s Emmy Award-winning weekly arts discussion program, “Around Town,” since its inception in 1986. Davis can also be heard on SiriusXM’s classical music channel.
Tickets for On Air may be purchased on-line at www.creativecauldron.org or by calling 703-436-9948.
About Creative Cauldron
Creative Cauldron is an award-winning non-profit theater and educational arts organization whose innovative programs in the performing and visual arts embody collaboration, experimentation and community engagement. Creative Cauldron was founded by Producing Director Laura Connors Hull in 2002. In June of 2009, Creative Cauldron acquired a permanent home in ArtSpace Falls Church, a 3,000 square foot flexible arts space that provides a venue for year-round classes, live performances of theater, music and dance and visual art exhibits. Programs are presented in part through grants from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, The National Endowment for the Arts, the Arts Council of Fairfax County, the City of Falls Church and the Little City CATCH Foundation. Generous corporate and individual sponsors also support creative Cauldron’s programs. 
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FACT SHEET:
Who/What:   On Air
Music and Lyrics by MATT CONNER
Book and Lyrics by STEPHEN GREGORY SMITH
Principle Sponsor: Jon Wiant
Additional Sponsors: Mike Blank, and John & Jackie Chewning & The Juan C. Febles Memorial Fund
 
When:            May 2 – 26, 2019
​Thursday 8:00 PM, Friday 8:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 PM, Sunday 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
 
Where:           Creative Cauldron
                        410 South Maple Avenue
                        Falls Church, VA 22046
           
Info:               Tickets: Adults $32 | Seniors $28 | Military $28 | Students $20 | Groups $20
                        Free Parking in 410 and 400 South Maple Building Garages

Falls Church, VA    Continuing a celebration of its 10th season of award-winning theater, Creative Cauldron will present Alice in Wonderland from March 22 through April 14, 2019. The production features 13 original songs created for the show by Matt Conner, with lyrics by Stephen Gregory Smith.  Twenty-four young people participating in Creative Cauldron’s Learning Theater program will perform the iconic characters that have made this story a beloved classic.  Madeline Aldana joins the cast as Alice and Izzy Smelkinson stars as the White Rabbit. Creative Cauldron veterans Will Stevenson and E. Augustus (Gus) Knapp appear as the Queen of Hearts and King of Hearts respectively. Press night is Saturday, March 23 at 7:30 pm.

Madeline Aldana starred in the lead role of Charlie in an original Creative Cauldron holiday production of A Christmas Carol Memory.  She has performed regularly with Creative Cauldron’s Musical Theater and Learning Theater and has been in over ten productions over the past seven years: Peter Pan and Wendy, The Brothers Grimm, Alice in Wonderland, Arabian Nights, The Jungle Book, Pinocchio, The Dancing Princesses, Wizard of Oz and Charlotte’s Web. Izzy Smelkinson’s previous Cauldron credits include: Charlotte's Web (Martha), A Little Princess Sara Crewe (Miss Minchin). Other credits include: Keegan Theatre: Dogfight (Rose Fenny; Helen Hayes Nomination- Lead Actress in a Musical), Mack, Beth (Geek 1), As You Like It (Ensemble), Unnecessary Farce (Assistant Director); Constellation Theatre Company: Melancholy Play (Frances u/s).
 
E. Augustus (Gus) Knapp has appeared in numerous Creative Cauldron productions including The Wizard of Oz, The Snow Queen, Oliver Twist, and our 2018 production of Peter Pan and Wendy. Will Stevenson was last seen at Creative Cauldron as Captain Hook in Peter Pan and Wendy in 2018. His previous roles in original Learning Theater productions include: Captain Crew/Carrisford in A Little Princess Sara Crewe, Fagin in Oliver Twist, and Wilbur in Charlotte’s Web.
 
Scenic Designer Margie Jervis has once again created a fantastical world of scenic wonder.  Her unique costume and set designs, inspired by Victorian era designs and the original John Tenniel illustrations, have a humorous and satirical viewpoint.  John Sami has created the magical lighting and soundscape for the production.
Tickets for Alice in Wonderland can be purchased on-line at  www.creativecauldron.org or by calling 703-436-9948. 
​
About Creative Cauldron
Creative Cauldron is an award-winning non-profit theater and educational arts organization whose innovative programs in the performing and visual arts embody collaboration, experimentation and community engagement.  Creative Cauldron was founded by Producing Director Laura Connors Hull in 2002.  In June of 2009, Creative Cauldron acquired a permanent home in ArtSpace Falls Church, a 3,000 square foot flexible arts space that provides a venue for year-round classes, live performances of theater, music and dance and visual art exhibits. Programs are presented in part through grants from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, The National Endowment for the Arts, the Arts Council of Fairfax County, the City of Falls Church and the Little City CATCH Foundation. Generous corporate and individual sponsors also support creative Cauldron’s programs. 

Who/What:   Alice in Wonderland
Based on the novel by Lewis Carroll
Adapted by Laura Connors Hull and Ellen Selby
Music by Matt Conner
Lyrics by Stephen Gregory Smith
​Sponsored by CommuniKids
 
When:            March 22 – April 14, 2019
                         Fridays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2:00 pm
 
Where:           Creative Cauldron
                        410 South Maple Avenue
           
Info:               Tickets: Adults $18 | Seniors $16 | Military $16 | Students $14 | Groups $12
                        Family Four-Pack $60 with code 4PK (only five Family Four-Packs available per performance)
                        Free Parking in 410 and 400 South Maple Building Garages

                                                                                                     MEDIA RELEASE
                                                                                 CONTACT: Victoria Dandrea
                                                                                                          703-436-9948
                                                              victoriadandrea@creativecauldron.org
                                                                                   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Falls Church, VA – In late January, Creative Cauldron was honored with a Dominion Energy ArtStars Award for our performing and visual arts education programs serving multi-generational students.  Creative Cauldron was one of five non-profit organizations across Virginia to be recognized as 2019 Dominion Energy ArtStars for inspiring people of all ages in creative endeavors.  Each organization received a Shining Star award and a $10,000 grant to use towards their winning arts or cultural education program. Hunter Applewhite, President of the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, presented the award during the annual Art Works for Virginia conference sponsored by the Virginia Commission for the Arts.
Creative Cauldron Founder and Producing Director, Laura Connors Hull, remarked: “The Dominion ArtStars Award is such an honor for us, and one that will help us continue to bring our educational programs in the performing and visual arts to as wide a spectrum of our community as possible.  The arts provide young people with a transformational experience that has a lasting impact on their academic success, their self esteem and social skills throughout their lives.”
Since 2002, Creative Cauldron has been offering Arts Adventure Camps for 4 to 14 year olds during the spring and summer months.  The camps use a theme-based approach to explore the performing and visual arts.  Science, myth, folklore and music all play a role in the development of original stories and works of art based on the theme.  Creative Cauldron has also offered arts enrichment programs and residencies at area Northern Virginia elementary schools.
 
With the acquisition of a permanent home in 2009, Creative Cauldron expanded upon these programs and began presenting year round theatrical and musical performances.   Each season now includes five professional productions (often with roles for younger performers), and two Learning Theater productions.  The Learning Theater program offers a unique opportunity for young people to perform in an original adaptation of a children’s classic, written to support the strengths and talents of the young performers.  Professional actors, who serve as mentors throughout the rehearsals and performances, anchor productions.  The productions run for 15 to 16 performances and participants continue to receive notes and direction after every show.
 
In hearing about the ArtStars Award, Creative Cauldron parents shared their congratulations:
 
 “My girls have participated in numerous Creative Cauldron programs and have performed in at least 10 shows. They have acquired leadership skills and have also learned about community – that it takes many people’s commitment and the combination of different skills to build something great. As parents, we believe that the education that Creative Cauldron provides has many long-term impacts for their future. This award is well deserved.”  Andrea Robles
 
“Creative Cauldron inspires a culture of imagination, expression, and learning that allows these young actors to develop rich, touching performances for the entire community.  My children have a genuine appreciation for the storytelling and teamwork needed to make a show come to life. Creative Cauldron’s community of learning and discovery allows my children to grow and explore the arts in ways my wife and I could never have imagined. Dominion Energy is to be commended for bestowing this award on this wonderful theater in Falls Church.”  Jeff Thiebert
 
 
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FACT SHEET
About Creative Cauldron
Creative Cauldron is an award-winning non-profit theater and educational arts organization whose innovative programs in the performing and visual arts embody collaboration, experimentation and community engagement.  Creative Cauldron was founded by Producing Director Laura Connors Hull in 2002.  In June of 2009, Creative Cauldron acquired a permanent home in ArtSpace Falls Church, a 3,000 square foot flexible arts space that provides a venue for year-round classes, live performances of theater, music and dance and visual art exhibits. Programs are presented in part through grants from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, The National Endowment for the Arts, the Arts Council of Fairfax County, the City of Falls Church and the Little City CATCH Foundation. Generous corporate and individual sponsors also support creative Cauldron’s programs. 
 
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MEDIA RELEASE
CONTACT:  Victoria Dandrea
703-436-9948 or
victoriadandrea@creativecauldron.org
 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Falls Church, VA    The mysterious guitar playing shapeshifter knocks on Creative Cauldron’s doors again in Thunder Knocking on the Door, a blues musical fable written by Keith Glover, with lyrics and music by three-time Grammy award winner Keb’ Mo’ and Anderson Edwards. The acclaimed artists behind Creative Cauldron’s Bold New Works productions, Stephen Gregory Smith and Matt Conner, are directing and choreographing the production. Smith received praise for his “gorgeously and lovingly directed” Thunder Knocking at the Door production, which played a sold out run at Creative Cauldron back in 2013. The show runs from February 14 – March 10 at Creative Cauldron in Falls Church, 410 South Maple Avenue. Performances are Thursdays at 7:30PM, Fridays at 7:30PM, Saturdays at 7:30PM, and Sundays at 2:00PM & 7:00PM. Press Night is Saturday, February 16th at 7:30 pm.
 
Thunder Knocking on the Door is an intoxicating Blues musical filled with humor and heart. Set in Bessmer, Alabama in 1966, the story follows a mysterious and supernatural Blues player named Marvell Thunder who shows up uninvited at the home of the Dupree family. Thunder aims to best the twin children of Jaguar Dupree, the only man who ever beat Thunder in a “cutting contest”. What unfolds on stage is an exploration of one man’s legacy and the soul and humanity behind the music that both Thunder and Jaguar’s blind daughter, Glory, hold so dear. Creative Cauldron’s Thunder Knocking on the Door has been called a “powerhouse fable full of mythical magic, intense vocals, and very real emotion,” and Producing Director Laura Connors Hull says audiences can “look forward to another heart-pounding and soul-lifting show as Creative Cauldron celebrates its 10th anniversary of award-winning productions by revisiting this mythical musical.”
 
Shayla Simmons (Glory Dupree) won critical raves for her strong and evocative performance in Creative Cauldron’s first production of Thunder Knocking on the Door in 2013, providing moments that “make you stop and remind yourself to keep breathing.” In February, she will revive her role as Glory, the blind daughter of Jaguar, who is offered a Faustian bargain by Marvell Thunder: beat him in a “cutting contest” and he’ll restore her sight, or else he gets her father’s guitar. Simmons’s credits include Dream Girls: Signature Theatre; The Color Purple: Toby’s Dinner Theatre; and Ain’t Misbehavin’: Cape Fear Regional Theatre. She’s toured the US with Core Ensemble’s one woman show Ain’t I a Woman, portraying Zora Neal Hurston, Sojourner Truth, Fannie Lou Hamer and Clementine Hunter; and toured internationally with Disney Cruise Lines.
 
Clifton Walker III (Marvell Thunder) returns to Creative Cauldron as the devilish, blues-playing stranger after previously being seen Blues in the Night (2017), which received a Helen Hayes ® Award  nomination (Outstanding Ensemble in a Musical). He’s appeared in South Pacific: Arena Stage; Once on this Island: Roundhouse Theatre; Two Gentleman of Verona: A Rock Opera: Shakespeare Theater Co.; Ain’t Misbehavin’: Washington Savoyards; Stephen Schwartz Project: Metro Stage; Hitwave, The Hidden Sky: American Music Theatre; and the Kennedy Center: Latino Inaugural Gala (with Chita Rivera and Rita Moreno) and Debbie Allen’s Soul Possessed (featuring Arturo Sandoval and Patti Labelle).
 
Making their debut at Creative Cauldron are Bryan Jeffrey (Jaguar Depree Jr.), Kelli Blackwell (Good Sister) and Greg Watkins (Jaguar Depree Sr/Dregster). Bryan Jeffrey is a Helen Hayes ® nominated actor (Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical) who has appeared at Toby’s Dinner Theatre: The Wiz, Rent, Mame, Elijah, Smokey Joes Café, Dreamgirls, Hairspray, Chicago, Ain’t Misbehavin’; and Theater Alliance: Black Nativity. Kelli Blackwell has appeared in 1st National: Amazing Grace, Chicago the Musical; Everyman Theatre: A Streetcar Named Desire, By the Way, Meet Vera Stark; Olney Theatre: Ain’t Misbehavin’; Ford’s Theatre: Hope Dies Last; Monumental Theatre: Montgomery; Theater Alliance: Black Nativity; Toby’s Dinner Theatre: Hairspray, Dreamgirls, The Wiz, The Color Purple, A Christmas Carol, Grease; and ArtsCentric: Next to Normal, Smokey Joe’s Cafe. Greg Watkins is a recipient of the ASCAP Foundation/Cherry Lane Foundation/Music Alive Award in Honor of Dr. Quincy Jones (2008) for outstanding work in production, composition, performance, and musical direction. He boasts credits that include Aida: Constellation Theatre Company; Dreamgirls: Toby’s Dinner Theater; Happy Ending: Anacostia Playhouse; Rock of Ages: Workhouse Arts Center; Sister Act: Arts Centric; The Gospel at Colonus, King Lear: WSC Avant Bard; and From U Street to the Cotton Club: The InSeries.
 
Elisa Rossman is the Music Director, directing Rip Peralta (guitar), Chip Carvell (guitar), Jona Creason (bass), and Dakota Kaylor (drums). Scenic/Costume Design done by Margie Jervis and Lighting Design by John Sami.
 
Tickets for Thunder Knocking on the Door can be purchased on-line at www.creativecauldron.org or by calling 703-436-9948. ​
 
Fact Sheet
Who/What:   Creative Cauldron Production of Thunder Knocking on the Door
Written by KEITH GLOVER
Music and Lyrics by KEB’ MO’ and ANDERSON EDWARDS
Additional Music and Lyrics by KEITH GLOVER
Directed by MATT CONNER and STEPHEN GREGORY SMITH                    
Sponsored by DIENER AND ASSOCIATES, CPA

When: February 14 – March 10, 2019
Thursday 7:30PM, Friday 7:30PM, Saturday 7:30PM, Sunday 2:00PM & 7:00PM.
Where: Creative Cauldron
410 South Maple Avenue, Falls Church, VA 22046  


Ticket Info:  Adults $32 |Seniors $26 | Military $26 | Students $20
| Groups of 10 or more $20​

Falls Church, VA    ​Join us on a musical tour of the world in our intimate cabaret space, with a diverse musical line up specially curated by Ken Avis and Lynn Veronneau of the Wammy Award-winning jazz samba group Veronneau. Enjoy blues, jazz, Latin, fusion, bluegrass, folk and a musical experience only the well-travelled know. Our 8th installment of the “Passport to the World” concert series promises another first rate music festival that allows you to travel the world without ever leaving Falls Church!

Seven Voices: A Tribute to Patsy Cline
Saturday January 5th at 7:30 PM: Patsy Cline was one of the most influential and acclaimed vocalists of the 21st century, and a true pioneer for women in the music industry. Vocalists Jess Eliot Myhre (Bumper Jacksons), Lauren Calve, Maureen Andary (The Sweater Set), Karen Jonas, Brian Farrow, Ahren Buchheister, Pat Puglisi - pay tribute to Virginia’s country music icon in a night of song and story.​
 
Cecily: "Cecily Salutes DC"
Sunday January 6th at 6:30 PM: A DC native - Cecily has opened for award winning artists like Gregory Porter and Jose James. In 2017, Cecily and her band were invited by the US Embassy to perform in Colombia at the VI Annual Mompox Jazz Festival. Now, she's dedicating her talents in "Soul” Music and Storytelling to explore the contributions DC has made to the music scene. Look forward to songs by Duke Ellington, Gil Scott- Heron, and Roberta Flack.
 
Ken & Brad Kolodner Trio with Rachel Eddy
Friday January 11th at 7:30 PM: World class old-time and bluegrass virtuosos, and stars of last year’s Passport Festival. This father-son duo is pushing the boundaries of their genre with father, Ken's renowned skills on the fiddle and hammered dulcimer and son, Brad's rising fame as a clawhammer banjo artist. Ken & Brad are joined with one of the stars in the old-time music scene, Rachel Eddy. 

Louisa Hall, Crys Matthews, Heather Mae
Saturday January 12th at 7:30 PM: Passport to the World brings together three DC area songwriters who have won awards and have performed at festivals and venues as diverse as the Sundance and Telluride, New York's Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center and the 9:30 Club. Powerhouse vocals, thought-provoking and change-inspiring lyrics, and throughout it all, a sense of humor.
 
Disco Grass
Sunday January 13th at 6:30 PM: Here is an eclectic performance. Get ready to hear virtuoso bluegrass musicians led by Bumper Jackson’s Chris Ousley, with vocalist Be Steadwell, tearing up on disco music of the 70’s. This is a take on some popular classics you're sure to only find with Disco Grass. Big Fun!
 
Shenandoah Run
Friday January 18th at 7:30 PM: Shenandoah Run returns to the Cauldron for a night of brilliant folk musicianship that gather fans from all around. This nine artist band offers performances with a mix of harmonies, duets, trios, and solos that showcase the stellar individual talents of each performer in folk arrangements that will keep audiences clapping and cheering all night!
 
Rose Moraes sings Jobim
Saturday January 19th at 7:30 PM: Audiences across the world know Rose Moreas for her soulful performances as a Brazilian vocalist. She's performed at DC landmarks like the Library of Congress and Blues Alley, as well as internationally. Now, Moreas brings a powerful, contemporary interpretation to the legendary bossa nova’s of Antonio Carlos Jobim in a night of passionate Brazilian song.
 
Jan Knutson, Steve Herberman, Steve Abshire
Sunday January 20th at 6:30 PM: It's a one stop night to experience three of DC's preeminent jazz guitarists! Jazz guitar prodigy Jan Knutson performs with two of DC’s guitar greats, Steve Abshire and 7 string guitarist Steve Herberman. A veritable jazz guitar fest!
 
Cristian Perez Quintet - featuring Emanuel Trifilio (bandoneon)
Friday January 25th at 7:30 PM: “South America, from Cumbia to Tango and beyond” - the music of migration. A high energy, virtuoso night of music from South America.  Cristian Perez is one of DC's foremost guitarists and composers. A graduate of Strathmore's prestigious Artist-in-Residence program, Cristian will perform with leading Argentinian tango player Emanuel Trifilio, and his international band of musicians.
Bitter Dose Combo
Saturday January 26th at 7:30 PM: French Gypsy Jazz and Swing band return with their sold-out 2018 show which featured swing dancers and more, set to the sounds of pre-war Franco-American jazz.  The hippest vocals, guitar, accordion jazz trio, perform the music of Django Rheinhardt, Piaf, Armstrong and more.​
 
Big Howdy Band
Sunday January 27th at 6:30 PM: Progressive bluegrass, with a nod to the past and an eye on the future. Featuring Randy Barrett, Dede Wyland, Ira Gitlin and Tom McLaughlin.
 
Irene Jalenti – Jazz Homage to the Beatles
Friday February 1st at 7:30 PM: One of the most sultry voices around. Italian American Irene Jalenti performs her acclaimed Blues Alley jazz interpretations of the Beatles with her fabulous band.
 
Veronneau
Saturday February 2nd at 7:30 PM: Season finale with Passport favorites, the award-winning, multilingual, world-jazz group, Veronneau - featuring the celebrated vocals of Lynn Veronneau. Their 2018 CD Love & Surrender spent 4 months in the US world music Top 5 charts. Veronneau will be joined by special guests, violinist Dave Kline and Brazilian percussionist Bruno Lucini.
 
Tickets for Passport to the World of Music can be purchased on www.creativecauldron.org or by calling 703-436-9948. 
Creative Cauldron is a non-profit arts organization whose innovative programs in the performing and visual arts embody collaboration, experimentation and community engagement.  Creative Cauldron was founded by Producing Director Laura Connors Hull in 2002.  In June of 2009, Creative Cauldron acquired a permanent home in ArtSpace Falls Church, a 3,000 square foot flexible arts space that provides a venue for year-round classes, live performances of theater, music and dance and visual art exhibits.   Programs are presented in part through grants from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, The National Endowment for the Arts, the Arts Council of Fairfax County, the City of Falls Church and the Little City CATCH Foundation.

Falls Church, VA – Madeline’s back at Creative Cauldron this holiday season in Madeline’s Christmas, returning December 6 – 23, 2018. Adapted from the classic children’s book by the beloved author and illustrator, Ludwig Bemelmans, this delightful production returns after two sold-out runs in 2014 and 2017. Librettist Jennifer Kirkeby and composer Shirley Mier artfully tell Madeline’s story, while director Matt Conner brings this exciting adventure to life. Veteran Scenic and Costume Designer, Margie Jervis, and Lighting Designer, John Sami have once again created a whimsical visual world for the production inspired by Bemelmans’ timeless illustrations. Madeline’s Christmas runs from December 6th through December 23rd, 2018 at Creative Cauldron, 410 South Maple Avenue. Show times are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2:00 pm. And 4:00 pm. There will also be showings Tuesday, December 18th and Wednesday, December 19th at 7:30 pm. Press Night is Saturday, December 8th at 7:30 pm.
 
“In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines lived twelve little girls in two straight lines.” With that familiar phrase, Bemelmans set in motion the adventures of a precocious little girl named Madeline, winning the hearts of generations of readers to come. In this musical adaptation, it’s the night before Christmas and Madeline’s schoolmates, along with their tutor Miss Clavel, are all sick in bed. Brave and resourceful, Madeline comes to the rescue with help from a magical rug merchant who takes them all on a Christmas journey they will never forget.
 
Gabriella Simmons-Robles will return, once again, as Madeline. Simmons-Robles is a veteran of both Learning Theater and professional productions at Creative Cauldron. She was most recently seen this season as Peter Pan in Peter Pan and Wendy. She was also seen last season at Creative Cauldron as Avery in Charlotte’s Web.
 
Shaina Kuhn returns as Miss Clavel, the intrepid head of the Catholic boarding school. Shaina has appeared professionally at Washington National Opera, Landless Theatre, Virginia Rep, the Capitol Opera in Richmond, and the Lyric Opera Baltimore. She has also appeared on the Creative Cauldron stage in the Helen Hayes Awards© Recommended production of Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, Ruthless, and Madeline’s Christmas.
 
The professional cast also includes Ryan Sellers in the double role of history teacher, Monsieur Brun, and the magical rug merchant, Harsha. Sellers has appeared professionally at Synetic Theater, Signature Theater, Folger Theater, Studio Theater, Shakespeare Theater, Imagination Stage, Constellation Theater, and Keegan Theatre. Sellers has previously appeared at Creative Cauldron in The Turn of the Screw and Madeline's Christmas in 2014 and 2017.
 
Producing Director, Laura Connors Hull will play the role of Mrs. Murphy, the Irish cook. Hull played the iconic Wicked Witch of the West in Creative Cauldron's 2017 production of The Wizard of Oz, and the Gypsy Mama in Madeline and the Gypsies in 2014.
 
The twelve little girls, resident mouse, magician’s assistants and carolers will be played by Marianne Meade, Lily Kales, Gizem Onerci, Alessandra Simmons-Robles, Arianna Vargas, Sophia Rader, Ella Krauss, Madeline Aldana, Sofia Sami, Sofia Marcus, Abby Fred, Mai Gabra, Bevin Mills, Carmen Ortiz, Enola Danewitz, and Jaimie Friedlander.
 
Tickets for Madeline’s Christmas can be purchased on-line at www.creativecauldron.org or by calling 703-436-9948. ​

Who/What:   Creative Cauldron Production of Madeline’s Christmas
Book and Lyrics by JENNIFER KIRKEBY
Music by SHIRLEY MIER
Based on the book by LUDWIG BEMELMANS
Directed by MATT CONNER                    
Sponsored by Gary Hughes, MAgS Realtor, ABA, SRES


When: December 6 – 23, 2018
Thursday 7:30PM, Friday 7:30PM, Saturday 2:00PM & 7:30PM, Sunday 2:00PM & 4:00PM. Also showing Tuesday, December 18th & Wednesday, December 19th at 7:30PM

Where: Creative Cauldron
410 South Maple Avenue, Falls Church, VA 22046  


Ticket Info:  Adults $26 |Seniors $24 | Military $24 | Students $20
Children under twelve $16 | Groups of 10 or more $16
Family Four-Pack $70 with code 4PK
(only five Family Four-Packs available per performance)
www.creativecauldron.org or 703-436-9948
 
Free Parking is available in the 410 and 400 South Maple Building Garages

​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:  Victoria Dandrea, Marketing
​and Communications Manager
victoriadandrea@creativecauldron

                                    
Falls Church, VA October 19, 2018 Creative Cauldron’s Learning Theater Ensemble will present its original adaptation of Peter Pan and Wendy from November 2 – 18, 2018.  Adapted from the classic M. Barrie novel by Producing Director Laura Connors Hull and Ellen Selby and first premiered in 2013, the production features eight original songs by acclaimed musical theater composer and CC teaching artist, Matt Conner, and scenic, costume and puppets designed by Margie Jervis. Creative Cauldron’s Learning Theater is an ensemble that includes students along with professional actors in anchor roles. Will Stevenson appears in the iconic role of Captain Hook, joined by E. Augustus (Gus) Knapp, as his sidekick Smee.  Student performers Gabriella Simmons-Robles and Aashna Kapur play Peter Pan and Wendy. Performances are Fridays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm. Tickets are $18 for Adults, $16 for Seniors & Military and $14 for students.  Press Night is Saturday, November 3rd at 7:30 pm. 
 
Peter and Wendy was J.M. Barrie’s most famous work.  He wrote it first as a play in 1904, and later as a novel in 1911.  Both versions tell the story of Peter Pan, the mischievous little boy who refused to grow up.  When this boy extraordinaire flies into the nursery of the Darling home, Wendy is captivated by his promise of adventure in Neverland, the magical place that Peter calls home. With the help of some of Peter's fairy dust, Wendy and her brothers are on their way. In Neverland they encounter mermaids, native warriors and the notorious Captain Hook and his pirates. 
 
Will Stevenson was last seen at Creative Cauldron as Wilbur in Charlotte’s Web.  His previous roles in original Learning Theater productions include: Captain Crew/Carrisford in A Little Princess Sarah Crewe, and Fagin in Oliver Twist.  E. Augustus (Gus) Knapp has appeared in numerous Creative Cauldron productions including The Wizard of Oz, The Snow Queen, Oliver Twist, and our 2013 production of Peter Pan and Wendy.  Gabriella Simmons-Robles is a veteran of both Learning Theater and professional productions at Creative Cauldron.  She was seen last season as Avery in Charlotte’s Web, and as the spunky Parisian, Madeline, in Madeline’s Christmas, a role she will reprise in December this year.  Aashna Kapur appeared last season in Creative Cauldron’s A Little Princess Sara Crewe.
 
Other Learning Theater Ensemble performers include:  Morgan Beltson, Libby Brooke, Miri Brooke, Enola Danewitz, Anna Sophia Eppler, Ava Feldstein, Abby Fred, Ben Graham, Luke Hawken, Katrina Ives, Lorien Jackson, Lily Kales, Mai Gabra, Aashna Kapur, Corinne Levitt, Sofia Marcus, Carmen Ortiz,  Aspen Prole, Sophia Schmittel, Tiberius Schmittel, Mira Sears, Safi Tala-Wootton, Elizabeth Templer, Emerson Thiebert, Owen Theibert, Jared Tulodo, Annabelle Tuss and Ariana Vargas.
 
Composer Matt Conner has been performing, composing, teaching and music directing in the DC are for fifteen years. He has created original music for Creative Cauldron’s Learning Theater shows.  With his artistic partner Stephen Gregory Smith, he composed original musicals: The Turn of the Screw (Helen Hayesâ  Awards Nomination for Outstanding Direction), Monsters of the Villa Diodati, Kaleidoscope, and Witch.
 
Stephen Gregory Smith is a veteran DC Helen Hayesâ Award winning actor, writer, and director. He directed Creative Cauldron’s Witch, Kaleidoscope, Monsters of the Diodati, Turn of the Screw, Cole Porter; You’re the Top!, and Thunder Knocking on the Door. Stephen was nominated for the Helen Hayesâ Awards – Outstanding Supporting Actor, Resident Musical for 110 in the Shade.
 
Resident Designer and Visual Arts Educator Margie Jervis is now in her 9th season at Creative Cauldron. She began her theater work as a Scenic Painter and Sculptor at both the Seattle Repertory Theatre and the Seattle Opera. In 2010, she received a Strauss Fellowship Award from Arts Council of Fairfax county, and again in 2017 in recognition for her work in theatrical design and puppetry.
 
Tickets for Peter Pan and Wendy can be purchased on-line at www.creativecauldron.org or by calling 703-436-9948.                                                               ####