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. 
 
                                                                        #######

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.                                                               ####

Falls Church, VA – Creative Cauldron opens its 2018-2019 season with Nevermore, the hauntingly beautiful musical written by resident composer and director, Matt Conner and writer, Grace Barnes. Nevermore draws from the poetry and short stories of the iconic Edgar Allan Poe. After its premiere at Signature Theatre in 2006, The Washington Post hailed Nevermore for its “romantic music, ablaze with feeling.” Following its 2011 run at Creative Cauldron, Nevermore earned Creative Cauldron its first Helen Hayes Award recommendation. This imaginative musical delves deep into Poe’s psyche and explores his gripping obsession with the pivotal women who seemingly haunt his tortured existence. The production will run through October 28 at Creative Cauldron, Falls Church, 410 South Maple Avenue. Performances are Thursdays at 8:00PM, Fridays at 8:00PM, Saturdays at 8:00PM, and Sundays at 2:00PM & 7:00PM. Press night for Nevermore is Saturday, October 6 at 8:00 pm. PLEASE RSVP BY SEPT 26
 
Conner has more than 15 years of experience working as a musical director, performer and teaching artist in the DC metropolitan area. It was Nevermore that launched his career as a musical theater composer. In 2008, he was one of six composers to receive Signature’s American Musical Voices: The Next Generation award funded by the Shen Family Foundation. Conner’s newest work Witch, written and composed by both Conner and Stephen Gregory Smith, premiered at Creative Cauldron this past May, in the fourth installment in Creative Cauldron’s “Bold New Works for Intimate Stages” five-year commissioning project. Most recently, Conner received two Helen Hayes Award nominations at Creative Cauldron for Outstanding Direction in a Musical in 2018 for Blues in the Night and for Outstanding Direction in a Musical in 2016 for The Turn of the Screw in collaboration with Smith.
 
The Nevermore cast will feature writer and Helen Hayes Award winning actor Stephen Gregory Smith in the role of Edgar Allan Poe. Smith has played an integral part, alongside his life partner and artistic partner, Matt Conner, in Creative Cauldron’s “Bold New Works for Intimate Stages.” Previous “Bold New Works” credits include The Turn of the Screw (2015), Monsters of the Villa Diodati (2016), and Kaleidoscope (2017). Performance credits for Smith include Arena Stage, Wolf Trap, the Kennedy Center, Ford’s Theater, Signature Theater, Metro Stage, Roundhouse Theatre and Olney Theater in both leading and supporting roles. Additionally, Smith wrote the book for, and directed, Creative Cauldron’s musical revue, Cole Porter: You’re the Top! (2012), and directed Thunder Knocking on the Door (2013). Portraying the women in Poe’s life are Erin Granfield (Elmira), Katherine Riddle (Mother), Sara Hurley (Virginia), MaryKate Brouillet (Whore), and Jennifer Lyons Pagnard (Muddy).
 
National YoungArts Foundation Award winner, Erin Granfield, joins the cast as Elmira. Granfield most recently played the role of Francesca Johnson to critical acclaim in the DC/Baltimore regional premiere of The Bridges of Madison County. 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). Glimmerglass Festival alum Katherine Riddle returns to Creative Cauldron in her first principle role as Mother. Her recent DC/MD/VA credits include UrbanAria's: Florida; Metrostage, Christmas at the Old Bull and Bush, as well as soloist appearances with the American Pops Orchestra, Fairfax Symphony, West Virginia Symphony, and Vladimir Symphony Orchestra in Yekatrinburg, Russia. Sara Hurley makes her Creative Cauldron debut as Poe’s 13-year-old cousin, Virginia. Hurley has most recently appeared in Catholic University of America’s production of City of Angels (Mallory Kingsley) where she is currently studying musical theatre. Returning to Creative Cauldron is Jennifer Lyons Pagnard as Muddy. Her stage credits include Creative Cauldron - A Christmas Carol Memory (Ellen/Mrs. Cratchit); 1st Stage - Floyd Collins (Miss Jane); The Keegan Theatre - Parade (Sally Slaton); National Tour - Amazing Grace (Mrs. Catlett); DC Source Festival - Perfect Arrangement (Kitty Sunderson); The Little Theatre of Alexandria: Sweeney Todd (Mrs. Lovett). Soprano MaryKate Brouillet, fresh off her run as Marian in The Bridges of Maddison County at Keegan Theatre, appears as the Whore. A frequent performer at the award-winning Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Columbia, MD, Brouillet’s performance credits include Newsies (Katherine), Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat (Narrator), Peter Pan (Peter Pan), Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins), and Seussical (Mayzie LaBird) at Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts.
 
During Nevermore’s run, Creative Cauldron will present artwork by Torpedo Factory artist, Guy Jones, in its gallery. His work, which features micro pen and scratchboard techniques on the surface of animal skulls and bones, will be on display for all of Nevermore’s performances.
 
 
 
On Saturday, October 6 Creative Cauldron will host “Once Upon a Midnight Dreary,” a gala fundraiser in conjunction with the show. Patrons will delight in a pre-show reception featuring Ten Tastes of Falls Church, highlighting small bites from local restaurants and libations, in honor of Creative Cauldron’s 10th Season of award-winning theater and music. Tickets will also include seating at the 8:00 pm performance of Nevermore and a post show dessert reception and party with the cast. Tickets are $100 per person.
 
Tickets for Nevermore can be purchased on-line at creativecauldron.org or by calling 703-436-9948.

Who/What:  Creative Cauldron Production of Nevermore
                        Music by Matt Conner, Lyrics adapted from the writings of Edgar Allan Poe,
​                        Book by Grace Barnes
When:            October 4 through 28, 2018
                         Thursday 8:00PM, Friday 8:00PM, Saturday 8:00PM, Sunday 2:00PM & 7:00PM
Where:           Creative Cauldron
                        410 South Maple Avenue, Falls Church, VA 22046   
Ticket Info:   Adults $32 |Seniors $28 | Military $28 | Students $20 | Groups of 10 or more $20
                        www.creativecauldron.org or 703-436-9948

Free Parking is available in the 410 and 400 South Maple Building Garages

                                                                                                CONTACT: Elizabeth Meade
                                                                                                           703-436-9948
                                                                                                info@creativecauldron.org
                                                                                                FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Creative Cauldron Presents Annual Summer Cabaret and Concert Series
July 6th – September 15th, 2018 at Creative Cauldron
 
[June 19, 2018] Falls Church, VA – Creative Cauldron’s Annual Summer Cabaret and Concert Series will be held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from July 6th through September 15th at Creative Cauldron, 410 South Maple Avenue. The Summer Cabaret and Concert Series treats audiences to performances by some of the finest musical theatre talent in the Washington, DC-Metro area. Tickets range from $18 to $22 and can be purchased online at www.creativecauldron.org or by calling 703-436-9948. 
 
Summer Cabaret and Concert Series Lineup
 
Two For a Song
Friday, July 6th and Saturday, 7th, 2018 at 8 PM
They're back for another two nights of beloved tunes at the Cauldron with Tin Pan Alley Hits and American Songbook Standards in new, fresh, authentic interpretations.  Pianist Alex Hassan boasts an archival sheet music collection of more than 40,000 titles, thoroughly immersing himself in the musical style of the 20s and 30s. And Tenor Doug Bowles has performed around the world in nearly every genre from Opera to Pop! Beloved tunes, exciting discoveries, a few tears, and a lot of outrageous laughter – now THAT’S a good way to spend a Friday and Saturday night!
 
Katherine Riddle "More Than Just a Pretty Face: a tribute to the hardworking ingénue”
Friday, July 13th, 2018 at 8 PM
We can all spot an ingénue: those young, beautiful, naive, wholesome leading ladies of musical theater who dream and sing about snagging the perfect beau and living happily ever after. Hard enough if you’re a princess. Harder still if you are living in the real world. Come celebrate Sarah, Nellie, Marian, Amalia and more… those hardworking gals who toil all day and get their man, too!
 
SUSAN DERRY "Days and Dazed"
Saturday, July 14th, 2018 at 8 PM and Sunday, July 15th. at 7 PM
​Fresh from Creative Cauldron's critically acclaimed "Bold New Works for Intimate Stages" world premiere musical, Witch,  soprano Susan Derry opens the musical cabaret series with a feisty evening of theatre standards, unexpected gems and the occasional random pop song!
 
 
Jade Jones “Killin’ Em Softly – A 70s Soiree”
Friday, July 20th and Saturday, July 21st, 2018 at 8 PM         
"Authentic, endearing, humble, genuinely funny" -- just a few bits from Broadway World's Review of Jade Jones when she performed at the 2016's Summer Cabaret series.  She's back this summer with a seventies soiree that will leave this year's audience cheering for another encore! 
 
Shenandoah Run
Friday, July 27th, 2018 at 8 PM
Fan favorite Shenandoah Run returns to the cauldron for one night of top notch folk musicianship and a passionate performance that will have the audience cheering and clapping throughout the night!
 
Will Stevenson “Simply Musical”
Saturday, July 28th, 2018 at 8 PM & Sunday, July 29th at 7 PM
Will Stevenson returns to take us on a walk down his musical theatre memory lane -- singing songs from shows he had the pleasure of performing in and those he only wished he had!  ​This season, Stevenson appeared as Wilbur in Charlotte's Web and as Captain Crewe/Carrisford in A Little Princess.  Stevenson’s other roles at Creative Cauldron include Fagin in Oliver Twist (2016) and Bob Cratchit in A Christmas Carol Memory (2017). He has appeared regionally as Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd at Red Branch Theatre and Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit at Adventure Theatre.
 
Kathy Halenda “The Brassy Broads of Broadway”
Friday, August 3rd & Saturday, August 4th, 2018 at 8 PM
“The Brassy Broads of Broadway” is a musical tribute to the larger than life characters of American musical theatre- the gutsy gals who put the ‘Broad’ in Broadway! Ms. Halenda takes you on a frisky frolic of why we love these characters and what a broad really is- strong, brazen, often inappropriate, yet also loving, warm and achingly vulnerable.  The ‘broads’ include: Mame Dennis from “Mame”, Mama Rose from “Gypsy”, Fanny Brice from “Funny Girl”, Dolly Levi from “Hello Dolly”, Reno Sweeney from “Anything Goes”, Miss Mona from “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”, Annie Oakley from “Annie Get Your Gun”, and Sally Bowles from “Cabaret”.  From wistful ballads to show stopping Broadway classics, Ms. Halenda combines her powerful vocal style and energetic personality to create a performance that will touch as well as tickle you. So come on...travel a Broad!
 
A Place to Be (Music Therapy) "Coming of Age"
Friday, August 10th & Saturday, August 11th, 2018 at 8 PM
​Enjoy and be enlightened by a night of talented teens from the award winning Music Therapy Center, " A Place To Be." This show will feature songs about the struggles that teens go through, from anxiety, bullying and depression, to having that uncomfortable talk with your parents about romantic intimacy. This cast most recently performed "A Will to Survive" a rock opera about teen suicide prevention at the Terrace Theater at the Kennedy Center. This night will be inspiring, educational and enlightening. recommended for families and High School Freshman and beyond.  Mature content.
 
Jim Van Slyke "Sedaka is Back!" & "Just Me and The Boys"
Friday, August 17th & Saturday, August 18th, 2018 at 8 PM
Award winning singer, songwriter and recording artist Jim Van Slyke sings the songs of pop music icon Neil Sedaka! A new twist on Jim’s critically acclaimed and wildly popular “Sedaka Show”. Jim celebrates the music of the Pop Music legend. Neil Sedaka himself exclaims “I’ve seen many singers over the years do my songs, but nobody has moved me more than Jim”. Come enjoy the classics sounds of Sedaka and such treasured hits as “Laughter in the Rain”, “Calendar Girl”, “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do”, “The Hungry Years” and some truly wonderful surprises! Regis Philbin, having seen Jim perform, hailed the Sedaka tribute as “The most remarkable hour and a half of show I have ever seen!”  and featured Jim on the Regis and Kelly show. On his second night, Jim Van Slyke debuts his brand new show paying tribute to four of pop music’s most iconic voices: Mel Torme, Nat King Cole, Bobby Darrin and Sammy Davis Jr.  Come enjoy a night of classic songs made famous by these legends.  Who can forget such classics as “When I Fall In Love”, “Blue Moon”, “Straighten Up and Fly Right”, “Beyond the sea”, “Unforgettable”,  and many more!
 
Ines Nassara "Electric Lady"
Friday, August 24th, 2018 at 8 PM
Ines Nassara’s outstanding vocal and acting ability have landed her among the best emerging actresses in the DC area. Nassara recently graduated from Towson University where she performed extensively in the school’s musical theatre productions. Nassara was nominated for a 2015 Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical for playing Ronny in The Keegan Theatre’s production of Hair. She has garnered critical acclaim for her powerful vocals, energy, and passion that she brings to the stage, driving the ensembles around her to new heights!
 
Catherine Purcell "A Mixtape for Heroines"
Saturday, August 25th, 2018 at 8 PM
In her first solo show, Catherine Purcell walks through her literary history, exploring the stories of her fictional heroines through folk, rock, jazz, and musical theatre standards. From Ludwig Bemelman’s Madeline to Shakespeare’s Hermione, Purcell hopes to revere and celebrate some of literature’s most treasured women through song.
 
 
 
 
 
Stephen Gregory Smith "Inspired By"
Friday, September 7th & Saturday, September 8th, 2018 at 8 PM
Matt Conner and Stephen Gregory Smith have written over a dozen shows together, and in this evening of cabaret, Stephen will shine a light on the things that inspired each of these shows, tracing threads throughout their shared history together, and the life moments that became musical numbers in their shared career.
 
Alan Naylor "Spring and Love, Loss and Dreams"
Friday, September 14th & Saturday, September 15th, 2018 at 8 PM
Alan Naylor returns to the Cauldron with collaborator Barbara Wilkinson for a program that harkens back to his award-winning cauldron debut in Jacques Brel.  The Romantic program of Art Song and four-hand piano music centers on the drama and experience of the poet-lover.  Schumann's iconic Dichterliebe will inspire you with visceral highs and lows of love and loss, but no need to brush up on your Deutsche... if English is your only language you will still leave with your heart filled and your eyes teary.
 
Fact Sheet
 
Who:                Creative Cauldron
What:               Annual Summer Cabaret and Concert Series
When:              July 6th – September 15th, 2018
Where:             Creative Cauldron
         410 South Maple Avenue
                         Falls Church, VA 22046
Ticket Prices:    $22 Adults   $20 Seniors/Military   $18 Students
                        $110 Table for 4 with bottle of Wine
                        $55 Table for 2 with 2 glasses of Wine
Info/Tickets:    www.creativecauldron.org       (703) 436-9948
 
Creative Cauldron programs are funded in part through grants from the Arts Fairfax, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, The Little City Catch Foundation.  Creative Cauldron also receives generous support from individual donors and corporations.

                                                                      MEDIA RELEASE
                                                                      CONTACT: Elizabeth Meade
                                                                       703-436-9948
                                                                                                emeade@creativecauldron.org
                                                                                            FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
 
   Creative Cauldron Presents Musical Adaptation of E.B. White Classic Charlotte’s Web May 24 through June 17

Falls Church, VA – Creative Cauldron presents a beguiling new version of E.B. White’s beloved classic story Charlotte’s Web with music and lyrics by Broadway composer Charles Strouse (Annie, Bye Bye Birdie) and a book adapted by national award-winning playwright, Joseph Robinette.  E.B. White’s classic tells the story of Wilbur, a little pig who becomes famous with the help of his clever friend Charlotte the spider and their animal friends.   The beautiful lessons of friendship and loyalty embedded in the story have made this tale one of the most famous classics of children’s literature. Press night for Charlotte’s Web is Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 8:00 PM at ArtSpace Falls Church, 410 South Maple Avenue, Falls Church, VA.

Charlotte’s Web is directed by Matt Conner and features a professional cast that includes Will Stevenson as Wilbur and Abby Middleton as Charlotte.  Stevenson appeared last season as Captain Crewe/Carrisford in A Little Princess, and Abby appeared as Diane de Poitier in The Mistress Cycle.  Stevenson’s other roles at Creative Cauldron include Fagin in Oliver Twist (2016) and Bob Cratchit in A Christmas Carol Memory (2017). He has appeared regionally as Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd at Red Branch Theatre and Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit at Adventure Theatre.  Middleton’s regional credits include: Magnolia in Showboat at Toby’s Dinner Theatre and Some Enchanted Evening at Riverside Dinner Theatre. Sophia Manicone will play the role of Fern Arable, the precocious young girl who intervenes and saves Wilbur from the ax.  Manicone appeared last season as Tina Denmark in Ruthless the Musical, and as the granddaughter in the world premiere musical Kaleidoscope.  She received a 2017 WATCH nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Play for her role as Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird at Providence Players.

Fern’s mother (Martha Arable) will be played by Izzy Smelkinson and her father (John Arable) will be played by Sylvern Groomes Jr. Smelkinson made her debut last season as the irascible Miss Minchin in A Little Princess. Groomes recently appeared as Nick in Alexander and The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day at Adventure Theatre, and The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber at Riverside Center for the Arts. Fern’s aunt and uncle, Homer and Edith Zuckerman will be played by Garrett Matthews and Anna Philips Brown.  Matthews has been a regular performer with the In Series professional cabarets and recently appeared as Oliver in the Rainbow Theatre’s production of The Doma Diaries.  Brown is a student in the musical theatre program at Catholic University who is currently appearing as Aunt March in Little Women.  She claimed the title of first runner up in Signature Theatre’s “Signature Voice” program in 2016.

Participants from Creative Cauldron’s Musical Theater pre-professional training program will play ensemble roles in Charlotte’s Web.  After an eight-week workshop process that provides instruction in dance, voice and acting technique, participants are then invited to join the professional cast of Creative Cauldron’s final production of the season. The program was launched last season with The Wizard of Oz. Ensemble members include:  Madeline Aldana, Morgan Beltson, Libby Brooke, Miri Brooke, Talia Cutler, Mai Gabra, Leif Hernandez, Emma Hill, Nora Hill, Alyson Kentner-Leary, Amelia Magee, Constance Meade, Alessandra Simmons-Robles, Gabriela Simmons-Robles, Owen Thiebert and Arianna Vargas.

Helen Hayes Award nominated director Matt Conner (The Turn of the Screw and Blues in the Night) will be joined on the creative team by resident scenic, costume and puppet designer Margie Jervis, Lighting Designer, Lynn Joslin and Music Director, Amy Conley.
​
Tickets for Charlotte’s Web can be purchased at creativecauldron.org or by calling 703-436-9948.  

 
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FACT SHEET
Who/What:   Creative Cauldron’s Musical production Charlotte’s Web
                        Based on the book by E.B. White
                        Adapted by Joseph Robinette
                        Music and Lyrics by Charles Strouse
When:           May 24 through June 17, 2018
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm
and Sundays at 2:00 pm
Press Night is Saturday, May 26 at 8 pm
Where:         Creative Cauldron at ArtSpace Falls Church
                      410 South Maple Avenue, Falls Church, VA 22046         
Ticket Info:   Adults: $30| Seniors/Military: $26 |Students $20  Groups of 10 or more $18
                        Children under 12 $15
                      www.creativecauldron.org or 703-436-9948
                      Free Parking is available in the 410 and 400 South Maple Building Garages
​
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: Elizabeth Meade
                                                                                703-436-9948
                                                                                emeade@creativecauldron.org

                                                                                                
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
 
                         Creative Cauldron Presents Bold New Works Musical Premiere:  Witch
                         Music by Matt Conner and Book and Lyrics by Stephen Gregory Smith
Falls Church, VA – Creative Cauldron presents Witch, the fourth installment in its “Bold New Works for Intimate Stages” world premiere musical series written and composed by the internationally recognized creative team Matt Conner and Stephen Gregory Smith. “Witch channels the zeitgeist of the current “Me Too” and “Time’s Up” movements while examining the cultural roots of misogyny and inequality across centuries and cultures,” stated Producing Director Laura Connors Hull.  “Matt and Stephen have given us perhaps their most insightful, provocative work to date.  It celebrates the feminine spirit and those who have dared to challenge the traditional order, while providing us a fascinating and entertaining evening of musical theater.” Press night for Witch is Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 8:00 PM at ArtSpace Falls Church, 410 South Maple Avenue, Falls Church, VA.
Broadway veteran Florence Lacey and Helen Hayes Award-winning actress Iyona Blake return to Creative Cauldron to portray Becky and Destiny, the subjects of compelling and complex stories of women who have been labeled as witches from the Salem Witch trials to modern day politics. Lacey and Blake are joined by Helen Hayes nominated actress Susan Derry and Catherine Purcell as Maggie and Molly. Creative Cauldron veteran student actors Sophia Manicone, Samaria Dellorso and Arianna Vargas round out the cast as Fiona, Mary, and Marie, respectively.

Florence Lacey starred in last season’s critically acclaimed Bold New Work, Kaleidoscope.  Lacey is best known for replacing Patti LuPone as Eva Peron in the original 1979 run of Evita – a role she would go on to perform over 3,000 times on Broadway and multiple world tours. Lacey also appeared on Broadway in Les Miserables as Fantine (1987), in Hello, Dolly! as Irene Molloy (1978 and 1995 revivals), and most recently in Follies as Sandra Crane (2011 revival). Locally, Lacey has appeared in Signature Theatre’s A Little Night Music (2017), Titanic (2016), Sunset Boulevard (2010) and Nevermore (2006).

Iyona Blake won the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical, for her performance as Caroline Thibodeaux in Caroline or Change (2016) and the BroadwayWorld DC Award for Best Actress in a Musical – Small Theatre Production.  Blake recently received a 2018 Helen Hayes nomination for her performance in Creative Cauldron’s Blues in the Night, and won critical raves for her riveting performance as Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill this February. She also appeared Once on This Island (2014), and Thunder Knocking on the Door (2013).  At Signature Theatre she appeared as Gran Mimi in Jelly’s Last Jam (2016), and Carolyn Neville in Titanic (2016).

Witch will also mark a return for veteran actress Susan Derry who has appeared in all three of Creative Cauldron’s previous Bold New Works: as Miss Giddens in The Turn of the Screw (2015), Mary Shelley in Monsters of the Villa Diodati (2016), and as the Director in Kaleidoscope (2017).  Derry appeared on Broadway in Wonderful Town and in 11 City Center Encores! Performances.  In the DC area she has appeared in Ragtime, Mame, Camelot, My Fair Lady and Leonard Bernstein’s Mass at the Kennedy Center, Kiss Me Kate! at the Shakespeare Theatre, and Sunset Boulevard, Saturday Night, Showboat and A Little Night Music at Signature Theatre.

Catherine Purcell appeared in both Monsters of the Villa Diodati and Kaleidoscope at Creative Cauldron. She has performed at Joe’s Pub at the Public Theatre and at the Kennedy Center in Heart and Soul: The Music of Frank Lesser. The cast also includes student actors Sophia Manicone, who played the lead in Creative Cauldron’s production of Ruthless! The Musical (2016) and the Girl in Kaleidoscope (2017), and Samaria Dellorso and Arianna Vargas. Strauss Award winning artist and resident scenic designer, Margie Jervis will design the set for Witch.  Alison Johnson will design costumes and James Morrison lights.
​
Conner and Smith are a Helen Hayes Awards © Nominated duo whose critically-acclaimed musicals have been produced internationally. In addition to their multiple “Bold New Works” premieres with Creative Cauldron, Conner and Smith recently premiered their original musical Silver Belles (written with Allyson Currin) at Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA. Matt Conner’s other musical compositions include Nevermore, The Hollow, and Crossing. He is one of six recipients of Signature Theatre’s “American Musical Voices Project: The Next Generation.” Stephen Gregory Smith is a Helen Hayes Award © winning local actor, director and writer. He has performed at Arena Stage, Wolf Trap, the Kennedy Center, Ford’s Theater, Signature Theater, Metro Stage, Roundhouse Theatre and Olney Theater in both leading and supporting roles. Smith wrote the book for, and directed, Creative Cauldron’s musical revue, Cole Porter: You’re the Top! (2012), and directed Thunder Knocking on the Door (2013). Together, Conner and Smith received a 2015 Helen Hayes Awards © Nomination for Outstanding Director of a Musical – HELEN Production for Creative Cauldron’s The Turn of the Screw. Matt Conner recently received a Helen Hayes nomination for his direction of last season’s Blues in the Night.
Tickets for Witch can be purchased at creativecauldron.org or by calling 703-436-9948.  
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FACT SHEET
Who/What:   Creative Cauldron’s Musical Premiere Witch
                         Music by Matt Conner, Book and Lyrics by Stephen Gregory Smith
When:           April 12 – May 6, 2018
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm, 
Press Night is Saturday, April 21 at 8 pm
Where:          Creative Cauldron at ArtSpace Falls Church
                       410 South Maple Avenue, Falls Church, VA 22046         
Ticket Info:     Adults: $30| Seniors/Military: $26 |Students $20  Groups of 10 or more $18
                        www.creativecauldron.org or 703-436-9948
                        Free Parking is available in the 410 and 400 South Maple Building Garages
About Bold New Works
The inspiration for “Bold New Works for Intimate Stages” came from the experience working in ArtSpace Falls Church, Creative Cauldron’s intimate performance venue.  The limitations of the space are obvious—there are no wings, a very small backstage area and only 92 seats in the house. It’s really not suitable for large-scale theater productions or casts. Yet the intimate size is precisely what audiences have come to love about their experience at Creative Cauldron.  As a work of art unfolds before them, the customary barrier between artist and audience seems to melt away, and audiences are keenly aware that they are an integral part of this moment of creation.  
Previous Bold New Works premieres: The Turn of the Screw (2015), Monsters of the Villa Diodati (2016), Kaleidoscope (2017).
​
About Creative Cauldron
Creative Cauldron is a 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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