‘Movie Madness’ is back at Theatre 8:15
By Cindy Kauffman
GREEN — Theatre Dance Center’s artistic director, Kim Baltrinic, is back in the director’s chair for Theatre 8: 15’s production of “Movie Madness,” which will be on stage July 21 through Aug. 5.
Baltrinic is now directing her second show at the theater and said she is perfectly at home leading 50 cast members through the production, which highlights a wide variety of films. Though she still feels a “little green” while directing, Baltrinic said she thoroughly enjoys working with casts such as this one, which ranges in age from 8 to 60. In addition, she is pleased and amazed that 16 new performers joined the show for this year’s tribute to movies. The show will include numbers such as: “Ain’t No Sunshine” from the film “Notting Hill,” “Angel” from “City of Angels” and “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” from “Annie.” Musical numbers from “Pulp Fiction,” “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “Mission: Impossible” (featuring tap) also will be in the show, along with skits from movies like “Wayne’s World.”
Baltrinic noted the “’Cause I’m a Blonde” number as just one of the highly entertaining numbers in the production. She stated the girls who perform to the tune are so enthusiastic and have practiced the piece many times. “The number is lots of fun,” Baltrinic said. “The girls in it (ages 8 and 9) do a fantastic job.”
Baltrinic has been with Theatre Dance Center for two years. She expressed her gratitude to Producer Fred McWhorter, who hired her. She also combines her Theatre Dance Center duties with those of teaching and choreographing for The University of Akron’s Dance Company. “I love both of my jobs,” she said, stressing how fortunate she feels to go to work in a field that she cares deeply about. “I also love working with such amazing students, sometimes during 12-hour work days between both locations.”
Choreographing 2007’s “Movie Madness” gave its director the chance to implement the auditioning of student choreographers. Those selected got the opportunity to choreograph one number in the current show. The candidates presented a choreographed proposal to a panel of judges, who selected three for this year’s “Movie Madness.” Chosen were Gea Cacioppo, Taylor Bryan and Katie Hazard. “They did an amazing job; their work is incredible,” Baltrinic said.
Baltrinic said the show is being dedicated to fellow Theatre 8:15 performer Jim Klich. Klich is a well-loved, familiar face at the theater, she said, particularly during December’s holiday show. He has not performed in many months, as he is battling a serious illness.
For tickets, call (330) 896-0339.
|
