BRIAN SCHILB PERFORMS WITH BROADWAY STARS

Brian Alan Schilb is currently rehearsing the role of Ross in MACBETH at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. The show runs October 18 through November 18. Robert Cuccioli, who gained fame as the title roles in JEKYLL & HYDE on Broadway, plays Macbeth. Laila Robins, recently on Broadway in FROZEN, plays Lady Macbeth. The production marks Schilb's third at the Shakespeare Theatre, including LOVE'S LABOURS LOST and RICHARD II. Schilb plans to have his MFA from the University of South Carolina in December, and hope to move to New York soon afterward.

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ANGIE CRAFT FILMS INDIE IN INDY

Actress/dancer/choreographer Angie Craft has been busy this summer shooting an independent film, THE MINI, in Indianapolis. Craft has third billing and will be SAG eligible when it is complete. THE MINI is a feature length comedy about Francis Molon, a down-on-his-luck futon salesman named with aspirations to sell mattresses, who runs in a local mini marathon. During his training, Fran falls for Carmen (played by Craft), an aspiring car show model from Ecuador who works at a nearby tanning salon. The story follows Fran’s metamorphosis into a confident human being and ultimately a respected mattress salesman.

The film is produced by NYC-based Canopy Films. Director Ron Beck is a TV producer whose clients include MTV and Disney. He produced, directed, and edited THE MAKING OF AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, starring Jackie Chan and worked on the creative team that produced the films HOLES and THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE. "Ron quit his job at MTV to shoot THE MINI," says Craft. "It is his sole focus, so I’m confident that it will make it to print."

THE MINI also stars Chris Stack who appeared in the indie film success ROGER DODGER. He also played the evil drummer in the Jack Black vehicle SCHOOL OF ROCK, but unfortunately his performance ended up on the cutting room floor.

The movie will be submitted to film festivals across the country, possibly as early as next year.

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GREG VEY HIRED AT IPFW

Grey Vey has been hired as the staff music director for the IPFW Department of Theatre. "That technically makes me member of the faculty so now I'm a 'college professor,'" says Vey. "That's really freaking my kids out." Vey's first production in this position is OKLAHOMA!, already in rehearsals.

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"DADDY'S DYIN'" AT ARENA

Susan Domer, Jane Frazier, and Natalie Jones reprise their popular roles in the comedy DADDY'S DYIN, WHO'S GOT THE WILL? at Arena Dinner Theatre. They first performed the show at IPFW seven years ago. Scott Frey, who directs this production, was also in the IPFW production. Sheila O'Rourke, Melissa Junkin, Rob Scrimm, Bill Horner, and Jim Nelson round out the cast. The show runs October 1 through 15 with a special student rate of $3.00 for the October 7 performance.

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BABY AHLERSMEYER

The Green Room congratulates Bob and Eileen Ahlersmeyer on the birth of their daughter, Catherine Elizabeth, on August 25.

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HOLIDAY ENTERTAINERS FOR HIRE

Now is the time to start booking your holiday party entertainment. Bower North Productions has a selection of holiday-themed entertainment offerings, including an audience participation holiday mystery, a holiday musical revue, or their two-man vaudeville act. Contact them at (260) 745-0557.

The Civic Theatre offers THE BEST OF CHRISTMAS, a holiday musical revue featuring a trio of area singers. The theater will also present A CHRISTMAS CAROL at the Performing Arts Center November 5-21. To book a trio or for tickets to their holiday production, call (260) 422-8641.

Edwards Productions' WINTER WONDERETTES will run December 2-5 and is available for your event. Call them at (888) 725-7055.

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BOWER AND BEAUCHAMP AND THE REDS

Larry Bower and Brad Beauchamp spent an exciting evening on September 20 when they performed their "Who's on First" Abbott & Costello tribute for the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame induction dinner. Present at the $750/plate dinner included returning hall-of-famers Sparky Anderson, Johnny Bench, Dave Concepcion, and Ken Griffey Sr.

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CIVIC THEATRE 2005-06 SEASON

DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (July 22-August 7, 2005), MOUSETRAP (September 9-18, 2005), MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS (November 4-20, 2005), BIG RIVER (January 27-February 12, 2006), OVER THE TAVERN (March 10-19, 2006), and MY WAY-A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra (May 5-21, 2006).

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Mike Brouwer, Andy Planck, and Renee Gonzalez have been cast in BAT BOY at Ball State's Strother Theatre. The show runs October 21-31. For more information, call (765) 285-8749.

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Carroll High School will present Neil Simon's RUMORS on October 21, 22, and 23, at 7:00 p.m.