Tillamook Association for the Performing Arts

CAST ANNOUNCEMENT

2013-04-13T19:32:00.001-07:00

The Tillamook Association for the Performing Arts (TAPA) and TLC Federal Credit Union present You Know I Can’t Hear You When The Water Is Running, a collection of four one-act comedies, opening May 10. Written by Robert Anderson and directed locally by Chris Chiola, each play uses humor to explore morality, relationships, and taboo subjects.

In March TAPA premiered the first part of a two-part series featuring one-act plays with the drama Memorythat dealt with the trials of losing one’s memory with age. You Know I Can’t Hear You When The Water Is Running is the humorous end of the two-part series. These witty comedies aim to touch your heart and tickle your funny bone. However, some material may not be suitable for those not of a mature age, so no young ones, please.

In Act I, “The Shock of Recognition,” a playwright and his producer flirt with the concept of full frontal male nudity on stage, and if it can or will be done by an eager actor. Don’t worry though; that is left up to the audience’s imagination.

Act II, “The Footsteps of Doves,” examines the confines of the marital bed - literally. The play follows a couple who, after 25 years of marriage, is considering going from a double bed to two single beds.

Act III, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” confronts parents’ issues with a pleasure-seeking teen, a dating daughter and a third child’s college problems and how these issues strain a marriage.

In the final play, Act IV’s “I’m Herbert,” two aging love birds sit on their porch with failing memories of their past lives and loves.

Opening night of every TAPA production includes a champagne reception, with a complimentary beverage and appetizers. Doors for opening night open at 6:30 p.m. May 10 at the Barn Community Playhouse, 12th and Ivy in Tillamook. Shows start promptly at 7 p.m. Other performances are at 7 p.m. May 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25, and at 2 p.m. Sundays, May 19 and 26.

Reserved seating is available through Diamond Art Jewelers at (503) 842-7940. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors or students, and $40 for a family of four. For more information, visit facebook.com/tillamooktheater or contact info@tillamooktheater.com.

Back row: Ann Harper, Garrick Gordon, Margaret Page & Carolyn Olson

Middle row: Danielle Thornton, Mart & Deb Cherry

Front row: Lora Ressler, Brett Durer & Barbi Fox

A SPECIAL DAY FOR TAPA

2013-03-17T20:31:00.000-07:00

LOST PIONEER was performed at TAPA's Barn Community Playhouse by acclaimed actress of stage and screen, Megan Liz Cole on March 17, 2013. Local historian Mark Beach introduced the performance to a sold-out house. Although this was not the first time this production had been performed, it was the first time in TAPA's newly remodeled theater. As Mark said in the introduction, this was a perfect example of people coming together for the sake of art. It was a special day for the Tillamook Association for the Performing Arts and the Tillamook County Historical Society who spored the event together.

LOST PIONEER is an original piece created by Megan Liz Cole, Mark Beach and award winning Portland playwright Ellen West. To help with the project, the creators received a grant aided by the Tillamook County Cultural Coalition along with the Nehalem Valley Historical Society, the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum and the Tillamook County Historical Society.

A huge thank you goes out to everyone who came to our theater to a part of this special day. We hope to see you all again soon.

MEMORY

2013-01-21T18:17:00.000-08:00

The Tillamook Association for the Performing Arts (TAPA) and TLC Federal Credit Union are pleased to announce the cast of the upcoming production of Memory, TAPA’s 3^rdproduction of the 2012-13 season.

Memory consists of two one-act plays written by different playwrights, both exploring memory and growing older in different ways. In I Can’t Remember Anything (written by Arthur Miller) two old friends trade lighthearted banter and stinging exchanges to express their conflicting views of “life’s truths”. At the same time, they reveal to us their enduring mutual affection and the importance of companionship as the shadow of mortality lengthens. In The 75^th (written by Israel Horovitz) two classmates reconnect at their high school reunion 75 years after graduation. Now in their nineties, the two, Arthur “Cookie” Silverstein and Amy Chamberlain, don’t even remember each other at first, but, as they review their memories and recall old friendships, the past begins to clarify and emerge. The cast of Memory includes Robert Kratz, Sandra Koops, Terri Winkle and Bill Farnum.

The director of Memory is Bill Farnum. Bill has been involved in theater since 1980 in California and since moving to Oregon and becoming involved with TAPA, he has directed two other productions (Sylvia and Scotland Road) and has been on stage acting and singing.

Memory opens on February 22 and runs through March 9. Reserved seating will be available at Diamond Art Jewelers, (503) 842-7940. For information, please visit them on facebook, or contact info@tillamooktheater.com.

Sandra Koops and Robert Kratz

Memory Flier

2013-01-21T16:36:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS IS COMING!

2012-11-13T16:55:00.000-08:00

The Tillamook Association for the Performing Arts (TAPA) and TLC Federal Credit Union anounce the cast of The Christmas Express, the next production of this year's season. The Christmas Express is a comedy full of puns, one-liners, funny situations and nutty characters, set in the town of Holly, which is sorely in need of some Christmas spirit. A stranger comes to town named Leo, who brings surprises, and ultimately, hope to one and all. The cast includes Brittany Durrer, Samantha Swindler, Barbi Fox, Deb Cherry, Joni Sauer-Folger, Richard Coon, Robert Buckingham, Robert Kratz, and Mark Johnson.

The Christmas Express is directed by Becki Wilhelm and producted by Debbie Coon. Performance dates are December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 at 7:00 pm and December 9 and 16 at 2:00 pm. All performances are at The Barn Community Playhouse at 12th and Ivy in Tillamook. Tickets are on sale now and would make the perfect holiday gift. Get in the holiday mood and take The Christmas Express to the town of Holly – to a run-down train depot where Christmas magic abounds. Reservations and tickets can be purchased in advance at Diamond Art Jewlers at 309 Main Ave. in Tillamook or call (503) 842-7940. Visit our facebook page at facebook.com/tillamooktheater

Final Weekend of A FINE MONSTER YOU ARE!

2012-10-24T21:36:00.000-07:00

TAPA's production of A Fine Monster You Are! (sponsored by The Blue Heron French Cheese Co.) is heading into it's final weekend. Your last chance to see the show is on Friday the 26th (doors open at 6:30, curtain is at 7:00), Saturday the 27th (doors open at 6:30, curtain is at 7:00), and Sunday the 28th (doors open at 1:30, curtain is at 2:00). Reserve seating is available through Diamond Art Jewelers; call (503) 842-7940. Bring the kids and your Halloween spirit and come see our newly remodeled auditorium with theater seats and excellent views of the stage!

2012-10-01T19:00:00.000-07:00

The Tillamook Association for the Performing Arts (TAPA) and the Blue Heron French Cheese Company are thrilled to bring the production of A Fine Monster You Are! to Tillamook. A Fine Monster You Are! is a “creepy-crawly comedy” about sweet old Emily Holbrook who lives with her ancient housekeeper Agatha in her family’s dark and gloomy Victorian home. She’s decided to interview young women to type her memoirs and to be her companion—enter beautiful and young Suzette Larson. Emily claims to be keeping a family secret locked in her basement in an attempt to protect the public at large. It’s not long before the house is visited by both expected and unexpected guests, including the family doctor Jonathan, an eccentric psychic Kyla, the boyfriend Corky, and the ex- college roommate Flax. Mayhem and insanity are inflicted on everyone in the house resulting in confusion and revelation. Who is the villain? Who is the victim? Is Emily really sweet or does she lure victims into her tangled web for sinister purposes? And what’s with this monster thing? Is it real? Is it a hoax? What will end up feeding its hungry appetite? Find out when TAPA kicks off their 2012–13 season on October 12 with a champagne gala, unveiling their newly remodeled theater.

TAPA is a non-profit theatrical organization that relies entirely on volunteers—actors, directors, crew members, set builders, board members, and all the other myriad positions needed to put on a show. It all began in 1980 with a production of A Thousand Clowns performed by the Blue Heron Players, a small group of people who came together to put on a play for the sheer enjoyment of it all. They were a hit right away, opening in front of a full house. On the back page of that first program was a note: “We will be meeting soon to discuss our direction and future productions.” The organization we have today is tied forever to the men and women who attended those meetings and eventually signed the Tillamook Association for the Performing Arts into existence. Since that time, TAPA has continued to draw from the talent in our community to enrich lives and provide opportunities to take part in producing live theater.

TAPA performed plays, musicals, and variety shows in such local venues as Tillamook High School, Blue Heron, Sacred Heart Church, the Tillamook School District administration building, Swiss Hall, Eagles Lodge, Elks Lodge, and Oceanside Hall, among others. The lack of a permanent location created many difficulties for storage, rehearsal space, set construction, and so on, so TAPA purchased what was known as the Barn Tavern in 2002 and has been performing there ever since. Although changes and updates have been made over the years to make this space work as a theater, there were still major challenges to overcome. The overhauling of the seating area began in late July and rehearsals have been conducted there during the monumental remodel amidst the dust and debris. “My cast was almost in shock when they arrived for rehearsal the first night the demo started. The entire audience area was gone down to dirt and concrete. The looks on their faces was priceless. People are in for quite a shock when they come to see us” said director Robert Buckingham, who has directed four TAPA productions since 2009 including Murder by the Book, The Beauty Queen of Leenane, Neil Simons’ The Star-Spangled Girl and this year’s mega-hit Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap. A Fine Monster You Are! stars Karen Martin, Karen Downs, Samantha Swindler, Chris Chiola, Scott Campbell, Lora Ressler and Sandra Koops.

A Fine Monster You Are! will be performed at the Barn Community Playhouse, located at 12th and Ivy in Tillamook. Showtimes are at 7:00 pm on October 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27, and also at 2:00 pm on October 21 and 28. Doors open one-half hour prior to curtain; reserved seating is recommended and is available through Diamond Art Jewelers at (503) 842-7940. For information, please visit www.tillamooktheater.com or contact info@tillamooktheater.com. Be sure to bring your Halloween spirit when you come!

Cast Announcement for A FINE MONSTER YOU ARE!

2012-08-27T18:53:00.000-07:00

The Tillamook Association for the Performing Arts (TAPA) and the Blue Heron French Cheese Company are thrilled to announce the cast for the upcoming production of A FINE MONSTER YOU ARE, which will kick of TAPA's 2012-13 season on October 12th. Be sure to bring your Halloween spirit when you come because this story has monsters, mystery, twists and turns that should entertain those of all ages!

The director of A FINE MONSTER YOU ARE is Robert Buckingham, who has directed four TAPA productions since 2009 including MURDER BY THE BOOK, THE BEAUTY QUEEN OF LEENANE, NEIL SIMONS' THE STAR-SPANGLED GIRL and AGATHA CHRISTIE'S THE MOUSETRAP.

Rehearsals for A FINE MONSTER YOU ARE have been going on during a monumental remodel seating area at what was once known as The Barn Tavern. TAPA has been entertaining audiences there since 2003. The Barn Tavern wasn't meant to be a theater but with this remodel, there will be no doubt that it is indeed a theater. A FINE MONSTER YOU ARE runs from October 12 through October 29th. Tickets go on sale soon. For more information please contact info@tillamooktheater.com.

Pictured from left to right: Chris Chiola, Karen Martin, Scott Campbell, Lora Ressler, Sandra Koops, Samantha Swindler & Karen Downs.

REMODEL IN PROGRESS!

2012-08-26T09:35:00.000-07:00

The next time you set foot in the Barn Community Playhouse you may think that you have walked into the wrong theater. Surprise! We have listened to your comments and concerns about the seating and have begun a major remodeling project to improve our seating situation. With the extreme generosity and hard work of many people we are currently removing a major portion of the upper balcony and replacing the existing seating platforms and ramps. All of us have suffered through a show in those uncomfortable folding chairs, stuck behind the post or in the pit with a terrible view of the stage. We knew that our patrons were suffering and we hope that by putting every row of seats on a different level, installing cushioned theater seats donated generously by Lisa Kendall and the Middle Way Health Care and removing the post, every seat in the house will have a great view and be comfortable to you. But, to accommodate these new seats and to improve the views of all seats we needed to make some major layout changes to the theater. This takes money and we are very thankful to have a great supporting cast of donors. To keep this project funded and to fund other projects such as adding handicapped accessible restrooms to the lobby, upgrading our lights and sound equipment and insulating the building, we are selling the naming rights to our new seats. For a one-time $500 tax deductible donation you will get your name, or any name you choose, engraved on a permanent plaque on a seat. You may even do this under a payment plan. This is a great way to leave your legacy on the local theater scene. You can even choose what seat it goes on! Big thanks go to Lisa Kendall, Bob Riggert, John Main and his crew, Steve Morgan, Stephan Aalykke and Richard Coon for their support and advice. And thanks to all of the volunteers and the donations of goods and services from local businesses!

Contact TAPA:

By mail - PO Box 571

Tillamook, OR 97141

By phone - (503) 842-6305

By e-mai l - info@tillamooktheater.com

Americana, Celebration of Music Through the Ages

2012-06-26T21:29:00.001-07:00

TAPA is pleased to present Americana, Celebration of Music Through the Ages, a musical revue fundraiser.

Front Row: Wally Nelson, Margaret Page, Kelli McMellon, Robert Bishop
Back Row: Bill Farnum, Bill Briot, Diane Erickson, Roberta Bettis,
Caryn Backman Matt Mumford Not Pictured: Vince DeYoung

As the twentieth century dawned, America stood on the threshold of a bright and wondrous future. The coming century held a promise of new technology, new ways of thinking, and new ways of living. Spurts of growth and prosperity were punctuated by times of upheaval such as war, the Great Depression, and prohibition. Beginning with the 1900’s, Americana takes us through ten decades of the music that highlighted our joys, sorrows, trials and accomplishments.

This step back in time is lead by first time Director Joni Sauer-Folger, with musical direction by Diane Nelson, the cast of Americana features: Caryn Backman, Roberta Bettis, Bill Briot, Vince DeYoung, Diane Ericson, Bill Farnum, Kelli McMellon, Matt Mumford, Margaret Page, Joni Sauer-Folger and Wally Nelson.

Come and join us as we celebrate our Nation’s Independence through song and dance with this melodic journey through our history.

Americana runs July 6, 7, 13 & 14 at 7:00 PM at The Barn Community Playhouse located on the corner of 12 & Ivy in Tillamook. Tickets are available by calling Diamond Art Jewelers at 503-842-7940 and at the door on the night of performance. It is strongly recommended you call and reserve your tickets early. The performances will be presented Cabaret-style and the ticket price includes one beverage and hors d’oeuvres. This is a musical evening fundraiser that will entertain the entire family.

2012-06-10T20:18:00.001-07:00

UPDATED 06/11/12!!

The Tillamook Association for the Performing Arts (TAPA) will be holding auditions for their October production of A FINE MONSTER YOU ARE! on Saturday, June 23rd at 6:00 pm and Sunday, June 24th at 4:00 pm at The Barn Community Playhouse at 12th and Ivy in Tillamook. Needed are men and women ages 30's to 70's. No Previous acting experience is necessary.

A FINE MONSTER YOU ARE! was written by playwright Monk Ferris and is billed as "a creepy-crawly comedy". The story was inspired by his stay at a little cottage in the woods in July of 1965 and centers around the character of Emily Holbrook who lives in a large stone mansion that has only one barred window. She keeps a family secret locked in her basement in an effort to keep the public safe. Few ever enter the house and uninvited guests are not welcomed. Escaping is not an easy task.

The director of A FINE MONSTER YOU ARE! is Robert Buckingham and the producer is Chris Chiola. To receive an audition packet please email info@tillamooktheater.com.

Never Kiss a Naughty Nanny

2012-05-19T21:39:00.001-07:00

Press Release

Tillamook Association for the Performing Arts invite you to the production of Never Kiss a Naughty Nanny, by Michael Parker. The hilarity begins on May 25^th and runs through June 9^th. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7pm. Sunday matinees begin at 2pm. Doors open 30 minutes prior to curtain. Opening night, May 25^th, join our champagne gala and receive a glass of champagne or sparkling cider free with the purchase of each ticket. Advance tickets and reservations available at Diamond Art Jewelers, 503-842-7940

Cast Members: Chris Chiola, Robert Kratz, Ben Ruderman, Bill Briot, Wally Nelson, Lora Ressler, Karen Martin, and Barbi Waggerby

Never Kiss A Naughty Nanny begins May 25th

2012-04-22T08:31:00.005-07:00

The Tillamook Association for the Performing Arts (TAPA) is pleased to announce the cast for the upcoming summer farce, “Never Kiss A Naughty Nanny” written by Michael Parker and directed by Chris Chiola. This production stars Garon Baker, Bill Briot, Lora Ressler, Barbi Waggerby, Robert Kratz, Karen Martin, Ben Ruderman and Wally Nelson.

Mr. Broadbent, a developer and builder, has created “the house of the future”. He has filled it with many gadgets including a personal ion chamber, self-cleaning bathroom and central disposal system. The house won’t sell, probably because most of the innovations of the future fail to work properly. Prospective buyers are invited to spend the night and get wined and dined. Broadbent bribes two of his employees to pose as renters to demonstrate how everything works. He even has a maintenance man, Ed Cott, on hand to make repairs as things go wrong. Someone masquerades as “the nanny” to throw off the buyers. When a surprise visitor arrives, it is all anyone can do to keep the house under control.

The hilarity begins on May 25^th at 7pm with a champagne gala and the show runs through June 9^th. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7pm. Sunday matinees begin at 2pm. Doors open 30 minutes prior to curtain.

For information please visit www.tillamooktheater.com or contact info@tillamooktheater.com

Wait Until Dark

2012-03-07T18:27:00.007-08:00

TAPA along with TLC Federal Credit Union is pleased to present Frederick Knott’s, thriller, “Wait Until Dark.”

The show runs March 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 & 31 at 7:00 PM and March 25^th at 2:00PM at The Barn Community Playhouse on the corner of 12^th & Ivy in Tillamook. Tickets are available by calling Diamond Art Jewelers at 503-842-7940 and at the door. It is strongly recommended you call and reserve your tickets early. Opening night is our gala champagne event – one beverage and hors d’oeuvres included with price of ticket.

Wait Until Dark is a story about the many sides of darkness. The darkness of the mind of a killer, the darkness that comes from being physically blind, the darkness of dangers unseen and the simple darkness that occurs with the flip of a switch.

This thriller, directed by TAPA veteran Dan Phillips, focuses on the recently blinded woman Susy, whose whole world has become dark as the result of a recent accident. Happily married to Sam, her photographer husband, both are unaware that he has unwittingly brought a doll filled with heroin into their home. With Sam away on a photo shoot, Susy is left home alone to meet and greet Mr. Harry Roat and his two henchmen Mike Talman and Sgt. Carlino, who connive their way into her home by pretending to be someone they’re not. With the aid of her precocious neighbor Gloria, who has taken the doll for herself, Susy eventually realizes that no one is who they say they are and that her life is in imminent danger. As we watch Susy struggle to survive, she uses the only weapon she has against the men and we join her on the roller coaster ride of her life where all of us eventually plunge into the darkness together.

This show is not recommended for younger children.

TAPA Announces the cast for WAIT UNTIL DARK

2012-02-06T10:24:00.002-08:00

The Tillamook Association of the Performing Arts (TAPA) is pleased to announce the cast for the upcoming production of "Wait Until Dark". Set in 1966, in Greenwich Village, in a basement apartment, the story is a suspenseful thriller about a blind housewife, Susy Hendrix. Independent and resourceful, Susy is learning to cope with her blindness, which resulted from a recent accident. She is aided by her difficult, slightly unreliable young neighbor Gloria with whom she has an exasperated but lovingly maternal relationship. Susy’s life is changed by three criminals who believe she has hidden a doll used by them to smuggle heroin into the country. Unknown to Susy, her photographer husband Sam took the doll as a favor for a woman he met on an international plane flight and unwittingly brought the doll to the couple’s New York apartment when the woman became afraid of the customs officials. Alone in her apartment and cut-off from the outside world, Susy must fight for her life against three criminals, led by the psychotic Harry Roat. The tension builds as Roat, aided by his thugs, impersonate police officers and friends of her husband in order to win Susy’s confidence, gaining access to her apartment to look for the doll. The climax of the play, a very physical confrontation between Susy and Roat in her dark kitchen, is a most memorable and frightening scene sure to leave you on the edge of your seat.

Performance dates are March 16,17,23,24,25,30,31. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:00 pm and the Sunday matinee is at 2:00 pm. All performances will take place at The Barn Community Playhouse, 12th and Ivy, Tillamook. Reservations and advance tickets are available at Diamond Art Jewelers 503-842-7940.

ENCORE PERFORMANCE

2012-01-30T15:38:00.001-08:00

Due to our final performance weekend of Agatha Christie's THE MOUSETRAP being sold out, TAPA has added an encore performance for Sunday February 5th at 2:00 p.m., doors open one-half hour prior to curtain. Reserved seating is recommended and is available by calling Diamond Art Jewelers at (503) 842-7940.

Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap

2012-01-08T22:17:00.001-08:00

The Tillamook Association for the Performing Arts (TAPA) and Happy Camp Hideaway, along with TLC Federal Credit Union, are pleased to bring the production of Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap to Tillamook, which opens on January 20.

The Mousetrap takes place at Monkswell Manor in the English Countryside in the 1950s. Playing the newlywed owners of Monkswell Manor Bed and Breakfast are Robert Kratz and Ami Ericson. Shortly after the play begins, Monkswell Manor is visited by guests portrayed by Harrison Kaiser, Karen Martin, Richard Coon, Tatjana Queener, and Phil Gregg. A snowstorm moves in and traps everyone at the manor, cutting them off from civilization. By the end of the following day, someone is dead. In typical Agatha Christie style, we have the pleasure of watching a sleuth piece the puzzle together and in this case the sleuth is portrayed by Steele Fleisher.

The Mousetrap opened in London at the Ambassadors Theater in 1952, then moved to St. Martin’s Theater in 1974 (where it has been running ever since), which makes it the longest running play of modern times. By tradition, at the end of each performance, audiences are asked not to reveal the identity of the killer to anyone outside the theater, to ensure that the end of the play is not spoiled for future audiences. Agatha Christie gave the rights of The Mousetrap to her grandson as a birthday present and one of the stipulations was that no film version can be produced until the original production has been closed for at least six months. The Mousetrap has won audiences over for decades largely to do with Agatha Christie’s popularity as the "Queen of Crime" racking up a record breaking 25,000 performances. Therefore, a film adaptation has never been made.

This is TAPA's first foray into the numerous (87 total) works of Christie. Focusing on the British middle and upper classes, Agatha Christie's stories are whodunits sometimes set in an old country estate in England or in a mansion on a mysterious island or during a frightening train ride, etc. The murders are often extremely ingenious, involving some convoluted piece of deception. Agatha Christie's style is almost a genre in itself. Her stories are rich in taut atmosphere and incredibly well- developed characters who work through a story woven in strong psychological suspense, and all are delivered with her deliberate yet gripping slow pace.

Taking the helm of this production is fourth time director Robert Buckingham. In 2009 Robert directed his first production with TAPA, which was the satirical thriller Murder by the Book. Since then he also directed the chilling drama The Beauty Queen of Leenane in 2010 and Neil Simon’s all-American comedy The Star-Spangled Girl last year.

The Mousetrap will be performed at The Barn Community Playhouse located at 12th and Ivy in Tillamook on Jan 20, 21, 27, 28, 29, then wraps up on Feb 3 and 4. All performances begin at 7:00 p.m. with the exception of the matinée on January 29th, which begins at 2:00 p.m. Doors open one-half hour prior to curtain. There will be an opening night “Champagne Gala” celebration on January 20. The purchase of a ticket includes one beverage on opening night only. Advance tickets and reservations are available through Diamond Art Jewelers at (503) 842-7940. Tickets are going fast so be sure to reserve your seats today. For information please contact info@tillamooktheater.com and find us on facebook.

Pictured in back from left to right are Harrison Kaiser, Ami Ericson, Robert Kratz, Steele Fleisher & Phil Gregg. Pictured in front from left to right are Karen Martin, Richard Coon & Tatjana Queener.

Agatha Christie's THE MOUSETRAP coming in January

2011-12-11T16:36:00.000-08:00

Announcing the cast of Agatha Christie's THE MOUSETRAP

2011-12-11T16:14:00.000-08:00

The Tillamook Association for the Performing Arts (TAPA) & Happy Camp Hideaway, along with TLC is thrilled to announce the cast for their upcoming production of Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap. Playing the newlywed owners of Monkswell Manor bed and breakfast are Robert Kratz and Ami Ericson. Shortly after the play begins, Monkswell Manor is visited by guests portrayed by Harrison Kaiser, Karen Martin, Richard Coon, Tatjana Queener and Phil Gregg. In typical Agatha Christie style, we are then introduced to a sleuth and in this case the sleuth is portrayed by Steele Fleischer.

The Mousetrap was initially performed as a radio play in 1952 and was broadcast by the BBC under the working title Three Blind Mice. The radio play had been commissioned in 1947 by Queen Mary, who was a Christie fan. The forty-five minute play was based on a short story of a true event on which Christie had been working; however, audience reaction was so positive that Christie went back to work on the script, elaborating on it, and with its first performance on October 6, 1952 and The Mousetrap became a stage play. After a seven-week tour, the play opened in London at The Ambassadors Theatre on November 25,1952. The play later transferred to St. Martin's Theatre in London on March 23, 1974 and has been running there ever since. The Mousetrap has broken several records for its continuous theatrical run since its opening, and it is estimated that more than four million people had seen the play by the time its twenty-five year anniversary was celebrated in 1977. As of 13 October 2011 it has clocked up a record-breaking 24,537 performances, with the play still running at St Martin's Theatre. By tradition, at the end of each performance, audiences are asked not to reveal the identity of the killer to anyone outside the theatre, to ensure that the end of the play is not spoiled for future audiences. The Mousetrap has never been made into a feature film due to the fact that it is still running on stage.

This is TAPA's first foray into the numerous, 87 total, works of the "Queen of Crime" Dame Agatha Christie. Focusing on the British middle and upper classes, Agatha Christie's books are whodunits often set on a country estate in England or during a frightening train ride. The murders are often extremely ingenious, involving some convoluted piece of deception. Agatha Christie's style is almost a genre in itself. With stories rich in taut atmosphere and incredibly well developed characters that work through a story woven in strong psychological suspense, all delivered with her deliberate yet gripping slow pace.

Taking the helm of this production is 4th time director Robert Buckingham. In 2009 Robert directed his first production with TAPA, which was the satirical thriller Murder by the Book. Since then he also directed the chilling drama The Beauty Queen of Leenane in 2010 and the all-American comedy Neil Simon’s The Star-Spangled Girl last year. “It surprised us when we recently realized that we had never done an Agatha Christie play”, said Robert. “So it was time for me to revisit my favorite genre of mystery and I chose her most infamous play”.

The Mousetrap hits the stage at The Barn Community Playhouse located at 12th and Ivy in Tillamook on Jan 20, 21, 27, 28, 29, then wraps up on Feb 3 and 4. All performances begin at 7:00 p.m. with the exception of the matinée on January 29th, which begins at 2:00 p.m. Doors open one-half hour prior to curtain. There will be an opening night “Champagne Gala” celebration on January 20. The purchase of a ticket includes one beverage on opening night only. Advance Tickets and reservations will be available through Diamond Art Jeweler’s at (503) 842-7940. For information please contact info@tillamooktheater.com.

Pictured left to right and back to front- Robert Kratz, Ami Ericson, Harrison Kaiser, Tatjana Queener, Steele Fleisher, Phil Gregg, Karen Martin and Richard Coon.

A Moon for the Misbegotten

2011-11-09T21:09:00.000-08:00

TAPA and TLC Federal Credit Union announce that, A MOON FOR THE MISBEGOTTEN is preparing for the opening performance.

Performance dates are November 25, 26, December 2, 3, 9, 10 & 11. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:00 pm and the Sunday matinee is at 2:00 pm. All performances will take place at The Barn Community Playhouse, 12th and Ivy, Tillamook. Reservations and advance tickets are available at Diamond Art Jewelers, 503-842-7940.

A MOON FOR THE MISBEGOTTEN, it is 1923. Connecticut. Summertime. Prohibition is in full swing, even though hardly anyone honors it. People are still drinking and getting drunk. Irish tenant farmer Phil Hogan and his daughter Josie are visited by their friend and landlord James Tyrone. The brazen Josie is secretly in love with James, whose visit sets off a series of events that threaten the very fabric of the love and the friendship of both families. It all comes to a head on a long moonlit night fueled by drink, lust and grief.

Eugene O’Neill is one of America’s greatest playwrights and A MOON FOR THE MISBEGOTTEN is exciting , provocative, scandalous and extremely dramatic. You will be touched to your core by its artistic beauty.

This show contains mature material and is not recommended for younger viewers.

Photo #1 Caption: L to R: Scott Campbell (Phil Hogan), Margaret Page (Josie Hogan), Chris Chiola ( T. Steadman Harder) and Mark Johnson (James Tyrone.)

Visit our facebook page for the official photo gallery.

Audition Announcement

2011-10-02T12:09:00.001-07:00

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap: Set in England in the early 1900s and tells the tale of a group of strangers stranded together in a bed & breakfast during a massive snowstorm. One guest is murdered and everyone is a suspect. Many feel that this is the crown jewel of Agatha Christie’s impressive body of work.

Auditions will be held at the Oregon Coast Dance Center located at 106 Main Street on October 22nd at 2:00 p.m. and October 23rd at 6:00 p.m. Rehearsals are slated to begin November 3rd. To receive an audition packet, please contact director Robert Buckingham at 503-842-6305 or email info@tillamooktheater.com.

The characters include:

Giles and Mollie Ralston – a young married couple
Miss Casewell – a young, suspicious woman
Christopher Wren – a neurotic young architect
Mrs. Boyle – a rather imposing older woman
Major Metcalf – a middle-aged military man
Mr. Paravicini – an older man with a flamboyant mustache
Detective Sergeant Trotter – a boy-next-door type young man

Chicken Creek Diaries opens August 19TH with opening night champagne reception

2011-08-10T19:03:00.000-07:00

It is now time to come visit Chicken, Alaska. TAPA (Tillamook Association for the Performing Arts) and TLC Federal Credit Union will be presenting “Chicken Creek Diaries”. This is a true story based on the book, “Tisha” written by Robert Specht and adapted for a musical by Marilyn Allen.
This story takes place primarily in the years 1927 and 1928 in Chicken, Alaska, a frontier settlement in gold-mining territory, not far from the heart of the Klondike gold-rush.
Anne Hobbs, a young girl of 19 encouraged by her Granny to go to a “new land”, arrives in the Alaska bush as a school teacher. She seeks adventure and a new life, finding this and more, falling in love with a “half-breed” Eskimo, a forbidden love for a young white girl in the 1920’s of this Alaska town. Though marriages between white men and Indian or Eskimo women are common, the re verse is not. The distraught citizenry are vigorously opposed to this unfolding romance as well as to Anne’s efforts to adopt two “half-breed” Indian children. Their disapproval is expressed through angry letters to the commissioner of Education, vicious gossip, verbal and physical abuse, and downright deceit.
Anne learns that the freedoms offered by a new developing country engender not only a “big-heartedness” she has not yet experienced , but also the opposite, allowing people to be “as mean as they want”.
Her growing love for the country, however, and one person in particular, is stronger than any hardships endured through Alaskan winters and the barbs of bigoted townsfolk.
Anne will not be defeated and this is her story which will open on Friday, August 19, 2011 with our champagne gala. This opening night’s ticket allows the ticket holder to one free champagne drink or sparkling cider. The show continues on August, 20, 26,27, and September 2 & 3, curtain time at 7:00 p.m. and also a matinee on August 28, at 2:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. respectively.
Reserved tickets may be purchased at Diamond Art Jewelers in Tillamook (503-842-7940) or at the door. Ticket prices are $12.00 for Adults, $9.00 for Seniors and students and $35.00 for an immediate family of four.
There is some very good foot-stompin’ music. Come join the fun and entertainment.

Back Row from left to right - Robert Kratz, Jr.,Tim Kershaw, Robert Bishop, Gerry Cortimilia, Bill Farnum, Steve Kershaw Middle Row from Left to right - Chey Kuzma, Jennifer Purcell, Caryn Backman, Bill Briot, Lora Ressler, Julie Bucknam Front Row from left to right - Spencer Collins, Logan Nelson, Abigail Absher, Zachary Nelson, Emily Nord-Rush not pictured are: Karen Downs, Collin Purcell, Kasey Purcell, Sam Kuzma, Kayla Cooley and Lilly Weber

2011-08-10T19:02:00.000-07:00

The Starlite Academy Children's Workshop

2011-07-11T19:47:00.000-07:00

TAPA (Tillamook Association for the Performing Arts) and TLC Federal Credit Union are presenting a Children’s Workshop called Starlite Academy July 18 through the 23rd. The students ranging in age from 6 through 13 learn about theater during the week and also work on a musical called THE BIG BAD MUSICAL.

This is a story of the Wolf found in many nursery rhymes and the audience (the jury) will decide each evening if the Wolf is guilty, not guilty or a hung jury for all his misdeeds.

The show will be performed on Friday and Saturday July 22 & 23 at 7:00 p.m. Cost is $5.00 per person and there is no reserved seating or presales. Please come see a great show put on by the group of students.

The Star-Spangled Girl Opens June 17th

2011-06-07T22:46:00.001-07:00

The Tillamook Association for the Performing Arts (TAPA) and TLC Federal Credit Union are pleased to bring the production of Neil Simon’s The Star-Spangled Girl to Tillamook. Set in San Francisco in the late 1960s, The Star-Spangled Girl tells the story of two struggling writers, portrayed by Sam Kuzma and Steele Fleisher, who are trying to keep their underground political protest newspaper Fallout Magazine afloat. With the motto of “A Remedy for a Sick Society”, their goal is to expose government conspiracies and wrongdoings. An all-American girl, portrayed by Chey Kuzma, has just moved into their building and is about to turn their worlds upside down. Love and politics dance together in this clever and witty play written by one of America’s best-known and well-loved playwrights.

The director of The Star-Spangled Girl is Robert Buckingham, who directed 2009’s satirical thriller, Murder by the Book and 2010’s unsettling drama, The Beauty Queen of Leenane. “It’s refreshing to direct a comedy of this caliber. Community theaters across the country have discovered this gem and it has played to packed houses everywhere. As most of us know, the 1960s was a tumultuous decade leaving Americans weary of government, questioning authority, and searching for an identity, while still celebrating our freedom, admiring our foundation as a country, and looking toward the future with hope and optimism, not at all unlike today. There are similarities between the 1960s and our current state of politics so I feel that while The Star-Spangled Girl is set fifty years ago, it’s still quite relevant. I’m thrilled to bring this hilariously charming play to Tillamook and I hope that audiences love it as much as I do,” says Robert.

Performances will be held at the Barn Commu¬nity Playhouse at 12th and Ivy in Tillamook at 7:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays from June 17 through July 2 with one matinee on Sunday, June 26 at 2:00 p.m. Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $9 for seniors and students, and a family four-pack can be pur¬chased for $35. Reservations and advanced ticket sales are available at Diamond Art Jewelers; please call (503) 842-7940. Doors open a half hour prior to curtain. For more information please visit www.tillamooktheater.com or email info@tillamooktheater.com.

TAPA will host an Opening Night Champagne Gala prior to the first performance of The Star-Spangled Girl, June 17, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. at the Barn Community Playhouse. The purchase of a ticket includes one complimentary beverage on opening night only. Please join us in celebrating the beginning of what we are sure will be another fantastic run of quality theater here in Tillamook County.