Merry Christmas --and don't forget LAMB this Holiday Season!

Happy Holidays to All Our LAMB Friends!

                You know...the greatest thing about holidays is that it really forces one to stop all regular activity and go into holiday mode-and in doing so, allows us to reflect and re-imagine what should and could be.  That is especially true this December.  

              We at LAMB are SO very thankful to our loyal friends--actors, directors, set designers, lighting designers, costumers, technicians, teachers, parents, students, patrons, volunteers, donors, cheerleaders, advertisers, collaborators, suppliers ...past and present.   In 32 years, that covers a HUGE territory!  It is so much fun to "run across" an old program or photo and reflect upon the shared experience of that production.   So many individuals have shaped LAMB into what it is today.....and we are so thankful for those influences.

         Many of you know that LAMB Arts Regional Theatre/School is facing extremely challenging times this December.   Not unlike what is causing other theatres across the country to close their doors, LAMB is in a serious crisis which can only be averted with the help of those who value what we have been able to bring to our community for the past 32 years. While many theatre organizations across the country are going out of business, the amount of financial help needed to get LAMB Theatre/School on a healthy footing is within reach.  We need your help to keep our creative environment alive in Siouxland. 

• LAMB Arts Regional Theatre is currently threatened with financial challenges that could cause our doors to close.

• We are struggling with paying for the very basics of services.
• This past fall’s achievements have been critically acclaimed, but haven’t financially been able to sustain day-to-day operations.
• While scary for us who are on the “front lines” at LAMB, the financial assistance needed to avert this crisis is not astronomical…it IS doable.

Last spring we held our very first annual campaign.   We are new to this nonprofit world and we thank you for your gifts. With the initial goal of $50,000, we were able to raise a little over a third of that amount or $17,143 in that effort.   That was extremely helpful in keeping us going for several months, but not enough to sustain us into the month of December and beyond until our next annual campaign.     The Board of Directors for LAMB has determined, as have all theatrical organizations throughout the nation, that theatre admissions and tuition are not enough to keep this type of operation in the black. No matter how skinny and tight we play it--- and we are playing it VERY tight--we are not able to pay our bills on ticket sales alone.   It takes support from loyal patrons, LIKE YOU, to keep the creative arts alive.   Our challenge is to keep this operation going by raising $30,000 by the end of January….with $15,000 of that needed immediately to keep our doors open to see the new year!  Raising that amount would keep us financially secure until we embark on our next annual campaign.  LAMB Arts Regional Theatre is totally a not for profit entity, donations may be made that can be reflected on your taxes.   Your tax professional is the best one to advise you on those details.

LAMB Theatre is a uniquely Siouxland institution and one that is respected and loved by people all over our country.   We have had students (numbering close to 4,000) who now live all over the United States and beyond, speak so highly of what they learned here and how the LAMB experience has enhanced their life.   We have had patrons who have moved away tell us that their new community doesn’t claim the talents and creativity that they found when they were able to attend LAMB on a regular basis.   We have been able to attract the attention of theatre/entertainment professionals from Chicago to New York to Los Angeles who are very much aware of us and appreciate our work and our work ethic. 

The amount of capital to start a new theatre is 20 times (at least) what is needed to get this institution on a healthy footing. But we don't need new.....We have a Great Theatre.   We have a Great School.   Let's Keep LAMB Alive in Siouxland!  

We need your help.   We need your help now.  Please consider making a donation TODAY, which will allow us to continue to operate into the future.   Contributions of $100, $500, $1000, $5000 or more are needed!   Your gift will be  greatly appreciated.   We will send you the form necessary to give your tax preparer for the 2011 tax year.  

LAMB Arts LTD Tax ID #20-3694629

Please feel free to call me with any questions or comments.  I will be checking my messages whenever I am away from the office, so please leave a message. 
I look forward to hearing from you.  Happy Holidays!

 
Diana Guhin Wooley CEO 
LAMB Arts Ltd 417 Market Street
Sioux City, IA 51103
712-293-0930
Keep current with LAMB--:www.lambtheatre.com

One for the Memory Book!

              OK....it happened!   Mrs. Wooley totally lost her singing voice and ...you know the old adage:  "The show must go on!"    And on Friday night it did.   

                 What does one do when there are only 4 people in a cast....and it is a musical....and one of your actors has 'pulled' up with laryngitis?  This was certainly one for the memory books.   Friday night at warmups (6:30 p.m) it was apparent that this voice I have lived with for .....well, MANY years....was not going to be functioning.  Donny Short, musical and stage director extraordinaire, offered to be Vinnilly to my Minilly.   (or however that was spelled!).   At 7:00 (with the show starting at 7:30) it was decided that an announcement would be made that one of the actresses in the show was suffering from laryngitis and that it might be necessary for Donny to sing the songs for her.   Donny and I worked out signals to be used during the show for whatever needs my voice would have.....brushing my hands through my hair (just in time for him to take a breath) would indicate that the entire song would be his.   If I tugged on my ear Carol Burnett style during a song, it would mean that he was needed to come in as soon as possible.   We decided that I would continue lip-syncing so the audience would ignore (if possible) the man bopping up in the first row on the side and could stay connected to the plot line and characters onstage.   Donny was plenty busy except for a couple of times in the show.  I decided that it would be best for me to sing the silly Viagra song to my husband...no matter how bad it would come out...rather than have embarrassed Donny.   After all, who was doing WHO the favor! The other three actors--Amanda and Reed Gibson and Russ Wooley said that it was a totally surreal experience as they had this disjointed voice coming at them from the audience and this woman "lipping" the lyrics at them.   I was amazed at their professionalism in this challenging situation.  From reports from the audience, many stated that it was a really unusual experience that they would remember for a long time and that it certainly didn't detract from the overall production.  In fact, there was one couple that said they were excited that they had decided to come to this performance as it was such a unique one.  Several others stated that they stopped noticing that a male voice was coming out of a female body. (I wasn't sure HOW to take that comment.....)

               After talking to Cassie, our daughter in New York, she stated that the same thing had happened on Broadway with the great Linda Eder losing her voice during Jekyll and Hyde.   Emily Skinner(Next to Normal fame) sang for her as Linda acted the role.   So Donny....maybe instead of being Vinilli (who I don't know how to spell anyway) we can say you were Emily to my Linda.  

                 A big Thanks to Dr. Mike Jones, who was so kind as to prescribe some magic pills which allowed me to get through the last two performances last weekend. Thank you, Dr. Jones.  I am well on the way to recovery and look forward to really singing the last four performances of MARRIED ALIVE.   (Whoever said that theatre was dull and boring and repetitious.....never have seen that in 32 years!)

Now....Take Your Bow, Mr. Donny!   Thank you so much for "sharing your voice" with us---and especially for me.....last Friday!  

(Photo from Wizard of Oz.....I thought that at the very least I could try to keep Donny's privacy by not showing his true colors!  Take a bow...you little scarecrow you!)

DON'T MISS THE FINAL FOUR PERFORMANCES OF MARRIED ALIVE!   IT IS A BLAST!

Playing Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:30 (Dec. 15, 16, 17) and closing Sunday, Dec. 18 with a 1:30 matinee!   BOX OFFICE:  712-255-9536 or http://lambtheatre.com/current-show.html  for purchasing tickets online 24/7.

Diana Guhin Wooley
CEO LAMB Arts Ltd
417 Market Street
Sioux City, IA 51103
712-293-0930
Keep current with LAMB--:www.lambtheatre.com

In the Throes of a Busy December

            Whoa!   This week really went by fast with the opening of MARRIED ALIVE and all that getting a new show ready for an audience brings.   We will be holding auditions for The Musical Adventures of FLAT STANLEY next week with the kids.  What a darling and creative show that will be.   And one in which we can really utilize those awesome moving lights!   That production will open the end of January for a two week run and we will have LAMB students from 8 - 14 involved in that musical.   You will be amazed at the talent of these young people.....I mean AMAZED!  We were fortunate to be asked by Jill Miller to perform in her annual Christmas concert on December 17 at the Orpheum.   The musical extravaganza will benefit The Sunrise Retirement Community and our elementary and middle school musical theatre students will be performing a solo number (with some incredible LAMB School soloists!--"LAST CHRISTMAS") and then will combine our talents with those of Jill and the Mount Zion Children's Choir for a couple of numbers.   So...we will be competing for audiences that Saturday evening as that will also be the final Saturday performance of MARRIED ALIVE.   A big thank you to the high school students and parents who are being "me" in my place so that I can be two places at once.  (YES, THAT is how it is done.....one must have great friends!)

          MARRIED ALIVE is going so very well and is such a fun show for both performers and audiences alike.   This playwright really writes well and the songs are very clever.   We were quite pleased with the enthusiasm of the audience after seeing the show.   What a great regional premiere opening weekend.

              We finished up our final day of our first 8 week session of Kindermusik with the young mothers and their children at Jackson Recovery's Women's and Children's Unit.   That experience is worthy of a blog itself, which I will write in the very near future.   Every new experience teaches me how very important and essential arts education is to the future of our local, national and world communities.   I just wish that I was more articulate so I could fully express how powerfully the arts help define us and make us all better in that definition.   Maybe I will find the words someday.   Right now I just feel it deeply in my heart.

                Need something fun to do this weekend?   Meet me at the theatre.   Shows this Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 1:30p.m

 

Diana Guhin Wooley
CEO LAMB Arts Ltd
417 Market Street

Sioux City, IA 51103
712-293-0930
Keep current with LAMB--:www.lambtheatre.com

The Making of Married Alive

           Hard to believe, but in just a few days we will be opening yet another production.   This one is a musical comedy PERFECT for the holiday season.   Whether you want to attend as a couple or as a bunch of friends spending a great evening together, MARRIED ALIVE is going to be the perfect main course for your evening.   This is a brand new musical comedy with Midwest origins and will be the first time that it will be presented in our region...thus it becomes a Regional Premiere!   We all are quite aware of the trials and tribulations of trying to keep and sustain relationships....and this musical has it all.   Following the married lives of two couples.....One "just married" and the other "long time married"...the musical is sweet, touching, and--most of the time--laugh out loud funny.   From the dreaded holiday gathering with the in-laws to the struggles of adjusting to life with a new baby, or dealing with being passed by in a promotion at work, MARRIED ALIVE goes from Niagra to Viagra and back again.   Michael Rohlena, acting as Set and Lighting Designer, will be utilizing our new lighting instruments to their fullest.    WE WILL HAVE MOVING LIGHTS ON OUR STAGE!   (Too cool)   Thanks to the very generous gift from the Gilchrist Foundation, we are excited to see what our patrons reactions will be to this very "uptown" technical enhancement.   

          Okay....so I said at this post title that this would be the "Making of Married Alive"....here are a couple of quick anecdotes.    Russ and myself are playing the "older couple"....(don't know why......right?) There is a very silly scene where the two characters, Ron and Debra, are trying to spice up the excitement in their "boudoir".   I don't know about you, but seeing your long time spouse dressed up in a silly costume trying to act sexy, is a challenge for even the most jaded actress.  I have yet to get through that scene without laughing... and I mean....laughing until I cry type laughing.   Russ, while known as a serious actor, is really very comedic and it is so much fun to see how the scene is developing.  The other night, Director Donny Short, just told Russ to go with his instincts and forget the choreography.   I am looking forward to that scene every night as I know that it will be going off in some fun new directions.   (This is one example where audience response really can dictate how far a scene like this can go.....too fun).

The "just married" couple IS just married as of five short months ago (as opposed to our 396 months!) and is being played by Amanda and Reed Gibson.   Amanda has been seen on our stage several times as Amanda Powers.   This talented, multi-faceted performer will be singing for the first time as a LAMB actress and she is wonderful. Husband Reed is a former LAMB Ewe student who has grown up into a very talented performer himself and sings the heck out of the song about how he feels he "married up".  The other night at rehearsal,  Donny told him that he looks like a Disney prince.  (Our vote is the ruffian romantic lead in TANGLED...tell us what you think).   It is so much fun to have such a lovely and loving couple to work with....although I don't think Russ and I EVER kissed so much...but what the hey!   Their most difficult scenes have been the argument scenes (hmmmm....those were easy for the other couple!!!! hmmmm....)

            So....if you want to have an absolutely great time at the theatre, want to entertain friends, want to relax and just enjoy yourself or your spouse.....come and see MARRIED ALIVE.   Opening Friday, Dec. 2 and running through Dec. 18 at LAMB Arts Regional Theatre.   

oh.....and let me know what you think of our new lighting system and which Disney male romantic lead Reed looks the most like...

     

Diana Guhin Wooley
CEO LAMB Arts Ltd
417 Market Street Sioux City, IA 51103
712-293-0930
Keep current with LAMB--:www.lambtheatre.com

So Many Things For Which To Give Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving Friends!  

We are so very thankful for your continued support and love of LAMB Theatre and School.   It has often been a bumpy...but never boring and dull...road these past 32 years.  There have been times when the stars were all perfectly aligned and "pure magic" was the result.   But there have also been heart wrenching periods when our very existence was seriously threatened. Theatre is not for the faint of heart.  If it weren't for the gloriously positive effects we have witnessed in the lives of those either involved onstage or in classes or from those who have attended productions throughout these last three decades, the stress would not be worth the struggle.  Just when it seems to be too much....another happy 'miracle' appears.  Some may look at 'stress' as having to produce so many shows, or planning and organizing the School.....Nope...That has never been a stress....We all LOVE that and cherish the opportunity to produce, teach and share.   The 'stress' takes the form of inadequate financial support....but again, as I said previously....just when it looks dark and cloudy, someone comes through and breathes life back into 'the old gal'.  Thank you so very much for that.   Your kindnesses and generosity has allowed LAMB Arts Regional Theatre to make a powerful impact on our region.

'columbinus', which just closed, opened so many eyes to the power that theatre can have over the human spirit.  I daily hear of insights patrons have had since they attended that production. 

"I find myself really looking into people's eyes to discover who they really are."   

"We all have a responsibility in making schools and young people's lives safe."  

"I can't imagine how those teens were able to portray such anger and angst so convincingly."  

"I can't pass a group of teens without wondering how they are really doing....you know, inside."

I love talking to our students about their performance, rehearsal and classroom experience at LAMB. We have been blessed with outstanding, loving and nurturing teachers and directors who have enhanced the theatre experiences of our adult, young and little people participants.  

I remember a few years back when a mom of a child who was too shy to speak in class came running up to me crying, "(Blank) got in trouble today in school."  Of course, I wasn't sure how to respond so I risked silence and she finished with, "He got in trouble for TALKING in class.   He had to stay after school.  Isn't that wonderful? His creative dramatics class has given him so much confidence".

Theatre IS wonderful.   Reaching the human spirit whether through viewing or participating is a glorious responsibility that we take very seriously.  We thank you for allowing LAMB to be a part of YOUR life.   Happy Thanksgiving.

Diana Guhin Wooley
CEO LAMB Arts Ltd
417 Market Street Sioux City, IA 51103
712-293-0930
Keep current with LAMB--:www.lambtheatre.com

Culmination of "columbinus" and the birth of "MARRIED ALIVE"

Yesterday afternoon we "put to bed" our 'columbinus' experience.   Beginning August 27 with auditions and then concluding November 13 with the final performance, this was a satisfying, time intensive, important, stressful and challenging experience for all those involved:   the student actors and technicians, the parents of the same, the professional adult staff.....and the audience.  Eyes were opened.  Hearts were moved.   Art was created.   This production will be one which will be with us for a very, very long time.  Thank you to each and everyone who was involved in any way in making this such an incredibly satisfying adventure. 

MARRIED ALIVE, which will open to the public on December 1 with run dates through December 18, is in full tilt rehearsal mode.   About as opposite in content and structure as would be considered possible, MARRIED ALIVE features funny and touching vignettes about the lives of the married.   This musical has had a wonderful relationship with audiences since it was first performed and is one that will surely delight Siouxland audiences as well.   Looking for a perfect group excursion?   This would be it!    Group rates are available for this show and it would be best to book as early as possible.   Just contact our Box Office for details.

   
Diana Guhin Wooley CEO LAMB Arts Ltd 417 Market Street Sioux City, IA 51103 712-293-0930 Keep current with LAMB--:www.lambtheatre.com

"columbinus" Provides Excellent Discussion Today

Last week I had stated that the Waitt Foundation for Violence Prevention would be sending their high school mentors to a special day time performance of "columbinus".   Today was the day.   We started the show at 9:30 a.m. and you could have heard a pin drop.   The students from East, North and West in the Sioux City Public School System were a terrific audience and one audience in which this young cast was really looking forward.    It is scary and exhilarating at the same time to perform a show with such an important message for your peers and one that makes such emotional demands on its actors.  The discussion following the show was engaging and really quite in depth and it seems that the purpose behind this production came across loud and clear.  

With all the negative national talk about school climate and teachers/administration apathy, it is clear that Sioux City stands apart in a very positive way.  A giant thank you to Cindy Waitt and Dr. Alan Heisterkamp of the Waitt Foundation for Violence Prevention for providing the funding for these students to attend.   Thank you to the Sioux City School District Administration for allowing students and their teachers to attend.   It will be very interesting to see whether this experience will have any long term "life" on this audience.    I know that it has had a tremendous impact on the lives of the young people who have been involved in this project.   We will speak more on that next week when I will have some of the 'columbinus' cast members leave their thoughts and remembrances in the next blog. 

As a gentle reminder......there are ONLY FOUR PERFORMANCES of 'columbinus' REMAINING.   Thursday, Nov. 10 - Saturday, Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m. with our final performance at 1:30 on Sunday, November 13.    People say that you will be disappointed and sad if you miss this one.   I always say, "they won't know what they missed...."   This one is a true DON'T MISS IT.   The show and the performances will remain with you for a long time.    Until next time..... Diana

Diana Guhin Wooley CEO LAMB Arts Ltd 417 Market Street Sioux City, IA 51103 712-293-0930 Keep current with LAMB--:www.lambtheatre.com

The Excitement of LIVE THEATRE!

  Beginning with this post, you will see a new blog entry once a week.       

        Nothing matches it.   Opening night...opening weekend.   Last weekend was extra special in that twelve truly talented LAMB students proved to their Siouxland audience that they were definitely up to the challenge of capturing their audience's attention with serious issues told in inventive, theatrical ways.  "columbinus" opened on October 28 with continuing performances through November 13.   The topics in this production range from bullying, the challenges of identity-to oneself and to the high school crowd,   dealing with parents, authority figures, violence, mental illness and on and on...all leading up to the events of April 1999 when the most vicious of school killings occurred at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado. 

      Now you would think that this would prove to be way too heavy for anyone to handle in one evening....but the theatrical devises used to deal with these issues are so inventive and varied that the audience just jumps on and holds tight.   Outstanding performances by the 8 actors who are just juniors or seniors in high school take your breath away. (David Meis, Nick Prior, Tony Gunn, Alex Quinlain, Billy Danner, Grace Rants, Emili Schultz, and Christina Hackbart) What has amazed me as their director and "tour guide" throughout this experience is the extent that these issues have plagued the lives of our actors...either suffering themselves or intimately knowing others who have had to deal with them.   With the exciting Waitt Foundation for Violence Prevention Bully Project movie being presented at the Orpheum this week, many adult eyes and hearts will be awakened to the specific problem of school bullying and violence.  We didn't know that there was going to be such a perfect tie-in between these two events, but are excited to have a part in helping our community become more tuned in to these very real problems.  In my blog next week, I will be able to fill you in on how 150 Waitt Foundation mentors from the three Sioux City Public Schools will work with our cast in discussing these challenges after they have been afforded the opportunity to view this production.  

      Our "public audiences"  will have the opportunity to stay after the show as we conduct 10 - 15 minutes of talk back/discussion with our cast and crew.  If the first two talk back sessions are any indication, we all have so much to learn from one another.

      The technical elements of this production add so much to the entire experience.   Aubrie Wauhob and Bronny Ohl, both high school Dakota Valley sophomores have been involved from day one with this project and are masterfully controlling our new lighting system, along with sound and projections.  Abby Kohout and Cole Schultz are manning the new follow spots.   It is so exciting to see this type of youth involvement.

     And to those who are afraid of the language....and there IS language....it is so very necessary in the telling of the story  We felt compelled to let our patrons know upfront of the language used in this production, but we don't want that to be a huge deterrent to attendance.   This is a VERY important  theatre piece which depends on language to accurately depict the extent that language has on bullying that is so much a part of young people's lives.  As one of our very long time LAMB patrons said on her way out..."I thought the language would be worse! What an incredible production which is going to stay with me for a long time. I can't wait to tell my friends that this is a show that CAN'T BE MISSED."

      So....I look forward to re-opening this coming Thursday.   I look forward to seeing these young people "give it all they got" and really move more audiences.  And...I really look forward to hearing what our audiences say after witnessing "columbinus".    

      See you at the Theatre. 

Diana Guhin Wooley
CEO LAMB Arts Ltd
417 Market Street Sioux City, IA 51103 712-293-0930
Keep current with LAMB--:www.lambtheatre.com

Welcome!

LAMB Arts Regional Theatre, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is an artistic focal point for the tri-state area, believing that quality arts opportunities should be accessible to everyone.     Dedicated to providing a showcase for exceptional live theatre productions as well as the very best in arts education in the Siouxland area since 1979, LAMB has been enriching the quality of life in our region through first class experiences for its audiences, performers and students in an atmosphere where dedication, excellence and professionalism are the norm.

Diana Guhin Wooley
CEO
LAMB Arts Ltd
417 Market Street
Sioux City, IA    51103   712-293-0930
Keep current with LAMB--:www.lambtheatre.com