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Here are articles from the Wednesday, June
18, 2003, edition:
Mother still in critical condition; son is
shooting suspect
Maple Grove approves Eagle Lake development
Osseo
discusses bar closing times
West
Side Story director, choreographer have ties to Maple Grove
Relay for
Life honorary chair lost family members to cancer
Night of family fun planned
for Relay for Life
Osseo High honors top scholar-athletes
Schulz, Waananen
named Maple Grove Athletes of Year
West Side Story director, choreographer have ties to
Cross Community Players (CCP), an area community theatre, is thrilled to have
two outstanding area talents working on this summer's production of West Side
Story: Lee Fuchs as vocal director and Dawn Trautman
as choreographer.
West Side Story is known for its intricate music and intense dancing. Dancing
and singing bring life, energy, emotion and excitement to musicals. However, the
expressive moves and delicate harmonies don't just happen on their own, the
choreographer and vocal director deserve much of the credit.
Making his vocal director debut, Fuchs is a private voice coach and also
works for Lord of Life Church in
Fuchs said the most rewarding part of his job "is when it all comes together.
Leonard Bernstein's music is not easy. But when it all comes together, it makes
beautiful music."
When asked to describe the show, Fuchs said, "it's
about gangs in love. The show has a lot of excitement and
energy."
Speaking of excitement and energy, Trautman, the
show's choreographer, has plenty of it. She has done choreography for
Her experience is sure to make this production great.
Trautman said her favorite part of being involved
in this show was "...this is one of the first musicals that dancing progresses
the story line. I really like that." She also added that "this is so much fun
for me. I get so excited when they get the dances, and I know they are proud of
it."
Trautman described the show as "Romeo and Juliet
set in the 50s filled with a lot of emotion and intensity."
Area talent involved in this production includes:
The Jets: Jake Mahler, Tony; Greg Bartell, A-Rab; Kyle DeGraff, Mouthpiece;
Jessica Frederikson, Anybodys; Austin Hall, Gee-tar; Jake Klinkhammer, Riff; Jake Olson, Baby John; Bryan O'Neil,
Diesel; Timmy Osburn, Action; and Andrew Thayer, Big
Deal.
The Jet Girls: Ashley Allen, Velma; Cassandra Cavin, Cassie; Erin Ceass, Graziella; Andi Cheney, Andi; Jennifer Diethart, Jenny;
Erika Hanson, Erika; Stacy Marzean, Stacy; and Mickalace Wright, Mickey.
The Sharks: Brian Cassidy, Juano; Terry Gasser,
Chino; Brad Kastendick, Indigo; Joe Monson, Luis; John
Njoes, Bernardo; David Petruzzi, Pepe; Alex Richardson,
Anxious; and Ryan Slusher, Nibbles.
The Shark Girls: Erica Seeley, Maria; Madde
Anderson, Madelene; Julia Barnett, Anita; Mari Engwall, Marti; Cassandra Garside, Francisca; Ann Grey,
Annasita; Clarissa McElroy, Margarita; Elissa Roessler, Estella; and
Jennifer White, Rosalia.
The Adults: Mike Bartell, Doc; Bill Marth, Officer Krupke; Garret
Rademacher, Lt. Schrank; and
Sherry Warhol, Glad Hand.
Performances are set for June 20 through 29 at
For those coming to the show, please remember to bring one nonperishable food
item per attendee to donate to CROSS food shelf.
This activity is made possible, in part, by funds provided by the
Metropolitan Regional Arts Council through a grant from the McKnight Foundation
and an appropriation by the Minnesota Legislature.
More information can be found by calling 391-ARTS (2787) or at its Web site
at www.crossplayers.org.