Arouet Announces 2014/2015 Season

Featuring a world premiere, a regional premiere, and an American classic.

Seattle, WA – Thanks to a successful fundraising campaign, we are proud to announce our first three-show season. Staying true to our mission, we celebrate the human experience by looking at and celebrating life choices, forgiveness, and spotlight the damage caused by rumors.

“We are so excited to be able to plan in advance,” said Roy Arauz, Arouet’s Artistic Director. “Up until now, we have been producing one show at a time, and while we have presented more than play per year, it’s exciting to be able to plan ahead as well as invite new directors and production artists to be a part of the company. As we focus on emerging talent, it’s exciting to welcome directors that worked with us as actors in the past: Zandi Carlson was in one of our first productions, “The Gene Pool” and Daniel Wood was seen in last year’s “The Temperamentals.” And by popular demand we are including a comedy in this season’s mix.”

Arouet 2014/2015 Season

The Fierce Urgency of Now by Doug DeVita (World Premiere)

November 7-22, 2014
The DownStage Theatre (aka Stone Soup Theatre)
Directed by Roy Arauz

In the fast-paced world of advertising, where priorities are skewed, everything is needed yesterday, and relationships are on constantly shifting ground, the young art director Kyle finds an unexpected ally in the much older Dodo, a copywriter who’s been in the business since the “Mad Men” era. THE FIERCE URGENCY OF NOW is a comedy about love, loss, and how to take off and soar after landing a plane in a cornfield.

The Long Road by Shelagh Stephenson (U.S. Premiere)

February 27-March 14, 2015
Eclectic Theater
Directed by Zandi Carlson

In the aftermath of Danny’s pointless murder, his family struggles to find meaning and forgiveness. A hearbreaking journey to forgiveness, this topical play digs deeper than the headlines. Stephenson spent many hours talking with victims and perpertrators of violent crime, visiting prisons and collaborating with the Forgiveness Project, a charity working in the fields of reconciliation and restorative justice. The result is an astonishingly ran and affecting play intent on opening the hearts and minds without ever becoming preachy. (source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/)

The Children’s Hour by Lillian Hellman

May 2015
The Ballard Underground
Directed by Daniel Wood

A serious and adult play about two women who run a school for girls. After a malicious youngster starts a rumor about the two women, the rumor soon turns to scandal. As the young girl comes to understand the power she wields, she sticks by her story, which precipitates tragedy for the women. It is later discovered that the gossip was pure invention, but it is too late. Irreparable damage has been done.

Thank you!

The 2014/2015 Season was made possible thanks to the generous contributors to our 2013 Big Ask Indiegogo campaign.

Cast And Crew Of “Don Juan In Chicago”

Randall Brammer (Mike)

Randall BrammerRandall has played, in Seattle, Lawrence Howell in The Clockwork Professor by Maggie Lee, Sandy Donohue in The Brick and the Rose by Lewis John Carlino and Booker in Buckshot by Courtney Meaker. He is also a founding member of Studio 4 Seattle. Before coming to Seattle, he received his Master’s in Devised Performance at the University of Winchester in England. In North Carolina Randall worked at Snow Camp Outdoor Theatre performing in historical dramas, musicals, children’s theater, directing and teaching drama for children.


Amanda Falcone (Elvira)

Amanda FalconeAmanda is delighted to be making her Arouet debut. She has gotten married over 300 times playing Tina in the long-running San Francisco production and National Tour of Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding! Other favorite roles include: Princess Winifred (Once Upon A Mattress), Ado Annie (Oklahoma!), Olivia (Illiyra), Sister Robert Anne (Nunsense), and Hold-Me Touch-Me (The Producers). When Amanda’s not at work, you will most likely find her thrift store shopping, playing poker, eating avocados, or watching Leonardo DiCaprio movies. Thanks to her husband Tom for his endless love and support.


Caitlin Frances (Mephistopheles)

Caitlin FrancesNotable roles include Hell’s Chorus/Audience in Jerry Springer the Opera, Ivy Weston in August: Osage County (Balagan) Gwendolyn Pigeon in The Odd Couple (Village Theatre) Kitty in The Drowsy Chaperone (SMT) Mariana in Measure for Measure, Hyde 4 & Ensemble in The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Stella/Nassa/Evie/Emma/Alexi in the Horovitz Original 6 Hotels (Harlequin) Desdemona in Goodnight Desdemona Good Morning Juliette (Arts West) Charlotte in A Little Night Music, Sylvia in Sylvia, Sandra Markowitz in A Thousand Clowns, Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady (SSR), Rona in The Putnam County Spelling Bee, Ellie in Contact the Musical, Rose in Enchanted April (Centerstage) and Grace in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (SPT). Caitlin would like to thank her fiancé and son for their love and support throughout this production.


Todd Hull (Todd)

Todd HullTodd is excited to be playing Todd. In the past he has played a clockwork robot (Cocktails at the Center of the Earth), a singing alien hunter (The Rocky Horror Show), a singing Jewish grocer (Cabaret), and a singing perverted ghost of an erotic massage therapist (Total Family Massage). The role of Todd will be Todd’s greatest challenge. You’re welcome, Seattle.


Zach Sanders (Leporello)

Zach SandersZach is very excited to be performing with Arouet for the first time! A Seattle native, Zach has been reintroducing himself to theater after taking a hiatus to pursue degrees in Biology and Psychology at the University of Washington. Recent roles include Weston in 5th of July (Theatre22), Tubal/Servant in Merchant of Venice (quiet Productions), Kevin in Superior Donuts (Seattle Public Theater), and most recently both a master charades player and a nervous priest in 14/48: The World’s Quickest Theater Festival. Much love and thanks to all his family and friends who continue to support him on this journey.


Dylan Smith (Don Juan)

Dylan SmithThis will be Dylan’s second Show with Arouet, having appeared last year in Brick and The Rose, and he could not be more excited with this opportunity. He would like to thank his friends and family for their continued support, as well as the cast and crew of this fantastic production. Past roles include, Duke of Orleans in Henry V (Wooden O), Prince Owain in Sleeping Beauty (Second Story Rep), and he can also be seen as Brian Trekker in the web series, Look Up In The Sky.


Amberlee Williams (Zoey)

Amberlee WilliamsAmberlee has been living in Seattle as a teaching artist and actor for the past two years and is happy to work with Arouet on this production. She received her B.A. from Oklahoma State University and currently teaches through Studio East, Dadylyon Drama, and Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE program. Past roles include Dawn/Mark in All in the Timing (STAGEright), Corie in Barefoot in the Park (Local Jewell Productions), and Hester in Owen Meany’s Christmas Pageant (Book-It Repertory). Love to her real life Mike.


Kate Witt (Sandy)

Kate WittDon Juan in Chicago is Kate’s debut with Arouet. Kate was last seen at ArtsWest as Holly in Next Fall. Prior to that, she was onstage at the Rialto Theatre in Tacoma as the Duchess in the Puget Sound Revels. She has worked with ArtsWest, Wooden O, SecondStory Repertory, New Century Theatre Company, and Seattle Shakespeare Company. Favorite roles include Emilie in the production of Emilie: La Marquise Du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight, Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd, Alex in On The Verge, Linda in Blood Brothers, Feste in Twelfth Night, Catherine in The Foreigner, Ruth in Blithe Spirit, Mrs. Segstrom in A Little Night Music, as a principal in Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, and as an ensemble member in The Adding Machine. She lives in Magnolia with her husband, Steve, and their daughter, Molly.


Joshua Jon (Director)

Joshua JonJoshua Jon is a playwright, director, and performer hailing from Salt Lake City, Utah. Joshua is thrilled to be making his Seattle directoral debut with Arouet, having spent the past several years writing and staging his work independently across the Rockies. He holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Idaho where he performed with Idaho Repertory Theatre and developed his musical Ghostories along with several other plays including The Cougar, which received recognition from the Kennedy Center. His work has been heavily influenced by the West and small-town life, having spent several years making sweet, sweet theatre in the high desert of Wyoming as well as his home state where he produced his slam-poetry-musical-hybrid A Timeline of Events (Concerning Matthew Weatherstone). Joshua is honored to contribute his love of the craft to Arouet’s legacy of creating meaningful, passionate, and engaging work.


Nicholas Giacalone (Assistant Director)

Nick GiacaloneThis is Nick’s first introduction to the Seattle theatre scene and he is honored to be a part of such an exciting production like Don Jon. Recently graduated with his BS in Theatre Arts from the University of Idaho. His most recent credit was with Idaho Repertory Theatre where he stage managed Let’s Misbehave: The Music and Lyrics of Cole Porter along with have a small role in The Merry Wives of Windsor. He’s over the moon to be working with his good friend Joshua and is looking forward to his future in Seattle.


Dani Dodge (Stage Manager)

Dani DodgeDani started her journey with Arouet by Stage Managing The Temperamentals last spring. However, she doesn’t do just that. She had the pleasure of directing The Brick and the Rose last summer, and was recently seen on Stage in Ghost Light Theatricals Vaudeville show. As a full time artist, Dani creates everything from six-foot paintings to business card designs.


Rebekah Boroughs (Assistant Stage Manager)

rebekahboroughsRebekah was born in Dunn, North Carolina, the home of the National Hollerin’ Contest. She spent her childhood in the Smoky Mountains, wading in cricks catching frogs. She holds a B.A. in Theatre Performance from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. After college, Rebekah toured the East Coast with the National Theatre for Children, based in Minneapolis. In April 2013 she made the bravest decision of her life and hopped on a one-way flight to Seattle. She has never been happier, and is thrilled to be surrounded by such a talented cast!

Zach Brink (Light Design)

Zach BrinkZach was born in Selma, Alabama, and attended Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho. Though he majored in psychology, most of his passion was invested in LCSC’s theatre program, which was led by Nancy Lee-Painter and Suzie DuVal. After graduating, Zach worked for three years as an electrician and lighting designer for Idaho Repertory Theatre and Moscow Art Theatre (Too) in Moscow, Idaho, where he established himself as a designer with a taste for elegance and simplicity. His past designs include Neil Labute’s The Shape of Things; William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Timon of Athens, and Hamlet; David Lindsay-Abaire’s Wonder of the World; David Harlan’s King of Fires; and many more. Zach now works as a Junior Writer for IBM, but still actively pursues new theatrical projects in and around Seattle.


John Epperson (Sound Design)

John Epperson, SeattleIn addition to writing and producing original music for television, film and corporate clients, John designs sound for theatre. He has worked with Arouet, ArtsWest, Driftwood Players, Latino Theatre Projects, Playwright’s Theatre, Play Factory, Redwood Theatre and Theatre 9/12. John is a founding company member of Arouet and is resident sound designer at Arouet and Theatre 9/12. Special thanks to Quincy Jones, Elmer Bernstein and György Ligeti.


Christopher Martinez (Fight Choreographer)

Christopher MartinezChris currently holds five certifications form the Society of American Fight Directors and has had the opportunity to perform at Bumbershoot with Performers Forge displaying various types and aspects of stage combat. Chris has also Fight Choreographed for Ghost Light Theatrical productions Scapin and more recently Rope. Chris would like to thank Arouet for the opportunity and his friends and family for their strength and support to keep fighting for what he believes,


Alison Owen (Costumes)

Alson OwenAlison is a Washington-based costume designer with a BFA in Apparel Design from Washington State University. She has designed and created costumes for The Brick and The Rose, Play it Again, Sam and Melancholy Play. She has also worked as an assistant designer on several shows including Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Alice in Wonderland. Alison plans to attend graduate school in order to receive a MFA in Costume Design.


Kim Rosin (Set)

This is Kim’s third collaboration with Arouet. Previously she designed the sets for House of Bernarda Alba (2012) and The Temperamentals (2013). She is thrilled to be working again with such an exciting and stimulating group. Five years ago her husband challenged her to apply for her first set deign job. Ten productions later she has never looked back. She is grateful for the liberty of creative expression afforded her by Arouet and for their inspiration and support.


Arouet’s 2013 Big Ask

We only ask for money once a year. It’s that time of year.

Over the last three years, we have been growing — both as artists as well as our reach. Our audience has grown exponentially since our first production, and now it’s time for us to take the next step in our development.

Up until now, we have been producing one show at a time, with one production paying for the next in addition to our annual fundraiser. There is so much we want to bring to you, that our next goal is to produce a season of three full-length plays.

Although we have the resources to bring “Don Juan in Chicago” to the Seattle stage, your tax-deductible gift by December 24th will help us finalize our plans for the season, including securing venues and production rights. Once venues and production rights are secured we will be ready to announce the season.

Donate Now at Indiegogo.com

Goal 1

Once we unlock our first goal of $2,000, we can guarantee a three show season.

Goal 2

Once we unlock our second goal of $3,000, we can guarantee a free show for all audiences at Arts Crush 2014.

Goal 3

To Be Announced when we have completed the first goal.

On behalf of everyone at Arouet, thank you in advance for your generosity,

Roy Arauz
Producing Artistic Director

Don Juan In Chicago

By David Ives
Directed by Joshua Jon

DJC_Web-poster_REVMay 16-31, 2014
The Ballard Underground, 2220 NW Market Street, Seattle

In “Don Juan in Chicago” — a reworking of the Don Juan and Faust tales — Don Juan is a handsome, rich, sexually naive nobleman in sixteenth-century Spain, more interested in finding the meaning of life through books and alchemy than in women. Afraid he won’t have time to find it, Don Juan calls up the Devil and cuts a deal that grants him immortality—as long as Don Juan seduces a different woman every day. Later in contemporary Chicago, he grapples with the sexual mores of urban America as he makes the choice between love and eternal life.


“David Ives’ new play “Don Juan in Chicago”… is fantastically quirky and clever.” — BackStage.

“In “Don Juan in Chicago”, Ives’s ear for crackpot coinages… and mischievous off-key rhymes… is as good as ever”. — The New Yorker.

“Ives has a lively wit… an original mind, and a neatly topsy-turvy way with life’s little realities… [“Don Juan in Chicago”] is a brashly funny way to spend a couple of hours.” — NY Post.

Cast and Crew

For a detailed bios and photos, please visit Meet The Cast and Crew of Don Juan In Chicago

You can also oggle our attractive cast in this gallery of rehearsal photos.

“Don Juan In Chicago” is presented by special arrangement with Dramatist’s Play Service.

The Devil’s In The Details

We are happy to announce Arouet’s Spring 2014 presentation of David Ives’ Don Juan in Chicago, directed by Seattle newcomer Joshua Jon.

In Don Juan in Chicago — a reworking of the Don Juan and Faust tales — Don Juan is a handsome, rich, sexually naive nobleman in sixteenth-century Spain, more interested in finding the meaning of life through books and alchemy than in women. Afraid he won’t have time to find it, Don Juan calls up the Devil and cuts a deal that grants him immortality—as long as Don Juan seduces a different woman every day. In Chicago 400 years later he grapples with the sexual mores of contemporary urban America as he makes the choice between love and eternal life.

“David Ives’ new play “Don Juan in Chicago”… is fantastically quirky and clever.” — BackStage.

“In “Don Juan in Chicago”, Ives’s ear for crackpot coinages… and mischievous off-key rhymes… is as good as ever”. — The New Yorker.

“Ives has a lively wit… an original mind, and a neatly topsy-turvy way with life’s little realities… [“Don Juan in Chicago”] is a brashly funny way to spend a couple of hours.” — NY Post.

The cast and crew of Don Juan in Chicago will be announced at a later date.

Performance dates: May 16-31, 2014

Performance location: The Ballard Underground, 2220 NW Market Street, Seattle

More information will be forthcoming!

I look forward to sharing more information with you as opening approaches!

Roy Arauz,
Arouet Creative Director

Cast And Crew Of “The Brick and the Rose”

Dylan Zucati (Tommy)

Dylan ZucatiDylan is thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful cast. He’s already played two Tommy’s in the past (Music Man Project, 5th Avenue Theatre; Tommy, Burien Little Theatre) so he feels that by the name alone, he’s very suited for this role. Some of his other past roles have included Jason in Rabbit Hole (Theater Verity), Willard in Footloose (Auburn Community Players), and Hansy in Spring Awakening (Local Jewel Theater). He’s not certain what show will be coming next but whatever it is he knows it’ll be a blast. Dylan is currently a freshman at Seattle University studying Theater and Creative Writing. He’d like to thank his family and friends for being such great supporters for his art and dealing with the drama that comes with theater. Enjoy the show and DFTBA.


Addie Keller (The Voice)

Addie Keller 75x108Addie is thrilled to be working with Arouet again this season and is looking forward to sharing her passion amongst this wonderfully talented cast and crew. This past year she had the pleasure of being in Lawfully Wedded, A Christmas Carol at Auburn Ave Theatre and created an original work with her company Mirum Mirum Productions, (dis)Order. She hopes you enjoy the show and as always, thanks to her mother, father and sister for their continual support in her artistic endeavors.


Rebekah Boroughs (Young girl, Prostitute, others)

Rebekah 75x108Rebekah grew up in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and is thrilled to perform with Arouet this Arts Crush! You may have seen her as the Sea Monster Tentacle (er, Assistant Stage Manager) in Pork Filled Production’s The Clockwork Professor by Maggie Lee, directed by Amy Poisson at Theatre Off Jackson this July. Rebekah loves to pick a tomato off the vine and make a sandwich with it while it’s still warm from the sun. (have picture)


Randall Brammer (Sandy Donahue, others)

Randall-Brammer 75x108Randall most recently finished playing Lawrence Howell in The Clockwork Professor by Maggie Lee this Summer. Before coming to Seattle, he received his Master’s in Devised Performance at the University of Winchester in England. In North Carolina Randall worked at Snowcamp Outdoor Theatre where he performed as George Vestal in Pathway to Freedom, Thomas Hadley in The Sword of Peace and was double cast as Cosmo Brown and Roscoe Dexter in Singing in the Rain. He is very grateful to be a part of this show with such great people.


Ana Maria Campoy (Mother, Mrs. Donahue, others)

Ana Maria Campoy 75x108Ana moved to Seattle in fall 2010 to participate in Seattle Repertory Theatre’s Professional Arts Training Program as the Education Intern. She continues to work and advocate for arts education as a teaching artist for SRT’s Education Department and at the Pacific Northwest Ballet, where she works as the Community Education Programs Assistant. As an actor, she has worked with eSe teatro, Stone Soup Theatre, and quiet Productions. Some of her favorite roles include Georgia in First Born in Seattle’s 2012 Fringe Festival and Abbey in Duane Kelly’s Rousseau and Hobbes at ACT’s Central Heating Lab. Most recently, Ana Maria has been seen as Sophie in Pork Filled Productions’ The Clockwork Professor, directed by Amy Poisson. Look for her in Gifts (of War) as Nemesis directed by Gin Hammond and Melissa Topscher in 2014. Thank you Arouet, for the chance to work on this wonderful play.


Alyssa Kay (Alice, others)

Alyssa Kay 75x108Alyssa is delighted to be making her debut with Arouet. Her most recent past shows include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (GreenStage), Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol (Taproot Theatre), and Disco Pigs (Sound Theatre Company). A native of Seattle, Alyssa has worked with numerous local companies over the years, including Book-It Repertory Theatre, Seattle Opera, Live Girls!, Ghost Light Theatricals, Women Seeking…, and Centerstage. She has also appeared in various local films, including the feature film “Shadowed” and the recently filmed summer beach movie “Mondo Beacho”. She is a certified actor combatant with the SAFD, earned her BA in Drama from the University of Washington, and also trained at the Accademia dell’Arte in Arezzo, Italy. Love to her Fox.


Paul Richter (Gimp, others)

paulrichter_75x108Paul graduated from PLU with a BFA in Theatre. He can currently be seen in monthly performances with the Tacoma-based Improvised Theatre troupe Muh Grog Zoo.


Dylan Smith (Freddy the Fox, others)

Dylan Smith_75x108Dylan couldn’t be happier to work with friends and associates alike on this project. Past roles include The Duke of Orleans and the Governor of Harfleur in Henry V (Wooden O) Prince Owain in Sleeping Beauty (Second Story Rep) and he can also be seen as Brian Trekker in the local web series Look Up in The Sky. He would like to thank his friends and family for their continued support and hopes you enjoy the show.


Dylan Twiner (Al, others)

dylantwiner_75x108Dylan has been chasing the theatre dream all over the Puget Sound, recently appearing as Kipps in The Woman in Black and Ophelia in Hamlet. He wants to thank you for supporting local artists and live theatre.


Mahria Zook (Tony, others)

MahriaZookMahria is very excited to be working with Arouet for the first time. She has most recently appeared as The Aunt (and Ensemble) in The Hairy Ape (Ghost Light Theatricals), Adolph Hitler (Ghost Lite Presents: Late Night With Lucifer), multiple roles with the pantomiming group Troupe Comique, and is currently shooting the Web Series House of Glass, as Maggie. Mahria would like to thank you all for coming out and supporting live theatre, her family, friends, fellow artists, and the lovely city of Seattle, for endlessly nurturing and supporting her journey.


Crew


Dani Dodge (Director)

DaniDodge_75x108Dani hails from Kirkland and is a graduate from Washington State University. She is always looking for a challenge and feels the Emerald City is the place to find it. Adjacent to her theatre activity, Dani is an artist and enjoys painting. The Brick and the Rose is the second production Dani has worked on with Arouet and she is overwhelmed by this unique opportunity to share Tommy’s story.


John Epperson (Sound Design)

John 75x108John Epperson is a recording artist whose work has appeared on dozens of albums and compilations as well as television, film and video games. In addition to writing and producing original music, Epperson designs sound for theatre. He has previously worked with Arouet, ArtsWest, Driftwood Players, Latino Theatre Projects, Redwood Theatre and Theatre 9/12. John will next tackle the sound design for Rope at Ghostlight Theatricals and Noel Coward Duo at Stone Soup Theatre.


Renee Cyr Johnson (Stage Manager)

Renee is thrilled to be working with Arouet again. She most recently staged managed Little Women The Musical at Second Story Repertory. Other favorite stage managing credits include The Hen Night Epiphany, Music Man, Murder on the Nile, and Harvey. Renee also works as a teaching artist. She has worked at Taproot, Stone Soup, Greenstage, and Centerstage. She would like to thank all of you for supporting local theatre.


Alison Owen (Costume Design)

AlisonOwen_75x108Alison is a Washington-based costume designer with a BFA in Apparel Design from Washington State University. She has designed and created costumes for Play it Again, Sam and Melancholy Play. She has also worked as an assistant designer on several shows including Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Alice in Wonderland. Alison plans to attend graduate school in order to receive a MFA in Costume Design.

The Brick and the Rose

The Brick and the Rose
A Collage for Voices
By Lewis John Carlino
Directed by Dani Dodge

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The Brick and the Rose is a play written as a collage for voices. 10 actors portray 47 characters in Tommy’s life journey from his birth to his death. Tommy grows up in the slums and thinks differently from his peers constantly searching for something in contrast to the cold rough city. In his search he witnesses street violence, drug use, and touches of beauty.

The Brick and the Rose is presented by Arouet as part of Arts Crush. Performances will take place at various venues across the Puget Sound.

The Brick and the Rose features Rebekah Boroughs, Randall Brammer, Ana Maria Campoy, Alyssa Kay, Addie Keller, Paul Richter, Dylan Smith, Dylan Twiner, Mariah Zook, and Dylan Zucati; costume design by Alison Owen; sound design by John Epperson. Directed by Dani Dodge.

Meet the cast and crew of The Brick and the Rose.
Take a peek in the rehearsal gallery.