October 8, 2025 • 25 mins
The President of the Board of the Vero Beach Theatre Guild, Dee Rose, joins the show. We talk about Dee's beginings, the history of Vero Beach Theatre Guild, and the progress of the new building and the new Black Box Studio.
"Young Frankenstein" starts October 17th, and you won't want to miss Robin Volsky's "Creature Feature Monster Make-Up Show" October 25th from 10am-12pm in the Black Box.
Auditions for Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew" run October 27-29 and the public is encouraged to make reservations to audition.
We also discuss upcoming shows "The Last Five Years", "A Christmas Carol" and "Dancing in the Dingle."
For tickets and information, call the box office at 772-562-830 or visit VeroBeachTheatreGuild.com
"Young Frankenstein" starts October 17th, and you won't want to miss Robin Volsky's "Creature Feature Monster Make-Up Show" October 25th from 10am-12pm in the Black Box.
Auditions for Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew" run October 27-29 and the public is encouraged to make reservations to audition.
We also discuss upcoming shows "The Last Five Years", "A Christmas Carol" and "Dancing in the Dingle."
For tickets and information, call the box office at 772-562-830 or visit VeroBeachTheatreGuild.com
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:03):
Welcome to Arts Blast on the Air, a podcasts, a
radio show, and an Alexis Skill presented by Riverside Theater
in Ballet Vero Beach art supporting the arts in Florida.
I'm Willie Miller and each week I get to talk
to people in the arts about the arts on the
Treasure Coast and beyond. Arts. Blast on the Air is
(00:24):
proud to be supported by Ballet Vero Beach. Subscriptions for
the exciting new season are available online now, with single
seats coming up on sale November first. The Nutcracker on
the Indian River is earlier and in a new venue
this year December eleventh through the thirteenth at Riverside Theater,
(00:45):
and ask about the new VIP add on experience. Plus,
Nutcracker for All has some new options too. Learn about
everything at Balletverobeach dot org. And now on with the show.
My guest today and we're going to have the whole
show with d Rose Hid Hello. Lots of things to
(01:05):
talk about, yes, indeed, we'll start with history. You're here
for Vero Beach Theater Guild.
Speaker 2 (01:12):
But you are You're the president, Yes, ma'am, I am
president of the board.
Speaker 1 (01:17):
Okay, that's let's go back before that, certainly before Vero
Beach Theater Guild. What were you doing, d Rose.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
That's a loaded question, Willie Well. I spent thirty five
years teaching theater at Vera Beach High School. Had the
honor and the privilege of doing that. I need to
say that publicly. I also am an actress by profession originally,
and actually came to Florida ten years prior to teaching
and worked at Riverside and numerous other theaters in Florida
(01:46):
as well as did some tours and things as well
before I landed that teaching job.
Speaker 1 (01:51):
So you came to Florida from where.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
Originally Pennsylvania College was in Maryland at Shenandoah College and
Conservatory which is now University. Landed my first job in Maryland,
and then landed in Florida.
Speaker 1 (02:05):
Okay, I got to ask this. Where in Pennsylvania?
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Pittsburgh?
Speaker 1 (02:08):
Okay? Last week I had a guest who was from
my hometown in Pennsylvania reading a nice very nice We
got sidetracked with cheese, steaks and hogies and oh stuff
like that. Okay, so you have come to this position honorably.
Speaker 2 (02:28):
Well, thank you.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
Let's talk about just a little bit about your history
and acting. When you got here. What was your first job.
Speaker 2 (02:39):
Actually, I came down with a group called Music On Enterprises.
They were located in Indian Harbor Beach and then we
toured from there to West Palm and then they had
a branch in Vero Beach at what used to be
the Sheraton Inn over on A one A which is
now condominiums, I think if I remember correctly. And once
I landed here, I saw that rivers Theater was here
(03:00):
and they were starting to progress, and I thought, well,
this is kind of a place I'd like to stay,
So I auditioned for Putsky Productions. He picked me up
and I stayed with him for quite a while. Sean Putsky, yes, ma'am.
And then he worked at Riverside with his company, and
then Riverside kept me on over there as well, and
(03:23):
that's where I got my equity card.
Speaker 1 (03:26):
Wow. We have so many people who are I'm going
to say big in the arts here, who are well
known in the arts and have done so much for
the arts in our area. But we also have a
lot of relatively new people to the area who don't
know things like this don't know the history of where'd
(03:46):
you come from, how'd you do this? And why?
Speaker 2 (03:49):
Yes?
Speaker 1 (03:49):
And what are you doing next? What are you going
to do for menexty?
Speaker 2 (03:55):
You mean after I'm done with the presidency at viver
Beach Theater. Gil My children keep reminding me that I
did retire in twenty twenty two, and I just kind
of look at them and laugh and say, yes, well,
mom's happy and that's the main thing.
Speaker 1 (04:06):
Absolutely, whatever it makes you happy. Yep, thanks, vote your
boat or okay, yes, let's talk now about Vero Beach
Theater Guild. They started over at Riverside, right.
Speaker 2 (04:20):
Yes, ma'am. They were established in nineteen fifty eight in
what is presently the Riverside Theater, and that's where they
were housed until about the mid eighties, and then Alan
Cornell came through and suggested that they take that particular
theater to perhaps the next level, at first non equity
(04:40):
paying positions, and then eventually, as we know, it went
to an equity theater, and the community theater people of
that time said, well, we appreciate you wanting to advance,
but we would like to keep the community in community theater,
So thank you and we're going to go ahead and
find another place to locate, and that's exactly what they did.
They landed at two twenty twenty San Juan Avenue, which
(05:02):
is formerly a church. They got in there used what
the church had at first. And I remember this because
I did eight to ani in Oklahoma when it was
all turned around the other way, we were still seated
in the church pews that were still the seats at
the time. And then after that new board members came
(05:22):
through and they renovated and now it is what we
have now.
Speaker 1 (05:26):
Over there is there a I'm going to say book
or a booklet or something of the history with photos
from the very beginning that people can see anywhere.
Speaker 2 (05:37):
Interesting you mentioned that to us. We have a historian
that has contacted me and she has done booklets from
the beginning of nineteen fifty eight that she had inherited
from when the theater was established, and we actually have
all of those in our back room, so there is
a historical logging of everything, and she is now presently
(06:01):
working on the last five to eight years that she's
received and putting those together. So there's it's a library
of the history of Verbage Theater Guild in our offices.
Speaker 1 (06:10):
Not yet accessible to the public, not yet, but soon
to be, okay, digitally or in print form, hard format.
Speaker 2 (06:18):
It's in print form right now.
Speaker 1 (06:20):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
The president is not technology astute, shall we say, but
she has many people that are, so we'll work on
getting that digitally accessible to the public.
Speaker 1 (06:31):
Yeah, that would be The print version would be a
wonderful gift for so many people, but the digital version
would make it so much more accessible for people who
aren't here. For one thing, yes, ma'am.
Speaker 2 (06:47):
Yes, And we still have family members of other folks
prior that say, hey, my dad worked there and he
wrote a script. Do you still have that? We found
one of those in our library, so we copied that,
kept it in ours and gave them the original. Things
like that are happening now, and each of the years
has a particular scrap book, and they're already in chronological order.
Back there, very accessible to us, so that when we
(07:09):
all went back there and saw it, we were like
kids at a candy store.
Speaker 1 (07:13):
I'll bet you were.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
It was great. It was great.
Speaker 1 (07:16):
Okay, So should we talk about what's No, let's talk
about the progression of the building itself, because it was
such an effort of love you have people. Those things
don't come cheap, I'll say that construction not getting any
cheaper either. Correct. Where did the money come from to
(07:40):
develop the physical facility?
Speaker 2 (07:44):
Many many years of planning, first of all, and then
as each board progressed, they came up with capital fundraising ideas,
different things that progressed, and it was the community that
based all of the fundraise for that particular building.
Speaker 1 (08:02):
Okay, when did the construction start? I'm trying to remember,
because I'm pretty sure I was here for it. That's
a good question.
Speaker 2 (08:10):
I do remember that Mark Wagonik was president at the time,
and so we're going back at least fifteen years, and
that was the beginning of that second portion, which is
our three story building portion where we do the teaching
and rehearsing, and our costume rooms are over there now
(08:30):
as well, and our.
Speaker 1 (08:31):
Black box studio and hear what studio?
Speaker 2 (08:33):
Black box? The little black box theory.
Speaker 1 (08:36):
You haven't even talked about the black box yet. When
did that get started?
Speaker 2 (08:41):
That also came along with the same plan when Mark
was president about fifteen years ago.
Speaker 1 (08:45):
Yes, ma'am, you know what I'm not. I was not
thinking it was that old, but you would.
Speaker 2 (08:51):
Know, well, and it's sat I don't want to use
the word unused, but it's the only thing I can
think of. It just wasn't utilized to its extent. And
then again, just about two boards prior to mine, they
started realizing what we could do with it, and now
we're using it for our black Box series in the Dark.
Speaker 1 (09:12):
Okay, what's the difference between a show that people would
see in the black Box theater and one they'd see
on main stage? I mean, how do you differentiate?
Speaker 2 (09:23):
Size of the theater is the first thing. The black
Box theater holds sixty people for the audience. Our main
theater holds one hundred and eighty five. The size of
the show. We have twenty in Frankenstein right now, and
I've just cast about forty five in a Christmas Carol.
For the main stage, the black Box shows are smaller.
This particular one coming up in November has two people,
(09:44):
and the next one coming up has four after that.
So it's the size of the casting as well, okay,
And that is the type of show. Black Box after
Dark is meant for mom and dad to get a
babysitter and come out and have an evening together. The
main stage is family friendly most of the time. Other
times we do let you know that it might be Pg.
Thirteen or maybe a little bit more like Rumors had
(10:06):
quite a bit of language in it, but it still
was a farce by Neil Simon.
Speaker 1 (10:11):
Okay, we're coming up close to a break, so I
don't want to get too much into what's coming. But
what's coming next week?
Speaker 2 (10:21):
We open Frankenstein Young Frankenstein. That opens up October seventeenth,
and we have plenty more after that that you and
I can talk about.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Okay, Yeah, we need to talk about a couple of
things when we're talking about Young Frankenstein. One of them
is Robin Bolski, right, Yes, I would love to see
him in action, and you've got something coming up that
will let me do that. We do, we do.
Speaker 2 (10:45):
And I can tell you about that now, or if
you want to wait a few minutes, we can wait
till then.
Speaker 1 (10:48):
Why don't we take just a little bit early break
and come back to that because I'm really interested in that.
I've talked to Robin and he is.
Speaker 2 (10:57):
Well, he's very proud of what he producing.
Speaker 1 (11:00):
Yeah, okay, all right, we're going to take him great
talking to d rose from Vero Beach Theater Guild and
now I'm going to say, oh, let's go to Riverside Theater.
Check the website to learn about the coming season plus
everything happening this fall. And here's a hint. If you're
under forty, call and ask about the new forty for
(11:22):
forty program. While always plenty on the menu, there's Live
in the Loop now two shows per evening in the
Comedy Zone at six thirty and eight thirty. And learn
about the great new season starting October sixteenth with Little
Shop of Horrs on the main stage. Everything Riverside at
Riversidetheater dot com.
Speaker 3 (11:44):
Vallet Vero Beach is leaping into its thirteenth season, and
you're invited to experience every breathtaking moment, from timeless classics
to bold new works. The company's upcoming season promises unforgettable
performances for the whole family, featuring performances at Riverside Theater,
VBHS Performing Arts Center and the Vero Beach Museum of Art.
There's something for everyone in the company's extraordinary lineup. Subscribe
(12:07):
now and enjoy exclusive perks all season long. Visit Ballet
Verobeach dot org to reserve your subscription today.
Speaker 4 (12:14):
At Sunshine Furniture, our thirty five thousand square foot showroom
is filled with the largest selection of in stock coastal
furniture on the Treasure Coast, dining in bedroom sets, occasional tables, sofas,
sleeper sofas, love seats and chairs in the latest styles
and colors from Tommy Bahama, Lexington Hooker, four Seasons, Braxton
Color and Capri where the outdoor furniture experts and have
(12:36):
hundreds of styles of anti patio furniture you need, including
a gallery of American made telescope, Berlin Gardens, Lloyd Flanders
and Pollywood, all with no tariff ever. And we also
specialize in fire pits, outdoor rugs, umbrellas and replacement cushions.
Right now we're having a huge floor sample sale with
lots of great markdowns on everything you need for your
(12:56):
Florida home, including all picture, slamps and accessories. Price Sunshine
Furniture twelve ninety five US one in the public Splaza
Vero Beach. Don't forget to visit our outlet store directly
across the street, filled with lots of name brand closeouts
and sale item and visit our website at Sunshine Furniturecasual
dot com.
Speaker 5 (13:15):
Welcome to Riverside Theater's Comedy Zone, where the comedy is wild, untamed,
and downright hilarious. Hit the Zone this Friday and Saturday
night at six thirty and eight thirty for the Treasure
Coast best live stand up comedy show featuring nationally recognized
comedians with cabaret style seating and food and drink table service.
(13:38):
Buy tickets at Riversidetheater dot com and get ready for
a night of NonStop laughs.
Speaker 1 (13:48):
We're back with Thoughts Blaust on the air. I'm Willie
Miller talking with d Rose, and We've got so much
to talk about about what's coming to Vero Beach Theater Guild.
We are in the holiday season, and so we have
a show coming up that you want to talk about
and one night performance right for Robin. Yes, yes, indeed, Okay,
(14:13):
I'm gonna let you decide what to start with.
Speaker 2 (14:15):
Okay, let me lead in with Young Frankenstein. Young Frankenstein
opens up next Friday evening on October seventeenth and runs
through Sunday, November three. That is directed by Beth Shestack,
one of our regular directors. Over there a very good
director as well, and Young Frankenstein is based on the
(14:35):
movie by mel Brooks that had Gene Wilder. I believe
in that lead role. And it pretty much is.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
Just set to music.
Speaker 2 (14:44):
It's the movie set to music is basically what it is.
Speaker 1 (14:46):
Okay, So Igor's dancing around and singing, yes, and that
is that particular character is played by Ben Eerman. Okay,
who else is in the show.
Speaker 2 (14:57):
We have Greg Harris as doctor Frederick Frankenstein, Shane Carter
is the monster, Ben is Igor, Emmy McIntosh is Inga
Caitlin Harris. Gregory's wife is Elizabeth, and Sarah Gordon is
Frau Blooker. I know those are some names maybe of names.
Speaker 1 (15:20):
There are many familiar names to me there, but some
I have not heard. You don't get all of your
people from Vero Beach.
Speaker 2 (15:27):
I take it no, ma'am, we do not. Some come
from the Saint Lucy area as well as far north
as Melbourne, maybe even Coco Beach.
Speaker 5 (15:36):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (15:37):
Emmy McIntosh is one of the ones that is coming
from Port Saint Lucy and it's we're getting to a
point where the community theaters are talking to each other
and sharing actors and trying to balance out schedules so
that everybody can perform different shows in different areas.
Speaker 1 (15:55):
Okay, so it's pretty competitive, then I would think to
get a role in any of the shows at Vero
Beach Theater.
Speaker 2 (16:03):
Guild, yes, as it is in any of the local
theaters as well. But we share the wealth, so to speak.
And you sometimes see, like the young man that I
just cast as Bob Cratchett is presently in dial and
for Murder down at the Barn or Pineapple Playhouse Barn
or I think it's a barn. Sorry, so again swapping people.
(16:25):
We just work with schedules.
Speaker 1 (16:27):
Okay, that's great that we have Vero Beach Theater Guild,
Saint Lucy County has Pineapple Playhouse, Martin County has the
Barn Theater. And this is just off the top of
my head. Would you say that every county or most
counties have a community theater group as active and as
(16:54):
terrific as we have.
Speaker 2 (16:57):
I think it's fair to say that, yes, everybody's pretty
comparable to the other. We do likened fundraiser events. Sometimes
we end up picking the same shows within six to
eight months of each other by luck, you know, not
by luck, pardon me, but just by you know, it
just happens when it's not like the boards are talking
to each other. Well, hey, just get a chance exactly.
(17:18):
Thank you. That was the word I was looking for.
But yes, I think we're all comparable to each other, yes, ma'am.
Speaker 1 (17:24):
Okay, I need to get you to correct me on
something here in my notes. And I'm not sure where
I got this, Maybe the website, maybe an email from
somebody I have. The lab is opening October seventeenth to
November two. But I thought I heard you say the third.
Speaker 2 (17:44):
Oh I lied, sorry public, Oh you mined? Sorry it
is Sunday the second, Yes, I apologize. Okay, Okay, thank
you for that correction.
Speaker 1 (17:55):
Wow, okay, Now now can we talk about both Ski's
creature feature Monster makeup show. I can talk about it.
You know all about it. You're makeun amaze at me?
Is that one of his No?
Speaker 2 (18:14):
No, But I have had the pleasure of having him
do my makeup for some of the shows over there.
He is a wonderful makeup artist. He's also very talented
pantomime teacher as well. That's a little known fact. But
we're trying to get him to teach classes at the
Theater Guild for pantomime as well. He shared that with
my students at the High School many many years, so
I know no idea. It's wonderful, absolutely wonderful. He is
(18:37):
doing the makeup for the monster in Frankenstein for the
show itself, and that particular day on Saturday the twenty fifth,
at ten o'clock, the public can join us. Yes, ma'am,
from ten to twelve. It's a two hour presentation. It
is not a class, but it can be if you
take in the information that he is sharing. But it
is a demonstration and you will see some modeling of
(19:01):
costumes and you can see the actual creature come to life.
That for that matinee in the evening show, so the
actual character will be there to get made up. And
Robin has some surprises up his sleeve that he hasn't
even shared with us those of us that are working it.
But it's it's going to be a nice presentation and
he is very excited about it. Music and all sorts
(19:21):
of elements added to it.
Speaker 1 (19:23):
That's ten am, October twenty fifth. Is it in the
on the main stage, You're in the black box, No.
Speaker 2 (19:28):
Maam, it is in the black box.
Speaker 1 (19:29):
Okay, so seting will be limited. Yes, yes, how can
people get tickets?
Speaker 2 (19:35):
They may call the box office and buy them that
way as well or online.
Speaker 1 (19:39):
Okay, what's the box office phone number?
Speaker 2 (19:41):
Seven seven two five six two eight three zero zero.
Speaker 1 (19:45):
Okay, all right on and upward, young Frankenstein, do you
want to talk about the characters? Who is eager?
Speaker 2 (19:59):
H Irman is playing that role and he is Frankenstein's assistant.
Marty Feldman played it in the movie, and of course
it's the typical hunchback and the dragging of the lake character.
Speaker 1 (20:11):
Yes. I cannot wait to see this. Okay, our ticket
selling is too early for tickets to be selling.
Speaker 2 (20:21):
No, the police call because they are going and now
that it's coming up to Halloween, people are getting into
the spirit of that and wanting to come see the show.
Speaker 1 (20:29):
Yeah, okay, So can people get tickets online?
Speaker 2 (20:32):
Yes, ma'am, they can.
Speaker 1 (20:33):
And what is the website?
Speaker 2 (20:35):
Oh you had to ask you that?
Speaker 1 (20:36):
Oh I know what it is, Thoroughbeachtheater Guild dot com.
Speaker 2 (20:40):
There we go, you got it. You win the prize today.
Speaker 1 (20:43):
Hey, always spelling theater.
Speaker 2 (20:46):
T r e Yes, please remember that, folks. That's very important.
Speaker 1 (20:50):
Of course, when you start putting VERO Beach t h
e A into the Google search, it's gonna pop up anyway. Okay,
one night only for the creature feature Monster Makeup Show, correct,
and then Young Frankenstein. The actual show is October seventeenth
(21:14):
to November second, correct. Okay, you have auditions coming up
we have to talk about.
Speaker 2 (21:20):
Yes, we are doing a Shakespeare pop up this year
and it is Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare,
and auditions for that are October twenty seventh, twenty eighth,
and twenty ninth at six point thirty at the main
stage portion, the big theater section.
Speaker 1 (21:38):
People need reservations for the appointments for the auditions.
Speaker 2 (21:42):
Actually, yes, ma'am. We've added that element to it as
well this year, where you can go online and schedule
yourself whatever date you would like to commit an audition,
not a specific time, but a date, and then you
would come at the beginning of the evening and then
you would get put through the paces of auditioning.
Speaker 1 (21:56):
Okay, now you gave three dates, but once again I
copied this from somewhere. I have the audition dates as
October twenty seventh and twenty eight with callbacks on the
twenty ninth. Would that be yes?
Speaker 2 (22:10):
But if for some reason you cannot come on the
twenty seventh or twenty eighth, they roll over onto the
twenty ninth as a third date as possibility.
Speaker 1 (22:17):
Okay, and that's for the Taming of the Shrew. And
who's directing Lisa Driscoli. It's a new name, so you're
directly going to say, I don't recognize that. Where's Lisa from?
Speaker 2 (22:29):
Lisa actually is originally from New York, relocated down here
to Vero Beach, Florida, and teaches at Dodgertown Elementary.
Speaker 1 (22:38):
Oh okay, she's following right behind you with the teaching. Actually,
let me ask you this. Are there other teachers at
Vero Beach Theater Guild? Is it something that kind of
comes naturally?
Speaker 2 (22:50):
Not sure how, but yes, many many teachers are over there.
The carters, Greg Harris and his wife, So there's four
of them right there. In fact, one of the cast
members the other day, I think we just have like
a whole group of teachers that just come here all
the time, and we were like, yes's we've all kind
of landed here. So yes, there are plenty of Teachers.
Speaker 1 (23:08):
Okay, so the taping of the Shrew. The performances are
January twenty third to twenty fifth.
Speaker 2 (23:15):
Correct.
Speaker 1 (23:16):
Okay, we'll be out of time very shortly, so very quickly.
Speaker 2 (23:21):
Upcoming shows Young Frankenstein October seventeenth through the second of November,
last five years is our black Box series in November
for two weekends, and then Christmas Carol coming up for
the holidays.
Speaker 1 (23:34):
Oh, I can't wait that for that. But you have
the Dancing on the Dingle.
Speaker 2 (23:38):
Right, Oh, yes, ma'am Thanksgiving weekend. Yes, I'm in that
as well. Yay, I'm so excited about that that we're
Larry Strauss's show. Yes, we are bringing that back this year.
Speaker 1 (23:46):
Okay, it's November twenty ninth and thirtieth.
Speaker 2 (23:49):
Correct.
Speaker 1 (23:49):
Okay, we got it in.
Speaker 2 (23:52):
We did.
Speaker 1 (23:52):
There are lots of things going on next year, but
I'm sure i'll see you again before then.
Speaker 2 (23:58):
Do if not me, someone else to represent us.
Speaker 1 (24:01):
Okay, thanks for coming in. I really appreciate it and
learning all about what's going on here. My pleasure erro
Beach Theater guildd Rose, and thank you my listeners as
always for joining us again this week for Arts Blasts
on the Air podcast radio show and Alexis gill All
presented by Riverside Theater and Ballet Vero Beach, Covering the
(24:25):
arts online and in Arts Blast, a free emailed weekly
Florida arts news magazine. Join us again next week for
another edition of arts Blast on the Air. I'm Willie Miller,
and I'm thanking you for listening, and I'll see you
next week.
Welcome to Arts Blast on the Air, a podcasts, a
radio show, and an Alexis Skill presented by Riverside Theater
in Ballet Vero Beach art supporting the arts in Florida.
I'm Willie Miller and each week I get to talk
to people in the arts about the arts on the
Treasure Coast and beyond. Arts. Blast on the Air is
(00:24):
proud to be supported by Ballet Vero Beach. Subscriptions for
the exciting new season are available online now, with single
seats coming up on sale November first. The Nutcracker on
the Indian River is earlier and in a new venue
this year December eleventh through the thirteenth at Riverside Theater,
(00:45):
and ask about the new VIP add on experience. Plus,
Nutcracker for All has some new options too. Learn about
everything at Balletverobeach dot org. And now on with the show.
My guest today and we're going to have the whole
show with d Rose Hid Hello. Lots of things to
(01:05):
talk about, yes, indeed, we'll start with history. You're here
for Vero Beach Theater Guild.
Speaker 2 (01:12):
But you are You're the president, Yes, ma'am, I am
president of the board.
Speaker 1 (01:17):
Okay, that's let's go back before that, certainly before Vero
Beach Theater Guild. What were you doing, d Rose.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
That's a loaded question, Willie Well. I spent thirty five
years teaching theater at Vera Beach High School. Had the
honor and the privilege of doing that. I need to
say that publicly. I also am an actress by profession originally,
and actually came to Florida ten years prior to teaching
and worked at Riverside and numerous other theaters in Florida
(01:46):
as well as did some tours and things as well
before I landed that teaching job.
Speaker 1 (01:51):
So you came to Florida from where.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
Originally Pennsylvania College was in Maryland at Shenandoah College and
Conservatory which is now University. Landed my first job in Maryland,
and then landed in Florida.
Speaker 1 (02:05):
Okay, I got to ask this. Where in Pennsylvania?
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Pittsburgh?
Speaker 1 (02:08):
Okay? Last week I had a guest who was from
my hometown in Pennsylvania reading a nice very nice We
got sidetracked with cheese, steaks and hogies and oh stuff
like that. Okay, so you have come to this position honorably.
Speaker 2 (02:28):
Well, thank you.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
Let's talk about just a little bit about your history
and acting. When you got here. What was your first job.
Speaker 2 (02:39):
Actually, I came down with a group called Music On Enterprises.
They were located in Indian Harbor Beach and then we
toured from there to West Palm and then they had
a branch in Vero Beach at what used to be
the Sheraton Inn over on A one A which is
now condominiums, I think if I remember correctly. And once
I landed here, I saw that rivers Theater was here
(03:00):
and they were starting to progress, and I thought, well,
this is kind of a place I'd like to stay,
So I auditioned for Putsky Productions. He picked me up
and I stayed with him for quite a while. Sean Putsky, yes, ma'am.
And then he worked at Riverside with his company, and
then Riverside kept me on over there as well, and
(03:23):
that's where I got my equity card.
Speaker 1 (03:26):
Wow. We have so many people who are I'm going
to say big in the arts here, who are well
known in the arts and have done so much for
the arts in our area. But we also have a
lot of relatively new people to the area who don't
know things like this don't know the history of where'd
(03:46):
you come from, how'd you do this? And why?
Speaker 2 (03:49):
Yes?
Speaker 1 (03:49):
And what are you doing next? What are you going
to do for menexty?
Speaker 2 (03:55):
You mean after I'm done with the presidency at viver
Beach Theater. Gil My children keep reminding me that I
did retire in twenty twenty two, and I just kind
of look at them and laugh and say, yes, well,
mom's happy and that's the main thing.
Speaker 1 (04:06):
Absolutely, whatever it makes you happy. Yep, thanks, vote your
boat or okay, yes, let's talk now about Vero Beach
Theater Guild. They started over at Riverside, right.
Speaker 2 (04:20):
Yes, ma'am. They were established in nineteen fifty eight in
what is presently the Riverside Theater, and that's where they
were housed until about the mid eighties, and then Alan
Cornell came through and suggested that they take that particular
theater to perhaps the next level, at first non equity
(04:40):
paying positions, and then eventually, as we know, it went
to an equity theater, and the community theater people of
that time said, well, we appreciate you wanting to advance,
but we would like to keep the community in community theater,
So thank you and we're going to go ahead and
find another place to locate, and that's exactly what they did.
They landed at two twenty twenty San Juan Avenue, which
(05:02):
is formerly a church. They got in there used what
the church had at first. And I remember this because
I did eight to ani in Oklahoma when it was
all turned around the other way, we were still seated
in the church pews that were still the seats at
the time. And then after that new board members came
(05:22):
through and they renovated and now it is what we
have now.
Speaker 1 (05:26):
Over there is there a I'm going to say book
or a booklet or something of the history with photos
from the very beginning that people can see anywhere.
Speaker 2 (05:37):
Interesting you mentioned that to us. We have a historian
that has contacted me and she has done booklets from
the beginning of nineteen fifty eight that she had inherited
from when the theater was established, and we actually have
all of those in our back room, so there is
a historical logging of everything, and she is now presently
(06:01):
working on the last five to eight years that she's
received and putting those together. So there's it's a library
of the history of Verbage Theater Guild in our offices.
Speaker 1 (06:10):
Not yet accessible to the public, not yet, but soon
to be, okay, digitally or in print form, hard format.
Speaker 2 (06:18):
It's in print form right now.
Speaker 1 (06:20):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
The president is not technology astute, shall we say, but
she has many people that are, so we'll work on
getting that digitally accessible to the public.
Speaker 1 (06:31):
Yeah, that would be The print version would be a
wonderful gift for so many people, but the digital version
would make it so much more accessible for people who
aren't here. For one thing, yes, ma'am.
Speaker 2 (06:47):
Yes, And we still have family members of other folks
prior that say, hey, my dad worked there and he
wrote a script. Do you still have that? We found
one of those in our library, so we copied that,
kept it in ours and gave them the original. Things
like that are happening now, and each of the years
has a particular scrap book, and they're already in chronological order.
Back there, very accessible to us, so that when we
(07:09):
all went back there and saw it, we were like
kids at a candy store.
Speaker 1 (07:13):
I'll bet you were.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
It was great. It was great.
Speaker 1 (07:16):
Okay, So should we talk about what's No, let's talk
about the progression of the building itself, because it was
such an effort of love you have people. Those things
don't come cheap, I'll say that construction not getting any
cheaper either. Correct. Where did the money come from to
(07:40):
develop the physical facility?
Speaker 2 (07:44):
Many many years of planning, first of all, and then
as each board progressed, they came up with capital fundraising ideas,
different things that progressed, and it was the community that
based all of the fundraise for that particular building.
Speaker 1 (08:02):
Okay, when did the construction start? I'm trying to remember,
because I'm pretty sure I was here for it. That's
a good question.
Speaker 2 (08:10):
I do remember that Mark Wagonik was president at the time,
and so we're going back at least fifteen years, and
that was the beginning of that second portion, which is
our three story building portion where we do the teaching
and rehearsing, and our costume rooms are over there now
(08:30):
as well, and our.
Speaker 1 (08:31):
Black box studio and hear what studio?
Speaker 2 (08:33):
Black box? The little black box theory.
Speaker 1 (08:36):
You haven't even talked about the black box yet. When
did that get started?
Speaker 2 (08:41):
That also came along with the same plan when Mark
was president about fifteen years ago.
Speaker 1 (08:45):
Yes, ma'am, you know what I'm not. I was not
thinking it was that old, but you would.
Speaker 2 (08:51):
Know, well, and it's sat I don't want to use
the word unused, but it's the only thing I can
think of. It just wasn't utilized to its extent. And
then again, just about two boards prior to mine, they
started realizing what we could do with it, and now
we're using it for our black Box series in the Dark.
Speaker 1 (09:12):
Okay, what's the difference between a show that people would
see in the black Box theater and one they'd see
on main stage? I mean, how do you differentiate?
Speaker 2 (09:23):
Size of the theater is the first thing. The black
Box theater holds sixty people for the audience. Our main
theater holds one hundred and eighty five. The size of
the show. We have twenty in Frankenstein right now, and
I've just cast about forty five in a Christmas Carol.
For the main stage, the black Box shows are smaller.
This particular one coming up in November has two people,
(09:44):
and the next one coming up has four after that.
So it's the size of the casting as well, okay,
And that is the type of show. Black Box after
Dark is meant for mom and dad to get a
babysitter and come out and have an evening together. The
main stage is family friendly most of the time. Other
times we do let you know that it might be Pg.
Thirteen or maybe a little bit more like Rumors had
(10:06):
quite a bit of language in it, but it still
was a farce by Neil Simon.
Speaker 1 (10:11):
Okay, we're coming up close to a break, so I
don't want to get too much into what's coming. But
what's coming next week?
Speaker 2 (10:21):
We open Frankenstein Young Frankenstein. That opens up October seventeenth,
and we have plenty more after that that you and
I can talk about.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Okay, Yeah, we need to talk about a couple of
things when we're talking about Young Frankenstein. One of them
is Robin Bolski, right, Yes, I would love to see
him in action, and you've got something coming up that
will let me do that. We do, we do.
Speaker 2 (10:45):
And I can tell you about that now, or if
you want to wait a few minutes, we can wait
till then.
Speaker 1 (10:48):
Why don't we take just a little bit early break
and come back to that because I'm really interested in that.
I've talked to Robin and he is.
Speaker 2 (10:57):
Well, he's very proud of what he producing.
Speaker 1 (11:00):
Yeah, okay, all right, we're going to take him great
talking to d rose from Vero Beach Theater Guild and
now I'm going to say, oh, let's go to Riverside Theater.
Check the website to learn about the coming season plus
everything happening this fall. And here's a hint. If you're
under forty, call and ask about the new forty for
(11:22):
forty program. While always plenty on the menu, there's Live
in the Loop now two shows per evening in the
Comedy Zone at six thirty and eight thirty. And learn
about the great new season starting October sixteenth with Little
Shop of Horrs on the main stage. Everything Riverside at
Riversidetheater dot com.
Speaker 3 (11:44):
Vallet Vero Beach is leaping into its thirteenth season, and
you're invited to experience every breathtaking moment, from timeless classics
to bold new works. The company's upcoming season promises unforgettable
performances for the whole family, featuring performances at Riverside Theater,
VBHS Performing Arts Center and the Vero Beach Museum of Art.
There's something for everyone in the company's extraordinary lineup. Subscribe
(12:07):
now and enjoy exclusive perks all season long. Visit Ballet
Verobeach dot org to reserve your subscription today.
Speaker 4 (12:14):
At Sunshine Furniture, our thirty five thousand square foot showroom
is filled with the largest selection of in stock coastal
furniture on the Treasure Coast, dining in bedroom sets, occasional tables, sofas,
sleeper sofas, love seats and chairs in the latest styles
and colors from Tommy Bahama, Lexington Hooker, four Seasons, Braxton
Color and Capri where the outdoor furniture experts and have
(12:36):
hundreds of styles of anti patio furniture you need, including
a gallery of American made telescope, Berlin Gardens, Lloyd Flanders
and Pollywood, all with no tariff ever. And we also
specialize in fire pits, outdoor rugs, umbrellas and replacement cushions.
Right now we're having a huge floor sample sale with
lots of great markdowns on everything you need for your
(12:56):
Florida home, including all picture, slamps and accessories. Price Sunshine
Furniture twelve ninety five US one in the public Splaza
Vero Beach. Don't forget to visit our outlet store directly
across the street, filled with lots of name brand closeouts
and sale item and visit our website at Sunshine Furniturecasual
dot com.
Speaker 5 (13:15):
Welcome to Riverside Theater's Comedy Zone, where the comedy is wild, untamed,
and downright hilarious. Hit the Zone this Friday and Saturday
night at six thirty and eight thirty for the Treasure
Coast best live stand up comedy show featuring nationally recognized
comedians with cabaret style seating and food and drink table service.
(13:38):
Buy tickets at Riversidetheater dot com and get ready for
a night of NonStop laughs.
Speaker 1 (13:48):
We're back with Thoughts Blaust on the air. I'm Willie
Miller talking with d Rose, and We've got so much
to talk about about what's coming to Vero Beach Theater Guild.
We are in the holiday season, and so we have
a show coming up that you want to talk about
and one night performance right for Robin. Yes, yes, indeed, Okay,
(14:13):
I'm gonna let you decide what to start with.
Speaker 2 (14:15):
Okay, let me lead in with Young Frankenstein. Young Frankenstein
opens up next Friday evening on October seventeenth and runs
through Sunday, November three. That is directed by Beth Shestack,
one of our regular directors. Over there a very good
director as well, and Young Frankenstein is based on the
(14:35):
movie by mel Brooks that had Gene Wilder. I believe
in that lead role. And it pretty much is.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
Just set to music.
Speaker 2 (14:44):
It's the movie set to music is basically what it is.
Speaker 1 (14:46):
Okay, So Igor's dancing around and singing, yes, and that
is that particular character is played by Ben Eerman. Okay,
who else is in the show.
Speaker 2 (14:57):
We have Greg Harris as doctor Frederick Frankenstein, Shane Carter
is the monster, Ben is Igor, Emmy McIntosh is Inga
Caitlin Harris. Gregory's wife is Elizabeth, and Sarah Gordon is
Frau Blooker. I know those are some names maybe of names.
Speaker 1 (15:20):
There are many familiar names to me there, but some
I have not heard. You don't get all of your
people from Vero Beach.
Speaker 2 (15:27):
I take it no, ma'am, we do not. Some come
from the Saint Lucy area as well as far north
as Melbourne, maybe even Coco Beach.
Speaker 5 (15:36):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (15:37):
Emmy McIntosh is one of the ones that is coming
from Port Saint Lucy and it's we're getting to a
point where the community theaters are talking to each other
and sharing actors and trying to balance out schedules so
that everybody can perform different shows in different areas.
Speaker 1 (15:55):
Okay, so it's pretty competitive, then I would think to
get a role in any of the shows at Vero
Beach Theater.
Speaker 2 (16:03):
Guild, yes, as it is in any of the local
theaters as well. But we share the wealth, so to speak.
And you sometimes see, like the young man that I
just cast as Bob Cratchett is presently in dial and
for Murder down at the Barn or Pineapple Playhouse Barn
or I think it's a barn. Sorry, so again swapping people.
(16:25):
We just work with schedules.
Speaker 1 (16:27):
Okay, that's great that we have Vero Beach Theater Guild,
Saint Lucy County has Pineapple Playhouse, Martin County has the
Barn Theater. And this is just off the top of
my head. Would you say that every county or most
counties have a community theater group as active and as
(16:54):
terrific as we have.
Speaker 2 (16:57):
I think it's fair to say that, yes, everybody's pretty
comparable to the other. We do likened fundraiser events. Sometimes
we end up picking the same shows within six to
eight months of each other by luck, you know, not
by luck, pardon me, but just by you know, it
just happens when it's not like the boards are talking
to each other. Well, hey, just get a chance exactly.
(17:18):
Thank you. That was the word I was looking for.
But yes, I think we're all comparable to each other, yes, ma'am.
Speaker 1 (17:24):
Okay, I need to get you to correct me on
something here in my notes. And I'm not sure where
I got this, Maybe the website, maybe an email from
somebody I have. The lab is opening October seventeenth to
November two. But I thought I heard you say the third.
Speaker 2 (17:44):
Oh I lied, sorry public, Oh you mined? Sorry it
is Sunday the second, Yes, I apologize. Okay, Okay, thank
you for that correction.
Speaker 1 (17:55):
Wow, okay, Now now can we talk about both Ski's
creature feature Monster makeup show. I can talk about it.
You know all about it. You're makeun amaze at me?
Is that one of his No?
Speaker 2 (18:14):
No, But I have had the pleasure of having him
do my makeup for some of the shows over there.
He is a wonderful makeup artist. He's also very talented
pantomime teacher as well. That's a little known fact. But
we're trying to get him to teach classes at the
Theater Guild for pantomime as well. He shared that with
my students at the High School many many years, so
I know no idea. It's wonderful, absolutely wonderful. He is
(18:37):
doing the makeup for the monster in Frankenstein for the
show itself, and that particular day on Saturday the twenty fifth,
at ten o'clock, the public can join us. Yes, ma'am,
from ten to twelve. It's a two hour presentation. It
is not a class, but it can be if you
take in the information that he is sharing. But it
is a demonstration and you will see some modeling of
(19:01):
costumes and you can see the actual creature come to life.
That for that matinee in the evening show, so the
actual character will be there to get made up. And
Robin has some surprises up his sleeve that he hasn't
even shared with us those of us that are working it.
But it's it's going to be a nice presentation and
he is very excited about it. Music and all sorts
(19:21):
of elements added to it.
Speaker 1 (19:23):
That's ten am, October twenty fifth. Is it in the
on the main stage, You're in the black box, No.
Speaker 2 (19:28):
Maam, it is in the black box.
Speaker 1 (19:29):
Okay, so seting will be limited. Yes, yes, how can
people get tickets?
Speaker 2 (19:35):
They may call the box office and buy them that
way as well or online.
Speaker 1 (19:39):
Okay, what's the box office phone number?
Speaker 2 (19:41):
Seven seven two five six two eight three zero zero.
Speaker 1 (19:45):
Okay, all right on and upward, young Frankenstein, do you
want to talk about the characters? Who is eager?
Speaker 2 (19:59):
H Irman is playing that role and he is Frankenstein's assistant.
Marty Feldman played it in the movie, and of course
it's the typical hunchback and the dragging of the lake character.
Speaker 1 (20:11):
Yes. I cannot wait to see this. Okay, our ticket
selling is too early for tickets to be selling.
Speaker 2 (20:21):
No, the police call because they are going and now
that it's coming up to Halloween, people are getting into
the spirit of that and wanting to come see the show.
Speaker 1 (20:29):
Yeah, okay, So can people get tickets online?
Speaker 2 (20:32):
Yes, ma'am, they can.
Speaker 1 (20:33):
And what is the website?
Speaker 2 (20:35):
Oh you had to ask you that?
Speaker 1 (20:36):
Oh I know what it is, Thoroughbeachtheater Guild dot com.
Speaker 2 (20:40):
There we go, you got it. You win the prize today.
Speaker 1 (20:43):
Hey, always spelling theater.
Speaker 2 (20:46):
T r e Yes, please remember that, folks. That's very important.
Speaker 1 (20:50):
Of course, when you start putting VERO Beach t h
e A into the Google search, it's gonna pop up anyway. Okay,
one night only for the creature feature Monster Makeup Show, correct,
and then Young Frankenstein. The actual show is October seventeenth
(21:14):
to November second, correct. Okay, you have auditions coming up
we have to talk about.
Speaker 2 (21:20):
Yes, we are doing a Shakespeare pop up this year
and it is Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare,
and auditions for that are October twenty seventh, twenty eighth,
and twenty ninth at six point thirty at the main
stage portion, the big theater section.
Speaker 1 (21:38):
People need reservations for the appointments for the auditions.
Speaker 2 (21:42):
Actually, yes, ma'am. We've added that element to it as
well this year, where you can go online and schedule
yourself whatever date you would like to commit an audition,
not a specific time, but a date, and then you
would come at the beginning of the evening and then
you would get put through the paces of auditioning.
Speaker 1 (21:56):
Okay, now you gave three dates, but once again I
copied this from somewhere. I have the audition dates as
October twenty seventh and twenty eight with callbacks on the
twenty ninth. Would that be yes?
Speaker 2 (22:10):
But if for some reason you cannot come on the
twenty seventh or twenty eighth, they roll over onto the
twenty ninth as a third date as possibility.
Speaker 1 (22:17):
Okay, and that's for the Taming of the Shrew. And
who's directing Lisa Driscoli. It's a new name, so you're
directly going to say, I don't recognize that. Where's Lisa from?
Speaker 2 (22:29):
Lisa actually is originally from New York, relocated down here
to Vero Beach, Florida, and teaches at Dodgertown Elementary.
Speaker 1 (22:38):
Oh okay, she's following right behind you with the teaching. Actually,
let me ask you this. Are there other teachers at
Vero Beach Theater Guild? Is it something that kind of
comes naturally?
Speaker 2 (22:50):
Not sure how, but yes, many many teachers are over there.
The carters, Greg Harris and his wife, So there's four
of them right there. In fact, one of the cast
members the other day, I think we just have like
a whole group of teachers that just come here all
the time, and we were like, yes's we've all kind
of landed here. So yes, there are plenty of Teachers.
Speaker 1 (23:08):
Okay, so the taping of the Shrew. The performances are
January twenty third to twenty fifth.
Speaker 2 (23:15):
Correct.
Speaker 1 (23:16):
Okay, we'll be out of time very shortly, so very quickly.
Speaker 2 (23:21):
Upcoming shows Young Frankenstein October seventeenth through the second of November,
last five years is our black Box series in November
for two weekends, and then Christmas Carol coming up for
the holidays.
Speaker 1 (23:34):
Oh, I can't wait that for that. But you have
the Dancing on the Dingle.
Speaker 2 (23:38):
Right, Oh, yes, ma'am Thanksgiving weekend. Yes, I'm in that
as well. Yay, I'm so excited about that that we're
Larry Strauss's show. Yes, we are bringing that back this year.
Speaker 1 (23:46):
Okay, it's November twenty ninth and thirtieth.
Speaker 2 (23:49):
Correct.
Speaker 1 (23:49):
Okay, we got it in.
Speaker 2 (23:52):
We did.
Speaker 1 (23:52):
There are lots of things going on next year, but
I'm sure i'll see you again before then.
Speaker 2 (23:58):
Do if not me, someone else to represent us.
Speaker 1 (24:01):
Okay, thanks for coming in. I really appreciate it and
learning all about what's going on here. My pleasure erro
Beach Theater guildd Rose, and thank you my listeners as
always for joining us again this week for Arts Blasts
on the Air podcast radio show and Alexis gill All
presented by Riverside Theater and Ballet Vero Beach, Covering the
(24:25):
arts online and in Arts Blast, a free emailed weekly
Florida arts news magazine. Join us again next week for
another edition of arts Blast on the Air. I'm Willie Miller,
and I'm thanking you for listening, and I'll see you
next week.
Popular Podcasts
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com