GUYS AND DOLLS Rehearsals are underway!

As we turn the page to November Broadway Bound is well underway with rehearsals for our production of GUYS AND DOLLS, directed by Artistic Director Jimmy Nixon, with choreography by Patricia Barker.

Tom Hudson has joined the design staff to complete construction of costumes originally designed by Rita Overton, and has added a few new designs of his own into the mix, shown below.




Mr. Hudson is a 20-year veteran of professional theatre and comes to Broadway Bound from the Capital Playhouse in Olympia where he was the Designer in Residence. A master tailor and historian, Mr. Hudson has more than 150 stage and film credits to his name, including Il Rittorno D 'Ulisse Un Patria for the Broadway Symphony, Ta Fantastika for Ta Fantastika, Destino de Balboa for Teatro Nacional de Panama , and everything from musicals to dog food commercials.
He will also be designing our production of HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL.

Patricia Barker Joins our Artistic Team for GUYS AND DOLLS!

Patricia Barker, long-time Principal Dancer with the Pacific Northwest Ballet, has joined the Broadway Bound Children’s Theatre artistic team as the choreographer for our production of GUYS AND DOLLS, set to bow in January of 2010.

Ms. Barker, known to ballet enthusiasts around the world, and a true Seattle icon, will be choreographing her first full musical theatre project. For over two decades, until 2007, she performed with PNB on tour throughout Europe, Asia, Australia and North America and also appeared as a guest artist with national and international ballet companies. For the past 17 years, she has staged, rehearsed and coached ballets for professional companies, including the Boston Ballet School and the Slovak National Ballet. She has taught at schools across the nation, and is a spokeswoman for the U.S. Bone and Joint Decade, helping raise awareness of bone and joint health.

GUYS AND DOLLS is being directed by Broadway Bound’s founder and Executive Artistic Director, Jimmy Nixon, who most recently staged ONCE UPON A MATTRESS for the company. Other members of the artistic team include Musical Director Melina Markland, who recently helmed those duties for the company’s production of CATS at the Rainier Beach High School; Scenic Designer Etta Lilienthal (Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Children’s Theatre, WET, Book-It, The Empty Space, A Contemporary Theatre, Theater Schmeater and Youth Theatre Northwest); Costume Designer Rita Overton, the longtime Costumer at Broadway Bound; and Lighting Designer Ben Zamora (Co-Artistic Director of the critically acclaimed Washington Ensemble Theatre, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York, The Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, The Los Angeles Philharmonic at Walt Disney Concert Hall, Connecticut Grand Opera, Tacoma Opera, Book-It Repertory, and Seattle Shakespeare Company).

GUYS AND DOLLS will open on January 8^th for twelve performances at the Broadway Performance Hall on Capitol Hill, 1625 Broadway in Seattle. There are two casts made up of students from fifth grade through high school. Tickets are available online at BrownPaperTickets.com or by calling 1-800-838-3006. For detailed performance times and further information, visit www.broadwaybound.org.

Fremont Summer Theatre Camp Opens Monday!

If Summer is here, that must mean it's time for Broadway Bound's Theatre Camps!
In fact, we have already completed two weeks worth, which resulted in eight extraordinary experiences for our young artists. It's not too late! We still have another seven weeks of classes on tap. And in addition to our classes in the U District, we will be opening camps at the Freemont Baptist Church starting Monday, July 6. All of our week-long classes culminate in a presentation on Friday afternoon for family and friends. Be sure and check out our website for all of the class descriptions and sign ups. And come have some fun!

Peter Pan's Casts and Crew Put Final Touches on the Show!

UMO Ensemble rehearses with Cast 1 at the Broadway Performance Hall

Months ago, when the leadership team at Broadway Bound, referred to as “the two Jims” – Artistic Director Jimmy Nixon, and Executive Director, Jim D’Asaro - looked ahead for the season, seeking a unique director for Peter Pan, the two Jims discovered, as if guided by the magic of Tinkerbell, director Gregg Gilmore! Gregg hails from Walla Walla and has an extraordinary career ranging from film acting to directing and to the sound stage to creating illusion. He came highly recommended by one of Broadway Bound’s esteemed board members. Gregg not only has worked extensively with children but he also was seeking a new way to explore his own magic skills, as an illusionist, and as an artist. Plagued with the daunting task of how to create the appearance of flying, always expected in any Peter Pan stage production, a new discovery and alternative was introduced.

It seems as if both Jim D’Asaro and Gregg were on the same wavelength, and guided perhaps by the magic of Neverland, happened upon a thought almost simultaneously…
Jim had recently attended a fundraiser for the Vashon Island and world famous performance artists group, UMO Ensemble. And Gregg had researched UMO, seeking their modern dance and gymnastics for a possible alternative to create the illusion of flying, and introduce into the production the art of Kabuki Theatre. Hence, an idea took hold, an invitation was put forth, and several talented members of the UMO Ensemble became an intricate part of the Broadway Bound Peter Pan casts, count them, three full casts of Peter Pan!

Another coincidence? You be the judge. Yet another reason why Broadway Bound continually seeks new talent and leadership to develop new approaches to the theatre, which in turn teaches their young artists that there are so many possibilities in digging for the truth through the storytelling of the stage! Kudos to Gregg for forging ahead into new territory with a most unique twist on this classic production!

Peter Pan premiers tomorrow at the Broadway Performance Hall, 1625 Broadway at Pine Street in Capitol Hill. Cast One will take the stage at 7:00 pm. Get your tickets at BrownPaperTickets.com, or by calling 1-800-838-3006!

Cast 1 rehearses at the Broadway Performance Hall

Artist Spotlight: Gregg Gilmore

In one week, Broadway Bound's production of Peter Pan will take the stage at the Broadway Performance Hall in Seattle. This fantastical musical, based on J.M. Barrie's classic tale of a boy who does not want to grow up, will star three different youth casts for a total of over 100 performers. It has taken a tough and talented team to help put together this show, with choreography by Sonya Shaw, musical direction by Tom Prince, and special flying sequences created by the UMO Ensemble, it's all coming together under the direction of Gregg Gilmore.

Mr. Gilmore has a history that includes substantial theatre and film credits, which extend beyond acting, directing, and producing and into the world of illusion. This is Mr. Gilmore's first production with Broadway Bound, and despite some challenges, he is thoroughly enjoying the experience. The most difficult part, according to Mr. Gilmore, has been "directing three separate casts, over 100, just the sheer numbers involved, limited rehearsal time at the actual venue." However, the enthusiasm and dedication of the cast members makes it all worthwhile. According to Mr. Gilmore, the best part of working on this show has been "the pure spirit of the 3 casts and the fundamental theatrics of a production like this. "

The casts have been rehearsing for months at Broadway Bound's headquarters, but this week, they will put their performance to the test as they transfer the rehearsals to the actual stage at the Broadway Performance Hall. This is where the magic of Peter Pan will really begin to take shape, as the dance and flying sequences unfold. Mr. Gilmore has had help in developing the flying and illusion involved in Pan. "We are collaborating with UMO, a thrilling modern dance and performance group from Vashon Island. They will be lifting and dancing with the children as opposed to the more traditional method of wires and harnesses," says Mr. Gilmore. While true to the original script and plot line of the classic theatre production of Peter Pan, according to Mr. Gilmore, this show will lean more toward "surrealism."

Broadway Bound’s production of Peter Pan is scheduled to begin Friday, June 5th at 7:00pm and run for twelve performances through Sunday, June 14th at 5:00pm at the Broadway Performance Hall in Seattle. Tickets are priced at $15 and are available online at BrownPaperTickets.com or by calling 1-800-838-3006. For detailed performance times and further information, visit http://www.broadwaybound.org/.

Artist Spotlight: Jimmy Nixon & Susan Holt

Fifty years after it first opened on Broadway, Once Upon a Mattress will come to the Broadway Performance Hall in Seattle! Seattle's schools are bursting with so much talent that we were able to create three unique casts for this production! And behind the scenes, Broadway Bound's Executive Artistic Director and founder Jimmy Nixon, along with dance choreographer Susan Trainor Holt, have been hard at work to make sure this production is one of our best!

Mattress’ director, Jimmy Nixon, founded Broadway Bound Children's Theatre after moving to Seattle in 1996. His passion for the arts has been a lifelong pursuit. Mr. Nixon has appeared in over one hundred plays and musicals both on and off-Broadway. He received off-Broadway awards for his work in The Living Room and My Father’s House, and for his starring role in The Holy Junkie. Mr. Nixon trained with Lee Strasberg at The Actors' Studio, with Alan Jones for musical theater, with Twyla Tharp and Luigi for jazz, and with ABT in classical ballet. He has guest-starred in fifteen network TV shows and starred in several pilots including “Thunder Boat Row,” “Single Dad,” “Peepers,” and “Topper” with Tim Curry. He starred in and was the executive producer for the cable television show “Locals,” and has appeared in “Alien Nation,” “Life Goes On,” and "The Fugitive." Mr. Nixon has written for and appeared in Fox TV's hit series “Totally Hidden Video” as well as King World’s “The New Candid Camera,” with Dom DeLuise. He has acted in a dozen feature films, most recently starring in The Adventures of Galgameth. Mr. Nixon extends his heartfelt thanks to everyone involved with Broadway Bound!

Mattress' Choreographer Susan Trainor Holt has been dancing since she was three. She was raised in Michigan where she began her training in ballet, jazz, tap and modern dance. Ms. Holt moved to New York City right after college where she studied at the Merce Cunningham and Martha Graham studios. During her career, she danced in original productions at venues ranging from the Tokyo Dome to Giants Stadium in New York. She has performed in a wide array of musical theaters throughout the U.S., including Seattle's very own Fifth Avenue Theatre! Career highlights include performing as a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall, appearing in special productions with legendary entertainers such as Ann Margaret, and performing at the Grammy Awards as well as at the Kennedy Center Honors. Ms. Holt has also appeared in the original Broadway production of the Tony Award winning musical The Will Rogers Follies. Her love for dancing has been passed onto her daughters Gemma, Katrina and Portia, who share her love for dance and the stage; the oldest two are wizened Broadway Bound veterans. Mattress is the fourth show Ms. Holt has choreographed for Broadway Bound; past productions include Bye Bye Birdie, Annie and the Cabaret Show at The Triple Door. Ms. Holt says she has thoroughly enjoyed working with BB on this production. "As always, I’ve been reminded that musical theatre is like a team sport. While every individual has a specific role, and they must do it really well, it’s the commitment and execution of the group that makes for great achievement. The kids and the Broadway Bound staff are great teammates!"

Mattress is based on the classic tale “The Princess and the Pea” by Hans Christian Anderson, and has been performed on Broadway as well as television for decades. Broadway Bound’s production starts Friday, May 22nd and runs for 12 performances through Sunday, May 31st, with matinees on select dates. See BB's website for a detailed cast and performance schedule.

Artist Spotlight: Behind the Scenes with Jeffrey Cook & Ruth Gilmore

Broadway Bound's production of CATS opens in one week, and for months, artists Ruth Gilmore and Jeffrey Cook have been working behind the scenes to create a truly unique set. CATS is set in a back alley in the middle of the night. The size of the setting and props is exaggerated for effect. As Set Designer Mr. Cook says, "It makes a person feel like a munchkin to stand next to a 6' tall garbage can." The special effects also include lighting by Meg Fox, who has been working to ensure the moonlight setting will be perfect.
This is both Mr. Cook's and Ms. Gilmore's first production with Broadway Bound. Says Set Paint Artist Ms. Gilmore, "...CATS has been a great experience.... And working with the students at Rainier Beach has been fun and made me reconsider how to explain painting decisions and techniques." She has enjoyed the collaborative effort put in by both the students and staff. Mr. Cook is also grateful for the dedicated crew that's been striving to develop this unique production. "This show is making use of the best skills that multiple artists have to contribute. I like seeing people used to their fullest capacity. The students at Rainier Beach have been a big part of making it all happen," he states. They both agree that the process has been fairly smooth. According to Mr. Cook, "Making sure that everyone had the information they needed keeps me busy, but in the end it is a great reward to see it all pulling together and know that so many people are working to make it a success."
Mr. Cook has been designing sets for twenty years in the Seattle area and throughout the West Coast. Designing the backdrops for musical performances is his specialty.
Ms. Gilmore has worked at various dance camps and theatre programs throughout the country, including the UW Drama School. She has worked with television set design in Los Angeles, and locally with the Seattle Children's Theatre and the Pacific Northwest Ballet. She currently serves as an Associate Master Scenic Artist with the Seattle Opera.

Artist Spotlight: Kibibi Monie

CATS is less than three weeks away, and Broadway Bound's staff and talent are putting the finishing touches on the show. The costumes are taking shape, the performers are learning their final dance steps, and behind the scenes, it's all coming together under the direction of CATS' director Kibibi Monie.

Ms. Monie has been hard at work for months on this uniquely inspired production of CATS, striving to put her special touch on the classic show in order to create a better connection between the characters and the community. This cast's characters are rooted in popular culture and are sure to strike a note with audience members of all ages. From Eartha Kitt to Prince to Louis Armstrong and even Madonna, this production of CATS will have something for everyone.
One of Ms. Monie's favorite aspects of working with the young cast of CATS is seeing the children grow in their talent, dedication, and commitment to the arts. She is grateful to Broadway Bound for drawing out the community's passion for all aspects of the theatre, and appreciates the fact that "Broadway Bound has sparked a real interest in the performing arts." She's inspired by "the way the community has embraced drama since Broadway Bound" has reached out to South Seattle to include all of Seattle's youth and create a diverse base of young actors.

Ms. Monie began working with Broadway Bound Children's Theatre in January of this year. In addition to her responsibilities with the organization, she is also the Executive Director of the Nu Black Arts West Theatre. In addition, Ms. Monie heads a Cultural Heritage Program which serves children in the U.S. and in Ghana. The U.S. program began in 1992, and was expanded to Ghana in 2000. The program involves conducting acting workshops and sharing a passion for and knowledge of the arts with children.
Ms. Monie is a native of Seattle, a graduate of Evergreen State College and Seattle University, where she obtained her Masters degree. She also spent time in New York while she attended the New York Film Academy. Ms. Monie's passion for the theatre has taken many forms throughout her life, as she's served as a playwright, actress, and director throughout her career, and has performed with such talents as Stevie Wonder, Kenny G., and Gladys Knight & the Pips. She is also the first (and only) woman to have had the privilege of directing the award winning playwright August Wilson in a reading of his play. Ms. Monie is the first African American President of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

CATS is coming!

CATS is coming!

There is no such thing as coincidence! Shortly after accepting his role as the new Executive Director for Broadway Bound, and prior to moving to Seattle, Jim D’Asaro was finishing a stint as the Production and Stage Manager for Hollywood actor HAL HOLBROOK. Mr. Holbrook was on a national tour in his Tony Award winning one-man show, MARK TWAIN TONIGHT, and had arrived in Portland, Oregon for two performances.

At an early breakfast at their hotel in Portland, Jim “coincidentally” found himself chatting with another guest, who was attending a conference for Northwest performing arts organizations. Her name was Kibibi Monie, the Executive Director of the NU BLACK ARTS WEST THEATRE, who, as it turned out, was from Seattle and knew of Broadway Bound and our Artistic Director, Jimmy Nixon.

It was that chance encounter that later would come full circle when lo and behold, in searching for the right director to helm the upcoming production of CATS at the RAINIER BEACH HIGH SCHOOL, Jimmy and Jim both thought of Kibibi, whom they both had met and knew independent of one another. The die was cast. The choice was clear.

In January Kibibi enthusiastically joined the creative team at Broadway Bound. She has been hard at work on our newly conceived production of CATS to be presented May 15, 17 & 18 at the Paul Robeson Performing Arts Center. This will be CATS unlike any you have seen before. With the conception of custom-made masks, make-up and hair created by renowned specialist Michael Todd Costain and costumes built by Broadway Bound’s incredible costumer Rita Overton, the cats in CATS will be rooted in popular and cultural icons such as Michael Jackson, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Prince, George Burns, and the late Eartha Kitt. As such Broadway Bound will once again offer their unique and individual approach to the live theatre in their trademark signature!

Adding to the storytelling of this oft told tale will be a not-to-be-missed ingenious interpretation of the Andrew Lloyd Webber score of CATS which will feature a choir from the South End serving as a Greek Cat Chorus in and about the back alleyway of the cat’s eye set, designed by Jeffrey Cook and lit by Meg Fox. Sound Designer John Studamire, working with Musical Director Melina Markland, has created a unique orchestration to highlight the TS Eliot poetry, and to propel the modern choreography, created by a team of choreographers from the NORTHWEST TAP CONNECTION, under the direction of Melba Ayco. Their work has magically embodied the rhythms and characters with cat -like tread to dance us into the light of their memories, honoring the mystical nine lives of the feline kingdom. Without question, this production has CAT-ITUDE!

Our Benefit Cabaret Raises $ 25,000!

Broadway Comes to Broadway Bound, our benefit cabaret held on March 23, 2009 was a terrific success, raising over $ 25,000. We were honored to have the new US Secretary of Commerce, Gary Locke, in the audience with his wife Mona, who delivered a beautiful speech on behalf of the organization. The kids were fantastic and excited and proud. What more could you ask?

They especially enjoyed the opportunity to meet the performers, ask them questions and share time both before and after the show. It was a wonderful experience for both the kids and the guest artists. Jerry Dixon spoke of these shared moments during the intro to his song and related this connection unscripted and beautifully. All of the performers came out into the lobby following the show and mingled with the guests. As a result people lingered for quite some time.

Most of our guest performers arrived in Seattle on Sunday, though Brent Barrett and Phil Fortenberry actually arrived early Monday morning from Las Vegas and basically worked straight through the day. The performances were fantastic, including the cameos from winning bidders Mike Slade, who performed with John Treacy Egan in the PRODUCERS duet, "You Can Do It," and Bob Bejan, who performed with Jerry Dixon in the classic musical theatre song "Broadway Baby".

We have posted more photos on our Facebook page.