Weathervane Theatre
PO Box 127, Route 3
Whitefield, NH 03598
All photos on the site are ©Mark Winter and/or the Weathervane Theatre unless otherwise noted: used here by permission.
Weathervane Theatre -- Archives
One distinctive of alternating repertory is a chance for actors - and audiences -
to enjoy pairings of 'couples' throughout the summer . . .
here, a selection of 2007 "couple" photos.
AEA actors: above, Liz Power coupled with both Edward Barker and John Watson (Jacques) Stewart in Country Cookin' . . . Deborah Jean Templin and Guil Stewart in a feature number from same . . . and Jamie Davis as Sgt. Brown with Scott McGowan as Sky Masterson were paired not only in Guys and Dolls, but also The Philadelphia Story.
Philadelphia Story also gave Jamie a partner in AEA actor David L. Ruffin as Mike . . . and Jacques Stewart as her fiance...
...not to mention the charm of pairing with Guil Fisher as Arvide Abernathy in Guys and Dolls.
And while Guys and Dolls reunited Edward Barker with Liz Power as Nathan Detroit and Miss Adelaide....
.... And even while Jacques and Liz were reunited in The Full Monty, other couples emerged, like the fantastic pairing of the tango dancers AEA actor Molly Meg Legal with intern atop a platform in Evita.
The Woman in Black featured a 'couple' of returning actors, Ed Barker and Scott McGowan . . . and a selection of scenes from the Season will remind us all the actors and staff whose combined efforts deliver a Weathervane summer: enjoy!
Stacy Moscotti, AEA, flew onto our stage in Peter Pan: Gibbs Murray found alternate conveyance as Captain Hook. AEA actor Shawn Carlson showed off his guitar skills in Country Cookin' - and touched our hearts in The Full Monty.
Some glimpses from 2006 and earlier..jpg)
David L. Ruffin, AEA, led the ensemble cast in Monty . . . and played suave in The Philadelphia Story.
. . . even the set crew was suave in the delightul comedy - and choreographed!
Our 2006 July-only ANNIE gave audiences a flock of North Country orphans and AEA actors Deborah Jean Templin, Guil Fisher and Melanie Horton as Miss Hannigan, Daddy Warbucks, and Grace Farrell, shown at left from the Christmas Party scene at Warbucks' mansion . . . much earlier, Hannigan plots with Rooster (Melvin Shambly, AEA) and Lily (Debra Pitkin, AEA).
Gibbs Murray returned as Elwood in a production of HARVEY that reunited the team of Terry, Richard and Gibbs: Terry Portner reprised her role as Veta-Louise and Richard Portner (our very first Elwood) directed the classic comedy with a cast of AEA and community company members . . . as well as a 'choreographed' tech team.
'Loverly' and more were the accolades for a delightful MY FAIR LADY.AEA actors Joshua James Campbell as Freddie, Melanie Horton as Eliza and Deborah Jean Templin as Mrs. Higgins complemented John Watson (Jacques) Stewart as Higgins, Guil Fisher as Doolittle, and Gibbs as Col. Pickering.
TOM, DICK and HARRY returned farce to our stage in 2006: Joshua James Campbell, Melvin Shambly and Lou Steel in a see-no-hear-no pose while Melanie Horton looks on . . . . and the considerable talents of AEA performers were showcased in JUMP 'N' JIVE! Creators/collaborators Jacques Stewart and Elaina Cope won a NH Theatre Award for the show as Best Original Musical Revue! Of the ensemble cast, Scott McGowan, Molly Med Legal and Jacques returned as performers in 2007 -- and Melanie Horton made a 2007 'appearance' as staffer for Windsock Camp.
It wasn't only the lighting and set that offered an evocative production in A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE. The dramatic, chamber-style story of the coming-of-self of Dublin bus conductor Alfie Byrne (Jacques Stewart) was a tour-de-force not only for Stewart but also Lou Steele as enigmatic Robbie . . . as well as the entire ensemble of professional and community actors alike. The only New England production of this seldom-seen charmer, post-show 'talks backs' revealed the depth of connection between actors, theme and audience. Directed by WV alums Ron Trenouth and Vicky Navarro: who paired again in 2007 to guest direct The Full Monty.
Last to arrive in the seven-show repertory -- but by no means least -- was a stunning and award-winning MISS SAIGON. WV music director Elaina Cope and AEA actor Scott McGowan received NH Theatre awards for musical direction and supporting actor (as the Engineer) in the professional category.
Veronica Reyes and Joshua James Campbell confront their past and future; Scott McGowan dreams of American success . . . . as the drama hurls toward the inevitable conclusion.
Some of our AEA company members have returned for two or more Seasons . . . Lou Steele played romantic partner Chris in our 2006 Miss Saigon - and romanced Maria in 2005...
WEST SIDE STORY
AEA actors Lou Steele and Jamie Davis gave powerful and poignant voice to Tony and Maria in our 2005 West Side Story.Among the favorites of American Musical Theatre - and Weathervane audiences - our limited-run seventh show brought the classic tale and moving production to our stage in late August.
Minimalist staging allowed the actors to color the production with moving performances and amazing dance numbers, choreographed by a visiting Dennis Wilson, all complemented by lighting design and effects that fit seamlessly with the action.
Our 40th Anniversary Season in 2005 also offered:
Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
The 'tale as old as time' was retold with a story-book flair and exquisite set by Gibbs Murray, and brought to life under the direction of Scott McGowan. Resident AEA Company - including Jacques Stewart as Lumière - our Interns and community players filled the stage with the magical tale.
WHY NOT STAY FOR BREAKFAST?
A Comedy by Gene Stone and Ray Cooney
A sweet and funny, touching comedic evening. A small-cast show (three principal roles) depended on the considerable talents of AEA actors John Watson Stewart (yes, Jacques), Lou Steele, and Nicole Alessi; as well as the skill of Weathervane alum and popular performer Ed Barker who directed this top-of-the-Season comedy.
HIT THE ROAD, JACK!
A Songbook of Hits Made Popular by Ray Charles
An original musical revue, conceived by Jacques Stewart in collaboration with Brant Challacombe
NH Theatre Award Winner -
Best Professional Original Musical/Revue for 2005!!
Gospel, blues, pop, even country sang and danced across our stage with Adrienne Fishe, Alexander Elisa, Jacques, Cristin J. Hubbard, Barrett Hall, Jamie Davis and Kevin Smith Kirkwood.
ALL THAT JAZZ! A Broadway Cabaret Oh my! A non-stop musical tour of the hottest numbers from Broadway's best, showstoppers all, including Cabaret, Chicago, Sweet Charity, La Cage Aux Folles, and more. Definite 'razzle-dazzle' with Scott McGowan and Cristin J. Hubbard taking center stage, featuring solo and ensemble numbers from AEA cast, as well as Interns and community newcomers. Sell-out performances that sizzled throughout the summer.
Our second 'original' revue, conceived by Jacques Stewart in collaboration with Elaina Cope
Elton John/Tim Rice's AIDA
Originally produced by Disney Theatrical Productions
Audiences embraced the pop-rock score, colorful and imaginative staging, and classic operatic tale retold in contemporary style.
Barrett Hall and Nicole Alessi as the fated lovers were well matched by the strength of the entire cast - and the limited-run mid-season Mainstage show became a not-to-be-missed night out in the North Country.
CASH ON DELIVERY!
a farce by Michael Cooney
The sweeping landscape of Aida gave way to a furnished British flat where farce was the order of the day! Mistaken identities - planned and unplanned - crisis and comedy mounting in the kind of frenzy audiences (and we, too) just love!
Nicole Alessi and Barrett Hall with the frantic Scott McGowan (center) as the linchpin in this farce that also featured Gibbs Murray, Cristin J.Hubbard, Kevin Smith Kirkwood, Lou Steele, Adrienne Fishe, Jamie Davis, and Alexander Elisa . . . with direction by Guil Fisher.
The 2004 Season offered a full Company, along with Interns and Community players in the sweeping musical Big River.
Our 39th summer also offered audiences Gypsy, Caught in the Net, Rock, Rhythm 'n' Soul, Bat Boy, Proof . . . and The Wiz.
Below, Nicole Lewis as the irrepressible Dorothy.
2003: our 38th Season opened with energetic, foot-tapping Footloose . . . and added productions of It Ain't Nothin' But the Blues, The Bible: the Complete Word of God [abridged], The Sound of Music, SideShow, Noises Off, and Ragtime.
2002 and 2001 brought amazing talent and incredible, memorable productions:
Our 38th Season opened with Titanic the Musical onstage at the White Mountains Regional High School while our new red Barn theatre raced toward completion; and closed with a Jesus Christ Superstar produced entirely on the new stage. In between, we produced Art, Smokey Joe's Café, Baby, Parade . . . and Not Now, Darling, which was the first Mainstage show in our new home.
Floyd Collins was a critical and Company favorite in 2001 (we know some folks who watched 'The Riddle Song' every performance night!)
Shown here in rehearsal are 2001 AEA Company actors Cassie McConnell, Deborah Jean Templin, and Guil Fisher.
The 37th summer also treated audiences to Mainstage productions of The Music Man; Complete History of America [abridged]; I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change; Rumors; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; and Cabaret.
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