Actor Q&A with Claire Wilcher!

Over the past few days, we’ve been highlighting some of the crazy characters who are appearing in this summer’s production of SPAMALOT! Go back a few entries to learn more about some of the different actors in the cast!

Today, we feature our very own leading lady: Claire Wilcher!

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Q: What role(s) do you have in SPAMALOT? 

A: I’m playing the Lady of the Lake. She’s a divine diva from the swamp who turns boys into men and helps them on their quest.

Q: When you aren’t onstage, what do you do?

A: I work as the Assistant Artistic Director and Marketing Manager at ComedySportz Indianapolis, an improv club on Mass Ave. I also teach classes with Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre. And I ride my bike a lot.

Q: Tell me about your experiences working with Bob Harbin.

A: Bob Harbin is the ultimate in generosity and big ideas. He’s also brutally honest, but his kind heart makes you not hate him.  🙂 He’s one of my best friends.

Q: To date, what do you think are your best Indianapolis theatre roles?

A: I was just recognized at Lockerbie Pub last night for my role as a giant train puppet in The Velveteen Rabbit at the Children’s Museum maybe six years ago. Apparently, that was memorable. And I loved being in Avenue Q for two runs. Puppets are fantastic.

Q: What brought you into the theatre/performing arts scene here in Indianapolis?

A: After graduation from IU, I moved to Indy and got two jobs: one at the Lafayette Square Old Navy, and one at The Children’s Museum as an interpreter. Guess which one stuck. From there, I made friends and formed working relationships with lots of artsy folk.

Q: Now, just for fun, who is your biggest celebrity crush?

A: Mindy Kaling. She writes smart stuff, is super confident, and has crazy comedic chops.

There you have it, folks! Thanks for joining us for our Actor Q&A!

Tickets for SPAMALOT are on-sale now! 

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Actor Q & A with Paul Hansen!

Over the next few days, we’ll be highlighting some of the crazy characters who are appearing in this summer’s production of SPAMALOT! Keep checking back to learn more about some of the different actors in the cast! We have just a couple more interviews to share!

Today, meet Paul Hansen – he’s playing King Arthur’s squire, Patsy!

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Q: What role(s) do you have in SPAMALOT?

A: I have the great joy of playing Patsy, King Arthur’s squire, in Spamalot. It’s a mildly goofy role, which is just perfect for me. Best of all, he sings “Bright Side of Life,” a Monty Python anthem of I’ve loved since I was a kid.

Q: When you aren’t onstage, what do you do?

A: I’m the marketing director for Dance Kaleidoscope. When I first saw the company perform a few years ago, I was blown away. I’d recently move to Indy and was thrilled to find a quality professional dance company and now I get to work with them every day. I also do occasional  print, tv, and radio commercials. And I’m devoted to my dog Gordon, a devilishly handsome Cocker Spaniel.

Q: To date, what do you think are your best Indianapolis theatre roles?

A: Well, I had huge fun playing Vice Principal Panch in Beef & Board’s The 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee a couple seasons ago. I LOVED playing Amos in Actors Theatre of Indiana’s production of Chicago, and I had a blast doing The 39 Steps at Cardinal Stage in Bloomington.

Q: Who are some of your favorite performers?

A: I got to see actor Tony Shalhoub in a revival of Golden Boy on Broadway in January. BRILLIANT! He was so in the moment that every second he was onstage was alive and seemed completely spontaneous.

Q: What brought you into the theatre/performing arts here in Indianapolis?

A: I moved here about 5 years ago and met some fantastic folks who are passionate about theater. This city is full of great opportunities for performers and artists.

Q: If you could have any actor/famous person’s career, whose would it be & why?

A: So if I get another actor’s career, I get their talent too, right? If that’s the case, I’d like to be Danny Burnstein please. The guy is an amazingly honest, hilarious actor who does all styles of theater intensely well. He won a Tony Award playing the outrageous Aldolfo in Drowsy Chaperone and gave an understated dramatic performance in Golden Boy. He rocks!

Getting so close to opening night! Do you have your tickets yet?

Tickets on-sale now!

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Actor Q&A with Danielle Carnagua!

Over the coming days, we’ll be highlighting some of the crazy characters who are appearing in this summer’s production of SPAMALOT! Keep checking back to learn more about some of the different actors in the cast!

Today,  we meet Danielle Carnagua! She’s a BOBDIREX newbie!

LS74Q: What role(s) do you have in SPAMALOT?

A: My main role in the show is a Laker Girl; however I play many other characters throughout the performance. These characters include Eponine, a showgirl, a towny, a rainy day girl, and a fag hag dancer.

Q: Since this is your first BOBDIREX show, what’s it like to work with Bob Harbin?

A: I haven’t gotten to work with Bob much since we have only been working on singing and dancing with Trevor Fanning and Kenny Shepard (who are AMAZING). The little time I have gotten to spend time with Bob has been awesome. He has so many great ideas for this show that he has explained to us and I can’t wait to see them all come to life on stage! I hope to work with him in the future.

Q: When you aren’t onstage, what do you do?

A: When I’m not on stage I go to school full time at IUPUI pursing a criminal justice major. I am also the co-owner of KNC Cleaning Services. When I’m not at work or school, most of my free time is spent with my amazing 4 year old son Devin. I also play co-ed football, softball, and soccer.

Q: After SPAMALOT, what’s next?

I do not currently have any theatre shows lined up after Spamalot. I was just asked to join Pur | The Company, owned by the wonderful Jenee Michelle (who is also a Laker Girl), as a part time principle dancer. This wonderful group of ladies performs twice a month at the Bu Da Lounge downtown and at the Mediterra each Friday.

Q: If you could play any role in any play/musical, what would it be?

I have my dream role narrowed down to two; it would either be Elphaba in Wicked or Eponine in Les Miserables.

 SPAMALOT opens June 14th! – Get your tickets now!

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Actor Q&A with Dave Rosencrans!

Over the coming days, we’ll be highlighting some of the crazy characters who are appearing in this summer’s production of SPAMALOT! Keep checking back to learn more about some of the different actors in the cast!

This Memorial Day, we bring you an entertaining interview with Dave Rosencrans and his Monty Python’s Holy Grail Ale! Yes, that stuff really does exist!

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Q: What role(s) do you have in SPAMALOT? 

A: I’m thrilled to be playing a Finnish Fish Juggler named Sven KalaKuiskaus, which is of course, Finnish for Sven, the Fish Whisperer, a French mime, one of the many knights who show up throughout the show, the towering and feared Knight who says “Ni!” and lastly, Lancelot’s determined and faithful coconut toting servant, Concorde!

Q: When you aren’t onstage, what do you do?

A: Well right now I’m working towards a nursing degree!  I’ve just finished a semester at IUPUI after several years at IVY Tech, and am waiting to hear back (fingers crossed!).  I am also the full time Document Manager and a Scheduler for Northside ENT, in Carmel!  We also work hand in hand with an audiology clinic, allergy department, and a voice therapy specialist.  As a performer, it’s wonderful to work in an environment where I can be educated on how to care for my voice!  On a personal note, I would like to thank Performance Voice Solutions and Total Hearing Solutions for their financial contributions to SPAMALOT!

Q: You’re a BOBDIREX show veteran at this point, what keeps you coming back?

A: That’s simple, it’s fun!  Bob has been a dear friend to me for years, and whenever there is a chance to work alongside him I consider it a privilege.  He makes the stage and rehearsal spaces a safe and fun environment to explore talents and highlight strengths in the performer… and that is something special.  Bob’s sense of humor is another reason I can’t stay away!  He and I can crack jokes on the fly, and I love being able to learn new material from him and apply it to roles!

Q: If you could have any actor or other famous person’s career, whose would it be & why?

A: That’s a toughie, I don’t think I could choose just one person!  I love older television shows and movies!  Carol O’Connor & Jean Stapleton related to the masses in All in the Family by keeping you laughing, but also tugging at your heartstrings, Mel Brooks’ writing, timing and style are just plain entertaining, and he isn’t afraid to push the limits, and of course that band of British friends that became famous for their own brand of hilarity, the Monty Python guys!  The list could go on and on, I’d love a big mesh up of all their careers!

Q: After SPAMALOT, what’s next on your calendar?

A: Well, I’ve really neglected the summer home and the villa lately, and the yacht certainly won’t sail itself.  I’ll probably try to catch up on that kind of stuff.  I should probably go to work and school and the occasional luncheon with Harbin- he promised to teach the cast how to crochet so maybe we’ll all make a blanket or something.

SPAMALOT opens on June 14th – Tickets available now!

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Actor Q&A with Jenee Michelle!

Over the coming days, we’ll be highlighting some of the crazy characters who are appearing in this summer’s production of SPAMALOT! Keep checking back to learn more about some of the different actors in the cast!

Today, we have an interview with Jenee Michelle! She’s one busy lady (as you will find out below) and she’s a BOBDIREX veteran!

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Q: What role(s) do you have in SPAMALOT?

A: Technically, I’m playing the role of a tree. Honest to goodness, when I received the cast list, I’m listed as a tree. Apparently, trees in SPAMALOT dance and sing a lot and wear corsets and naughty tights.

Q: When you aren’t onstage, what do you do?

A: I’m the owner and founder of Pur | The Company, an Indy based cabaret group that performs all over the Midwest and monthly in Indianapolis. I also teach burlesque, Hip Hop, Fitness Bootcamps and all kinds of specialty workshops throughout central Indiana. My company also have a lingerie/swim line called Pur | Couture, a photography arm with boyfriend Todd Foreman and TJF Photography called Pur | On Location … and a publicity company called Pur | Publicity. I’m also the mother a of a fabulous 6 year-old named Evan!

Q: You’ve done a few BOBDIREX shows in the last few years, what gets you back onstage for Bob’s shows?

A: Funny enough…. Bob is the only director I’ve ever worked with in Indy! I’m not a regular in the theatre scene here…. but Bob and I have walked through some fire together, and so I continue playing in his sandbox. As long as he keeps putting me in fishnets, garters and heels…and give me a lovely platform to keep dancing…. I imagine this affair won’t end anytime soon!

Q: What brought you into the Indianapolis theatre/performing arts scene?

A: I left the world of theatre long ago (high school)…. and left the world of dance some 10-years ago (because I couldn’t possibly dance my whole life, far too short of a shelf life) only to return when I met Bob and do his first Indy show Annie Get Your Gun. I didn’t do much after that but then he reached out again and put me in A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum. After that…. I found dance again…. started working with various burlesque groups in town and then decided I wanted to crank out some original stuff so a little bit of Vegas could find it’s way to the Midwest…. so Pur | The Company was born and now we do no less than 6 (different) shows a month!

Q: If you could have any actor/famous person’s career, whose would it be & why?

A: This will be so cliche and will come off abrupt, but not a single one of them! I admire many actors…. (despite they’re all aliens!) I’m in awe over so many of the great talents we have…. but I have finally reached an point in my life where I’m just super excited to be putting my own little stamp on entertainment. For me, wanting to be anyone else…. well, just wouldn’t be as fun!

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Official SPAMALOT Press Release!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For Additional Information:
Bob Harbin  317-280-0825
Email: Bobdirex@aol.com
http://www.bobdirex.com
MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT
Athenaeum Theatre
June 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 28, 29 at 7:30pm
June 23 Matinee at 3pm
Monty Python’s SPAMALOT is a musical comedy “lovingly ripped off from” the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Like the film, it is a highly irreverent parody of the Arthurian Legend, but it differs from the film in many ways.  The original 2005 Broadway production, directed by Mike Nichols with Eric Idle writing the musical’s book and lyrics, won three Tony Awards, including the Tony Award for Best Musical of the 2004-05 season and received 14 Tony Award nominations.
Bob Harbin’s company, BOBDIREX, with direction from Bob will be presenting the first Indianapolis production of this musical at the Historic Athenaeum Theatre.  This is the fourth summer musical presented by Harbin through BOBDIREX following the success of A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, CAMP ROCK, and last summer’s CABARET.  Harbin describes SPAMALOT as “nothin’ but funny from beginning to end.”
All performances are at the Athenaeum Theatre, 401 East Michigan Street at Massachusetts Avenue.  All performances are at 7:30pm with a 3pm matinee on June 23.  Seating is reserved at $25 a ticket with discounts for Seniors and Groups of 20 or more.  Reservations can be made by calling 317-280-0825 (no credit charge) or by going to our website at http://www.bobdirex.com.
The theatre has a full bar.  Parking is metered on street and paid parking is available in a lot next to the theatre.  Dinner and cocktails are available before and after performances at the famous Rathskeller restaurant in the basement of the building. The reservation number there is 317-636-0396.
I hope you’ll be able to attend one of the performances and share what you see as we continually attempt to grow and better entertain our city of Indianapolis.
CAST MEMBERS
King Arthur: Charles Goad
Patsy: Paul Hansen
Sir Galahad: Pete Scharbrough
Sir Robin: Ben Asaykwee
Sir Lancelot: Thomas Cardwell
Sir Bevedere: Brandon Alstott
Lady of the Lake: Claire Wilcher
 
The Ensemble:
Audrey Brinkley
Danielle Carnagua
Carl Cooper
Dejuan Jackson
Danny Kingston
Jenee Michelle
Dave Rosencrans
Dave Ruark
Ashley Saunders
Sally Scharbrough
Lincoln Slentz
Diane Tsao Boehm
Craig Underwood              

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SPAMALOT performed at Spotlight 2013!

The cast of SPAMALOT was very excited to perform a number from the show for this special performance on April 22nd! This year’s show raised $367,000 for the fight against HIV/AIDS. It was a great night…obviously!

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Look! An official logo!

At long last, BOBDIREX now has an official logo that you can see on the top of the page!

You’ll be seeing it much more frequently now!

A major thanks goes out to Teri at Fresh Design, Inc. for creating this new logo!

She’s also a program sponsor, are you? Click here to get the ad information!

 

 

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What?! Bob was ONSTAGE!?!

That’s right!

The one and only Bob Harbin took the stage with two fellow Indianapolis theatre ladies, Megan McKinney and Claire Wilcher, for a round at Ed’s Auction House! Going…Going…GONE! is a “live AUCTION comedy” that happens on the first Sunday of every month at the IndyFringe Theatre Building! Next month’s installment features the lovely ladies of Angel Burlesque & it’s sure to be an exciting night!

Go to the Going…Going…GONE! Facebook page for more information about the show and to see more photos from the March show!

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SPAMALOT Cast Announcement

BOBDIREX is thrilled to announce the cast and staff for Monty Python’s SPAMALOT! Thanks to everyone who auditioned, who helped with auditions and who helped spread the word.

SPAMALOT opens in June at the Athenaeum Theatre, 401 East Michigan Street in Indianapolis. Call (317) 280-0825 for reservations. Tickets are $25 with discounts for seniors, children under 12 and groups over 20.

Cast
King Arthur: Charles Goad
Patsy: Paul Hansen
Sir Robin: Ben Asaykwee
Sir Lancelot: Thomas Cardwell
Sir Galahad: Pete Scharbrough
The Lady of the Lake: Claire Wilcher
Not Dead Fred/Minstrel: Danny Kingston
Herbert/Others: Craig Underwood

Knights & 50 Others
Dave Ruark
Brandon Alstott
Lincoln Slentz
Dave Rosencrans
Dejuan Jackson
Carl Cooper

Those Beautiful Laker Girls
Jenee Michelle
Diane Tsao Boehm
Sally Scharbrough
Ashley Saunders
Audrey Brinkley
Danielle Carnagua

Staff
Executive Producer/Director: Bob Harbin
Producer: Zach Rosing
Music Director: Trevor Fanning
Choreographer: Kenny Shepard
Set Designer: Bernie Killian
Costume Designer: Jeff Farley
Deck Captain: Rich Baker
Sound: Michael Colter
House Manager: Rodney Tolliver

Monty Python’s SPAMALOT is a musical comedy “lovingly ripped off” from the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and spoofs everything there is to love about musical theatre. The original 2005 Broadway production won three Tony Awards, including Best Musical and received 14 Tony Award nominations.

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