Duty’s Call in White Christmas: ASPI Honored to Recognize Veterans

White Christmas opens in the midst of World War II. While in Europe in 1944, Captain Bob Wallace and Private Phil Davis learn that their General Waverly is being relieved of his command. Being a former Broadway star and an aspiring performer, respectively, Wallace and Davis send off their general with a chorus and an emotional farewell. From that moment on, the musical continually reflects the bond and support that veterans offer to their fellow comrades.

General Waverly is to be performed by Oconto Falls’ very own Bob Maloney! Mr. Maloney is honored to portray the general because as a veteran himself, he understands that the time spent with fellow soldiers is a time that defines them for the rest of their lives. 

Mr. Maloney portraying General Waverly

Mr. Maloney, who currently resides in his own little piece of heaven on Beaver Lake, grew up in Green Bay in the 50’s & 60’s, and he moved to Oconto Falls as a sophomore in high school, graduating in 1972.

After enlisting in the Navy during the Vietnam War, he served from 1972 – 1976 as a Hospital Corpsman (Medic), supporting Vietnam veterans as they returned from active duty.  Duties included Great Lakes Hospital, 9th Naval District. He also pulled duty as a Brig Chaser with the Marines as their Corpsman on cross country searches for deserters, AWOL, and missing Navy and Marine Corps enlisted men and women. A few of his stops included Cherry Point, San Diego and Camp Lejeune.

In 1973, while on leave, Mr. Maloney married his high school sweetheart, Laurie Peterson. They share 2 children and 3 grandchildren, and this December they will celebrate their 49th anniversary. As Mr. Maloney says, “I’ve been a Colonel in the Auction Business, a Commander in The Legion, and now a General in White Christmas, yet I’m still just a Private at home.”

For 43 years, Mr. Maloney was self-employed as owner of Midcentral Sales, Inc. and Midcentral Auction Team. Even though he thinks he’s recently retired, his phone keeps ringing. Presently, he serves as commander of the Oconto Falls American Legion Post 302, president of the Oconto Falls Area Veterans Monument, member of the Referendum for Oconto Falls Schools, and board member of Spruce Pine Hill Cemetery.

Mr. Maloney’s first acting role was in ASPI’s 2020 production of Something Funny Happened On the Way to the Forum, and he is proud to once again join this group of talented local actors. 

ASPI has accepted a very generous donation of 50 tickets so that veterans can see the production of White Christmas for free. It is a privilege to offer these tickets to our veterans! Like Mr. Maloney says, veterans in our area always like to “pay it forward” by volunteering and assisting others that served our country. We hope veterans and their families will enjoy the show and that it will take them back to a simpler time. 

The first 50 veterans to call the Box Office, will receive a free ticket! Showtimes include December 1st-3rd and 8th-10th at 7pm, and the 4th and 11th at 1pm. Audiences can also purchase tickets at abramsspotlightproductions.com. Please call the Box Office at (920) 826-5852 with any questions.

Mike Eserkaln, director of the upcoming production “The Foreigner”

Make ‘Em Laugh: A Director Spotlight

Drum roll please… ASPI is excited to introduce Mike Eserkaln, director of the upcoming production “The Foreigner”. You may have seen Mr. Eserkaln on the stage in ASPI’s production of “Oliver”, and most recently in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum”.

Outside of the theater, Mike is an artist of various media: painting, digital, photography, improvisation, and writing. His work can be found at www.eserkaln.com or www.Patreon.com/Eserkaln.

Mike comes to ASPI with 38 years of theater experience, including improvisational comedy. While “The Foreigner” is his first experience directing a previously published play, he has directed countless original scripts. “The Foreigner” was actually the first show that got him involved in theater.

Mike describes the play as doing a wonderful job of building the absurdity to a crazy climax. He has been looking forward to watching this show over and over again in rehearsals as all the cast and crew’s faces hurt from laughing. He can’t wait for an audience to experience that too! Audiences can be assured that this comedy will leave you in stitches!

Speaking of cast, Mike shares that the cast fit their roles quite naturally, and you would never guess that the youngest cast member is only 15 years old!

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with most of the cast before, so I knew what I was going to get with them. This is the first time I’ve been directing most of them, and of course they are already exceeding my expectations,” shares Mike.

“The Foreigner” will be presented June 16-19 and 23-26. Buy your tickets NOW. Tickets are available online at www.abramstheater.com. Any questions? Contact the Box Office at (920) 826-5852.

Cast of The Foreigner

Fly On The Wall

ASPI is proud to present Larry Shue’s two-act comedy The Foreigner, running June 16-19 and June 23 – 26.

When audiences enter the theater, they will be transported to a fishing lodge in rural Georgia. There they will meet two Englishmen, army sergeant Froggy and proofreader Charlie. This tranquil retreat takes a turn when Froggy shares with the host and other guests that Charliedoes not understand a word of English. This means that Charlie is now privy to secrets and scandal galore, unbeknownst to the others! What could possibly go wrong? When Charlie overhears something that could change the future of the lodge forever, will Charlie be able to keep up his farce or will he have to expose his secret to save the day?

If you could be like Charlie for the day, able to listen in without being detected, would you? Where would you be a fly on the wall?

Below is a selection of thought provoking “would you rather” questions that are sure to leave you thinking that with great power comes great responsibility.

  • Would you rather, only be able to see 10 minutes into your own future anytime you want or be able to see anyone’s entire future but, not your own, 10 times throughout your life?
  • Would you rather, relive the same day, repeatedly, for a year or lose a year of your life?
  • Would you rather have magical powers in the normal world and not be able to tell anyone or live in a magical world of your creation but there’s nothing magical about you?
  • Would you rather be able to forget any of your past memories at any time or be able to make someone forget their memory but when they do, you acquire it as your own?
  • Would you rather have to say exactly what you’re thinking all the time or be able to read minds but only the bad things people are thinking about you?
  • Would you rather know all the mysteries of the universe or know every outcome of every choice you make?
  • Would you rather know, without being able to change it, when you’re going to die or how you’re going to die?
  • (Question Source: The Odyssey)

This is one production you don’t want to miss! It’s sure to end with a BANG! Buy your tickets NOW. Any questions? Contact the Box Office at (920) 826-5852. Tickets also available online at Www.abramstheater.com.

the foreigner logo

The Foreigner

June 16, 17, 18, 19 and June 23, 24, 25 & 26

The Foreigner is a fun, two-act comedy by American playwright Larry Shue. The story takes place in a fishing lodge in rural Tilghman County, Georgia where two Englishmen arrive as guests.

When people at the lodge try to talk to Charlie, however, he remains silent and claims to not understand English. Taking the explanation that he’s a non-English speaker as fact, the lodge’s guests quickly begin revealing their secrets, and Charlie soon discovers scandals amongst some of the residents of the lodge, along with a few other hilarious escapades.

Liz Jolly

Be Our Guest

We are bubbling over with excitement to feature our Beauty and the Beast, Jr. director Ms. Liz Jolly!

This March we invite you to be our guest for APSI’s production of Beauty and the Beast, Jr. Beauty and the Beast is ASPI’s second “Jr.” production, the first being Elf Jr. when it graced the Abrams’ stage in December 2019.

You may be wondering, what is a Jr. production? A Jr. production is a chance for young and aspiring actors to have a meaningful learning experience and to foster a lifelong love of theater. For the upcoming production of Beauty and the Beast, the cast will range in age from 5-17 years old.

“We have an abundance of extremely talented and ‘hungry for theater’ kids. The middle school and elementary school kids might not have a theater program. The high school kids might have one, but the amount of kids is too large and the funding too low to have as meaningful/tailored of a learning experience… ASPI also has an abundance of very talented and trained leader/teachers available to the kids. Without listing everyone’s credentials, many people on the production team have studied, trained, or worked extensively in their area,” explains Liz.

The production of Beauty and the Beast offers the fantastic opportunity for characterization, which Liz thinks is a great chance for young actors to deepen their skills, whether acting, singing, or dancing.

“The cast has been great – so much enthusiasm shown so far… We have some actors who have never been on stage before and I’m so excited to see them grow, connect to their characters, and hopefully love it,” shares Liz.

ASPI is in a special position to provide a unique theater experience to its cast and crew:

“I love performing but more than that I love bringing and sharing a love of theatre to/with my hometown community. I think the most special thing about ASPI is the amount of full families we have involved in our group. There aren’t many spaces for full family involvement that put children and parents/grandparents/aunt and uncles/etc. on the same level like acting on a stage or working on a crew together can. I’m starting to come to terms with the fact that my parents won’t be around forever so I try to never take for granted each dance step I get to do with my mom and each nail I get to hammer in or moment on stage I share with my dad,” expresses Liz.

Audiences should be ready for a very magical and immersive experience when they take their seats in March!

“It’s called DISNEY’S Beauty and the Beast, so the tech director David Jolly (my dad) is aiming for Disney level sets, environment, and detail. Our challenge is to match that on the cast side, and based on rehearsals so far, we’re going to blow it out of the park! … I don’t want to give anything away but we’re pulling out pretty much every theater magic we can! Katie Jackson, the costumer, has done sketches of the costumes and they will be some of the best and most elaborate (adult or kids show) Abrams has done. We also have a professional makeup artist, Lance Williams, volunteering his time to help with the Beast,” Liz shares.

When not on the stage or directing, Liz is the Senior Marketing Specialist for Heritage Hill State Park. She enjoys reading, cooking (especially making soups), and venturing back into sewing. She recently joined her first Dungeons & Dragons “campaign” with friends from Guys and Dolls!

Liz holds a BA in Theatre Studies and Classical Studies from St. Norbert College and completed a 2 year conservatory program in acting from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. Liz has been involved with ASPI since 2010. Off stage she has directed Meet Me in St. Louis and Elf Jr. Her on stage roles include Psuedelous in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Miss Hannigan in Annie, Kathy Selden in Singin’ in the Rain, and The Chaperone in The Drowsy Chaperone. Liz’s theater experience also includes work with Theatre Z, PlayByPlay Theatre, Evergreen, Green Bay Community Theatre, SNC Summer Music Theatre, and appearances in Drunken Shakespeare at Comedy City in De Pere.

Put our service to the test! Showtimes for Beauty and the Beast, Jr. are March 3, 4, 5, 10, 11 at 7pm and March 6, 12, 13 at 1pm. Tickets are already selling fast! So take a seat and we’ll provide the rest!

Beauty and the Beast art

Tale as Old as Time

But just how old is the tale?

Beauty and the Beast is a tale that has dazzled audiences since Walt Disney Pictures released the animated musical classic in 1991.

But the tale of Beauty and the Beast has spanned generations and across countries! The tale that is now as old as time first originated in 1740 as a French fairy tale, La Belle et la Bête, by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve. Villeneuve set out to write this “salon tale” to stress to noble born girls the importance of marrying within their class (more specifically arranged marriages). While Villeneuve’ La Belle et la Bête is the oldest known tale, variations of this classic tale can be found around the world.

In 1756, French novelist Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont shortened the tale for middle class children. Beaumont rewrote the original French tale so that it was a tale of moral instruction. This is the most known and retold rendition of Beauty and the Beast.

For those unfamiliar with Beaumont’s tale, let us go to provincial France, where there may not be singing cutlery, but it is nonetheless magical:

In Beaumont’s tale, Beauty is the youngest of six children to a wealthy merchant. When the family loses their fortune, Beauty and her three older brothers and two older sisters, along with their father, must move from the city to a small country home. While Beauty takes on their new life gracefully, her sisters do not, and they are jealous of Beauty’s looks and her kindness. On a trip to restore his family’s fortune, the merchant asked his daughters what gifts he could bring back for them. While the two sisters requested lavish gifts, Beauty only requested a single rose.

The merchant went on his trip to no avail, and on his return home he became disoriented. Lost in the snow and rain, the merchant came upon a magical palace. No one was home, but the table was set with an abundance of delicious food, a fire was roaring, and a bed awaited him.

After a restful night, the merchant intended to return home, but not before he cut a rose for Beauty from the palace garden. That is when the palace’s resident, the Beast, stormed in demanding the merchant send his daughter to live in the palace for the attempted theft.

When Beauty goes to live in the palace, the imminent death she feared never came, instead the Beast showered her with books and other luxuries. Every night the Beast would ask Beauty to marry him, and each night Beauty would decline.

One gift the Beast gave Beauty was a looking glass. Through the looking glass Beauty was able to see that her father was sick. Magic transported Beauty to her ailing father, but the Beast warned Beauty that if she didn’t return to him in one week, he would surely die without her.

Reunited with her family, Beauty’s father’s health was restored, but Beauty’s sisters were jealous of her fine things and good fortune with the Beast. They were so jealous they tried to trick her into staying away from the Beast longer than a week, in hopes that she would lose her good fortune.

But Beauty is able to see through her looking glass that the Beast is dying, so by magic she is transported back to the palace where she declares that she loves the Beast and wants to marry him. After declaring her love, the Beast is turned back into a handsome prince and the two are married. And you know how it goes, they live happily ever after!

For those of you who made it to the end of the enchanting tale, were there any surprises? Beauty not being called Belle? No singing candlesticks and clocks? Beauty’s father being a wealthy merchant not an inventor? Beauty having two evil sisters?

While Beaumont’s rendition was the inspiration for Walt Disney Pictures’ 1991 animated classic, Beauty and the Beast, composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman added the musical magic! The film starred Broadway actress Paige O’Hara as Belle, actor Robby Benson as the Beast, and actress and Broadway star Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Potts. It was a success! The film was a 1992 Academy Award winner for Best Original Score (Alan Menken) and Best Original Song for “Beauty and the Beast” AND a 1992 Golden Globe Award winner for Best Motion Picture- Musical or Comedy, Best Original Score- Motion Picture, and Best Original Song- Motion Picture for the song “Beauty and the Beast”. In 1993, the film was a Grammy Award winner for Best Album for Children and Best Pop Performance by a Group or Duo with Vocal for Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson’s duet to the song “Beauty and the Beast”.

But that isn’t where the tale ended! In 1994 the musical Beauty and the Beast debuted on Broadway! All songs from the 1991 animated film were used in the musical, and composer Alan Menken along with lyricist Tim Rice composed six new songs for the musical. One song in particular, “Human Again” didn’t make it into the cut for the 1991 film but is now one of the musical numbers featured in the musical. Beauty and the Beast became Broadway’s tenth-longest running production! The musical was Tony Award nominated for Best Musical and was a Tony Award winner for Best Costume Design.

Fast forward about 20 years, Beauty and the Beast hits the big screen again with the 2017 live-action remake starring Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens as the Beast. In this adaptation Belle is an empowered young woman and bibliophile desperate for adventure outside of her small town. This live-action remake does not include the songs written for the Broadway musical but instead features four new songs including “Evermore”, sung by the Beast as he holds onto hope of Belle returning to him. And once again, Celine Dion is featured as she lends her vocals to the new original song “How Does a Moment Last Forever”, a nostalgic ballad.

You can catch this timeless musical as Beauty and the Beast, Jr. debuts on the Abrams’ stage March 3, 4, 5, 10, 11 at 7pm and March 6, 12, 13 at 1pm. Tickets are on sale NOW! We cordially invite you to BE OUR GUEST!

Youth to audition for Beauty and the Beast Jr.

Abrams, WI Dec. 7, 2021: Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. will bring a stunning Disney musical to life with its junior performance of “Beauty and the Beast.” “Beauty and the Beast” is the story of an arrogant prince cursed to become a terrifying beast unless he finds true love. The production is directed by Elizabeth Jolly, and show dates are March 3-6 and 10-13.

The musical calls for a variety of roles, both male and female, 18 years old (must be in high school) and under. Auditions are scheduled 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 28, or Wednesday, Dec. 29, at the Nancy Byng Community Theater, 5852 Maple St., Abrams.

Those wishing to audition should prepare to sing 16-32 bars of a song from a musical (not “Beauty and The Beast”). They may sing a cappella or play a karaoke track on their phone. Individuals will also do a short, unrehearsed reading and learn and perform a short dance. Kids who audition are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes and shoes that they can dance in. 

No previous experience is required, and no commitments are made by auditioning. Masking is optional, and social distancing will be in effect. Youth who are busy or not feeling well on the audition nights are encouraged to email theater.aspi@gmail.com for instructions on how to submit a video audition.

Children who feel a little shy about performing are invited to help behind-the-scenes. Contact volunteers.aspi@gmail.com for more information.

Rehearsals are tentatively planned for 5-8 p.m. Sundays and 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays starting the first week of January. Not everyone will be required to be at every rehearsal. However, all cast is required to participate in all performances and attend rehearsals the weeks of Feb. 20 and 27.

Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

Abby Frank

Abby Frank to Make Directorial Debut

Abrams Spotlight Productions, Inc. is thrilled to introduce Miss Abby Frank as director of the upcoming production Guys & Dolls!

You may recognize Abby as Dorothy Gale, Ariel, or Philia from ASPI’s productions of The Wizard of Oz (2015), Footloose (2019), and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (2021).
Miss Frank has been involved in ASPI since 2015, her sophomore year of high school, and she brings with her 12 years of theater experience.

Abby currently works as a nanny and in the Fall of 2022 she will begin classes at NWTC to become an automotive service technician. When not acting, Abby can be found on the stage at the Green Room in De Pere, as she has gotten back into comedy. Outside of theater, Abby also takes pole classes at Aerial Dance in De Pere.

For the past 6 years, ASPI has been a second home to Abby. One special memory Abby holds is from her junior year in high school when she was part of ASPI’s production of Annie. Unfortunately, one of the showtimes was on the same day as her junior prom. Though she tried to make it work to attend both, she ended up having to miss the prom. When the rest of the cast, crew, and production team found out, they all threw a ‘prom’ at the theater for her. Everyone put on big dresses from the costume room, played music, and Abby was named “prom queen”, tiara and all.

Abby, with her experience both on and off the stage, along with the talented cast and crew, are ready to transport audiences to the streets of New York to meet a gambler, a crap game manager, a showgirl, and a missionary. Will opposites attract? Place your bets!

“I’m honored to have such a wonderful cast, crew, and production team behind me as I make my directorial debut. And I can’t wait for everyone to see it [the production]!” – Director Abby Frank
So, guys and dolls, join us at the Nancy Byng Community Theater located on 5852 Maple Street in Abrams on Dec 2-4, 9-11 at 7pm, Dec 5 and 12 at 1pm. Purchase your tickets for this romantic musical comedy NOW!

For more information or any questions, please contact the Box Office at (920) 826-5852.

Preparing for the auction

Abrams theater to hold online auction

Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. seeks donations for its second annual online auction scheduled in December. A wide variety of prizes will be up for grabs at the ASPI Spotlight Auction on Thursday, Dec. 9, to Sunday, Dec. 12.

These dates coincide with the performance of “Guys and Dolls, a rousing musical about two big-city gamblers and the women who love them. “Guys and Dolls” will be presented Dec. 2-5 and 9-12 at the Nancy Byng Community Theater, 5852 Maple St., Abrams.

Anyone interested in donating prizes, auction baskets, money, or gift certificates is encouraged to call 920-826-5852 or email theater.aspi@gmail.com. Donations are due Monday, Nov. 15, and pick-up service is available.

ASPI is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that presents musicals, comedies, and dramas at the Nancy Byng Community Theater in Abrams.

Senior Spotlight

ASPI is proud to highlight two young members of our theater family! Each of these dedicated thespians have graced the stage and developed their talents as growing artists! Victoria Athey, 2021 high school graduate, and Eleanor Finger, future 2022 high school graduate, have left their marks on our community theater! 

Victoria Athey 

Victoria Athey

Victoria is a 2021 graduate of Oconto Falls High School and is currently in her freshman year at St. Norbert College, De Pere. She will be pursuing a minor in theater and Spanish. In middle school, Victoria fell in love with acting, and it was a passion she continued to pursue throughout high school. With no declared major, Victoria hopes to figure out what drives her and then go wherever the world may take her!

In 2015, Victoria made her first appearance on the Abrams stage in the The Wizard of Oz (Ozian, a crow, and a winky). After interest in dance and cheer began to dwindle and with no interest in sports, Victoria’s mom suggested she might enjoy acting and that she should audition for The Wizard of Oz. After landing a role in the production, Victoria fell in love with theater!

Other productions on Victoria’s theater resume include Annie (Bonnie, a maid, and homeless person), Meet Me in St. Louis (chorus), and A Christmas Story (an elf and adult chorus). Victoria was also involved in her high school’s production of The Sound of Music

Being involved in ASPI has meant a lot to Victoria! Through theater many friendships were formed, she found her passion, and many of her best memories were made. 

Eleanor Finger

Ellie is a current attendee of Oconto High School, where she participates in cross country, track, LifeSmarts, and in an auditioned choir group (Momentum). Upon her 2022 graduation, Ellie hopes to pursue a major in Arts Management and Business Administration at either Carroll University in Waukesha or the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point.

Ellie desires to work with the business side of theater. While not sure yet where it will take her, she is very excited for the future possibilities! Ellie knows that for the near-term she would like to stay involved with ASPI, whether that’s on or off the stage. 

Eleanor Finger

In 2013, Ellie began her ASPI career when her mom saw an ad in the newspaper for The Sound of Music auditions. With a little encouragement, Ellie auditioned and landed the role of Brigitta von Trapp. Ever since that first production, ASPI has felt like a second home and family to Ellie. 

Ellie’s theater productions also include A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Geminae Twin), The Wizard of Oz (coroner, Ozian, and flying monkey), Shrek the Musical (young Fiona and fairy godmother), Annie (rising star, servant, and radio singer), Oliver (Bet), Meet Me in St. Louis (ensemble), Singin’ in the Rain (ensemble), A Christmas Story (ensemble), and Footloose (principal).

Ellie has also worked backstage for the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and she was the assistant production coordinator for Elf Jr. the Musical. When not on stage or backstage, Ellie could be found working as an usher or attending theater workdays.

One of Ellie’s favorite musical lyrics is from Hamilton, “There’s a million things I haven’t done, but just you wait…just you wait!” 

Victoria and Ellie, we know you both have many exciting adventures ahead to experience! And we know you will look back fondly on your time with ASPI (both have a special memory of playing hide and seek on Saturdays between shows). Whether through community theater or school productions, theater has been a valued part of their lives. Wherever their future dreams take them, we are excited to know that theater will be at the heart. Many congratulations Victoria and Ellie and break a leg as you make the world your stage!