Woodside Community Theatre stages 'Kiss Me, Kate' Woodside Community Theatre stages 'Kiss Me, Kate' (October 20, 2004)

By Kate Daly
Special to the Almanac

Where else can you go to watch your neighbor, classmate, or teacher perform on stage?

What else would attract more than 100 local volunteers, all willing to share the limelight in an amateur production that's really rather professional?

The answer to both questions is Woodside Community Theatre, now preparing to put on the musical comedy, "Kiss Me, Kate," in early November in Woodside.

The community's performing days go back more than 45 years to follies shows staged at Independence Hall in Woodside, and a string of musicals directed by former Woodside School District Superintendent George Sellman at the elementary school's multi-purpose room.

Renamed Sellman Auditorium, the facility was revamped recently to enhance its performance capabilities.

After an 11-year hiatus, the Woodside Community Theatre sprang back to life last fall and staged "Annie Get Your Gun" to sellout crowds at Sellman.

Now, many of the same people who staged that show are returning to perform "Kiss Me, Kate" with such hit songs as Cole Porter's "Too Darn Hot," "So in Love" and "From This Moment On."

Written by Sam and Bella Spewack, the musical takes place in Baltimore during the 1940s, and presents a play within a play. Sparks fly when the two leads, who were once married to each other and then divorced, are forced back into each other's arms in Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew."

Family ties

For Mrs. Losey, it's all in the family again. Just like last year's production, both of her daughters are in the show. Woodside High School senior Heather plays the lead, and Woodside Elementary student Brigitte is in the chorus.

The actress who played Annie -- Woodside High school senior Alicia Molin -- is now appearing as Bianca.

With both Miss Losey and Miss Molin heading off to college next year, this could the last time local audiences will have a chance to see them on stage.

Also heading off to college will be Serra senior Ben Bowles. He runs the sound system in Sellman while his father, Mark, serves as set designer and technical director, and mother, Mindy, doubles as co-producer and stage manager.

"I'm struck by how historical this is," says Mrs. Bowles about Woodside Community Theatre. "It's a really neat tradition that people fondly remember."

She notes that David Carr-Berry and David Wenrick perform in this year's show, and their mothers -- Wendy Emerson and Hanna Wenrick -- performed together in "Kiss Me, Kate" in the same auditorium 31 years ago.

When Jane Kellam wasn't teaching dance in Menlo Park, she used to choreograph many of Mr. Sellman's shows in the old days. Joan Rubin worked alongside as stage manager. Both are resuming their Woodside careers in this musical, with Ms. Kellam dancing, and Ms. Rubin assisting the stage manager.

Former Woodside School parent Darrell Batchelder is going from playing a chief in last year's show, to a general in this production. Now his wife, Darlene, is joining him on stage in the chorus.

Mr. Batchelder estimates thousands of volunteer hours go into putting on each show. With so many local people involved in the orchestra, costumes, make-up, acting, singing, dancing, building sets, selling tickets, and arranging publicity, he says he's never seen such "community spirit."

Artistic Director Elena Mori, Music Director Ruthanne Smith, and choreographer and Woodside School parent Patti Michelsen are the only paid staff.

Ms. Bowles says proceeds from "Annie Get Your Gun" enabled the group to donate some funds to the Woodside School Foundation.

"We'd love to do a show every year," says Ms. Bowles. She's already looking forward to putting on a "kid-friendly show" next fall.

INFORMATION

** "Kiss Me, Kate" show times are 7:30 p.m. November 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, and 13 at Woodside School, 3195 Woodside Road, Woodside.
A pre-show will start at 7:15 p.m., featuring a dozen Woodside Elementary students performing songs and dances from the 1940s and Shakespearean times. This roving band of players will continue to provide entertainment during intermission.

** Tickets are on sale at $15 for adults and $10 for children under 18. Tickets are available at the school office from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., or can be reserved by calling co-producer Donna Losey at 365-6404. For more information, go to www.woodsidetheatre.org.

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