Last Show Post!

I just can't let go of the show! Everywhere I go, there are wonderful comments. I just want to thank again the cast and crew and everyone involved from Peg Dilbone to the Trine Jazz Band.
I will soon be back at the writing of a new script, for as they say...the show goes on!
Keep tuned in to this blog as lots of subjects will be covered from current town events to bits and pieces of history!

The Voice of Angola

Recovery Week

It is always hard to recover from shows, but this one has been especially hard. Here are a few more photos to keep the memories and show alive for a bit longer. I like knowing it has been the talk of the town for the past couple of weeks. Congratulations to all who worked so hard on this show!

Voice of Angola

Still more show photos!

With the show over less than 48 hours ago, the pangs of emptiness are still within the company of the cast and crew of The Voice of Angola.

Here are a few more shots.Top right is Gerry
and Katie getting ready for
the show.

Next to this writing is Mark Kays, the music director at Trine University. He put together a great jazz band ensemble and did a wonderful job on songs such as Bye, Bye, Blackbird and I'll Be Seeing You. We thank him and all the students who gave of their time for rehearsals and the show as well!

Bottom right are Erin and
Lou Ann with
celebratory smiles!

The Voice of
Angola, 1945

Candid shots and thoughts on closing night..

The snow began in the early morning hours. I cautiously watched blowing snow fill my driveway and street, but knew the show would go on...there was no doubt.

By the time the cast and crew arrived at the theatre, the wind was whipping around the buildings at a harsh angle. Everyone blew in with a huff wearing their boots and sneakers.

I knew not to worry about the crowd...folks would come, and that they did. By 6:30 the lobby at Fabiani Theatre was filled with town and country folks. Some came from Columbia City and Michigan. The only member of the cast was the trombone player who did not make it down from Michigan. It did not stop the wonderful Trine Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Mark Kays. They were wonderful and no one knew!

It was a full house again with popcorn and the film at the intermission. There were tears and roses and applause and then the quiet dark theatre.

The cast party went on until the wee hours of the morning as cast members raised champagne glasses to a job well done and let their hair down for an evening of laughter and reflection.

What is next? Hmmm...the blog will continue, more stories added, events covered, and we will continue to hear from the Voice of Angola.

The show goes on!!

Here are a few snapshots from last night as we prepare for The Voice of Angola, 1945! If you missed the Friday night show, there are a few tickets left for tonight! My best advice is to get their early for tickets and a great seat! We had a full house last night, and I must add, a good time was had by all!

The Voice of Angola, 1945

Dress Rehearsal

Here are just a few shots from the dress rehearsal! Show tonight 7:00 and tomorrow night as well at Fabiani Theatre, Trine University. Come early to get a good seat...tickets have sold like hotcakes!

Voice of Angola, 1945

The rehearsal...

Gerry Ferrel reading over the script at rehearsal!

Mary Ramsey giving a quick pose as she pulls away from her script!

Sunday's rehearsal was vibrant and exciting as we put the final touches on the show! It seems that laughter was an easy commodity and that Von broke into song at every opportunity. The script seems to change weekly as other thoughts enter my head or those of the cast.

The rehearsals are held in my house and there wasn't a space to move with folks on chairs, stools, staircase and just on the floor.

The show is lively, fast paced, full of history and facts and we all hope you show up to support this talented group of local folks. Remember, all proceeds go to the Steuben County Historical Society!

Lou Ann for the Voice of Angola, 1945.

The Von Bressler Radio Hour

On the day of the auditions we were ready to close up shop at Fabiani Theatre when a gentleman came in looking for the auditions. I did not know him, but he said he had been looking all over for the theatre! I told him to relax, get a drink of water, and that, of course, we would wait for him.

Erin White and I looked at each other smiling. There was something contagiously charming about this man.

He asked for the Jazz Band, of which there was none at the time. I asked him what he could do for us and he broke out in song. He stood in the aisles of the theatre singing song after song while doing a soft shoe dance.

He changed voices from his own to Jimmy Durante to Al Jolson and to others I did not know. One voice after another.

He asked if he made it into the show...I was grinning from ear to ear. How could I do the show without him??

Within a few days, I was re-writing the show naming it The Von Bressler Radio Show of 1945.
He has become the gem of the show, and I will be forever spoiled!

Today Amy Oberlin met us at Coachlight Coffee Shop to do an interview and take pictures of Von. He did not disappoint any of us. He sang to her at Rachael's, told his story of how he traveled with Bob Hope for 18 months touring all over Japan and Hawaii and numerous other locations.

Don't forget to get your tickets, I have a feeling that Von's fans will fill the theatre!

Lou Ann for the Voice of Angola, 1945.

The Voice of Angola, 1945

The show will be here within three weeks so here is the information that you need for tickets and for the evening.

Show dates: February 20 and 21, 7:00
Fabiana Theatre, Student Life Center, Trine University

Tickets: Coachlight, downtown Angola
Finishing Touch Hair Salon
Carnegie Public Library in Angola

Ticket Prices: $7 Adults
$5 Senior Citizens
$3 Children 12 and under

Trine Students, Free

Hope to see you there!