WHO, WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN
Movement of Still
May 30-31, 2003 Theatre Cedar Rapids
Part epic rock concert, part theatre, all human experience, Movement of Still examines the transcendental emotions and life experiences that make up the fabric of human existence. Essentially, a concept album performed live, this concert brings together eight of Iowa's most talented musicians to perform a unique mix of original material combined with popular rock, blues, folk, and soul music spanning the last three decades.
People all over the world have much in common. We are more alike than we are different. Our skin may be a different color; our cultures are diverse; our dress, our likes and dislikes vary. But our smiles are the same, we laugh like one another, and we often cry together.
Movement of Still is presented in three acts; Faces, Emotions, and Awareness. Each act is a destination within the journey - each song, a milestone along the way.
Part epic rock concert, part theatre, all human experience, Movement of Still examines the transcendental emotions and life experiences that make up the fabric of human existence. Essentially, a concept album performed live, this concert brings together eight of Iowa's most talented musicians to perform a unique mix of original material combined with popular rock, blues, folk, and soul music spanning the last three decades.
People all over the world have much in common. We are more alike than we are different. Our skin may be a different color; our cultures are diverse; our dress, our likes and dislikes vary. But our smiles are the same, we laugh like one another, and we often cry together.
Movement of Still is presented in three acts; Faces, Emotions, and Awareness. Each act is a destination within the journey - each song, a milestone along the way.
CAST
|
Doug Elliott - Accordion, Vocals
Gerard Estella - Keyboards, Guitars, Vocals Bill Heller - Guitar, Vocals Greg Kanz - Percussion Phil Koopman - Percussion |
Janelle Lauer - Keyboards, Guitar, Percussion, Vocals
Kathy Lee Ogden - Vocals David Ollinger - Bass Jane Pini - Keyboards, Vocals |
MUSIC
|
FACES
Who Are You?
Peter Townsend Face in the Mirror Janelle Lauer Small Town John Mellencamp Space Between Dave Matthews My City in Ruins Bruce Springsteen Concrete Angel Stephanie Bentley & Rob Crosby Madonna TMOS Mix Angel From Montgomery John Prine I'm Beautiful Brisley Evans Subterranean Homesick Blues Bob Dylan |
EMOTIONS
Down to the River
Alison Krauss Hurt Trent Reznor Norwegian Wood John Lennon & Paul McCartney Big Yellow Taxi Joni Mitchell Angels in the Dark Kathy Lee Ogden & Gerard Estella Suite 306 Gerard Estella Here Comes the Sun George Harrison |
AWARENESS
Unchain My Heart
B. Sharp & T. Powell Life in the Fast Lane Glenn Frey & Don Henley Carry on My Wayward Son Kerry Livgren Bed of Lies Rob Thomas Lift Me Up Trevor Rabin Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For U2 Brand New Day Sting In Your Eyes Peter Gabriel Every Breath You Take Sting |
rEvolutioN: 1963-1973
March 4-13, 2005 Theatre Cedar Rapids
A show about "The Decade," framed by President Kennedy's assassination in 1963 and the pull out of Vietnam in 1973, rEvolutioN was a true collaboration between Richard Barker, the director, David Martino, the writer, SPT Theatre, and the entire cast. Featuring music and a barrage of images from the era, rEvolutioN wove stories that were at once very personal, and at the same time universal. The point wasn't to re-enact Woodstock or the 1968 Democratic Convention or the British Invasion. The point was to recreate the Buzz that transported America through one of its most turbulent, but idealistic decades.
In his notes to audience members, Barker summarized the production this way,
"This is what we came up with. Is it a concert? Yep. Is it a play? Kinda. Is it melodramatic? Sure. Is it loud? Uh-huh. It it new? Thanks to writer, David Martino... brand spankin'. Is it a documentary? In a weird way. Is it theatre? Absolutely. It's got more lights, sound, action, and fun than human beings should be allowed to have. And it's all about you."
Conceived by SPT Theatre, Richard Barker, and David Martino.
Written by David Martino, Richard Barker, SPT Theatre, and the cast of rEvolutioN.
Music arranged by Gerard Estella and SPT Theatre.
A show about "The Decade," framed by President Kennedy's assassination in 1963 and the pull out of Vietnam in 1973, rEvolutioN was a true collaboration between Richard Barker, the director, David Martino, the writer, SPT Theatre, and the entire cast. Featuring music and a barrage of images from the era, rEvolutioN wove stories that were at once very personal, and at the same time universal. The point wasn't to re-enact Woodstock or the 1968 Democratic Convention or the British Invasion. The point was to recreate the Buzz that transported America through one of its most turbulent, but idealistic decades.
In his notes to audience members, Barker summarized the production this way,
"This is what we came up with. Is it a concert? Yep. Is it a play? Kinda. Is it melodramatic? Sure. Is it loud? Uh-huh. It it new? Thanks to writer, David Martino... brand spankin'. Is it a documentary? In a weird way. Is it theatre? Absolutely. It's got more lights, sound, action, and fun than human beings should be allowed to have. And it's all about you."
Conceived by SPT Theatre, Richard Barker, and David Martino.
Written by David Martino, Richard Barker, SPT Theatre, and the cast of rEvolutioN.
Music arranged by Gerard Estella and SPT Theatre.
CAST
|
Doug Elliott
Hannah Gansen Sarah Hansen Joe Hutchcroft Doug (DJ) Jackson Maggie John Janie Jones |
Kim Kropa
Janelle Lauer Tedd McTee Jane Pini Jenny Rammelsberg Amanda Strope Laura Waechter |
MUSIC
|
ACT 1
The End of Innocence
Beatlemania Women's Liberation Viet Nam Protest Father / Daughter |
ACT 2
Entre'act
Politics and Fashion Psychedelic Phenomenon Road Trip Woodstock Civil Rights The Final Frontier |
Underground Passages:
Stories of Love and Other Confusions
February 3-12, 2006 Theatre Cedar Rapids
A story about love that takes place somewhere underground in a mythical subway station, Underground Passages explores the relationship between two characters; Dr. Amor, a psychiatrist, and the Flower Lady, a flower vendor. While the action never leaves the station, it's still a journey of discovery for these two individuals and the audience as they pursue the true meaning of their relationship.
Like any urban subway station, the stage is also inhabited by other vendors, street musicians, commuters, and local "characters." The ensemble cast assumes a variety of roles in scenes that weave in and out of the main storyline, and portray the many facets of love, both humorous and poignant - unconditional, parental, eternal, and lost love. David Martino wrote the script, Gerard Estella wrote the music, and they both collaborated on the lyrics.
Written by David Martino
Directed by Richard Barker
Assistant Director: David Martino
Music and lyrics by Gerard Estella
A story about love that takes place somewhere underground in a mythical subway station, Underground Passages explores the relationship between two characters; Dr. Amor, a psychiatrist, and the Flower Lady, a flower vendor. While the action never leaves the station, it's still a journey of discovery for these two individuals and the audience as they pursue the true meaning of their relationship.
Like any urban subway station, the stage is also inhabited by other vendors, street musicians, commuters, and local "characters." The ensemble cast assumes a variety of roles in scenes that weave in and out of the main storyline, and portray the many facets of love, both humorous and poignant - unconditional, parental, eternal, and lost love. David Martino wrote the script, Gerard Estella wrote the music, and they both collaborated on the lyrics.
Written by David Martino
Directed by Richard Barker
Assistant Director: David Martino
Music and lyrics by Gerard Estella
CAST
|
Avery Cassell
Doug Elliott Matt Ford Sarah Hansen David E. Hein Janelle Lauer Marty Norton Victor Ortiz |
Jane Pini
D. Pittam Jenny Rammelsberg Kelly Rhone Jason Spina Jim Steward Mike Wilhelm |
MUSIC
|
ACT 1
Scene One: Making Connections
Underground Passages Grace is Amazing Scent Two: Trust and Desire Guilty Scene Three: They Myth of Love Cupid Scene Four: Unconditional Love Scene Five: Love Lost Adam Cried Blue Sky Doors Closing |
ACT 2
Scene Six: Searching for Answers
The Question Remains Scene Seven: Eternal Love Precious Time Scene Eight: Male Love Tale of Men Scene Nine: Female Love It's Gonna Be Me Scene Ten: The Many Faces of Love Scene Eleven: Passionate Love La Passion Scene Twelve: Falling in Friendship One Touch Finally Scene Thirteen: Love Found Letting Go Curtain Underground Passages (Reprise) |
Underground Passages was a collaborative venture of Theatre Cedar Rapids and SPT and was presented on the TCR stage February 3-12, 2006 as part of the 2006-2007 season.
Christmas: Hans Christian Andersen
December 2006 Theatre Cedar Rapids
During his first attempt a writing a full-length play, Richard Barker admitted, "I had writers block even before a word was put to paper. But then two things occurred to me: 1) He's been dead for over a hundred years, so it's high time Hans Christian Andersen write a Christmas story, and 2) No matter how hopeless your "story" may seem, you have the power within you to change the ending. And that's exactly where the play came from. A story of hope for Christmas."
So how did he make it happen? Barker readily admits to "outright thievery" from the styles of Terry Gilliam's Time Bandits, The Wizard of Oz, and even a little bit of Warner Brothers cartoons. It's about Hans Christian Andersen, and Yard Dogs, and Little Match Sellers, and Brave Tin Soldiers, and a Streetwise Kid, and Evil Scribes, and a lutefisk-fearing Snowman, and Nancy Narcolepsy, and... the Spirit of Christmas.
Book by Richard Barker
Music and Lyrics by Gerard Estella
Directed by Richard Barker
Music Direction by SPT Theatre
Script Contributions by Jason Alberty, Jim Kropa, and Scott Humeston
During his first attempt a writing a full-length play, Richard Barker admitted, "I had writers block even before a word was put to paper. But then two things occurred to me: 1) He's been dead for over a hundred years, so it's high time Hans Christian Andersen write a Christmas story, and 2) No matter how hopeless your "story" may seem, you have the power within you to change the ending. And that's exactly where the play came from. A story of hope for Christmas."
So how did he make it happen? Barker readily admits to "outright thievery" from the styles of Terry Gilliam's Time Bandits, The Wizard of Oz, and even a little bit of Warner Brothers cartoons. It's about Hans Christian Andersen, and Yard Dogs, and Little Match Sellers, and Brave Tin Soldiers, and a Streetwise Kid, and Evil Scribes, and a lutefisk-fearing Snowman, and Nancy Narcolepsy, and... the Spirit of Christmas.
Book by Richard Barker
Music and Lyrics by Gerard Estella
Directed by Richard Barker
Music Direction by SPT Theatre
Script Contributions by Jason Alberty, Jim Kropa, and Scott Humeston
CAST
|
Jason Alberty
Jackson Bartleme Jennifer Ford Scott Humeston Joe Hutchcroft Jim Kropa Tedd McTee |
Leah Raulerson
Kelly Rhone Christina Swenson Jonathan Swenson Laura Waechter Gene Whiteman Mike Wilhelm |
MUSIC
|
ACT 1
Cold
Life The Brave Tin Soldier None Other Than Me I Once Smiled Destiny |
ACT 2
The Battle Sequence
New Beginning There Once Was Home Spirit of Christmas |
Christmas: Hans Christian Andersen was a collaborative venture of Theatre Cedar Rapids and SPT and was presented on the TCR stage December 1-17, 2006 as part of the 2006-2007 season.
Tic...Tic...Tic...
A Musical Mid-life Crisis
January and May of 2007 and September of 2014
So what happens when a seemingly contented dude meets the girl of his dreams? The zen goes zany. The cool melts into existential befuddlement.
Our main character has it all figured out. After all, he is in his late twenties. He's been at the convenience store for years, and has been able to remain essentially free of responsibility. And that's how he likes it. It's allowed him time to reflect on the human condition and be cool with it.
But sudden and thunderous love can hit us all with an existential wallop that sends even the most level-headed careening into confusion and, even worse, responsibility.
The concept for Tic, Tic, Tic began life as a Modern Salon production with Adam Witte providing some words and the SPT folks adding a bit of music in 2007. It then went through a couple of changes and they took their act on the road in May to present Tic.. Tic... Tic... A Musical Midlife Crisis at Riverside Theatre in Iowa City. In 2014 its most recent iteration grew into a full blown play and was presented at Coe College's Dows Theater.
Book by Adam Witte
Additional Material by Rob Nassif & Doug Elliott
Music and Lyrics by Dan Bern and Gerard Estella
Directed by Jason Alberty
So what happens when a seemingly contented dude meets the girl of his dreams? The zen goes zany. The cool melts into existential befuddlement.
Our main character has it all figured out. After all, he is in his late twenties. He's been at the convenience store for years, and has been able to remain essentially free of responsibility. And that's how he likes it. It's allowed him time to reflect on the human condition and be cool with it.
But sudden and thunderous love can hit us all with an existential wallop that sends even the most level-headed careening into confusion and, even worse, responsibility.
The concept for Tic, Tic, Tic began life as a Modern Salon production with Adam Witte providing some words and the SPT folks adding a bit of music in 2007. It then went through a couple of changes and they took their act on the road in May to present Tic.. Tic... Tic... A Musical Midlife Crisis at Riverside Theatre in Iowa City. In 2014 its most recent iteration grew into a full blown play and was presented at Coe College's Dows Theater.
Book by Adam Witte
Additional Material by Rob Nassif & Doug Elliott
Music and Lyrics by Dan Bern and Gerard Estella
Directed by Jason Alberty
CAST
(From various productions)
Taylor Foster
Jane Pini
Katy Slaven
Alisabeth Von Presley
Tim Arnold
Adam Witte
Janelle Lauer
Doug Elliott
and
Gerard Estella as the Orchestra
(From various productions)
Taylor Foster
Jane Pini
Katy Slaven
Alisabeth Von Presley
Tim Arnold
Adam Witte
Janelle Lauer
Doug Elliott
and
Gerard Estella as the Orchestra
Nature Rocks
The Concert
June 24, 2007 Indian Creek Nature Center
A GREEN benefit for the Indian Creek Nature Center and SPT Theatre Company, Nature Rocks was a chance for you and your family to enjoy some great music in the great outdoors. Jane, Janelle, Gerard, and Doug were joined by good friends Greg Kanz, Davie Ollinger, and Ron Dewitt to present a two-hour concert on the grounds of the Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In addition to music, there was wine from Cedar Ridge Vineyards, important lessons about conservation, recycling and sustainability, and plenty of room for you to spread out a blanket or circle your chairs around a picnic supper.
A GREEN benefit for the Indian Creek Nature Center and SPT Theatre Company, Nature Rocks was a chance for you and your family to enjoy some great music in the great outdoors. Jane, Janelle, Gerard, and Doug were joined by good friends Greg Kanz, Davie Ollinger, and Ron Dewitt to present a two-hour concert on the grounds of the Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In addition to music, there was wine from Cedar Ridge Vineyards, important lessons about conservation, recycling and sustainability, and plenty of room for you to spread out a blanket or circle your chairs around a picnic supper.
Biographical Notes
An Incidental Musical
April 18-20, 2008 Riverside Theater
What happens when you take four actor/writers, three actor/singers, and one musician, and throw them all up on stage together with all of them trying to answer the same question at the same time: Who am I?
Chaos? Mayhem? Two hours of self-absorbance?
Well, we wanted to find out, so we invited four of the area's most talented actors and writers to join us for a weekend on the Riverside Theatre stage to tell us "who they are."
Through music and monologues, Biographical Notes weaves four separate lives into one collective story of who we are. I'm a father. I'm a son. I'm a wife. I'm a daughter. I'm a teacher. I'm a mortgagee.
A little chaos. A bit of mayhem. Two hours of sheer entertainment.
Written by David McCauley, David Martino, Megan Turner Ginsberg and Adam Witte
Directed by Richard Barker
Musical arrangements by Gerard Estella
What happens when you take four actor/writers, three actor/singers, and one musician, and throw them all up on stage together with all of them trying to answer the same question at the same time: Who am I?
Chaos? Mayhem? Two hours of self-absorbance?
Well, we wanted to find out, so we invited four of the area's most talented actors and writers to join us for a weekend on the Riverside Theatre stage to tell us "who they are."
Through music and monologues, Biographical Notes weaves four separate lives into one collective story of who we are. I'm a father. I'm a son. I'm a wife. I'm a daughter. I'm a teacher. I'm a mortgagee.
A little chaos. A bit of mayhem. Two hours of sheer entertainment.
Written by David McCauley, David Martino, Megan Turner Ginsberg and Adam Witte
Directed by Richard Barker
Musical arrangements by Gerard Estella
CAST
|
Doug Elliott
Gerard Estella Janelle Lauer David McCauley |
David "Ringo" Martino
Jane Pini Megan Turner Ginsberg Adam Witte |
Music & Monologues
|
ACT 1
Skeleton Winter: Ringo
The Bearded Odyssey: Adam Our House The Curse, pt.1: David The House of Stone and Light The Curse, pt. 2: David It's a Wreck: Megan The Curse, pt. 3: David I Wanna Hold Your Hand Time and Tide Guy and Max Snapshot, pt.1: Ringo Le Morte d'Kermit: Adam The Curse, pt.4: David Up on the Roof The Owl and the Pussycat, Revisited: Company What Matters Most |
ACT 2
SPT Test of Basic Decency: Adam
Teach Your Children Guy and Max Snapshot, pt 2: Ringo The Creeps, pt. 1: Megan Love You Guy and Max Snapshot, pt. 3: Ringo The Curse, pt. 5: David The Creeps, pt 2: Megan Daughters Prognostication: Adam The Curse, pt. 6: David The Creeps, pt. 3: Megan The Milky Way Tonight The Creeps, pt. 4: Megan The Curse, pt. 7: David Guy and Max Snapshot, pt. 4: Ringo Telemachus C'est Moi: Adam When You Wish upon a Star Patchwork Tapestry: Company In Your Eyes |
Primrose and Wells
September 25, 26 CSPS Hall
We are proud to finish our second Incubator Play: the Writers' Room's own Mary Sullivan's foray into turn of the 20th century western freak show.
In 1884, The Primrose and Wells Circus is playing way out west in the Nevada Territory. When the managers steal the money and leave the side show performers stranded in the middle of nowhere, they must find a way back, by any means.
But the choices to go east or west, to kill or suffer, to love as you are or change fundamentally, all bring these characters to a crossroads.
Written by Mary Sullivan
Directed by Angie Toomsen
We are proud to finish our second Incubator Play: the Writers' Room's own Mary Sullivan's foray into turn of the 20th century western freak show.
In 1884, The Primrose and Wells Circus is playing way out west in the Nevada Territory. When the managers steal the money and leave the side show performers stranded in the middle of nowhere, they must find a way back, by any means.
But the choices to go east or west, to kill or suffer, to love as you are or change fundamentally, all bring these characters to a crossroads.
Written by Mary Sullivan
Directed by Angie Toomsen
CAST
K. Michael Moore
Olivia Frisch
Len Struttman
K. Michael Moore
Olivia Frisch
Len Struttman
A New Hamlet
March 14,15 2014 Cedar Rapids Public Library
One day Jason asked Richard, "If you could direct any show in the world what would it be?" Richard replied by saying he'd always wanted to do a one-man Hamlet. In essence, a really long Shakespearian monologue. The idea had come from the old discussion as to Hamlet's sanity; Nuts or just bummed out? Barker chose the former and went with the notion that Hamlet had been driven mad by his mother's betrayal and his father's murder. What this thought led to was an adaptation where all that happens in the play is only in Hamlet's very disturbed mind. He is hearing voices and talking to himself...all by himself...alone in a cubicle...discussing his story with his imaginary friend, Horatio...and wondering if he should "Be" or "Not". And there it is: A one-man Hamlet. (And, of course, the voices in his head)
Adapted from the original by Jason Alberty and Richard Barker
Directed by Richard Barker
CAST
Matthew James
NewBo Po Jam
October 11, 2014 Lion Bridge Brewery Co.
Hey, don't get between a poet and their passion!
Akwi's passion? Bringing vibrant, living, exciting poetry to people.
That is why SPT has given her the platform of NewBo PoJam featuring...you guessed it, Akwi Nji.
This poetry jam in New Bohemia's Czech Village, hosted by Lion Bridge Brewery and Taproom, will be a Rhapsody of vibrant spoken word and live music, not to mention appetizers, local brews (alcoholic and non), and laughs.
Hey, don't get between a poet and their passion!
Akwi's passion? Bringing vibrant, living, exciting poetry to people.
That is why SPT has given her the platform of NewBo PoJam featuring...you guessed it, Akwi Nji.
This poetry jam in New Bohemia's Czech Village, hosted by Lion Bridge Brewery and Taproom, will be a Rhapsody of vibrant spoken word and live music, not to mention appetizers, local brews (alcoholic and non), and laughs.
Conjure: A Cycle in Three Parts
August 11, 12, 2017 CSPS Hall
Conjure has deep meaning—to be bound together by an oath, to plot or exorcize, to feel an obligation and connection to memory and spirit. The women in this play are fierce and loyal creatures. Their interactions embody all of the definitions of conjure—they are bound together (loyalty to the hive in Honey Song); they break and split apart in loss and acts of art/creation (The Three Fridas); they engage in moments of exorcism from suffering (Hummingbird Girl); and they crave a kind of reconnection to the earth, each other, and themselves. The women in Conjure make things happen. They make intimate relationship choices and are held to the lens in incredible moments of vulnerability. I believe that when we choose to look at each other as mentors, muses, lovers, artists, and friends, that those choices ripple, those choices matter. We cannot remain unaffected in this life. And, honestly, why would we want to?
Written by Jen Rouse
Directed by Janeve West
Produced by SPT as a part of the New Play Incubator Series
Conjure has deep meaning—to be bound together by an oath, to plot or exorcize, to feel an obligation and connection to memory and spirit. The women in this play are fierce and loyal creatures. Their interactions embody all of the definitions of conjure—they are bound together (loyalty to the hive in Honey Song); they break and split apart in loss and acts of art/creation (The Three Fridas); they engage in moments of exorcism from suffering (Hummingbird Girl); and they crave a kind of reconnection to the earth, each other, and themselves. The women in Conjure make things happen. They make intimate relationship choices and are held to the lens in incredible moments of vulnerability. I believe that when we choose to look at each other as mentors, muses, lovers, artists, and friends, that those choices ripple, those choices matter. We cannot remain unaffected in this life. And, honestly, why would we want to?
Written by Jen Rouse
Directed by Janeve West
Produced by SPT as a part of the New Play Incubator Series
CAST
|
April Barnhart
Claire Winkleblack Jane Pini Joy Mincey Powell Kaamilya William |
Kathryn Huang
Mayte Gomez-Cruz Noel VanDenBosch Olivia Lestrud Tierra Plowden |
A Modern Salon at Brucemore
2004 - Present Brucemore Historical Site
Inspired by the Parisian salons of the first half of the 20th century, A Modern Salon is an evening of great music, good stories and engaging conversation in the Great Hall of the Brucemore Mansion, Iowa's only National Trust Historic Site.
The evening begins with wine and hors d'eurves served in the Grand Dining Room and culminates with SPT and Special Guest, clad in formal wear, singing and conversing with the audience an arm's-length away. Champagne and desserts are, naturally, served during intermission
SPT picks a theme each year and pursues that theme through music and monologue and tomfoolery. Always working to introduce audiences to somebody new or reintroduce them to somebody they thought they knew, in a different way, SPT varies between authors and musicians.
It truly is the only event of its kind in Eastern Iowa.
Inspired by the Parisian salons of the first half of the 20th century, A Modern Salon is an evening of great music, good stories and engaging conversation in the Great Hall of the Brucemore Mansion, Iowa's only National Trust Historic Site.
The evening begins with wine and hors d'eurves served in the Grand Dining Room and culminates with SPT and Special Guest, clad in formal wear, singing and conversing with the audience an arm's-length away. Champagne and desserts are, naturally, served during intermission
SPT picks a theme each year and pursues that theme through music and monologue and tomfoolery. Always working to introduce audiences to somebody new or reintroduce them to somebody they thought they knew, in a different way, SPT varies between authors and musicians.
It truly is the only event of its kind in Eastern Iowa.
Through the Years
2004 Family and Friends with Dr. David Martino
2005 Memories with Dr. David Martino
2006 Dreams with David R. McCauley
2007 Time with Adam Witte
2008 Home with Megan Turner Ginsberg
2009 Love with Annie Savage
2010 The Magic of Song with Rob Nassif
2011 Party with Jonathan Swenson
2012 Neighbors with Jeff Ircink
2013 Tradition with Jim Kern
2014 Generation with Garret Hufford & Alisabeth von Presley
2015 On The Road with Angela Billman and Aaron Murphy
2016 Lucky 13 with Chris Okishi
2017 Imagination with Cherryl Thomason
2018 Growing Up with Joe Link
2005 Memories with Dr. David Martino
2006 Dreams with David R. McCauley
2007 Time with Adam Witte
2008 Home with Megan Turner Ginsberg
2009 Love with Annie Savage
2010 The Magic of Song with Rob Nassif
2011 Party with Jonathan Swenson
2012 Neighbors with Jeff Ircink
2013 Tradition with Jim Kern
2014 Generation with Garret Hufford & Alisabeth von Presley
2015 On The Road with Angela Billman and Aaron Murphy
2016 Lucky 13 with Chris Okishi
2017 Imagination with Cherryl Thomason
2018 Growing Up with Joe Link
Tales from the Writers' Room
2008 - Present Cedar Rapids Museum of Art and CSPS
How can we nail down the Writers' Room Series? I think the easiest thing to say is that we can't. We toss five very different writers into a room and give them a topic or phrase or idea and say, "Be funny. Be poignant!" Then we see what happens.
The Writers’ Room format features music interspersed with humorous and reflective stories performed by professional local writers, actors and musicians.
Each season has an over-arching theme. Each episode spins that theme into an idea. Then the writers do their own thing with that. The musicians add themed songs. The audience comes, drinks, laughs, cries, and usually leaves with talking points.
The Cedar Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Bureau wrote, "Featuring the original musings of the members of the Writers’ Room, Tales is an evening of sketch comedy and drama, monologue, poetry, physicality, and as always, great live music provided by SPT and musical guests. Each episode is served up fresh, having just been written weeks before the performance. You can be assured it will include a generous helping of the literal, the metaphoric, the mundane, and the bizarre. And while always individually satisfying, each episode leaves you hungry for more."
I guess that's pretty good.
How can we nail down the Writers' Room Series? I think the easiest thing to say is that we can't. We toss five very different writers into a room and give them a topic or phrase or idea and say, "Be funny. Be poignant!" Then we see what happens.
The Writers’ Room format features music interspersed with humorous and reflective stories performed by professional local writers, actors and musicians.
Each season has an over-arching theme. Each episode spins that theme into an idea. Then the writers do their own thing with that. The musicians add themed songs. The audience comes, drinks, laughs, cries, and usually leaves with talking points.
The Cedar Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Bureau wrote, "Featuring the original musings of the members of the Writers’ Room, Tales is an evening of sketch comedy and drama, monologue, poetry, physicality, and as always, great live music provided by SPT and musical guests. Each episode is served up fresh, having just been written weeks before the performance. You can be assured it will include a generous helping of the literal, the metaphoric, the mundane, and the bizarre. And while always individually satisfying, each episode leaves you hungry for more."
I guess that's pretty good.
Seasons
SPT Musicians for all seasons include Dave Ollinger, Greg Kanz and Gerard Estella
SEASON 1: 2008-09
Tales from the Writer's Room
September 27, 2008
Cabinet Studios
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special musical guest Ron Dewitte
Dirty Politics and Other Tales of Freedom
October 24 & 25, 2008
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guest Matthew James
Tales of Love & Hate
February 13 & 14, 2009
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Featuring SPT, the Writers, special guests Ashley Boots and Alex Williams, with Billy Heller on guitar
Tales of Two Cities
April 17 & 18, 2009
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
April 24 & 25, 2009
Riverside Theatre, Iowa City
Featuring SPT, the Writers, special guests Kate Knudson and Nicolette Coiner-Winn, and Ron Dewitte on guitar
Tales of Wonder
June 5 & 6, 2009
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guest Megan Turner Ginsberg
September 27, 2008
Cabinet Studios
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special musical guest Ron Dewitte
Dirty Politics and Other Tales of Freedom
October 24 & 25, 2008
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guest Matthew James
Tales of Love & Hate
February 13 & 14, 2009
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Featuring SPT, the Writers, special guests Ashley Boots and Alex Williams, with Billy Heller on guitar
Tales of Two Cities
April 17 & 18, 2009
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
April 24 & 25, 2009
Riverside Theatre, Iowa City
Featuring SPT, the Writers, special guests Kate Knudson and Nicolette Coiner-Winn, and Ron Dewitte on guitar
Tales of Wonder
June 5 & 6, 2009
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guest Megan Turner Ginsberg
SEASON 2: 2009-10
Out of Context
Organized Spontaneity
September 18 & 19
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Sarah Hinzman & Vershawn Ashanti Young
Dead Moose on the Table
October 30 & 31
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Leslie Charipar and David Morton, with Bill Heller on guitar
Bless Your Heart
February 12 & 13
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Doug Jackson and Megan Turner, with Ron Dewitte on guitar
I'd Rather Eat Dirt
April 2 & 3
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Steve Ginsberg and Rip Russell, with Billy Heller on guitar
Penniless at the End of My Life — What Great Timing
June 18 & 19
Riverside Theatre, Iowa City, Iowa
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guest Megan Ginsberg
September 18 & 19
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Sarah Hinzman & Vershawn Ashanti Young
Dead Moose on the Table
October 30 & 31
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Leslie Charipar and David Morton, with Bill Heller on guitar
Bless Your Heart
February 12 & 13
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Doug Jackson and Megan Turner, with Ron Dewitte on guitar
I'd Rather Eat Dirt
April 2 & 3
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Steve Ginsberg and Rip Russell, with Billy Heller on guitar
Penniless at the End of My Life — What Great Timing
June 18 & 19
Riverside Theatre, Iowa City, Iowa
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guest Megan Ginsberg
SEASON 3: 2010-11
Body of Work
In Over Your Head
September 10 & 11
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guest Carrie Fattig with Willie Wells on guitar
White Knuckles
October 10 & 11
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Jim Kropa and Phillip Schramp, with Bill Heller on guitar
Mistle Toe
December 3 & 4
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guest David Combs, with Ron Dewitte on guitar
Pain in the Neck
February 18 & 19
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests David Bolt, with Ron Dewitte on guitar and Gayle Elliott on vocals
Bottoms Up
April 1 & 2
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guest Tim Arnold and Kimberly Maloy
In the Blink of an Eye
June 3 & 4
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests David McCauley, Meg Merkens, & Nina Swanson
September 10 & 11
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guest Carrie Fattig with Willie Wells on guitar
White Knuckles
October 10 & 11
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Jim Kropa and Phillip Schramp, with Bill Heller on guitar
Mistle Toe
December 3 & 4
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guest David Combs, with Ron Dewitte on guitar
Pain in the Neck
February 18 & 19
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests David Bolt, with Ron Dewitte on guitar and Gayle Elliott on vocals
Bottoms Up
April 1 & 2
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guest Tim Arnold and Kimberly Maloy
In the Blink of an Eye
June 3 & 4
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests David McCauley, Meg Merkens, & Nina Swanson
SEASON 4: 2011-2012
The Games We Play
Twister
October 28 & 29
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guest Scott Humeston with Ron Dewitte on guitar
Trivial Pursuit
December 2 & 3
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Alisabeth von Presley and Mike Wilhelm, with Bill Heller on guitar
Monopoly
February 17 & 18
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Jim Kropa and Suzie Streit, with Layton White on guitar
Clue
April 13 & 14
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Bret Goethe and Katy Slaven.
Sorry
June 1 & 2
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Scott Humeston, Aaron Murphy, and Hannah Spina, with Craig Erickson on guitar
October 28 & 29
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guest Scott Humeston with Ron Dewitte on guitar
Trivial Pursuit
December 2 & 3
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Alisabeth von Presley and Mike Wilhelm, with Bill Heller on guitar
Monopoly
February 17 & 18
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Jim Kropa and Suzie Streit, with Layton White on guitar
Clue
April 13 & 14
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Bret Goethe and Katy Slaven.
Sorry
June 1 & 2
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Scott Humeston, Aaron Murphy, and Hannah Spina, with Craig Erickson on guitar
SEASON 5: 2012-2013
5
5
1
September 14 & 15
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Nicolette Coiner-Winn, David Combs, and David Morton, with Matt Brooks and Ron Dewitte on guitar
2
November 2 & 3
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Aaron Murphy, Lindsay Prince, and Alisabeth von Presley, with Craig Erickson on guitar
3
February 17 & 18
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Catherine Blades and Matthew James, with Johnathan Dyrland and Garret Hufford on voice, and Ron Dewitte on guitar
4
April 12 & 13
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Steve Ginsberg and Meg Merckens, with Craig Erickson on guitar and Gayle Elliott on vocals
5
June 7 & 8
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Jackson Bartelme and Hannah Spina, with Matt Brooks on guitar
September 14 & 15
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Nicolette Coiner-Winn, David Combs, and David Morton, with Matt Brooks and Ron Dewitte on guitar
2
November 2 & 3
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Aaron Murphy, Lindsay Prince, and Alisabeth von Presley, with Craig Erickson on guitar
3
February 17 & 18
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Catherine Blades and Matthew James, with Johnathan Dyrland and Garret Hufford on voice, and Ron Dewitte on guitar
4
April 12 & 13
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Steve Ginsberg and Meg Merckens, with Craig Erickson on guitar and Gayle Elliott on vocals
5
June 7 & 8
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Jackson Bartelme and Hannah Spina, with Matt Brooks on guitar
SEASON 6: 2013-2014
Food for Thought
Food for Thought
Appetizers and Starters
September 7 & 8
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Angela Billman and Peter Evans, with Matt Brooks on guitar
Soups and Salads
November 22 & 23
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Allan Boettger, Megan Ginsberg, and David McCauley, with Matt Brooks on guitar
Main Course and Entrees
February 20 & 22
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Scott Humeston and Marty Norton, with Matt Brooks on guitar and special guest writer Lindsay Prince
Just Desserts
April 5 & 6
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Mel Andringa and Meg Merckens, featuring Janelle Lauer with Matt Brooks on guitar and special guest writer Chris Okiishi
Nightcap
May 30 & 31
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Catherine Blades and Alex Doser, with Billy Heller on guitar, and special guest writer Kelly Shriver Kolln
September 7 & 8
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Angela Billman and Peter Evans, with Matt Brooks on guitar
Soups and Salads
November 22 & 23
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Allan Boettger, Megan Ginsberg, and David McCauley, with Matt Brooks on guitar
Main Course and Entrees
February 20 & 22
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Scott Humeston and Marty Norton, with Matt Brooks on guitar and special guest writer Lindsay Prince
Just Desserts
April 5 & 6
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Mel Andringa and Meg Merckens, featuring Janelle Lauer with Matt Brooks on guitar and special guest writer Chris Okiishi
Nightcap
May 30 & 31
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Catherine Blades and Alex Doser, with Billy Heller on guitar, and special guest writer Kelly Shriver Kolln
SEASON 7: 2014-2015
Seven
Seven
Lucky 7
September 12 & 13
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guest David Morton with Craig Erickson on guitar
7 Deadly Sins
October 31 & November 1
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers with Chris Okiishi, and special guests Nikki Stewart and John Smick, with Craig Erickson on guitar
7 Year Itch
February 20 & 21
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Aaron Brewer and Katy Slaven, with Matt Brooks on guitar
7th Inning Stretch
April 3 & 4
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers with John Smick, and special guests Jim Kern and Susie Streit, with Craig Erickson on guitar
Magnificent 7
May 22 & 23
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Alex Schulte and Hannah Spina, with Billy Heller on guitar
September 12 & 13
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guest David Morton with Craig Erickson on guitar
7 Deadly Sins
October 31 & November 1
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers with Chris Okiishi, and special guests Nikki Stewart and John Smick, with Craig Erickson on guitar
7 Year Itch
February 20 & 21
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Aaron Brewer and Katy Slaven, with Matt Brooks on guitar
7th Inning Stretch
April 3 & 4
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers with John Smick, and special guests Jim Kern and Susie Streit, with Craig Erickson on guitar
Magnificent 7
May 22 & 23
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers, and special guests Alex Schulte and Hannah Spina, with Billy Heller on guitar
SEASON 8: 2015-2016
WYSIWYG
WYSIWYG
Special Musical Guests this season include Staisha Federick, Alicia Monee Strong, Ron DeWitte, Ben Schmidt, Jason Wright, Billy Heller, Matt Brooks and Dave Nanke
Under the Microscope
September 11, 12
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers and Special Guest Aaron Murphy
Through the Looking Glass
October 30,31
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers and Special Guests Heather Akers, Rip Russell
I Yam What I Yam
February 12, 13
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers and special guests Jake Stigers, Taylor Foster, Nikki Stewart
No Returns
April 8,9
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers and special guests Jackson Bartelme, Greg Smith
Here's Looking At You
May 27, 28
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers and special guests Matthew James, David Morton, Carrie Tinkham
September 11, 12
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers and Special Guest Aaron Murphy
Through the Looking Glass
October 30,31
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers and Special Guests Heather Akers, Rip Russell
I Yam What I Yam
February 12, 13
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers and special guests Jake Stigers, Taylor Foster, Nikki Stewart
No Returns
April 8,9
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers and special guests Jackson Bartelme, Greg Smith
Here's Looking At You
May 27, 28
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers and special guests Matthew James, David Morton, Carrie Tinkham
SEASON 9: 2016-2017
It's A Zoo
It's A Zoo
Special Musical Guests this season include Ron DeWitte, Craig Erickson and Matt Brooks
Monkey See Monkey Do
September
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers and special guest Kristy Hartsgrove Mooers
Wolf In Sheep's Clothing
October-November
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers and special guests Akwi Nji and L.D. Kidd
Fish Out of Water
February
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers and special guest Matthew James
Don't Be An Ass
April
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers and special guests Alisabeth Von Presley and Joe Link
Fish Out of Water
May
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers and special guests Emma Drtina and Alex Schulte
September
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers and special guest Kristy Hartsgrove Mooers
Wolf In Sheep's Clothing
October-November
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers and special guests Akwi Nji and L.D. Kidd
Fish Out of Water
February
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers and special guest Matthew James
Don't Be An Ass
April
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers and special guests Alisabeth Von Presley and Joe Link
Fish Out of Water
May
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers and special guests Emma Drtina and Alex Schulte
SEASON 10: 2017-2018
X Marks the SPiT
X Marks the SPiT
Special Musical Guests this season include Tim Arnold, Matt Books, Luke Viertel and Annie Savage.
1st & 10
September 22 & 23, 2017
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers and special guests Traci Rezabek, Jason Alberty and Tim Arnold
Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?
November 10 & 11, 2017
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers and special guests Clare Dieter, Alex Schulte and Jason Alberty
X's and O's
February 16 & 17, 2018
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers and special guests Cavan Hallman, Leslie Nolte
Top 10 List
March 30 & 31, 2018
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers and special guests Akwi Nji and Jason Alberty
Ex ________
May 11 & 12, 2018
CSPS
Featuring SPT, the Writers and special guests Meg Merkens and Patrick Dulaney