Newsletter – May, 2015

Florentine Players
April / May 2015
Newsy Letter
Letter from the President
Spring is here and all the wonderful feelings that come with it. Spring cleaning,
spring flowers, and of course The Melodrama! If you're receiving this Newsletter, then you're a paid member of The Florentine Players, and chances are
very likely that you've been a part of the Melodrama at some point in the last 51
years. Whether its been just one year, or many years in a row, you know that
feeling when the days last a little longer, the rehearsals get a little sillier, and the
bond between you and your fellow cast mates gets stronger. It makes for the
very best memories.
Inside this issue
Melodrama ................................. 2
2015 Season................................ 2
Florence Days ............................. 3
This year I want to remind you of three important events coming up in May.
First, the Melodrama itself is on May 7, 8, and 9. No Name City, or, Florence, the
Finest Seat in the County is sure to make you laugh, dare I say guffaw even!
On May 9, be sure to come to the parade because this year The Florentine Players are entering a float and we'd love your support as we celebrate Florence
Days and this year's theme of Education. And on Sunday, May 17, please come
back to the Hall for this year's General Meeting. Later in this newsletter, you'll
see a list of candidates for this year's open positions on the board and a short
bio of each. If you have to miss the meeting and you still want to vote, there is
an absentee ballot within the Newsletter as well.
En Memorium ............................. 4
Website Update .......................... 5
Parade Float ................................ 5
Board Candidates........................ 6
Annual Board Meeting ................ 6
Audition Notice ........................... 7
Reds Review ................................ 7
Community Notes ....................... 8
Facilities ...................................... 9
Membership ............................... 9
Absentee Ballott ......................... 9
See you all in May!
Molly Anderson
MELODRAMA 2015
“No Name City or
Florence, the Finest
Seat in the County”
Well, we have a name... for
the play at least. No name
City or Florence the Finest
Seat in the county. We have
the usual cast of characters
who like to stir up trouble. Ole
Sherriff Vern Hauger is sure to
have a hard time keeping the
peace but in the end with the
assistance of Grant Goodheart, good will always win.
We welcome a few newcomers, but also a few old, I mean
experienced Florentine Players. There will be some traditional stuff not seen in a while,
like Carl Green’s OLIO, the
temperance ladies, and even
2015 SEASON
the tulip song will be reprised.
Lots of fun so come on out
and heckle the villain and
cheer the hero. And remember the Florence Historical
foundation runs the bar so
everyone can enjoy the show
just a little bit more. Get your
tickets now for the 51st annual melodrama, playing
May 7th, 8th, and 9th.
Call 402-455-6341 for
reservations.
Kelly Adams
Director
By Tracie Mauk
We may have just barely felt the effects of spring but that doesn't mean we at The Florentine Players aren't
already looking ahead to fall and all of the top notch entertainment we're readying to offer to you. Our 51st
Melodrama, "No Name City" or "Florence, The Finest Seat In The County," is almost here (May 7-9), and
because we want to continue to bring you the best shows the best way we can, the Florence Board has
called an early vote to approve the rest of our 2015 season! We couldn't be more excited and we want you to
get excited too.
On August 13-15, we proudly invite you to the whimsical farce Engaged, by W.S. Gilbert (of Gilbert
and Sullivan fame). Directed by Molly Anderson, this play is a “topsy-turvy” satire of romantic drama. Cheviot
wants to be married so bad that he proposes to every woman he sees. Belvawney, his friend, has been
charged by Cheviot's father to keep him single in exchange for a very generous stipend. Cheviot's uncle, Mr.
Symperson knows that if Cheviot does get married, he will get the stipend instead, so he suggests a marriage
to his daughter Minnie. Through all of this, there is the matter of a little known Scottish custom that if a man
and woman declare their love, they are considered married. So is Cheviot already married to Belvawney's
true love? It all boils down to whether their cottage technically lies in England or Scotland. How will the happy
couples fall into place? Come down to the Florence City Hall this August to find out!
2
On October 22-24, The Florentine Players Present "Errorplane: An Adaptation of the Famous Movie
About An Airplane, That May or May Not Have Starred Kareem Abdul-Jabaar." If that sounds like a beloved 1980 film (and an unwieldy long title), you'll already be clamoring to see how The Florentine Players
bring this classic spoof comedy to the stage with director Derek Kowal. When the passengers and crew of a
jet are incapacitated due to food poisoning, a rogue pilot with a drinking problem must cooperate with his exgirlfriend turned stewardess to bring the plane to a safe landing in this send-up of popular 1970's disaster
films. From the people who brought "Hint!" and "Oscar" to the stage comes a high-flying comedy you'll definitely want to embark on.
Keep watching our newsletters, website, Facebook, and Twitter for audition
dates and we hope to see you very soon!
2015 Parade
Theme: "Salute
to Education"
Florence Days Parade - 2015
Florence celebrates its heritage each year with a parade and lots of other activities, for the third year, the second weekend of May, the same as
Mother's Day weekend. The celebration is organized by the Florence
Historical Foundation. The parade continues a tradition that started with
a horse club parade 55 years ago (1960). It grew. Come out and join
us this year for the 56th parade.
The 2015 parade is a very special parade so please send any photos you
have. The parade is led by the 2015 Honor Guard, the Boy Scouts
Troop 20.
The 2015 parade is organized by Dick Brown of Dick's Place (for the
Florence Historical Foundation), which is the barber shop in the old Toll
Booth building located at 3010 Willit (next to the Bank of Florence). The
phone number at Dick's Place is 402-453-6688.
Float judging will be during the parade. Floats are judged on:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Theme
Originality
Action
Costumes
Construction Time
Group Participation
Awards for floats are: 1st place - $200.00, 2nd place - $100.00, and
3rd place - $50.00
First Place Trophies will be given for horse groups and Marching
Bands.
Monies for floats and trophies for horse groups and marching bands
are awarded after the parade at the grandstand. PLEASE MAKE
SURE YOU SEND A REPRESENTATIVE BACK TO THE GRANDSTAND AFTER THE PARADE.
WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO PULL CONTROVERSIAL ENTRIES
2015 Parade
Grand Marshal:
Gene Haynes,
Principal of
North High
School
Saturday, May 9th,
2015: Florence Days
Parade:
1:00 - 3:00 P.M.
from Miller Park to McKinley Street
Entries closed on April 18,
2015. You are notified by
mail what your number will
be in the parade. Please DO
NOT CALL FOR YOUR
NUMBER. A letter is sent to
you explaining where and
when to line up in Miller
Park so make sure the application you are returning
is filled out completely.
Please get your entries in
early. The earlier your entry
is received, the closer to the
front of the parade you will
be.
Mike
Brock at
D's Frontier Bar * *
See you soon
Dick Brown
Historical Florence Days Committee
HM: 402-451-4737
WK: 402-453-6688
Following parade
& into the
evening
3
En Memorium
Recently we lost 3 wonderful and funny
Florentine Players. All three were part of
the famous “Moon Goons”. Betty Tripp,
June Wilson ( June Bug) and Nancy Stocking joined later.
The original trio of “Moon Goons was Grace
Gozzola, Betty and June. Betty was the oldest of the crazy trio and will be greatly miss
as will the June and Nancy. They created
hysterical skits and always kept the party
going.
- Diane Lemen
When I first got involved with the Florentine Players, one of my earliest experiences was to work
with the "Moon Goons", a group of spirited ladies
who served to remind audiences, year to year, of
the evils of demon rum. They wanted to sing,
dance, act, play in a jug band, and preach. And
they did ALL of that with their hearts and
souls. One of everyone's favorites was the tap
dance and song to Shirley Temple's On The Good
Ship Lollipop. They brought the house
down. They had so much energy and enthusiasm
- actually they were a very good example to all
who "serve on stage." One by one we have lost
members of the group- Carolyn Rusk (John
Lemen's sister ), June Bug Wilson, and most recently Betty Tripp. They each had their own special way of contributing . . . needless to say these
are ladies I will never, never forget." And always
admire for living life to its fullest.
- Carol Hodges
4
I just thought I'd drop you a couple of lines Betty Tripp and June Bug were "Moon Goons""
along with Char (I never was one) Betty and
June did a lot of funny and foolish things and
were two of my bestest friends - during the
weeks before Florence Week they posted our
posters up and down 30th street from Miller
Park north - we also hit (Ha) the bars regularly
advertising the upcoming events. Up and down
30th street sometimes into Fort Calhoun always
advertising (sic) the Melodrama and events. On
the nights of the show - we went in costume to
the bars to continue inviting and entertaining
those who may have missed the show. One
year The girls and Don Tripp built the Float - an
awesome job - it was a boat theme. June Bug
introduced us to the world of clowning and Betty and I graduated from Clown School together
and performed together at Nursing Homes,
Schools and other places (we always ended up
at the bars on North 30th). I know we connived
and acted out some of our own skits and some
of Bob Sanders (what a guy) - the one nasty
(sic) thing that Betty did was put some vinegar
in her stage bottle because Dan Pedersen kept
taking it from her on stage and taking a swig - it
was one of the high lights of the show. My
memory fails me on many aspects of our backstage antics.
Nancy Stocking and her husband Ted were with
us for a short time (they lived off the 680 and
Center) I don't know how they got involved but Ted did have an Uncle and Aunt down East
on State Street -
Junebug was one of 18 children - all born and
raised in Florence - her maiden name was
Swanson - there are still nieces and nephews in
the area.
I hope this helps a little - wish I could be there
again this May - but unfortunately we have other plans - say hi to John and Derek for me miss my life in Florence (57 years) have fun/
luvya/hugs/gg
- Grace Gozzola
Website Update
"The Florentine Players has received a second major update. The new page builds on
the previous updates made last year, brightening the page and unifying the look. The
next phase of updating the web site will be
to create 'In
Memorium'
pages and
document
historical
shows."
By Guillermo Rosas
Parade Float
Hello friends! Florence Kingfish here with a call to all
interested in helping put together
a Florentine Players parade float
for this year’s Florence Days Parade. The theme of this year’s
parade is Education. The float
committee consisting of Chris
Perry, Katherine Rush, Barb Fulbright and Pete Pedersen have
been busy bashing ideas around
and we feel we have a good plan
for a float that ties into the theme
and this year’s melodrama. Act 3
of this year’s melodrama takes
place in a library and the character Ames Blunderbuss (Chris Perry) uses an abacus during this Act.
We want to line the sides of the
float with a façade of books and
build a giant size abacus for the
back of the float. A librarian’s
desk would also be a part of the
scenery. As always, the parade
starts at Miller Park and ends at
McKinley. Anyone wishing to ride
on or walk along with the float
must be at the float in Miller Park
at 12:30pm on Saturday May 9th.
More importantly, we need people who would be willing to lend their time, tools and
expertise to build and decorate
the float. Lynn Farris Jr is allowing us to use his trailer. We will
most likely be building the float
at the Florence Depot where our
boxcar is located. Construction
dates are as follows- Saturday
April 25th, Sunday April 26th, Saturday May 2nd and Sunday May
3rd all at 12pm. Preliminary construction will be at the Fire Barn
with finished pieces being installed on the trailer on the
weekend of May 2nd and May
3rd. The board of directors has
approved a $200 budget for the
float which should be more than
adequate. Please feel free to
contact me at 402-686-5425 or
Pete196586@gmail.com with
any questions or suggestions.
Thanks and let’s go have some
fun!
Florence Kingfish (aka Pete
Pedersen)
5
Board Candidates
GENERAL MEETING
SUNDAY, MAY 17
2:00 PM
FLORENCE CITY HALL
- Melodrama Awards
Ceremony
- Election of new board
members
- Bylaws Vote
- Food and fun
Guillermo Rosas —
This my second year with the Florentine Players, having started with The Players' in last years 50th Annual Melodrama. Since joining The Players, I've worked
closely with Derek Kowal to update the Florentine Players' website, transitioning
it from a static, manually-built website to a dynamic website with a modern content management system back-end (and which just received a major update on
Easter weekend). As a member of the board, I would like to work closely with the
board Historian to begin completely documenting historical shows and the 'In
Memorium' page, which has sat empty since the old site was up.
Thanx! GJR
Hi my name is Jim Adams. As best as I can remember Ive been
involved with the /Florence Melodramas and board for about
30 years now. The plays have brought me a lot of enjoyment
and have given opportunity to have fun with great many people. There’s more… Recently Ive been a participant as Membership Director of the Florentine Board. Id be happy to assume this role again, but others may want to join the board
and seehow everything works. Its not hard and you learn a
lot. I thank everyone for this opportunity and Im glad to help
in any way, as Membership Director again, or in helping someone else assume the role. Thank you!
Jim Herron
I bring many years of experience in theatre,
as well as experience in serving on other
boards, both theatrical and business. I am
also the person who lights the many productions we do every year, as well as other
events that happen in our building. You may
have heard of me referred to as “Sparky”,
which is a nickname used by many theatrical electricians. I represent the technical
side of the theatre community, which provides a balance with the actors on the board
to provide the best performances possible. I
hope you will re-elect me to the board.
Dear Florentine Friends,
My name is Pete Pedersen and I am a Theater-aholic. Many years ago (44 years to be exact), I was bitten by
the theater bug while watching my parents and their cohorts sing and act with the Florentine Players. I was
hooked. I was on stage with that crazy bunch at the age of 7. I rode on the Florentine Players parade float,
attended countless shows and rehearsals and learned how to ham it up before I learned how to drive. I was
in little boy heaven. I eventually grew older and the years flew by before I could return to my Florentine
Player roots. All the while, my parents continued their involvement with the Florentine Players and the Florence Arts and Humanities. Upon my return from Army service overseas in 1992, I was thrilled to be cast in
the Florence Days Melodrama “Christopher Columbus Discovers Florence”. Many years passed (22 to be
exact) before I could again return to the life of a Florentine Player. No more excuses…I am back for life now.
I present myself to you now as a prospective member of the Florentine Players Board of Directors. I am asking for your approval not because of whatever pedigree I represent. Nor do I ask to have a vote on the
board because of the theater courses I took in college, or the theater experience I gained overseas or on my
hometown stage. My background with the Florentine Players should by no means equate to automatic approval. I am running for the board because I want to be involved in the decision making process. I am running because the preservation of the history of Florence is a cause that is very near and very dear to my
heart. I am running because I can bring something to the table. I want to bring my oral and written communication skills, my community connections, my passion for producing a great theater experience and my energy to the board as a board member. I intend to be a part of this group for as long as I can whether I hold a
seat on the board or not. I humbly ask for your approval at this year’s election. Thank you.
6
AUDITION NOTICE
Engaged! A Farcical Comedy in Three Acts by W.S. Gilbert
This year I am very excited to have been chosen to direct a show that will
leave the audience rolling in their seats. Engaged! brings us a man in love
with the idea of being in love. He proposes to every woman he sees, and
things get a little tricky when he proposes to his best friend's gal - and she
falls for it! The dialogue in this show is timeless. Written and first performed
in 1877 you will not believe how this comedy continues to make audiences
laugh out loud. Show dates are August 13, 14, and 15. Auditions will be
held Sunday June 7 at 6:00PM and Monday June 8 at 7:00PM. I'll need 5
men and 5 women to round out this cast (a few smaller parts will require
less rehearsal time). I look forward to seeing many of you at auditions! Molly Anderson
“Auditions will be held Sunday June 7 at 6:00PM and Monday June
8 at 7:00PM. “
“A Night at the Improv”
A Review by Red Ruffnsore
Hello to my fantastic and beauteous fans of the
Ruff-a-saurus, this is Red Ruffnsore back at his
Royal typewriter after a winter hiatus. I’m
ready, willing and still able to give you my latest
review of the 3rd annual, “A Night at the Improv,” emceed by Derek Kowal and Shelly
Gushard. While our host Derek continues on
his work release program due to his years of
felonious transgressions, he willingly donates
his time to Florence. This is a much better use
of his time than cleaning the bathrooms in the
“Happy Shower Room” wing down at the Lincoln Penitentiary. His co-host, Shelly “Barfly”
Gushard, has done it all for the Florence productions. She’s acted, sang, directed, played
piano, can-canned and held up Harolds a number of times.
I’ve never quite understood the Improvs but
they sure do tickle my tonsils. The Improv’s
insane posse of improvisationalists dash to the
stage and do their “Acts”. This is where I often
get lost. One group goes up and everybody
laughs, another group goes up and everybody
cries. By the time the third group comes up the
audience is drunk and it’s all good. Granted, I
was facing the wrong direction during the performance and didn’t see a whole lot. I did hear
people do a lot of laughing and I’m all for good
laughter.
The groups participating that night were 88 Improv, Big Canvas, Think of Me as a Dude,
Chantilly Mace the Weisenheimers and WIT.
Last year’s defending Champs 88 Improv, along
with the other groups, put up a good fight but
this year’s winner was the Weisenheimers.
The winners received zero compensation for
their win but they did get to keep a lavish trophy
for the entire year until the next Florence Improv
night. Unfortunately, no one could find the trophy to give to the group. Luckily there was a
doorstop available and they improvised.
Let me remind everyone of the upcoming Florence Melodrama, Thursday, Friday and
Saturday, May 7th 8th, and 9th. It’s fulltime family fun and fascinatingly funny. The Melodrama
is the big kahuna of all productions during the
year. It’s the bee’s knees, bear’s hairs and cat’s
pajamas. I hate cats but I’ll be wearing my pajamas. Come join me and see ‘No Name City’
OR ‘Florence The Finest Seat in the County’.
This is Red Ruffnsore reporting for the
Florence Flogger living wild and happy in the
van down by the river.
p.s. please bring me food and bug spray…
LOTS of bug spray!
TTFN
7
COMMUNITY UPDATES
FLORENCE HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
By Carol Hodges
Florence Days is here!!! Florence Days is here!!! Our annual celebration is May 8, 9, 10. The Florence Historical
Foundation is the organizer. Of course, one of the highlights is Parade Day, Saturday, May 9, 2015. This year’s parade
theme is “A Salute to Education” with Gene Haynes, North High School principal, as Grand Marshall. Parade starts at
1pm. Another highlight is the Florentine Players’ annual melodrama, in its 51 st year!!! Come see “No Name City or
Florence, The Finest Seat in The County” May 7, 8, 9. FOR RESERVATIONS, CALL 402-455-6341.
THE FLORENCE MILL
Contributed by Linda Meigs
OFFICIALLY OPENS . . .
May 9, 1-5PM: Florence Days Open House & Art Opening…
2:30 pm Historical Folk-dancing in the Field, and 3-5 pm Artist Reception for Bonnie O’Connell
May 20: OmahaGives24 Workshop at the Mill - “Food For Thought” …
2 pm Demonstration by Chad Lebo of The Cure in Fort Calhoun - Fermenting Foods: pioneer sauerkraut and home-made sour-dough pita bread (perfect for easy summer meals!)
3:30 pm Joan Allen, our favorite dietitian, will talk about the “Clean 15,” “Dirty Dozen,” and harmful
food additives lurking in some processed foods.
ArtLoft Exhibits
May 9 - June 15: Bonnie O’Connell, “Envelopment” altered books and paper art. UNO Professor of Art.
Opening Reception May 9, 3-5pm.
June 20 - July 26: Linda Hatfield, “She Has an Attitude” wickedly humorous paintings on etched wood.
Opening Reception Saturday, June 20, 1:30-4:30 pm.
August 1 - August 30: Mary Day, ”Pulse” constructions, mixed media
September 5 - October 4: David Helm, “If Leonardo Were a Pioneer” assemblage. UNO Professor of
Art. Opening Reception Saturday, September 5, 1:30-4:30 pm.
Florence Mill Farmers Market * Farm-fresh * products * produce * artisans
10 am to 3 pm every Sunday starting June 7th through September 27, 2015
DON’T FORGET THE PIES!!!
For more information go to Facebook: Facebook.com/theflorencemill
NOCC
(North Omaha Commercial Club)
Contributed by Mele Mason
NOCC normally meets at Harold’s the last Monday of the month, except when it conflicts with a holiday. The
group doesn’t meet in July or August. ANYONE can come; reservations are required; dinner is $15.
The group offers a variety of speakers and subjects, from politics to the future development of Florence to
the “minting of Florence currency”.
The group doesn’t have a website, but please visit the following Facebook page which lists upcoming
meetings and speakers: Facebook.com/northomahacommercialclub.
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An Important Message from “Hairy”
The Florentine Players Facilities Manager
Hello everyone, this is your monthly facilities update from yours
truly, Hairy Rump, Florence Hall and Fire Barn maintenance
man. Very soon we’ll see this year’s Florence Melodrama take
place on the fine stage of the City Hall. It’s the big event of the
year, the hot tamale, the toaster strudel, the big cheese. Man
am I hungry!
The Melodrama is May 7-9, Thursday-Saturday. Showtime is
7:30 PM. There are three nights of merriment, acting and singing, dancing, full tilt Caligula style debauchery. As for old Hairy
here, I couldn’t care less what happens on the City Hall Floor.
But if someone topels the toilets, barfs beer or is rousting the
rafflettes, it’s my job to get it fixed and fixed fast.
I’ll have tunnel crews above and below the floors of the City
Hall and fire barn ready to take action whenever the system
gives way. As for the bathroom in the fire barn where the actors do what they do, I’ll have a hazmat crew follow up after the
actors did what they did. One time the ladies room reeked like
a rotting camel. It took ten days to bring it back to something
most creatures could breathe.
So don’t you worry about any odd colored sludge curdling
around your feet, old Hairy Rump’s got you covered!
I am just “living the dream.”
Until next time from inside the pipes, I’m Hairy Rump. Hairy
Rump / Facilities Manager
Become a Member of the
“Florentine Players”
For Just $5.00 a year, you will receive
our Quarterly Newsletter that will keep
you up to date as to what shows are on
the horizon and when auditions for the
upcoming shows are. Also, we will post
where we could use some help from new
volunteers i.e., Kitchen, Ticket Sales,
Clean up, Stage Hands, Props, Back
drops and Costumes.
Or if you have an area of interest and
would like to volunteer your time, just
mark the box on the enrollment form below and the Board Chairperson will be in
contact with you.
Also, if you enjoy writing scripts for Murder Mysteries, Melodramas, Follies or Improve night your ideas are welcome here.
Thank You, The Florentine Players Board
& Membership Director “Itchy” Ruffensore”
Absentee Ballot Information OFFICIAL ABSENTEE BALLOT FLORENTINE PLAYERS’ BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
Please vote for three (3):
___ Jim Herron
___ Jim Adams
___ Pete Pederson
___ Guillermo Rosas
___ (Write-in candidate Name ________________________ )
2015 Bylaws Update (CHOOSE ONE) :
___ For - Treasurer will be the only appointed position, must be a member in
good standing, and must be approved by 2/3 of the board.
___ Against - Treasurer and Secretary are appointed positions who do not
need to be members in good standing with tacit approval of the board.
Print name:________________
Signature:_______________________
Date:
Date Received: ___________
_________
Ballot must be remitted (handed, mailed, scanned and e-mailed) to President,
Molly Anderson, anytime before the election on Sunday, May 17. NO PHONE
VOTES.
Molly Anderson
3330 S. 118 St.
Omaha, NE 68144
mjbyers123@gmail.com
9
Membership Form - Valid May 2015 thru May 2016
Name
Address
City
Home Phone:
Work Phone:
Cell Phone:
E-mail Address
State
Zip Code
Renewal
New Member
I would like to volunteer
Specify area:
Membership Categories:
Headliners:
$1,000 and Up
Producers:
$500
Directors:
$100
Patron:
$25
Stars:
$15 family 3 + more
Players:
$5
Florenteenies free (participants only, not the family)
Gift/Donation in the amount of
$
Please Donate this portion of my Gift to the
“Florence Capital Improvement Fund”
$
Mail to:
Florentine Players
Membership
Director: “Itchy” Ruffnsore
PO Box 12061
Omaha, NE 68112
PLEASE
PLACE
STAMP
HERE
Florentine Players
P.O. Box 12061
Omaha, NE 68112
Mailing Address Line 1
Mailing Address Line 2
Mailing Address Line 3
Mailing Address Line 4
Mailing Address Line 5