Donna Reed Festival Alumna Launches National Tour

Scholarship finalist Amy Heidemann part of Karmin tour 

 Karmin, the American pop duo of Amy Heidemann (2004 Donna Reed Scholarship vocal finalist) and Nick Noonan, kicked off their "Pulses" headline tour in Baltimore, MD on January 28. This run sees the platinum-certified duo hitting major markets across North America through the end of February.

They are best known for their song "Brokenhearted," which reached the top 20 in the United States, and the top 10 in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom, and the song "Hello", which reached number one on the Dance Billboard Chart in the U.S.

They were known previously for their rise to fame through their YouTube covers, including Chris Brown's "Look at Me Now" and Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass." Their original song "Take It Away" was used in promos for the 2011 NBA Finals. Rolling Stone recently named Heidemann as the winner of their "Women Who Rock" contest.

Casting Call for "Within The Law"

Poster used for 1917 Germania Opera House production

Actors, crew needed for production at Donna Reed Theater

The Donna Reed Foundation is seeking a cast and crew for its April 11, 12, and 13 production of the century old play, “Within The Law.” The play, part of the American Icon Series: Milestone Events, was originally performed at the theater in 1917 when the building was known as the Germania Opera House.

The production, directed by Pat Fleshner, calls for a cast of five females and 15 males of various ages. It will also need people for set building, props, costumes, makeup, lighting, and sound.

Auditions for on-stage parts will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28, and Thursday, January 30, at the Donna Reed Theater.

More information and forms can be obtained at the Foundation office, 1305 Broadway, Denison, by calling 712-263-3334 or sending an email to info@donnareed.org.

"ICON SERIES" Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Beatles Arrival in America

Beatles tribute group “Cavern Beat” appearing in live performance, February 8th

It’s a Beatle Party! Fifty years ago, the Beatles arrived in America for their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan show – and the rest is history.

 

On February 8th, 2014 the Donna Reed Foundation’s “American Icon Series” will celebrate this momentous event with a Beatle Party, featuring Beatle tribute group the “Cavern Beat” from Chicago. The event takes place at the Donna Reed Theater in downtown Denison, Iowa.

 

““Beatlemania” is alive and well after 50 fab years”, said American Icon Coordinator, Tim Tracy, “We’re excited to give Beatle fans a venue to celebrate this legendary band.”

 

A large collection of Beatle memorabilia will also be on display. 

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the “Cavern Beat” performing at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are recommended and can be obtained by calling the Donna Reed Theater at 712-263-3334. Tickets are $15 each.

Help Celebrate Donna's Birthday

Please join us on Monday, January 27, 2014 between 5:00 - 7:00 pm for an open house birthday reception for Donna Reed at the Donna Reed Center for the Performing Arts in Denison, Iowa. 

Stop by for light refreshments, special screenings of Donna Reed Show episodes, openhouse access to our showcase centennial theater (1914-2014), and a special live greeting visit with Donna Reed's family and friends at 6:00 pm CST. 
 
For our out-of-town friends and fans, please help grow our birthday card collection for Donna Reed with any favorite memories you have for her, her films/shows, encounters, and experiences with anything Donna (including participation in her Donna Reed Foundation for the Performing Arts workshops, events, scholarships, parades, etc - anything is welcome!)
You can send greetings to the Donna Reed Theater address (for birthday cards) or email contact us at our special birthday email address. Excerpts and cards may be displayed at this or future celebrations. 
 
Thank you and hope you can share this special anniversary with Donna!

Former Scholarship Recipient To Appear With Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre

Melissa Shippen will be performing the lead soprano role of Micaela in the upcoming performance of Bizet's opera Carmen with Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre at the Paramount Theatre on Friday, January 18 at 8 PM and Sunday, January 19 at 2 PM. The Sunday performance will also be broadcast live on Iowa Public Radio.

This season, Shippen has also been performing contracts/roles such as: Nedda in Pagliacci with Connecticut Concert Opera; Mimi in La bohème with Lyric Opera of Virginia; and Beethoven's Symphony no.9 with the National Chorale at Avery Fisher Hall of New York's Lincoln Center.

Shippen is a 1997 Donna Reed Foundation National Scholar (Vocal) and is currently based in Philadelphia. Visit her at www.melissashippen.com

2004 Scholarship Recipient joins cast of new Broadway production, “Bullets Over Broadway”

Preston Truman Boyd is excited to join the talented cast and creative team with the new Broadway musical production of Woody Allen's Bullets over Broadway scheduled for March 2014 at the St. James Theatre in New York City. Most recently Preston performed in the new Broadway production of Big Fish at the Neil Simon Theatre in New York City directed by Susan Stroman.

Previously, Preston was cast in Jersey Boys as Bob Gaudio on the first national broadway tour seen in America's and Canada's greatest cities. Preston played the role of the Monster in the first national tour of Young Frankenstein the Musical by Mel Brooks. He replaced Shuler Hensley after understudying the role and performing in the ensemble.

Preston was the recipient of both the 2004 Donna Reed National Vocal Scholarship and the National Musical Theatre Scholarship. He is originally from Moorhead, MN.

www.PrestonTrumanBoyd.com

2001 Scholarship Recipient Cast In Broadway Production of “After Midnight”

Jared Grimes, Donna Reed National Scholarship recipient in dance

Jared Grimes, joins a company of 42 top-flight singers, dancers and musicians in a new Broadway tribute to the Harlem jazz clubs of the 1920s and '30s. After Midnight catapults the greatest music of Duke Ellington and Harlem's Golden Age into the 21st century.

Heart-stopping vocalists, eye-blurring tappers, rule-breaking dancers and chart-topping Special Guest Star singers—led by Grammy®-winner Fantasia, now through Feb. 9—join forces to create a singular theater experience. They’re all joined onstage by Emmy®-winner Dulé Hill and The Jazz at Lincoln Center All-Stars, a 17-piece band hand-selected by jazz legend Wynton Marsalis.

After Midnight official site.

Interview by Leah Hughes at News & Record
www.JaredMGrimes.com