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Signal Mountain Happenings

Check back often for all the latest Signal Mountain news between issues of the Mirror.

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Aquarium Hosts International Photo Exhibit

9/17/2018

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Picture“Rhapsody in Pink” by Donna Bourdon (Finalist 2018)
BigPicture Opens at the Tennessee Aquarium October 1
 
Photography is sometimes referred to as a "hobby of a lifetime," and in the case of Donna Bourdon, that bit of popular wisdom has certainly borne out. The Chattanooga-based photographer’s love of capturing images began when she was 9 years old.

"My parents gave me my first 'Brownie' camera, and I never looked back," Bourdon says, adding that she upgraded to her father’s hand-me-down Minolta SR-7 as a teenager.

Inspired by watching episodes of "Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom," her love of photography and wildlife naturally intertwined. Soon, she invested in better equipment and sought opportunities to capture spectacular animal imagery in some of the wildest places on Earth — a quest aided, in part by her participation in trips organized and led by the Tennessee Aquarium.

“Those made the dreams of Africa come to life,” Bourdon says. “I took my first Aquarium-sponsored trip there in 1998. Since then, I’ve been on eight African photo-safaris, five of those with the Tennessee Aquarium.”

Bourdon has warmed hearts with photos of snow monkeys, coastal brown bears, puffins and red-crowned cranes. Her shots also have garnered international acclaim. One, an image of a crocodile taking a young Cape Buffalo, was used in an African segment of the Nat Geo Wild program "Caught in the Act."


One of her images, "Rhapsody in Pink," was selected as a finalist to be included in "BigPicture," an annual photography exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco.
 
Since launching in 2014, "BigPicture" highlights the works of the world’s best nature and conservation photographers. This annual competition focuses a lens on the wonders of the natural world and critical environmental issues facing our planet. More than 6,000 entries poured in from around the world for the 2018 BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition, which includes a shot Bourdon captured while in St. Augustine, Fla.
 
“This beautiful roseate spoonbill is flying into the nest with its wings in what is referred to as the ‘orchestra position,’” Bourdon says. “I love capturing beautiful images of nature that inspire others to fall in love with the natural world. Hopefully, my works inspire others to promote conservation and protection of these precious animals and vital resources.”
 
Beginning October 1, the "BigPicture" exhibition will be on display at the Tennessee Aquarium, sponsored locally by Erlanger Health Systems and "GET OUT" Chattanooga. This will be the only location outside of San Francisco to host this phenomenal photo collection.
 
“This collection of amazing images is a perfect fit with the Aquarium’s mission to connect people with nature and empower them to make informed decisions about water and wildlife,” says Cindy Todd, the aquarium’s vice president and chief marketing and communications officer. “This exhibit will inspire more people to get outdoors, observe nature more closely, and appreciate all of the amazing ways that wildlife can thrive.”
 
In the introduction to “Wonders,” a companion book about "BigPicture," famed oceanographer, explorer and conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle describes how technology enables more individuals to focus on conservation issues.
 
“The photographs in this extraordinary collection do more than capture moments in time…they tell stories, arouse sympathy, provoke joy, and make you gasp with wonder. Images such as these are precisely what is needed to inspire new generations of people to know and care about wild places and wildlife, and to take action while there is still time.”
 
As a complement to the international exhibition, local photographers can submit their best nature, wildlife and conservation shots to the Chattanooga Times Free Press, “What On Earth Have You Photographed?” contest through Sept. 21 at www.timesfreepress.com/bigpicture/#/gallery. The top three images will also be displayed at the Aquarium beginning October 1.
 
The BigPicture Natural World of Photography exhibit is free with aquarium admission.

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"Shrek the Musical" Opens July 6

7/2/2018

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PictureSMPH's summer production is "Shrek the Musical."
The Signal Mountain Playhouse is excited to present “Shrek the Musical” this month. There will be eight performances of this show about the beloved green ogre and his quest to free his home from pesky storybook characters that have taken up residency. The show will run at 8 p.m. on July 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28.

Directing for the Playhouse is Joel D. Scribner in a debut turn. Joel’s theatrical resume includes directing, producing, acting, and playwriting for over 30 years. He has directed many top shows for the Fort Wayne Civic Theater and other venues. Playing major roles nationally, including Tevye at the CTC’s recent “Fiddler on the Roof,” where he won his third “Miss Annie” award, Joel is the founder and artistic director of Yellow Dragon Theater locally, a company with a full schedule on its lineup. Dr. Jennifer Arbogast Wilson will choreograph the musical, and she will hit the trifecta with the local troupe this summer as she has starred as Anna in “The King and I”; directed two shows, “Peter Pan,” and “Willy Wonka”; and now is choreographing “Shrek!” She is a professor in the music department and professional actor training program at Chattanooga State. Returning as musical director, Michael Huseman brings his years of experience as a Grammy winning composer and lyricist. On the conductor’s stand for his second summer, Nick Hartline, also of the Chattanooga State faculty, has assembled top local musicians for the Playhouse Orchestra.

The cast of “Shrek the Musical” is also stellar, with Greg Glover as Shrek. A familiar face, he starred as Willy Wonka in last summer’s hit production. Paul Corcoran will play the young Shrek. Fiona will be played by Finlay Burnette as young Fiona, Molly Baggett as teen Fiona, and Kara Funke as the adult Fiona, a character who harbors a secret. Donkey will be played by Austin Massey, and the villain Lord Farquad will be played by Richard Nicols. Gingy will be Lorien Maddux, with Pinocchio played by Maddy Meier. Papa Ogre will be Mark Oglesby, and Samantha Teeter plays Mama Ogre/Wicked Witch. King Harold will be Dennis Parker, Queen Lillian will be Jennifer Baggett and Dragon will be Rebecca Gilmore. In addition to these, there are a host of supporting players, familiar faces you’ll recognize.

Tickets ($5 for children 12 and under and $15 for those 13 and above – cash or checks only, please) are available at the door on the evenings of performances with the box office opening at 6 p.m. Traditionally, people come with their lawn chairs and wait for the box office to open. Then they buy their tickets and place their chairs. Some folks bring picnics, and that’s fine, but alcohol is not allowed. The Playhouse amphitheater is located on the corner of Rolling Way and James Boulevard, and parking is around the Town Hall Complex. Concessions and porta potties are available on the grounds.

“Shrek the Musical” was originally produced on Broadway by DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions and directed by Jason Moore and Rob Ashford.

For more information about “Shrek the Musical,” go to smph.org, find the Signal Mountain Playhouse page on Facebook, email signalmountainplayhouse@gmail.com, or call (423) 763-7219.
by Anne Rittenberry


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SMPH Holding Auditions for Summer Musical

5/15/2018

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PictureAuditions for SMPH's production of "Shrek the Musical" are May 19 & 20.
Get ready to join up with Shrek and his friends this summer for the Signal Mountain Playhouse’s 47th outdoor extravaganza, which will run for eight nights in July. But first, dash for your calendars or cell phones to enter these important dates for auditions this month: May 19 and 20.

The show tells the story of a big, green ogre named Shrek who must enter into a deal with the bad guy Lord Farquaad to get rid of a crowd of fairy tale characters who have invaded his beloved swamp. The deal he makes brings lovely romance to the story, a necessary component of any good “once upon a time” venture.

Thrilled to have newcomer Joel Scribner as director this summer, the Playhouse welcomes him to the group’s “little neck of the woods.” Joel has never directed for the Playhouse, but he will be familiar to local theatergoers as the marvelous actor who played Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof” at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre not long ago. Joel’s lengthy resume includes 30 years of involvement in live theater as a director, producer, actor, and playwright. He is the founder and artistic director of Yellow Dragon Productions, which opened its first season this past December. The Playhouse is so proud to have Joel at the helm of “Shrek the Musical!”

Also bringing talent and experience to the production are three Playhouse favorites: Jennifer Arbogast Wilson, who directed the Playhouse’s “Peter Pan” and “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” will choreograph the show; Michael Huseman will return as musical director; and Nick Hartline will conduct the Playhouse Orchestra. These professionals will make for a fantastic show, as well as a wonderful learning experience for those in the cast.

The Playhouse amphitheater, located on Rolling Way between the police and fire departments and James Boulevard, is the venue for auditions, as well as the show. The audition dates and times are Saturday, May 19, from 10 a.m. until noon for children ages 9 through 12, and from 1-3 p.m. for those 13 and up, including adults. On Sunday, May 20, auditions are from 2- 4 p.m. for all ages. Any necessary callbacks will be on Monday, May 21, at 7 p.m.

Production dates for “Shrek the Musical” are July 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28.

There are some helpful guidelines for auditioning. Everyone who auditions must wear closed toe shoes for safety because set construction will be underway. It’s not necessary to have a musical number prepared for auditions as the directors will teach the songs and movements on site. Those folks auditioning will sing, move and read from the script. Also, bring your list of any conflicts you might have between May 21 and June 23 so these can be noted by the stage manager. Most importantly, all who are cast in the show must be at every rehearsal and performance after June 23. The quality of the show depends on the presence of every actor, no matter how “big” or “small” the part, at rehearsals after this date.

If you have questions, visit smph.org or the Playhouse Facebook page, email signalmountainplayhouse@gmail.com, or call (423) 763-7219. 

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SMMS Students to Perform in "The AristoCats Kids"

5/3/2018

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PictureSee "Disney's The Aristocats Kids" on May 4 and 5 at SMMHS.

​Don’t miss the first ever Signal Mountain Middle School musical on Friday and Saturday, May 4 and 5. Middle school Theatre Director Ruth Farrimond and her assistant, Olivia Speek, a sophomore thespian who adopted the middle school program as her project, have helped nearly 30 students prepare to perform in "The Aristocats Kids." Another 10 classmates will be working as tech crews.
​

The basic plot is the same as the 1970 Disney film "The Aristocats," while other plotlines are different and a few were added. The Theatre Arts Boosters are hoping to expand the middle school program into a full-time classroom experience for sixth- through eighth-graders to serve as a feeder program to the outstanding high school theatre program.

The production takes place at 7 p.m. each night. at SMHS. Tickets are $7 for students and $10 for adults. The music and lyrics are by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, Al Rinker, Floyd Huddleston and Terry Giklyson. It has been adapted and arranged with additional music by Bryan Louiselle. The book is adapted with additional lyrics by Michael Bernard.



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Playhouse Holding Auditions for Winter Show

12/4/2017

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Picture
Mark your calendars for auditions for the Signal Mountain Playhouse’s winter production, “Dearly Departed,” a much beloved Southern comedy by David Bottrell and Jessie Jones.

Directed by Playhouse favorite David Wood, this comedy has parts for four men and six women and follows the situation that the extended Turpin family faces after the death of its patriarch. This may not sound funny, but believe us, “Dearly Departed” is hilarious, allowing audiences to glimpse some of the greatest Southern archetypes doing what they do best: the widow; the bumbling sons; the nagging wife; the keeper of the Turpin family values; the food-addicted daughter; the preacher; and so on. You’ll love them!

Auditions will be held on Tuesday, December 12, and Thursday, December 14, at 7:30 p.m. in the Crest Center of Signal Crest United Methodist Church, which is also where the show will be presented. Production dates are February 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24, with curtain at 8 p.m.
Come on out to be a part of bringing the Turpin family to life!

To learn more about “Dearly Departed” and the Signal Mountain Playhouse, go to smph.org, find the Signal Mountain Playhouse page on Facebook, or call (423) 763-7219. 

Looking ahead to summer, the Signal Mountain Playhouse has just been granted the rights to produce “Shrek the Musical” at the amphitheater this July. Watch for announcements of auditions this spring.

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