Music and theatre is to me what food and water is to most people. It seems like a strong statement but it's truly how I feel.Therefore, when I discovered musical theatre, I discovered my passion. The next challenge was finding a place to do it. 
My first show with CharACTers was Hairspray and I knew immediately that I had found my home and family. I haven't wanted to leave since then!

I was born in Gadsden, Alabama and simply named Amanda Brooke Russell. Little did my family know they had to prepare for an extremely dramatic and perhaps somewhat overzealous comedian/actress. I have always been a silly person and then went through an odd shy phase. Luckily, my break in theatre with CharACTers pulled me out of that. It was then that I was able to truly grow as a performer and here I am now. I still have a lot ahead of me to learn and I'm very excited to grow with all of you, my closest friends and family! I can't imagine my life without theatre.

Why such an attachment to theatre? I find theatre to be an amazing escape from reality, whether you're onstage or off. As an actor, I can transform and be someone else who may be crazy or excited or in the mood to bust into a spontaneous dance number. As an audience member, I can sit down, relax and let a show take me away from my life for an hour or two. That's the magic of theatre! A man once came to me in a restaurant and said he had seen me in a show recently. He said he had been going through a lot of trouble that week with the death of a loved one and was feeling troubled. He told me what a great experience it was for him to come to our show, clear his mind, and be entertained for a while. I was touched. I took it as a sort of confirmation in what I was doing, reassurance that theatre CAN change lives and help others.  

I'm thrilled to be playing Alma Hix in our summer musical The Music Man. So much work goes into putting together a production and I'm proud to say I'm a part of this cast and crew. We've worked hard for a month and have managed some pretty amazing feats in my opinion. The ability to learn music and blocking and choreography so fast is astounding! I have no doubt that The Music Man is coming together to be one of our best shows ever! 

Please don't miss out on such a great time! Come see The Music Man and let us entertain you! I know many people who have reservations about theatre (I've even converted a few folks, *ahem* Clate :)) but I promise, once you give it a try, you won't turn back! I hope to see you in the audience when Music Man opens and at an upcoming audition for another show! ;)

Amanda Russell

Very warm greetings - (Ha! No pun intended!) - to all the Music Man peeps!

Whew! What a very fast 3 weeks already! We are well on our way to a great show, my Iowa stubborn friends! I have been rehearsing tonight at my house with my whole family- Bill, my husband, at the piano, Laura, my daughter, on the violin, Rebekah, the red head, and Jon Garlick trying to turn me into a dancer! What a piece of work!! Well, I have to say, Santana's choreography has certainly been a challenge and the source of much jesting at the Wall house as the red head has enjoyed watching her mom stumbling through all the steps learned over the weekend!! Yes, much merriment was had at this little librarian's expense tonite but, never fear! I will do it or die!

I am excited to see it all start to come together. Steady gets the job done folks. A show is built much like anything- one section at a time. It is real important that while the nuts and bolts are being installed, so to speak, that we all are "building" our characters, being very intent with layering the details of their development. I like to take time with each scene and listen to the emotions behind my character's lines. It is also helpful to listen to what is said about my character in other scenes in which my character is not present. I also draw on the friends and family members of my character and her relationships with them and how those things might influence how she would respond in the situations in which she finds herself. It is actually a wonderful process that continues even to the last performance. 

I have had the wonderful opportunity, along the way, to experience both professional and community performance venues. I have decided that although it is always very nice to be paid for what I love to do, I think I prefer the community theatre experience. It is just a wonderful thing to work together with others for a common goal just because you want to. For some reason the love of doing  theatre- of creating a beautiful piece where everyone knows that in order to pull it off WE ALL have to come together, putting aside anything which would hinder the effect- just because it means so much to us and just because we are committed to excellence- I don't know. You just grow together- like family. You don't get that kind of bond with professional theatre. And certainly community theatre brings together people of diverse experiences, abilities, and cultures. It enriches and strengthens  communities. It builds friendship and broadens our educational experience. It even stretches us to sometimes have to come together and work with someone we may not be very fond of or understand very well. I always look forward to the next community theatre project because I know that I will see old friends and make new ones! I also am very grateful that we have such a wealth of excellent community theatre opportunities around us. I am very appreciative as well of the very talented and gifted actors I have enjoyed working with over the years. 

And probably the greatest joy is that these endeavors have allowed me to share the stage with my children!! The wonder of watching my kids grow as artists is true happiness indeed. The enrichment to their educational experience has been immeasurable. I would not trade these times with them for anything!! It is a lot of work, yes, and takes up a lot of our time, yes, and it keeps us from having to do housework, yes! ... uhum... ;} But it is all worth it! 

You guys are great! I always look forward to rehearsals! It's gonna be a hit. I just know it!


Jennie

Hello Everyone!

My name is Clate McGwier and I am incredibly excited to be working with CharACTers again! I am 18 years old and in incoming freshman to the University of Alabama. In the Music Man I will be playing Ewart Dunlop, a member of a barbershop quartet.

My musical debut was in the CharACTers production of Titanic, in which I played wireless operator Harold Bride. When I first auditioned for Titanic, I was extremely hesitant. I honestly did not believe that I would enjoy it at all.... Boy was I ever wrong! I quickly found a new passion and hope to continue acting in musicals for a very long time. The friends I have made in the past few months have become some of the closest friends I could ever hope to have. In many cases they have become my new family and together we have made memories that will last a lifetime.

Music Man is looking to be a truly amazing show and I highly encourage everyone to come out and see it. You will not regret it, I promise. Also if you are reading this and you have ever had the slightest inclination to do theatre, I encourage you to try. It can be one of the most fun and most memorable things you ever do!

Hope to see all of you at our show! And to my theatre friends, I can never thank you enough for all the wonderful memories  we have made together and for accepting me so quickly into your family. 

Clate

Hi! My name is Anne Roberts, and I am thrilled to be a part of The Music Man this summer!  My mom and I have always loved going to the theater.  I saw The Little Mermaid and The Addams Family on Broadway and then Annie and Wicked at the BJCC.  I was hooked! My first role was in the Christmas musical at our church.  I got the lead part, but there was one catch…I had to be a boy!   It was during that performance that I really realized how much I love to act and sing.  My family and I had been to see several CharACTers productions, so I really wanted to audition for a local play.

My very first audition was for a role in Tom Sawyer.  The room was crowded, and I didn’t know anybody! I had never auditioned for a play, so I was very nervous.  Cody made me feel right at home, and I was so excited to get a call back.  I played the role of Amy Lawrence in Tom Sawyer.  I have also played the small squirrel in the Chronicles of Narnia, and I was Toulouse in the Aristocats last fall. One of my favorite things about being a part of the CharACTers family is the wonderful friends I have made (I’m talking about you, Catherine, Macy, Anna and Jessica!).

I am 11 years old and will be in the 6th grade at Gadsden Middle School this fall.  I am the oldest of four children.  My 8 year old triplet brothers make life very interesting at my house!  In addition to theater, I enjoy gymnastics, playing the piano, and I love ballet.  I have danced with the Downtown Dance Conservatory for 8 years.  This past year, we traveled to New York City to perform the Nutcracker at the John Jay Theater.  I love all of these activities, but theater is definitely my favorite.

I am so excited to be playing the role of Amaryllis in The Music Man!  She is Marian Paroo’s piano student who is also in love with Winthrop, Marian’s younger brother.  Amaryllis is talkative and spunky… a lot like me!  I also can’t wait for the dance numbers, because they are a huge part of the show.

Please make plans to see The Music Man July 27-29 and August 3-5.  It is a fantastic summer musical your whole family will enjoy! 

We at CharACTers are proud to share our 2013 Proposed Season.

Each show is currently being reviewed by the Board of Directors and subsequent Committees to ensure our audiences the very best theatrical experience possible!

All performances will be held at Wallace Hall Fine Arts Center.

CharACTers 2013 Proposed Season

The Producers – February 2013

The Civil War the Musical – April 2013

Disney’s Little Mermaid Jr. – May 2013

Surprise Summer Musical to be revealed on March 12, 2013 – July/August 2013

Disney’s Aladdin Jr. – October 2013

Jekyll and Hyde the Musical – October 2013

Our 2012 Christmas play will be determined by YOU! Voting for our 2013 Christmas show will open at the beginning of next season. Performances will be held in December 2013.

*All shows are subject to change pending the finalization of rights.*

A night of one-act plays will be presented in May/June 2013 directed by the CharACTers Directors in Training Participants. This night will feature 4-6 short productions directed by different up-and-coming directors as the final for the program.

CharACTers is also in the process of trying to form a new straight play (non-musical) branch that will produce 2-3 non-musical shows a year beginning in either the 2013 or 2014 season.

Please let us know what you think! What show are you most looking forward to watching? What show are you most looking forward to being in? Your comments and input help us to continue to spread the Magic of Theatre!

Don’t miss the remaining 3 shows of the 2012 season!

Good Morning all…. My name is Angie Campbell, I am the Music Director for Characters Entertainment and am proud to be a part of this years production of Music Man.  Now, some may say, “Does the music director just wave their hands?”… well, that would be yes and no… There are so many variables that go into the music directors job.  You are part teacher, singer, creator, conductor, timer, scheduler, and performer.  There are many hats to be worn by a music director.  Let me take you into my  world for just a moment. 

I was born and raised in Hong Kong, China.  My parents were missionaries, and I was blessed to grow up there and live until I was in the 7th grade.  I studied at the British Conservatory of Music while I was there, and gained the beginnings of my love for music and the arts.  When we moved back here in 1983, I became involved in the marching band at school and performed in my first show in town, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” with the Theater of Gadsden.  Some people say, “Oh, you were in a play?  That’s nice.”  Oh my, it’s so much more than that.  Theater has the potential of becoming part of your soul… Through theater and the arts, you can learn so much… performing, acting and music, but most importantly, I tell people all over the educational world, theater and choir is so much more than that… It is, in itself, a world of education… You learn English, math, history, science, social skills, mental skills and appreciation for the arts.  That is why I fight so hard to keep arts alive in the school systems, so that students in the future can have the same opportunities to grow and follow their dreams. 

I am a 2 time graduate of Jacksonville State University, with a BA in Music and Drama, and a MMEd in Vocal/Choral Education.  It was my dream to become a high school choir director, but God has chosen another path for me.  He is allowing me to fulfill my dreams in the community theater setting, which, is by far, the more rewarding challenge, in my opinion.  I get to work with a new group of students every 3 months, and see them blossom from a group of strangers to a family of stars in such a short time. I could not ask for anything any better.

I have been involved with various theater programs throughout the years, and I can honestly say that working with Cody Carlton and the entire Characters team has been the most rewarding.  Every time we start to discuss a new project in the works, we take it to another level.  You never know where the road is going to lead, because each show is definitely a building block to the next one.  Theater is a neverending creative journey.  Each show that we do is an opportunity for another family to be formed.  I have had the opportunity to see ultra shy, introverted people happen to come into an audition, barely open their mouths, and try something new.  Then, within a matter of time, these same people blossom into beautiful butterflies on the stage and a whole new world opens up for them.  They become part of a family.  My goal is to love on each and every member of the show, show them that I love them and I fully support their dreams.  Sometimes, all someone needs is an arm around them, letting them know you care.  That’s what Characters is there for, we simply love people and want them to feel like they are part of our family. 

In the music world of theater, I have traveled around the globe this past year.  From playing in the orchestra for Ragtime, to becoming the vocal and orchestra director for Sweeney Todd, Beauty and the Beast, Legally Blonde and Titanic, you can see it is a neverending whirlwind of a journey.  Through Music Man, we are bringing the world of Barbershop quartets to life and true stories of romance to the stage. 

I am in the process of building up a rotating community orchestra to perform in all our shows throughout the year, so if you play an instrument and would like to share your talents with us, we are always looking for musicians to come join us.  Feel free to contact me or Cody for any information about how you can get involved.  There are so many ways you can get involved in theater in Etowah County.  All you have to do is take that first step and do it.  We have many ideas and dreams that we are putting into action, so if you or your business would like to have a hand in sponsoring any of these, feel free to contact us.  The sky is the limit on what we can do and your children are the stars of the future. 

Thank you for taking a moment to travel with me.  You definitely will not want to miss the world of talent that is about to hit the stage at Wallace Hall.  Mark your calendars, July 27 to August 5.  Tickets are now on sale at www.wallacehall.org.  We hope to see you there.  Thank you so much for not only supporting the arts, but for supporting the hopes and dreams of thousands of children and adults as we live out our dreams on stage. 

I leave you with my signature statement I make at every single show… There is a whole world out there awaiting your arrival.  Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do it… Never stop chasing your dreams!!!!!

Musically in Christ, Angie Campbell

Musical Director, Characters Entertainment

“To be in a musical or Not to be in a musical? That is the question.” At least that’s always the question in my mind.  And even though there are times I begin to ask myself weather I’m crazy or not for taking on another production, the answer always seems to be yes!

So who am I and why do I continually sign my life away to theater? Well my name is Jenni Hodges and I do it because I LOVE it! I made my stage debut in the 6th grade as a singing daisy in a school production of Alice in Wonderland. From then on I never looked back. Show after show, character after character, theater never gets old.

Take the Music Man for instance. This will be my second time in Meredith Wilson’s classic stage show, and I think I’m even more excited about the second time around than the first. I’m cast as  Eulalie MacKecknie Shinn, the Mayor’s wife and head of the ladies' dance committee. Eulalie is hilarious and I’m so looking foward to playing a character who makes people laugh. I love to be a ham, and it seems with every rehearsal she gets funnier and funnier! 13 years ago, when I first did this show, I was cast in a very similar role as one of the ladies in Eulalie’s group. You’d think I’d be bored playing the same part in the same musical years later, but this is part of the magic of theater. This is what keeps all of us coming back show after show. Each production becomes its own living thing! It’s made different by the people who participate from the director down to the person backstage waiting to move a set piece. Everyone comes together to make something new, exciting, and hopefully enjoyable to those who come to see it!

It’s a process that I’m lucky to be involved in and lucky to have my family involved in also. I have a wonderfully supportive husband, Joel, who even took the stage with us during CharACTers performance of Titanic this past April, and a 9 month old daughter who’s already participated in two shows during her lifetime! She’s a future CharACTer for sure!

So what about you? Are you a future CharACTer? Do you find yourself asking “to be or not to be?” Well here’s what you do. Buy a ticket! Come see The Music Man and experience the magic of theater for yourself. Then check the CharActer’s website for upcoming auditions. You’ll never regret the day you decided to be in a play.

Can’t wait to see you at The Music Man
Jenni Hodges  

Hello there theatre fans!

It’s exciting to be working with CharACTers again.  My first experience with this company was in Titanic this past spring and it was such a great experience, I had to come back for more!  Even though I live in the Birmingham area, it is worth to drive to be a part of such a talented cast and direction.  I am more excited in this production to be introducing both of my children to Musical Theatre as they also appear in The Music Man as their theatrical debut.  So this is somewhat a family event for me.  While I have had many theatrical experiences over the past couple of decades, I find working with CharACTers to be the least stressful and extremely rewarding.  My favorite role/show to date has to be Senex in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum”.

The cast has already worked extremely hard to learn the music for the show and the blocking is pretty much completed as well in just over a week of rehearsals.  Now it’s just rehearsing and bringing the characters to life for the audience to enjoy their theatre experience.  As I portray Mayor Shinn, I am not thrown by Harold Hill’s endless charades to swindle my townspeople out of their hard earned money.  I will prove his antics to be a farce if it’s the last thing I do!

In my “non theatrical” life, I am the music teacher at Hayden Middle School in Blount County where I teach 5th grade general music, Beginner Band, Intermediate Band, and Choir.  I also serve as the Colorguard coordinator/choreographer for Southside High School’s The Pride Marching Band and Winterguard programs.  I am also choreographer for a few other bands on a freelance basis.  My wife, Beth and I live in Kimberly, Alabama with our two wonderful Children, Tyler (9) and Emily (7).

I hope everyone will mark their calendars early and come out to support our cast and the company in this production.  It will be well worth your time and money to see this classic musical.  You’ll walk away singing familiar tunes that you’ve known most of your life, even if you didn’t know they came from this show!  

Jason

Hey to all my Music Man Friends!!

I am thrilled to be working with Characters again!  I am excited to see old friends and to meet new ones. Please, if we haven't officially exchanged greetings at rehearsals as of yet, don't let too much time get by to get to know you!  

The hallmark of this company is its very positive and welcoming nature. I always appreciate your encouragement and  love towards my family and me in each project we have shared. This is a rare thing in theatre, you know, but very refreshing. Thank you. A very important thing to note is that this hallmark inspires a job very well done- always. =) 

I have worked in theatre for most of my life in both professional and community venues and I must say, there is something very special about Characters that keeps drawing me back. One thing for sure is that our director packs a pretty awesome punch for his age. I have worked with many excellent directors and Cody is way up there with the best of them, I assure you. Another thing is that this company continues to draw a great deal of young talent- my goodness how quick you all are. In only 4  rehearsals you have managed to learn almost all the music and blocking for this show!! And doing it well, mind you. Very savvy, indeed! And some of you already coming off book!! Woohoo! Impressive.

I was cast in my 1st leading role in high school, Magnolia in SHOWBOAT. Since then I have never looked back. In the years that unfolded through college and grad school and professional opera studio and beyond, I have basked in the joy of singing my heart out in about 30 leading roles in opera and musical theatre. Nothing, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, brings me more pleasure than to sing for those sweet people out there. To me it is all about sharing. And so, my preparation and intensity of delivery is critical. I am very serious about it. Can't help it. It is just the way God made me.  I feel that with each offering something of my soul goes out never to return and I am happy to give it. And in that sense each performance is fresh and different, I am hoping. 

Somehow, in all those years unfolding, I managed to marry an excellent accompanist who is my partner in this passion of mine. There are times when I simply cannot perform without him, my husband Bill. But, because I wanted a "normal life" we settled down and had 5 children! =P  No. This is NOT normal. THEN we decide to  h-o-m-e- s-c-h-o-o-l  them all!!  =P =P To anyone who asks I say, "Please, do not try this at home." Ha! After launching 3 of them, I have decided I am NOT normal. =)  But, by the grace of a Loving God, we manged to raise 5 beautiful musicians. I am happy. In the midst of all that my husband has maintained a successful dental practice and I have enjoyed freelancing around the area and building a vibrant voice studio. I also am the founder and director presently of the Anniston Christian Academy Concert Choir. We are, as a family, very active in church and are passionate about our service to Christ, whether in the sacred or secular arena. My favorite pass time is coffee on my back porch with my precious pups, Jolie (because she is so beautiful) a yellow lab, and Edison, the resident Scotland yard, an adorable westie.

And so, I am very excited to be playing the role of Marian in this production of MUSIC MAN!  If the 1st week of rehearsals is an indicator, we are well on our way to a hit show, I think.  Please know how very grateful I am to you all for such dedication to every detail. Certainly there is no part or job too small or too large. We are all in this together!  What an amazing time it will be!  All Aboard!!



Jennie 

So hello!

I'm Jon Garlick and am very excited to be performing with CharACTers. I have seen many productions and can't wait to be on stage with all of you!

This will be the second time I have played Harold Hill in the Music Man. The first was 2 years ago in a CAST production in Anniston.

In my "real Life" I am a sergeant at the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. I supervise the School Resource Officers and Court Services, and am the chief Crisis Negotiator and team leader for our Incident Management Team. I also am a Licensed Professional Counselor and serve as Mental Health Officer for Calhoun County, and teach parent classes for Family Links.

My acting experiance dates back some 33 years. Mostly stage work, but there have been a few commercials and two short films. Other than Harold HIll some of my other favorite roles are Snoppy in both "Your a Good Man Charlie Brown" and "Snoopy the Musical", John the Baptist/Judas in "Godspell", Simon the Zealot in "Jesus Christ Superstar", George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life" and Professor Willard in "Our Town". Had the thrill of sharing the stage with my daughter, Heather, in more than a few shows and Renaissance Faires.

The Wall family, (Jennie, Bill, Rebecca etc etc etc) have become like a second family to me since we all worked together in "Music Man" 2 years ago.

Other than theatre and work, you will likely find me on my Hunter 28.5 sailboat in Guntersville. I grew up on sailboats and am finally returning to my roots. I'm also a pilot, but haven't done much of that lately. Hard to have friends up for dinner and to spend the night on your airplane. :)

Most of my life has been like the bumper sticker: "I can't, I have rehearsal".  See you all at rehearsal.  

Jon Garlick