An evening with Kevin Spirtas - September 25th
The Performing Arts and Education Association is pleased to open the Professional Season on September 25th with Kevin Spirtas, star of Broadway , silver screen, and television's "Days of our Lives," as he celebrates his journey from stage to screen. International sensation, he dips into his rich experiences from Broadway, cinema, and television to bring you an enthralling musical evening in the theatre with a great collection of Broadway and pop standards.
   Growing up in St. Louis, Kevin, at age 18, landed his first professional job on Broadway: the role of Mike ("I Can Do That") Costa, in A Chorus Line. He also appeared on Broadway in the role of Warren Sheffield in Meet Me in St. Louis. Other stage credits include: Damn Yankees (Joe Hardy), No. 9 Rue D'Antin...The Legend of Camille (Baron de Varville), Guys Naked from the Waist Down (Phil Kunin), and Into the Woods (Rapunzel's Prince).
   For 7 1/2 years, Spirtas played the dashing and frolicking Dr. Craig Wesley on NBC's: "Days of Our Lives". In 1999 Soap Opera Digest nominated Spirtas for Best Villain and TV Guide touted him for a Best Supporting Actor Emmy. In 2000, Spirtas had the delightful opportunity to play his "Days" role of 'Dr. Craig Wesley' opposite Matt Leblanc's 'Dr. Drake Ramoray' on NBC's, "Friends."
   The cinema has also embraced Spirtas, as evidenced in his numerous film roles, highlights of which include featured parts opposite Ben Affleck in "Daredevil" and Sir Ian McKellen in "Apt Pupil" and his starring roles in those fantastic cult classic slasher epics: "Friday the 13th, VII," "Subspecies II," Subspecies III," and Wes Craven's unparalleled "The Hills Have Eyes."
   In 2005, television audiences worldwide heard Spirtas introduce the song: The Sweetest Of Nights and The Finest Of Days, as he sang it at Chloe & Brady's wedding on "Days of Our Lives." On the same day he released a CD single of the song and contributes a portion of each CD sold to the RED CROSS for victims of Hurricane Katrina.
   Kevin Spirtas is a singer with a powerful voice and obvious charisma. You will enjoy a terrific array of tunes from the American songbook and the world of pop. Between the songs is genuine patter that personifies "the boy next door" growing into his own as an internationally recognized entertainer. He weaves together a dazzling array of rich material and presents an unforgettable evening showcasing his broad vocal and acting talents.
   Please plan to join us for a memorable Evening with Kevin Spirtas. We can assure you that it will be an entertaining evening, filled with familiar songs, outstanding talent, and lots of fun.

PAEA Community Theatre presents GODSPELL - October 8th - 10th and 15 - 17th.
   PAEA Community Theatre opens the 2010-11 season on October 8 – 10th and 15 – 17th, with Godspell, the musical by Stephan Swartz and John- Michael Tebelak.
   This familiar musical is a series of parables, based upon the Gospel of Matthew (though some of the material, such as the parables of the prodigal son and of the rich man and Lazarus, comes exclusively from the Gospel of Luke). These are then interspersed with a variety of modern music set primarily to lyrics from traditional hymns, with the passion of Christ treated briefly near the end of the performance.
   Godspell opened off Broadway in 1971, and has played in various touring companies and revivals many times since. Several cast albums have been released over the years and one of its songs, "Day By Day" from the original cast album, reached #13 on the Billboard chart in the summer of 1972.
   John Olson is the director for Godspell. He is a resident of Shenandoah who has been active with Southwest Iowa Theatre Group (SWITG) for over eight years, serving on their Board, acting, and directing. John appeared in the Wilson Performing Arts Center productions of Lend Me a Tenor and The Wizard of Oz.
   The ten-member cast includes Robert Keefer of Clarinda, performing the role of Jesus. Paul Griffen of Red Oak plays John the Baptist/Judas. Jeffery, a high energy and playful character, is Sawyer Johannes from Villisca, and Michael Harvey of Carson is Lamar, not really the brightest, but very loveable. Herb, the comedian and class clown, is played by Dan Crouse of Red Oak. Katherine Jardon of Red Oak will perform the role of Robin, a bit of a tomboy but open and sweet. Joanne is confident and a show-off, and she will be played by Jessica Parkinson of Riverton. Kim Ruiz of Shenandoah plays Peggy, the shy one, and Suzane Jones of Carson plays Sonia, who is sassy and slightly cynical. Glimmer, a comedian, goofy and a cutup, will be performed by Amber Adkins of Griswold.
   Other members of the production team include Larry Brandstetter as the producer, Bill Van Deest as the set designer, and Carol Wisner as the lighting designer. Nathaniel Adkins is the Stage Manager.
   All community theatre productions require a number of volunteers. If you are interested in working on the set with carpentry or painting, in the costume shop sewing costumes, playing in the orchestra, helping as an usher or greeter for performances, just to name a few, please let us know. We sincerely appreciate all of the support our volunteers provide.
   Performances of Godspell will be at the Wilson Performing Arts Center on October 8 - 10 and 15 - 17th, on Friday and Saturday evening at 7:30 PM, and on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 PM. Reserved seats are $20 for adults and $16 for students (anyone in school, regardless of age). Call the Box Office at 712-623-3183, Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM through 4:00 PM..