Venice, FL – Junk aka Yard Sale
A Musical Performed in The Pinkerton Theatre at Venice Theatre
- January 31-March 1, 2020
- Tuesdays through Saturdays from 7:30 pm, Sundays from 2 pm
- Venice Theatre
- 140 West Tampa Avenue
- $34 Adults | $15-$20 Students
A Musical Performed in The Pinkerton Theatre at Venice Theatre
Please join us on Thursday, December 5, 2019, for the last in this year’s series of Hickory Arts house concerts featuring Savannah Spencer with Jeff Hartman, Steven Foster, and Scott McCloud for an evening of original and Christmas music. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online. Only 30 seats are available. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Doors open at 7:30 pm for an “eat & greet” with the artist. The performance begins at 8 pm.
November 1, 2019
One of my goals, when we founded Hickory Arts, was to raise awareness and help folks in the arts community discover and find value in who and what’s in their own backyard. Home truly is where the art is.
I’ve lived in the Hickory area for 30 years. I grew up in New Jersey prior to that and my career has taken me around the country. Every town has a story and a Starbucks. It’s how well you come to know and tell that story that matters. Catawba County has a wealth of resources and talent—and technology has made it even easier to develop your career from the comfort of your own home.
Who doesn’t love a good coming-of-age story—or a Bildungsroman? A “Bildungsroman” is a literary genre that “relates the growing up or ‘coming of age’ of a sensitive person who goes in search of answers to life’s questions with the expectation that these will result in gaining experience of the world.” Sound familiar? That’s, like, every script—ever! We’ve worked with hundreds of young, developing artists. There’s a Bildungsroman in all of us. So, challenging this supposition that the grass is always greener on the other side takes a village (two idioms for the price of one).
My brother-in-theatre of 30 years, David Townsend, and I were invited to speak to the latest Image Players occupying our high school alma mater’s theatre program. Long story short—if someone told me 30 years ago that I could write, record, publish, perform, tour, score for picture, design, act, direct, produce, teach, train, apprentice, work and consume the arts on a professional, competitive level comparable to New York City, Nashville or L.A.—here—a wave of teenage disbelief would have washed over me just as easily as it did these young Padawans. But I did—and I am—and it’s important to me for folks in our community to know that you can, too—and how.
I hit the arts running when I was 9, engulfing myself in piano and music. The theatre bug bit me at 12. Across these 36 years, my career and education have taken me to every corner of theatre, music, and film. In 2010, I began my segue from a person of the arts to a person for the arts and helped found Down to Hear Studios in an effort to supplement the artistic needs of developing artists and organizations in Hickory and surrounding areas. The studio relocated closer to Union Square in 2011 as Hickory Arts. Hickory Arts have since served as a crossroads between area theatres and other organizations over the past decade.
Communities suffer unnecessarily when there’s an overwhelming sense of, “I can’t do that here.” Convincing homegrowners to think inside the box is tougher than you think. Sometimes we want that drifter to roll into town and subvert our expectations (another literary trope). It makes a great headline. Often times we need that. Other times we underestimate the value, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of tapping into our own well. Most studies prove it pays to invest, cultivate and promote from within your community. There’s less pomp and circumstance in it, but when it’s to the exclusion of what’s right in front of you, the alternative is a transplanted community of drifters. Islands. Disconnected pockets of networks and fewer relationships that sew the past, present, and future together. Indigenes flee your community in pursuit of opportunity, continuing this silly “outside in, inside out” cycle.
Balance is everything. There’s beauty and freedom in relocating and it’s not completely without reward. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Forgetting where you came from or appreciating where you are can be hazardous to an artist’s health. “I live in L.A.” “I recorded that in Nashville.” “I’m moving to New York.” “We hired someone from Massachusetts.” Well, we all live somewhere. Is it smart? Was it necessary? If it’s accolades you’re seeking, your priorities are in the wrong place.
I believe the key to this business is personal relationships. As a husband and father, I’m committed to family and representing something much larger than myself. As a teaching artist, I’m dedicated to investing in and elevating others. As an on- and off-stage arts professional, I’ve chosen to commit much of my career to the arts in my community. Your community should be synonymous with involvement and foster a safe place for folks to take risks, connect, learn, and transform the lives of those who participate and consume its culture. People. Community. Experience. Networking. Encouragement. “Re-volve” and balance fresh faces with familiar ones—tradition and innovation.
Special thanks to Tara Blake Hatton and West Caldwell for hosting us. Our high school theatre program was a sanctuary for me and so many others.
Here are a few articles and blogs we highly recommend.
Top 5 Mistakes Singer/Songwriters Make
Top 10 Reasons NOT to Invest in Nashville
Why Promoting From Within Usually Beats Hiring From Outside
I’m an Actor. Should I Move to New York or Hollywood?
I’m a Writer. Should I Move to New York or Hollywood?
Do I Need to Move to Hollywood?
Dreaming about the day when you wake up and find that what you’re looking for has been here the whole time
Taylor Swift, You Belong With Me
September 22, 2019
As our “Bright Star” fades, David and I watch the sun rise on “The Mystery of Irma Vep.” #brightstar #irmavep — Jeff Hartman, September 22, 2019
Maggie Smith once said, “I like the ephemeral thing about theatre, every performance is like a ghost – it’s there and then it’s gone.”
I believe that’s what I love so much about theatre. It exists in the present form only. There is such a visceral connection you can have with a show and its actors in such a short amount of time… and then it’s gone—left to live only in our memories and imaginations.
The beautiful souls of the actors, musicians, production staff and volunteers who created Bright Star were some of the most dedicated, hard working, trusting, creative and openly loving people I have ever worked with in the theatre.
“My heart’s about to bust” from the overwhelming outpouring of love and support for this show from our community. Thank you!
To the cast, crew and musicians: Thank you… beyond measure and beyond reason. You are all part of my story now.
I love you. — David Townsend, September 22, 2019
I can’t say enough how much of an emotional, nostalgic, numerical love-fest this show has been for me. 23 years (23 years pass in the show) since Carol Anne and I did a Green Room show together. 30 years since David and I started doing theatre together. This is a picture of David, Jan Lail Pritchard (our high school drama teacher) and me, reunited for the first time in 27 years, after this evening’s performance of Bright Star. I could not have made it through high school without this woman and her theatre program. #imageplayers — Jeff Hartman, September 15, 2019
Wow! What a wonderful night of theatre with two of my all-time favorite Image Players! David Townsend, Director, and Jeff Hartman, Musical Director, joined to stage “Bright Star,” a beautiful, thought-provoking production that warms the heart. Carol Anne Hartman, Jeff’s wife, is stellar in the lead, and her supporting cast is remarkable. The Green Room is a perfect theatre for sound, comfort, and staging, and audiences will be thrilled with this show. David has directed his cast to be believable and relatable, while Jeff has taken a musical score that is plaintive and challenging and turned his actors into vocalists and musicians themselves. Jeff is not only the Musical Director, but he is also an accomplished musician himself showcasing his playing keyboard, guitar, and harmonica. If you haven’t seen the show, please order your ticket today for the final performances on September 20, 21, and 22 at The Green Room in Newton, NC. I have seen many shows at The Green Room in Newton and many of them rival Broadway! We can all be proud of this theatre and give it our support. David, Jeff, cast, and crew–BRAVO! — Jan Lail Pritchard, September 15, 2019
Story time: 23 years ago I was cast in The Fantasticks at The Green Room Community Theatre (back before it was at OPOP). I was Louisa and Jeff was El Gallo (a mysterious bandit – ooooo). We started dating during that show, with many of our dates consisting of just sitting in one of our cars under the light in the parking lot after rehearsals and talking; we refer to that as our Plastic Moon.
20 years ago, he took me to that same plastic moon and asked me to be his wife.
Today marks 19 years since he gave me a second ring and we told each other, “never doubt I love,” and I hope he never does. Because I sure do. Happy Anniversary, My Luv.
Fun Fact: The show we are currently doing together takes place across 23 years AND it’s been 23 years since we’ve been together on stage at The Green Room. — Carol Anne Hartman, September 9, 2019
Celebrating 19 years of marriage and 23 years together with my love, today. “Bright Star,” the show we’re currently doing, takes place across 23 years and it’s been 23 years since we’ve been together onstage at The Green Room. This video was from our anniversary a few years ago, beginning with our first show together then mixing our wedding at Hickory Theatre with our first show at The Green Room and our wedding duet in ”The Last 5 Years.” #annie — Jeff Hartman, September 9, 2019
Dear Bright Stars,
As you know, David and I have been at this a long time and many of you are already ahead of the curve from where we were when we were your age (say “where we were when we were” 10 times really fast!).
Speaking for myself, I’ve been directing and music directing since I was 19. I don’t like to speak in extremes in such a subjective medium, but I can say unequivocally that in that 25 years, this is by far the tightest, most able and amicable (a nice bonus) cast I’ve ever had the pleasure of music directing.
I didn’t know what to do with myself when you were nailing the vocal parts, 8-part harmonies at times, by the end of Week Two. You were off-music and ready to perform at Week Four! I was like, “Now what?”
You’ve given me the gift of not having to micromanage your assignments and it’s allowed me and you the freedom to detail, explore and focus on other things. I hope you appreciate how special and uncommon this is in Community Theatre. You should be very proud of yourselves.
On a personal note, I lost my baby brother at the end of March to alcoholism at the age of 33. You have made life so much better for me with your angelic voices. You’re all a blessing to me.
I hope I get to work with each one of you again and get to know each other better, sooner than later. Thank you for your time, talent and patience. If any of you ever need anything, I’m always around.
Break legs!
Much love,
Jeff, MD — Jeff Hartman, September 6, 2019
I’ve loved this guy right here for 30 years. We have been onstage with each other in such shows as Guys and Dolls, Damn Yankees, The Shadowbox and The Fantasticks… but this is the first time we have worked together as a team. I have admired Jeff Hartman for decades and have wanted to work with him in this capacity for so long… and Bright Star is the perfect show for our first collaboration. I cannot wait for y’all to hear what my friend has done with this beautiful score. — David Townsend, August 26, 2019
Sometimes, during rehearsal, I just sit and let the voices of this cast singing this gorgeous music wash over me…and I am overwhelmed. Every person involved with this production is someone I hold in the highest esteem…and I am humbled to be at the helm along with Jeff Hartman and Melissa And-Grace. Tickets go on sale to the public tomorrow!! Reserve your seats NOW to make sure you have the chance to see this beautiful show!
thegreenroomtheatre.org — David Townsend, August 22, 2019
Bright Star Music Director Jeff Hartman and Lead Actress Carol Anne Hartman offer an acoustic preview.
August 26, 2019
30 Years in the Making
High School Theatre Alumni Reunite to Tackle Steve Martin & Edie Brickell’s Bright Star
NEWTON – From the suburbs of New Jersey to the foothills of North Carolina, a powerhouse pair of creative minds began their theatrical journey on the heels of Hurricane Hugo as “Image Players” at West Caldwell High School in 1989. Today, they’re directing one of the most beloved shows around; Steve Martin & Edie Brickell’s Bright Star.
Music Director, Jeff Hartman transferred from Jersey to begin his Sophomore year at West Caldwell. Director, David Townsend was beginning his Freshman year. Both immersed themselves in West’s theatre program beneath the wings of Jan Lail Pritchard.
“This will be a milestone for David and me, as this fall marks 30 years since we started in theatre together,” said Hartman.
“It’s a sweet, full-circle moment. I can’t think of a better way to honor Jan and our alma mater. Feels like home. Help us celebrate with this inspirational work of art!
Hartman and Townsend have been performing and directing on their own paths since their time at WCHS. It’s taken three decades to bring them together as one of the hottest creative teams in town, including Choreographer Melissa Statema.
“Sometimes, during rehearsal, I just sit and let the voices of this cast singing this gorgeous music wash over me and I am overwhelmed,” Townsend said.
“Every person involved with this production is someone I hold in the highest esteem and I am humbled to be at the helm along with Jeff Hartman and Melissa Statema. Reserve your seats now to make sure you have the chance to see this beautiful show!”
Inspired by a true story and featuring the Tony-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Broadway’s Bright Star tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past—and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives. With beautiful melodies and powerfully moving characters, the story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds you tightly in its grasp, Bright Star is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful.
The cast includes Coleson Berlin, Clint Brittain, Joan Coppinger, Autumn Dagenhardt, Elizabeth Edwards, Heather Edwards, Simmon Fecho, Trish Folsom, Eric Hauss, Carol Anne Hartman, Sherry Johnson, Casey Knighton, Rachel Knighton, Sara Lane, Emily Michaels, Joey Moray, Samantha Munoz, Jonathan Ray, Kathy Ray, Danielle Siers, Kurt Sigmon, Andrew Turnbull, Jack Verner, Josie Wert, Steve Wert and Derek Zealy-Wright.
The band includes Andrea Barklage, Leigh Ann Lackey, Colin Ray, Charlton Seaver, Brett Setzer and Gabriel Wiseman.
Bright Star opens at The Green Room in Newton, NC on September 6th and runs every Friday-Sunday, closing on the 22nd. Please call 828-464-6128 or visit thegreenroomtheatre.org for more information.
John F. Feldhusen has written, “Teaching basic skills and subject matter—the fundamental duties of teachers—can be abundantly satisfying if done creatively and successfully. But finding and nurturing special talents in children and youth, and seeing those students and their talents blossom are among the great joys of teaching.”
As a beginning teacher, I was lucky enough to understand this concept. I remember seeing not only the student sitting in my classroom but also the vibrant, developed adult he or she could become. Never was this concept more apparent than in my experiences teaching high school drama and directing theatrical productions. It was easy to see the potential that lay in so many of my students. Two of my favorites are none other than David Townsend and Jeff Hartman, the collaborating directors of The Green Room’s production of Bright Star.
I first recognized their special talents when I cast them as the hilariously funny duo of Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie in our 1991 production of Greater Tuna. Individually they were gifted in their acting abilities and their dedication to the theatre; however, together they were magnificent! In later productions, I saw their myriad of talent in music, stagecraft, and conceptualization, but it was in their magical collaboration in Greater Tuna that I saw what they could become.
I have followed the work of both Jeff and David over the next twenty-eight years and have been thrilled at their growth and success. But as I anticipate the upcoming production of Bright Star in which they will once again combine their talents, I simply know it will be a smashing success!
The play is the brainchild of the amazingly funny Steve Martin and the American singer-songwriter Edie Brickell. And now it will be produced by another amazing pair right here in Newton, North Carolina, only a short distance from the play’s original setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The play will be directed by David Townsend, a clever wit and savvy stage actor himself. Serving as musical director will be Jeff Hartman, another American singer-songwriter and multi-talented instrumentalist. Not since Batman and Robin has such a dynamic duo hit the stage. Everyone attending the show is in for a treat, but no one there will enjoy seeing her vision of David’s and Jeff’s potential come to fruition more than their high school drama director, Jan Lail Pritchard.
