Paramount Arts Center Blog

My New Year’s Resolutions at the Paramount

jennypemberton — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:26:18 +0000

By Jenny Holmes

It’s that time of year when I publish my New Year’s Resolutions for all the world to see and hold me accountable. I love this time of year when I can reflect on the past year and see if I do all the things I said I was going to do. But I don’t beat myself up if I wasn’t as accomplished as the ambitious list I created. Instead, I move the unfinished items to the new list and pretend I just came up with it. My favorite resolution for this past year was to audition for a musical. Well, I did it. I auditioned for Hairspray. I was here for 5 hours with more than 100 people. I sang, I danced, I read scripts. I did NOT get the part of Velma. It’s the one I really wanted. You’d think since I work here and share an office area with the Paramount Player Director that I would get some special favor. But the fact is, I wasn’t the best for the part. But you know the old saying, when one door closes, another opens. That is exactly what happened for me. I got the role as a hooker in Hairspray and got to dance in the BiG Doll House Scene. It was amazing. And because I was such a great hooker in that musical, I got another hooker part in Footloose, the musical. Not only did I get to sing and dance, but I even had FOUR lines. And then, I basically had to get an agent because I just keep getting offered parts. Well, yes, there is a little typecasting going on. But I got to successfully check that off my 2011 list of resolutions. Now here is my list for 2012.

I am going to see one of the greatest love stories ever…on our big screen. It’s called LOVE STORY and is part of our second Sunday film series.
I am going to laugh so hard that I can’t breathe when I stand up and sing “Shake Ya Tail Feather” when the Blues Brothers show comes in March.
I plan to ask one of those amazing Cirque performers to teach me how to ride a unicycle or swing from the top of the stage during the Pop Goes the Rock Cirque Dreams show.
Because I love to sing the songs from “Sound of Music,” I am going to see if I can work my way onto that stage and belt out “The Hills Are Alive” at the top of my lungs. However, I will probably get a call any day now with an offer for a ‘special part.’ I’m waiting.
I guess it is a good thing I like to sing because I am going to be singing some ABBA in May. “Dancing Queen,” “S.O.S.” and “Money, Money, Money” to name a few, because, yes, Mamma MIA Broadway will be on our stage. I may just sing those songs from my office since it’s a pretty big deal and at the rate the tickets have sold, I’m not sure there will be any extra seats!
Once again, I plan to watch the Oscars in our theatre. But not before I get a new do, a makeover and maybe a little botox —when we have our Second Annual Red Carpet Party.
I will make a new fancy gown to wear to our next fancy gala – and each year I try to come up with some fun new marketing idea. Last year, we covered the event LIVE with Ustream. HMMM now I gotta top that one.
I’m going to speak at a conference or two. I already got invited to one. Melanie (our education director) and I wrote a book called “Marketing the Arts” and we will be presenting it at the SETC (Southeastern Theatre Conference).
I definitely will write another book. I have a dozen or so in the works, so not sure which one I’ll finish first, but it’s pretty much a regular posting on my resolutions.
I’m going to write at least 2 grants, which reminds me I should probably cut this list short and get busy writing something that can make some money for the Paramount.

Well, we’ll see how this year goes, but so far these are looking do-able (maybe not the unicycle but I have to have some resolutions with physical challenges). And they are all definitely do-able right here at the Paramount! What’s your resolution?

Well, how about I recommend some to you. Visit our website www.paramountartscenter.com, be our fan on facebook, follow us on Twitter, download our free APP, scan our QR code, sign up for push notifications and texts on your phone, subscribe to our newsletter, watch some of our videos, volunteer, call our box office and chat a bit 606.324.3175 or email me, jenny@paramountartscenter.com and let me know you did all of these things and how accomplished you feel.

CAST List for Sound of Music@

jennypemberton — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:21:27 +0000

he Sound of Music
Cast List

Thanks so much to everyone who auditioned. We ended up with over 160 people to audition and casting was very difficult. The first cast meeting/rehearsal will be Monday, January 23 at 6:00 pm. Those 16 and under are required to have a parent at the meeting. If you are cast as an understudy you will be performing for the Saturday Matinee.

Please respond to accept the role.

Maria………………………………………………………………………………..Desiree Sowards
Mother Abbess……………………………………………………………………………Victoria Hull
Sister Berthe……………………………………………………………………………Nancy Jackson
Sister Margaretta………………………………………………………………………….Pamela Hall
Captain Von Trapp………………………………………………………………..Joshua Jannotta
Franz…………………………………………………………………………………………….TBA
Frau Schmidt…………………………………………………………………………….Carol Spence
Liesl…………………………………………………………………………………………Morgan Casto
Liesl/Understudy………………………………………………………………………Katie Jackson
Friedrich……………………………………………………………………………….Joshua Callahan
Friedrich/Understudy………………………………………………………………….Brad Huffman
Louisa…………………………………………………………………………………..….Audri Wells
Kurt………………………………………………………………………………………….Brett Woods
Kurt/Understudy………………………………………………………………………….Sam Smittle
Brigitta……………………………………………………………………….………Hannah Tussey
Brigitta/Understudy…………………………………………………………….Mackenzie Cole
Marta…………………………………………………………………………………Annie Whelan
Gretl………………………………………………………………………………………..Paige Fraley
Gretl/Understudy……………………………………………………………..Vinessa Fressola
Rolf……………………………………………………………………………………..Blaine Roberts
Rolf/Understudy……………………………………………………………………Max Addington
Elsa Schraeder……………………………………………………………………………………TBA
Max Detweiler…………………………………………………………………………….Bill Tussey
Herr Zeller…………………………………………………………………………….Tyler Bradley
Frau Zeller/Nun……………………………………………………………………..Joanna Berner
Baron Elberfeld……………………………………………………………………..Andrew Potter
Baroness Elberfeld……………………………………………………………………..Sarah Brehm
A New Postulant………………………………………….…………………………..Alyssa Miller
Admiral Von Schreiber…………………………………………………………..………Tim Woods
Postulant…………………………………………………………………………..Ashby Foutch
Postulant……………………………………………………………………………..Megan Riley
Postulant………………………………………………………………………..Bethany Hamilton
Postulant……………………………………………………………………………….Alex Lewis
Postulant……………………………………………………………………………………Shelby Ison
Postulant……………………………………………………………………………Katelyn Ferguson
Postulant……………………………………………………………………..Savannah Peterman
Postulant………………………………………………………………………….……Courtlyn Lewis
Postulant……………………………………………………………………………………Claire Wilson
Novice…………………………………………………………………………….Miranda Hutchinson
Novice……………………………………………………………………………………Miranda Rogers
Novice……………………………………………………………………………….Bethany Hamilton
Novice…………………………………………………………………………………..Jordan Callahan
Novice……………………………………………………………………………………Peri Ann Law
Novice…………………………………………………………………………………..Jordan Callahan
Novice………………………………………………………………………………………Susan Barber
Novice…………………………………………………………………………………….Kathryn Barber
Novice……………………………………………………………………………………..Zorada Porter
Nun…………………………………………………………………………………………….Anna Baker
Nun…………………………………………………………………………………………..Robin Wilson
Nun………………………………………………………………………………………….Kelsey Gregg
Nun……………………………………………………………………………………….Caitlin Brown
Nun…………………………………………………………………………………………Alyssa Woods
Nun………………………………………………………………………………………….Sydney Smith
Nun……………………………………………………………………………………Aundrea Perkins
Nun……………………………………………………………………………………….Karen Welch
Nun……………………………………………………………………………………..Brittany Melvin
Nun………………………………………………………………………………………..Katie Castle
Nun……………………………………………………………………………………..Margie Burcham
Nun/Party Guest……………………………………………………………………….Kristina Richins
Nun/Party Guest………………………………………………………………………..Nicole Smith
Nun/Party Guest………………………………………………………………………..Kaci Kielmar
Nun/Party Guest…………………………………………………………………………..Jami Barber
Nun/Party Guest………………………………………………………………………Kristen Welch
Nazi/Party Guest………………………………………………………………….Aaron Murphy
Nazi/Party Guest……………………………………………………………………Matt Hammond
Nazi/Party Guest………………………………………………………………………..Andrew Hall
Nazi/Party Guest……………………………………………………………………Wyatt Wheeler
Nazi/Party Guest……………………………………………………………….Gregory Picklesimer

Madison Records Radio Spots for Paramount

jennypemberton — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 01:35:55 +0000

http://www.facebook.com/v/2245365610069

A Country Music Legend Takes The Paramount Stage

jennypemberton — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 22:15:08 +0000

By: Madison Lavender
October 17, 2011

She is a Coal Miner’s Daughter and A Honkey Tonk Girl, and she will be performing at the Paramount this Saturday, October 22 at 8 p.m. Loretta Lynn will take the stage to celebrate 50 years of creating memorable hits like “These Boots are Made for Walking” and “You Ain’t Woman Enough.” After being the first winner in the Country Music Awards “Female Vocalist” category and the first women to win “Entertainer of the Year,” Lynn quickly became known as the “First Lady of Country Music.” She is a Kentucky born artist with 54 albums, 88 singles, and 7 music videos including my personal favorite video; a collaboration with Miranda Lambert and Sheryl Crow in the video “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”

Don’t miss out on your chance to see this country music legend live on the Paramount stage! Tickets start at $35 and are on sale NOW! Call the box office at 606.324.3175.

Be our fan on Facebook for more on upcoming shows and events at the Paramount Arts Center!

Rock, comedy, country, spooky and some wine!

jennypemberton — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:50:01 +0000

by Jenny Holmes
I’m just a small town girl, living in a lonely world, going to take the midnight train to anywhere. Well apparently I am in a singing mood today. And if you started singing as you read that first sentence, then welcome to my world. We are getting ready for one of the most amazing Broadway tours to hit Ashland this week. Rock of Ages. If you love Broadway, you’ll love it (I saw it in New York so I know!). If you grew up in the 80s, you’ll love it for the clothing, the hair, the music. And about the music. You won’t stop believin’ how many amazing songs are in this one Tony Award nominated smash hit musical. Of course Journey. But throw in songs by Night Ranger, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted sister, Poison, Asia, Whitesnake and more and you will be transformed back to the 80s. In this hilarious feel-good love story, set in 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small town girl meets a big city rocker and they fall in love. With a perfect combination of rock and comedy, this Broadway performance about dreaming big, playing loud and partying on will be the perfect mid-week show. Wednesday, Oct. 12 @ 7:30 PM. Get your tickets online or in our box office 606.324.3175.

You lucky people in the town of Ashland get the opportunity to come to the Paramount two nights this week. And I’m not sure our stage has seen the likes of the amazing Jose Porcel and his flamenco dance troupe and show called Gypsy Fire. Tuesday night @ 7 PM, this amazing former star dancer with the National Ballet of Spain will bring his show to our stage. Porcel has assembled his country’s most acclaimed flamenco artists and there will be explosions of rhythm, colors and emotions to create the most amazing theatre art. Porcel has been called a ‘musical savant and master improviser who commands the stage.’ And if you can’t picture it for yourself, drive by the Paramount and look at the picture of him on the billboard or in the box office window. I promise you can see the fire in his eyes by just looking at the picture. We are so fortunate to be able to bring these amazing international dance performances to our stage. Get your tickets now!

And next week will bring a unique performance presented by the Paramount Players, “I Never Saw Another Butterfly.” This play is history, in a story told by a girl who lived through the holocaust. From 1942 to 1945, more than 15,000 Jewish children passed through Terezin and only about 100 were still alive when Terezin was liberated at the end of the war. These few went back to the scattered pieces of their lives, their homes and families. Raja Englanderova lived through it all at Terezin, teaching the children when there was nothing to teach with, helping to give them hope when there was little reason for hope. This play is an imaginative creation of her story from documentary materials, poems, diaries, letters, journals, drawings and pictures. There is an evening performance, Friday, Oct. 14 @ 7:30 PM

Don’t forget, Loretta Lynn is here on Oct. 22 and celebrating her 50th Anniversary of making hits. There are just a few tickets left, so you will want to get in on these seats asap.

Go ahead and mark your calendar for Tales of Suspense – an evening of one-act scary plays. So scary I can’t even write about them. Two nights, Oct. 24 and 25 @ 7 PM.

And it’s still a month out, but I have grape expectations that you will want to get on this deal early. Once again, we will have our Grape Expectations wine tasting event on stage, Thursday, Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. We tried a new fun thing last year and are going to do it again this year. Yes, you get to design your own wine glass. Tickets to the event are $25, or add another $5 and request your custom-designed hand-painted and decorated glass. To place your order in advance, stop by the box office and place your order or email and say Reserve Mine to jenny@paramountartscenter.com. This is the area’s most incredible wine tasting event including hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction and more. You can’t get food, wine and this much fun for $30 anywhere else. Come join us.

Rock, Rock, Rock of Ages

jennypemberton — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 15:10:45 +0000

by Guest blogger: Angela Henderson-Bentley
“Just a small town girl. Living in a lonely world…”
That line from a classic Journey song immediately takes you to a story of two people—the small town girl and the city boy—and the dream in which they just won’t stop believing.
But what if someone took that little story and brought it to the stage? And what if to help tell that story they added in 29 other big hair hits from the 80s?
Then you would have “Rock of Ages,” the musical that hits the Paramount stage Wednesday night.
The small town girl is Sherrie Christian (So right there you know you’ll hear “Oh Sherrie” and “Sister Christian.”), who moves to the Sunset Strip to be a star. In the popular nightclub/bar, The Bourbon Room, she meets the city boy, Drew Foley, who has dreams of being a rock star (Cue “I Wanna Rock.”) It looks like Drew and Sherrie are destined to be together, until rock star Stacee Jaxx rolls into town. He and his band, Arsenal (the band for the entire show), are performing their last concert at the club to try and make enough money to keep it from being torn down by German businessmen.
Stacee’s rock star persona completely dazzles Sheree and her actions not only put the brakes on her relationship with Drew, but also lead her down a path that takes her in the complete opposite direction of her dreams.
If you’re a child of the 80s, then you’ll absolutely love the music in the show. But what you’ll love more is how creatively these songs are used. Starship’s “We Built This City” is used as a protest song for a rally against tearing down the club (“Don’t you remember we built this city on rock and roll?”). And of course, no protest would be complete without Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It.” Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ “I Hate Myself for Loving You” becomes Sherrie’s song of regret for her tryst with Stacee, while Stacee tries to explain his actions with Asia’s “The Heat of the Moment.” And in my favorite musical number of the show, Quarterflash’s “Harden My Heart” and Pat Benatar’s “Shadows of the Night” are mashed together as Sherrie tries to move on from her mistake and come to terms with the seedy turn her life is taking.
And is there any better 80s love song to bring a couple together than Survivor’s “The Search Is Over”?
“Rock of Ages” is a show that will have you dancing, singing along and cheering as you’re transported back to that magical time of the big hair—the 1980s. I should warn you, though, that the musical is not for children because of some suggestive scenes. But it is definitely for those of you who are children of the 80s.
It may even inspire you to think about bringing that big hair back. Okay, maybe not…

Soulful Sounds on Jazz Alley

jennypemberton — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 03:44:43 +0000

By: Madison Lavender
September 27, 2011

Over the next two weeks the Paramount will have you feeling like a guest at the world famous House of Blues. This Friday, September 30 the Jay Flippin Quintet will perform at the Paramount at 8 p.m., bringing the soulful sounds of jazz, blues and orchestral music to the Paramount stage. This artist has produced four CDs and performed worldwide with acts like Rosemary Clooney the Count Basie Orchestra. Then, on Friday, October 7 the Bob Thompson Unit will let us hear some “junk.” Don’t worry, it’s not what you think. This quartet is famous for combining jazz and funk into a genre they refer to as “junk.” This unique style will make for a show that you won’t want to miss. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students!

Tickets are on sale NOW! Call the box office 606.324.3175 or visit us online at paramountartscenter.com

Be our fan on Facebook for more on upcoming shows and events at the Paramount Arts Center!

Cast List for Tales of Suspense

jennypemberton — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:09:21 +0000

Tales of Suspense
Cast List

Thanks to everyone who auditioned. Please initial your acceptance or respond with “Accept” on facebook.

A Cask of Amontillado
Allie Rigsby
Sara Stapleton

The Lottery
MS. Bessam……………………………………………….…..Maddison Wampler___
Delacroix…………………………………………………………Sam Perkins_______
Janey Dunbar………………………………………………Denise Elswick________
Bill Hutchinson………………………………………Emanuel Picazo__________
Davey Hutchinson…………………………………..Aaron Storms__________
Nancy Hutchinson……………………………………..Joey Farris___________
Tess Hutchinson………………………………………………Jessica Price________
Bea Martin………………………………………………….Amanda Holbrook______
Joe Summers…………………………………………………..Austin Leach________
Old Man Warner………………………………………………………….TBA
Jack Watson…………………………………………………….Baron Hankins______
Myrtle Wilkins…………………………………………………Gabreal Daniels______
Tommy Dunbar……………………………………………Dylan Hermann-Holt____
Townspeople……………………………………………Kenzie Pennington_____
………………………………………………………………….Syndey Fletcher_______
…………………………………………………………………Sarah Stapleton_______
……………………………………………………………….Shaina Ward_______
…………………………………………………………………..Kathryn Waugh________
………………………………………………………………………………Hannah Tussey___
…………………………………………………………………………..Sarah Brehm_____

The Veldt

George………………………………………………………………….Doug Stevens_____
Lydia…………………………………………………………………….Joanna Berner____
Wendy……………………………………………………………Heather McDowell____
Peter……………………………………………………..Lucas Branham______
Electrician/Psychiatrist…………………………….Allie Rigsby__________

The Monkey’s Paw

Father………………………………………………………………….Doug Stevens_____
Mother…………………………………………………………………..Sheila Meade____
Daughter…………………………………………………………….Emma Imes______
Friend………………………………………………………………Kelsey Gregg________
Ensemble………………………………………………………Kelsey Huff__________

Reunion on Gallows Hill
Rebecca……………………………………………………..Mallory Aronhalt_____
Patience……………………………………………………Kelsey Gregg______
Martha………………………………………………………Sarah Stapleton_______
Nancy………………………………………………………..Lauren Young_____
Debbie……………………………………………………..Reily Barker_____
Carol………………………………………………………Marissa Price______
Jessica………………………………………………………Kynidee Allen_____
Cynthia……………………………………………………Katie Fields_______
Elizabeth……………………………………………..Sydney Fletcher_______
Hester………………………………………………………….Heather McDowell_____
Goody Good……………………………………….Emma Imes_________

It’s Fall At The Paramount

jennypemberton — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:34:12 +0000

By: Madison Lavender
September 13, 2011

What a great weekend celebrating the Paramount’s 80th birthday! So many wonderful people came to celebrate and remember cherished memories from the past. I learned so much throughout the birthday celebration from people who have worked at the Paramount in the past years. Thank you to the people who worked at the box office, concession stand, and even as ushers for sharing your stories with me; it was so inspiring to see how each of you have kept the Paramount close to your heart.

Even though the 80th Birthday Bash has past, it was just the beginning of some of the events September has to bring to the Paramount! So many classes are being offered such as drawing, beginning acting and sand art. You are sure to find one that will fit your interests! Get in the holiday spirit with classes that teach you how to paint a pumpkin or decorate a gingerbread house. Register TODAY!

Registration Forms are available at the box office, on our website, or by calling us at 606.324.3175!

Be our fan on Facebook for more updates on shows and events at the Paramount!

Put A Little Spice In Your Life

jennypemberton — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 02:22:45 +0000

By: Madison Lavender
September 7, 2011

Everyone get ready to dive into your recipe books and pull out your own award winning chili. Saturday, September 24 chefs and amateurs alike will have a chance to show off their skills and cook some chili at the “Great Bowls of Fire” Chili Fest and Cook-off! Whether you make your own original recipe, or have a savory classic that has been handed down for generations, everyone has a chance to enter and compete to represent Kentucky at the International Chili Society’s World Chili Championship. This charity cook-off will be held at the Paramount, and the tasting will begin at 11 a.m. Chili will be sold for 50 cents a cup.

Registration forms are available on our website paramountartscenter.com or you can call our box office at 606.324.3175 for more information!

Be our fan on Facebook for more on upcoming shows and events at the Paramount Arts Center!