2012 Dates

After some discussion, and many, many fine suggestions from cast, crew, and audience, we have settled on a title for our show. We chose an Americana theme, but didn't want to give the impression that we are going to focus on only patriotic issues....so.....there you have it.

This isn't our show logo or shirt design. We leave that in the hands of our fine HAR artists....who by the way, are probably suffering major helpings of angst over this representation. But, hopefully it gives you a sense of where we're headed.

We are happy to announce that Barb Krueger and Scott Zahn will be joining the directing team for a one-year stint. In an attempt to include more people in the event operations, we have decided to offer short, get acquainted with the inner workings of HAR. We were thrilled at how many people stepped up and expressed interest. Looks like this is an idea worth expanding!

Very important dates for your calendar

Auditions: Thursday, Feb. 9, 7:00 at the Capitol Civic Centre

Sunday, Feb 12, 1:00 at the Capitol Civic Centre

(We'll be waiting for YOU!)

Show dates: April 26, 27, 28, May 3, 4, 5

If interested in auditioning and need extra info? Email us at heartarama@ymail.com.

The Final Figures are In!

TIME TO CELEBRATE!

The figures are in (we topped HAR 2010!) and we have a theme for Heart-A-Rama 2012

A huge heartfelt hug to everyone who helped make HAR 2011 a success.

Thank you to our general chairpersons, artists, costumers, facilities coordinators, heartdog makers and sellers, house managers, waitstaff and bartenders, food prep personnel, program designers and coordinators, publicity and advertising coordinators, sound and light technicians, stage crew, props gatherers, sponsors, writers, performers and directors. Over 200 volunteers come together to keep this event happen.

And thank you to everyone who came to our show, laughed at our silly jokes, and supported our cause. We hope to see you all again next year.

Total raised: $96,000

Sent to American Heart Association: $86,400

Retained for local needs: $9,600

Our theme for HAR 2012 is America. We are still toying with a title, so if you have an uber creative idea, sent it to us at heartarama@ymail.com. The show will have some patriotic components, but we will include many all-American ideas such as the typical American family, girl scouts, the Declaration of Independence. We are looking for a title that will embrace that idea.

Directors met last week to brainstorm ideas for skits, and songs, but no one has started writing yet, so we are still open to suggestions. Send your ideas our way. We may have openings for a few new writers, so let us know if you're interested.

Updates

For years, I have affectionately and respectfully referred to HAR as "our little circus". Watching the show from my designated corner each night, I realized that what we have created, in reality, is indeed a three-ring circus. Over 200 volunteers join forces each night to make this show happen, and at any given time, you will see bartenders and waitstaff, and sales teams hustling, technicians making light and sound magic, actors rushing to get into place for their next skit...all three rings swirling with activity. As a simple spectator, I am awed by the precision of this colorful chaos.

For an inside peek at circus life, check out Jeff Dawson's Flickr site: http://www.lesterlibrary.org/

Click on Two Rivers Events and Living on the right side. Jeff is the Director of the Two Rivers Library. He is a quiet supporter of HAR, posting impressive show pictures on the library website. Susanne Weiss of the Herald Times also deserves a hug for going the extra mile for us. HTR staff writers are short on time, and frequently gather information via phone calls and emails. Suzanne checked out our rehearsal schedule and found a date that both she and a photographer were free. After their regular working hours, they came to rehearsal and spent their own time talking with some of our newest performers. WCUB radio offered HAR airtime, and our two spokespeople hit show highlights, and gave shout-outs to even more of our new players. All of this media, coupled with word of mouth, and some social networking, have brought us enthusiastic and generous audiences.

Ellen Peronto and Jerry Krause bravely stepped up to sell our "Best Seat in the House," a festive toilet seat decorated by our resident Van Gogh, Kevin Hansen. Lisa Novachek provided the high bidders with a lovely setee upon which to watch the show. So, who pays big bucks for a toilet seat? Let me tell you....

Piggly Wiggly

Festival Foods

Cawley Company

Triangle Distributing

Scott's Vending

Schaus Roofing

...and you'll never guess how much the seat has proved to be worth, so I'll tell you. Just last night (Thursday) the seat sold for $3000. Oh, but that's not the whole truth. A second bidder agreed to match that amount, if we could produce a second seat....which we did. $6000 for toilet seats, people. Awesome.

Other highlights......

... Manitowoc Lutheran High girls' basketball team collected $800.00 for heart.

...did we guess so many people would be dancing in the isles...fist pumping, waving thriller hands, swimming, and picking cherries?

.... most creative, wacky, talented, thoughtful, and ego-free cast and crew ever

We have two night to go. This is live theatre, friends. Anything can happen. You Don't want to miss it!

We'll be watching for you!

Inter-cast hostility, and a few buring questions

It seems the gauntlet of challenge has been thrown. If you attend HAR (and if you don't, you should!) you know that the show consists of a series of disconnected skits, each with a different director and cast. Occasionally, one person will direct more than one sketch, and there is some cast sharing...but...

In casual conversation last week one director, Brad, mentioned to another director, Bev, that his skit was sure to be the best in the show. Of course, Bev could not leave well enough alone. She had to go and share that info with her cast. A great cacophonous wailing arose from the rehearsal hall, with shouts of "Bring it on, Brad", and "Oh yea. No way!", and other equally threatening, and intelligent epithets.

"We should send him a picture," someone suggested, 'to show Brad and his cast exactly what they are up against."

So, that's what you're seeing up there, the cast of "Emil Goes Gaga" nasty and ready for battle.

*****If you don't see the show this year, you will never get the answers to these burning questions:

• How did Abe Lincoln hook up with Dorothy Gale, and why is Bazooka Joe baking cakes in Two Rivers?



• What happened to Terri's impeccable sense of style, and why is Biff moonlighting as a bounty hunter?



• How many women can one man propose to in a single day?



• What's a flash mob and why is everyone in the audience on their feet dancing?



• Katy Perry? Really?



• Betty Grunzinski...thong or granny gruns?

Now we've got you thinking, don't we? Tickets are still available at the Pig in Manitowoc, and at Inman's Jewelers in Two Rivers.

We'll know if you don't come. We have our ways!

Time to get your tickets!

Now listen people...you gotta hurry. Heart-A-Rama is the hottest ticket in town, and why wouldn't it be, when we have talent like this lined up for you? I'm not letting out any secrets on just who will be gracing our stage this year - with a bit of help from Biff and Terri, of course - but you can bet it will be worth the price of admission.

Get your tickets today at

• 
  
  Piggly Wiggly in Manitowoc


• 
  
  Inman Jewelers in Two Rivers

Heart-A-Rama Gets Real......

Prepare yourself....there well be cake baking, marriage proposals, dance contests, and the usual assortment of song, dance, heart dogs and toilet seats.

You don't want to be that person crying your heart on "Air Exchange" because you didn't get a ticket on time, do you? I'm telling you...now, get into your car and go to the Pig, or drive all the way to Inman's in Two Rivers before it's too late.

Only $15 for an evening of heartfelt fun.

We'll be watching for you at the J.E. Hamilton Community House on May 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14

It Has Begun!

HAR auditions, round #1 were great, and believe me, if you plan to attend tonight...you better bring your A game, people. We had more than one super talent step up, including this guy, professional whistler, Steve Herbst. Steve whistled "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" for us, and when Brad asked if he had anything lighter, he launched into a six song medley of Doris Day tunes, beginning with "Que Sera Sera" and ending with some obscure number called "Rolly -Polly".

The reality is, we may not be able to find a slot for Stevie, but there could be a role for you.

7:00 tonight. Capitol Civic Centre.

Don't miss out on the fun!

New Webpage

We have a fine, fun and funky new web page. Check it out at http://www.heartarama.com Our resident all around talent, Kevin Hansen designed it. In addition to creating slightly twisted art, Kevin has been known to warble a few notes, and tap lightly upon the stage for us. Last year, Kevin was our Tin man in the "Wizard of Oz" parody. His path to fame began when he played a nerdy summer camp attendee wearing a hula skirt and duct taped glasses

.

HAR 2011 is shaping up nicely. We have a cool blend of traditional fare mixed with contemporary comedy. Watch this site. We'll be sending info on how you can become part of the show!

Heart-A-Rama Gets Real

...coming to a community house near you in May.

Watch for it. Be there.

We'll be looking for you!

Audition news

Auditions

Heart-A-Rama 2011

Heart-A-Rama Gets Real

Sunday, February 13, 12:00

Monday, February 14, 7:00

Kadow Hall at the Capitol Civic Centre

Come on...admit it...

you've all dreamed of being this guy...

caught in the spotlight...

doing your "thing" for a good cause.

Well, now's your chance. Come be part of the fun. Dress funny, say silly things, get laughed at...all while raising money for a great cause. (And, if you're good, we'll give you the key to the executive washroom.)

Anyone 21 or over is welcome to audition for the annual all-volunteer fundraiser, now in its 41st year. Auditionees will be asked to read from a provided script and sing a simple song.

The show’s theme, “Heart-A-Rama Gets Real” examines the current reality TV fad and will feature parodies of “The Bachelor”, “The Cake Boss” and popular games shows. An audience favorite, the Heart-A-Rama news featuring Tom Brokheart will return, and directors promise several surprises throughout the high-energy program.

General co-chairs, Mike and Pat Chermak have led the organization since the beginning, and this year, Tom Bartelme will join them. Bev Denor and Brad Zimmermann are the producers. Biff Hansen and Terri Temme return as MC’s.

Heart-A-Rama will be performed at the J.E. Hamilton Community House in Two Rivers May 5, 6, 7 , 12, 13 and 14.

Want Sweetheart Tickets?

If you want to be added to the Sweetheart ticket list, send a postcard with your name and address to Christine Kornely, PO Box 1958 Manitowoc, WI. 54220. Ticket information will be mailed to your home in February. Sweetheart tickets are $30.00 each, $15.00 of which covers the ticket price, with the rest being a tax-deductible donation to the American Heart Association. Advantages: Best choice of performance night; patron tickets will be mailed directly to you; your name will appear on a special page in the program.

Anyone with questions, or wanting to be added to the group’s email list can contact the organization at heartarama@ymail.com.

Join the fun. We'll be looking for you at auditions.

Check us out on FaceBook!