Tag: Blue Water Theatre

Wayzata High School Alumni Honor Musical Roots in Blue Water Theatre Performance

March 6th, 2024

Scottie Miller is set to take the stage at the Blue Water Theatre for a concert that holds special significance for him—a chance to pay tribute to a teacher who shaped his musical journey.

Nearly four decades ago, Miller, now a renowned musician, was a student at Wayzata High School, where he found his musical voice under the guidance of Chip Williams, the leader of the Wayzata Band program and Electronic Music classes.

Chip Williams & Scottie Miller

Cierra Alise Hill

Carissa Eldridge Schultz

“Chip’s mentorship and WHS’s priority on music and the arts were invaluable to me,” said Miller. “Playing in the Wayzata High School Band and participating in other music offerings at the school were an important part of my musical journey.”

Williams, now retired from teaching, is the organizer of Wayzata Musicales, a concert series that culminates with Miller’s performance on April 6 at the Blue Water Theatre.

The series serves as a fundraiser for the Woody Budnick-Chip Williams Fund and the Blue Water Theatre Company.

The April 6 concert promises to be a highlight of the series, featuring Miller, described as a “deeply soulful musician,” alongside multi-instrumentalist Cierra Alise Hill and vocalist Carissa Eldridge Schultz, all alumni of Wayzata High School.

“When I conceived of the idea for this concert program, I had two goals in mind,” said Williams. “First, was to bring some of the Twin Cities’ most talented musicians to Wayzata and the west metro area to perform for our community. Second, was to raise funds that support young people involved in the fine arts in our community.”

Miller expressed pride in being part of the music series and commended Williams for his continued dedication to music and education in the community.

The Blue Water Theatre, located at 605 Rice Street East in downtown Wayzata, will host the event.

Limited seating is available, and tickets can be purchased online.

Previous shows have sold out, so interested attendees are encouraged to secure their seats early.

For ticket inquiries, contact 952-855-9147 or email ticketing@bluewatertheatre.com.
A Night in Paris Comes to Wayzata with French Cabaret Concert

December 6th, 2023
Wayzata Musicales Presents: French Cabaret Night. Image courtesy Blue Water Theatre.

If a trip to Paris isn’t on Santa’s itinerary for you this holiday season, fear not! The Wayzata Musicales Concert Series invites you to revel in the enchanting melodies of their second concert of the season, “French Cabaret Night,” scheduled for Saturday, January 6 at the Bluewater Theatre in Wayzata. The event promises a delightful evening featuring the exceptional talents of three renowned Twin Cities musicians: Francine Roche, Mark Stillman, and Jim Price.

The trio, known for their musical prowess, will transport the audience to the heart of French culture through an array of captivating performances. Following the success of the first concert in October, anticipation is high for another evening of musical brilliance.

Tickets for this musical journey can be purchased at the Blue Water Theatre box-office. The venue for this soul-soothing experience is the intimate Blue Water Theatre, located at 605 Rice Street E in Wayzata, with the curtain rising at 7:00 pm.

Meet the Artists:

Francine Roche, Vocalist: Hailing from Québec, Francine Roche’s love for singing, especially in her native French, has made her a long-term resident of the Twin Cities. With an extensive repertoire of cherished French songs, Francine has recorded several CDs and performed at various venues, bringing her passion for all things French to the intimate Blue Water Theatre.

Mark Stillman, Accordion: As the Twin Cities’ most popular accordionist, Mark Stillman boasts a diverse range of credentials, from Prairie Home Companion and the Minnesota Orchestra to the Chanhassen Dinner Theater. His exceptional musical gifts have graced diverse stages, including Minnesota Vikings football games. Francine and Mark’s collaboration has a storied history of performances at various venues and concerts.

Jim Price, Violin and Mandolin: Jim Price made his performing debut at the age of 10, and from that moment, he was hooked on a life dedicated to music. A composer and performer, Jim studied at the University of Minnesota and Indiana University. His artistry on the violin and mandolin provides the perfect complement to Mark’s accordion and Francine’s enchanting voice.

Reserved Ticket Prices:
- Adults: $24
- Seniors: $19
- Students: $14
Cool Jazz on a Fall Evening with The Dave Hagedorn Jazz Trio

September 11th, 2023

As the crisp fall air settles in, music enthusiasts are in for a treat as Wayzata Musicales launches its concert series with the melodious sounds of The Dave Hagedorn Jazz Trio. Set against the intimate backdrop of the Blue Water Theatre, this performance promises to be a captivating evening of cool jazz on Saturday, October 7, 2023, starting at 7:00 p.m.

Ticket prices for this musical extravaganza are as follows: $24 for adults, $19 for seniors, and $14 for students. It’s an opportunity to experience the mastery of three of the Twin Cities’ most accomplished musicians in an up-close and personal setting.

Leading the trio is Dave Hagedorn, renowned for his skillful vibes performances. A retired artist-in-residence at St. Olaf College, Dave’s influence in the world of music extends beyond his retirement. He has imparted his knowledge in percussion, jazz studies, and world music to countless students. Notably, his exceptional musicianship can be heard on the Grammy-nominated George Russell Living Time Orchestra. Additionally, he has shared the stage with jazz luminaries like Debbie Duncan and the swinging Brian Setzer Big Band, making him a sought-after vibes artist on both local and national stages.

Kevin Clements, the bassist of the trio, is another musical gem. A graduate of the Conservatory of Music in Kansas City, Kevin’s career has seen him touring extensively, sharing the spotlight with some of the nation’s top musical personalities such as Billy Eckstine, Rosemary Clooney, Robert Goulet, and Rita Moreno. With an impressive 50-year legacy as a premier bassist, Kevin’s groovy jazz stylings are not to be missed.

Completing the trio is Reid Kennedy, the dynamic drummer. Despite his California base, Reid’s talent has resonated far and wide. His regular performances at Disneyland and recording sessions at Capitol Studios in Hollywood attest to his prowess. Beyond his drumming skills, Reid is an in-demand composer, with his original compositions gracing the screens of Showtime, Starz, Fox, and WCCO television.

To secure your tickets for this extraordinary evening of jazz, visit the Blue Water Theater website here. This concert series is proudly sponsored by the Budnick-Williams Scholarship Fund and the Blue Water Theatre, reflecting their commitment to promoting the arts in the community.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to embrace the magic of jazz under the autumn moonlight with The Dave Hagedorn Jazz Trio. Reserve your seats today for a night of unforgettable music and memories.
Blue Water Theater to offer Haunted House October 24-31

October 17th, 2022
“Dark Water” offering will start a new Halloween tradition for Wayzata

Blue Water Theatre Company has announced they will take a break from traditional theatrical productions in late October to bring Halloween fans an experience they won’t forget–a Halloween Haunted House!

Set in a hundred-year-old building rife with secrets and spirits, Dark Water is a haunted house experience like no other.

This immersive horror event asks you to dive into the unknown and come face-to-face with your deepest fears. Silence, isolation, darkness, haunted rooms – what lies just below the surface?

“We are creating a space where YOUR imagination can run wild. Whether you choose to go solo, with a group, or on family day – our space will respond to your uniqueness. Having gone through everything we have these past two years, we are exploring our evolving relationship to fear,” according to Maridee Slater, Artistic Director for the theater.

“No matter what, we are beholden to the history of this building, so enter with caution and care…“

Tours will last approximately 30 minutes. There are three ways to experience the haunted house:
- Solo Entry (age 14+)
- Group Entry (up to 10 persons per time slot, those under 14 must be accompanied by an adult)
- Family Entry (geared toward families with younger children or those wanting amilder experience; up to 6 persons per time slot)Dark Water runs October 24-31, 2022.
Tickets range from $15-$35. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=bwtc.

About Blue Water Theatre Company: Currently in its 16th season, Blue Water Theatre Company is a nonprofit organization that works with metro area youth to produce high quality theatrical productions in an environment that fosters belonging, risk-taking, collaboration, and learning. Productions and classes are open to youth in 3rd-12th grade.

For more information, visit BlueWaterTheater.com.
Blue Water Theatre Presents "Anything Goes"

July 21st, 2011

Blue Water Theatre Company announces their upcoming production of the classic Cole Porter musical “Anything Goes.”

Set on a ship during a trip across the ocean, “Anything Goes” is the hilarious story of famed singer Reno Sweeney, stowaway “public enemy” Moonface Martin, his accomplice Bonnie, the romantic Billy Crocker, and his love Hope Harcourt, who is engaged to the well-bred, but bumbling, Evelyn Oakleigh. Famous songs include: “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “You’re the Top,” “Friendship,” “It’s De-Lovely,” “Anything Goes,” and “Blow Gabriel, Blow.”

Performances will take place at Wayzata Central Middle School (305 Vicksburg Lane, Plymouth) at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 28, Friday, July 29, and Saturday, July 30.

Directed by Charlie Leonard, with choreography by Barb Brauch and music direction by Kirsten Hoiseth Thayer, Blue Water’s “Anything Goes” features a cast of 54 middle school and high school students from throughout the Twin Cities.

Tickets are $14 for adults and $11 for students and seniors. They may be purchased at the door prior to each performance, or in advance at www.bluewatertheatre.com.
Auditions continue for Blue Water Theatre Company’s "Annie Get Your Gun"

May 20th, 2009

Submitted by Charlie Leonard.

Auditions for Blue Water Theatre Company’s upcoming summer production of “Annie Get Your Gun” will continue today (Wednesday, May 20) from 4:00-6:00 at St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church in Plymouth. Next week’s auditions dates are Tuesday, May 26 from 6:00-8:00 and Thursday, May 28 from 4:00-6:00, also at St. Philip the Deacon.

Auditions are open to students currently in grades five through twelve.

Visit www.bluewatertheatre.com for more detailed information about the auditions.

“Annie Get Your Gun” will be the sixth consecutive summer production by the Blue Water artistic theme, following last summer’s “Beauty and the Beast.” Previous productions (under the name Wayzata Summer Youth Theatre) include “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (2004), “She Loves Me” (2005), “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” (2006), and “Pirates of Penzance” (2007)

Blue Water Theatre Company is the Plymouth/Wayzata area’s most prominent youth theatre organization. Founded by Charlie Leonard in 2007, the organization’s mission is to build and sustain a theatre commuity that will provide young actors with opportunities to perform, learn, and experience theatre that is important, meaningful, and life-changing.

For more info, contact Charlie Leonard at 763-473-3187 or charlie.leonard [at] bluewatertheatre.com.

a2a_linkname=”Wayzata.com”;a2a_linkurl=”http://www.wayzata.com”;
Student Actors Needed for "Annie Get Your Gun"

May 18th, 2009

Submitted by Charlie Leonard.

Blue Water Theatre Company is delighted to announce auditions for our summer production of “Annie Get Your Gun,” set to take place on July 30 through August 1 at Wayzata Central Middle School.

Auditions will be held at St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church on the following dates and times:

Monday, May 18 from 6:00-8:00
Wednesday, May 20 from 4:00-6:00
Tuesday, May 26 from 6:00-8:00
Thursday, May 28 from 4:00-6:00

Students do not have to prepare anything for their audition. They simply need to show up, and we will handle the rest!

“Annie Get Your Gun” is open to students who are currently in grades five (going into middle school) through twelve (heading into college). We are looking for at least 35 students, and as many as 50 (or more!) for this production. This is an exciting opportunity for students of all ages and levels of experience.

Rehearsals for “Annie Get Your Gun” take place at Wayzata Central Middle School, and begin on Monday, July 6, and run from 9:00-4:00 every weekday through Thursday, July 30. Performances are on July 30, July 31, and August 1.

“Annie Get Your Gun” tells the story of the unlikely romance between sharpshooters Annie Oakley and Frank Butler, both part of a traveling Wild West show. Featuring an Irving Berlin score with such famous numbers as “You Can’t Get A Man With A Gun,” “The Girl That I Marry,” “Anything You Can Do,” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” “Annie Get Your Gun” is a classic night at the theatre that will have audiences dancing in their seats!

Please visit www.bluewatertheatre.com to download the informational packet and parent permission slip. The permission slip must be signed and returned by the student at the time of their audition.

“Annie Get Your Gun” marks the second summer production for Blue Water Theatre Company, but the sixth in all for members of the directing team. Past productions (some under the name Wayzata Summer Youth Theatre) include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2004), She Loves Me (2005), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (2006), The Pirates of Penzance (2007), and Beauty and the Beast (2008). This summer program is the Plymouth/Wayzata area’s longest running, and most successful summer theatre camp for middle school and high school students.

Blue Water Theatre Company is also pleased to announce that Barb Brauch (choreographer) and Kirsten Hoiseth (music director) will be, once again, part of the directing team for the summer show, along with Blue Water’s artistic director Charlie Leonard. Both Brauch and Hoiseth were on the directing team for last summer’s production of Beauty and the Beast.

Please contact Charlie Leonard if you have any questions about the production via email, charlie.leonard [at] bluewatertheatre.com

a2a_linkname=”Wayzata.com”;a2a_linkurl=”http://www.wayzata.com”;

Tag: Blue Water Theatre

Wayzata High School Alumni Honor Musical Roots in Blue Water Theatre Performance

A Night in Paris Comes to Wayzata with French Cabaret Concert

Cool Jazz on a Fall Evening with The Dave Hagedorn Jazz Trio

Blue Water Theater to offer Haunted House October 24-31

Blue Water Theatre Presents "Anything Goes"

Auditions continue for Blue Water Theatre Company’s "Annie Get Your Gun"

Student Actors Needed for "Annie Get Your Gun"