October 31, 2009

David Zak's interview with John Nasca Meet another great backstage player - Costume Designer John Nasca

April 10, 2007


For Immediate release:

Media Contact: Glitterati Productions
John Nasca-773-252-1895


Jan Vitt, No Stopping This Senior

Chicago, IL. April 10, 2007: Janet Vitt, an active senior citizen born in Chicago and a native of Berwyn, has taken a new lease on life. While most people in their sixties are content with the simple pleasures, Jan, as she is known to everyone, is finding new challenges to conquer. And one of these challenges, which is not for the faint of heart, is becoming a professional actress.

Acting has always been in her in blood. At the age of 11, Jan played a river in a Girl Scout theatrical production. She naturally sought out musical theater in high school and continued into college, where she was usually cast in the chorus. After college she stayed active in music by being involved with several choral organizations: Grant Park Chorus, The William Ferris Chorale, Sweet Adeline's, and New Classic Singers, to name a few. About 15 years ago she auditioned for a show with the North Riverside Recreational Community Theatre (NRRCT) and has been performing with them ever since. She played such diverse roles as: Aunt Eller (Oklahoma!), General Cartwright (Guys and Dolls), Sister Regina and the Mother Superior (Nunsense) but her favorite role was that of Queen Aggravain in Once Upon a Mattress.

Then, she innocently auditioned for the role of Ethel in Moon Over Buffalo. Like a plot from one of those old 1930's musicals, Jan won the role, and the audience fell in love with the wise cracking mother-in-law.

The play opened at NRRCT in September of 2004 and became an immediate hit. John Nasca, the play's director was approached by several people with the same comment: "Move the show into Chicago." The NRRCT board, knowing that John had previous experience in moving shows into a bigger market, asked how it could be achieved. A budget was drawn up, investors were found and the play had its Chicago opening on March 12, 2007.

Jan plays the role of Ethel, the slightly deaf 70-year old grandma. "I seem to always play a character role—and Ethel is quite a character! It was a perfect match" says Jan . Her favorite scene in the play is in Act II, when the troupe is putting on Private Lives, a play within a play, and Ethel tries to salvage the disaster on stage, but she only adds to the pandemonium.

When asked about her inspiration, Jan quickly gives credit where credit is due, "The actor I think of most when I think of Ethel is Marion Lorne. I remember her from a sitcom in the early 1950's called Mr. Peepers. Marion played a confused high school English teacher who was always befuddled. She also played Aunt Clara in Bewitched. I don't think Ethel is as un-centered as Lorne's characters, but there is something about her that thrives on confusion."

Though the show presents many challenges, including parking in the popular Lakeview neighborhood, Jan's biggest hurdles were the many doors contained within the set, "The biggest challenge in this show is timing, especially on entrances and exits using the doors. The only way to get these timing issues down was to do it again and again! And yet again!!"

All of the rehearsing has paid off as audiences love Jan's quite humorous portrayal of Ethel. "This has been an exciting journey so far. Being involved with the production company, and following its progress over the past two years has been wonderful. I am very excited to be a part of this premiere. Chicago audiences should come to see this show because it is very funny. With the increasing baby boomer population-I'm one of them-this show goes back to a time (the 50's) that we can relate to. The show is fast paced and comical, definitely a must see!"

Although Jan does not have any long range goals within the entertainment industry, she would like to stay with Moon Over Buffalo for a very long time. In between performances she is still active with the NRRCT group, which is opening a production of The Wizard of Oz at the end of April. She always has an embroidery, cross-stitch, or knitting project close at hand. She loves to work in her garden and travels when she has the time. And oh yes, Jan can be found in her dressing room working the daily crossword puzzle while awaiting her cues.

What is left for her to conquer? Jan tells of another ambition she has, "I have a desire to create a cartoon strip. To this end, I only have a kernel of an idea that I ponder once in a while. I see so many funny, ironic things and I always wish I had the ability and skill to transfer what I see in my mind's eye to paper."

Bette Davis once remarked that "old age ain't no place for sissies." While Jan certainly is no where near old age, she is living proof that age does not stop one's dreams from coming through.

Moon Over Buffalo by Ken Ludwig

PERFORMING: 8PM, Thursday & Friday; 6PM & 9PM, Saturday; 2PM, Sunday matinees TICKETS: $30-$35 For information & tickets, call TBC's box office: 773.327.5252 or TicketMaster 312-902-1500 WHERE: Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W Belmont Ave. - Chicago, IL 60657 (Lakeview, Belmont/Racine; CTA Belmont, #77 bus) Valet & metered parking available. Dining discounts (with TBC ticket stubs) at nearby TBC restaurant partners. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

Please note that downloadable images are available at: http://www.glitteratiproductions.com/pressphotos.html
Glitterati Productions website: www.GlitteratiProductions.com
Moon Over Buffalo website: www.glitteratiproductions.com/MOB.html
February 4, 2007


For Immediate release:
Media Contact: Glitterati Productions
John Nasca-773-252-1895


Chicago, IL., February 2, 2007- Glitterati Productions premiere production, Moon Over Buffalo by Ken Ludwig opens March 12, 2007 at 7:30 pm (sold-out; press RSVP only). Directed by John Nasca and featuring a cast of eight, this marks the first Chicago proper, commercial production of the play. Moon Over Buffalo tells the story of George and Charlotte Hay, two has-been stars desperately trying to claw their way back up to the top of the show biz pinnacle. When their big break finally comes, a sidesplitting parade of misinformation, mistaken identities and inebriated egos threaten to ruin everything. Superbly acted and glamorously costumed, this fast-paced comedy leaves the audience breathless from laughter.

Director John Nasca (who also designed all costumes) is joined by artistic team Sheryl Nieman (set design); Casey Diers (lighting design); Robert Hilliard (hair & make-up); Joseph Woodel (Fight and Stunts) with original music by R.J. Nestor. The cast includes (in alphabetical order): David Besky, Patrick Halley, Annika Johansson, Jim Kozyra, Rachel Urbanowicz, Damian Vanore, Jan Vitt and Meredith Wood.

Ken Ludwig author of Lend Me a Tenor and Crazy for You, is currently working on the stage adaptation of the MGM hit film An American in Paris with music by George Gershwin.
Previews: March 4 - 11
Opening: 7:30PM, March 12 (sold-out; press RSVP only); Closing, May 27, 2007
Performing: 8PM, Thursday & Friday; 6PM & 9PM, Saturday; 2PM, Sunday matinees
TICKETS: $30-$35 For information & tickets, call TBC’s box office: 773.327.5252 or TicketMaster 312-902-1500
WHERE: Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W Belmont Ave. – Chicago, IL 60657
(Lakeview, Belmont/Racine; CTA Belmont, #77 bus) Valet & metered parking available. Dining discounts (with TBC ticket stubs) at nearby TBC restaurant partners. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

Mr. Ludwig is available for phone and email interviews. Please direct all requests to John Nasca at: Glitteratiprods@aol.com or 773-252-1895 Please note that downloadable images are available at: Http://www.glitteratiproductions.com/pressphotos.html

Glitterati Productions website: www.GlitteratiProductions.com
Moon Over Buffalo website: www.glitteratiproductions.com/MOB.html

January 22, 2007


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Glitterati Productions-773-252-1895 Glitteratiprods@aol.com Website: www.GlitteratiProductions.com

Broadway's proficient Ken Ludwig, from An American in Paris to Moon Over Buffalo's Chicago Premiere.

"We need tastefully funny shows," says Producer and Director John Nasca. "Historically whenever America is at war, audiences tend to look for escapism entertainment. Moon Over Buffalo delivers on that need... and then some. It is a glamorous and uproariously funny show. Loaded with physical comedy and many costume changes, Moon Over Buffalo brings the audience back to another far less complicated era."

Mr. Ludwig's plays and musicals have become Broadway hits and have brought Hollywood actresses and actors back to the stage where they started their careers. Mr. Ludwig made his Broadway debut in 1989 as the author of the long running hit Lend Me a Tenor, winner of two Tony Awards, four Drama Desk Awards and three Outer Critics Circle Awards. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Ludwig penned a new musical entitled Crazy For You. It ran for three years earning a Tony award for Best Musical and an Olivier Award for Best Musical in London. It was his next play though, that would lead a Hollywood actress to make her triumphant return to Broadway. In 1995 Mr. Ludwig took a new, outrageously funny, play to Broadway with the tremendously talented Carol Burnett in the lead role. The result was the Tony nominated Broadway smash hit Moon Over Buffalo. After its Broadway run, the play became a staple for stock and community theater companies. Curiously, the play has never had a run in Chicago proper. On March 4th at Theatre Building Chicago, Moon Over Buffalo will finally make its Chicago premiere.

Ken Ludwig has had a number of hits on Broadway, in London's West End and throughout the world. Those include Shakespeare in Hollywood, Twentieth Century, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Be My Baby, Leading Ladies, and Sullivan & Gilbert. Over the years, his plays have starred, among others Carol Burnett, Lynn Redgrave, Alec Baldwin, Robert Goulet, Anne Heche, Philip Bosco, Joan Collins, Frank Langella, Mickey Rooney, Kristin Bell, Hal Holbrook and Dixie Carter.

Recent plays include an adaptation of The Three Musketeers, which was commissioned by The Bristol Old Vic in England and premiered in December of 2006; and The Beaux' Stratagem, an adaptation of the Restoration comedy by George Farquhar. This was begun by Thornton Wilder in 1939 and was completed by Ken at the request of the Wilder Estate. It premiered at the Shakespeare Theatre in the fall of 2006. Upcoming productions include an adaptation of Treasure Island for the Alley Theatre, which opens in May 2007; a new musical, An American in Paris, with music by George and Ira Gershwin, also at the Alley Theatre, in September 2007; and a musical entitled Lend Me A Tenor: The Musical!, written by Peter Sham and Brad Carroll, which will premiere at Utah Shakespeare Festival in June of 2007.

Moon Over Buffalo-synopsis

"It's 1953 and television has captivated the nation. This leaves a very small audience for live theatre as realized by the husband-and-wife touring team of George and Charlotte Hay. But as the curtain rises on the green room of the Erlanger Theatre in Buffalo, New York, box-office receipts are the least of their problems. The company's ingenue has announced she is having George's baby, and George has disappeared to escape Charlotte's wrath. But Frank Capra is coming to the matinee to audition the couple to replace Ronald Coleman and Greer Garson in his next film, "The Twilight of the Scarlet Pimpernel." The resulting race to find George and make the most of this last chance for stardom is "good, farcical confusion." - Vincent Cabby, The New York Times.

Mr. Ludwig is available for phone and email interviews. Please direct all requests to John Nasca at: Glitteratiprods@aol.com or 773-252-1895

Editors: Please note that downloadable images are available at: http://www.glitteratiproductions.com/pressphotos.html

Glitterati Productions & Moon Over Chicago, LLC present MOON OVER BUFFALO by Ken Ludwig Directed by John Nasca Previews, March 4 - 11; Opening, March 12, 2007; Closing, May 27, 2007 Performing: 8PM Thurs.; 8PM, Fri.; 6PM & 9PM Sat.; 2PM Sunday matinees Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W Belmont Ave. - Chicago, IL 60657 For tickets call TicketMaster 312-902-1500 & for information, contact TBC's Box Office: 773/327-5252. Tickets $30-$35. Valet & metered parking available. Dining discounts (with TBC ticket stubs) at nearby TBC restaurant partners. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Featuring: David Besky, Rachel Urbanowicz, Patrick Halley, Annika Johansson, Jim Kozyra, Damian Vanore, Jan Vitt and Meredith Wood
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Glitterati Productions-773-252-1895 Glitteratiprods@aol.com

Website: www.GlitteratiProductions.com

Moon Over Buffalo cast and crew announced

December 18, 2007-Chicago, IL: Glitterati Productions is pleased to announce the cast for their upcoming Chicago Premiere of Moon Over Buffalo by Ken Ludwig (Lend Me a Tenor, Crazy For You.)

Incredibly, over 140 talented actors jammed the Theatre Building lobby with the hope of being cast in one of only 8 roles. Redbull energy drink, graciously came to the patient actors aid, by supplying several cases of their product.

Playing in this hysterical farce are;

David Besky-George Hay

Rachel Urbanowicz-Charlotte Hay

Patrick Halley-Howard

Annika Johansson-Rosalind

Jim Kozyra-Paul

Damian Vanore-Richard

Jan Vitt-Ethel

Meredith Wood-Eileen

Glitterati is also pleased to announce the following crew and designers;

Director-John Nasca

Production Stage Manager-Kaitlyn Talmage-Bowers

Assistant Director-Tiffany Nasca

Set Design-Sheryl Nieman

Costume Design-John Nasca

Lighting Design-Casey Diers

Original Music-R.J. Nestor

Hair & Make-up Design-Robert Hilliard

Promotional Director-Linda Decker

Graphic Aritist-Stephanie Martin

Poster Illustration-Sheryl Nieman

Ken Ludwig is currently in London at the Bristol Old Vic working on a new adaptation of The Three Musketeers. He is also working on the new musical, An American in Paris with music by George and Ira Gershwin. Mr. Ludwig is available for phone and email interviews. Please direct all requests to John Nasca at: Glitteratiprods@aol.com or 773-252-1895

Editors: Please note that downloadable images are available at:

http://www.glitteratiproductions.com/pressphotos.html

Glitterati Productions & Moon Over Chicago, LLC present

MOON OVER BUFFALO by Ken Ludwig

Previews, March 4 - 11; Opening, March 12, 2007; Closing, May 27, 2007
Performing: 8PM Thurs.; 8PM, Fri.; 6PM & 9PM
Sat.; 2PM
Sunday matinees

Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W Belmont Ave. Chicago, IL 60657

For tickets call TicketMaster 312-902-1500 & for information, contact TBC's Box Office: 773-327-5252.

Tickets $30-$35.

Valet & metered parking available. Dining discounts (with TBC ticket stubs) at nearby TBC restaurant partners. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
November 2, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:

Promotions Director: Linda Decker 773-354-1563 Ldecker@GlitteratiProductions.com

Producer/Director: John Nasca 773-252-1895
JNasca@GlitteratiProductions.com

Auditions announced for Moon Over Buffalo by Ken Ludwig, December 2, 2006 at Theatre Building Chicago
November 2, 2006 - CHICAGO, IL: Chicago's newest theatrical producer, GLITTERATI PRODUCTIONS have announced non-equity auditions for the Chicago premiere of Ken Ludwig's backstage farce, MOON OVER BUFFALO which will be directed by John Nasca. Auditions will be held at Theatre Building Chicago. Actors are asked to prepare a two minute comic monologue, along with a recent headshot and resume. Call backs will be on December 6, 2006 from 3 to 9 pm.

MOON OVER BUFFALO will perform at Theatre Building Chicago with discounted previews beginning on March 4, 2007. The opening night gala for press and invited guests will be on


March 12, 2007.

Synopsis

George and Charlotte Hay (a married acting couple), are attempting to claw their way back to stardom. Fate offers a chance but they are met by scheming blondes, hateful in-laws and inebriated egos. Superbly acted and glamorously costumed, this fast-paced comedy leaves the audience breathless from laughter.

Audition Information:
The Play: Moon Over Buffalo by Ken Ludwig

Company: Glitterati Productions
www.glitteratiproductions.com
Dates: December 4, 2006. 12 to 6 pm
December 5, 2006 6 to 9 pm
Location: Theatre Building Chicago 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago, IL. 60657

Cast breakdown : Page no longer available

Performance Information

1 WHO: Glitterati Productions & Moon Over Chicago, LLC

2 WHAT: MOON OVER BUFFALO, Ken Ludwig's hysterical backstage farce

3 WHEN: Previews, March 4 - 11; Opening, March 12, '07; Closing, May 27th, '07 Performing: 8PM Thurs.; 8PM, Fri.; 6PM & 9PM Sat.; 2PM Sunday matinees

4 WHERE: Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W Belmont Ave. - Chicago, IL

5 TICKETS: $30-$35 - For tickets & further details, contact TBC's Box Office: 773-327-5252 and all TICKETMASTER outlets. Tickets will be released in August 2006.

6 INFORMATION: Valet & metered parking available. Dining discounts (with TBC ticket stubs) at nearby TBC restaurant partners. Reservations are strongly encouraged.





# # #

When not actively producing Glitterati is a team of industry professionals lending their talents to various production companies in the Chicagoland area. Combined they bring with them over 30 years of theatrical experience from directing to costuming to wigs and make-up to back stage tech, Glitterati has it covered. With a flare for glam and glitz Glitterati leaves an indelible mark on any production.


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::Past::
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