AUDITIONS FOR "KINDERGARTEN" EXTENDED TO DEC. 16TH

Director Jenny Lavery

HCCT is extending auditions to Dec. 16th, 7:00 pm for the musical All I Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten.  This tightly-woven musical revue has earned standing ovations from Singapore to Prague— from L.A. to D.C.  Based on the best-selling book, Kindergarten takes a funny and insightful look at what is profound in everyday life. A series of delightful songs and stories celebrate our very existence.  The production will be directed Austin theatre artist, Jenny Lavery, who directed HCCT's hit productions of Into the Woods and Willy Wonka.  Anyone interested in auditioning will be asked to read from the script.  For more information please call the theatre at 830-693-2474 or online at www.thehcct.org.

Artist Chase Muller, a Seen and Unseen Talent, Debuts on HCCT Stage for ‘The Curious Savage’ Young artist ‘oils up’ for comedy running Dec. 12-15

For too many years to mention, nationally acclaimed artist Mary Dougherty of Horseshoe Bay loaned her illustration and painterly talents to the playbills, posters, programs and sets at the Hill Country Community Theatre.

Now, in her wake, comes a young talent who also will be seen on stage, but who takes no bow at the final curtain, even though his effort advances and punctuates one of the most poignant moments in the HCCT comedy “The Curious Savage.” The play runs Dec. 5^th -15^th.

Chase Muller, 17, an Austin native who lives in the Barton Creek Lakeside community in Spicewood, has created an 18-by-24-inch oil painting of a raucous seashore. It is seen only briefly in the twilight moments before the curtain closes. To say more would require a spoiler alert.

Muller, who began his serious artistic pursuits at age 12, has attended Faith Academy in Marble Falls for the past five years. Laurie Berg is his current art teacher, and he has taken “face classes” in North Carolina. Some galleries in Asheville now display his work.

The shy young artist, son of James and Linda Muller, admits that this is one of his early forays into oils. He also sculpts – clay and metal – prefers acrylics and keeps a busy sketch pad. His works have won him both savings bonds and honors.

This past year, he was named state champion in the Texas Assn. of Private & Parochial Schools’ (TAPPS) “Seek & Sketch” competition on the Concordia University campus. His unusual sculpture based on a found boat anchor placed him first in the District competition of the Association of Christian Schools International and went on to a fifth place statewide.

Asked where he thinks he will be in five years, his dad responded with a quick reply and wry smile:  “Employed.” But Chase adds:

 “I’m not sure, but for now, it feels good to take on this challenge as a way to give back to the community.”

Volunteers Welcomed

“Mary was an integral member of our production team, a generous and cheerful volunteer,” said Steve Reily, HCCT Managing Director. “We welcome and enjoy the skills of all kinds of volunteers of all ages, from the workshop to the sound-and-lights board, from the lobby to the stage itself.”

“We will certainly need more volunteers for the next production, the musical revue ‘All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten,’ Reily emphasized. “Interested individuals can contact me direct or our VP-Production, Mary Ann Fletcher.”

“The Curious Savage,” a story about an aging stepmother, her grasping and greedy stepchildren and the patients of a private sanitarium, runs Thursdays through Sundays, Dec. 5-15th, at 7:30 p.m., with 2:15 p.m. Sunday, matinees. Open seating begins 30 minutes before curtain. The playhouse is located at 4003 FM 2147 West, between Marble Falls and Horseshoe Bay.

Admission is $15 for adults, $7 for students age 16 and under, and group rates are available. Seating per show is limited to 147 persons. For the first time, tickets can now be purchased online at www.thehcct.org. Reservations also can be made at the box office (noon-4 p.m., Mon.-Fri.), 830-798-8944. An answering machine will capture requests after hours.  For more info or directions, visit www.thehcct.org.

Opening Night Gala for ‘The Curious Savage’ Dec 5th Auditions for 'Kindergarten' Dec. 9th, 10th & 11th

Watch this promotional video for HCCT's production of "The Curious Savage"

The theatre is in high gear preparing for the opening night of The Curious Savage, Thursday, Dec. 5.  Savage is one of the most produced plays in North America and originally starred the great actress, Lillian Gish. Ethel Savage has been left a fortune by her late husband. She is determined to give away millions to help others realize their hopes and dreams. Unfortunately, her stepchildren stand in the way, committing her to a sanatorium where she meets a cast of zany characters. It’s up to the “curious Savage” and her new-found friends to save the day.

"The Curious Savage is a hilarious comedy in the vein of Harvey or You Can’t Take It With You." said Fletcher. “This is the kind of show you can take the whole family to see.  You’ll leave with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart. It is the perfect show for the holiday season.”

“Opening night we will be quite a celebration with a ‘Holiday Gala’ starting at 6:30 pm.” said Reily. “Audience members will be treated to an evening of hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and lots of laughs. We are also honored to have local singer/musician Mandi Whittlesey entertain the audience before the show and at intermission.  A special holiday dessert has been prepared for the event by our good friends at Tea Thyme Cafe.  This will be a great evening of entertainment.”

Performances will be Thursday through Sunday, beginning with the Gala Opening Dec. 5, and continue through Dec. 15. The curtain for evening shows is at 7:30 p.m.; for Sunday matinees at 2:15 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and $7 for students age 16 and under. Group rates also are available. Seating per show is limited to 147 persons. Tickets can be purchased online at www.thehcct.org.  Reservations can also be made at the box office (noon-4 p.m., Mon.-Fri.), 830-798-8944, beginning Nov. 25th for season members and Nov. 28th for the general public. An answering machine will capture requests after hours.  For more info or directions, visit www.thehcct.org.

Auditions for Musical Revue 

‘All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten'

HCCT is holding three days of auditions Dec. 9th, 10th and 11th, at 7:00 pm for the hit musical All I Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten. This tightly-woven musical revue has earned standing ovations from Singapore to Prague— from L.A. to D.C.  Based on the best-sellingbook, Kindergarten takes a funny and insightful look at what is profound in everyday life. A series of delightful songs and stories celebrate our very existence.  The production will be directed by Austin theatre artist, Jenny Lavery, who directed HCCT's hit productions of Into the Woods and Willy Wonka.  Anyone interested in auditioning will be asked to read from the script.  Lavery herself states, “What I’m really looking for are storytellers.  The play requires a special connection between the cast and the audience.”  For more information please call the theatre at 830-693-2474 or online at www.thehcct.org.