newvicinc@aol.com

…In a season of memories, nostalgia, comedy and music

Now Playing Through August 1st

 
 
A witty young student, while away at school, ran out of money and sold his books. He wrote to his father and said," Congratulate me father for I am already making money from my studies." This "joke" was recorded around the year 450 AD, and is part of the oldest known collection of jokes, a book known as "PHILOGELOS" translated as the " The Lover of Laughter".  
  From this book has sprung many humorous stories, including an early version of Monty Python's "the dead parrot sketch". So we all have a great history with jokes and today we could use one more than ever. Jokes are good for your health, they reduce stress, and they make you feel better. Our advice: Get More Laughter in Your Life!

With a nod to some of the great humorists of today, and an homage to Prairie Home Companion’s Pretty Good Jokes Shows... we are pleased to present “TAKE MY WIFE…… PLEASE!” the second installment in our never ending study of humor.

Last summer we brought you "Up The English" a look at what makes the British laugh. This summer is the perfect time for an uproarious look at the "JOKE" in many of its forms. You'll hear some of the classics and some new ones too.

Spend an evening with us, and have a dose of laughter! “TAKE MY WIFE…PLEASE!” was conceived, compiled and directed by New Vic artistic director James Furney and will feature New Vic veteran performers including Keith Fuller, Shawn Newton, Rod Budka, Michael Martin, Sarah Roddis, and Mr. Furney himself. In addition, making his New Vic debut, Mr. Cameron Furney.

“TAKE MY WIFE…PLEASE! “ will open at The New Vic on Friday, June 26 and play Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:30 through August 1. (Closed 4th of July weekend) All seats are $23. Park Club Dinner-Theatre performances for this production will be Saturday, July 11 and Friday, July 31.
 

For information & Reservations:

269-381-3328

or www.newvictheatre.org/newvicinc@aol.com

A SUBJECT WE CAN NO LONGER IGNORE!
A letter to you and all who support The New Vic

The perilous condition of our state and national economy has occasioned unprecedented government and private efforts to stimulate recovery, including financial “bailouts” of numerous organizations deemed vital to the country’s overall health. The New Vic, held by many vital to our region’s cultural well-being, is endangered by current economic conditions.

Over the years The New Vic has requested little corporate or grant support for its seasons, or even for single productions, largely because its board has attempted to support the program through earned income (therefore allowing more support to go to less established arts organizations). Since 1980 The New Vic’s Christmas Carol has played to over 80,000 theatre-goers and continues to sell out a full year in advance, thereby helping to support the balance of The New Vic’s entire program. The Vic is certainly unusual…if not unique…among area arts organizations with respect to the high percentage of its budget that comes from earned income; but during the past several years, even operating at an impressive percentage of its seating capacity, the Vic finds itself unable to completely support its fine program without additional support.

During a time of transition that has seen them step aside from running the day-to-day operations of the company, the New Vic’s founders, Ted & Mary Jo Kistler, wish to ensure that the Vic’s legacy continues far into the twenty-first century in the capable hands of current artistic director James Furney and his wife Jennifer. As we’ve noted, A Christmas Carol supports itself and helps subsidize the rest of the season. But, like so many other organizations, in the arts and other fields, the Vic now finds itself in need of further aid.

Sincerely,

Arnold Johnston
Professor & Chair Emeritus
Department of English
Western Michigan University

Deborah Ann Percy (Johnston)
Principal (Retired)
Maple St. Magnet Middle School for the Art
Kalamazoo Public Schools

You can help by: Making a first-time, tax-deductible donation to the theatre; Making an additional 2009 tax deductible donation. For those of you with Christmas Carol reservations, pay for your tickets early this year…this would help with “cash-flow” difficulties; encourage others to aid in this effort. Attend “fund-raising events: “The Divas” & The Kings game.

  

134 East Vine Street
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001
(269) 381-3328
www.newvictheatre.org
newvicinc@aol.com