A Great Blog

Romeo and Juliet at the State Theatre!

2011-05-04T05:25:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release May 3, 2011
Contact: Gail Belokur, Co-Artistic Director, 607-216-8750, gail@runningtoplaces.org

PHOTO TO FOLLOW BY SEPARATE EMAIL ON FRIDAY, MAY 6TH.

Romeo and Juliet at the State Theatre!

Ithaca, NY: Running to Places Theatre Company is pleased to present the ultimate story of love and death, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, in the amazing setting of the State Theatre on May 20 – 22. See the star-crossed lovers torn apart by their families’ hate, with breath-taking swordplay, hilarious hijinks, and gut-wrenching tragedy. Shakespeare’s most beautiful and heartbreaking words with a rockin’ soundtrack and stunning visuals make this production a must see! Tickets are available at the State Theatre box office at 105 W. State Street, by calling 607-277-8283, or online at www.stateofithaca.com.
Director Joey Steinhagen talks enthusiastically about the timeless relevance for the play for today’s audiences. “This is a story about passionate teenagers experiencing the most extreme feelings possible. These are, of course, heightened still by the fact that they are teenagers – what doesn’t feel extreme? Unlike so many productions of Romeo and Juliet, our cast is actually the appropriate age to play these characters. Their breathtaking performances are in part a result of them so deeply relating to timeless themes such as ‘love at first sight,’ ‘fate,’ and even ‘parents just don’t understand.’
Producer Gail Belokur adds, “What excites me the most about our Romeo and Juliet is seeing just how excited our high school students are to be performing in and supporting this production. Kids this excited about Shakespeare? Telling everyone how epic this experience is in their lives? That’s when you know just how strong this production will be and how lucky we are to be a part of the work they are doing.”
The director of the show is also excited about the look and feel of the show. “Oh, it’s gonna be hot,” smiles Steinhagen. “Words we used in refining the concept among our design team included: hot, gritty, and punk. The weapons of the famous fights of this play will be unconventional at times. We’re also incorporating music and technology that brings the show right into the world of the YouTube and Facebook generation, with a hot soundtrack, live onstage video feeds, and more. And yet, we remain faithful to Shakespeare’s original language.” The technology Steinhagen refers to includes the use of two iPod Touches, which will be raffled off to two lucky winners at a mere $5 per chance to win either of the two devices. Details on this raffle can be found at www.runningtoplaces.org.
The play is sponsored in part by The Savage Club, Shakespeare in the Basement, and Viva la Femme. Running to Places also receives season-long support from CSP Management, the Ithaca Youth Bureau, and Cayuga Radio Group as well as grant support from Community Arts Partnership.

R2P connects middle and high school students from across the Tompkins County area, teaching important life skills and strengthening community while creating great theatre. Founded in 2007, they were recently named “Best Community Theatre Company of 2010” by the readers of the Ithaca Times.

Performance Dates:
Fri, May 20 at 7:00pm
Sat, May 21 at 7:00pm
Sun, May 22 at 2:00pm

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Auction And Dessert Extravaganza

2011-05-04T05:23:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release May 3, 2011
Contact: Gail Belokur, Co-Artistic Director, 607-216-8750, gail@runningtoplaces.org

UNIQUE AUCTION AND DESSERT EXTRAVAGANZA WILL DIRECTLY SUPPORT TEEN PARTICIPATION IN THEATRE!

Ithaca, NY: On Friday, May 13, a special auction offering unique goods and services, as well as delicious desserts, will be held at the Unitarian Church in Ithaca (corners of Buffalo and Aurora Streets) beginning at 6pm. Attending the event is free and open to the public, and the funds raised will directly reduce the costs to youth involved in Running to Places Theatre Company.
“The exciting part about this auction is that it not only raises funds to support the teens involved in R2P, it also builds community,” explains auction organizer and R2P parent Alice Churchill. “Besides typical auction items, we are offering items that bring people together, such as an evening filled with great food, wine and company at someone’s home.” Co-Artistic Director Gail Belokur states that this aspect of the fundraiser was what made it especially appealing to her when Alice suggested the event. “Many of the items for auction provide not only goods or services, but the chance to connect with new people or deepen existing relationships as well as learn a new skill or enjoy a new experience. This element fits in very well with R2P’s mission to strengthen community, and it’s exciting to provide a means by which anyone wishing to support the auction can share other aspects of their lives with each other and the greater community.” To see the items available at the auction, please visit www.runningtoplaces.org; the catalogue of auction items will be updated regularly and available for review at the auction itself. The website also provides a link for anyone wishing to donate goods or services to do so easily. Any questions about the event can be directed by email to fundraising@runningtoplaces.org.
R2P is a non-profit theatre company which connects middle and high school students from across the Tompkins County area, teaching important life skills and strengthening community while creating great theatre. Founded in 2007, they were recently named “Best Community Theatre Company of 2010” by the readers of the Ithaca Times.

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Broadway Benefit for R2P, Hangar Theatre, 10/24 @ 4pm

2010-10-10T10:13:00.000-07:00

October 10, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The Broadway Benefit -- a concert to benefit Running to Places Theatre Company featuring amazing performers from past Hangar Theatre shows, National Tours and Broadway! Including Ithaca College Alumni, and R2P's own Todd Peterson and Joey and Erica Steinhagen. You won't want to miss this fun, family event, showcasing the incredible talent of singers straight from New York City, Chicago and our very own Ithaca theatre community! Zach James from Broadway's Addams Family and South Pacific; Abby Church of Broadway's White Christmas and the Chicago cast of Billy Elliot; and Kyra Selman -- Hangar Theatre's own Belle! Also, Kimberly Stern, performer of Broadway, National Tour and cabaret; plus Jesse Bush (with special guest!) and Daniel Keily!

Bring the entire family to enjoy fun Broadway classics, a reception afterwards to meet the performers and a silent auction featuring local goodies and Swag from Broadway's Addams Family, signed merchandise from Billy Elliot and MORE! It's all to benefit Ithaca's "Best Community Theatre of 2010" according to the readers of the Ithaca Times: Running to Places!

We want to thank especially the Inn on Columbia for their generous support of this benefit, putting up our out-of-town performers and donating a night's stay in the suite of your choice to the silent auction! Thank you!

Tickets are $25 and may be reserved at www.runningtoplaces.org or purchased at the door.

Youth Theater a Top Act

2010-10-10T09:16:00.000-07:00

ITHACA JOURNAL
Published July 27, 2010

More than 200 in Running To Places

There has been something very special that has been happening in Tompkins County for the past two and a half years. It is something that is building community cohesiveness, personal responsibility, open communications, respect for others and last, but certainly not least, entertaining everyone who partakes of their efforts.
I'm writing about the absolutely incredible youth theater company Running To Places. R2P, as it is known. It offers professional guidance to middle and high school students from every school district in Tompkins County. The company produces four to six shows every year that do not conflict with school district activities and, in fact, enhances those activities by having the children mentored by Ithaca College, Cornell and professional artists in all aspects of theater arts. There is a strong, active board and amazing professionals totally committed to these kids.
R2P is changing lives daily. The kids who participate — over 200 of them this year alone — are learning a craft while at the same time building lasting friendships across community lines. They are learning to respect every person who contributes to their production efforts from the stagehand to the lead actor and all the technical folks in between.

I have witnessed firsthand how much they grow from their first audition to their graduation from the program. Some have gone on to college with a major leg up on their choice of a theater arts major. Many others have used the experience to make their communities in Tompkins County better places to live because of their total awareness of their surroundings.

R2P, under the direction and loving guidance, of Joey Steinhagen, Gail Belokur and Todd Peterson, has struggled to make ends meet for all of the kids. They have not required any fees be paid and encourage any child from any community to participate. R2P needs the community's support. To survive and grow, they need a wellspring of financial support from everyone who values a strong community, great kids, incredible work ethic and stupendous entertainment.

Please go to www.runningtoplaces.org and help the kids. They are in the process of helping themselves with car washes and bake sales, amazing shows and all those other wonderful things kids do when they truly believe in something good. They need our help as well. Please find it in your heart to send along a donation, provide something in-kind and attend a show. The next one is "Guys and Dolls" at the State Theatre. Thank you so much.

Bruce G. Grieshaber of Elbridge, N.Y., is a member of the board of directors for Running To Places.

Members of Friends of R2P raise $1,500 for Haiti relief

2010-03-19T09:27:00.000-07:00

ITHACA JOURNAL
Published MARCH 19, 2010

Members of Friends of R2P, featuring members and alumni of the youth troupe Running to places Theatre Company, pose after a benefit musical last week that raised $1,500 for Doctors Without Borders for its work in Haiti.

The event was conceived and organized by 14- year-old Running to Places company member, Anthony Nigro.

Musical numbers were performed by Kasia Sendek, Eliza Vann, Geoff Peterson, Michelle Peterson, Adam Beckwith, Jenna Ledet, Sarah Beckwith, Sari Koppel, Allie Young, and a chamber group from the Community School of Music and Art's Young Men's Chorus. Bill Cowdery provided piano accompaniment.

From left, kneeling, Sarah Beckwith, Eliza Vann, James Palmer; middle row from left, Jacob Clay, Michelle Peterson, Anthony Nigro, Allie Young, Sari Koppel, Kasia Sendek, Jenna Ledet, pianist Bill Cowdery, Geoff Peterson; back row, Adam Beckwith.

The event also featured a chamber group from the Community School of Music and Art's Young Men's Chorus.