‘Shanghaied in Astoria’

Published 6:55 am Thursday, July 18, 2013

Community theater extraordinaire

The Astor Street Opry Company (ASOC), a community theater extraordinaire, has been bringing Shanghaied in Astoria to folks on the North Coast for 29 years. Its an old chestnut thats been polished to a high sheen a classic musical melodrama thats been perfected by dedicated local actors, directors and backstage theater supporters for nearly three decades.

This years offering runs through Sept. 14 at the ASOC Playhouse, every Thursday, Friday and Saturday with the box office opening at 6:30 p.m. and doors at 7 p.m. Show time is 7:30 p.m. (There will also be four Sunday matinees on July 21, Aug. 4 and 25 and Sept. 8.)

Acting for all ages

Shanghaied in Astoria is all about family fun, and that puts the ASOC mission at the center of the community in more ways than one. Over the course of ASOCs existence (and 29 years of Shanghaied), more than 80,000 people have purchased tickets or sat in the audience, and more than 16,000 volunteers have participated in the theater. But not only does ASOC produce theater, it produces theater people. Keeping a community theater vital is not just about financing a place for a stage though ASOC knows all about that challenge it also means providing a pipeline of talent.

The theater company prides itself on doing community arts education. We are trying to keep theater education alive the college doesnt have it anymore, nobody does, said Judy Niland, ASOC publicist and 28-year supporter. The arts are often the first thing to go in a school curriculum.

In addition to Junior Shanghaied, a childrens version of the original, ASOC also runs a childrens theater program for kids up to age 13 or 14. It also runs a fall drama play and the New Works Festival of one-acts in the winter. Earlier this year the theater company also added a directing workshop for thespians age 17 and older.

Normally, ASOC prefers not to mix adults and chilren onstage. But teens were outgrowing the childrens program.

They didnt have anywhere else to get theater, and their parents werent ready to put them in with the adults, ASOC?volunteer Tammy Payne said. So there was a gap between the childrens program and what a teenager could participate in. And Ive seen how (theater) has benefited my own kids, so I thought we should put something in place.

(Theater is) a home for these kids, Payne said about what ASOCs programs for the younger crowd offer. Its a place they can be themselves without being criticized. Kids need a place to feel safe, and thats what the theater has been.

While the new ASOC?teen program for adolescents ages 13 to 17 first sounded like a lot of work, it has paid off. In June, 15 young actors proudly performed Rapunzel, a full two-act play with costumes, sets and the whole shebang. The result: a raft of young adults who can not only hold their own on stage but have developed skills that will serve them well in other aspects of life.

Families that play together stay together

In addition to volunteering at the ASOC and being the brains behind the teen program, Payne also got her whole family involved. Her husband, Mike Payne, has helped with Shanghaied construction and backstage projects. Her daughters Aubrie, 13, and Sierra, 11, have acted in ASOC shows.

Even my youngest, Garrett, has been involved when during the teen production they realized they needed a shadow figure for a little kitten! Tammy Payne said.

ASOC had provided numerous benefits to the Payne family.

My daughter got a part in Charlottes Web, Tammy Payne said, and it has made such a difference in her life. Initially one of my daughters wouldnt speak on stage, but this year in the teen program she was helping them emcee. It has really helped her gain confidence in herself … Its been so good for my family.

Unfortunately, the Paynes will soon be moving to California. Weve had to recruit four people to do what Tammy was doing, if that gives you any idea, Niland said.

Other community-minded families abound. One is Steven and Lora Nice, who are both in this years Shanghaied in Astoria production. Their daughter, Josie, has been involved in the childrens theater, and Shanghaied has put her to work backstage.

Then theres Matthew and Kristin Zedwick, who own the Columbia Veterinary Hospital in Astoria. They work long hours and came in for evening Shanghaied rehearsals. In addition to playing the chorus parts of a can-can dancer and a sailor, the real-life couple will also play the onstage couple of Eric Olson and Miss Virginia this summer.

What it takes to put on the show

Live theater is a special animal. Its not just about the actors on stage. There is an entire crew of people working behind the scenes to make sure the production goes smoothly. Niland has been working with Terrie MacDonald and ChrisLynn Taylor (who also works the box office) to redo the costumes this year; Tammy Payne is the house manager, making sure the theater is ready for the show and that audience members are welcomed when they arrive; Paula Fisher and Jim Coffee work concessions; Bill Carr is the stage manager; and lights are by Kay Beitzel, with help on the spotlight by Erin Bucholz.

One of the recent challenges has been the economic downturn. Several members who started off in the Shanghaied cast have had to drop out for employment reasons. Weve lost four or five of our cast members that had to quit because their work hours were changed, and the boss just said, Take it or leave it. Another girl lost her housing, said Niland. One just felt she was juggling too many things. That puts an phenomenal stress on the company to replace people. This really hit us hard this year. Our situation is an example of how the economy is affecting how to keep the arts going and still put food on the table.

But this is where having a deep bench of talent can make a difference. The Shanghaied crew lost one critical character two weeks ago but teen Brittany Waltemate was willing to step in.

Waltemate lives with her parents Kimberly and Rob in Long Beach, Wash., and will be a junior at Ilwaco High School next year. She had five days to learn a script that other cast members had been rehearsing for nine weeks. But nonethless, she stepped onto stage with the adult cast just like a pro.

Many expected that her biggest challenge would be learning her lines, but she explained that because Ive done Junior Shanghaied, Ive memorized the entire show. I could probably play any character. When asked about the benefits of being onstage, she said, The theater has given me a lot patience, and Ive learned to memorize. It also helps me stay calm no matter what happens.

Waltemate has a message for other aspiring young actors. You dont have to be good at it. If youre worried about not being as great the first time around, the reality is most people can pick up on acting as long as you have a good director. Anyone can do theater, and you get to make new friends; Ive made a couple life-long friends. And it makes you more comfortable in front of a crowd and more comfortable with yourself.

So heres to all the ASOC volunteers, on and off stage, who continue to bring community theater to our coast. To the Nice Family, to house manager Tammy Payne and her family, to this years director Nate Bucholz, to the Zedwicks, and to the unstoppable Judy Niland. 29 years of Shanghaied in Astoria is an accomplishment not matched by many other towns. Come on out and give them your support. And get ready. As Niland says, Next year is our 30th year so look out! Were going to go back and do Shanghaied reunions. So if you were ever in a show and want to get involved, give me a call at 503-791-1037.