Video Promos by Christian Huey: ALAMO AFTERMATH by John Cecil, Crank Collective, November 7 - 16, 2013

Crank Collective presents 

Alamo Aftermath: A Texas Revolution Operetta

Inspired by letters and memoirs from the Texas Revolution

November 7-16 (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays) ,8 p.m.

City Theatre, 3823 Airport Rd. (behind the Shell station) - click for map

Tickets: $12/ $15/ $20 Info and tickets: www.texshows.com or call 512/569.6155. Thursdays tickets are all $12!

  (video by Chrisian Huey)

After the Alamo fell, the Texas army under Sam Houston retreated, leaving behind charred settlements and a mob of evacuating civilians. Heroes and villains of every background emerged in this “Runaway Scrape,” ending the battle with a victory for Texas at San Jacinto. Crank Collective, under the direction of John Cecil, tells this incredible story in a one-hour operetta featuring drama, comedy, battle scenes and music with a live band.

Second of three in a series of Texas history musicals, the production follows Tejano patriot José Antonio Menchaca from besieged San Antonio to East Texas, where he becomes embroiled in the war’s final battle. Fighting alongside him are the Barnaby brothers, reluctant soldiers who fled scandal in Georgia to claim cheap land in Texas. Based partly on Menchaca’s memoir and historical documents, the all-ages production of Alamo Aftermath tells of love of country, lust for land and the birth of the nation of Texas.

(video by Chrisian Huey)

About José Antonio Menchaca Born in San Antonio, in 1800, José Antonio Menchaca fought with Juan Seguin and Sam Houston at the battle of San Jacinto. He later led patrols around San Antonio to prevent Indian attacks, and again fought the Mexican army in 1843. Always involved in Texas politics, he later fought for the rights of Tejano veterans to receive military pensions for defending Texas during the Revolution.

Cast and Ensemble The cast includes: Phil Rodriguez, Carl Guthrie, Dan Dalbout, Megan Ortiz, Christian Huey, Kimberley Wilson, John Medberry, Matt Melton, Doug Rensi, Lucy Miller-Downing and John Stephens. The band is Jonathan Hoyle, Chris La Cava, John Cecil.

About Crank Collective Crank Collective is a rotating group of actors, musicians and theatrical artists which has performed in New York, Prague and Bucharest. They brought the show Epidemic of Fear: An Influenzical to Austin in 2009 and then Drone in 2011 (nominated for an Austin critic's Table Award for Best Musical Production). This past year, Crank Collective performed Cabeza de Vaca at the Long Center as Part 1 of the Texas History Series.

Crank Collective is a sponsored project of the Austin Creative Alliance, a non-profit arts service organization, working to advance, connect, and celebrate Austin’s creative life. Alamo-Operetta is funded and supported in part by the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division.

ALAMO AFTERMATH by John Cecil, Crank Collective, November 7 - 16, 2013

Crank Collective Presents

Alamo Aftermath: A Texas Revolution Operetta

Inspired by letters and memoirs from the Texas Revolution

November 7-16 (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays) 8 pm

Tickets: $12/ $15/ $20 Info and tickets: www.texshows.com or call 512/569.6155. Thursdays tickets are all $12!

City Theatre, 3823 Airport Rd. (behind the Shell station) - click for map

Austin, Texas - After the Alamo fell, the Texas army under Sam Houston retreated, leaving behind charred settlements and a mob of evacuating civilians. Heroes and villains of every background emerged in this “Runaway Scrape,” ending the battle with a victory for Texas at San Jacinto. Crank Collective, under the direction of John Cecil, tells this incredible story in a one-hour operetta featuring drama, comedy, battle scenes and music with a live band.

Second of three in a series of Texas History Musicals, the production follows Tejano patriot José Antonio Menchaca from besieged San Antonio to East Texas, where he becomes embroiled in the war’s final battle. Fighting alongside him are the Barnaby brothers, reluctant soldiers who fled scandal in Georgia to claim cheap land in Texas. Based partly on Menchaca’s memoir and historical documents, the all-ages production of Alamo Aftermath tells of love of country, lust for land and the birth of the nation of Texas.

About José Antonio Menchaca
Born in San Antonio, in 1800, José Antonio Menchaca fought with Juan Seguin and Sam Houston at the battle of San Jacinto. He later led patrols around San Antonio to prevent Indian attacks, and again fought the Mexican army in 1843. Always involved in Texas politics, he later fought for the rights of Tejano veterans to receive military pensions for defending Texas during the Revolution.

Cast and Ensemble
The cast includes: Phil Rodriguez, Carl Guthrie, Dan Dalbout, Megan Ortiz, Christian Huey, Kimberley Wilson, John Medberry, Matt Melton, Doug Rensi, Lucy Miller-Downing and John Stephens. The band is Jonathan Hoyle, Chris La Cava, John Cecil.

About Crank Collective
Crank Collective is a rotating group of actors, musicians and theatrical artists which has performed in New York, Prague and Bucharest. They brought the show Epidemic of Fear: An Influenzical to Austin in 2009 and then Drone in 2011 (nominated for an Austin critic's Table Award for Best Musical Production). This past year, Crank Collective performed Cabeza de Vaca at the Long Center as Part 1 of the Texas History Series.
Crank Collective is a sponsored project of the Austin Creative Alliance, a non-profit arts service organization, working to advance, connect, and celebrate Austin’s creative life. Alamo-Operetta is funded and supported in part by the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division.

Tech Call: Lighting Operator/Designer, Crank Collective at City Theatre, Austin, for Alamo Aftermath, November 7 - 16

(www.texshows.com)

Crank Collective needs a lighting operator and/or designer for Alamo Aftermath, a Texas revolution operetta running evenings November 7, 8, 9 and 14, 15, 16 at City Theater on Airport Blvd. 

We'd need you to do at least one tech rehearsal, preferably the evening of November 6th. The theater has a programmable board.

Experience with theater and/or running lights preferred. Full show details at www.texshows.com

Contact John Cecil of the Crank Collective at alamoaftermath@gmail.com or at 512 569-6155

CABEZA DE VACA: SHIPWRECKED IN TEXAS, Crank Collective at the Rollins Theatre, April 3 - 5, 2013

presents

Cabeza de Vaca: Shipwrecked in Texas

A Rock Musical Expedition – the first of two Texas History Operettas

directed by John Cecil

Adapted from “Naufragios” by Alvar Nuñez Cabeza de Vaca
April 3, 4, and 5 only, 8 p.m.
Rollins Studio Theatre at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W Riverside (click for map)

TIX: $20 for adults, $14 for 12 & under, $14: seniors 65+ at 512/569-6155 and www.texshows.com

As the first of two upcoming Texas history operettas, Crank Collective presents Cabeza de Vaca: Shipwrecked in Texas— a musical tribute to the extraordinary journey of Cabeza de Vaca, the 16th century Spanish Explorer who shipwrecked on Galveston island in 1527 and struggled to survive in a Native American land. Cabeza de Vaca survived as a slave, a trader and a medicine man, Cabeza narrates a multitude of barbaric and enlightening experiences such as surviving on cactus, roots and raw meat, bargained for his life and gained a mysterious ability to heal the sick and raise the dead. Cecil has turned it into an enchanting, and even light-hearted rock musical expedition—for all ages—for Crank’s Long Center debut. The production follows last year’s Antarctica and Drone (2011).

Cabeza de Vaca: Shipwrecked in Texas is a one-hour rock musical dramatization about survival and the challenges faces when being stripped of familiarity —almost beginning again, naked as a new born. Crank Collective reenacts Cabeza de Vaca’s countless adventures: from exploring under the command of Spanish government; to starving on unknown land; to being captured and enslaved; to learning Native American culture and customs; to escaping for good. This narrative-meets-musical gives exceptional insight with a upbeat twist into the outrageous life of Alvar Nuñez Cabezade Vaca.

Director John Cecil has again assembled a gifted team or performers to carry out his impressive vision with distinctive flair: and a cast of nine, a group of dancers, and a four-person band.

This one-hour show is part of Crank Collective’s Texas History Operetta series. Audiences will be treated with live musical numbers and witty performances by talented cast members. The production mixes de Vaca's engaging narrative with contemporary music and abstract costuming and set design. In November, Crank Collective will premiere the Alamo Operetta.

Cecil and Crank Collective have a history of producing edgy, satirical musicals. In 2011, their production Drone was nominated for an Austin Critics Table Award for Best Musical Production. Their first large production in 2009, the H1N1-themed Epidemic of Fear: The Influenzical, was performed to packed houses of national and international audiences. Insomnia followed with the idea of an Insomnia Patch, which would eliminate the need for sleep. Most recently in 2012, the sold-out Antarctica recreated a crew’s failed attempt to cross the barren arctic and gave an ironic tribute to Irish explorer Ernest Shackleton.

Cast and Ensembles  The cast includes Spanish explorers Carl Guthrie, Phil Rodriguez, Dan Dalbout, Christian Huey, and Kristi Brawner. The Karankawa tribe members are played by Alexandra Russo, Douglas Rensi, Laura Burgess, Josh Meindertsma. The band is Mikey Walters, Jonathan Hoyle, Chris La Cava, and John Cecil.

About Alvar Nuñez Cabeza De Vaca  Excited by rumors of gold, the 1527 Narváez Expedition set out prematurely and quickly fell apart. As means of escape, the fleet crafted primitive boats which later wrecked near Galveston island or “Malhado: The Isle of Misfortune.” One of four survivors, officer Alvar Nuñez Cabeza De Vaca was captured by tribes of the upper Gulf Coast including the famous Karankawa. Over the course of eight years, Nunez traveled through the Southwest and assumed many roles: a slave, a trader, a shaman and leader of a successful escape to Northern Mexico. After reconnecting with Spanish Colonial forces and returning to Spain, Cabeza De Vaca published Naufragios in 1537, which gave a detailed accounts of the “shipwrecks” and experiences thereafter. Due to his truthful details and personal encounters with several Native American tribes, ae is recognized today as a noteworthy proto-anthropologist and historical writer.

ABOUT CRANK COLLECTIVE  Crank Collective is a sponsored project of the Austin Creative Alliance, a non-profit arts service organization, working to advance, connect, and celebrate Austin’s creative life. Cabeza De Vaca is funded and supported in part by the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division.

JOHN CECIL: PRODUCER, PLAYWRIGHT, AND COMPOSER  John has produced original work in New York, Prague, and even Bucharest, Romania. Working with Crank Collective, he brought the show Epidemic of Fear: An Influenzical to Austin in 2009 and then Drone in 2011 (nominated for an Austin critic's Table Award for Best Musical Production. John came to musical theater from the band perspective: he wanted more going on onstage than four guys holding instruments. The New York theater scene, not surprisingly, was a great place to create satirical rock musical comedies, always with a live band on stage. He later produced and directed original shows in Prague, Czech Republic and Bucharest, Romania.

 
(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)

Auditions for Cabeza de Vaca by Crank Collective, Casting Now for April Performance

Crank Collective is Casting for Cabeza de Vaca

A dramatization of 16^th Century Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca’s shipwreck in Texas, his enslavement, life as a medicine man, and eventual journey back to Mexico City. There will be live music and some singing, although it’s not a conventional musical. Will be an entertaining show, but not strictly a comedy.



Performances: April 3, 4, 5 at the Long Center Rollins Studio. Rehearsals: 3 – 4 evenings per week in March, depending on the part.


Parts: The script is adapted from an English translation of Cabeza de Vaca’s narrative (for the source material, read http://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/resources/archives/one/cabeza.htm) Some Shakespearean or similar experience might be helpful to handling the language, but it is not required.


We are looking for 3 men for Spanish explorers and/or Natives. Ages 20s – 50s.; 1 man, for Esteban, who was African. Age 20; 3 women for Natives . Ages 20s, 30s; 1 woman for Spanish printer’s daughter 20s, 30s.


Auditions: Cold reading from the script, short monologue optional. Singing a plus, although not all parts will require it. If you are a singer, a one-minute a capella song is required.


Note: We’re also doing a straight-forward musical comedy in November, “Alamo-Operetta,” so your audition might help cast that show. 2 chances to win! Best way to get in touch: John at johnrcecil@gmail.com. You can also call 512-569-6155


Crank Collective info: Website: www.texshows.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/184536349012

Upcoming: Antarctica, the musical, Crank Collective at the City Theatre, February 3-4, 10-11

Found on-line:

presents

Antarctica, the musical

February 3 & 4, 10 & 11, 8 p.m.

City Theatre, 3823 Airport Rd. (behind the Shell station) (click for map)

Tickets for Antarctica are $15 general admission/$12 for children & seniors

They can be purchased online through OvationTix here.

Questions about tickets? Please call 512-569-6155 or email antarcticashow@gmail.com.

Cruise ship passengers trapped in the Antarctic battle frostbite, pack ice and penguins in this rock musical tribute to explorer Ernest Shackleton. Featuring a live band, dancers and a full chorus, Antarctica will be performed February 3 – 11 at The City Theatre.

[Apple users: can't see the video or hear the interview? Click to go to YouTube]

Kickstarter Appeal: Antarctica, Crank Collective, February 3 - 11

Found on-line:

appeal for a campaign to raise $1000 by

Help us get to Antarctica - a rock musical comedy - by February 3rd. Your donation will allow us to fund the 10 + musicians, singers and actors performing, as well as the dancing Antarctic blizzard dancers, choreographers and set designer.

A rock musical tribute to explorer Ernest Shackleton, set on a modern-day cruise ship in the Antarctic. Featuring a live band and a cast and chorus of 10, Antarctica will be performed at City Theatre in Austin, Texas, February 3 - 11, 2012.

www.antarcticashow.com

Click image below to go to the Kickstarter page:

Produced by Crank Collective, which was recently featured in Backstage. Crank Collective's Drone was recently nominated for Best Musical of 2010.

Cast: Carl Guthrie, Cassidy Schiltz, Alexandra Russo, Lucy Miller-Downing, Christian Huey, and Rob Faubion. Singers: Shannon McDermott, Matthew Melton, Michael Turner, Laura Burgess and Kerri Atwood. Band: Mikey Walters, Chris La Cava, Jonathan Hoyle and John Cecil.

Created by Crank Collective. Directed by John Cecil.

Crank Collective Auditioning for Additional Actor for Antarctica, November 21

Received directly:

Crank Collective is looking for one additional male actor for the cast of Antarctica, a musical comedy coming to the City Theater in February. The show has a cast of six, with an additional vocal chorus and live band. We are looking for stage presence, the ability to do light comedy and to carry a tune. Please contact antarcticashow@gmail.com or 512-569-6155.

We will be auditioning November 21st. Additional information www.antarcticashow.com. Antarctica will play at City Theater, February 3, 4, 10 and 11.

A descendent of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton mounts a musical on a cruise ship, drifting into pack ice and the Antarctic winter. A one-hour musical comedy with a live band from Crank Collective, who brought you Drone, nominated for Best Musical for the 2011 Austin Critics Table Award.

Upcoming: Antarctica, staged reading, Crank Collective, October 25, Blue Theatre

Found on-line:

presents a free preview show of

Preview Crank Collective’s new show, Antarctica, for one night only: 8 p.m., Tuesday, October 25^th at the Blue Theater, 916 Springdale (click for map). In this special workshop preview performance, audience will be able to give feedback and determine the plot for the final scene.

A descendent of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton mounts a musical on a cruise ship, drifting into pack ice and the Antarctic winter. A one-hour musical comedy with a live band from Crank Collective, who brought you Drone, nominated for Best Musical for the 2011 Austin Critics Table Award.

Special free performance one night only: October 25^th at the Blue Theater, 916 Springdale at 8 PM. Info antarcticashow@gmail.com 512-569-6155 www.antarcticashow.com

Cast

Lucy Miller-Dowin		Cassidy Schlitz
Alexandra Russo		David Craig
Christian Huey		Matt Melton
Josh Meindertsma		Don Lampasone
Brandi Hollsten		Shannon McDermott

Auditions for Antarctica, Crank Collective, mid-September

Received directly from John Cecil of

Casting for

The new musical comedy Antarctica from Crank Collective is looking for performers. We will have a one-night staging in October, and then we will develop and re-mount the show with a full performance for two weekends in February at City Theater.

Rehearsal and Performance Schedule: October Staging: October 25th; rehearsals will be week nights from October 10 – 24th (roughly 8 rehearsals)

Full Staging, February 3, 4, 10 and 11. Rehearsals will be week nights beginning January 2nd.

Crank Collective has done many shows, both here and abroad, and we try to make good use of your time and talents. We were recently nominated for best musical production here in Austin (for "Drone"). Details - antarcticashow.com . Also here on Facebook.


Auditions will be mid-September at the Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Drive (click for map). Please contact John with questions and to send a resume and picture. We’re interested in comedy and musical comedy experience, funny on stage, and/or able to sing in pop/rock style. Over 18 only, please. Thank you - johnrcecil@gmail.com

Upcoming: Drone, the musical, Crank Collective at City Theatre, February 4&5, 11&12

Found on-line:

presents

DRONE

A Musical Comedy
at the City Theatre, February 4 & 5, 11 & 12

Buy tickets on-line; reservations via droneshow@gmail.com

more information at www.droneshow.com

In this satirical musical comedy from Crank Collective, two pilots remotely fly surveillance aircraft near the Texas border, finding romance, espionage, music and mayhem.

Directed by John Cecil, created by Crank Collective, this world premier features actors Joshua Meindertsma, Kacey Samiee, Kate Caldwell, Christian Huey, Micah Goodding, and Lucy Miller-Downing. Musicians include John Cecil, Jonathan Hoyle, Chris La Cava and Michael Walters.

KOOP's Lisa Scheps interviews John Cecil, cast and band, November 2010

Click to view cast -- Click to view band -- Click 'Read more' to view press release of January 21, below

Upcoming: Drone, the musical, Crank Collective at City Theatre, February 4&5, 11&12

Found on-line:

presents

A Musical Comedy
at the City Theatre, February 4 & 5, 11 & 12

Buy tickets on-line; reservations via droneshow@gmail.com

more information at www.droneshow.com

In this satirical musical comedy from Crank Collective, two pilots remotely fly surveillance aircraft near the Texas border, finding romance, espionage, music and mayhem.

Directed by John Cecil, created by Crank Collective, this world premier features actors Joshua Meindertsma, Kacey Samiee, Kate Caldwell, Christian Huey, Micah Goodding, and Lucy Miller-Downing. Musicians include John Cecil, Jonathan Hoyle, Chris La Cava and Michael Walters.

KOOP's Lisa Scheps interviews John Cecil, cast and band, November 2010

Click to view cast -- Click to view band

Read more at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .

Upcoming: Drone, the musical by Crank Collective at the Salvage Vanguard, November 11 one-night "test launch"

Found on-line:

presents

DRONE

A Musical Comedy

In this satirical musical comedy from Crank Collective, two pilots remotely fly surveillance aircraft near the Texas border, finding romance, espionage, music and mayhem.

“Test Launch” One Night Only, with full cast and a live band, at the Salvage Vanguard November 11th.

The Drone “Test Launch” performance will be one night only, on November 11th, 8 PM at the Salvage Vanguard Theater.
Tickets will be $7.00 at the door.
For reservations, please send an email to droneshow@gmail.com with your name and the number of tickets you need.
Contact droneshow@gmail.com or 512-569-6155 with any questions. Thank you!

Click to view cast -- Click to view band

Read more and view video at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .

Upcoming: Insomnia, a musical comedy by Crank Collective at the Hideout Theatre, March 25 - April 10

UPDATE: KOOP-FM's Lisa Schepps interviews director John Cecil and the cast, and they perform two numbers from the show, March 22 (30 min.)

Found on-line:

Insomnia: A Musical Comedy

March 26 - April 10, Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.

Hideout Theater, 617 Congress Avenue (Mainstage, first floor, not the improv space upstairs)

(Google directions and map) Running Time: 60 minutes

Ticket Price: $15, general admission; $12 student/senior

Tickets by Phone: 866-811-4111 or on-line at theatermania.com

• “Insomnia Patch activates the body’s own “alert centers,” creating a sense of well-being, enhancing productivity, and ELIMINATING THE NEED FOR SLEEP.”

Another light musical comedy from Crank Collective, who produced last year’s H1N1-themed Epidemic of Fear, The Influenzical. Insomnia is directed by John Cecil, and features Kacey Samiee, Joshua Meindertsma, Gail Hebert, Phil Rodriguez, Brett Tribe, Tracy Medberry and Kate Caldwell. Live music provided by Mikey Walters, Chris LaCava and the Hoyle Horns.

Crank Collective is a sponsored project of the Greater Austin Creative Alliance, a non-profit arts service organization, working to advance, connect and celebrate Austin's creative life. Insomnia is funded and supported in part by the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division.

More information and media at www.insomniashow.com, or contact John Cecil at insomniapatch@gmail.com or 512-569-6155.


Cast: Brett Tribe, Kacey Samiee, Phil Rodriguez, Tracy Medberry, Josh Meindertsma, Gail Hebert, Kate Caldwell (click image for bios)

Video montage from the 2008 production of Insomnia in Bucharest



Crank Collective is a sponsored-project of Austin Circle of Theaters, and this project is funded and supported in part by the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division

Upcoming: Epidemic of Fear, An Influenzical, Crank Collective at Salvage Vanguard, July 31 - August 8

UPDATE: Lisa Scheps features Epidemic of Fear on "Off Stage and On the Air" on KOOP-FM, August 3

UPDATE: Julie Moody interviews playwright/producer John Cecil about the musical, July 31 (2 min 20 sec)

Found online:

The world’s first “Influenzical” is coming to Austin:

Epidemic of Fear

Fridays and Saturdays only
July 31-August 8, 2009
at the Salvage Vanguard Theatre
Produced by Crank Collective
Directed by John Cecil

The show created in New York during the last world-wide virus outbreak!

This musical comedy satirizes health care, politics, panic and pandemics, featuring music that is live and chickens that are not.

Read more at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .