Hansel and Gretel

"HANSEL AND GRETEL" SING AND PLAY AT CRS BARN STUDIO

"Nibble, nibble, mousie, who's nibbling at my housie?" Does this familiar question conjure up images of a delicious, candy-covered house...and the evil witch who lurks inside? Revisit this classic story in a lively new one-hour production of Engelbert Humperdinck's "Hansel and Gretel" at the CRS Barn Studio, 2622 North Triphammer Road, Ithaca. Performance dates are Friday and Saturday, August 10 and 11 at 7:00pm and Sunday, August 12 at 4:00pm. Ticket prices are $5.00 for children and $10.00 for adults.

This beloved opera recounts the tale of two small children who get lost in the woods, find a magical gingerbread house, and conquer an evil witch to set their friends free and reunite with their parents. The CRS Barn Studio's updated  and compact adaptation is beautifully sung, in a new translation by Gary Race, and action packed, with colorful sets and beautiful dancing. This professional production, perfect for families and children, is directed by Steve Stull and choreographed by Jeanne Goddard, and features favorite Ithaca singers Ivy Walz as Hansel, Rebecca Leistikow as Gretel, Erica Steinhagen as the witch, and Steven Stull as the father. Carli Mazich-Addice is the Sand Man and Lynn Craver is the Dew Fairy. Performances take place outdoors in fine weather, indoors in case of rain.

For more information email Steve or Jeanne at

 crsbarn@lightlink.com

Songs for a September Night

SONGS FOR A SEPTEMBER NIGHT:

A Gala Evening of Songs and Arias at the CRS Barn Studio

Enjoy beautiful music in a beautiful setting, at the CRS Barn Studio's Songs for a September Night on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2011 at 7:30 pm, at the CRS Barn Studio, 2622 North Triphammer Road in Ithaca. Admission is $15 for general admission, $10 for students and seniors; children 12 admitted at no charge.

Songs for a September Night showcases the incredible vocal talent of the Ithaca area. Baritone Steven Stull, sopranos Amanda Demaris, Joanna Manring, Deborah Montgomery-Cove, bass-baritone David Neal and pianist Richard Montgomery - all seen in last season's hit production of Mozart's "The Magic Flute" - are joined by soprano and Ithaca native Rebecca Leistikow and acclaimed pianist Blaise Bryski. Mezzo-soprano Ivy Walz makes her return performance after completing her Doctorate in Voice at Cincinnati Conservatory. This gifted cast of singers performs with opera companies and orchestras throughout the US and internationally and includes faculty members from Ithaca College and SUNY Cortland.

The varied program includes well-known and less familiar arias and ensembles from the operas of Handel, Mozart, Purcell, and Rossini as well as classic musical theatre favorites, and the intimate space allows a rare "up close and personal experience" of the operatic repertoire.

The gardens overlooking Cayuga Lake are available for picnicking before the concert. Or, just arrive a few minutes early and enjoy the sunset (7:15 pm). Following the performance, a gala reception will offer audience members a chance to meet and talk with the artists.

Swirl:Wells College Faculty dance Concert

Photo/design: Steve Stull

Wells College Presents the Annual Faculty Dance Concert

Four performances by students and faculty will be accompanied by live music

The Wells College Theatre and Dance Program is pleased to present their annual faculty and guest artist dance concert, on Friday and Saturday, April 8 and 9 at 7:30p.m., in Phipps Auditorium, Macmillan Hall. This year's concert will feature choreography by faculty member Jeanne Goddard and guest artist Elizabeth Wilmot Bishop, with live music by baritone Steven Stull and four-piece band.

This year's concert promises an eclectic mix of new dances performed by the Wells College Dance Ensemble of students and faculty. The four dances are entitled "Blizzard," "Surface," "Never Give Up" and "That's Amoré!" Focusing on the bonds among lovers, friends, community and strangers, this work brings out the complicated, yet often humorous and uplifting, moments in relationships through the use of narrative and reflection. On stage, dancers create juxtaposing images, playfully wrestling with pillows and stealing glances at each other over drinks in light-hearted romantic vignettes, while achingly dividing themselves from one another in pulsating narratives that speak of a darker, distant past. Musical accompaniment ranges from songs by Judy Collins and Yolanda Adams to classical/African fusion from the Kronos Quartet. Jazz, pop, music theatre tunes and Italian art song will be performed live by Steven Stull and an ensemble of professional and student musicians, with a chance for the audience to sing along. The performances are complimented by simple, yet aesthetically striking, set and lighting design by resident designer Joe Deforest.

Here's what the choreographers say about their work:

"Blizzard" evokes the turmoil of the human heart-an inner "storm" that needs to be quieted. We realize that our lives can sometimes feel as variable and uncertain as the weather, with periods of turmoil and periods of calm.

"Surface" is really about what goes on below the surface-the layers of life and meaning that maintain their own reality despite being hidden from the outside view. There are suggestions of past generations, the movement of time, cycles of life and loss, memory and constant change. The underlying energy is always ready to break through and spill into the present.

"Never Give Up" encourages us to believe in ourselves and your dreams. Trust what you have been given to do with your life and follow that path, whatever obstacles or stumbling blocks you may encounter along the way.

An old Dean Martin recording reminded me of the perennial appeal of the love song. "That's Amoré" celebrates love in all its crazy, confusing, confounding and exhilarating aspects, its various and changeable moods: excitement, sensuality, longing and entanglement. A live band with singers will heat up the theatre with such popular tunes as "Let Me Go, Lover," "Send Me the Pillow That You Dream On" and of course the title song, "That's Amoré," during which the audience will be invited to sing along.

The Wells College Dance Program seeks to offer diverse, vibrant concerts of both new and repertory works that communicate to a wide audience. Many of the performers are not dance majors but share a deep and abiding dedication to the art form of dance.

Ticket prices are $5 for students and $7 for adults, and can be purchased at the door or by calling the Phipps Auditorium Box Office at 315.364.3456. Children are admitted free. For information, contact Professor Jeanne Goddard, 315.364.3213, or email jgoddard@wells.edu

AUDITIONS FOR "THE MAGIC FLUTE"

CRS Barn Studio from the north; photo: Steven Stull ©2010

The CRS Barn Studio will be holding auditions for our upcoming production of
Mozart's "The Magic Flute". Performance dates will be Thu. July 29, Fri. July 30, Sat. July 31 and Sun. Aug. 1, 2010 - all at 7:30 pm. This will be an outdoor production if weather permits. In case of rain, performances will be held in the studio. This production will be performed in English and will have a limited rehearsal period.

Auditions will be held on Tuesday, May 25 from 7 pm - 9:30 pm
at the CRS Barn Studio, 2622 N. Triphammer Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
We are on the lake side of N. Triphammer, 1.5 miles north of Rt. 13 and the malls.

An accompanist will be available or you may bring your own. Bring a song or aria of your choice and a song or aria in English. We may have you read dialogue. If you are interested in covering a specific leading role, please bring one of the character's arias.

Please contact Steve via email to schedule an audition time, walk-ins will be heard if time allows. If you are unable to attend this audition but are interested in being part of the production, please contact us for future auditions or to schedule an appointment at a later date. If you were in a previous production or we know your voice, an audition is not necessary.

Seeking: Chorus members, Supporting roles, Covers for leading roles

We are also seeking dancers, production assistants, musical assistants for the production. Please contact us with your interest.


In 1990 baritone Steve Stull and choreographer Jeanne Goddard co-founded the CRS Barn Studio. Since that time they have presented an eclectic series of music and dance performances on the CRS Growers organic vegetable farm overlooking Cayuga Lake in Ithaca, NY. For more information please visit http://www.operacowpokes.com

Transformations: Wells College Faculty Dance Concert

photos from "Antique Regrets" by Steven Stull

The Wells College Performing Arts program presents its annual faculty dance concert, entitled Transformations on Friday and Saturday, April 9 and 10 at 7:30PM in Phipps Auditorium on the Wells College campus. Exploring themes from myth, memory, fairy tales, and magic, Transformations offers an eclectic range of choreography by Wells College faculty member Jeanne Goddard and guest artists Michelle Iklé and Elizabeth Wilmot Bishop. Admission is free for Wells College students, $5.00 for the Wells community, other students, and senior citizens, and $7.00 for the general public.
The full cast of Transformations includes Shaday Baker, Brittany Bouchard, Dominique Britten, Megan Claxton, Jeanne Goddard, Mary Gooding, Eden Kostick, Sarah Malena, Catherine Marshall, Hayley Messenger, Jennifer Miller, Tonille Watkis, and Tara Wild. Lighting design is by Joe DeForest, with projections by Steven Stull, and scenic and costume design by Roberta Kolpakas.

Pirates of Penzance

Pirates of Penzance
Gilbert and Sullivan
August 20-22, 2009 at 7:30 pm
CRS Barn Studio
2622 N. Triphammer Road
Ithaca, NY 14850

Starring: Lianne Coble as Mabel, Robin Booth as Ruth, Amanda Chmela as Edith, Eric van Hoven as Frederic, Gary Race as Major General Stanley, Steven Stull as The Pirate King, David Neal as The Sergeant of Police
Directed by: Steve Stull and Jeanne Goddard
Musical direction: Richard Montgomery and Bill Cowdery

Save the date -- more details coming soon!

Moving Landscapes II: An Evening of Dance and Music

Moving Landscapes II: An Evening of Dance and Music at CRS Barn Studio
features Finger Lakes Dance Talent

Enjoy captivating original choreography and live music in a magical setting. The CRS Barn Studio is pleased to present a new edition of Moving Landscapes II: An Evening of Dance and Music on Saturday, July 25 at 8:00PM. The single performance takes place at the CRS Barn Studio, 2622 North Triphammer Road in Ithaca, NY.

The CRS Barn Studio hosts Ithaca-based artists and regional guests in this informal summer showcase. Choreographers and dancers Donna Davenport and Missy Pfohl Smith of Geneva, NY and Jeanne Goddard, Maren Waldman, Britta Lee, Sarabeth Matilsky, and Kalay Mordock of Ithaca, will perform new dances and works from repertory. Baritone Steven Stull and pianist Richard Montgomery will offer songs of Stephen Foster and others.

Maren Waldman will present her two most recent works, “How to Watch Dance” and “Untitled”
Performed to the driving music of Gotan project, this suite is based upon “loose concepts of Argentine tango, …its history and the emotions that drive it”. Goddard and Stull will premier “Three Studies for John,” a tribute to a long-time mentor and friend. The dance is crafted from photographic images, and set to American popular songs. Donna Davenport and Missy Pfohl Smith will bring fresh new pieces from Geneva for a first showing at the barn.

Moving Landscapes II begins, appropriately, with outdoor site-specific improvisations at 7:45PM on the grounds of the CRS Growers farm. Early birds will be treated to the shifting forms of dance against a panoramic view of Cayuga Lake. The remainder of the concert will take place inside the CRS Barn Studio.

Admission to the event is by donation at the door, and refreshments will be served. The CRS Barn Studio is located at 2622 North Triphammer Road, 1.5 miles north of Pyramid Mall. For more information please email crsbarn@lightlink.com or call 607.257.2043.

Pirates of Penzance audition

AUDITIONS - Choristers for Pirates of Penzance at CRS Barn Studio, Ithaca. Wednesday July 15, 7-9pm, Saturday July18, 10am-noon. Pianist provided. Call, email for appointment. 607-257-2043, crsbarn@lightlink.com

Produced and directed by Steve Stull and Jeanne Goddard
Limited rehearsal period, production dates August 20-22, 2009
opportunities for memorized, moving chorus and for seated chorus on book.
If you are unable to attend these auditions but would be interested in being considered please contact us!

Dancing Room, a studio dance concert

photo: Chuck Stull

Dancing Room: Alternative Dance Concert at Wells College

The Wells College Theatre and Dance program is pleased to present Dancing Room, an informal studio concert conceived and directed by Robert D. and Henrietta T. Campbell Professor of Dance Jeanne Goddard. Performances are Monday and Tuesday, April 13 and 14, 2009 at 7:00pm in the Schwartz Center dance studio, Wells College, Aurora, New York. There is no admission charge. Refreshments will be available before and after the performance.

“When I was awarded the Campbell professorship, I was both honored by the award and inspired to create a particular type of dance concert that would provide for the Wells community an alternative to our more formal productions in Phipps Auditorium, “ Goddard says. She says this year’s concert will be the first in a series of five.

Dancing Room, performed in the studio where Wells College students take their daily classes, places the emphasis on community, on dance and creative process as a part of the college experience. As Goddard says, “This room, this floor, is an inclusive space, a familiar space, a comfortable space.” Audiences will experience original dance works “up close and personal’ and have an opportunity to talk with the choreographers and the performers.

The concert showcases both student and faculty choreography, including a number of premiers. Students from the Women Making Dance seminar, Sarah Clark, Rebecca Danis, Catherine Marshall, Khadeja Merenkov, and Shannon Sass, will show “Where I Come From”, a suite of original dance studies on the theme of character and place. Goddard will premier “And so…”, a bittersweet quintet set to Max Bruch’s haunting “Kol Nidre” that she describes as “a gift” for dancers Arianna Bickford, Heather Frost, Eden Kostick, Iivy Murphy, and Tiffany Orellana. She will also restage her absurdist piece, “Those Ducks Aren’t Bobbing for Golf Balls” with baritone Steven Stull and pianist Russell Posegate performing the songs of Franz Schubert and Ralph Vaughan Williams. Mr. Posegate and Mr. Stull will perform additional music on the program, and Ms. Goddard promises a choreographic tribute to her dog, Hazelnut.

For more information about Dancing Room, please email jgoddard@wells.edu
or telephone 315.364.3213.

Opera Cowpokes Alive! broadcast date on WSKG!

Opera Cowpokes Alive! - our hour long video production is coming to WSKG TV October 23, 2008 at 10 pm. Save the date!

More details and preview clips to follow.
photo by Dewey Neild

Steve Stull and Jeanne Goddard are artistic directors of the CRS Barn Studio and creators of Opera Cowpokes. This self portrait is a PR shot for "Moving Landscapes" - a concert of music and dance in August 2008.