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Originally airing Friday, June 7, 2019.

Todd Wagner

The JCC Uncommoners will present The Last Five Years at the Robert Scharmann Theatre on the JCC Jamestown Campus, starting Friday, June 14. To preview this new musical we talked with director Todd Wagner.

More details
The Scharmann Theatre stage will be converted into a black box space to host the show. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday June 14 and 15 and also Friday and Saturday June 21 and 22. In addition, two Sunday matinee performances will begin at 2 p.m. on June 16 and 23.

The Last Five Years, written by Jason Robert Brown, depicts a five-year relationship between Jamie Wellerstein, a novelist, and Cathy Hiatt, a struggling actress. Cathy’s story is told in reverse chronological order (the show begins with her at the end of the relationship), and Jamie’s is told chronological order (starting after the couple has first met).

Performing as Jamie and Cathy will be Derek DeVlieger and Teal Weatherley, Skyler Schapp and Lauren Scharf, and Dylan Carlson and Vanessa Kavanaugh. Supporting cast members are Sierra Cuellar, Deatryk Silsby, and Joshua Carlson.

Directing JCC’s first ever summer theatre production is Wagner, an award winning singer, actor, and director. Wagner owns Enchante Cabaret, a professional musical theatre company that produces Broadway style original musicals.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to do something different for Jamestown and JCC,” said Wagner, who has been part of more than 80 professional shows since the age of 10. “I look forward to creating more top quality theatre productions in the area.”

Tickets are $20, general admission; $15, JCC Faculty Student Association members and senior citizens; and $10, students. Since the audience and orchestra will be on stage with the performers, seating is limited. Tickets can be obtained by calling JCC’s box office, 338.1187.

A cash bar will be available prior to performances.

JAMESTOWN – Students from Infinity Visual and Performing Arts have been working since October to prepare for this year’s annual Spring Showcase, scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, at the Jamestown High School Auditorium.

According to organizers, Infinity students have the opportunity to practice and hone their talents through various performance opportunities at the Infinity Arts Café and throughout the community. The Spring Showcase, which is again sponsored this year by Shults Auto Group, serves as the largest student performance of the year.

Infinity Ensemble, The Currents, with instructor Jeremy Bunce will be performing on stage at this year’s Spring Showcase, along with a number of talented student performers under the direction of Infinity instructor mentors.

“The Spring Showcase is a well-rounded evening of student performers featuring various music ensembles and soloists, as well as dance and theater performances,” explained Infinity executive director Shane Hawkins. “You will be amazed at the amount of talent displayed on the stage, and the amount of hard work the students put in to this event.”

Infinity students have had the pleasure of working with instructor and area musician, Steve Davis, who has served at this year’s Artistic Director of the show. Steve has been a piano and drum instructor and ensemble director at the Infinity Center since 2003 and is also one of the original seven Infinity students.

Also working with students is Instructor Dylan Carlson who recently competed in the widely known “American Idol” national competition. Dylan is using his performance experiences to coach vocal students participating in the opening and closing numbers.

Area favorite Adam Owens will be the Stage manager for the event and coordinating the event this year is Infinity’s Program Coordinator, Kate Rinko.

”This event is so important because it incorporates every aspect of the arts disciplines we offer and involves so many students who work with a variety of our wonderful instructors!” Rinko said.

The cost to attend the Spring Showcase is $10 dollars for adults ($7 pre-sale). Children under 18 are free. Tickets can be purchased in advance from the Infinity Center, located at 301 East 2nd Street, Suite 101 in Jamestown, or online at www.infinityperformingarts.org/shop. Tickets will also be available at the door on the evening of the event.

In addition to great performances by our area youth, Infinity will be offering the chance to win one of three gift baskets. This year’s prizes include $150 cash, $300 in gift certificates to area restaurants, or a $300 Value Grab Bag Basket. Tickets are five dollars each or four for just ten dollars, and can be purchased at the Infinity Center, online, or from any of Infinity’s board members.

“This event is a celebration of youth empowerment, talent, and the mentorship bond between our students and their instructors. It is one of our favorite Infinity events each year. Thank you to everyone who comes out to support the kids’ and instructors’ hard work!” Hawkins said.

More information about Spring Showcase, including a list of performers, can be found on Infinity’s Facebook Page.

For questions or more information, please call the Infinity Center at 716-664-0991.