Quincy Community Theatre Excited About Bringing New Shows in 2015 [Interview]

Quincy Community Theatre will be open for the 2015 season soon! The family/student theatre production of 'Honk! Jr.' will be on stage February 13 - 15, and the first main stage production of the new season, 'Monty Python's Spamalot,' will open on March 19. Quincy Community Theatre's Artistic Director Brandon Thomsen spoke with us about the highlights of the 2014 season, and what theatergoers can expect in 2015.

What were the highlights of the 2014 season for you?

'Les Misérables' was a milestone for our theatre. It is an epic story, and when it was selected in 2013 for the 2014 season, we knew it would be our most challenging show to date. We wanted a show that would challenge us, that would attract new performers and new audiences, and something that would force us to evaluate what our community is capable of producing.

Also, our theatre went through a major staff change. For the first time in our 92-year history, the role of Managing Artistic Director has been split into two positions: there is an executive director who handles the business affairs and daily operations of the theatre, and there is an artistic director who is responsible for the quality of the productions and the image of Quincy Community Theatre.

What are you most looking forward to in 2015?

Generally speaking, getting more volunteers inside this building on a regular basis.

Production-wise, 'Mary Poppins.' I love the story and the music, and it is going to be the biggest show we’ve ever done. Bigger than 'Les Miz.' There are magical special effects, huge dance numbers and flying.

How many of the upcoming productions in 2015 are new to Quincy Community Theatre? How many are being produced for the first time?

QCT is producing nine shows in 2015. Eight of the shows are brand new to our stage, and one of them has been commissioned especially for us.

Do you have any previous experience with any of the upcoming 2015 productions?

Personally, no. It’s strange now that I think about that. I’ve seen 'Mary Poppins' onstage three times – Broadway, the tour at the FOX in St. Louis, and at the MUNY in St. Louis. And the movie is one of my favorites. I have, of course, read all of the scripts to the entire season, and I’ve seen clips on YouTube and have listened to the cast recordings of the musicals we’re producing; however, I’ve never worked on any of them before, and apart from seeing 'Mary Poppins' onstage, I’ve never seen any of the other shows live onstage. I suppose that means our QCT productions will have a fresh approach!

What are the main challenges that QCT faces that the public might be able to help with?

What a good question! I can think of a few - - Help us get the word out to the public. We don’t want to keep preaching to the choir. Invite a friend to see the show with you. Ask someone if they’ve ever been to QCT and encourage him/her to attend.

We want new people here on a regular basis – to audition and/or to help backstage or to usher. This is a COMMUNITY theatre. I think what’s so exciting when seeing a community theatre production is that you know the people up there – you get to see a different side of them. I hope that encourages a person to think, “If they can do it, why not me?” A major part of our mission statement is education. We help pull those talents out you and make you look good. Maybe you don’t have the experience – no problem – we’ll guide you through the process. A theatre really becomes a family. We look out for each other.

And of course, there’s the mighty dollar - - We are starting a “Make Mary Fly” campaign. The cost for flying is very expensive, and the production values of 'Mary Poppins' have to be high. We’re hoping that people will make a small donation to help cover the costs so that we can provide audiences with a theatrical experience unlike any other they’ve ever seen in Quincy.

Thomsen says that in 2014, approximately 300 different individuals acted/volunteered with Quincy Community Theatre. As Thomsen said, QCT is about more than staging productions, education is an important part of their mission. Classes for people of all ages, from kindergarten through adult, are offered throughout the year. The first class of 2015 begins on February 19.

Those interested in signing up for classes, volunteering, auditioning, or purchasing tickets or season tickets, should contact Quincy Community Theatre at their box office inside the Oakley Lindsay Center, online at 1QCT.org, or by phone at 217-222-3209.