While the power is still on, it's time for another issue of the KAT's Meow, Kensington Arts Theatre's online newsletter. Read on for the latest on Cabaret and our upcoming season!

All Those Considered (2004-2005 Season)

In trying to design a season that facilitates new points of view, encourages strength in diversity and most of all, makes us question the rock we think we stand on, we have narrowed the field to six worthy musicals. They range from fantastically unconventional to something as simple (yeah, right) as the human heart. The tie that binds: the need to be told by a group who will produce them as true to themselves as possible. The front runner competing for one of three slots is The Wild Party (book and music/lyrics by Andrew Lippa), based on the poem by Joseph Moncure March. Just becoming available to community theaters this year, it would be the area debut in Washington, DC. Adapted from a book-length poem written in and about the Roaring Twenties, The Wild Party tells the story... Click here for the full story »

Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome!

With Opening Night a full month away, our production of Cabaret is in fabulous shape and looks to be our best effort to date. The cast is replete with talented actors and dancers, and many new faces will grace the Kensington Town Center stage Halloween weekend. KAT Member-At-Large Matt Karner has designed an incredible set, and the building will be completed in two weeks. The choreography is sexy, funny, cute -- whatever the songs demand, thanks to Heather Latiri and the skillful, graceful Kit Kat Girls and Boys. Herr Pettinati's vision of the show is coming through brilliantly in rehearsals, and it is exciting to watch. Top it all off with a seven-piece cabaret band led by Herr Kim and the tremendous voices in the cast, and Cabaret will surely build on the success of our first season (Side Show, Songs for a New World, Birds of Paradise). Come join us, and for a few hours, leave your troubles outside. There are no troubles here. Jordan (Emcee) is the center of attention Drama between Amanda (Sally) and Duane (Cliff) Christine (Frau Schneider) and Robert (Herr Schultz) run lines A little bit "Money" choreography Click here for more information on Cabaret »

Attention Parents and Kids of All Ages

KAT is proud to present a first for the Kensington community and us: Stop & Think, a musical play geared towards kids! Stop & Think was written by Dottie Holmberg-Waddell and deals with ageless values such as peer pressure, self-esteem, role models, coping, environment, kindness, and caring for your pet. These issues are discussed and taught through Stop & Think songs performed by "The Right Choice Kids." The show consists of 12-20 actors, most of which (if not all) are –- you guessed it –- KIDS! The show is done in two acts and is approximately 90 minutes in length. Even though the targeted audience is children six to 12 years of age, kids of all ages will enjoy and learn something from this exciting production. The purpose of this show is to accentuate key values to help mold and strengthen character. The objective is to develop common sense using a positive influence through the songs, using "cause and effect thinking" and problem solving skills. The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI) nationally endorses Stop & Think saying, "it encourages children to make smart decisions," and states that it has a "strong anti-use message" and that this work is an "important product." KAT's artistic director, Elizabeth French, and executive producer, Diego Prieto, are teaming up to direct Stop & Think. We look forward to helping mold the young citizens of Kensington into admirable role models of tomorrow but can't do it alone. We are looking for anyone interested in assisting us in any capacity including acting, singing, costumes, props, and publicity. Please contact one of the directors (in the Board email links in the right column) or simply look us up at KAT Online for more information. Help us make this community outreach project a success. Together we can change the way our children see... – Diego Prieto (KAT Executive Producer) Click here to go to KAT Online »

Drug Booth to Be Onsite for Stop & Think

KAT's February 2004 children's musical production of Stop & Think will have a display booth onsite from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and its National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI) for the purpose of having informational materials available for audience members, cast, and their parents. These materials will focus primarily on drug and alcohol abuse/addiction, mental health disorders, bullying, depression, prevention and treatment, and will be geared towards kids and teens, as well as parents. SAMHSA is the nation's leading Federal agency charged with focusing and promoting attention, programs, and funding programs on improving the lives of people with or at risk for mental health and substance abuse disorders. NCADI, a specialized information clearinghouse for SAMHSA, NIH, FDA, and other HHS agencies, will provide the display booth and the informational materials. Thanks go to Brian Campbell, KAT Vice President, who works in the SAMHSA Office of Communications for arranging this. Click here for more information on SAMHSA »

The Stories That We Weave

In December, eight talented performers will take the stage at the Gaithersburg Arts Barn to present The Stories That We Weave: A Contemporary Broadway Revue. For decades, the art of storytelling has been alive and well in Broadway theaters and on stages across the country. But before the lights, costumes, make-up and glitter of a big (or small) Broadway show, there is a set of songs. And in musical theater, it's the songs that give the show its life. From Hammerstein to Larson and from Sondheim to Brown, life is found in the stories each composer chooses to set to music. And why tell the stories at all? Because of the hope they express, the grief they explain, and the love they confirm. Come enjoy an exciting evening of cabaret/musical theater, as we explore a collection of these stories -- some humorous, some heartbreaking, all telling -- and learn that in the end, our lives become these stories that we choose to share with others. The exciting, talented Weave ensemble consists of Steven Block (Songs for a New World), Allison Gendusa, Katie McManus, Tara Leigh Moore, Tim Olson, Patti Papworth, Joshua Redford and Brendan Walsh. Matthew Anderson directs the show, with music direction by Elisa Rosman. The Stories That We Weave will run December 5, 6, 12 & 13 at 8pm, and on Sunday, December 7, at 3:00pm. – Matthew A. Anderson (Weave Director) Click here for information on the Arts Barn »

Gala Recap

KAT would like to thank all of those who were able to join us this past summer for our 2nd annual Gala event. Although this is our major fundraising event, funding is needed throughout the year to create the quality theater you have come to expect. Please consider a tax-deductible gift to KAT before the end of this calendar year. If you have any questions or would like further information on how you can help sustain this organization, please contact our Fundraising Director, Kevin Zarcone. The following people gave generously to our auction and/or made a tax-deductible contribution: Anonymous Wendy Baird Mafalda and Randy French John and Consuelo Keller Sharon Z. Jayne Carol Margolis Adele and Eddie Marrocco Hannah and Mike Mazer Mayor Kitty L. Raufaste Leanne Pfautz Monica Rouco