tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29175306.post447005103253289503..comments2023-05-04T04:20:10.423-04:00Comments on Dave's Theater Blog: Henley StreetDave Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01554650648344826824noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29175306.post-22485600110092457962007-07-12T21:40:00.000-04:002007-07-12T21:40:00.000-04:00I'm anxious about that same concern Dave - finding...I'm anxious about that same concern Dave - finding and keeping that audience for Henley, and the point about CAT is well taken. I have some good friends there, and though I've not worked with CAT recently I've enjoyed several wonderful roles in their past productions. CAT absolutely knows its' audience and caters to them well, and whether or not you appreciate their production choices they definitely keep the faithful happy. Can Henley do the same? The answer won't come this first season but one thing's for sure: They're not looking to go for the lowest common denominator and play it really safe - and maybe THAT is the audience draw to build upon. <BR/><BR/>Meanwhile, I've got tickets later this month for the Tavern to see "OC" and at Willow Lawn for "Into the Woods"...and I guess the differences in those productions say a lot about Barksdale's very deliberate choices as they look to maintain their loyal audience, and still grow and attract new patrons. <BR/><BR/>Again - thank GOD I'm an actor and don't have to worry about the business side of the theatre! But it makes for interesting coffee talk, no???Frank Creasyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15302762603707230845noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29175306.post-18660475309972946332007-07-12T19:41:00.000-04:002007-07-12T19:41:00.000-04:00Frank, you mention audience which I think is impor...Frank, you mention audience which I think is important. One of the things I respect about a company like Chamberlayne Actors Theater is that they cultivated a devoted audience before they went pro. With minimal advertising and not a lot of coverage (sorry, CAT-people!), they seem to be continuing to thrive largely because that audience has stuck with them and continues to support them. I'm a little afraid that Henley might not have many folks they can count on to come to their shows regularly. It's hard to build an audience from scratch. Here's hoping they can!Dave Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01554650648344826824noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29175306.post-55598366630403637832007-07-11T22:32:00.000-04:002007-07-11T22:32:00.000-04:00I'm wishing Alex and the Henley Street organizatio...I'm wishing Alex and the Henley Street organization much success. I know that their focus to start is on ensemble pieces that will help build a foundation of a company, rather than on small cast or one actor productions (though I loved Syringa Tree and I Am My Own Wife very much!) But, that's not where Henley intends to go...not out of the gate, anyway. Maybe down the road if things go well, I would presume. They're also beginning without any Equity actors, which excludes some of my wonderfully talented friends but - let's admit - many of them work regularly elsewhere and are rarely begging for roles.<BR/><BR/>We'll see. This project is no slam dunk and assumes plenty of risk, and clearly the pot shots are already being launched even in friendly quarters. But Alex seems like a committed and capable artistic director. <BR/><BR/>More acting opportunities for locals who are sometimes overlooked elsewhere...and an audience who would appreciate something more thought provoking if not necessarily cutting edge...those things have GOT to be good for Richmond theatre.Frank Creasyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15302762603707230845noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29175306.post-35132969854585972972007-07-11T13:30:00.000-04:002007-07-11T13:30:00.000-04:00PS - I wrote jurt but meant just...also - when I l...PS - I wrote jurt but meant just...also - when I lived in C'Ville I was part of a project called Bar-Hoppers. We did 10 minute plays that took place in bars and that is where they were performed. It was pretty cool and I think cutting edge - I would love to see folks do something like that here.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29175306.post-51690508501759666312007-07-11T13:26:00.000-04:002007-07-11T13:26:00.000-04:00I was a bit taken aback by "daring stuff like Euge...I was a bit taken aback by "daring stuff like Eugene O’Neill and Arthur Miller"...some of Miller's works perhaps (Resurrection Blue'), but not so much O'Neill?<BR/><BR/>Even if erring on the side of a bit "safer" than a phone booth (which sounds incredibly intriguing), what about Suzan-Lori Parks, Neil LaBute, Ablee perhaps, Nicky Silver, David Lindsay-Abaire...ok...I'll stop now.<BR/><BR/>I like to hold out high hopes for a new theatre company with such high goals, so perhaps Henley Street will push the envelope a bit farther in future season. One can hope!Thespis' Little Helperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03916895788691907962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29175306.post-62193675915122117182007-07-11T11:51:00.000-04:002007-07-11T11:51:00.000-04:00Awww -jurt for the record, I was thinking "What a ...Awww -jurt for the record, I was thinking "What a smart post!" even before you mentioned me!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com