Having been alerted to something significant in this week's issue, I picked up a Brick today (no grunting required) and was delighted at the interview with Shon Stacey, director of "Sordid Lives," and the inclusion of Judi Crenshaw's letter. Clearly, "thick as a Brick" does not equate to "deaf as a post" -- the new weekly has heard the call and will apparently be covering both the visual and performance arts. I hadn't heard of Stefanie Fontanez before but I love both her mellifluous name and her breezy reporting style. As well as the insinuation that she had been to Fielden's when it wasn't so quiet...! Kudos to Pete and Brick; I look forward to more.
Oh, also, great piece on Michael Herring, Commonwealth's Attorney, who is a neighbor of mine and a friend of a friend. Theater coverage as well as compelling local reportage?!?! Now you're scaring me, Brick!
I went to see "The Constant Wife" last night and will be posting more extensively on that experience as soon as I finish the review which won't be tonight because the kids are asleep and the wife and I have a date with Season 5 of "Six Feet Under." (One of the great things about blogging is no finicky editor cuts your ridiculously long run-on sentences...) But I ran into Jodi Strickler there who is one of the nicest people on the face of the earth and who is stage managing the show. I think of Jodi whenever I refer to my brood of kids as "chillren" ('Quilters' joke, sorry). Whenever I hear 'show-biz' people dismissed as crazy or egotistical or backstabbing or whatever, I think about all the people I know like Jodi who are just, like, normal and friendly and personable. Frankly, I've met more people in the computer biz who were whack-jobs than in the theater biz. And they couldn't carry a tune, either.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Friday, September 29, 2006
Richmond Marquee
If you are on Robyn’s list, you have already heard about Lisa Kotula’s new project, “Richmond Marquee,” a tabloid-size monthly that she has been working on with admirable commitment and perseverance. This is an ambitious project but one that I hope and expect will be successful. She’s enlisted "the nicest guy on the planet” Joe Inscoe for some help with graphics and many of the local theaters seem to be playing along, so here’s hoping things continue to roll along well.
For those of you who haven’t heard all the details, I’ve included them below. And below that is Lisa’s contact info; if you want to help out, I’m sure Lisa could use assistance.
“Richmond Marquee” will celebrate accomplishments, highlight opportunities, lament losses and showcase news that is specific to the theater community in the form of a monthly publication (with hopes of moving quickly to bi-weekly and eventually weekly). Subscribers will be given the option of receiving time-sensitive e-newsletters between issues (so no one misses an audition). "Richmond Marquee" will provide a forum for collaborations of ideas and submissions of opinions. It will highlight what to see and where to see it; and allot more than a quarter page of space to do so. It will be supported through individual subscriptions and ad sales. The projected accompanying website will provide a page for actors to post headshots and bios.
Included will be:
· A section called “On the Boards” – effectively, the theater calendar of ongoing productions
· A section called “I Hope I Get It” – listings of upcoming auditions submitted by various local theaters, professional and community
· A section called “Lights Up!” – highlights of productions opening soon
· A section called “Footlights and Footnotes” – stories about actors, theaters, local news that directly affects US
· A section called “Cue the Spotlight…” – profiles of various members of the theater community
· Occasionally, an opinion page – letters to and from the editor
· The “Call Board” – individual classified ads
· Space for purchased weekly display ads – theaters, individuals, related businesses
It will not contain theater reviews. It is intended to be a tool for working the local theater scene – one that uplifts the individual parts and celebrates accomplishments, encourages individual ambitions.
Subscription info:
3 mo-$6.00
6 mo - $12.00
Subscriptions for longer than that are not being offered because of the possibility of changing the frequency of the publication. When it changes, the subscription rates will be adjusted. Also, anyone who pre-orders a subscription prior to November 1st (Premiere date), will receive the Premiere Issue in the mail free of charge in addition to their subscription term.
Lisa Kotula
Managing Editor
Richmond Marquee
pnlkotula@aol.om
(804) 272-2688
For those of you who haven’t heard all the details, I’ve included them below. And below that is Lisa’s contact info; if you want to help out, I’m sure Lisa could use assistance.
“Richmond Marquee” will celebrate accomplishments, highlight opportunities, lament losses and showcase news that is specific to the theater community in the form of a monthly publication (with hopes of moving quickly to bi-weekly and eventually weekly). Subscribers will be given the option of receiving time-sensitive e-newsletters between issues (so no one misses an audition). "Richmond Marquee" will provide a forum for collaborations of ideas and submissions of opinions. It will highlight what to see and where to see it; and allot more than a quarter page of space to do so. It will be supported through individual subscriptions and ad sales. The projected accompanying website will provide a page for actors to post headshots and bios.
Included will be:
· A section called “On the Boards” – effectively, the theater calendar of ongoing productions
· A section called “I Hope I Get It” – listings of upcoming auditions submitted by various local theaters, professional and community
· A section called “Lights Up!” – highlights of productions opening soon
· A section called “Footlights and Footnotes” – stories about actors, theaters, local news that directly affects US
· A section called “Cue the Spotlight…” – profiles of various members of the theater community
· Occasionally, an opinion page – letters to and from the editor
· The “Call Board” – individual classified ads
· Space for purchased weekly display ads – theaters, individuals, related businesses
It will not contain theater reviews. It is intended to be a tool for working the local theater scene – one that uplifts the individual parts and celebrates accomplishments, encourages individual ambitions.
Subscription info:
3 mo-$6.00
6 mo - $12.00
Subscriptions for longer than that are not being offered because of the possibility of changing the frequency of the publication. When it changes, the subscription rates will be adjusted. Also, anyone who pre-orders a subscription prior to November 1st (Premiere date), will receive the Premiere Issue in the mail free of charge in addition to their subscription term.
Lisa Kotula
Managing Editor
Richmond Marquee
pnlkotula@aol.om
(804) 272-2688
Thursday, September 28, 2006
A Beneficial "Wife"
Well, after much wrangling of schedules, it looks like the folks at the
Firehouse have been able to find a night for a special performance of "I Am
My Own Wife," mostly to accommodate other theater artists who can't make the
regularly scheduled shows. Mr. Wichmann will work his magic on Tuesday, Oct.
10th at 8pm (at the Firehouse, of course) and the proceeds from the
performance will benefit the RAPT Theatre Artists Fund. Tickets for RAPTers
will be $10. If you've been frustrated because you haven't been able to see
Scotty shine, here's your chance!
In other benefit news, I received confirmation a couple of days ago that the
Commonwealth Coalition benefit will indeed be happening on Sunday, October
15th at the Barksdale. Wine and refreshments will be available beginning at
6:30 p.m., followed by a 7:30 curtain time. According to Kimberly Jones
Clark: "The show will feature diverse talents from many facets of arts and
theater in the Richmond community."
The show will feature vignettes from various Richmond-area productions and
will provide an eclectic experience as these artists come together in
support of The Commonwealth Coalition. Just as a reminder: this is the
organization that is working to defeat the Marshall/Newman Amendment or
so-called "marriage amendment." Please plan to come, join in the fun and
support this effort.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
“Wife” Full Text and Sycamore Scary Stuff
Well, for some reason my “I Am My Own Wife” review is not on the Style website today, though it is in the magazine (really, honest it is!). For those who only peruse Style online, I’ve included the full text below.
But first, here’s a little announcement on behalf of Sycamore Rouge in Petersburg for all you theatrical folks who really get into the Halloween spirit (for more info, call Jonathan Elliot):
“We're looking for creative individuals with a sense of humor, mirth, and enjoyment of the Halloween spirit to help transform Sycamore Rouge into the ultimate haunted house. If you're ghoulishly talented at fiendishly decorating your own home every October, we invite you to use Sycamore Rouge's twelve thousand square foot facility as your canvas this year! We'll be hosting a brainstorming session at Sycamore Rouge this Sunday, October 1, from 1 to 3 pm. Light refreshments will be served, as we wander the dark corners of the facilities and plan all sorts of fun, spooky, and scary happenings.
The Haunted House will run from October 26-31, and will be available in two versions: "Kiddie"(ooooh! This spaghetti is really BRAINS!!!!) and "Adult"(masked men with chainsaws jumping out from dark corners). We need actors, designers, planners, hosts, builders for both versions--whether you want to be a kooky witch or design the perfect fright, we'd love to have your help!
If interested, please RSVP by responding to this email, or call Jonathan Elliott, Sycamore Rouge managing director, at (804) 957-5707, ext. 104.”
OK, and now here’s the review:
Wonder “Wife”
Portraying 35 characters, Wichmann is a one-man wonder in the Firehouse’s “I Am My Own Wife”
By David Timberline (409 words)
The first time Scott Wichmann changes character in the mesmerizing one-man show “I Am My Own Wife,” now playing at the Firehouse Theatre, the effect is as dramatic as a slap in the face. The remarkable actor does such an astounding job at embodying the aging, fussy, and slightly fey German transvestite Charlotte Von Mahlsdorf that it feels like waking up from a spell when he suddenly transforms into a very masculine American journalist about a dozen minutes into the play. But this is only the first of countless captivating moments as Wichmann goes on to portray 34 additional characters in order to tell the story of Von Mahlsdorf’s complex and seemingly impossible life.
Born Lothar Berfelde in 1928, Von Mahlsdorf discovered her predilection for girl’s clothes as a boy living in Berlin. It was her misfortune to live under two of the most repressive regimes of history, the Nazis and the Communists of East Germany, and yet somehow she survived, all the time pursuing an abiding love for antique furniture, clocks, and phonographs. Her dramatic story includes a stint in a German youth prison, close calls with soldiers during the fall of Berlin, and the clandestine support of the city’s underground gay movement. But how much of it is true? Playwright Doug Wright confronts this question by making himself a character in the show and portraying the creative crisis he faced when aspects of Charlotte’s account seemed to conflict with the facts.
It is breathtaking to watch Wichmann switch between characters, each drawn with impeccable clarity. But Charlotte is his masterpiece. Speaking in a hypnotic sing-songy lilt and armed with a knowing smile that is warm but also a bit sly, the actor makes Von Mahlsdorf empathetic, compelling and maddeningly elusive. Director Morrie Piersol supports Wichmann with occasionally inspired blocking and key lighting and sound effects (lighting design by Michael Mauren, sound by Ryan Corbett and Trey Pollard).
The show is not perfect; the “play about writing a play” conceit is a little too self-conscious and does not quite pay off in terms of dramatic tension. Edwin Slipek Jr.’s scenic design is dominated by the simple beauty of a few pieces of antique furniture but they contrast jarringly with an indistinct, angular backdrop (a map of Berlin, perhaps?) Still, fueled by Wichmann’s bravura performance and capped off by one last treat as you walk out of the theater, this is a production that shouldn’t be missed.
“I Am My Own Wife” runs Thursday – Saturday nights at 8pm, with Sunday matinees at 4pm, through October 7th at the Firehouse Theatre, 1609 W. Broad Street. Tickets are $10-20 and can be purchased by calling 355-2001.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
My Hope and Dream
A shout-out to Chris Bopst who was kind enough to post a pro-Brick comment in response to my not-so-pro rant below. I appreciate your insight, Chris, and as I hope I implied clearly enough, I’ve always been fond of Pete’s sense of humor (and yours too! Glad to see you in print again within the pages of Brick.) It’s good to hear that Media General isn’t planning to be a controlling patron, though I’m still a bit wary since, in one somewhat paranoid view, Brick’s ultimate goal would be to dilute (at least) or completely capture (at most) Style’s audience. Since I don’t praise my pals at Style that frequently, I'll take this opportunity to point out that one thing it does better than anyone in town is report on the Times-Dispatch. And, given the recent changes at the T-D, it’s a story that deserves some exposure.
My hope and dream, when I first heard about Brick, was that it might be able to give some coverage (finally) to the college theater scene and some of the more fringey theater stuff that happens here. I (and by extension, Style) can barely cover the mainline companies in town and have basically abandoned even a couple of the second-tiers (sorry, RTP and CAT). My fear with Brick is that it’ll end up covering a lot of the same ground that the T-D and Style (and Entertainment Weekly and a half-dozen other regional and national publications) already have pretty thoroughly shellacked, i.e., movies and TV and music. I hope that Pete can find someone that can cover the theater beat and, while I’m mentioning it, I should say that Style could also use someone to assist in theater coverage. If anyone else out there has some interest, E-mail me and I’ll pass your credentials up the line at the home office.
Oh, and I am still withholding any final judgment on Brick. I’ll still pick it up and read it over and ponder Free Will Astrology, if nothing else. And clearly, I’m not shy about giving it free publicity on my blog (for whatever that's worth!)
My hope and dream, when I first heard about Brick, was that it might be able to give some coverage (finally) to the college theater scene and some of the more fringey theater stuff that happens here. I (and by extension, Style) can barely cover the mainline companies in town and have basically abandoned even a couple of the second-tiers (sorry, RTP and CAT). My fear with Brick is that it’ll end up covering a lot of the same ground that the T-D and Style (and Entertainment Weekly and a half-dozen other regional and national publications) already have pretty thoroughly shellacked, i.e., movies and TV and music. I hope that Pete can find someone that can cover the theater beat and, while I’m mentioning it, I should say that Style could also use someone to assist in theater coverage. If anyone else out there has some interest, E-mail me and I’ll pass your credentials up the line at the home office.
Oh, and I am still withholding any final judgment on Brick. I’ll still pick it up and read it over and ponder Free Will Astrology, if nothing else. And clearly, I’m not shy about giving it free publicity on my blog (for whatever that's worth!)
The World on a String
Tuesday night Barksdale’s Cabaret series kicks off and finally true fans will have a chance to hear the unique stylings of Julie Fulcher on the drums as she performs some old standards in an intimate setting. For some reason, Barksdale has chosen to highlight the singer associated with this show (a chick named Debra – like she’s ever done anything in this town…). But me, I’m going for the drums.
Of course, if you have read my review of Ms. Wagoner’s CD (scroll to the bottom), you know that I kid because I love. Debra has always been a spectacular vocalist and a personal favorite of mine. The opportunity to hear just her sing for an evening is a supreme treat. And just for the record, Julie is no slouch on the drums either and a pretty darn good singer/actress herself.
There will be a blurb in Style on the Cabaret series but not until next Wednesday, unfortunately. In the meantime, I hope the piece in the T-D helps generate a significant audience for this show. Tell your friends!
Also, since I relish any opportunity I can find to praise my wife in a public forum, here’s an anecdote from ancient history: fourteen years ago (yikes!), Holly and I traveled to Australia on our delayed honeymoon. We did a scuba diving excursion there and, when it was over, a bunch of folks went to an Aussie nightclub that was having a karaoke contest. With a little encouragement of the alcoholic kind, Holly entered and sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Due mostly to the wildly enthusiastic response of our fellow scuba divers, she ended up winning second place, nearly beating out the local favorite. So, long before Katherine McPhee, Harold Arlen was helping beautiful brunettes come in second place in competitive singing events...
Of course, if you have read my review of Ms. Wagoner’s CD (scroll to the bottom), you know that I kid because I love. Debra has always been a spectacular vocalist and a personal favorite of mine. The opportunity to hear just her sing for an evening is a supreme treat. And just for the record, Julie is no slouch on the drums either and a pretty darn good singer/actress herself.
There will be a blurb in Style on the Cabaret series but not until next Wednesday, unfortunately. In the meantime, I hope the piece in the T-D helps generate a significant audience for this show. Tell your friends!
Also, since I relish any opportunity I can find to praise my wife in a public forum, here’s an anecdote from ancient history: fourteen years ago (yikes!), Holly and I traveled to Australia on our delayed honeymoon. We did a scuba diving excursion there and, when it was over, a bunch of folks went to an Aussie nightclub that was having a karaoke contest. With a little encouragement of the alcoholic kind, Holly entered and sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Due mostly to the wildly enthusiastic response of our fellow scuba divers, she ended up winning second place, nearly beating out the local favorite. So, long before Katherine McPhee, Harold Arlen was helping beautiful brunettes come in second place in competitive singing events...
Monday, September 25, 2006
More Media
Amy notes in a comment to Saturday’s post that someone from Brick took pictures at “Sordid Lives;” one can only hope this means there will be some theater coverage in the new weekly. I caught John Porter’s rave on “Sordid Lives” on the radio some time over the weekend. Does anyone know if there’s a schedule to when his reviews are played?
A brief aside appropo of nothing: Part of Mr. Porter’s commentary mentioned last season’s “Southern Baptist Sissies” at RTP. I happened to speak to him a few days after he saw that show and he had many positive things to say about it. Earlier that same day, I spoke to someone else whose opinion I also respect who said the production was “on the level of bad community theater.” Having not seen the show, I didn’t know how to respond to either of them. As much as I love to have an opinion about things, sometimes I’m kind of forced not to.
I have to give a (reluctant) nod to the T-D for all of its theater coverage on Sunday, with a front-pager on Scott/”IAMOW”, an announcement (a bit late perhaps) of the Richmond Shakespeare indoor season/name change, and even a little piece on Debra’s Cabaret show at the Barksdale. Maybe they ARE trying?
Ms. Haubenstock’s review of “The Constant Wife” was apparently somewhere in the Sunday paper, but I had more luck finding it online than in print. It is an intriguing review: it’s certainly positive but it stops short of a rave. It also has at least one interesting turn of phrase: “larded with witticisms.” Never heard that one before.
And finally, a minor vent: one of the frustrations of writing for a weekly is having a review wrapped up a full 10 days before it gets into print. By the time my review of “IAMOW” shows up on Wednesday, just about everyone (except Brick) will have weighed in on Scott’s performance, making me old news. Oh, the sad life of theater reviewer…
A brief aside appropo of nothing: Part of Mr. Porter’s commentary mentioned last season’s “Southern Baptist Sissies” at RTP. I happened to speak to him a few days after he saw that show and he had many positive things to say about it. Earlier that same day, I spoke to someone else whose opinion I also respect who said the production was “on the level of bad community theater.” Having not seen the show, I didn’t know how to respond to either of them. As much as I love to have an opinion about things, sometimes I’m kind of forced not to.
I have to give a (reluctant) nod to the T-D for all of its theater coverage on Sunday, with a front-pager on Scott/”IAMOW”, an announcement (a bit late perhaps) of the Richmond Shakespeare indoor season/name change, and even a little piece on Debra’s Cabaret show at the Barksdale. Maybe they ARE trying?
Ms. Haubenstock’s review of “The Constant Wife” was apparently somewhere in the Sunday paper, but I had more luck finding it online than in print. It is an intriguing review: it’s certainly positive but it stops short of a rave. It also has at least one interesting turn of phrase: “larded with witticisms.” Never heard that one before.
And finally, a minor vent: one of the frustrations of writing for a weekly is having a review wrapped up a full 10 days before it gets into print. By the time my review of “IAMOW” shows up on Wednesday, just about everyone (except Brick) will have weighed in on Scott’s performance, making me old news. Oh, the sad life of theater reviewer…
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Direction
Just have a second but wanted to correct myself: I got the word this morning that Bruce Miller took over from Steve at the helm of "The Constant Wife" so I was off the mark with that "director directing himself" comment. It's hard to keep up with things around here! Thanks for keeping me honest, Jackie.
Also, picked up this past week's Brick. Its direction hasn't changed: still no theater. Fewer chuckles, as well.
Happy holidays and happy Fall (my favorite season)!
Also, picked up this past week's Brick. Its direction hasn't changed: still no theater. Fewer chuckles, as well.
Happy holidays and happy Fall (my favorite season)!
The Constant Wife
Sorry to be late getting this post um, you know, posted. Ironically enough, I'm late at least in part because my (not-so-constant) wife is out of town on a birthday trip with our eldest, leaving me to hold down the fort. Fort has not floated away yet but the weekend is young.
I've heard this play compared to an Aaron Sorkin TV show, which is also a bit ironic given my recent mention of Studio 60 on Sunset Strip. Which, because it's late and my mind wanders, reminds me that there was an episode of Picket Fences that I saw years ago while I was traveling -- it was totally out of context because I never really watched the show -- that featured just four of the show's characters and it was so tightly plotted and the dialogue was so great and it all took place in one house in two rooms that I thought it would have made a killer play. But I never found out what the name of the specific episode was so I guess that's one piece of potential theater lost for the ages.
Anyway, did you know that W. Somerset Maugham wrote more than 20 plays between 1907 and 1933, and at one point had four running simultaneously in London? But that he turned away from theater after the 1933 flop Sheppey, and although he lived until 1965, he never lifted his pen as a playwright again. What a shame.
This play ran on Broadway last year and from what I remember, got fair to pretty good reviews. I'm not sure why it only ran for three months. The Richmond production is getting a somewhat last minute addition of Steve Perigard to the cast. I have never witnessed the process of a director directing himself as an actor. It seems to be the kind of thing that could make you schizophrenic. Or something. Is it really 1am? Man, gotta go to bed. Night, night, Richmond.
I've heard this play compared to an Aaron Sorkin TV show, which is also a bit ironic given my recent mention of Studio 60 on Sunset Strip. Which, because it's late and my mind wanders, reminds me that there was an episode of Picket Fences that I saw years ago while I was traveling -- it was totally out of context because I never really watched the show -- that featured just four of the show's characters and it was so tightly plotted and the dialogue was so great and it all took place in one house in two rooms that I thought it would have made a killer play. But I never found out what the name of the specific episode was so I guess that's one piece of potential theater lost for the ages.
Anyway, did you know that W. Somerset Maugham wrote more than 20 plays between 1907 and 1933, and at one point had four running simultaneously in London? But that he turned away from theater after the 1933 flop Sheppey, and although he lived until 1965, he never lifted his pen as a playwright again. What a shame.
This play ran on Broadway last year and from what I remember, got fair to pretty good reviews. I'm not sure why it only ran for three months. The Richmond production is getting a somewhat last minute addition of Steve Perigard to the cast. I have never witnessed the process of a director directing himself as an actor. It seems to be the kind of thing that could make you schizophrenic. Or something. Is it really 1am? Man, gotta go to bed. Night, night, Richmond.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Brick
For the past several days I’ve been meaning to mention ‘Brick,’ or, as I like to call it: ‘Punchline Plus’ – the plus of course being the corporate backing of Media General and all of the money that implies. If you hadn’t heard, this magazine is the new “alternative” weekly that hit the streets a couple of weeks ago. My reaction to it so far has varied between tepid appreciation and distinct disappointment.
Positives:
- Cartoons. I love Tom Tomorrow and Ted Rall, in particular.
- Snarky side comments. Editor-in-chief/Punchline vet Peter Humes has a nice way with the funny aside and will stick one just about anywhere. Tucked at the bottom of last week’s banner: “Once you are finished reading Brick, you may choose to create funny hats or origami swans.”
- Interesting interviews. In last week’s edition, I enjoyed the interview with VCU History Prof. Emilie Raymond on Charton Heston, a fave of mine since “Bowling for Columbine.”
Negatives:
- Bashing of Style (and all other weeklies). I know I write for Style but even so, I am very well aware of some of Style’s limitations and problems. So I welcome a new free weekly as much as the next guy. But Brick printing a letter that fawns all over the new mag (after only one issue) and says, “finally a REAL weekly publication for Richmond” is a slam against all sorts of people, not to mention people who could actually end up big Brick fans. Is it really necessary to “go negative” so early in the game?
- Disingenuousness at who they are. “Richmond’s PLUCKY weekly”? How plucky are they going to be with a $900 million corporation behind them?
- No website. Yet? Ever?
- Not quite as funny as they think they are. I laugh out loud at Jon Stewart and The Onion and this particularly hilarious post from Eliza Skinner. I chuckled a couple of times reading through Brick.
Positives:
- Cartoons. I love Tom Tomorrow and Ted Rall, in particular.
- Snarky side comments. Editor-in-chief/Punchline vet Peter Humes has a nice way with the funny aside and will stick one just about anywhere. Tucked at the bottom of last week’s banner: “Once you are finished reading Brick, you may choose to create funny hats or origami swans.”
- Interesting interviews. In last week’s edition, I enjoyed the interview with VCU History Prof. Emilie Raymond on Charton Heston, a fave of mine since “Bowling for Columbine.”
Negatives:
- Bashing of Style (and all other weeklies). I know I write for Style but even so, I am very well aware of some of Style’s limitations and problems. So I welcome a new free weekly as much as the next guy. But Brick printing a letter that fawns all over the new mag (after only one issue) and says, “finally a REAL weekly publication for Richmond” is a slam against all sorts of people, not to mention people who could actually end up big Brick fans. Is it really necessary to “go negative” so early in the game?
- Disingenuousness at who they are. “Richmond’s PLUCKY weekly”? How plucky are they going to be with a $900 million corporation behind them?
- No website. Yet? Ever?
- Not quite as funny as they think they are. I laugh out loud at Jon Stewart and The Onion and this particularly hilarious post from Eliza Skinner. I chuckled a couple of times reading through Brick.
And of course, my biggest peeve about Brick is NO THEATER! What’s up with that? Granted, I haven’t seen this week’s issue so maybe this point is already moot, but in the two issues I’ve seen there’s no mention of live theater, no calendar of shows, nada. Instead, we get articles on Zach Branff and “The Wire.” That’s plucky?
Theater is an integral part of this town from Theatre-VCU to Theatre IV’s kid’s shows to Bifocals Theater Company. You aren’t covering Richmond, Brick, if you aren’t covering theater.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
The universe at work
Literally within two hours of me putting up my post on the Marriage Amendment (technically, the Marshall/Newman Amendment), I heard word that there is going to be a fundraiser at the Barksdale Theatre in support of the Commmonwealth Coalition on Sunday, October 15th at 7pm (To be clear: this is NOT an event hosted or sponsored by the Barksdale Theatre or Theatre IV; they are simply renting out the space).
This is one of the main organizations fighting the Amendment. PLEASE mark this date on your calendar and plan to come. I think some of the finer details are still being put in place but, from what I've heard already, it's going to be an awesome time in support of a great cause (with several theater-type folks involved). For more info. on the Coalition, you can check out this website.
This is one of the main organizations fighting the Amendment. PLEASE mark this date on your calendar and plan to come. I think some of the finer details are still being put in place but, from what I've heard already, it's going to be an awesome time in support of a great cause (with several theater-type folks involved). For more info. on the Coalition, you can check out this website.
Sordid Lives
So this is not meant to be a political kind of site. There’re plenty of those around so there’s no need for me to add my rants to the general maelstrom. But I guess all politics (or any of the politics that matters) is personal and this Marriage Amendment thing hits me close to home and has got me pretty peeved. It offends me for two reasons:
1. It has the potential to cause real harm to people I love (or at the very least, cause them additional legal fees or anxiety over how current legal arrangements are set up) and it benefits ABSOLUTELY NO ONE.
2. It deliberately writes prejudice into the Virginia Constitution, which is bad public policy at the least and an affront to American values at the most. I spent several hours over this past summer studying Thomas Jefferson for a paper I had to do for school and, his somewhat compromised stand on slavery notwithstanding, I have to think this is the kind of thing that, beyond causing him to spin in his grave, might compel him to actual rise up from the ground and cause physical injury to several prominent Virginia politicians.
If you care at all about the psychic state of the world, please vote against this amendment and call all of your friends and neighbors and encourage them to vote against it as well. Thank you.
By the way, I don’t really know anything about the play “Sordid Lives” that RTP is opening tonight but I expect it’ll be a a hoot, particularly with folks like Amy Berlin and Jennifer Frank in it. Though it’s a farce, the title got me thinking about how so many people, ranging from ill informed to criminally ignorant, think that homosexuals by default lead sordid lives. Yeah, all of those middle-aged gay mothers and fathers I know are leaving the kids at home to play with Drano while they go cruise the public toilets. Get real.
1. It has the potential to cause real harm to people I love (or at the very least, cause them additional legal fees or anxiety over how current legal arrangements are set up) and it benefits ABSOLUTELY NO ONE.
2. It deliberately writes prejudice into the Virginia Constitution, which is bad public policy at the least and an affront to American values at the most. I spent several hours over this past summer studying Thomas Jefferson for a paper I had to do for school and, his somewhat compromised stand on slavery notwithstanding, I have to think this is the kind of thing that, beyond causing him to spin in his grave, might compel him to actual rise up from the ground and cause physical injury to several prominent Virginia politicians.
If you care at all about the psychic state of the world, please vote against this amendment and call all of your friends and neighbors and encourage them to vote against it as well. Thank you.
By the way, I don’t really know anything about the play “Sordid Lives” that RTP is opening tonight but I expect it’ll be a a hoot, particularly with folks like Amy Berlin and Jennifer Frank in it. Though it’s a farce, the title got me thinking about how so many people, ranging from ill informed to criminally ignorant, think that homosexuals by default lead sordid lives. Yeah, all of those middle-aged gay mothers and fathers I know are leaving the kids at home to play with Drano while they go cruise the public toilets. Get real.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Reviews, Resources, Reading
OK, I promise that all my posts are not going to be so alliterative.
First, my review of “I Am My Own Wife” will be in Style next Wednesday. Guess they couldn’t squeeze it in by the deadline this week. Sorry about that. Rest assured, I liked it a lot and have already started urging friends, relatives and strangers on the street to go see it. Scott W. has the Times-Dispatch review on his website.
Here’s a mini-review: I thought last night’s premiere episode of Aaron Sorkin’s new TV show, “Studio 60 on Sunset Strip,” was pretty excellent. What’s that got to do with theater? Part of what’s cool about the show is the view into what happens backstage. I think people are always fascinated by what goes on behind the scenes (part of the appeal of the movie “Prairie Home Companion” over the summer); I know I am. I don’t know if the show will remain interesting over the long-haul but the premiere was pretty compelling. There's already a blog about it if you are interested.
I’ve added links in the “All in this together” section to the Virginia Actor’s Forum and to the Richmond VA Theater websites. I’m particularly fond of the RVA Theater's calendar. It’s not all the way complete (Triangle Players?) but I love seeing the shows laid out on a calendar. Well done!
Also, if you want some interesting reading, it’s worth checking out Broadway.com once in a while. I liked the recap of the British reality show that culminated in the selection of a new Maria for London production of "The Sound of Music" as well as the interview with Eric Bogosian. The production of his “subUrbia” (directed by Rick St. Peter) was one of the most bracing and intriguing shows I’ve seen in Richmond.
First, my review of “I Am My Own Wife” will be in Style next Wednesday. Guess they couldn’t squeeze it in by the deadline this week. Sorry about that. Rest assured, I liked it a lot and have already started urging friends, relatives and strangers on the street to go see it. Scott W. has the Times-Dispatch review on his website.
Here’s a mini-review: I thought last night’s premiere episode of Aaron Sorkin’s new TV show, “Studio 60 on Sunset Strip,” was pretty excellent. What’s that got to do with theater? Part of what’s cool about the show is the view into what happens backstage. I think people are always fascinated by what goes on behind the scenes (part of the appeal of the movie “Prairie Home Companion” over the summer); I know I am. I don’t know if the show will remain interesting over the long-haul but the premiere was pretty compelling. There's already a blog about it if you are interested.
I’ve added links in the “All in this together” section to the Virginia Actor’s Forum and to the Richmond VA Theater websites. I’m particularly fond of the RVA Theater's calendar. It’s not all the way complete (Triangle Players?) but I love seeing the shows laid out on a calendar. Well done!
Also, if you want some interesting reading, it’s worth checking out Broadway.com once in a while. I liked the recap of the British reality show that culminated in the selection of a new Maria for London production of "The Sound of Music" as well as the interview with Eric Bogosian. The production of his “subUrbia” (directed by Rick St. Peter) was one of the most bracing and intriguing shows I’ve seen in Richmond.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Coffee, conversation canceled
There has been some facilities-related problem at the Barksdale at Willow Lawn that forces the cancellation of their “Coffee and Conversation” session that was scheduled for tomorrow (Tues., Sept. 19th) at 9am. The wonderful Judi C. apologizes for any inconveniences or disappointments this may cause.
All of the future sessions are planned to go on as scheduled. Judi says there has been upwards of 100 people attending! Gosh, if only there were some interest in theater in this town… (can you feel the sarcasm?)
All of the future sessions are planned to go on as scheduled. Judi says there has been upwards of 100 people attending! Gosh, if only there were some interest in theater in this town… (can you feel the sarcasm?)
Unwrap Your Candy
I think some people don’t get “reader’s theater.” I know I didn’t understand it until I was a sophomore in college. One weekend on a whim, some friends of mine and I started reading “Waiting for Godot” aloud together. I can neither confirm not deny any of the circumstances or substances that were involved leading us to take up this activity. Though I had read “Godot” in high school, I hadn’t seen a production and it wasn’t until I heard the words spoken that I realized just how hilarious (and peculiar and intriguing) a show it was. Years later, my lovely wife did a reader’s theater production of “Dancing at Lughnasa” that was downright transcendent.
Which is a roundabout way of saying that “Unwrap Your Candy” at the Firehouse tomorrow night (Tues., Sept. 19 at 7:00pm, admission $5), with its great cast including Jackie Jones, Jacquie O'Connor and Granville Scott, should be an excellent introduction to this format if you haven’t been exposed to it before. And if you have seen, or plan to see “I Am My Own Wife,” it’ll serve as a nice compliment. My former brother-in-arms Mr. Proctor is directing, adding another layer of interest to the show. If you’ve been critiqued by Roy before, go to the show and you can enjoy some time on the other side of the fence. Post YOUR review of him right here!
Which is a roundabout way of saying that “Unwrap Your Candy” at the Firehouse tomorrow night (Tues., Sept. 19 at 7:00pm, admission $5), with its great cast including Jackie Jones, Jacquie O'Connor and Granville Scott, should be an excellent introduction to this format if you haven’t been exposed to it before. And if you have seen, or plan to see “I Am My Own Wife,” it’ll serve as a nice compliment. My former brother-in-arms Mr. Proctor is directing, adding another layer of interest to the show. If you’ve been critiqued by Roy before, go to the show and you can enjoy some time on the other side of the fence. Post YOUR review of him right here!
Friday, September 15, 2006
Gotta have faith
Too many choices tonight. There’s the preview of the third annual Acts of Faith Festival starting at 7pm at Second Pres. downtown on Fifth Street. A good excuse to check out the indoor digs for Richmond Shakespeare as well as find out what interesting theater might be in store for us during the cold winter months. Interestingly enough, American Theatre magazine just happens to have an article called “Articles of Faith” in the latest issue, talking about Christian theater. (Here’s a link to the blurb – for the whole article, you gotta get the print edition.)
I’ll be attending “I Am My Own Wife” but also trying to squeeze in a swing by the Anderson Gallery for the opening of the “Artificial Light” exhibit which also starts at 7pm. Pretty regularly these days the Anderson is coming up with unique installations that capture the imagination of even a visual arts novice like myself. In everything I’ve read about this one, it just sounds really cool.
Y’all have a good weekend!
I’ll be attending “I Am My Own Wife” but also trying to squeeze in a swing by the Anderson Gallery for the opening of the “Artificial Light” exhibit which also starts at 7pm. Pretty regularly these days the Anderson is coming up with unique installations that capture the imagination of even a visual arts novice like myself. In everything I’ve read about this one, it just sounds really cool.
Y’all have a good weekend!
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Mishmash
First off, my review of "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" showed up in this week's Style. It's only a few hundred words but I hope it conveys my enjoyment of the show, which was considerable.
Second off, even though I thought I had scanned everywhere I could scan to find the review of "The Mousetrap" in Sunday's paper (and Saturday's and Monday's), it showed up when I searched the website, I think in the "Area/State" section. Great example of how well the T-D is covering the arts. I had to read between the lines here a little bit, but I don't think Ms. Haubenstock particularly appreciated the production. What do you think?
And third off, I appreciate Joe Pabst's post with a brief recap of the T-D roundtable meeting. I wish I could have been there (girls had a field hockey game). It sounds like it was a bit frustrating. Though they invited the input, they seemed a bit defensive about getting it. I find the comment about a Visual Arts critic to be absolutely confounding. If people don't want to read about it, why have they invited Roy Proctor back at least twice in the past month to write above-the-fold stories about visual art??? Richmond is a nationally recognized visual art center, what with the VMA and VCU's various programs. It's a big part of what's happening here -- isn't that what they are supposed to be reporting on, what's happening?
The comment on selling papers points to the heart of their coverage. If they perceive it doesn't "sell," they aren't going to cover it. Of course, the reality of the burgeoning theater scene here doesn't register on that radar and so I guess they won't be covering that. Duh!
Second off, even though I thought I had scanned everywhere I could scan to find the review of "The Mousetrap" in Sunday's paper (and Saturday's and Monday's), it showed up when I searched the website, I think in the "Area/State" section. Great example of how well the T-D is covering the arts. I had to read between the lines here a little bit, but I don't think Ms. Haubenstock particularly appreciated the production. What do you think?
And third off, I appreciate Joe Pabst's post with a brief recap of the T-D roundtable meeting. I wish I could have been there (girls had a field hockey game). It sounds like it was a bit frustrating. Though they invited the input, they seemed a bit defensive about getting it. I find the comment about a Visual Arts critic to be absolutely confounding. If people don't want to read about it, why have they invited Roy Proctor back at least twice in the past month to write above-the-fold stories about visual art??? Richmond is a nationally recognized visual art center, what with the VMA and VCU's various programs. It's a big part of what's happening here -- isn't that what they are supposed to be reporting on, what's happening?
The comment on selling papers points to the heart of their coverage. If they perceive it doesn't "sell," they aren't going to cover it. Of course, the reality of the burgeoning theater scene here doesn't register on that radar and so I guess they won't be covering that. Duh!
I Am My Own Wife
I read some very interesting background on this play but I can't remember exactly where. What I do remember is that Doug Wright initially just wanted Charlotte to be a sympathetic figure. Her story was so amazing and she seemed so noble. He also became a good friend of hers while researching the story, so at first he really just wanted to lay out the events of her life.
But while he was still early in development, maybe when he was workshopping the play with Moises Kaufman, these maddening inconsistencies kept coming up and Charlotte I guess was not exactly forthcoming with details (whether out of forgetfulness or out of shame or maybe because the accusations against her were false, he never could tell...). So the result is an inspiring but elusive character who is much more intriguing. I gotta say, I can't wait to see Scott dig into this one!
(And PS: if I have any of this wrong, Scott, if you are out there reading, feel free to correct me!)
(And PPS: How did the forum go last night? Anybody willing to post their thoughts?)
But while he was still early in development, maybe when he was workshopping the play with Moises Kaufman, these maddening inconsistencies kept coming up and Charlotte I guess was not exactly forthcoming with details (whether out of forgetfulness or out of shame or maybe because the accusations against her were false, he never could tell...). So the result is an inspiring but elusive character who is much more intriguing. I gotta say, I can't wait to see Scott dig into this one!
(And PS: if I have any of this wrong, Scott, if you are out there reading, feel free to correct me!)
(And PPS: How did the forum go last night? Anybody willing to post their thoughts?)
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
More linkability
I have been meaning to add Sycamore Rouge to the “Producers” list for quite some time. Maybe I’ve been avoiding it since reading about the burlesque show they’ve been doing. There’s just something unseemly about a middle-aged guy being TOO interested in burlesque. But they are doing some interesting things down there in Petersburg and I’m looking forward to checking out a show down there soon. I’ll definitely be there for “Lee’s Miserables” if not something sooner.
I’ve also added the first student link to the “Show People” section. It’d be great if it ends up being the first of many. The young and talented Caroline Sumner is a student at VCU focusing on acting and whom you may have seen in “Follies” this past summer at Dogwood Dell. She also has an exciting project in progress that I hope to be able to report more on early next year. Tune into her blog for tidbits of college life. Could make you envious…or could make you thankful you left college behind however many years ago…
Also, on the recommendation of Jackie J., I am adding Blair Underwood to "Expat" section. I haven't checked with him first so I hope he doesn't mind. This is one of the slickest websites I've ever seen. Mr. Underwood's clips reel is incredibly well-produced with a dramatic development all its own, dramatic parts, action parts, and parts where he takes his shirt off. One thing that you won't read about on the site is that he's signed on for a story arc on the TV show, "The New Adventures of Old Christine." Sure seems like Blair is doing Virginia proud.
I’ve also added the first student link to the “Show People” section. It’d be great if it ends up being the first of many. The young and talented Caroline Sumner is a student at VCU focusing on acting and whom you may have seen in “Follies” this past summer at Dogwood Dell. She also has an exciting project in progress that I hope to be able to report more on early next year. Tune into her blog for tidbits of college life. Could make you envious…or could make you thankful you left college behind however many years ago…
Also, on the recommendation of Jackie J., I am adding Blair Underwood to "Expat" section. I haven't checked with him first so I hope he doesn't mind. This is one of the slickest websites I've ever seen. Mr. Underwood's clips reel is incredibly well-produced with a dramatic development all its own, dramatic parts, action parts, and parts where he takes his shirt off. One thing that you won't read about on the site is that he's signed on for a story arc on the TV show, "The New Adventures of Old Christine." Sure seems like Blair is doing Virginia proud.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Go and talk!
Tomorrow is the roundtable at the Richmond Times Dispatch and I encourage anyone who is reading this right now to attend. As you probably know, I write for Style. So by all rights I should just tell you all to kick the T-D to the curb and just read Style, which has superior arts columnists and is simply more fun to read. But the truth is Style -- being an independent weekly -- doesn't have the immediacy, the resources, or the reach the T-D has and it never will.
One of the main reasons I got into the critic thing was because I support the arts, I love theater and I admire the many talented people who devote their lives to entertaining and challenging people through the arts. Those people -- you people -- deserve first rate arts coverage and I think the only way you are going to get it is to let the T-D know how important you think it is. Richmond has great potential -- but it's had great potential for years and yet it still plays second fiddle to the other burgeoning mid-sized cities across the country, your Raleighs and Cincinnatis and even your Louisville/Lexingtons.
Tuesday, September 12th from 7 – 8:30 pm.
One of the main reasons I got into the critic thing was because I support the arts, I love theater and I admire the many talented people who devote their lives to entertaining and challenging people through the arts. Those people -- you people -- deserve first rate arts coverage and I think the only way you are going to get it is to let the T-D know how important you think it is. Richmond has great potential -- but it's had great potential for years and yet it still plays second fiddle to the other burgeoning mid-sized cities across the country, your Raleighs and Cincinnatis and even your Louisville/Lexingtons.
The arts are the key to unlocking Richmond's potential. But they have got to get the support from the press to make it happen. The roundtable may be the best way to lobby for that support. Here's the vitals on the roundtable:
Tuesday, September 12th from 7 – 8:30 pm.
The Roundtable will be held at the Times-Dispatch downtown offices, 300 East Franklin Street in Richmond.
Parking is available in the RTD garage.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Back to the Past
Blogging has so many great elements to it, among them the opportunity to “converse” with people about a wide variety of things without having to actually be face-to-face. But a downside is that someone may chime in on a “conversation” that took place a while back and, unless everyone is regularly cycling back to check old entries, no one else may be aware of that person’s contribution.
To rectify that at least a little, I draw your attention to a recent comment by Amy Berlin on a production that took place at Chamberlayne Actors Theatre a couple of months ago. I’m so glad you took the time to comment, Amy, and I hope you will do so again in the future. I had no idea what all went in to “Epic Proportions” and had nothing to judge the production by except the T-D review. I really appreciate that you put a dissenting opinion out there and I encourage anyone else to do the same about a review of any current or past production, whether it’s a T-D review or even one of mine. Though I don’t think I’ve gone as acerbic as Ms. Haubenstock went in that review in a long time. But who knows…I hear that “Aida” is actually pretty bad so maybe I’ll have a chance to sharpen my poison pen when that show comes to town…
To rectify that at least a little, I draw your attention to a recent comment by Amy Berlin on a production that took place at Chamberlayne Actors Theatre a couple of months ago. I’m so glad you took the time to comment, Amy, and I hope you will do so again in the future. I had no idea what all went in to “Epic Proportions” and had nothing to judge the production by except the T-D review. I really appreciate that you put a dissenting opinion out there and I encourage anyone else to do the same about a review of any current or past production, whether it’s a T-D review or even one of mine. Though I don’t think I’ve gone as acerbic as Ms. Haubenstock went in that review in a long time. But who knows…I hear that “Aida” is actually pretty bad so maybe I’ll have a chance to sharpen my poison pen when that show comes to town…
The Mousetrap
The big news about Barksdale’s “The Mousetrap” has been the speed with which tickets have sold to this production. The run was extended weeks before the show even opened. It’s a great thing that these shows are drawing so well at Hanover Tavern. It speaks to the ongoing hunger in Richmonders for quality live theater. And hopefully it will help Theatre IV/Barksdale build and sustain itself so that it can continue to expand its offerings. I don’t know if I’m alone in this but I really miss the Theatre Gym series and would love to see that revived.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Soon to be expat?
If you check out Scott Wichmann's site, he talks about him and Jen contemplating moving away (again)...Can't somebody please find some long-running, well-paying gig that would keep these guys in town? Isn't there a furniture maker or grocery store or health care company that needs a regular spokesperson? Little help, people!
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Bonus #2 (Turns out not to be...)
Update (09/07/06): What a difference a day makes...I went out and actually picked up a Style and saw that all four theater bits were actually published. They just didn't all make it to the Style website for some reason. Oops -- call me stupid. Just goes to show you should never trust the Internet...that is, except for MY site...except, of course, when I make a mistake...
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If you check out Style Weekly this week (and I heartily suggest you do!), you’ll see that the Fall Arts cover story has three little bits about upcoming theater this fall, written by yours truly.
What you wouldn’t know -- unless you read this blog! -- is that there was actually supposed to be 4 items on theater. The fourth was a blurb that I presume was pulled because of space but also probably skirts just on the edge of propriety. Here it is for your enjoyment:
“Night of the Undead!
An unlikely cultural icon, he disappeared into New York’s East River under mysterious circumstances. Now, two years later – he lives! Just when you thought the world was safe from the bizarre, slice-of-life monologues of Spalding Gray, he emerges to ramble on. In “Leftover Stories to Tell,” a one-night tribute at the Firehouse Theatre (Oct. 1), the suicidal actor/storyteller is reanimated with the blood of celebrity guest performers. Funny, poignant, ribald – these leftovers are guaranteed to haunt you long after you leave the theater.”
-------------------
If you check out Style Weekly this week (and I heartily suggest you do!), you’ll see that the Fall Arts cover story has three little bits about upcoming theater this fall, written by yours truly.
What you wouldn’t know -- unless you read this blog! -- is that there was actually supposed to be 4 items on theater. The fourth was a blurb that I presume was pulled because of space but also probably skirts just on the edge of propriety. Here it is for your enjoyment:
“Night of the Undead!
An unlikely cultural icon, he disappeared into New York’s East River under mysterious circumstances. Now, two years later – he lives! Just when you thought the world was safe from the bizarre, slice-of-life monologues of Spalding Gray, he emerges to ramble on. In “Leftover Stories to Tell,” a one-night tribute at the Firehouse Theatre (Oct. 1), the suicidal actor/storyteller is reanimated with the blood of celebrity guest performers. Funny, poignant, ribald – these leftovers are guaranteed to haunt you long after you leave the theater.”
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
A Blog Reader Bonus!
I saw “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” at the Mill on Saturday – truly a delightful night of theater. The show is a great mix of sketches that run the gamut from silly to serious. Maybe it’s a sign of my advancing age but, even though the slapstick-like skits were funny, the scenes that mixed in slices of reality worked the best for me. The tentative awkwardness of “The Lasagna Incident” and the more brazen awkwardness of the final funeral home scene were my two favorites.
And what a cast! Simply fantastic. Rather than repeat myself, here’s a special preview for you loyal blog readers of the review which will run in Style sometime, probably next week. As the whole review is less than 300 words, this represents more than one-third of the whole thing:
“Can you explore every aspect of male-female interactions in the course of a two-hour stage musical? Not really, but as demonstrated by Swift Creek Mill Theatre’s “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” you can have a rollicking good time trying. Starting with first date jitters and ending with picking up dates at funeral homes, this show uses every stage in the progression of a relationship as a launching point for sketches that are often hilarious, occasionally poignant and always insightful. Thanks to a winning cast of four accomplished stage vets, this is one of those rare shows that you wish would never end.”
Monday, September 04, 2006
Expat #2
Chris Harcum left Richmond many years ago, but I still remember his awesome one-man show, "Some Kind of Pink Breakfast." I saw it in the performance space above what used to be the Main Street Grill. It was one of those transformative moments in theater for me because it was the first time I saw how one person performing on a somewhat ramshackle stage using little more than their voice, face and body could produce something magical. His "Breakfast" still ranks up there with Scott Wichmann's "Jails, Hospitals, and Hip-Hop" and Jill Bari Steinberg's "The Syringa Tree" as the best one-person shows I've ever seen.
Chris has received some great notices on "Breakfast" since and just performed it at the NYC Fringe Festival. Please send hopes for continued good luck to Chris from Richmond!
Chris has received some great notices on "Breakfast" since and just performed it at the NYC Fringe Festival. Please send hopes for continued good luck to Chris from Richmond!
Friday, September 01, 2006
Expatriates
I’ve been contemplating this for a while, probably since I read about Foster Solomon and Susan Sanford moving out of town. There are a number of theater folks who grew up in Richmond or started their professional theater careers here and then moved on to other places. I’ve either come across or dredged up the websites of a few of these folks. Maybe it’s just me, but I find it interesting to see what others from here are finding in bigger (and presumably better) towns. (It can’t be just me, because the T-D runs a “where they are now” type piece every once in a while. So maybe it’s just me and an editor at the T-D…)
Anyway, I’m checking with these folks to see if they mind me linking to them. As I get confirmation, I’ll post links in the “Expatriates” section over there on the left. Kicking off this new section is Eliza Skinner, little sister of Tony-nominee Emily Skinner and a very busy actress/singer/writer/improv comedian. I spent many delightful hours in the dark with Eliza – no it’s not what you think! We ran props together for a production of “Quilters” at Theater IV about a billion years ago. She was a hip and precociously funny and sarcastic teenager back then and, if I remember correctly, I was a newlywed. Her website is a hoot and has links to Eliza’s many other activities and involvements. Check it out!
More expats will be popping up as I can get their links up. And if there’s anyone else out there that you know of that you think would be a good link, please let me know.
Anyway, I’m checking with these folks to see if they mind me linking to them. As I get confirmation, I’ll post links in the “Expatriates” section over there on the left. Kicking off this new section is Eliza Skinner, little sister of Tony-nominee Emily Skinner and a very busy actress/singer/writer/improv comedian. I spent many delightful hours in the dark with Eliza – no it’s not what you think! We ran props together for a production of “Quilters” at Theater IV about a billion years ago. She was a hip and precociously funny and sarcastic teenager back then and, if I remember correctly, I was a newlywed. Her website is a hoot and has links to Eliza’s many other activities and involvements. Check it out!
More expats will be popping up as I can get their links up. And if there’s anyone else out there that you know of that you think would be a good link, please let me know.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
King of All Media
OK, maybe I’m not ready to take on Howard Stern – who would even want to do that? – but I have been tuning into theater news in all sorts of different media lately. First, of course, is print. I hope everyone saw the work of Style’s new theater reviewer, Joseph Quam, in last week’s edition, and his veritable rave for “Beehive.” I’m hoping Mr. Quam will be a more frequent contributor to Style to fill in the substantial gaps in theater coverage my lame-itude creates.
Also, Newsweek came out with their Fall Arts preview. In kind of an interesting strategy, the magazine lumps Museum and Theater events into a “Spectacles” section (versus just “Movies” or “Books”). I can imagine that was an interesting conversation around the Arts Editor’s desk – “Is there anything we can call these things that will justify us cramming them all on to one page?”
Anyway, Newsweek highlights “A Chorus Line” understandably, but also mentions something I’m most curious about, “The Pirate Queen,” which is being developed by the folks behind my favorite musical of all time, “Les Miserables.” Please, oh please, strike gold again, guys!
Finally, I’ve been enjoying news about theater on radio lately, too. Last night, there was a very interesting story on “Black Watch,” the new play showing at the Edinburgh Festival about Scottish soldiers in Afghanistan. It’s supposed to be awesome. Me, I could just listen to those Scottish accents all day long.
Then, earlier in the week, there was a piece about “The Fantasticks” and its revival. I didn’t realize that so much concern had been (appropriately) given to the “rape” lyrics in that show.
Everywhere you turn around – Theater! You’d think there’d be some way to turn coverage of it into a full time job… Any ideas, please let me know.
Also, Newsweek came out with their Fall Arts preview. In kind of an interesting strategy, the magazine lumps Museum and Theater events into a “Spectacles” section (versus just “Movies” or “Books”). I can imagine that was an interesting conversation around the Arts Editor’s desk – “Is there anything we can call these things that will justify us cramming them all on to one page?”
Anyway, Newsweek highlights “A Chorus Line” understandably, but also mentions something I’m most curious about, “The Pirate Queen,” which is being developed by the folks behind my favorite musical of all time, “Les Miserables.” Please, oh please, strike gold again, guys!
Finally, I’ve been enjoying news about theater on radio lately, too. Last night, there was a very interesting story on “Black Watch,” the new play showing at the Edinburgh Festival about Scottish soldiers in Afghanistan. It’s supposed to be awesome. Me, I could just listen to those Scottish accents all day long.
Then, earlier in the week, there was a piece about “The Fantasticks” and its revival. I didn’t realize that so much concern had been (appropriately) given to the “rape” lyrics in that show.
Everywhere you turn around – Theater! You’d think there’d be some way to turn coverage of it into a full time job… Any ideas, please let me know.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Back
I’m back. Nothing like a vacation to remind you of all the ways you’d rather be spending your time other than sitting in an office pounding away at the keyboard. Sigh.
Maybe to shake off these end-o-summer blues, I need to go see a show?
According to the TD, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” is pretty darn good. (Of course, as is becoming typical, you had to hunt around a bit to find the darn review.) A trip to this show could be just the ticket out of the doldrums.
I was thinking about dropping by the RAPT meeting last night but events (mostly work-related) conspired against me. How was it? Everyone have a good time?
And did anyone talk about how many Richmond theater-related websites there suddenly seems to be? Jackie J. alerted me to RichmondVATheater.com. Looks good – and impressive for a one-woman operation! I particularly like the Events Calendar section, though many shows need to be added – there’s 5 or 6 shows opening in the next several weeks. There might be possibilities for pooling effort here. I guess we’ll see.
Finally, if you have any doubts about how theater permeates the culture: did you see the Emmy Awards on Sunday? Conan O’Brian did a hilarious musical number, a take-off of “We’ve Got Trouble” from “Music Man.” It was a great reminder that theater still forms the cultural foundation that TV and movies build upon. I can't imagine Meredith Wilson ever would have imagined Prof. Harold Hill saying "Gee, we're screwed!" -- so the times have changed!
Maybe to shake off these end-o-summer blues, I need to go see a show?
According to the TD, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” is pretty darn good. (Of course, as is becoming typical, you had to hunt around a bit to find the darn review.) A trip to this show could be just the ticket out of the doldrums.
I was thinking about dropping by the RAPT meeting last night but events (mostly work-related) conspired against me. How was it? Everyone have a good time?
And did anyone talk about how many Richmond theater-related websites there suddenly seems to be? Jackie J. alerted me to RichmondVATheater.com. Looks good – and impressive for a one-woman operation! I particularly like the Events Calendar section, though many shows need to be added – there’s 5 or 6 shows opening in the next several weeks. There might be possibilities for pooling effort here. I guess we’ll see.
Finally, if you have any doubts about how theater permeates the culture: did you see the Emmy Awards on Sunday? Conan O’Brian did a hilarious musical number, a take-off of “We’ve Got Trouble” from “Music Man.” It was a great reminder that theater still forms the cultural foundation that TV and movies build upon. I can't imagine Meredith Wilson ever would have imagined Prof. Harold Hill saying "Gee, we're screwed!" -- so the times have changed!
Friday, August 18, 2006
Hiatus
I'm leaving today to go on vacation for 10 days - yippee! So things will be pretty slow here at the blog. But please check back in a week or so. I promise to be full of fresh news, witty insights, revealing commentary, and amusing tid-bits.
Well.......I should at least have some news...
Well.......I should at least have some news...
A Weekend of Theater
Nothing ever quite turns out how you expect. I went into last weekend expecting to be hanging out with my whole family on Saturday and watching “Follies.” As it turned out, I was there solo and, due to a work situation, had to leave at intermission. I hated to miss the whole show.
What I saw was pretty fun, maybe more so for a Richmond “old-timer” – I was pretty easily swept up in the nostalgia being dramatized on stage due to my own nostalgic memories. I still remember meeting Lynn West with the amazing green eyes for the first time about 20 years ago. It was great to hear her voice again. And Jenny Fralin was saucy and sexy and lots of fun. I can’t remember when I last saw her onstage. Jason Marks’s big solo was when I realized this was really going to be a high-quality production – that boy can sing!
I am a bit hampered in commenting on the show because they had run out of programs by the time I got there but I believe it was Terri Moore who sang “I’m Still Here” and man, what a stunning delivery of a knock-out song. All of the four older leads were excellent – I loved the dynamics between the couples, particularly Fern’s and Lauren’s characters. What fun to see Mrs. Leinhass-Cook really dig into a bitchy character! You go girl!
The younger set of couples were also very good but frankly I didn’t get to see much of them before I had to split. And probably the single performance that impressed me the most was Jodi Rentz (I think) as the second female older lead (can't remember character's name). Interesting character played very well. I hope to see her in something else soon.
I’ll reserve judgment on the show itself until I see a complete production. It’s a very interesting premise but the bits and pieces of plot stuck in between mostly disconnected musical numbers seems like a setup for a somewhat unsatisfying show. But it certainly was a great production, downright astounding given that it’s a totally volunteer operation.
I saw Luther Memorial’s Arts Program production of “Annie” out at the Glen Allen Cultural Center last Sunday. What’s great about these educational program shows is that you always see some kids that clearly have that mysterious, wonderous quality that makes them positively shine on stage. There are always a couple of moments where you see someone miss a cue or drop a line, too. Those are the most revealing situations; they are interesting in the same way minor league baseball games are. The way the players handle those little mishaps is a good indicator of whether they’ll make it in the big leagues or not.
What I saw was pretty fun, maybe more so for a Richmond “old-timer” – I was pretty easily swept up in the nostalgia being dramatized on stage due to my own nostalgic memories. I still remember meeting Lynn West with the amazing green eyes for the first time about 20 years ago. It was great to hear her voice again. And Jenny Fralin was saucy and sexy and lots of fun. I can’t remember when I last saw her onstage. Jason Marks’s big solo was when I realized this was really going to be a high-quality production – that boy can sing!
I am a bit hampered in commenting on the show because they had run out of programs by the time I got there but I believe it was Terri Moore who sang “I’m Still Here” and man, what a stunning delivery of a knock-out song. All of the four older leads were excellent – I loved the dynamics between the couples, particularly Fern’s and Lauren’s characters. What fun to see Mrs. Leinhass-Cook really dig into a bitchy character! You go girl!
The younger set of couples were also very good but frankly I didn’t get to see much of them before I had to split. And probably the single performance that impressed me the most was Jodi Rentz (I think) as the second female older lead (can't remember character's name). Interesting character played very well. I hope to see her in something else soon.
I’ll reserve judgment on the show itself until I see a complete production. It’s a very interesting premise but the bits and pieces of plot stuck in between mostly disconnected musical numbers seems like a setup for a somewhat unsatisfying show. But it certainly was a great production, downright astounding given that it’s a totally volunteer operation.
I saw Luther Memorial’s Arts Program production of “Annie” out at the Glen Allen Cultural Center last Sunday. What’s great about these educational program shows is that you always see some kids that clearly have that mysterious, wonderous quality that makes them positively shine on stage. There are always a couple of moments where you see someone miss a cue or drop a line, too. Those are the most revealing situations; they are interesting in the same way minor league baseball games are. The way the players handle those little mishaps is a good indicator of whether they’ll make it in the big leagues or not.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change
I’m not finding much time to write this week, getting ready to go off on vacation this weekend. Luckily, I did some writing a couple of weeks ago – here’s my piece on Janine Russo who will be one of the stars of “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” starting in previews at the Mill this weekend.
Also, USA Today has been doing a surprising amount of theater coverage lately. Monday had a story on regional theater and today there was a somewhat dispiriting review of the new Broadway show “Kiki & Herb.”
I’ve also discovered some very interesting Internet spaces lately that I want to create a whole new set of links around but that may have to wait until after vacation. I hope that’s tantalizing enough to keep you checking back here for more!
Also, USA Today has been doing a surprising amount of theater coverage lately. Monday had a story on regional theater and today there was a somewhat dispiriting review of the new Broadway show “Kiki & Herb.”
I’ve also discovered some very interesting Internet spaces lately that I want to create a whole new set of links around but that may have to wait until after vacation. I hope that’s tantalizing enough to keep you checking back here for more!
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Boom boom, out go the lights
This weekend, three of the four main stage shows in town -- a couple of them long-runners -- dropped off the "Now Showing" roster. All of a sudden, there's only one big show buzzing around the boards (yuk yuk). This lull won't last for long with "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" starting previews this weekend and opening next week at Swift Creek Mill. After that, it'll be hard to catch a breath as about 7 big shows open in 5 weeks.
As we gear up for that, Style is putting together their semi-annual Arts issue. I'll be highlighting a few upcoming shows for that and have put in a couple pitches for feature articles down the road. If you have any ideas for an interesting theater-related story (that might just coincidentally highlight your favorite theater company), now is the time to send it over to me.
This past weekend's theater adventures didn't quite go as planned but still managed to catch 1 1/2 good shows. More details to come after I get over the Monday morning hump...
As we gear up for that, Style is putting together their semi-annual Arts issue. I'll be highlighting a few upcoming shows for that and have put in a couple pitches for feature articles down the road. If you have any ideas for an interesting theater-related story (that might just coincidentally highlight your favorite theater company), now is the time to send it over to me.
This past weekend's theater adventures didn't quite go as planned but still managed to catch 1 1/2 good shows. More details to come after I get over the Monday morning hump...
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Beehive
Sigh. Another fun show that I'm going to have to miss. The first music that I ever remember listening to when I was a kid was the 60s girl-group hits. I had two older sisters who were big Supremes fans.
But here's a good thing: a new theater critic will be checking out "Beehive" this weekend. I hope he/she does a good job because I'd really like him/her to work out. If there's another critic in the rotation, hopefully Style will have more reviews.
Even without "Beehive," it will be a big theater weekend for me. It's supposed to be gorgeous on Saturday so we're packing up the fam and seeing "Follies." Then Luther Memorial's "Annie" will be our Sunday show. My wife was like a total "Annie" geek when she was a teen. I'd tell you more but I don't want to embarrass her in public (too much...)
But here's a good thing: a new theater critic will be checking out "Beehive" this weekend. I hope he/she does a good job because I'd really like him/her to work out. If there's another critic in the rotation, hopefully Style will have more reviews.
Even without "Beehive," it will be a big theater weekend for me. It's supposed to be gorgeous on Saturday so we're packing up the fam and seeing "Follies." Then Luther Memorial's "Annie" will be our Sunday show. My wife was like a total "Annie" geek when she was a teen. I'd tell you more but I don't want to embarrass her in public (too much...)
A "Steel" at any price
I can’t believe the run of “Steel Magnolias” is almost over! The wonderful all-women cast makes me think back to my introduction to Richmond-area theater – the original Theatre IV run of “Quilters” back in 1986 – that also had a knock-out cast of talented actresses. Anyway, tonight and tomorrow you can get half-price tickets to the show. Details are as follows:
“Box Office Manager Rene McCoull welcomes you and your friends to discounted tickets to STEEL MAGNOLIAS on both Thursday Night, August 10 and Friday Night, August 11.
1/2 price theatre-only tickets = $14.75 (normally $29.50)
STEEL MAGNOLIAS with Jolene Carroll, Audra Honaker, Jacqueline Jones, Vicki McLeod, Joy Williams, Stephanie Zabner-Hodgkiss
Call the box office for reservations: 748-5203 and mention Rene's 1/2 Price Offer”
“Box Office Manager Rene McCoull welcomes you and your friends to discounted tickets to STEEL MAGNOLIAS on both Thursday Night, August 10 and Friday Night, August 11.
1/2 price theatre-only tickets = $14.75 (normally $29.50)
STEEL MAGNOLIAS with Jolene Carroll, Audra Honaker, Jacqueline Jones, Vicki McLeod, Joy Williams, Stephanie Zabner-Hodgkiss
Call the box office for reservations: 748-5203 and mention Rene's 1/2 Price Offer”
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Grease is apparently the word
So what’s up with the popularity of “Grease” all of a sudden? First, there’s the recently closed show out at the Steward School and the American Idol also-rans singing a regrettable version of “You’re the One that I Want.” Then today I see in USA Today that there’s going to be a reality show centered on the casting of a new Broadway revival of the show.
The reality show craze seems to be perculating right along so this is probably a genius idea for drawing some of that luster (such as it is) over into the Broadway arena. I could be snarky about it but, given that I have a weakness for at least one reality show (‘Survivor’ – what can I say?), I’ll just wish for the best. Anything that draws attention to the stage can’t be a bad thing. Or at least, not TOO bad a thing…
The reality show craze seems to be perculating right along so this is probably a genius idea for drawing some of that luster (such as it is) over into the Broadway arena. I could be snarky about it but, given that I have a weakness for at least one reality show (‘Survivor’ – what can I say?), I’ll just wish for the best. Anything that draws attention to the stage can’t be a bad thing. Or at least, not TOO bad a thing…
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Brushing Up
Have you checked out the venue for Richmond Shakespeare’s indoor season? I think what’s coolest about it is that it’s a perfect match for their summer home at Agecroft. The hall is one of the sanctuaries in the Second Presbyterian Church and it’s decked out with beautiful stained glass and wrought-iron fixtures (at least I think they’re wrought iron), all very majestic and Middle English looking. And you can’t beat the off-street parking.
I’m looking forward to the “Julius Caesar” because I’ve never seen it before. Richmond Shakes also seems to have a knack for casting great sidekicks (Ryan Capps as Macbeth’s Banquo, Robin Pierce as Othello’s Iago, Scott Wichmann as just about every character he’s played for them, etc.) so I’m hoping their Brutus does better than Denzel Washington apparently did on Broadway. And in keeping with Grant Mudge’s ongoing attention to keeping Shakespeare relevant in the modern world, the show has a great tagline too: “Think this election year’s a killer?”
I’ve never seen “Doctor Faustus” before either, though I’ve read many versions and variations. “Twelfth Night” is a favorite because of its silliness but even more so because of its darkness. It has always been a play that makes you laugh but in the end, you should be at least a little uncomfortable about some of the things you are laughing about.
Say what you will (yuk yuk), but it looks like some good choices with the potential for some great shows.
I’m looking forward to the “Julius Caesar” because I’ve never seen it before. Richmond Shakes also seems to have a knack for casting great sidekicks (Ryan Capps as Macbeth’s Banquo, Robin Pierce as Othello’s Iago, Scott Wichmann as just about every character he’s played for them, etc.) so I’m hoping their Brutus does better than Denzel Washington apparently did on Broadway. And in keeping with Grant Mudge’s ongoing attention to keeping Shakespeare relevant in the modern world, the show has a great tagline too: “Think this election year’s a killer?”
I’ve never seen “Doctor Faustus” before either, though I’ve read many versions and variations. “Twelfth Night” is a favorite because of its silliness but even more so because of its darkness. It has always been a play that makes you laugh but in the end, you should be at least a little uncomfortable about some of the things you are laughing about.
Say what you will (yuk yuk), but it looks like some good choices with the potential for some great shows.
Monday, August 07, 2006
One More
It's a good thing there are so many talented actors in town because this additional audition notice just came in:
Director/Choreographer K Strong seeks 10 women and 10 men, ages 20 to 60, for the Barksdale Theatre production of "Mame." All roles are open. For the auditions, please prepare a song (accompanist provided) and come prepared to dance. Auditions are by appointment only and will be held from 6 until 10 pm, Monday, August 14th and Tuesday, August 15th at Barksdale Theatre’s Willow Lawn location.
Rehearsals for “Mame” are scheduled to begin on October 16th. To schedule an appointment or for additional information please call 804-344-8052 x4.
Director/Choreographer K Strong seeks 10 women and 10 men, ages 20 to 60, for the Barksdale Theatre production of "Mame." All roles are open. For the auditions, please prepare a song (accompanist provided) and come prepared to dance. Auditions are by appointment only and will be held from 6 until 10 pm, Monday, August 14th and Tuesday, August 15th at Barksdale Theatre’s Willow Lawn location.
Rehearsals for “Mame” are scheduled to begin on October 16th. To schedule an appointment or for additional information please call 804-344-8052 x4.
Audition Madness
Thanks to the real networking czar of Richmond theater (Miss O’Neill), I’ve seen notifications about all sorts of audition opportunities in recent weeks. If you are already on Robyn’s email list, the following will just be a compilation of things you’ve already seen. I’m only going to list bullet points; let me know if you want me to send you additional details (such as I have them).
Richmond Shakespeare Theatre will be holding auditions for its 2006-2007 season, which will include Julius Caesar, A Christmas Carol, Doctor Faustus and Twelfth Night. Auditions will be held on August 7 and 8, 2006 from 7:00-9:00 PM at Second Presbyterian Church (5 N. 5th Street, Richmond, VA 23219). Callbacks will be held on August 9 at 7:00 PM. The audition will consist of a one-minute Elizabethan monologue and may also include cold readings from the texts. You do NOT necessarily need to have extensive Shakespearean experience to audition! All positions are PAID and NON-UNION. Contact Director of Training Andrew Hamm at 804-232-4000 or Andrew@richmondshakespeare.com.
The Modlin Center for the Arts at the University of Richmond announces open auditions for its upcoming dramatic reading of "Nickel and Dimed" by Joan Holden, based on the book "Nickel and Dimed, On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich. Auditions are Saturday, August 11, 2006 from 1:00-4:00 pm in Cousins Studio Theatre. Director Benjamin Mosse seeks one man (ages 20-60) and five women (ages 20-60). Auditions are by appointment only. Open to Equity and non-Equity actors. All performers paid. Prepared monologue welcome but not required. Rehearsals for the reading are October 21, 22, and 23, 2006 with one public performance in Alice Jepson Theatre on October 23 at 7:30 pm. To schedule an appointment, call (804) 484-1599.
Richmond Triangle Players director Shon M. Stacy will be seeing actors for the following role in Sordid Lives: G. W. Nethercott, 40's, distraught Vietnam vet, larger build is a plus (role played by Beau Bridges in the film version of "Sordid Lives"). Sordid Lives runs at Fielden's Cabaret Theater Sept 20- Oct 14 plus 2 weeks extension possible. Actor is PAID, non-AEA. Contact Shon at 804-484-0190 for appointment or more information. Rehearsals begin immediately.
THE MAKING OF LAURA JEAN TRICK--a short film about a high schooler struggling with a same-sex crush--is coming to Richmond! The filmmakers--Blake Martin (director) and Lauren Wolkstein (writer/ producer)--are looking for CAST and CREW. Please send all messages to making.laura@gmail.com and mention your area of expertise in the subject line.
Auditions will be held in Western Henrico County in early-mid August. Characters are 15-16 years of age; Director is open to seeing any interested players regardless of background or experience; please send headshot or recent picture to making.laura@gmail.com. Dates: August 20-26 (three or four days therein)
We will shoot in the suburbs of Henrico County. Lodging for out-of-towners is possible. All meals will be home-cooked. Small budget. Compensation: Transportation, meals, comfortable housing, hospitality and respect, exposure to other Columbia filmmakers, copy of tape, possible Festival exposure.
Richmond Shakespeare Theatre will be holding auditions for its 2006-2007 season, which will include Julius Caesar, A Christmas Carol, Doctor Faustus and Twelfth Night. Auditions will be held on August 7 and 8, 2006 from 7:00-9:00 PM at Second Presbyterian Church (5 N. 5th Street, Richmond, VA 23219). Callbacks will be held on August 9 at 7:00 PM. The audition will consist of a one-minute Elizabethan monologue and may also include cold readings from the texts. You do NOT necessarily need to have extensive Shakespearean experience to audition! All positions are PAID and NON-UNION. Contact Director of Training Andrew Hamm at 804-232-4000 or Andrew@richmondshakespeare.com.
The Modlin Center for the Arts at the University of Richmond announces open auditions for its upcoming dramatic reading of "Nickel and Dimed" by Joan Holden, based on the book "Nickel and Dimed, On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich. Auditions are Saturday, August 11, 2006 from 1:00-4:00 pm in Cousins Studio Theatre. Director Benjamin Mosse seeks one man (ages 20-60) and five women (ages 20-60). Auditions are by appointment only. Open to Equity and non-Equity actors. All performers paid. Prepared monologue welcome but not required. Rehearsals for the reading are October 21, 22, and 23, 2006 with one public performance in Alice Jepson Theatre on October 23 at 7:30 pm. To schedule an appointment, call (804) 484-1599.
Richmond Triangle Players director Shon M. Stacy will be seeing actors for the following role in Sordid Lives: G. W. Nethercott, 40's, distraught Vietnam vet, larger build is a plus (role played by Beau Bridges in the film version of "Sordid Lives"). Sordid Lives runs at Fielden's Cabaret Theater Sept 20- Oct 14 plus 2 weeks extension possible. Actor is PAID, non-AEA. Contact Shon at 804-484-0190 for appointment or more information. Rehearsals begin immediately.
THE MAKING OF LAURA JEAN TRICK--a short film about a high schooler struggling with a same-sex crush--is coming to Richmond! The filmmakers--Blake Martin (director) and Lauren Wolkstein (writer/ producer)--are looking for CAST and CREW. Please send all messages to making.laura@gmail.com and mention your area of expertise in the subject line.
Auditions will be held in Western Henrico County in early-mid August. Characters are 15-16 years of age; Director is open to seeing any interested players regardless of background or experience; please send headshot or recent picture to making.laura@gmail.com. Dates: August 20-26 (three or four days therein)
We will shoot in the suburbs of Henrico County. Lodging for out-of-towners is possible. All meals will be home-cooked. Small budget. Compensation: Transportation, meals, comfortable housing, hospitality and respect, exposure to other Columbia filmmakers, copy of tape, possible Festival exposure.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Follies
I had a nice talk with Janine Russo earlier this week (who was in “The Full Monty” and is set to star in “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” at the Mill), which caused me to reflect on how many theater couples there are in Richmond. There’s Janine and David Bridgewater, Scott Wichmann and Jen Meharg, Joy and Eric Williams, Richard Koch and Vicki MacLoed, etc. etc. The list goes on forever. (And that’s not even mentioning the recently absconded duo, Susan Sanford and Foster Solomon.)
“Follies” at the Dell features two halves of a couple of familiar theater couples in town: it’s directed by Joe Pabst (whose better half is Debra Waggoner) and stars Lauren Leinhaas-Cook, whose hubby Larry Cook was recently chased around the Hanover Tavern stage in “No Sex Please, We’re British” by Jan Guarino, wife of playwright/actor Bo Wilson. It boggles the mind a little when you start to connect all of the dots…
The “Follies” cast also includes two of my most favorite local stage veterans: Fernando Rivadeniera and Lynn West. They may be just enough of an inspiration to get me to bear the heat and check this one out…
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Amazing Resource
In my tireless efforts to link to as much Richmond-related, theater-related content as possible, I came across Dorothy Holland’s site yesterday. She’s the high-energy professor/director of many a production at University of Richmond. Her site includes an astonishing websites page that links to just about every imaginable theater-related piece of Internet effluvium you could ever hope to pull up in the old browser, from theater journals to theater companies to sites on specific eras of theater to today’s theater news. It’s really an amazing resource and so I’ve added it to the “We’re All in This Together” section. This is a site worth bookmarking if I’ve ever seen one!
And by the way, my efforts are far from tireless. I get tired pretty often. I was just being dramatic.
And by the way, my efforts are far from tireless. I get tired pretty often. I was just being dramatic.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Divine Felines
Unexpected delights from SPARC’s production of “Cats”
(a blog-only review!)
I had totally forgotten about Gus, the Theater Cat. When you think about the dance-happy, plotless spectacle that is “Cats,” you tend to remember the splashy characters: swaggering Rum Tum Tugger, magical Mr. Mistoffelees, even the evil-doing Macavity. But in SPARC’s exceptional 25th anniversary summer production, the cat that left the biggest impression on me was Gus whose bittersweet remembrances of his former fame loosened my tear ducts, thanks to a pitch-perfect performance by Michael Jones.
Gus’s scene was only one of many unexpected delights in a production that defied any belittling categorization you might bestow on the result of a summer educational program. The production values were first rate; the craftsmanship that went into the lights, make-up and choreography were professional quality; and most impressive of all, there was nary a weak link among the performers.
Finding talented young men would seem to me to be a particular challenge but “Cats” had a surprising slew of them. Adam Mincks worked an unabashed sexual strut as Rum Tum Tugger and backed it up with strong, tuneful vocals. As played by Hank Bamberger, Mr. Mistoffelees leapt and spun with dazzling grace. And Munkustrap was an engaging and entertaining master of ceremonies, thanks to Chris Adams’s confident performance and crystal-clear voice.
But even these talented actors were no match for the women when it came to delivering that pure “Wow!” factor. Every time Jane Barton (as Demeter) opened her mouth, only the sweetest melodies flowed out (here’s hoping she can take the occasional break from her fashion design studies at VCU to grace more local productions with her splendid voice). And 15 year-old Allison Thibodeau rendered a soaring, stirring beginning to “Memory” so good that you’d be lucky to hear something as well done on Broadway. Picking up the melody from Thibodeau was Emily King, who was similarly stellar. It’s hard to make as old a warhorse as “Memory” fresh again, but Emily King, one of only two professionals in the cast, infused the song with so much raw emotion, it also had me holding back tears.
The entire company proved to be lithe and limber dancers, with Bamberger and Amy Kaeberle (as Victoria) the dazzling stand-outs. “Cats” is a show that lives and dies by the dancing and, as innovatively choreographed by Pam Turner, this show had at least nine lives' worth of energy. Joe Doran’s top-notch lighting design also lent an indisputable aura of professionalism to the production.
Of course, my long list of superlatives wouldn’t be complete without recognizing the amazing talent of the man who brought it all together, director Tom Width. Time and again over the years, Width has proved his singular ability to move big casts around in appealing and purposeful ways and he certainly shines with this production.
“Cats” will never be my favorite show; the manufactured tension around both Macavity and the “Jellicle Choice” makes for an artificial plot that never really holds water and, in a bad production, barely holds one’s attention. But when done right – like SPARC’s “Cats” was – it can catch even a cynic like me unawares, turning a hackneyed trifle into something magical.
(a blog-only review!)
I had totally forgotten about Gus, the Theater Cat. When you think about the dance-happy, plotless spectacle that is “Cats,” you tend to remember the splashy characters: swaggering Rum Tum Tugger, magical Mr. Mistoffelees, even the evil-doing Macavity. But in SPARC’s exceptional 25th anniversary summer production, the cat that left the biggest impression on me was Gus whose bittersweet remembrances of his former fame loosened my tear ducts, thanks to a pitch-perfect performance by Michael Jones.
Gus’s scene was only one of many unexpected delights in a production that defied any belittling categorization you might bestow on the result of a summer educational program. The production values were first rate; the craftsmanship that went into the lights, make-up and choreography were professional quality; and most impressive of all, there was nary a weak link among the performers.
Finding talented young men would seem to me to be a particular challenge but “Cats” had a surprising slew of them. Adam Mincks worked an unabashed sexual strut as Rum Tum Tugger and backed it up with strong, tuneful vocals. As played by Hank Bamberger, Mr. Mistoffelees leapt and spun with dazzling grace. And Munkustrap was an engaging and entertaining master of ceremonies, thanks to Chris Adams’s confident performance and crystal-clear voice.
But even these talented actors were no match for the women when it came to delivering that pure “Wow!” factor. Every time Jane Barton (as Demeter) opened her mouth, only the sweetest melodies flowed out (here’s hoping she can take the occasional break from her fashion design studies at VCU to grace more local productions with her splendid voice). And 15 year-old Allison Thibodeau rendered a soaring, stirring beginning to “Memory” so good that you’d be lucky to hear something as well done on Broadway. Picking up the melody from Thibodeau was Emily King, who was similarly stellar. It’s hard to make as old a warhorse as “Memory” fresh again, but Emily King, one of only two professionals in the cast, infused the song with so much raw emotion, it also had me holding back tears.
The entire company proved to be lithe and limber dancers, with Bamberger and Amy Kaeberle (as Victoria) the dazzling stand-outs. “Cats” is a show that lives and dies by the dancing and, as innovatively choreographed by Pam Turner, this show had at least nine lives' worth of energy. Joe Doran’s top-notch lighting design also lent an indisputable aura of professionalism to the production.
Of course, my long list of superlatives wouldn’t be complete without recognizing the amazing talent of the man who brought it all together, director Tom Width. Time and again over the years, Width has proved his singular ability to move big casts around in appealing and purposeful ways and he certainly shines with this production.
“Cats” will never be my favorite show; the manufactured tension around both Macavity and the “Jellicle Choice” makes for an artificial plot that never really holds water and, in a bad production, barely holds one’s attention. But when done right – like SPARC’s “Cats” was – it can catch even a cynic like me unawares, turning a hackneyed trifle into something magical.
Idols Live!
It was a big entertainment weekend for me. Took several teenage girls to the American Idol concert on Saturday and then the whole family (plus Gramma!) went to see “Cats” on Sunday. I’ll be writing more on the fabulous felines soon but first, a couple of interesting notes (of the vaguely theater-related kind) on Idol:
I had the same reaction as the esteemed Melissa Rugieri as far as Kellie Pickler and Bucky Covington struggling through “You’re the One that I Want.” It was a bit ironic given that the curtain on the Barksdale/Steward School production of “Grease” was probably up by that time of night and it’s not out of the realm of possibility that they could have been singing the same song at the same time. Spooky! And I’ll give 10-to-1 odds that the high school kids singing that song did a better job than Bucky and Kellie.
What was clear in the live show versus the TV show was who among these kids are performers and who were simply above-average singers. Lisa Tucker has been getting a fair amount of press because she is a surprisingly good singer, clearly the most underrated of the Idol crew. But at the concert, she also proved pretty wooden on stage, trying only half-successfully to work up a “competition” between different sections of the audience on how much noise they could generate.
As for the AI winner, Tay-Tay, I wouldn’t even say he quite got above average as far as singing ability, but he certainly was a showman with a heck of a lot of energy on stage. Of all of them, I’d say only Chris demonstrated actual charisma as well as kick-butt vocal chops. Even our boy Elliot, whose warm personality comes across even in a stadium full of 10,000 people, could use some work on engaging a crowd. He’s definitely got the voice, though – his “Trouble” was a major highlight.
Finally, my favorite part of the night was spying on the activity in the wings. If you had binoculars and you watched the stage left area, you could see various Idols hanging around, checking out the other performers, and chatting with each other. Elliot spent a fair amount of time there as did Katherine. They hung out together for a while, so you could see that she’s about a head taller than him. It reminded me of when I used to work backstage: sometimes more interesting things are happening in the wings than under the lights.
I had the same reaction as the esteemed Melissa Rugieri as far as Kellie Pickler and Bucky Covington struggling through “You’re the One that I Want.” It was a bit ironic given that the curtain on the Barksdale/Steward School production of “Grease” was probably up by that time of night and it’s not out of the realm of possibility that they could have been singing the same song at the same time. Spooky! And I’ll give 10-to-1 odds that the high school kids singing that song did a better job than Bucky and Kellie.
What was clear in the live show versus the TV show was who among these kids are performers and who were simply above-average singers. Lisa Tucker has been getting a fair amount of press because she is a surprisingly good singer, clearly the most underrated of the Idol crew. But at the concert, she also proved pretty wooden on stage, trying only half-successfully to work up a “competition” between different sections of the audience on how much noise they could generate.
As for the AI winner, Tay-Tay, I wouldn’t even say he quite got above average as far as singing ability, but he certainly was a showman with a heck of a lot of energy on stage. Of all of them, I’d say only Chris demonstrated actual charisma as well as kick-butt vocal chops. Even our boy Elliot, whose warm personality comes across even in a stadium full of 10,000 people, could use some work on engaging a crowd. He’s definitely got the voice, though – his “Trouble” was a major highlight.
Finally, my favorite part of the night was spying on the activity in the wings. If you had binoculars and you watched the stage left area, you could see various Idols hanging around, checking out the other performers, and chatting with each other. Elliot spent a fair amount of time there as did Katherine. They hung out together for a while, so you could see that she’s about a head taller than him. It reminded me of when I used to work backstage: sometimes more interesting things are happening in the wings than under the lights.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
To Our Readers
There's been quite a bit of buzz about the Times-Dispatch and the changes the paper has apparently been contemplating. For those not getting the emails or hearing the scuttlebutt, these changes reportedly will involve cutting local arts coverage -- like information on currently running theater productions, for instance -- and shifting much of it to the TD website.
The paper has attempted to quell some of the blowback it's been getting on this issue with a "To our readers" note below the fold of today's Metro section. For me, this note doesn't exactly put my mind at ease. In fact, most of it is written in pseudo-positive marketing speech that I used to employ all the time when I wrote fundraising copy. The stated "goal" is to offer more event coverage -- and yet the specifics listed later (shifting listings to the web site, launching a weekly email newsletter, etc.) essentially add up to fewer inches of copy in the physical paper devoted to the arts. This seems like a sideways strategy to achieve this "goal."
I'll reserve judgement on the "revamp" of the Weekend section but it also sounds suspicious. "Quick information hits for busy readers"? That to me translates to sound-bites or capsule reviews versus anything in-depth. The cute little denigration of their product ("you can't lost it, the dog can't eat it...") also means you can't grab it when you leave the house and read it on the bus; you can't rip out a listing and carry it with you; and you can't carry it and a cup of coffee up into bed and peruse it at your leisure on a Sunday morning. If they're telling me that things are better online, should I subscribe to the paper at all?
I guess the best summary is included right there in the second-to-last paragraph: "some of the information we now print in the newspaper will remain there." So basically, some of it will remain, but rest assured, some of it will be cut.
Look, I understand a paper is a business and in the marketplace today you have to do what you have to do to remain competitive. But this note smacks of the pandering, inexact language that politicians use and that real reporters used to take politicians to task for. If you have to cut things, say something like "we've decided that for the best interest of the paper / economic reality forces us to / editorial priorities have shifted such that... some things have got to go and here they are." All of the "happy speak" about slimmed down coverage grabbing my attention like a bottle rocket sets off fireworks for me alright, but not in a good way. Mostly, it makes me suspicious, a little angry and a little sad.
The paper has attempted to quell some of the blowback it's been getting on this issue with a "To our readers" note below the fold of today's Metro section. For me, this note doesn't exactly put my mind at ease. In fact, most of it is written in pseudo-positive marketing speech that I used to employ all the time when I wrote fundraising copy. The stated "goal" is to offer more event coverage -- and yet the specifics listed later (shifting listings to the web site, launching a weekly email newsletter, etc.) essentially add up to fewer inches of copy in the physical paper devoted to the arts. This seems like a sideways strategy to achieve this "goal."
I'll reserve judgement on the "revamp" of the Weekend section but it also sounds suspicious. "Quick information hits for busy readers"? That to me translates to sound-bites or capsule reviews versus anything in-depth. The cute little denigration of their product ("you can't lost it, the dog can't eat it...") also means you can't grab it when you leave the house and read it on the bus; you can't rip out a listing and carry it with you; and you can't carry it and a cup of coffee up into bed and peruse it at your leisure on a Sunday morning. If they're telling me that things are better online, should I subscribe to the paper at all?
I guess the best summary is included right there in the second-to-last paragraph: "some of the information we now print in the newspaper will remain there." So basically, some of it will remain, but rest assured, some of it will be cut.
Look, I understand a paper is a business and in the marketplace today you have to do what you have to do to remain competitive. But this note smacks of the pandering, inexact language that politicians use and that real reporters used to take politicians to task for. If you have to cut things, say something like "we've decided that for the best interest of the paper / economic reality forces us to / editorial priorities have shifted such that... some things have got to go and here they are." All of the "happy speak" about slimmed down coverage grabbing my attention like a bottle rocket sets off fireworks for me alright, but not in a good way. Mostly, it makes me suspicious, a little angry and a little sad.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
HATTheatre
I keep trying but I still can’t get my feeble little arms all the way around the theater community in this town. Just the other day I was nicely encouraged to include HATTheatre on my list of “Producers.” I’ve heard about this group for years – they’ve been around for more than a dozen – but I have never seen one of their productions. My bad, I know. They tell me their website is in the midst of a major revamp so it’ll probably be worth checking out again in a few weeks.
One of the most impressive things about HAT that I know of is their focus on doing shows in Richmond that are local premieres. As someone who has had to sit through several productions of the same play, I always appreciate a premiere. They’ve also had some great people working with/for them including Julie Fulcher, Joy Williams, and Scott Wichmann.
I apologize in advance for anyone else I’ve left off of my list. I expect it will continue to grow as time goes by. But one thing I should say: I won’t be keeping track of all of the church, school and community groups that also do theater, even though some of them are quite good, devote significant funds to their productions, and have a lot of great people working for them. I’m sorry if this seems a little arbitrary but I’ve got to draw the line somewhere. There’s just too much theater in this town for one already overwhelmed individual to keep track of it all.
Which is why it’s such a shame that the Times-Dispatch is apparently planning to keep track of even less of it…But that’s a subject for another day.
One of the most impressive things about HAT that I know of is their focus on doing shows in Richmond that are local premieres. As someone who has had to sit through several productions of the same play, I always appreciate a premiere. They’ve also had some great people working with/for them including Julie Fulcher, Joy Williams, and Scott Wichmann.
I apologize in advance for anyone else I’ve left off of my list. I expect it will continue to grow as time goes by. But one thing I should say: I won’t be keeping track of all of the church, school and community groups that also do theater, even though some of them are quite good, devote significant funds to their productions, and have a lot of great people working for them. I’m sorry if this seems a little arbitrary but I’ve got to draw the line somewhere. There’s just too much theater in this town for one already overwhelmed individual to keep track of it all.
Which is why it’s such a shame that the Times-Dispatch is apparently planning to keep track of even less of it…But that’s a subject for another day.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Random Media
It almost goes without saying these days: If you surf the web enough, you find some wacky stuff. For instance:
Apparently, there’s been talk for a few years about a Batman musical. This would be completely ridiculous (in my opinion) if the people associated with the talk weren’t Jim Steinman (from Meatloaf’s “Bat Out of Hell” fame) and Tim Burton of the big-screen Batman. There’s even a song floating around that Steinman wrote for the Joker to sing. After listening to it, I’d say the talk isn’t completely ridiculous just seriously ill-advised.
I also found this little ditty – a funny bit of theater from the folks at Saturday Night Live. Theater not only thrives on stage, it infuses all other media!
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
XM Radio
Our family car has XM radio in it. If you have been turned on to satellite radio you probably agree with Melissa Ruggieri and me and exalt it as the next best thing since double-stick tape. If you still haven’t been turned on to it, here’s what might push you theater fans over the edge: XM28 – On Broadway. It’s a channel of showtunes, 24/7.
Three personal asides I should mention: I rarely am in charge of the radio in the family car (usually around 4th or 5th in line in terms of getting my choice, that is until the 2-year old gets another couple months behind him at which point I’ll drop to 5th/6th). And when I am in charge, I usually dial up the classic rock stations because, well, I’m sort of a dinosaur when it comes to musical taste. And lastly, I’ve never really been a big fan of out-of-context show tunes, mostly because I only listen to classic rock.
But every once in a while, XM28 becomes the featured favorite in the minivan, and it’s always a surprisingly pleasing and eclectic blend. This past Sunday at around 10am there seemed to be a focus on distinctly non-going-to-church selections (“Two Ladies” from Cabaret and “Let Me Entertain You” from Gypsy). Later in the day, I heard selections from two shows I’ve never seen; one peaked my interest (“Dancing Through Life” from “Wicked”), one dispelled any interest I might have had (“Never Met a Man I Didn’t Like” from Will Rogers Follies, one of the worst expansions of a pithy little phrase into a whole song I’ve ever heard). Somewhere along the way, there was a great old rendition of “Can’t Stop Lovin’ Dat Man of Mine” from Show Boat.
What’s cool is our nearly-6 year old – a budding theater fan – now wants to know what show each song is from whenever we listen to XM28. If you want to sample shows you’ve never heard or be reminded of ones you’ve loved in the past, I encourage you to dial up the XM. And I promise, I’m not getting any kickbacks for this endorsement (at least, not yet…)
Monday, July 24, 2006
VR Gone Wild!
You may have received an email from John Porter that talks about an interesting employment opportunity at King’s Dominion. It involves assisting people through an interactive game. Pretty wild stuff. Anyway, if you haven’t received the email, below are key sections from it. If you want copies of the forms listed, you can email me, or John Porter or the Susan Sprout listed.
“We are recruiting actors in your area to work at $11-13/hr with very flexible scheduling that allows for other productions and life commitments.
The position description is two-fold: (1) leading a small group of theater participants through a highly interactive game via immersive glasses (2) wireless mic work in front of the theater. Typically an actor will switch positions each hour or as necessary in an (approx) 6-8 hour shift. Please see the attached pdf file for further information regarding the opportunity.
Upon review of the information, the interested parties should contact me and I will conduct a telephone interview to learn more about the prospective hire, review the position requirements, learn about their availability for hours and transportation. I will then schedule each party for an appointment only audition that runs approximately 15 minutes. If the auditioner is successful, then they will receive training materials and instructions as well as a training tape and an opportunity to sign-up for training for the next 3 days (pending availability).
Here is a list of the attachments you should have:
Performer Information
Conflict Worksheet
Audition Read Sheet
KD's Phone Interview
Best regards,
Susan M. Sprout”
“We are recruiting actors in your area to work at $11-13/hr with very flexible scheduling that allows for other productions and life commitments.
The position description is two-fold: (1) leading a small group of theater participants through a highly interactive game via immersive glasses (2) wireless mic work in front of the theater. Typically an actor will switch positions each hour or as necessary in an (approx) 6-8 hour shift. Please see the attached pdf file for further information regarding the opportunity.
Upon review of the information, the interested parties should contact me and I will conduct a telephone interview to learn more about the prospective hire, review the position requirements, learn about their availability for hours and transportation. I will then schedule each party for an appointment only audition that runs approximately 15 minutes. If the auditioner is successful, then they will receive training materials and instructions as well as a training tape and an opportunity to sign-up for training for the next 3 days (pending availability).
Here is a list of the attachments you should have:
Performer Information
Conflict Worksheet
Audition Read Sheet
KD's Phone Interview
Best regards,
Susan M. Sprout”
Sunday, July 23, 2006
An Honored Vow
Saturday was kind of a cloudy, muggy day and I found myself in sole charge of the two young Master Tlines for a few hours. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to visit the Science Museum, allowing me to honor my vow to see the “Hansel and Gretel” skit they’re doing there much earlier than I expected.
Well, we had a swell time and the show was the highlight. We caught the early show (1pm) and both of the kids got into being trees (waving arms, going “woooooo…”) in the forest where Hansel and Gretel were lost. They particularly enjoyed yelling back at Beau Marie whenever he asked for it (which was quite often). Judging from a somewhat objective point of view, the show was just, ya know, sort of OK for your standard mid-day distraction for the kids. But the experience as a whole was pretty magical, thanks totally to the talents of Beau Marie and Shania Taylor, the dedicated thespians putting it on. When the show started, you could tell the crowd was in a sort of sleepy, bored, post-lunch funk. The standard “are you having a great day at the museum?” kind of questions were getting dreary, groaning responses. Any pep seemed to have popped off for Poughkeepsie hours ago.
But Mr. Marie and Ms. Taylor were persistent, clever and over-the-top in terms of silliness. By the time they were done, 8 year olds who had been slumped in their seats only 20 minutes before were laughing, yelling, and enthusiastically playing along. Things occasionally seemed on the verge of spiraling out of control but they always reigned it in and actually were able to get the story across reasonably well. My hats off to Shania and Beau for a couple of very entertaining performances.
The rest of the Science Museum experience was a comparative disappointment. For one thing, my guys are probably a little too young to get the most out of all the science stuff. But my older son, who is nearly 6, was trying his darndest to get some actual information out of the displays but it was too LOUD for me to explain things to him. His inability to read was certainly a factor but even if he had been looking for clarification of some of the more complicated concepts, I couldn't have given them to him over the general commotion.
It seems like the museum is trying for fun as well as informative, a tough balance to achieve. But if the fun could be a little less noisy, the informative might come across more clearly. I'll certainly try again with these guys again down the road. But my expectations will be aligned a little differently. Given the results of this past weekend, maybe we'll plan to see BOTH showings of the play next time...
Well, we had a swell time and the show was the highlight. We caught the early show (1pm) and both of the kids got into being trees (waving arms, going “woooooo…”) in the forest where Hansel and Gretel were lost. They particularly enjoyed yelling back at Beau Marie whenever he asked for it (which was quite often). Judging from a somewhat objective point of view, the show was just, ya know, sort of OK for your standard mid-day distraction for the kids. But the experience as a whole was pretty magical, thanks totally to the talents of Beau Marie and Shania Taylor, the dedicated thespians putting it on. When the show started, you could tell the crowd was in a sort of sleepy, bored, post-lunch funk. The standard “are you having a great day at the museum?” kind of questions were getting dreary, groaning responses. Any pep seemed to have popped off for Poughkeepsie hours ago.
But Mr. Marie and Ms. Taylor were persistent, clever and over-the-top in terms of silliness. By the time they were done, 8 year olds who had been slumped in their seats only 20 minutes before were laughing, yelling, and enthusiastically playing along. Things occasionally seemed on the verge of spiraling out of control but they always reigned it in and actually were able to get the story across reasonably well. My hats off to Shania and Beau for a couple of very entertaining performances.
The rest of the Science Museum experience was a comparative disappointment. For one thing, my guys are probably a little too young to get the most out of all the science stuff. But my older son, who is nearly 6, was trying his darndest to get some actual information out of the displays but it was too LOUD for me to explain things to him. His inability to read was certainly a factor but even if he had been looking for clarification of some of the more complicated concepts, I couldn't have given them to him over the general commotion.
It seems like the museum is trying for fun as well as informative, a tough balance to achieve. But if the fun could be a little less noisy, the informative might come across more clearly. I'll certainly try again with these guys again down the road. But my expectations will be aligned a little differently. Given the results of this past weekend, maybe we'll plan to see BOTH showings of the play next time...
Friday, July 21, 2006
Whiplash
TheatreVCU’s upcoming production schedule is always fun to peruse because it usually gives me whiplash. I wrote about this experience last summer and a look at this coming fall delivers much the same reaction. Starting off with a crazy farce, “The Nerd,” and then following it up with a play from ancient Greece that is one of the cruelest of tragedies of all time (“Medea”) seems like an attempt to pick two plays as dramatically different as possible. Those are the fall shows; then in the spring, the duo of the creepy, scary “When You Comin’ Back Red Ryder?” and the happy, be-bopping “Smokey Joe’s Café” are similar in their striking dissimilarity.
A line-up like this always conjures images for me of the shows running in rep and the characters from one show mistakenly wandering into the other.
Medea: "Forego my resolutions, O my soul, Force not the parent's hand to slay the child."
Willum: "Hey, leave your kids alone! If you wanna kill someone, I’ve got this guy who’s been hanging around my apartment you can help me with. You boys want a sucker?"
Later, Willum’s dinner party ends tragically/hilariously when he puts on the coat he’s received for his birthday and it explodes into flames, leading to a raucous fire extinguisher fight.
This is what happens when theater nerds get silly. As you can see, it’s not pretty.
Just as an aside: Virginia has a pretty horrible connection to "The Nerd:" gifted playwright Larry Shue, who also wrote the oft-performed "The Foreigner" died in a plane crash in Weyer's Cave, Virginia; he was only 39. Imagine what additional comic masterpieces he might have produced...
A line-up like this always conjures images for me of the shows running in rep and the characters from one show mistakenly wandering into the other.
Medea: "Forego my resolutions, O my soul, Force not the parent's hand to slay the child."
Willum: "Hey, leave your kids alone! If you wanna kill someone, I’ve got this guy who’s been hanging around my apartment you can help me with. You boys want a sucker?"
Later, Willum’s dinner party ends tragically/hilariously when he puts on the coat he’s received for his birthday and it explodes into flames, leading to a raucous fire extinguisher fight.
This is what happens when theater nerds get silly. As you can see, it’s not pretty.
Just as an aside: Virginia has a pretty horrible connection to "The Nerd:" gifted playwright Larry Shue, who also wrote the oft-performed "The Foreigner" died in a plane crash in Weyer's Cave, Virginia; he was only 39. Imagine what additional comic masterpieces he might have produced...
A Solemn Vow
The list of links just keeps growing: I've added Larry Gard from the Science Museum Theatre and also the Found Theatre Ensemble, who have a production running now in deep, deep southside with an extremely intriguing title: "How to Succeed in Central Virginia Without Really Trying."
And in honor of Larry's addition, I hearby make a solemn vow to see "Hansel and Gretel" before this summer runs its scorching course. I saw a production at the Science Museum years ago -- perhaps something like "Here's Pi in Your Eye"? -- and have wanted to go back ever since. "Galileo and Shakespeare" was actually on my review schedule for last Fall but something came up at the last minute. There's so many reasons to see "H&G," after all: it's co-written by Shanea Taylor who has been very impressive in the RSF shows; the Theatre IV production of "H&G" a couple of years ago co-starred my lovely daughter and I'd like to see how the SMV Gretel stacks up against my flesh and blood; and it's tied into the Science Museum's exhibit on candy -- a genius bit of synergy if you ask me. What could be better than that? It's also inside -- a plus during these past couple of days that have almost hit triple-digits.
And in honor of Larry's addition, I hearby make a solemn vow to see "Hansel and Gretel" before this summer runs its scorching course. I saw a production at the Science Museum years ago -- perhaps something like "Here's Pi in Your Eye"? -- and have wanted to go back ever since. "Galileo and Shakespeare" was actually on my review schedule for last Fall but something came up at the last minute. There's so many reasons to see "H&G," after all: it's co-written by Shanea Taylor who has been very impressive in the RSF shows; the Theatre IV production of "H&G" a couple of years ago co-starred my lovely daughter and I'd like to see how the SMV Gretel stacks up against my flesh and blood; and it's tied into the Science Museum's exhibit on candy -- a genius bit of synergy if you ask me. What could be better than that? It's also inside -- a plus during these past couple of days that have almost hit triple-digits.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Cats-n-Grease
Here’s a link to my piece in the latest Style about upcoming productions of “Grease” and “Cats” (by Barksdale/Steward School and SPARC, respectively). I strained my brain as hard as I could but I couldn’t come up with some semi-pithy way to talk about Cats slipping on Grease (or perhaps frying in it?). A funny image, perhaps, but not really relevant to anything. Talking to both Mr. Kniffen and Mr. Seward made me want to run right over and check out the Cramer Center at Steward School. It sounds simply gorgeous. I’ve been out there a dozen times for soccer/field hockey games and didn’t know there was a Broadway caliber stage lurking in one of the buildings.
Mr. Width gave me a little preview of how the grand finale/rise to heaven is going to happen in “Cats.” I have complete faith in Tom’s ability to create something truly magical. I’m taking all of my kids and even my mom to see the production, so it better be good!
In the meantime, it seems that my post on Macbeth generated some actual feedback! Yay! Here’s a link to my review to the production. Some folks out there seem to agree with some of my points but those of you who don’t – and perhaps vehemently disagree – don’t shy away from posting your opinion as well.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Got Talent?
I found out from Liz Marks about her other site, www.uptowntalent.com, where people can set up their own web pages to highlight their talents and ambitions as they see fit. You can set up a site as simple or as complicated as you want; Liz says it's how she's doing all of her casting now. You log in as talent and she says it's pretty self explanatory after that (There is a fee involved). Having no talent myself, I haven't gone in there and tried it. But it seems like a pretty cool thing. I've added a link over there on the left just in case you're interested.
Also, a warm welcome to Slashtipher Coleman to the "No People Like Show People" listings. He's got a blog as well. Check it out, why don't you?
Also, a warm welcome to Slashtipher Coleman to the "No People Like Show People" listings. He's got a blog as well. Check it out, why don't you?
Monday, July 17, 2006
Kate Kilgore
Update (07/18): The gathering at Mary Schroll's house to celebrate Kate's life will start at 4pm on Saturday. The service at the church will be a small one for Kate's relatives. Friends are encouraged to come to Mary's. Her phone number is 321-6300.
The following information was forwarded on to me by Jackie Jones concerning the death of Kate Kilgore, who has died just 6 months after her father, Barksdale Theatre co-founder Pete Kilgore, died.
It was confirmed that Kate suffered a massive heart-attack. The family is having a private memorial service on Saturday, July 22, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Hanover. Kevin, her brother, is scheduling the time of day for her memorial service. Immediately following the service, family and friends are invited to 3412 Noble Avenue, Richmond (the home of Mary Schroll) for a casual gathering to celebrate Kate's life.
Of special concern is finding a good home for Kate's two female kitties, Moe and Tiger Lilly, who are both 10 years of age and very, very sweet indoor cats. If you may know of someone who is looking for wonderful companions, please contact Mary Schroll.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
MacBeth
Update (07/19/06): My review of Macbeth posted today at Style. Check it out.
So this is where it gets difficult. Saw MacBeth last night at Agecroft, didn't really like the production. No time to elaborate right now. Review forthcoming...
Update (07/17/06): Here's a link to the Times-Dispatch review, wherein the production is described as "interesting" and "quirky." I'm pretty sure my review will appear in Style in this Wednesday's edition and I'll post a link as soon as there is one.
So this is where it gets difficult. Saw MacBeth last night at Agecroft, didn't really like the production. No time to elaborate right now. Review forthcoming...
Update (07/17/06): Here's a link to the Times-Dispatch review, wherein the production is described as "interesting" and "quirky." I'm pretty sure my review will appear in Style in this Wednesday's edition and I'll post a link as soon as there is one.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Mahalia
Seeing the review of "Mahalia" in today's Times-Dispatch made me realize that I had neither written an "official" entry on this show nor added it to the "Now Showing" section of the blog. I wrote about the show in a post a week or so ago, but nothing official. I tell you what, this blog stuff could really become an all-encompassing thing if you let it. That's one of the reasons why I stay away from MySpace.com. I hear people go there never to emerge again.
Ms. Haubenstock obviously was swept away by Ms. Armstrong's amazing voice and it sounds like Mr. Width did a great job with the production as per usual. Only a few small qualms with this review: what does 'packed with musicality' mean? and whatever it means, wouldn't you expect it from the voice of a singer? and finally, if the music was so great, how about a shout-out to the musical director, who I believe is the always wonderful Paul Deiss?
Unfortunately, I don't foresee a trip to "Mahalia" in my future, unless I can convince my boss to let a whole gang of us from work go see it as a field trip. Hmmm.... come to think of it, that just might work! One of the joys of having a truly excellent boss is that he's predisposed to go along with your reasoning about something being work-related, regardless of how far-out that reasoning is. I'll start lobbying him next week...
In the meantime, I'm looking forward to "MacBeth" tonight. Nothing like a cheerful, little comedy to brighten your mood after a long week. ):-\
Ms. Haubenstock obviously was swept away by Ms. Armstrong's amazing voice and it sounds like Mr. Width did a great job with the production as per usual. Only a few small qualms with this review: what does 'packed with musicality' mean? and whatever it means, wouldn't you expect it from the voice of a singer? and finally, if the music was so great, how about a shout-out to the musical director, who I believe is the always wonderful Paul Deiss?
Unfortunately, I don't foresee a trip to "Mahalia" in my future, unless I can convince my boss to let a whole gang of us from work go see it as a field trip. Hmmm.... come to think of it, that just might work! One of the joys of having a truly excellent boss is that he's predisposed to go along with your reasoning about something being work-related, regardless of how far-out that reasoning is. I'll start lobbying him next week...
In the meantime, I'm looking forward to "MacBeth" tonight. Nothing like a cheerful, little comedy to brighten your mood after a long week. ):-\
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Purlie
Hey kids, let’s play fun facts! The musical “Purlie” had a (somewhat vague) Virginia connection before the current production at the Dell. Do you know what it is?
Way back in 1981, Showtime taped a production of “Purlie” which starred a pair of actors who were two of only a handful of African-Americans who headlined popular TV shows in that era. Can you name them?
One of the lead actresses in that production would go on to play the mother of one of the most popular African-American actors of all time. Can you name her and the TV show she would later star in?
OK, answers: The Encores! production of “Purlie” last year starred central Virginia native Blair Underwood. If you want to go even further, the original 1970 production on Broadway ended its run at the theater now called the Virginia (it was the ANTA back then).
The 1981 production starred Robert Guillaume who would go on to star in the TV show “Benson” and Sherman Hemsley, the beloved George Jefferson of “The Jeffersons.” The production also starred Clarice Taylor who would co-star as Bill Cosby’s mom on “The Cosby Show.”
You’ll thank me for this some day, perhaps during a late night Trivial Pursuit game…
Way back in 1981, Showtime taped a production of “Purlie” which starred a pair of actors who were two of only a handful of African-Americans who headlined popular TV shows in that era. Can you name them?
One of the lead actresses in that production would go on to play the mother of one of the most popular African-American actors of all time. Can you name her and the TV show she would later star in?
OK, answers: The Encores! production of “Purlie” last year starred central Virginia native Blair Underwood. If you want to go even further, the original 1970 production on Broadway ended its run at the theater now called the Virginia (it was the ANTA back then).
The 1981 production starred Robert Guillaume who would go on to star in the TV show “Benson” and Sherman Hemsley, the beloved George Jefferson of “The Jeffersons.” The production also starred Clarice Taylor who would co-star as Bill Cosby’s mom on “The Cosby Show.”
You’ll thank me for this some day, perhaps during a late night Trivial Pursuit game…
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Sure, let someone else cover the naked girls
I’m not the only guy who writes about theater for Style. Brandon Reynolds got to write the article about Petersburg’s Nouvelle Burlesque in this week’s edition. I’m not envious though. Why would I be interested in talking to and watching half-naked women cavort about the stage? Heck no, not me.
While I’m talking about Style, the cover story in this issue is very interesting, required reading for anyone who cares about media coverage in Richmond. I’m not one of those people who is disgusted with everything the Times-Dispatch does or stands for or anything. But I think monopolies are generally dangerous things and the TD has a monopoly on daily news coverage in Richmond. I’m glad we have Style as an alternative but the resources it has are miniscule in comparison. That people at the TD somehow think they are above talking to other media outlets – or in some cases are afraid to talk to other media outlets – is a sad commentary on the state of journalism.
While I’m talking about Style, the cover story in this issue is very interesting, required reading for anyone who cares about media coverage in Richmond. I’m not one of those people who is disgusted with everything the Times-Dispatch does or stands for or anything. But I think monopolies are generally dangerous things and the TD has a monopoly on daily news coverage in Richmond. I’m glad we have Style as an alternative but the resources it has are miniscule in comparison. That people at the TD somehow think they are above talking to other media outlets – or in some cases are afraid to talk to other media outlets – is a sad commentary on the state of journalism.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
A different stage show
Back in the day, my lovely wife and I would see a movie a week. Sometimes two. Summertime always meant 4 or 5 concerts; I saw Neil Young like 3 years in a row back in the 80s. That’s on top of seeing theater whenever someone I knew was in a play. Man, those were the days…
Still, I do still manage to see something else besides theater once in a great while and last week we packed up the wee ones and took in the Sara Evans concert at Innsbrook. Ms. Evans has an amazing voice and my 11-year old daughter knows virtually all of her songs, many of which have some great lyrics (“Perfect” is a particularly favorite of mine).
Well, the show was wonderful. Sara (we’re on a first name basis now…) had a cute personality, even though she did a lot of that Katherine McPhee-style waving at the crowd (can she even see who she’s waving at?) And she covered a lot of her hits and some songs I hadn’t heard before but instantly liked. Most impressive: the sound quality was exceptional; clear as a bell and loud enough but not ear-splitting like so many concerts tend to be these days.
But on the way home, I did think for a moment about what a great value theater is, particularly musical theater. At Sara Evans, we were probably 50 yards away from her and had to stand much of the show to see anything. The crowd was generally well behaved but there were still several words tossed around casually I would have preferred my 5-year old hadn’t heard. At a good musical, you have singers that are also usually awesome plus a story that hopefully is entertaining plus you can sit down relatively close to the performers and the crowd generally sits in respectful silence and listens. All and all, not a bad deal…
Still, I do still manage to see something else besides theater once in a great while and last week we packed up the wee ones and took in the Sara Evans concert at Innsbrook. Ms. Evans has an amazing voice and my 11-year old daughter knows virtually all of her songs, many of which have some great lyrics (“Perfect” is a particularly favorite of mine).
Well, the show was wonderful. Sara (we’re on a first name basis now…) had a cute personality, even though she did a lot of that Katherine McPhee-style waving at the crowd (can she even see who she’s waving at?) And she covered a lot of her hits and some songs I hadn’t heard before but instantly liked. Most impressive: the sound quality was exceptional; clear as a bell and loud enough but not ear-splitting like so many concerts tend to be these days.
But on the way home, I did think for a moment about what a great value theater is, particularly musical theater. At Sara Evans, we were probably 50 yards away from her and had to stand much of the show to see anything. The crowd was generally well behaved but there were still several words tossed around casually I would have preferred my 5-year old hadn’t heard. At a good musical, you have singers that are also usually awesome plus a story that hopefully is entertaining plus you can sit down relatively close to the performers and the crowd generally sits in respectful silence and listens. All and all, not a bad deal…
Monday, July 10, 2006
We’re all in this together
New links! A few weeks ago I had heard about this exciting new project Bridget Gethins has been working on that brings together creative women in the Richmond community. The group is working toward doing some staged readings of Ibsen plays in the Fall. It sounds like it’s still developing into whatever it’s going to be but it’s got a lot of great people involved already so I look forward to hearing more about it. In the meantime, here’s a link to their blog.
I’ve also added a permanent link to Bridget’s group over in a new section on the left here called “We’re All In This Together” (sorry, I’ve got “High School Musical” on the brain…) I’ve added links to TVJerry’s site since Jerry’s site has been the go-to place for production information in town since its inception. You’ll also see Liz Marks Casting’s site listed because, well, Liz gets people work and is great at her job. And we all love getting work, now don’t we?
Finally, the lovely and talented Jackie Jones has a site of her own up and it’s a winner. I’ve already had a great time listening to the accents she’s used in her voice-over work. Check it out yourself by clicking here.
I’ve also added a permanent link to Bridget’s group over in a new section on the left here called “We’re All In This Together” (sorry, I’ve got “High School Musical” on the brain…) I’ve added links to TVJerry’s site since Jerry’s site has been the go-to place for production information in town since its inception. You’ll also see Liz Marks Casting’s site listed because, well, Liz gets people work and is great at her job. And we all love getting work, now don’t we?
Finally, the lovely and talented Jackie Jones has a site of her own up and it’s a winner. I’ve already had a great time listening to the accents she’s used in her voice-over work. Check it out yourself by clicking here.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Must-see theater...
...a post, wherein I reveal my own shocking first love!
OK, just being dramatic but I have to say that receiving the Modlin Arts Center catalogue for their upcoming season has me, in the infamous words of Shprockets, as happy as a little girl. Sure, David Sedaris should be great. And gotta give a shout-out to d.l.hopkins: as the UR Artist-in-Residence next season, he's going to be doing some cool things.
But what really got my motor running was the Ionesco double-bill. Yes, it's true: I'm a sucker for a good absurdist play. Oh sure, I'll travel across the country for a production of "Les Mis," could see "Godspell" once a week for the rest of my life, and have been transfixed by Tennessee Williams' work many times. But in my heart of hearts, my most favoritest play is the most famous of all absurdist works, Beckett's "Waiting for Godot." And one of the first shows that turned me on to theater in the first place was an absolutely hilarious production of "Rhinocerous" that my high school did some 25 years ago. I've had a soft spot for Ionesco ever since and Modlin's promise of "Bald Soprano" and "The Chairs" together is already written in ink on my calendar.
I've also gotta hand it to the folks at Modlin: they are embracing all media with a vengeance. They've got a MySpace page apparently and, of course, a blog! Looks like I've got to make some room over there on the left for some more links!
Did everyone have a great Fourth of July?
OK, just being dramatic but I have to say that receiving the Modlin Arts Center catalogue for their upcoming season has me, in the infamous words of Shprockets, as happy as a little girl. Sure, David Sedaris should be great. And gotta give a shout-out to d.l.hopkins: as the UR Artist-in-Residence next season, he's going to be doing some cool things.
But what really got my motor running was the Ionesco double-bill. Yes, it's true: I'm a sucker for a good absurdist play. Oh sure, I'll travel across the country for a production of "Les Mis," could see "Godspell" once a week for the rest of my life, and have been transfixed by Tennessee Williams' work many times. But in my heart of hearts, my most favoritest play is the most famous of all absurdist works, Beckett's "Waiting for Godot." And one of the first shows that turned me on to theater in the first place was an absolutely hilarious production of "Rhinocerous" that my high school did some 25 years ago. I've had a soft spot for Ionesco ever since and Modlin's promise of "Bald Soprano" and "The Chairs" together is already written in ink on my calendar.
I've also gotta hand it to the folks at Modlin: they are embracing all media with a vengeance. They've got a MySpace page apparently and, of course, a blog! Looks like I've got to make some room over there on the left for some more links!
Did everyone have a great Fourth of July?
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Amen
I’ve always had an interesting time balancing my different work lives. Writing about theater is a relatively tiny aspect of my life. It usually sits over in the corner while everything else I do hums along until once in a while I go see a show or talk to a few people about an upcoming production.
But I took a new job about 9 months ago with a pretty small company and there’s a woman here (let’s call her Brenda) who is an old friend of Melissa Johnston’s. This led to a very interesting conversation about "The Goat" at the Firehouse, which Brenda brought some of her more conservative friends to. Suffice it to say that these friends have not been eager to see theater with her since. So whenever a new play opens, she asks me whether it has bestiality in it.
Well, several weeks ago, a different woman at our company died, a somewhat sudden and tragic death from a particularly aggressive form of cancer. The glorious Cora Harvey Armstrong sang at this woman’s funeral and, as per usual, her amazing voice transfixed and uplifted everyone there. In conversations afterward, I casually mentioned the upcoming production of “Mahalia” that opens at the Mill in a week or so. Now suddenly everyone knows I’m the theater guy which isn’t such a bad thing, I guess. More to the point, the production of “Mahalia” should get at least a couple dozen people attending that don’t usually go to theater. And that’s certainly a good thing.
But I took a new job about 9 months ago with a pretty small company and there’s a woman here (let’s call her Brenda) who is an old friend of Melissa Johnston’s. This led to a very interesting conversation about "The Goat" at the Firehouse, which Brenda brought some of her more conservative friends to. Suffice it to say that these friends have not been eager to see theater with her since. So whenever a new play opens, she asks me whether it has bestiality in it.
Well, several weeks ago, a different woman at our company died, a somewhat sudden and tragic death from a particularly aggressive form of cancer. The glorious Cora Harvey Armstrong sang at this woman’s funeral and, as per usual, her amazing voice transfixed and uplifted everyone there. In conversations afterward, I casually mentioned the upcoming production of “Mahalia” that opens at the Mill in a week or so. Now suddenly everyone knows I’m the theater guy which isn’t such a bad thing, I guess. More to the point, the production of “Mahalia” should get at least a couple dozen people attending that don’t usually go to theater. And that’s certainly a good thing.
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