This was a great production, I really enjoyed it. After the play I had the opportunity to watch the movie. I found out that the movie was adapted from the play, between the movie and the theater production there was little to no difference, except one being on stage and the other a film.
As a member of the Audience I did not feel at anytime bored or that the actors lost my attention. The stage was a Proscenium Arch and the house was full. It was 1hour and 45 minutes with no intermission (you did not realize how fast time flew). The playwright did an incredible job in researching the actual events before writing his play because the interview was very close to the actual interview.
I appreciated how simple, yet interesting the sets were. The crew did a fantastic job in switching scenes, moved very quickly, which really helped in not losing track of the story. I especially enjoyed the airplane scene. Rarely do we get to see scenes, such on airplanes, on stage, it is very usual in movie productions, so when I saw it, that I loved it. The use of projector screens was very appropriate for this play. The marriage of TV and real life acting worked. I almost felt like I was watching Frost’s interview at home.
I really enjoyed this production.
Thank You
James L
Monday, June 15, 2009
Louis's at 1st and Main
Louis's at 1st and Main is the story of a homeless man, Dimitri, Living in a cardboard box in a big city. Seeing that it was behind a coffee shop, I think it would be best to say that the stage was a combination of black box and found space. As you walk in to take your seat, you can not help notice the beautiful set design, two apartment buildings stand side by side with a small alley way between them. The buildings have a brownstone look to them, (which look very realistic) and the alley way is where our main character, Dimitri, resides, in his cardboard box.
The backdrop gave us a clear idea of the location of Dimitri, who had very neat torn cloths and did look a little too clean for a street bum. I also wondered about Louis's clean feet, though in the end we find out who he really is; which kinder explained his cleanliness. The band and feathers on him in the end also gave clues to his real identity. The other thing I did not appreciate was that during the intermission, the actor, who played Louis, mingled with the audience, which in my opinion took away the believability to his character. Through the second half of the play I had a hard time seeing him as his character. Tessie's costume was very effective, she wore mismatched colors; it almost felt like she found things on the street and made them into cloths. Her character was very believable; she gave of the impression of a crazy street lady, well done.
I really enjoyed that being our first play, we started out with something small and moved to bigger things as we progressed.
Thank You
James L.
The backdrop gave us a clear idea of the location of Dimitri, who had very neat torn cloths and did look a little too clean for a street bum. I also wondered about Louis's clean feet, though in the end we find out who he really is; which kinder explained his cleanliness. The band and feathers on him in the end also gave clues to his real identity. The other thing I did not appreciate was that during the intermission, the actor, who played Louis, mingled with the audience, which in my opinion took away the believability to his character. Through the second half of the play I had a hard time seeing him as his character. Tessie's costume was very effective, she wore mismatched colors; it almost felt like she found things on the street and made them into cloths. Her character was very believable; she gave of the impression of a crazy street lady, well done.
I really enjoyed that being our first play, we started out with something small and moved to bigger things as we progressed.
Thank You
James L.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Imaginary design
When we went to see the Imaginary Invalid I was excited to write about scene design. We've had many different stages to work with, and crazy designs in all our previous plays, so I was excited to finally comment on them.
And then we walked in.
Not that I was disappointed, but it was a very generic stage space. But oddly, as the show started, I grew to like it. I cant imagine how it would worked any other way.
From the opening number I was intrigued. I loved the desgin of the clothes, how they undressed the invalid after the music number, and how the whole thing represented the whole theme of the play. It started off silly and crazy, and never let us down after that.
The clothing design was very well portrayed. I never got confused as to what each character represented. The sluttty gold digging wife dressed that way, the invalid wore a robe, the naive slightly whiney daughter dressed accordingly. It all worked very well for the cast. Everyone looked really natural and good.
I love love loved how the bathroom was right there, and how when you opened the door to the bathroom, the audience could see the toilet. That little piece really added to the show for me, who knows what he could have been doing in that room if the audience had not seen the bathroom when he went in. It really was something extra that payed off.
I also enjoyed the design of the stage space in general. The desk, with the chairs, and the window, it all worked. And as the characters walked off stage, it was as if they were just walking into another part of the house. They never changed what room they were in, becuase they really didnt have to . It worked very well.
As our last play it was a success for me. A little too slapstick humor, but I enjoyed it all the same.
Its been a great class! :) :)
Alex Ashton
And then we walked in.
Not that I was disappointed, but it was a very generic stage space. But oddly, as the show started, I grew to like it. I cant imagine how it would worked any other way.
From the opening number I was intrigued. I loved the desgin of the clothes, how they undressed the invalid after the music number, and how the whole thing represented the whole theme of the play. It started off silly and crazy, and never let us down after that.
The clothing design was very well portrayed. I never got confused as to what each character represented. The sluttty gold digging wife dressed that way, the invalid wore a robe, the naive slightly whiney daughter dressed accordingly. It all worked very well for the cast. Everyone looked really natural and good.
I love love loved how the bathroom was right there, and how when you opened the door to the bathroom, the audience could see the toilet. That little piece really added to the show for me, who knows what he could have been doing in that room if the audience had not seen the bathroom when he went in. It really was something extra that payed off.
I also enjoyed the design of the stage space in general. The desk, with the chairs, and the window, it all worked. And as the characters walked off stage, it was as if they were just walking into another part of the house. They never changed what room they were in, becuase they really didnt have to . It worked very well.
As our last play it was a success for me. A little too slapstick humor, but I enjoyed it all the same.
Its been a great class! :) :)
Alex Ashton
Turn your head and laugh
Many things could be said about this production of Moliere's The Imaginary Invalid, most of which are simply that it is delightfully funny. This time around i was charged with critiquing the directing of the show, and seeing as I have had previous experince with this show I feel it is an appropriate note to end upon.
I feel that the director chose the actors appropriately for this production with a few exceptions. I felt that the wise cracking Toinette was really toned down in this production, but Argon was a perfect choice. He really portrayed the severe hypochondriac that is Argon's character perfectly and looked really frail which is an excellent choice. Angelique was cute and all, but she was not as the I'd come to believe the character should be from witnessing other works of Moliere. It was strange, as it worked to an extent, but I found her rather annoying at times rather than sypathetic as her and her simalar characters from Moliere's other works have portrayed her previously.
The stage was relatively unimpressive as seeing three works of Moliere and the stage set up hasn't changed once. Not one time. Each time the same set up of a flat wall and two smaller walls creating a trapezoid room. But it's a formula that works as is evident nearly every time.
All in all I feel he made some interesting choices, although quite perlexing at times more than entertaining, and I left feeling really, genuinely entertained and delighted.
I feel that the director chose the actors appropriately for this production with a few exceptions. I felt that the wise cracking Toinette was really toned down in this production, but Argon was a perfect choice. He really portrayed the severe hypochondriac that is Argon's character perfectly and looked really frail which is an excellent choice. Angelique was cute and all, but she was not as the I'd come to believe the character should be from witnessing other works of Moliere. It was strange, as it worked to an extent, but I found her rather annoying at times rather than sypathetic as her and her simalar characters from Moliere's other works have portrayed her previously.
The stage was relatively unimpressive as seeing three works of Moliere and the stage set up hasn't changed once. Not one time. Each time the same set up of a flat wall and two smaller walls creating a trapezoid room. But it's a formula that works as is evident nearly every time.
All in all I feel he made some interesting choices, although quite perlexing at times more than entertaining, and I left feeling really, genuinely entertained and delighted.
Sisters on Stage
The stage that we saw The Three Sisters performed on was a very interesting one. I can honestly say I have never seen anything like it. It consisted of an octagonal stage surrounded on the points by flower pots. The audience sat on three sides of this stage; the fourth side was trees! They weren't real trees of course, but they really did look like the trunks of a forest. There were several entrances and exits from this stage, some out past the audience, others leading into the “forest”. This made it feel like an arena stage, though it wasn't. The only problem I had with this setup was that the ends of the audience arc ended in a wall, and that wall formed a proscenium of sorts around the forest. I was on the end of the arc, and therefore couldn't see half of the trees. At one point I heard a voice and realized that a character had been there for the past... I don't know how long, and I hadn't even known. This was a bit frustrating. But other than that I liked it. The action was centralized, and the actors were able to just about act out from the trees, with the occasional turn to keep the sides happy. The flowers were a nice touch as well, adding a bit of color and, later, time reference. The props and furniture were quite sparse, and definitely only there when needed, so often the stage had a nice open feel and allowed the actors plenty of space. I think that this type of space, provided there aren't any sharp corners hiding the action, would lend itself well to a lot of shows.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Ember's Imaginary Invalid Post
On Saturday night, not realising that the parade was going to go down, I went to see The Imaginary Invalid since I had my choir final the night that the class was to go see it. I have to admit I was interested because as a class project in high school, we did Moliere's The Love Doctor. Now, I have to admit that within moments of the start of the play, I found myself disappointed that the assigned topic was simply the stage space. Please don't get me wrong, the Winningstad Theatre is a nice space, but as you guys will probably see the best parts were probably script and acting because there was so much to say about. Now, I probably have a slightly unique perspective because the address I had seen on the website was to that of the box office, which is located across the street and one block down, and didn't get into the theatre until after the overture had begun. Because of this slight lateness, they placed me in one of the upper tiers of seating for the first act and said I could go to my proper seat during the second act, which is what I did.And as for the stage space. The Winningstad is proscenium arch theatre inside the Center for the Performing Arts. From an actors perspective it would be amazing to do a production there...with the exception of I don't know how the wings and backstage is set up, and for some reason what seemed to be one of the technical crew decided to just come out behind the stage right curtain during intermission. The proscenium arch stage can be viewed from five different levels. Above the ground flooring(where you have the seats people are assigned to sit are) it is almost like having box seats, except in this case the box goes around to be three quarters, suggesting that you can take out the ground seating and make it a thrust stage. The wood these boxes are composed of give a very antique feel to the place making it have a character that kind of ignited some excitement in me. From the tier I was sitting in to something that was like a box skeleton hanging on the ceiling where some of the lights were, the wood was used for it all. Thinking about it, it seemed to have a regal feeling to it. Overall it was an interesting and wonderful space, but I stand by my opening opinion that it wasn't the best part of the experience for this particular production.
Imaginary Invalid design
The Imaginary Invalid was a very good play that had many different aspects that I could write about. But I was sentenced to design so that’s what I will do. The design aspects were not the best but not the worst. It worked in the sense of they covered the entire basis from the stage design to the way the actors looked. The crew did a really good job with the stage and making it look like a real house. They had a table with a couple of big chairs laid out in the room. They presented the stage like it was a family room with a wall torn down. They even put a bathroom in the middle of the room. This really added to the house feel.
The outfits worn by all the actors definitely fit the characters. The old man looked like an old man relaxed at home. The doctors all looked very efficient in robes or in the suites with face masks to top it off. The wife looked like a cheating hussy in the tight little outfit that really presented the character for what she really was. The maid had the best costume. The getup really matched her personality with being kind of spunky and had a little zest to it. The daughter was dressed like a sweet little innocent girl and then acted like a sweet little innocent girl. Then her future husband matched his character by acting and dressing like a sheltered preppy boy that never really did any bad in his life.
Over all I would say yes the characters fit the design as well as the set matching the script. Everything seemed to flow together really nicely from the acting to the set design. I would recommend this to friend if it was still around.
Great Production
I'm not too familiar with the original, but if it was anything like this, I am very, very impressed. This was really an incredible play, I am so glad we saved this as our final production.
I don’t know about you guys, but this play was full of great comedic lines. I especially liked the Duck song, or when Angelique was telling the maid about her “intercourse” experience, “we did at the gates, and at the back door, you know through the key hole”, ahahahah, of coarse it was not really intercourse., lol.
Brilliant!!
Toinette, “mommy” was just fantastic, always going for the money, full of sarcasm. “It is so difficult when we enjoy our, delicious moments together, when I am consumed with so many fears; fear that I may lose you at any moment……but what if you didn’t die, umm a, I mean what if you can’t speak…God forbid if that ever happens, I won’t be able to give you what you neeeeed” lol
And even the doctor’s lines were great. I’m looking over my notes and can’t stop laughing, Great play, I really enjoyed this one.
Thank You
James L.
I don’t know about you guys, but this play was full of great comedic lines. I especially liked the Duck song, or when Angelique was telling the maid about her “intercourse” experience, “we did at the gates, and at the back door, you know through the key hole”, ahahahah, of coarse it was not really intercourse., lol.
Brilliant!!
Toinette, “mommy” was just fantastic, always going for the money, full of sarcasm. “It is so difficult when we enjoy our, delicious moments together, when I am consumed with so many fears; fear that I may lose you at any moment……but what if you didn’t die, umm a, I mean what if you can’t speak…God forbid if that ever happens, I won’t be able to give you what you neeeeed” lol
And even the doctor’s lines were great. I’m looking over my notes and can’t stop laughing, Great play, I really enjoyed this one.
Thank You
James L.
Thoughts about Antigone
Well what could I say about Antigone? It was a pretty good play but pretty darn dry. I know the play was based on dry material but I expected a little more action. The director seemed to mainly focus on getting the story across to the audience then concentrating on more movement. The director should be concentrating on a few more things then just that. They should also concentrate on how well the actions of the play are portrayed, were the movements good, was the play worth doing (does the topics interest the audience).
These would have been some good questions that the director could have asked himself in the making of this play. I think it might have been a good idea to just do another production altogether. But since this was the play being used the director might have thought about trying to spicing it up a bit. There was some very good acting which helped make the play some what successful. There was some good direction there, making sure all the actors were property in place at the proper times. That would have been a difficult task considering it was stage covered by audience members on all sides.
I think this play could have been appealing to some audience members in different part of the
All in all I thought this play was good but just a little to slow for me. I felt the actors did a good job really capturing the story. The scenery looked good and really helped set the mood. The lighting and sound was also excellent giving the story an intense feeling at times. I imagine this play would have been good for a crowd about 100 years ago. Things would have probably fit together a little better.
Three sisters and me
There were a few different aspects about the Three Sisters that I could write about. I really did not like this play at all though. The play had a few different twists and turns throughout the story that were hard for me to keep track of everything. This was more of a feminine play then anything. It focused on the woman and their troubles in life. I don’t really like to criticize a piece of work like this but wow. I thought Antigone was slow but this actually put me to sleep. I tried to get into the story as much as I could but it could not keep my interest longer then ten minutes at a time.
The story focused on a family with three sisters and the men in their lives. Basically about all the troubles that happen to people in their lives. Mainly the women though, trying to find someone to love and going threw all the troubles that come into their life’s. This was only really significant though if these events actually mirrored events in ones life. These events discussed I never had happen to me and did not really care about. I know this play was made for females so I tried not to judge it so much. If it was called three brothers I’m assuming it would have been right up my ally.
All in all I would give this play about 6 out of 10. I went into this thinking it was going to be funny, big mistake. Next time I will know better then to expect a lot of a play that has only women in the title. The acting was alright but could have been better with some. The scenery was good but maybe could have a little more to spice things up. But the story just didn’t do it for me. I could see how this play could really relate to some people and why all the girls in the class seemed to love it.
Late is better then Never
Three Sisters Directing
I really enjoyed this show. It was really a new experience. I had never been to that theatre before, and I enjoyed the varieties of different stage spaces we saw at the time. I think that the director chose a lot of well pieces for this play. First off lets go with the casting; most of the people fit their costumes and parts of the play. I really believe that the director casted: Irina, the two soldiers whose names were never mentioned, Masha’s husband, and Olga for the right parts. I don’t know how the director first imagined Masha herself to be, but when I first sat down I thought she was the mother and not the sister. I think as well that the General and Doctor were well casted on the director’s part. So I think that the acting for Three Sisters was remarkable on some of the actors that the director had chosen, and questionable of the directors point of view with a couple of people. Another thing that the director had done that I thought was really exciting and new was the stage space. It was so fascinating, because it was a mixture: between a black-box, an arena, and a thrust stage all combined into one spot. It really blew my mind, because in this instance I thought that the arena was well used this time around, and that the director chose well the movement and the setting of the arena in the play itself. I think in a grading of the elements themselves that the director would be in the top two, because of how much time you could see that they put into this piece of art to represent themselves. I thoroughly enjoyed this show.
~Nici Benois~
I really enjoyed this show. It was really a new experience. I had never been to that theatre before, and I enjoyed the varieties of different stage spaces we saw at the time. I think that the director chose a lot of well pieces for this play. First off lets go with the casting; most of the people fit their costumes and parts of the play. I really believe that the director casted: Irina, the two soldiers whose names were never mentioned, Masha’s husband, and Olga for the right parts. I don’t know how the director first imagined Masha herself to be, but when I first sat down I thought she was the mother and not the sister. I think as well that the General and Doctor were well casted on the director’s part. So I think that the acting for Three Sisters was remarkable on some of the actors that the director had chosen, and questionable of the directors point of view with a couple of people. Another thing that the director had done that I thought was really exciting and new was the stage space. It was so fascinating, because it was a mixture: between a black-box, an arena, and a thrust stage all combined into one spot. It really blew my mind, because in this instance I thought that the arena was well used this time around, and that the director chose well the movement and the setting of the arena in the play itself. I think in a grading of the elements themselves that the director would be in the top two, because of how much time you could see that they put into this piece of art to represent themselves. I thoroughly enjoyed this show.
~Nici Benois~
If it ducks...
I thoroughly enjoyed this, our fifth and final play of the term. And what I thought really made the show the hilarious, brilliant production that it was was the acting. The director did a great job of choosing a cast that fit the parts that were called for, and I know for a fact that I laughed at each of the characters several times. Their energy, camaraderie and timing were spot on. For example, when I saw the picture of Kevin Crowe, who played Argan, out in the lobby, I could not believe that I was looking at the same guy. The man that was on the stage was so *old*! And so sick. Crowe really made me believe that he was both. He really showed his illness, making the audience believe it. And Sasha Brooks, playing his wife Beline, was great at being two-faced. Whenever she mentioned her husband's possible death, she would do so with great glee. But she would catch herself halfway through and add a “God forbid” or something close into the mix. Her timing in this matter worked really well. But one of my favorite moments in the show came from the notary Monsieur de Bonnefoi, played by Zach Johnson. Argan mentioned his fortune, which he later puts at four million dollars. At this figure, de Bonnefoi (who is Beline's lover) nearly faints. His legs nearly buckle and he does a little swaying dance before recovering a bit of his composure. This physical stunt was perfectly executed and made a big impression on me. I could go through the rest of the cast, but I don't want to ramble. Suffice it to say that they were all very good at what they did. And the show was great because of it.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
what is the Classical interpretation?
Script for Imaginary Invalid
What to say, I think I would have enjoyed the script in moliers version much better, then the adaptation we saw last Thursday. When Alisha told us that Molier had passed away in this show for his last performance ever, I was confused as to why the reasoning of his death was so comedic. I had no Idea what this show was supposed to be about, but I went in with an open mind thinking sweet a comedy. Michael tried his best to let me in on what the play was about, but in all reality I was confused until I knew what an invalid was. I thought that the play had a lot of comedic dialogue mixed in with singing and hip hop dancing was a new approach. I don’t know what Molier would have thought if he saw this interpretation. Now correct me if I am wrong, this whole play was about a father who kept saying he was ill but never was and was trying to marry his daughter off to a doctor for his fake illnesses? I want to know what Molier’s true intentions were for this comedy. I must say, that there were a few parts in the play that were very humorous because of the sexual innuendos and all the bathroom humor and back-stories with the step mom and the will guy. This show is in-between for me, I want to now see this production the classical way.
~Nici Benois~
What to say, I think I would have enjoyed the script in moliers version much better, then the adaptation we saw last Thursday. When Alisha told us that Molier had passed away in this show for his last performance ever, I was confused as to why the reasoning of his death was so comedic. I had no Idea what this show was supposed to be about, but I went in with an open mind thinking sweet a comedy. Michael tried his best to let me in on what the play was about, but in all reality I was confused until I knew what an invalid was. I thought that the play had a lot of comedic dialogue mixed in with singing and hip hop dancing was a new approach. I don’t know what Molier would have thought if he saw this interpretation. Now correct me if I am wrong, this whole play was about a father who kept saying he was ill but never was and was trying to marry his daughter off to a doctor for his fake illnesses? I want to know what Molier’s true intentions were for this comedy. I must say, that there were a few parts in the play that were very humorous because of the sexual innuendos and all the bathroom humor and back-stories with the step mom and the will guy. This show is in-between for me, I want to now see this production the classical way.
~Nici Benois~
Monday, June 8, 2009
great script
I'm not very familiar with the original version of this play, but if it was anything like this I'm very impressed. The opening sequence when the cast came out and started singing and dancing felt like a warm up, after they were done I felt like I was ready to watch the film. I felt relaxed and interested (for a change) right away for the duration of the play. The relationship between the master and the servant was apparent from the start. He was this hypercondriac and she was his care taker. Beyond just doing what he asked her to do, but it was obvious by the way she talked to him that she cared for him and his daughter. I loved the way he described his flatulent to the audience, it was toilet humor that you seem to only get from "South Park" It was nice to see it on stage.
His wife had quirky things to say but it wasn't well disguised. If they had played a little more with the words she used to try to trick him out of his money I think it would have sold me a little better on the scheme. He may had been a invalid in his mind but I don't believe he was stupid, so they could have made the scam her and the notary were trying to pull a little more sophisticated.
I'm not sure but, what did he do for a living?
His daughter was fun to listen to, especially when she was talking about all the sex her and her boyfriend was or wasn't having. I'm not sure if the writer was having her say what she was saying without understanding what she was talking about. I got a feeling that they weren't really having sex, but they were doing something else but she was describing what they were doing by using sexual context.
The ending seemed to come together too fast in my opinion. We got to see the idiot she was going to marry along with his hilarious uncle. I felt that we didn't get to see enough of the enema man, and the part where he wanted to be a doctor was a little cheesy for me. But overall it was a great play.
p.s.- I bet you can tell that I lost my notes, I won't have a beverage during work hours again.
Patrick Ford
His wife had quirky things to say but it wasn't well disguised. If they had played a little more with the words she used to try to trick him out of his money I think it would have sold me a little better on the scheme. He may had been a invalid in his mind but I don't believe he was stupid, so they could have made the scam her and the notary were trying to pull a little more sophisticated.
I'm not sure but, what did he do for a living?
His daughter was fun to listen to, especially when she was talking about all the sex her and her boyfriend was or wasn't having. I'm not sure if the writer was having her say what she was saying without understanding what she was talking about. I got a feeling that they weren't really having sex, but they were doing something else but she was describing what they were doing by using sexual context.
The ending seemed to come together too fast in my opinion. We got to see the idiot she was going to marry along with his hilarious uncle. I felt that we didn't get to see enough of the enema man, and the part where he wanted to be a doctor was a little cheesy for me. But overall it was a great play.
p.s.- I bet you can tell that I lost my notes, I won't have a beverage during work hours again.
Patrick Ford
Risky business... Owned it!
Being my usual cynical self, I was not expecting to enjoy my evening. I feel like we have had that attitude about all the shows... anyone else think so? But as always, the response to the show was tremendous. As the curtains went up and actors decked out in lab coats, doctor paraphernalia and masks with fake noses and mustaches came out, a wave of shock came over the audience. What had we gotten ourselves into?
The director made some great choices! This was not an "old-school" show in the least! The actors had been well trained to speak the older language without any effort and it came across very natural and modern. I was very surprised by this. Generally, whenever old language is used in a show, no matter how well acquainted the actors are with the script, it is quite clear that they are not speaking as they normally feel comfortable. Nothing speech wise was awkward of foreign, and that was a nice surprise.
The use of costumes was awesome. The maid of the house was in an almost dominatrix Gothic outfit and the daughter was dressed as an eight year old in the 80's. Nothing was plane or boring and the director had a great vision to work with! I also appreciated that the set never changed. It would have been just as plausible to have movable set pieces to be different rooms in the house, but by choosing to keep everything in one center room of the house, those pesky set changes were done away with completely, always a big point winner with me!
The blocking in this show really made it out to be the comedy it is! There was so much physical comedy and added so much energy and humor to the show. The actors fully committed to looming like an idiot at times, clearly shown by the dance numbers! Those decisions made by the director to have a rap song in a classic play are the decisions that ultimately either make or break a show. In many cases that would have come across as awkward, painful and one of those performances that make the audience very uncomfortable. But the director pulled it off, with the help of the outstanding cast. Props to all involved!
~Emily McEnany
The director made some great choices! This was not an "old-school" show in the least! The actors had been well trained to speak the older language without any effort and it came across very natural and modern. I was very surprised by this. Generally, whenever old language is used in a show, no matter how well acquainted the actors are with the script, it is quite clear that they are not speaking as they normally feel comfortable. Nothing speech wise was awkward of foreign, and that was a nice surprise.
The use of costumes was awesome. The maid of the house was in an almost dominatrix Gothic outfit and the daughter was dressed as an eight year old in the 80's. Nothing was plane or boring and the director had a great vision to work with! I also appreciated that the set never changed. It would have been just as plausible to have movable set pieces to be different rooms in the house, but by choosing to keep everything in one center room of the house, those pesky set changes were done away with completely, always a big point winner with me!
The blocking in this show really made it out to be the comedy it is! There was so much physical comedy and added so much energy and humor to the show. The actors fully committed to looming like an idiot at times, clearly shown by the dance numbers! Those decisions made by the director to have a rap song in a classic play are the decisions that ultimately either make or break a show. In many cases that would have come across as awkward, painful and one of those performances that make the audience very uncomfortable. But the director pulled it off, with the help of the outstanding cast. Props to all involved!
~Emily McEnany
"Much Ado About Nothing" Extra Credit
I saw the play “Much Ado About Nothing” over the weekend for extra credit. The Re-Theatre company put it on in one of the theatre spaces at PCPA. The Re-Theatre performs the classical version and a modernized version that they wrote themselves. Their rehearsals are improvised and the director re-writes the show based on what he sees in the rehearsals. That’s why they are called Re-Theatre.
I didn’t see the classical version, just the modernized one, and it was amazing. The actors were great and the show was hilarious.
The show was about a wedding. There were the wedding planners, designers, best men, friends, and siblings. There were two love stories that went on throughout the show between Hero and Claudio, and Beatrice and Benedick. The other characters were a lot of the story too, but the main story revolved around the wedding and the love stories. Now the wedding was actually for two characters that were never actually seen in the play, they were just talked about.
The girl that played Hero was perfect for her character; small, cute, somewhat shy, and also a workaholic. Her love interest, Claudio was my favorite. He actually went to SOU with me and was in the children’s show there, and he was great there too. He has the perfect body movement and facial expressions for comedy. The girl who played Beatrice “B” was very good too. She portrayed the wit and stubbornness of her character very well, along with her love interest Benedick “Ben,” who was cast perfectly for his part, but could have downplayed his expressions a little at times.
The guy who played Donnie, was so fun to watch. He was essentially the “cupid” of the story. He was also called, the “love guru.” There was a famous website of his that they would play for us throughout the show where he and his partner would show everyone what and what not to do in order to get a girl.
The character that was very surprising to me was the maid who wasn’t in much of the show the first act, but came in a lot of the second and she was so funny. She played her character so well, and her voice was awesome. She was crazy and portrayed that perfectly.
The show was so much fun, too bad it’s over now because I would tell you all to go.
Heather Harlan
I didn’t see the classical version, just the modernized one, and it was amazing. The actors were great and the show was hilarious.
The show was about a wedding. There were the wedding planners, designers, best men, friends, and siblings. There were two love stories that went on throughout the show between Hero and Claudio, and Beatrice and Benedick. The other characters were a lot of the story too, but the main story revolved around the wedding and the love stories. Now the wedding was actually for two characters that were never actually seen in the play, they were just talked about.
The girl that played Hero was perfect for her character; small, cute, somewhat shy, and also a workaholic. Her love interest, Claudio was my favorite. He actually went to SOU with me and was in the children’s show there, and he was great there too. He has the perfect body movement and facial expressions for comedy. The girl who played Beatrice “B” was very good too. She portrayed the wit and stubbornness of her character very well, along with her love interest Benedick “Ben,” who was cast perfectly for his part, but could have downplayed his expressions a little at times.
The guy who played Donnie, was so fun to watch. He was essentially the “cupid” of the story. He was also called, the “love guru.” There was a famous website of his that they would play for us throughout the show where he and his partner would show everyone what and what not to do in order to get a girl.
The character that was very surprising to me was the maid who wasn’t in much of the show the first act, but came in a lot of the second and she was so funny. She played her character so well, and her voice was awesome. She was crazy and portrayed that perfectly.
The show was so much fun, too bad it’s over now because I would tell you all to go.
Heather Harlan
Song and Dance
The Imaginary Invalid was a pleasant surprise to me. I didn’t know what to expect or what it was about, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I was really surprised that PSU was able to use the PCPA building to hold their show. All the college shows I have been to have been performed at their school, and PSU isn’t even known for its theatre. So that was really great for them.
The stage space for The Imaginary Invalid was sort of a thrust and it worked really well. The seating was very modern yet old fashioned looking at the same time, with the box like seating feel to it.
There weren’t really any set changes because the play happened all in the one room the whole time. The only time it changed was when the whole cast would come on stage and do there little song and dance, which was very funny. The size of the cast and the size of the stage worked very well together. It didn’t seem too crowded; the cast size fit the stage and set perfectly.
I think comedies are better in intimate spaces because you can catch everyone’s facial expression and side improvisations. Facial expressions are really important in comedies and when they are overly done and exaggerated on stage, they suddenly become cheesy and not as funny. And yes, a lot of the show was cheesy, but it was on purpose and everyone did it so well that it worked and was really funny. But being close and intimate really made the fun experience.
The show was a lot of fun, the set was great, and the theatre area was amazing to be in.
The stage space for The Imaginary Invalid was sort of a thrust and it worked really well. The seating was very modern yet old fashioned looking at the same time, with the box like seating feel to it.
There weren’t really any set changes because the play happened all in the one room the whole time. The only time it changed was when the whole cast would come on stage and do there little song and dance, which was very funny. The size of the cast and the size of the stage worked very well together. It didn’t seem too crowded; the cast size fit the stage and set perfectly.
I think comedies are better in intimate spaces because you can catch everyone’s facial expression and side improvisations. Facial expressions are really important in comedies and when they are overly done and exaggerated on stage, they suddenly become cheesy and not as funny. And yes, a lot of the show was cheesy, but it was on purpose and everyone did it so well that it worked and was really funny. But being close and intimate really made the fun experience.
The show was a lot of fun, the set was great, and the theatre area was amazing to be in.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
If the Medical World was This Funny, I'd Have Changed Careers!
Thursday night ended on a very humorous note; the actors who put on “The Imaginary Invalid” gave spot on performances in delivering a delightful, over-the-top slapstick comedy, providing a great ending to the set of 5 plays that were seen in TA101.
Physical comedy is a powerful tool in the actors’ hands; it can be completely overused/incorrectly handled in inexperienced hands. However, the actors of PSU effectively managed to use the physical comedy of the show to its fullest extent to attain the greatest effect on their audience. The character of Argan is a prime example of this show’s physical comedy; much of his performance riddled with delightfully awkward positions and of course, the ever-welcome toilet humor in his constant flatulence. This thing with physical comedy is that it is very easy to overdo it in the efforts to get more laughter out of the audience. But the actor who played Argan simply let the comedy do the work and didn’t have to push the envelope in order to get us to laugh; this is the most effective way to do physical comedy.
One of the most important things when it comes to comedies is diction and volume. When actors don’t have very clear diction or audibility, the punchlines aren’t heard well and the comedic effect is unfortunately muffled. Though, this performance is definitely not the case. All the actors were heard very clearly, each consonant was finished crisply and cleanly. The beginning scene between Argan and Toinette is a great example on how the actors used their diction to the fullest extent; I didn’t have to struggle to listen, when one struggles to focus on one thing, they tend to block out everything else, occasionally missing the important punchlines. Although, I was sitting close to the front, so of course, it wouldn’t have been difficult to hear the spoken comedy. So, after the first act, I relocated myself close to the back to see if there was any discrepancy between the two spaces in regards to making out the comedic content. However, I found that even though I moved to a further seat, I heard the actors just as well as when I sat in the close-to-the-front seat.
Although toilet humor is fine and welcome in many physical comedies, its reactions onstage are just as important as the actual content itself. Argan’s flatulence brought laughter every single time, but something drew me away from it a while into the play. As the play wore on, especially during the second act, I noticed that the characters’ reactions to Argan’s flatulence seemed to be played a bit too candidly. I asked myself, “What would honestly be more humorous: Someone freaking out from a fart, or their faces subtly contorting from it?” I would have liked to see the reactions downplayed a little bit more to see facial reactions, rather than bodies facing the other way with hands pinched over the mouth and nose. Comedy shouldn’t have to be over-the-top all the time, after all, too much of one thing, one way tends to desensitize, and the same effect won’t always be achieved. Which is why comedy is best when approached from all different angles.
Overall though, I have thoroughly enjoyed this show and the genuine belly laughs it gave me. I do hope that I will be able to see high-quality shows like this in the future. I had a great time seeing all of the plays this term and getting to write about them. Perhaps I just may write more reviews for other plays I see in the near future, but until then, Happy Summer to everyone!
~Chris McVey
Physical comedy is a powerful tool in the actors’ hands; it can be completely overused/incorrectly handled in inexperienced hands. However, the actors of PSU effectively managed to use the physical comedy of the show to its fullest extent to attain the greatest effect on their audience. The character of Argan is a prime example of this show’s physical comedy; much of his performance riddled with delightfully awkward positions and of course, the ever-welcome toilet humor in his constant flatulence. This thing with physical comedy is that it is very easy to overdo it in the efforts to get more laughter out of the audience. But the actor who played Argan simply let the comedy do the work and didn’t have to push the envelope in order to get us to laugh; this is the most effective way to do physical comedy.
One of the most important things when it comes to comedies is diction and volume. When actors don’t have very clear diction or audibility, the punchlines aren’t heard well and the comedic effect is unfortunately muffled. Though, this performance is definitely not the case. All the actors were heard very clearly, each consonant was finished crisply and cleanly. The beginning scene between Argan and Toinette is a great example on how the actors used their diction to the fullest extent; I didn’t have to struggle to listen, when one struggles to focus on one thing, they tend to block out everything else, occasionally missing the important punchlines. Although, I was sitting close to the front, so of course, it wouldn’t have been difficult to hear the spoken comedy. So, after the first act, I relocated myself close to the back to see if there was any discrepancy between the two spaces in regards to making out the comedic content. However, I found that even though I moved to a further seat, I heard the actors just as well as when I sat in the close-to-the-front seat.
Although toilet humor is fine and welcome in many physical comedies, its reactions onstage are just as important as the actual content itself. Argan’s flatulence brought laughter every single time, but something drew me away from it a while into the play. As the play wore on, especially during the second act, I noticed that the characters’ reactions to Argan’s flatulence seemed to be played a bit too candidly. I asked myself, “What would honestly be more humorous: Someone freaking out from a fart, or their faces subtly contorting from it?” I would have liked to see the reactions downplayed a little bit more to see facial reactions, rather than bodies facing the other way with hands pinched over the mouth and nose. Comedy shouldn’t have to be over-the-top all the time, after all, too much of one thing, one way tends to desensitize, and the same effect won’t always be achieved. Which is why comedy is best when approached from all different angles.
Overall though, I have thoroughly enjoyed this show and the genuine belly laughs it gave me. I do hope that I will be able to see high-quality shows like this in the future. I had a great time seeing all of the plays this term and getting to write about them. Perhaps I just may write more reviews for other plays I see in the near future, but until then, Happy Summer to everyone!
~Chris McVey
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Design Elements: The Imaginary Invalid
As I walked into the theatre, I was really quite excited!! It was quite Shakespeare-ish and great to just look at. However, I really disliked the play. I don't like that type of dark humor like that. It's just my opinion. I was not impressed, really. However, I liked the design elements, which I was critiquing this time. So, although I hated the acting and the director's choices with actors, I liked the design elements.
I liked the stage. It was quite colorful, really. And It was pleasant to look at. I also loved the thunder and lightening effects as the step-mother would enter the room. That was a great effect. The costumes were also quite good. I liked those. They fit each character very well. Especially the step-mother and Toinette. "Mommie" was quite the gold digger and really looked the part of the beautiful, high-fashioned young woman. She actually reminded me of Anna Nicole Smith! haha.
Angelique's costume was quite fitted to her character too. She was just this little bubbly, somewhat annoying little daughter. She was dressed it with tights and a dress that matched. It was appropiate for her character, most definitely.
Both doctors were fabulous. Especially Dr. Purgeon. He was my favorite character. He was dressed as a real doctor, as was his nephew. That helped create the authoritative doctor figure he was.
Argon, I believe his name was (the sick, old man), was greatly dressed. I thought he would somewhat of a Scrooge-like character because of his costume. He was really, in my opinion, the best dressed for his character. He was the sickly, never-get-out-of-my-pjs type of old man. Greatly put together by the costumer. Kuddos to them!
The sounds for the thunder and the music was just the right volume, too. I liked the thunder and lightening. That was my favorite effect. It was put together and timed just right. It was obvious that lots of work had been put into it.
Even though I didn't like the acting or dark humor the director created, I liked the design elements. It saved the show for me.
I liked the stage. It was quite colorful, really. And It was pleasant to look at. I also loved the thunder and lightening effects as the step-mother would enter the room. That was a great effect. The costumes were also quite good. I liked those. They fit each character very well. Especially the step-mother and Toinette. "Mommie" was quite the gold digger and really looked the part of the beautiful, high-fashioned young woman. She actually reminded me of Anna Nicole Smith! haha.
Angelique's costume was quite fitted to her character too. She was just this little bubbly, somewhat annoying little daughter. She was dressed it with tights and a dress that matched. It was appropiate for her character, most definitely.
Both doctors were fabulous. Especially Dr. Purgeon. He was my favorite character. He was dressed as a real doctor, as was his nephew. That helped create the authoritative doctor figure he was.
Argon, I believe his name was (the sick, old man), was greatly dressed. I thought he would somewhat of a Scrooge-like character because of his costume. He was really, in my opinion, the best dressed for his character. He was the sickly, never-get-out-of-my-pjs type of old man. Greatly put together by the costumer. Kuddos to them!
The sounds for the thunder and the music was just the right volume, too. I liked the thunder and lightening. That was my favorite effect. It was put together and timed just right. It was obvious that lots of work had been put into it.
Even though I didn't like the acting or dark humor the director created, I liked the design elements. It saved the show for me.
Directing
I think this was a fabulous play if not one of my favorites now. It stands up amongst that of Frost/Nixon. For my part I looked at the directing. The three things that I am going to talk about is the casting, blocking, and sound.
As for the casting I don't think that the director could have done a better job of picking the actors for this play. Each and everyone of them did and outstanding job. The one actor that I thought the director messed up on at first was the nephew of the Doctor. After a few lines and seeing the movement of the play, he was outstanding in his gestures and chicken howling. This proves not to take first impressions of people and actors.
The second thing that I looked at was blocking, the one time that I liked how the director used blocking was when Argan was mad and the wife's boyfriend had to leave in means of going through the door with Argan standing in it with his back to the audience. We didn't need to look at Argan's face to know his anger, we could see it in the other actors facial expressions. This was set up to resemble that of a mirror.
Finally, this brings me to sound. The director was also in charge of the sound design. I feel that he knew that if the sounds were off, it would show, and the show would not be as funny as it should be. An example of the sounds were Argan passing gas, and the thunder when the wife was coming. each had to be precise to go along with the actors movements and did in this production.
Again, I thought this was a wonderful play to see and am glad I got the chance to see this directors point of view of what he was wanting to express.
Brad
As for the casting I don't think that the director could have done a better job of picking the actors for this play. Each and everyone of them did and outstanding job. The one actor that I thought the director messed up on at first was the nephew of the Doctor. After a few lines and seeing the movement of the play, he was outstanding in his gestures and chicken howling. This proves not to take first impressions of people and actors.
The second thing that I looked at was blocking, the one time that I liked how the director used blocking was when Argan was mad and the wife's boyfriend had to leave in means of going through the door with Argan standing in it with his back to the audience. We didn't need to look at Argan's face to know his anger, we could see it in the other actors facial expressions. This was set up to resemble that of a mirror.
Finally, this brings me to sound. The director was also in charge of the sound design. I feel that he knew that if the sounds were off, it would show, and the show would not be as funny as it should be. An example of the sounds were Argan passing gas, and the thunder when the wife was coming. each had to be precise to go along with the actors movements and did in this production.
Again, I thought this was a wonderful play to see and am glad I got the chance to see this directors point of view of what he was wanting to express.
Brad
Friday, June 5, 2009
Extra Credit: Imago Theatre's Production of Simple People
So you guys really missed it if you didn't go see the Imago Theatre production of Simple People. It was fantastic!! I loved it so much!
The characters were written so vastly different. The script was able to get down to the heart of life and the harshness of the economy. It was really good. The characters, although mentally crazy, had the right words to help the common man, like us college students, to understand what it's like to be an adult and then to lose everything you've worked so hard for.
The set, however, was my absolutely favorite of the whole production. It was completely plain. SUPER plain. Just plain tables and white walls, plain cots, plain white rooms. It was so absolutely simple and plain, it was so interesting! Psychology....
The costumes, on the other hand, were designed for the characters, most definitely. One character's was colorful, displaying her personality before and after she became a crazy alcoholic. Milo, my favorite character was dressed so crazily, yet it really fit his character. The costumes seemed to reflect who they were before their downfall and yet, still who they were.
The acting was quite professional. Each actor was very much a character. We were able to see a couple of the actors after the show. They were so vastly different then their character. It was really cool to see real acting instead of just people up on stage reciting lines.
The director was also really great. She said hi to the three of us after the show and gave us fliers and talked to us about auditions and shows and the such. She seemed very smart and knowledgeable. Her work on the production also showed that. She definitely knew what she was doing. She was able to create organized chaos, entertainment in a plain space, and interesting characters so vastly different from the actors. I would love to study under her since she seemed abstract, but able to communicate it to people who are not. She did a fabulous job!
The stage was really just a black box. It was flat with raised seats in front of it for the audience. It was plain, simple, and yet interesting to look at. It was quite deep, too. I believe there were props set back stage for the actors to use, and because the stage was deep, there was room for all those props. They were really big and bulky, like suitcases and blankets and such. The stage, really, was just plain and big. It was used very well though with high, constructed walls with cots and lunch tables in the space left in the front of the stage. I liked it a lot. It was different, in a good way.
Overall, I loved it. I would like to see it again, too! And I definitely suggest that everyone go see it.
The characters were written so vastly different. The script was able to get down to the heart of life and the harshness of the economy. It was really good. The characters, although mentally crazy, had the right words to help the common man, like us college students, to understand what it's like to be an adult and then to lose everything you've worked so hard for.
The set, however, was my absolutely favorite of the whole production. It was completely plain. SUPER plain. Just plain tables and white walls, plain cots, plain white rooms. It was so absolutely simple and plain, it was so interesting! Psychology....
The costumes, on the other hand, were designed for the characters, most definitely. One character's was colorful, displaying her personality before and after she became a crazy alcoholic. Milo, my favorite character was dressed so crazily, yet it really fit his character. The costumes seemed to reflect who they were before their downfall and yet, still who they were.
The acting was quite professional. Each actor was very much a character. We were able to see a couple of the actors after the show. They were so vastly different then their character. It was really cool to see real acting instead of just people up on stage reciting lines.
The director was also really great. She said hi to the three of us after the show and gave us fliers and talked to us about auditions and shows and the such. She seemed very smart and knowledgeable. Her work on the production also showed that. She definitely knew what she was doing. She was able to create organized chaos, entertainment in a plain space, and interesting characters so vastly different from the actors. I would love to study under her since she seemed abstract, but able to communicate it to people who are not. She did a fabulous job!
The stage was really just a black box. It was flat with raised seats in front of it for the audience. It was plain, simple, and yet interesting to look at. It was quite deep, too. I believe there were props set back stage for the actors to use, and because the stage was deep, there was room for all those props. They were really big and bulky, like suitcases and blankets and such. The stage, really, was just plain and big. It was used very well though with high, constructed walls with cots and lunch tables in the space left in the front of the stage. I liked it a lot. It was different, in a good way.
Overall, I loved it. I would like to see it again, too! And I definitely suggest that everyone go see it.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Extra Credit: Seussical the Musical
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! I had so much fun!!! Mike, Nici, and I went to see Seussical the Musical at Clackamas High School. The script was quite good. It was so sweet and definitely had the Dr. Seuss rhymes and phrases throughout the play. The script was well put together. It had a story line, a plot, but stood fast to the Dr. Seuss way.
The acting was really good. Every actor in the musical was excited and energetic. There was not one person on stage that wasn't filled with energy. The main characters also fit their parts. They were amazing! They were funny, exciting, and full of character. No one was flat. Everyone had energy just bubbling out of them. It made me excited and enjoy the show even more.
The director did a fabulous job. He casted just right. Especially The Cat in the Hat. He was absolutely hilarious. I had laughed so much by the end of the show at just him, I was crying. The director also was good at designing the stage and tying it with the characters and their costumes. Great script choice, good blocking, great choreography.
The design on stage was amazing!!! They had The Cat in the Hat flying!! It was so awesome! I had a lot of fun just looking at the stage. There were so many bright, radiant colors. The special effects, like the screens with Dr. Seuss fish and swirls and such were great too. It was really cool.
The stage was put together great! It was a proscenium arch. In fact, it was huge! There was so much space it was somewhat unbelievable but there were so many different things happening, like the set pieces changing, people flying, screens going in and out, they needed the space, for sure.
Overall, it was a great play!! I had a lot of fun and am really happy I got to see it.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Extra Credit: Fiddler on the Roof
So pretty much, Debra did an amazing job!!! I was in Alisha's directing class last term with Debra and she had talked about her jr. production of Fiddler on the Roof. So Nici, Mike, and I went to go see it. I was really impressed by the jr. high that put this on. They were so adorable! All of them did so well in it.
The main characters were chosen perfectly, especially Tevye. He was only in eighth grade, but acted on college level. He really took on the character, including the accent. He just let go of himself and danced and sang fantastically. It was absolutely amazing. I was, and still am, so impressed!!! The girls in the play were adorable too. They fit their characters great!! Each girl had different personalities, and through their characters they shone through.
Debra did an amazing job as director. She chose great actors, including the extras. She also choregraphed. The dances were fantastic. It was really entertaining!! I had a lot of fun! Debra made great choices. I'm glad I got to see the play.
The stage space... interesting. It was set in the gym, since the middle school doesn't have a real stage. It was a procenium arch, really. The stage was great. There were so many different pieces. I had a lot of fun watching. The interesting thing were the lights. They had three sets of lights. There were two sets of lights set up on the left and right sides of the gym. They also used two spot lights since the side lights didn't cover the whole stage. The spot lights would go on and off and different times. Sometimes it got annoying then I just had to remember it was a middle school, and it's really not going to be perfect. They really did the best they could with the lights.
I love the story of Fiddler on the Roof. The script was great! It was just about the same as the original, since this one was the jr. version. It was great though, for a middle school. Just the right education level and yet, still intelligent. They had a full Jewish/Russian wedding. It was awesome!!! They really worked hard on making the play believable. Their hard work really paid off too.
I'm really glad we went to go see it. If you didn't, you really missed out!!
The main characters were chosen perfectly, especially Tevye. He was only in eighth grade, but acted on college level. He really took on the character, including the accent. He just let go of himself and danced and sang fantastically. It was absolutely amazing. I was, and still am, so impressed!!! The girls in the play were adorable too. They fit their characters great!! Each girl had different personalities, and through their characters they shone through.
Debra did an amazing job as director. She chose great actors, including the extras. She also choregraphed. The dances were fantastic. It was really entertaining!! I had a lot of fun! Debra made great choices. I'm glad I got to see the play.
The stage space... interesting. It was set in the gym, since the middle school doesn't have a real stage. It was a procenium arch, really. The stage was great. There were so many different pieces. I had a lot of fun watching. The interesting thing were the lights. They had three sets of lights. There were two sets of lights set up on the left and right sides of the gym. They also used two spot lights since the side lights didn't cover the whole stage. The spot lights would go on and off and different times. Sometimes it got annoying then I just had to remember it was a middle school, and it's really not going to be perfect. They really did the best they could with the lights.
I love the story of Fiddler on the Roof. The script was great! It was just about the same as the original, since this one was the jr. version. It was great though, for a middle school. Just the right education level and yet, still intelligent. They had a full Jewish/Russian wedding. It was awesome!!! They really worked hard on making the play believable. Their hard work really paid off too.
I'm really glad we went to go see it. If you didn't, you really missed out!!
Extra Credit: Steel Magnolias
So while I was enjoying an afternoon at a coffee shop, I saw a little article in a small newspaper about Steel Magnolias, so my dad and I went to see it.
The theatre was quite small. It was just a little black box theatre with old theatre seats. It was quite a good stage space though! It worked for the stage. The stage was raised about 3 feet off the ground, much higher than the theatre seats. But it was great, it worked.
The script was pretty good. Not as awesome as I thought it would be. It was a bit hard to follow since it was mostly just a bunch of gossip and you really had to think about the story and follow their words and stories. It was sometimes a bit too crazy to understand.
The set was well designed. It was colorful and was used great throughout the play. The whole stage was used. I actually really liked the stage. It was a hair salon, with real salon chairs and sinks and the characters' hair was really done on stage. It was really cool!!!
The acting was really believeable. Except for one girl. She was just "acting" instead of taking on the character. It was really, really distracting and annoying. I remember thinking "JUST BE THE DANG PERSON!!" It was so annoying I just wanted to shout at her and tell her to stop being cheezy.
Let's see.... what else??? The director did very well. She piked just the right actresses and blocked great! I really enjoyed her work. She did a great job with the design team, and the actresses.
Overall, I really enjoyed the play. It was quite awesome. Except for that one actress's cheezy acting, the production was put together great.
The theatre was quite small. It was just a little black box theatre with old theatre seats. It was quite a good stage space though! It worked for the stage. The stage was raised about 3 feet off the ground, much higher than the theatre seats. But it was great, it worked.
The script was pretty good. Not as awesome as I thought it would be. It was a bit hard to follow since it was mostly just a bunch of gossip and you really had to think about the story and follow their words and stories. It was sometimes a bit too crazy to understand.
The set was well designed. It was colorful and was used great throughout the play. The whole stage was used. I actually really liked the stage. It was a hair salon, with real salon chairs and sinks and the characters' hair was really done on stage. It was really cool!!!
The acting was really believeable. Except for one girl. She was just "acting" instead of taking on the character. It was really, really distracting and annoying. I remember thinking "JUST BE THE DANG PERSON!!" It was so annoying I just wanted to shout at her and tell her to stop being cheezy.
Let's see.... what else??? The director did very well. She piked just the right actresses and blocked great! I really enjoyed her work. She did a great job with the design team, and the actresses.
Overall, I really enjoyed the play. It was quite awesome. Except for that one actress's cheezy acting, the production was put together great.
Extra Credit: Wicked
Late in coming, I know but this is the extra credit blog on Wicked Alisha said that I could do.
Well, lets start of with the stage space. Anyone who has been to a production at Keller Auditorium, has no doubt found themself in awe at the size of the audience. A grand total of 2,992 people can see a single show. That is about 5 times the amount of seats our College Theatre can seat. The stage is a proscenium arch, and in this particualr production the picture frame idea was accented by a border around the procenium.
The script was also amazing. I loved not only the songs but the words spoken, also. I remember Glinda going on and on about what Elphaba is, in some not so nice terms, and all Elphaba had to say is Glinda is blonde. That humor made for a fun night and only added to the great story that was being told. Of course, the songs were fantastic. I doubt anyone will ever forget the song "Popular" after seeing the show, especially if like me they were wondering the Glinda was accidently going to impale her head on the shoe heel when she did her little kick during the number.
The design was great all around. Wonderful costumes that were unique while still going well together. They stuck to color schemes that worked and it was a great watching the lighing and special effects as the stage progressed. I must admit that the only thing I had a problem with were some of the chorus songs. I was pretty high up and some of the words were lost. I wish they had put mics on at least some of the chorus memebers so that it did carry up to my seat audibly.
Well, this is a Broadway Across America performance, so as you can expect, the acting was magnificent. The actors did their job amazingly. There isn't anything negative that I can really say about it. We even had an understudy the night Nici and I went, but had we not been told ahead of time, we never would have known. I think that they all stepped up and into their roles fantastically and would have loved to been able to see it again.
The director did a great job with his choices. I loved watching the entire thing and was a bit disappointed when it was all over. The only problem that occured was in some of the blocking. At one point oin the shwo the character of Fiyero did this little turn and he did something upstage with is back downstage that completely blocked the movement. I am rather disappointed in that, especially since I never found out what he was supposed to have done.
Well, lets start of with the stage space. Anyone who has been to a production at Keller Auditorium, has no doubt found themself in awe at the size of the audience. A grand total of 2,992 people can see a single show. That is about 5 times the amount of seats our College Theatre can seat. The stage is a proscenium arch, and in this particualr production the picture frame idea was accented by a border around the procenium.
The script was also amazing. I loved not only the songs but the words spoken, also. I remember Glinda going on and on about what Elphaba is, in some not so nice terms, and all Elphaba had to say is Glinda is blonde. That humor made for a fun night and only added to the great story that was being told. Of course, the songs were fantastic. I doubt anyone will ever forget the song "Popular" after seeing the show, especially if like me they were wondering the Glinda was accidently going to impale her head on the shoe heel when she did her little kick during the number.
The design was great all around. Wonderful costumes that were unique while still going well together. They stuck to color schemes that worked and it was a great watching the lighing and special effects as the stage progressed. I must admit that the only thing I had a problem with were some of the chorus songs. I was pretty high up and some of the words were lost. I wish they had put mics on at least some of the chorus memebers so that it did carry up to my seat audibly.
Well, this is a Broadway Across America performance, so as you can expect, the acting was magnificent. The actors did their job amazingly. There isn't anything negative that I can really say about it. We even had an understudy the night Nici and I went, but had we not been told ahead of time, we never would have known. I think that they all stepped up and into their roles fantastically and would have loved to been able to see it again.
The director did a great job with his choices. I loved watching the entire thing and was a bit disappointed when it was all over. The only problem that occured was in some of the blocking. At one point oin the shwo the character of Fiyero did this little turn and he did something upstage with is back downstage that completely blocked the movement. I am rather disappointed in that, especially since I never found out what he was supposed to have done.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Louie's
There were many different aspects about the play Louie’s at 1st and Main that I had to keep in mind when processing the stage space. The acting was pretty good I thought. The direction seemed to be well rehearsed and in the right direction. And the stage space was nicely used. The stage space could be broken into a few different categories actually. There is the issue of the space being formal and informal, the way the seating was set up for the audience, and of course how big was the stage space. The stage space would be considered small stretching out about 30 feet some areas to only 10 feet long in others. It was still big enough to offer quite a variety of options though. There were five different entrances and exits offered at different sections of the theatre. This provided a number of options for the cast to maneuver around throughout the play. That was very convenient considering the size of the place. The scene there could be classified as informal. Besides the location there were a few other signs that made it a dead give-away. There were no servers at the door, no dress code, eating and drinking were allowed, etc. It was a very chill and relaxed environment. I was able to eat my bowl of soup in there and drink my soda. The seating arrangement was comfortable. The chairs were spread out in a half circle that went around the stage. It was a pretty well designed layout considering the space they had to work with. It still allowed all the audience members to see the same amount of stage space as everyone else. I think the stage would be considered a thrust stage or a black box stage. I do not really know about that one cause the definitions sounded similar to me. Over all this was a really well designed area with little stage space to work with. Not everyone could pull that off.
The great act of Nixon
The acting in this play was fantastic. I really did not know what to expect, when I first walked into it then I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I thought the acting was going to be alright but wouldn’t be that dead on. When I was sitting there it felt like I was actually watching one of Nixon’s speeches or one of his famous interviews.
When looking through a few of the actors resumes I discovered that most of them have a pretty extensive background. Bill Christ, who played Richard Nixon, had worked Off-Broadway, Broadway, Denver Center Theater Company, television, and film. He had his fair share of experience with acting and was able to really fit the character. He didn’t look perfectly like Nixon up close but he sounded exactly like him. From where I was seated he did look a great deal like Nixon. When they just put him on the big screen the audience could see how he really was able to portray Nixon’s emotions during the crucial parts of the interviews.
David Townsend, who played David Frost, also had his share of an extensive background with Off- Broadway acts and training at The Juilliard School. He had a really difficult task like Bill having to not only act like a different character, but sound like him too. He had to perform with a British accent. On top of that, he had to act on stage almost more then anyone else, keeping the accent the whole time. His emotions and facial expressions were just as phenomenal too. He had to be even more dead on most of the time cause he was put on the big screen and his facial expression were present to the whole audience.
Adam Ludwig, who played Jim Reston, had the most experience in the television and film industry. He played a very important character in the play as one of the main actors and as a narrator. He was required to be on stage almost the entire time even if he didn’t say anything. This meant he had to be in character the entire hour and forty-five minutes. He played a very characteristic writer that required great voice and articulation skills and emotional actions. He nailed it to a T. The other actors did a really good job too. There were a few more significant characters in the play that did an excellent job they just didn’t stand out to me quit as much.
Overall I would say this was the best play that we watched. It had everything I would want in a play and more. I wish I could have seen again with a video camera so I could have the moments captured for all time. The actors preformed brilliantly. This comes to show you never judge a book by its cover.
When looking through a few of the actors resumes I discovered that most of them have a pretty extensive background. Bill Christ, who played Richard Nixon, had worked Off-Broadway, Broadway, Denver Center Theater Company, television, and film. He had his fair share of experience with acting and was able to really fit the character. He didn’t look perfectly like Nixon up close but he sounded exactly like him. From where I was seated he did look a great deal like Nixon. When they just put him on the big screen the audience could see how he really was able to portray Nixon’s emotions during the crucial parts of the interviews.
David Townsend, who played David Frost, also had his share of an extensive background with Off- Broadway acts and training at The Juilliard School. He had a really difficult task like Bill having to not only act like a different character, but sound like him too. He had to perform with a British accent. On top of that, he had to act on stage almost more then anyone else, keeping the accent the whole time. His emotions and facial expressions were just as phenomenal too. He had to be even more dead on most of the time cause he was put on the big screen and his facial expression were present to the whole audience.
Adam Ludwig, who played Jim Reston, had the most experience in the television and film industry. He played a very important character in the play as one of the main actors and as a narrator. He was required to be on stage almost the entire time even if he didn’t say anything. This meant he had to be in character the entire hour and forty-five minutes. He played a very characteristic writer that required great voice and articulation skills and emotional actions. He nailed it to a T. The other actors did a really good job too. There were a few more significant characters in the play that did an excellent job they just didn’t stand out to me quit as much.
Overall I would say this was the best play that we watched. It had everything I would want in a play and more. I wish I could have seen again with a video camera so I could have the moments captured for all time. The actors preformed brilliantly. This comes to show you never judge a book by its cover.
Anonymous Theatre Returns to the Armory June 7th
This is gauranteed to be a hilarious, exciting evening at the theatre. (What a great way to get some extra credit!) I hope some of you will be able to go. Click on the red link below to view the details:
Anonymous Theatre Returns to the Armory June 7th
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Anonymous Theatre Returns to the Armory June 7th
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Thursday, May 28, 2009
In Soviet Russia... you know the rest...
This (last) week I was given the task of evaluating the acting of Anton Chekhov's Three Sisters, and as some of my fellow classmates can attest I took several notes. As a whole I think I expected something different from Chekhov; from what I had heard the plays of Chekhov were supposed to be mostly dark humor, some tragic circumstances, but ultimately sticking more of a comedic nature. I apparently didn't catch that this show was not going to be a comedy. Mostly I feel a tad bit depressed by this show, but it was entertaining in its own rights.
Lets get this part over with early on; the Baron. I've been told he was supposed to be comic relief in many instances, but mostly I found him to be more of a dry comic in his role when it felt like he was intending to portray sadness. For the remainder of the show I was at a loss for what his true, intended purpose was. He struck me as more of a comedic specialty actor, even though his background in the program said otherwise, and it made it seem like he forced his part a bit. I could not for the life of me tell when he was making a joke or just saying a line.
Irina was spot on. Period. She really captured that whole "child in a hurry to grow up" idea, and it really took off from there. She is the character we see, quite possibly, the most often and she really cemented a place in the show for me. She felt sad, I saw it. She feels happy, I see it. A wonderful job by her. Her emotions were genuine and her expressions were big, bright and bold.
Possibly one of my biggest surprises, and personal favorite part, was the Doctor. The old family friend who I originally thought was there to offer fatherly advice to the girls when times got tough(er) but I didn't know if he would have much of an extended character, in this particular case to have more depth and emotion to his character. His drunken and sloppy entrance in Act Three made it quite clear I was wrong about that. I had heard that Chekhov's plays played very heavily with stereotypes, but the Drunk being a Medic was a twist I didn't expect. And his secret confession was truly wonderful. Bravo!
While on the subject of the secret confession, let's switch our focus over to the second party present during that scene. The Schoolteacher, Masha's husband, started out as a flat, one-dimensional character in my eyes. He ended the show as an enigma. Couldn't figure out what was going through his mind to save my life. His character really made a full one-hundred eighty degree turn with me. The level of complex emotions he must have felt as that character must have been astounding.
All in all, it was a good production. Not my favorite, but a good production. The actors of Artist Repatory Theatre must be very proud.
Lets get this part over with early on; the Baron. I've been told he was supposed to be comic relief in many instances, but mostly I found him to be more of a dry comic in his role when it felt like he was intending to portray sadness. For the remainder of the show I was at a loss for what his true, intended purpose was. He struck me as more of a comedic specialty actor, even though his background in the program said otherwise, and it made it seem like he forced his part a bit. I could not for the life of me tell when he was making a joke or just saying a line.
Irina was spot on. Period. She really captured that whole "child in a hurry to grow up" idea, and it really took off from there. She is the character we see, quite possibly, the most often and she really cemented a place in the show for me. She felt sad, I saw it. She feels happy, I see it. A wonderful job by her. Her emotions were genuine and her expressions were big, bright and bold.
Possibly one of my biggest surprises, and personal favorite part, was the Doctor. The old family friend who I originally thought was there to offer fatherly advice to the girls when times got tough(er) but I didn't know if he would have much of an extended character, in this particular case to have more depth and emotion to his character. His drunken and sloppy entrance in Act Three made it quite clear I was wrong about that. I had heard that Chekhov's plays played very heavily with stereotypes, but the Drunk being a Medic was a twist I didn't expect. And his secret confession was truly wonderful. Bravo!
While on the subject of the secret confession, let's switch our focus over to the second party present during that scene. The Schoolteacher, Masha's husband, started out as a flat, one-dimensional character in my eyes. He ended the show as an enigma. Couldn't figure out what was going through his mind to save my life. His character really made a full one-hundred eighty degree turn with me. The level of complex emotions he must have felt as that character must have been astounding.
All in all, it was a good production. Not my favorite, but a good production. The actors of Artist Repatory Theatre must be very proud.
Seussical The Musical
Nici Benois
Suessical The Musical (Extra Credit)
Suessical The Musical, was extremely awesome. Mike, Deanna, and I went to go see it the last performing day at Clackamas High School. The colorings, the costumes, the lighting, and the set itself were extremely colorful, and not overly suffocating. When I first heard of this play I was really excited to see some of Mike’s old classmates perform because I only knew them from one improv night. So what I am going to talk about would be the Design Elements. First off the costuming, because it was what made me so excited to see the show. Every costume was unique; all made from neon colors and many types of material. When I think of the costumes, it makes me think back to wicked. All of them were different and none were repeated once throughout the show. One of my favorite characters costume besides the cat in the hat, was Gertrude the bird. She had a neon yellow costume, with bright pink heels and feathers throughout the play, and later in the middle of the show they had a feather boa pulled out to be her new “tail” feathers to become of importance to Horton the elephant.
Second off, the scenery itself. I really thought that the Clackamas high-school did really well with the budget they were given. The colors were also painted in black-light neon, and used black-lights through certain points of the show. The stage itself was a proscenium arch that was given three levels of platforms, and had objects such as a flying plane throughout the show.
The lighting was extremely cool because it was like our magic theatre production but better. It had the main stage lights, the lighting coming out of the pit, and lighting going into the audience. It made it very pleasant to view the actors in all areas of the theatre itself, and made it easy to recognize who was who.
For the first time in my life with a musical, besides the Broadway productions, would be that the music was actually really well played by the pit orchestra. It was a little loud, but it went well with the vocals of the actors. Also for sound, the microphones kept cutting in and out especially on Andrew Garcia who played the cat and the hat.
All in all, I really liked this show because it was upbeat and moved smoothly between scenes, and I didn’t feel like I was waiting forever for comic relief. I really wish as a class we would have at least seen one musical, because they are one of my favorite types of theatre.
~Nici Benois~
Suessical The Musical (Extra Credit)
Suessical The Musical, was extremely awesome. Mike, Deanna, and I went to go see it the last performing day at Clackamas High School. The colorings, the costumes, the lighting, and the set itself were extremely colorful, and not overly suffocating. When I first heard of this play I was really excited to see some of Mike’s old classmates perform because I only knew them from one improv night. So what I am going to talk about would be the Design Elements. First off the costuming, because it was what made me so excited to see the show. Every costume was unique; all made from neon colors and many types of material. When I think of the costumes, it makes me think back to wicked. All of them were different and none were repeated once throughout the show. One of my favorite characters costume besides the cat in the hat, was Gertrude the bird. She had a neon yellow costume, with bright pink heels and feathers throughout the play, and later in the middle of the show they had a feather boa pulled out to be her new “tail” feathers to become of importance to Horton the elephant.
Second off, the scenery itself. I really thought that the Clackamas high-school did really well with the budget they were given. The colors were also painted in black-light neon, and used black-lights through certain points of the show. The stage itself was a proscenium arch that was given three levels of platforms, and had objects such as a flying plane throughout the show.
The lighting was extremely cool because it was like our magic theatre production but better. It had the main stage lights, the lighting coming out of the pit, and lighting going into the audience. It made it very pleasant to view the actors in all areas of the theatre itself, and made it easy to recognize who was who.
For the first time in my life with a musical, besides the Broadway productions, would be that the music was actually really well played by the pit orchestra. It was a little loud, but it went well with the vocals of the actors. Also for sound, the microphones kept cutting in and out especially on Andrew Garcia who played the cat and the hat.
All in all, I really liked this show because it was upbeat and moved smoothly between scenes, and I didn’t feel like I was waiting forever for comic relief. I really wish as a class we would have at least seen one musical, because they are one of my favorite types of theatre.
~Nici Benois~
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Extra Credit: Spitfire Grill
Welllllllll...... I saw Spitfire Grill several weeks ago at Portland Christian High School. It was quite fantastic!! I had so much fun! Spitfire Grill is about a woman who just got out of prison. She is sent to a little town to finish her parole. She learns the importance of friendship, love, and truth. It's a real heart-warming musical. In fact, I cried sometimes.
The script was VERY well written. It was for common people, but intelligent enough you had to use your brain to understand the meaning behind some of the monologues and songs. The cast, for a low budget high school, did fantastic. The costumes were perfect for each character, very plain and matched the personality of each character.
The set design was fantastic! They built a great stage. It was quite cool!! The stage is a proscenium arch. There was also a thrust constructed. It was quite grand! The set was well designed, with a moving bar stand. It was painted perfectly and the tables and chairs that made up the restaurant set.
The director, who I knew was great. She blocked fantastically, and did great at the casting too. Each actor was perfect for their role. I had a lot of fun. It was a great show!
The script was VERY well written. It was for common people, but intelligent enough you had to use your brain to understand the meaning behind some of the monologues and songs. The cast, for a low budget high school, did fantastic. The costumes were perfect for each character, very plain and matched the personality of each character.
The set design was fantastic! They built a great stage. It was quite cool!! The stage is a proscenium arch. There was also a thrust constructed. It was quite grand! The set was well designed, with a moving bar stand. It was painted perfectly and the tables and chairs that made up the restaurant set.
The director, who I knew was great. She blocked fantastically, and did great at the casting too. Each actor was perfect for their role. I had a lot of fun. It was a great show!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Three Sisters Questions
1. What type of stage would you consider this to be? A thrust? An arena? With a proscenium arch?
2. Why the octagonal shape of the platform instead of the usual regtangular shape?
3. How did you make those pretty trees? We wanted to touch them . . .
4. Staged transitions between Acts 1 & 2 and 3 & 4 . . . beautifully done. Was this indicated in the script or is this the director's choice?
5. Why is the piano outside in nature? Is it in the garden? On a deck? In a gazebo? Symbolically staged in the woods?
6. Did you specifically cast actors with Russian-looking features?
7. Were there any major differences between Chekhov's original play and this particular adaptation by Tracy Letts? If so, what?
8. A lot of the characters' costumes looked similar--it was difficult to discern who-was-who at the beginning. Was this intentional? (especially with the soldiers/doctor/baron)
9. Was the nurse's costume bunched up in the back to intentionally look frumpy or was that an accident the night we saw it?
10. Andrey--pushing the perambulator between audience and scene on the platform. Was this meant to take focus away from the scene? Was it meant to emphasize Natasha's lack of interest in a "girl" rather than an "heir?" Or are we reading too much into it? Was it simply that Natasha lost interest in her children?
11. Was the gunshot in the duel meant to be so very quiet? It's as if the characters onstage didn't hear it . . . was it fired for the audience's benefit so we could hear it?
12. Did the actor really play the piano? (It sounded great!)
13. We loved the live guitar and flute music. Did you ever consider having more of it throughout the play?
14. Casting--most actors seemed perfect for their roles. We were surprised at the comic nature of the baron. We were surprised at the older features of Masha. Were these casting decisions intended to highlight these aspects of the characters?
15. Acting--really great, all of them. Thank you!
16. Why did you decide to have Masha on the floor? Was that an actor choice or a director choice?
17. Was there meant to be an underlying, suppressed love between Masha's husband and Olga? (We saw it there . . .)
18. Were you doing anything intentional with the Ferapont's earmuffs? (We liked them, too.)
19. We're just curious, how many lighting instruments are used for this play?
2. Why the octagonal shape of the platform instead of the usual regtangular shape?
3. How did you make those pretty trees? We wanted to touch them . . .
4. Staged transitions between Acts 1 & 2 and 3 & 4 . . . beautifully done. Was this indicated in the script or is this the director's choice?
5. Why is the piano outside in nature? Is it in the garden? On a deck? In a gazebo? Symbolically staged in the woods?
6. Did you specifically cast actors with Russian-looking features?
7. Were there any major differences between Chekhov's original play and this particular adaptation by Tracy Letts? If so, what?
8. A lot of the characters' costumes looked similar--it was difficult to discern who-was-who at the beginning. Was this intentional? (especially with the soldiers/doctor/baron)
9. Was the nurse's costume bunched up in the back to intentionally look frumpy or was that an accident the night we saw it?
10. Andrey--pushing the perambulator between audience and scene on the platform. Was this meant to take focus away from the scene? Was it meant to emphasize Natasha's lack of interest in a "girl" rather than an "heir?" Or are we reading too much into it? Was it simply that Natasha lost interest in her children?
11. Was the gunshot in the duel meant to be so very quiet? It's as if the characters onstage didn't hear it . . . was it fired for the audience's benefit so we could hear it?
12. Did the actor really play the piano? (It sounded great!)
13. We loved the live guitar and flute music. Did you ever consider having more of it throughout the play?
14. Casting--most actors seemed perfect for their roles. We were surprised at the comic nature of the baron. We were surprised at the older features of Masha. Were these casting decisions intended to highlight these aspects of the characters?
15. Acting--really great, all of them. Thank you!
16. Why did you decide to have Masha on the floor? Was that an actor choice or a director choice?
17. Was there meant to be an underlying, suppressed love between Masha's husband and Olga? (We saw it there . . .)
18. Were you doing anything intentional with the Ferapont's earmuffs? (We liked them, too.)
19. We're just curious, how many lighting instruments are used for this play?
Acting
For my analysis for this week was acting. I wanted to know, “were the actors believable and convincing. The three elements that I looked at were body gestures, voice, and simply looking the part.
Overall I liked this show. I thought that the actors did a very good job. I am not going to exam all the actors but only a couple, the first was Andrea Frankle (Olga) I seemed to gravitate to her for the way she played her part. The first thing that I looked at in Andrea was her body gestures. She stood tall when she was happy, and when she was feeling tired from the hard day at work she showed me that she was tired, When she came on stage she told us that she was tired but her body movement pronounced it. I know when I come home and I am tired I don’t even have to say it; everyone in the house knows it by my appearance.
As for her voice, in the same scene she did not speak happy or full of energy when she came home from work, rather she talked slower and deeper. The words seemed to stretch giving the sounds of someone that truly just needed to go to bed. I loved how she managed her voice in this manner.
The third element that I looked at was looking the part. I feel that the nurse truly looked her part. For instant, Her face looked old from what looked like she had worked them to the bones for so many years. She was an old maid which meant from the audience point of view she should never be in a hurry. An example of this is when she brought in drinks and was handing them out. She was never in a hurry and when she left the stage it was slow like she had all the time in the world. I loved watching her enter and leave the stage. Again, all of the acting in this play was done well and I’m glad that I had the chance to see it.
Brad Goolsby
Overall I liked this show. I thought that the actors did a very good job. I am not going to exam all the actors but only a couple, the first was Andrea Frankle (Olga) I seemed to gravitate to her for the way she played her part. The first thing that I looked at in Andrea was her body gestures. She stood tall when she was happy, and when she was feeling tired from the hard day at work she showed me that she was tired, When she came on stage she told us that she was tired but her body movement pronounced it. I know when I come home and I am tired I don’t even have to say it; everyone in the house knows it by my appearance.
As for her voice, in the same scene she did not speak happy or full of energy when she came home from work, rather she talked slower and deeper. The words seemed to stretch giving the sounds of someone that truly just needed to go to bed. I loved how she managed her voice in this manner.
The third element that I looked at was looking the part. I feel that the nurse truly looked her part. For instant, Her face looked old from what looked like she had worked them to the bones for so many years. She was an old maid which meant from the audience point of view she should never be in a hurry. An example of this is when she brought in drinks and was handing them out. She was never in a hurry and when she left the stage it was slow like she had all the time in the world. I loved watching her enter and leave the stage. Again, all of the acting in this play was done well and I’m glad that I had the chance to see it.
Brad Goolsby
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Boy im not feeling original at all... Three sisters script/text
I knew very little about this play before going in. The only thing that really stuck in my mind from class before the play, was that chekov's plays were supposed to be funny, but no one ever thought they were. Thats possibly because his plays are depressing, but he tries to laugh his way through it. Like we know were all depressed, but maybe I'll just make a joke here and there to lighten the mood.
I felt like he did a good job of this. I felt like going to moscow was symbolic of a better life in general. They just happened to pick moscow. I felt like throughout everything They just kept getting more and more depressed because they werent changing anything. Irina and the oldest sister Olga kept talking about going to moscow, but it never happened, and who knows what was up with masha the middle sister. She was just unhappy the entire play, I suspect maybe chekov was not a fan of marriage. That seems to be her biggest issue, because when she met the colonel, she was happy and giddy.
Anyway...Im getting off track. The script to me was very well written, and funny. It took real life issues; a sucky marriage, a dreamer, being stuck in a rut so to speak, and having an awful sister in law who you just want to pummel, and throws them in your face with a splash of humor.
I feel like the real underlying issue and theme of this play, isnt that we should make something of our lives, or dream big, but whatever life gives you, try and find the humor in it. I dont think that the characters did that necessarily, but by chekov giving us these characters, with so many different problems that maybe we can relate to, he is giving us a situation where we can laugh, and say yeah, I want to move to moscow (hawaii), maybe thats not going to happen, but I should laugh, dance, and enjoy the company Im with, because I might not be with them forever. Things in life arent going to always work out, maybe you will be stuck in a less than desirable job, but try and laugh a little more.
Thanks for letting me rant.
sorry its late...again....
Alex Ashton :)
I felt like he did a good job of this. I felt like going to moscow was symbolic of a better life in general. They just happened to pick moscow. I felt like throughout everything They just kept getting more and more depressed because they werent changing anything. Irina and the oldest sister Olga kept talking about going to moscow, but it never happened, and who knows what was up with masha the middle sister. She was just unhappy the entire play, I suspect maybe chekov was not a fan of marriage. That seems to be her biggest issue, because when she met the colonel, she was happy and giddy.
Anyway...Im getting off track. The script to me was very well written, and funny. It took real life issues; a sucky marriage, a dreamer, being stuck in a rut so to speak, and having an awful sister in law who you just want to pummel, and throws them in your face with a splash of humor.
I feel like the real underlying issue and theme of this play, isnt that we should make something of our lives, or dream big, but whatever life gives you, try and find the humor in it. I dont think that the characters did that necessarily, but by chekov giving us these characters, with so many different problems that maybe we can relate to, he is giving us a situation where we can laugh, and say yeah, I want to move to moscow (hawaii), maybe thats not going to happen, but I should laugh, dance, and enjoy the company Im with, because I might not be with them forever. Things in life arent going to always work out, maybe you will be stuck in a less than desirable job, but try and laugh a little more.
Thanks for letting me rant.
sorry its late...again....
Alex Ashton :)
Monday, May 18, 2009
Three Sisters
Walking into the auditorium, right then I knew I got excited about the play more so than before. The background definitely got me interested right away; I couldn’t stop staring at it. It was really neat, and I liked the octagon stage and the whole auditorium itself, it reminded me of the pictures in the text, how it looked like an arena stage.
Along with looking like an arena stage, to me it also looked like a combination of a thrust stage and a proscenium stage. I liked that the stage was in a shape of an octagon. It was nice because the actors were acting from all different angles of the stage, and did it well. To me, most of the scenes during the second act seemed intimate when the lights were dimmed and the lights were only on the actors on stage. And I quite enjoyed that, especially from where I was sitting.
I liked the moss on the ground just skirting the stage and the use it made for the character Andrey for example, when he was strolling around with the baby cart towards the end of the play. I liked the use of the background as well. For example, when Irina and the Baron would be on the platform, Masha would be walking aimlessly in the background. I liked how they had her character do that, it had us wondering what she was doing without trailing so much from the actors who were currently talking on stage.
Along with looking like an arena stage, to me it also looked like a combination of a thrust stage and a proscenium stage. I liked that the stage was in a shape of an octagon. It was nice because the actors were acting from all different angles of the stage, and did it well. To me, most of the scenes during the second act seemed intimate when the lights were dimmed and the lights were only on the actors on stage. And I quite enjoyed that, especially from where I was sitting.
I liked the moss on the ground just skirting the stage and the use it made for the character Andrey for example, when he was strolling around with the baby cart towards the end of the play. I liked the use of the background as well. For example, when Irina and the Baron would be on the platform, Masha would be walking aimlessly in the background. I liked how they had her character do that, it had us wondering what she was doing without trailing so much from the actors who were currently talking on stage.
I also enjoyed the scene changes because it showed that time was passing, like seasons. It was clever and fit well with the setting and plot of the play. You also saw the personality of some of the characters changed too. Like Natasha for example. She definitely changed! The scene changes to me, also felt intimate with the audience.
I really enjoyed this play more so than I thought. I definitely didn’t know what to expect. I loved the background the most. I think I was starring at that most of the time instead of watching the actors.. ;)
Sam
Sisters stick together
The play "Three Sisters" was a great story and I am very happy that I had the chance to see it. I had a great view thanks to my nice teacher, thank you Mrs. Christiansen:) I was very impressed with the actors and actresses lines. Each one of them did a tremendous job, not one of them strayed out of character nor did any of them forget their lines. I really liked how I could feel the special bond between each of the sisters. They really care about one another and that was very evident when listening to their speeches to each other. The eldest; Olga, clearly takes her many jobs very serious. Not only is she a very respectable teacher, she is also very important in her sister's lives. She cares about them and she has clearly taken her job as the oldest to heart, especially since they no longer have their parents. The middle sister; Masha has a difficult story where she is stuck in a marriage where she clearly has not been happy for quite some time. Her husband Kulygin clearly cannot see or just chooses not to see just how unimpressed she is with him anymore. The youngest sister Irina is depicted as a happy go lucky women who seems to see the bright side to life and does not have blue days. She also appreciates hard work and does not seem to mind early hours and thinks it is necessary for everyone to have jobs. The director did a great job with the script/text, each line either made you frown or laugh. This story really got to the base of what people go through, the good and the bad. There is a lot of good topics that are brought up. I really enjoyed the lines that Natasha had, she had a killer script. Her performance was well done, I really disliked her and that was the intent on her performance, she did a tremendous job with her script. I really feel that she owned her script, that is just how good she really was. I could feel the happiness that Andrey the brother really felt when making Natasha his wife, and how he progressed into slow bitterness over realizing that the women he married was not as great as he made her out to be. His misery was very clear and he did a great job. Each of the performances really shined with wonderful directing and acting. The script really showed how each one of the actors changed, some for the better and some not so much better. A very tremendous performance by each and every one of them. It was well worth seeing.
Thank you,
Tracy:)
Thank you,
Tracy:)
Into The Blue
Three Sisters was a great play. I really enjoyed the story line as well as the actors and the whole piece as one. The actors were very good and the professional feel of it all was great.
The set was very different looking, with all the trees and forestry, yet the inside of rooms were being portrayed on the stage. I liked it alot, the trees were very cool and the backdrop was painted so well that it blended in perfectly with the 3 dimensional tress. I was very confused on that decision though. Although entertaining, I really don't know why the director chose to have the outside clash with the inside on the set.
The stage was set in a thrust/in the round because the audience was not completely around the stage but they were a little bit more than three quarters around. I really enjoyed it that way. And how the corners where the actors entered and exited, and even dressed were right by the audience, was really interesting. The action seemed to be so close, which made it really intimate.
The lights became dimmer it seemed in the second act when it opened on the sad dark scene with the fire. And I noticed that there were a lot of blue lights as well as purples and oranges. They seemed to portray a warm feel yet a hint of sadness with the blues. I thought that was very well thought out. The play started out with a little bit of a warm loving feel, and also some tension, and then progressed more into depression, and I think the lights portrayed that very well.
The set changes were fairly fast and I really liked how the actors were dressed on stage in the blue lights, and the fact that we could see them made them stay in character. The shows we have seen in this class have had minimal props until this one. And both amounts of props are enjoyable to watch. This play had man props and were used very well.
Even though Three Sisters was a long and sad play, I still really enjoyed it.
Heather Harlan
The set was very different looking, with all the trees and forestry, yet the inside of rooms were being portrayed on the stage. I liked it alot, the trees were very cool and the backdrop was painted so well that it blended in perfectly with the 3 dimensional tress. I was very confused on that decision though. Although entertaining, I really don't know why the director chose to have the outside clash with the inside on the set.
The stage was set in a thrust/in the round because the audience was not completely around the stage but they were a little bit more than three quarters around. I really enjoyed it that way. And how the corners where the actors entered and exited, and even dressed were right by the audience, was really interesting. The action seemed to be so close, which made it really intimate.
The lights became dimmer it seemed in the second act when it opened on the sad dark scene with the fire. And I noticed that there were a lot of blue lights as well as purples and oranges. They seemed to portray a warm feel yet a hint of sadness with the blues. I thought that was very well thought out. The play started out with a little bit of a warm loving feel, and also some tension, and then progressed more into depression, and I think the lights portrayed that very well.
The set changes were fairly fast and I really liked how the actors were dressed on stage in the blue lights, and the fact that we could see them made them stay in character. The shows we have seen in this class have had minimal props until this one. And both amounts of props are enjoyable to watch. This play had man props and were used very well.
Even though Three Sisters was a long and sad play, I still really enjoyed it.
Heather Harlan
The Directing eye
Even though my job is to talk about the directing of this play, I have to say that the set design was magnificent! The director has say in that, so his eye for settings is great.
The play starts off with the three sisters walking around the stage looking out into space. The other characters did a little bit of that on their way to their position; which was a chair out in the woods. As the three sisters got into their early dialog you could see the cast holding private conversations in the woods, and then someone would shout out something against what the three sisters were saying but it would be directed at the person the character was talking to. I thought that was interesting. I thought the blocking was good, and you'd probably find a lot of directors who may not like the fact that conversations in the story were from a sitting position, or they just stood in one place moving here and there but not much. I liked the way the director used four entrances to the stage, it gave the stage more dimensions. We as the audience got to imagine that there was a living room area by the way the director sold the laughter coming from the speakers above the exit by the lobby.
I thought the play was good, but I didn't like the relationship between the eldest sister and her husband the teacher. The fact that she wasn't happy with him but she felt that a soldier with a sick wife for whom he referred to disrespectfully would be better for her...huh?
By: Patrick Ford
Even though my job is to talk about the directing of this play, I have to say that the set design was magnificent! The director has say in that, so his eye for settings is great.
The play starts off with the three sisters walking around the stage looking out into space. The other characters did a little bit of that on their way to their position; which was a chair out in the woods. As the three sisters got into their early dialog you could see the cast holding private conversations in the woods, and then someone would shout out something against what the three sisters were saying but it would be directed at the person the character was talking to. I thought that was interesting. I thought the blocking was good, and you'd probably find a lot of directors who may not like the fact that conversations in the story were from a sitting position, or they just stood in one place moving here and there but not much. I liked the way the director used four entrances to the stage, it gave the stage more dimensions. We as the audience got to imagine that there was a living room area by the way the director sold the laughter coming from the speakers above the exit by the lobby.
I thought the play was good, but I didn't like the relationship between the eldest sister and her husband the teacher. The fact that she wasn't happy with him but she felt that a soldier with a sick wife for whom he referred to disrespectfully would be better for her...huh?
By: Patrick Ford
A little on the story of life
Anton Chekhov’s play The Three Sisters has all the elements necessary to create a successful Drama of lies, betrayal, and death. It is a story that many people have experienced. The story of regret.
The three Prozorov sisters, Olga, Masha, Irina, and their brother reside in a small provincial Russian town, where there isn’t much excitement. They lounge around with relatives and friends day-dreaming of possibilities and returning to Moscow, where they lived when their father was alive, as if it were some sort of Promised Land.
In life we all yearn to progress, fulfill dreams, accomplish great things and become somebody. These are the same emotions the Prozorov family have, and like most people, they do not take the necessary steps to nourish their dreams, which leads them down a path of regret and of what ifs.
Because of the unique stage design, a combination of arena and thrust, the director, for the most part, made successful blocking choices. I did not understand why the director made the choice, at certain times during the production, to have the actors face the woods, leaving their backs faced towards all the audience. Also I would have appreciated it more if the forest was moved out a little. From where I was sitting it was hard to view the entire forest and the actors in that forest, perhaps it was the “cheap seats”, lol.
Overall it was an incredible production, I very much appreciated the acting and the Directors vision. I definitely recommend this production.
Thank You
James L.
The three Prozorov sisters, Olga, Masha, Irina, and their brother reside in a small provincial Russian town, where there isn’t much excitement. They lounge around with relatives and friends day-dreaming of possibilities and returning to Moscow, where they lived when their father was alive, as if it were some sort of Promised Land.
In life we all yearn to progress, fulfill dreams, accomplish great things and become somebody. These are the same emotions the Prozorov family have, and like most people, they do not take the necessary steps to nourish their dreams, which leads them down a path of regret and of what ifs.
Because of the unique stage design, a combination of arena and thrust, the director, for the most part, made successful blocking choices. I did not understand why the director made the choice, at certain times during the production, to have the actors face the woods, leaving their backs faced towards all the audience. Also I would have appreciated it more if the forest was moved out a little. From where I was sitting it was hard to view the entire forest and the actors in that forest, perhaps it was the “cheap seats”, lol.
Overall it was an incredible production, I very much appreciated the acting and the Directors vision. I definitely recommend this production.
Thank You
James L.
To Touch or no?
Well, although I was unsure about watching this show, and I felt horrible the entire time, I rather enjoyed the show. I think it was well put together for the most part. I was to be paying attention to the design elements, and there is so much to say.
For starters, the stage itself. Well, we knew it was supposed to be a black box, but I don't think that anyone would argue that they turned it into a thrust stage, that easily could have wound up being in the round. From where I was sitting in seat A1, it seemed almost as if it went slightly past 3/4 so it was a little weird. Then there was the scenery, which consisted mostly of the Birch trees that were mentioned so many times throughout the show. Those trees actually made my spot a terrible place for me to sit. I like to touch and feel things and there were trees all of about a foot away from me. The temptation to reach out and touch them to see what they were made of was nearly overwhelming and quite distracting from me. Somehow, I managed to resist temptation but I believe they were made from some sort of paper mache wrapped around some poles to make them sturdy to stay standing and then painted.
The set pieces they used although moved around quite a bit, were pretty minimal. A few dining chairs, 1 fancy chair, a little vanity, and 2 beds, most of which didn't stay on for very long. Although there was one chair that was sitting amongst the trees I believe for most if not all for the show, and the piano that had stayed in the trees for most of the time. I think they executed moving them on and off fairly well, though. I must complain of some of the placement, though. It is thrust, not in the round, so I am not quite sure exactly my view was blocked so much. From the actors angle, a lot of action seemed to happen stage right when a line of actors would be watching what was going on and preventing me from seeing it. I lost whole pieces because I couldn't see over and around them, it was especially frustrating during one scene, I believe it was during the birthday party at the beginning, when there was nothing up center, but almost all the military people were standing in front of me while two characters were confronting each other. Although, yes, that is largely an issue with the directors choice, it also is part of the design because the space you are using and the set pieces needed on stage go hand in hand. You don't put a tree in the center of arena style theatre because it would block. The same logic applies here. I think logic should have said the stage was too dense over here, particularly during the lighter scenes. A different configuration where there was more space between chairs or if they were divided on both sides would have not only increased visibility but balanced it out on the platform, making a more aesthetically appealing set up.
As for the costumer, they were great. I think they fit the characters very well. And the first costume worn by Natasha was perfect in retrospect. At first I was so unsure about it because it was so different and she looked like a 12 year old. However after seeing the whole story, I think it suited well because it established that Natasha was so very different from the rest of the characters, and they had mentioned in the beginning that she dressed and did her hair like a little girl. I liked the military outfits, a lot. For the most part they were simple while giving that military air, but they also easily showed the main ranks of those wearing them. And of course, I have to say, I loved the belt that was worn by Irina, no matter what Natasha thought of it.
Overall, a good production. Of course, like every good show put on, and, of course, every bad show, it could stand for a few improvements.
Ember Dahl
For starters, the stage itself. Well, we knew it was supposed to be a black box, but I don't think that anyone would argue that they turned it into a thrust stage, that easily could have wound up being in the round. From where I was sitting in seat A1, it seemed almost as if it went slightly past 3/4 so it was a little weird. Then there was the scenery, which consisted mostly of the Birch trees that were mentioned so many times throughout the show. Those trees actually made my spot a terrible place for me to sit. I like to touch and feel things and there were trees all of about a foot away from me. The temptation to reach out and touch them to see what they were made of was nearly overwhelming and quite distracting from me. Somehow, I managed to resist temptation but I believe they were made from some sort of paper mache wrapped around some poles to make them sturdy to stay standing and then painted.
The set pieces they used although moved around quite a bit, were pretty minimal. A few dining chairs, 1 fancy chair, a little vanity, and 2 beds, most of which didn't stay on for very long. Although there was one chair that was sitting amongst the trees I believe for most if not all for the show, and the piano that had stayed in the trees for most of the time. I think they executed moving them on and off fairly well, though. I must complain of some of the placement, though. It is thrust, not in the round, so I am not quite sure exactly my view was blocked so much. From the actors angle, a lot of action seemed to happen stage right when a line of actors would be watching what was going on and preventing me from seeing it. I lost whole pieces because I couldn't see over and around them, it was especially frustrating during one scene, I believe it was during the birthday party at the beginning, when there was nothing up center, but almost all the military people were standing in front of me while two characters were confronting each other. Although, yes, that is largely an issue with the directors choice, it also is part of the design because the space you are using and the set pieces needed on stage go hand in hand. You don't put a tree in the center of arena style theatre because it would block. The same logic applies here. I think logic should have said the stage was too dense over here, particularly during the lighter scenes. A different configuration where there was more space between chairs or if they were divided on both sides would have not only increased visibility but balanced it out on the platform, making a more aesthetically appealing set up.
As for the costumer, they were great. I think they fit the characters very well. And the first costume worn by Natasha was perfect in retrospect. At first I was so unsure about it because it was so different and she looked like a 12 year old. However after seeing the whole story, I think it suited well because it established that Natasha was so very different from the rest of the characters, and they had mentioned in the beginning that she dressed and did her hair like a little girl. I liked the military outfits, a lot. For the most part they were simple while giving that military air, but they also easily showed the main ranks of those wearing them. And of course, I have to say, I loved the belt that was worn by Irina, no matter what Natasha thought of it.
Overall, a good production. Of course, like every good show put on, and, of course, every bad show, it could stand for a few improvements.
Ember Dahl
In the Woods...
I thought that the Scenic Design at the Artist's Repertory Theatre's Three Sisters was beautifully done. The stage was very visually intriguing. As you enter the auditorium and walk to your seat, you basically step in the set. The moss on the floor was a great touch. My seat, which was on the far side stage left, I felt that I was a part of the woods and trees. The birch trees were very realistic looking, even from close up. Jeff Seats, the designer did a great job. The idea of combining the house with the woods around them was very dream like yet made sense in the set of the show. The Piano was incorperated very nicely. It caught my eye without taking me out of the scene I was watching.
Overall, I really enjoyed the show. It was dramatic, however, had nice comic relief moments. The scene changes were done right in front of us by the characters on stage. At first I thought it was a bit awkward, but I grew to like it. It showed a passing of time and the realism of someone changing their clothes. I also thought that in general, the costumes were very consistent with the time period and they were executed pretty well.
The camera of course was one of the best props used in my opinion. The realism of how long it took back then to take a picture was very funny. We all take cameras for granted, not realizing how new of a technology it is.
My experience watching Three Sisters was a positive one and I believe that the set was one of the greatest elements.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Script/Text for Three Sisters
I found the play Three Sisters quite funny and witty. The script was well written, with each personality very strong and contrasting. The play had an overall serious and tragic tone. However, there were characters who gave comic relief throughout. Act I was really optimistic, giddy, and really jolly. I especially loved the super long pause for the taking of the picture. It was a great comic relief. I went into the theatre thinking I was going to cry and feel super depressed after wards. Although it was depressing and intense, the comic relief was just enough to relieve those deep feelings.
Anton Checkov is exceptional, really. He is able to get to the point of depression, loneliness, and the search for happiness and love. As one of the characters says, "There is no happiness." We are just bodies floating around searching for our meaning in life. This is so depressing, and really gives us no reason to live. However, the characters each have an optimistic air about them that gives them hope for the future. The Doctor's monologue really gets to the point of this. Happiness is just out there, waiting for us to grab it. However, our lives are so meaningless really. We're just here for no reason it sometimes seems until we find that reason and live our lives to the fullest. However, he realized that his life had come to this part of old age, and he really knew nothing. He was just floating around and wondering if this was at all real, did he even really exist?? It was definitely a low point in the play. It made me think about where my life is going, what I really want to do with my life.
Chekov, well really Tracy Letts (the adapter) was very good at describing feelings and getting to the heart of them. The script captures the essence of depression and the loss of happiness throughout life. It also gets to the heart of marriage, that sometimes we must find someone to help us continue our life because they will help us be successful, as Irina did with the Baron. Also, since the play was during a span of about 5 or so years, I think that's what Alisha, Chris, and I decided on, it shows how much people can change, and fast!
The adaptation and possibly the director made a great choice for the transitions between the two first acts and the two last acts. The music went very well and the dress change and the actors walking around the stage in character was very well put together. I'm not entirely sure if that was a director choice or in the adaptation/script. But it was very well done.
Eveyone in Three Sisters dreamed of a better life, although some were quite satisfied. Kulygin was very satisfied married to his unfaithful wife Masha. He was happy, although she didn't love him, he was perfecty content.
However, life does change. Sometimes it's unexpected. Olga becomes the head mistress. She even says she never saw herself in that position. Masha falls in love with Vershinin, and yet Kulygin is still married to her and still in love with her. Irina marries without love and moves with the Baron, which she never expected. The soldiers are shipped off to Poland and the house is just left empty.
Chekov wrote a fantastic playwright. He understood the search that all people have for happiness. He understood how people yern for the things they cannot reach. Depression is a feeling that takes over everyone. However, the thing that makes or breaks a person is how they deal with that despression of life.
I loved the play. It was so very well-written and spoke to my heart. Loved it!
Anton Checkov is exceptional, really. He is able to get to the point of depression, loneliness, and the search for happiness and love. As one of the characters says, "There is no happiness." We are just bodies floating around searching for our meaning in life. This is so depressing, and really gives us no reason to live. However, the characters each have an optimistic air about them that gives them hope for the future. The Doctor's monologue really gets to the point of this. Happiness is just out there, waiting for us to grab it. However, our lives are so meaningless really. We're just here for no reason it sometimes seems until we find that reason and live our lives to the fullest. However, he realized that his life had come to this part of old age, and he really knew nothing. He was just floating around and wondering if this was at all real, did he even really exist?? It was definitely a low point in the play. It made me think about where my life is going, what I really want to do with my life.
Chekov, well really Tracy Letts (the adapter) was very good at describing feelings and getting to the heart of them. The script captures the essence of depression and the loss of happiness throughout life. It also gets to the heart of marriage, that sometimes we must find someone to help us continue our life because they will help us be successful, as Irina did with the Baron. Also, since the play was during a span of about 5 or so years, I think that's what Alisha, Chris, and I decided on, it shows how much people can change, and fast!
The adaptation and possibly the director made a great choice for the transitions between the two first acts and the two last acts. The music went very well and the dress change and the actors walking around the stage in character was very well put together. I'm not entirely sure if that was a director choice or in the adaptation/script. But it was very well done.
Eveyone in Three Sisters dreamed of a better life, although some were quite satisfied. Kulygin was very satisfied married to his unfaithful wife Masha. He was happy, although she didn't love him, he was perfecty content.
However, life does change. Sometimes it's unexpected. Olga becomes the head mistress. She even says she never saw herself in that position. Masha falls in love with Vershinin, and yet Kulygin is still married to her and still in love with her. Irina marries without love and moves with the Baron, which she never expected. The soldiers are shipped off to Poland and the house is just left empty.
Chekov wrote a fantastic playwright. He understood the search that all people have for happiness. He understood how people yern for the things they cannot reach. Depression is a feeling that takes over everyone. However, the thing that makes or breaks a person is how they deal with that despression of life.
I loved the play. It was so very well-written and spoke to my heart. Loved it!
Friday, May 15, 2009
3 in 1 for 3 Onstage
The stage at Artists Repertory Theatre was quite unique and had many positive effects on my watching the play. I have to admit, I have never encountered a stage quite like this one; this made the experience all the more exciting.
In some strange way, the stage was somewhat of a mix between a proscenium, ¾ thrust, and an arena-style stage. It had the arch in the back, where the actors still acted in, a thrust/platform that jutted out into the center with the audience on three sides, and on this platform, the actors performed on it in 360 degrees. It is easier to understand this knowing that this is actually a black-box style stage; using the black-box’s all-purpose variability to give this stage the best of all worlds. When the actors performed in the forested background, the proscenium arch was there to frame the action. And although the platform was made to be a ¾ thrust, the actors performed in all directions on the compass. I thought that this black-box style of stage was very effective, constantly switching up where the action took place, which in turn kept me on my feet. An example of this is in Act IV, when Masha kept walking in between the trees and Irina was with the Baron on the central platform. The audience paid attention to Irina and the Baron, while still wondering what was going through Masha’s mind, how she seemed so preoccupied wandering through the gardens.
While still being a relatively large space, the stage was still able to remain quite intimate during some scenes. The stage was large enough to accommodate the entire cast without the effect of overcrowding; an example would be the picture taking scene at the party, everyone was onstage but it didn’t seem like anything was being drowned out. Normally, smaller stages would not be able to fit the entire cast onstage without overloading the audience’s visuals and along with that, confusing their focus.
And during the one-on-one scenes, such as the ones between Irina and Tusenbach or Solyony, the sections of the octagonal platform seemed to point to and highlight the said characters. This sort of highlighting was able to let me focus solely on those two actors. Once again, I believe this was a very effective use of the black-box stage’s universal capabilities and further cemented the black-box stage as my favorite type of stage.
If the A.R.T. is able to do this with this stage, I am very excited to see what they can do with other productions (like a musical?). So I give the production crew props for making such an awesome stage that kept me on the edge of my seat, expanding my focus throughout the entire stage space.
~Chris McVey
In some strange way, the stage was somewhat of a mix between a proscenium, ¾ thrust, and an arena-style stage. It had the arch in the back, where the actors still acted in, a thrust/platform that jutted out into the center with the audience on three sides, and on this platform, the actors performed on it in 360 degrees. It is easier to understand this knowing that this is actually a black-box style stage; using the black-box’s all-purpose variability to give this stage the best of all worlds. When the actors performed in the forested background, the proscenium arch was there to frame the action. And although the platform was made to be a ¾ thrust, the actors performed in all directions on the compass. I thought that this black-box style of stage was very effective, constantly switching up where the action took place, which in turn kept me on my feet. An example of this is in Act IV, when Masha kept walking in between the trees and Irina was with the Baron on the central platform. The audience paid attention to Irina and the Baron, while still wondering what was going through Masha’s mind, how she seemed so preoccupied wandering through the gardens.
While still being a relatively large space, the stage was still able to remain quite intimate during some scenes. The stage was large enough to accommodate the entire cast without the effect of overcrowding; an example would be the picture taking scene at the party, everyone was onstage but it didn’t seem like anything was being drowned out. Normally, smaller stages would not be able to fit the entire cast onstage without overloading the audience’s visuals and along with that, confusing their focus.
And during the one-on-one scenes, such as the ones between Irina and Tusenbach or Solyony, the sections of the octagonal platform seemed to point to and highlight the said characters. This sort of highlighting was able to let me focus solely on those two actors. Once again, I believe this was a very effective use of the black-box stage’s universal capabilities and further cemented the black-box stage as my favorite type of stage.
If the A.R.T. is able to do this with this stage, I am very excited to see what they can do with other productions (like a musical?). So I give the production crew props for making such an awesome stage that kept me on the edge of my seat, expanding my focus throughout the entire stage space.
~Chris McVey
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
gone with the directing.. catchy I hope
There has been quite a bit of controversy towards this play. I myself am going to stay as neutral as I can possibly be. I will make sure this post is centered around the directing and critique that rather than stray and hurt a fellow classmates feelings. I understand that actors/actresses must follow the direction that they are given. I must say that I was impressed by the performances that many of my classmates gave, I was very impressed. None of my opinions on the directing have any threat on the performances themselves. I have to be honest about the directors choice in scenary. I was not impressed with the stage set, I did not enjoy having 3 sides to look at. I felt it was distracting, and not for me. I do know though, that other people enjoy being able to see what other audience members are thinking by their expressions. The hardest part for me in completely understanding the meaning behind this play was the non-existent stage props. It is easier for myself to imagine where the scene is supposed to take place and what the characters are supposed to be protraying when they have something more than their lines to make the story come to life. One thing that really did not work for me was the blocking, I was not able to see the actors expressions on their faces at different times. I really would have enjoyed seeing Antigone's expression at times when she was not yelling at someone else. I hope my opinions are not taken out of context. I really did enjoy the protrayal that everyone gave. I know Antigone is a very intense play and kudos to everyone for their performance. I can tell that lines were rehearsed and went over and over. No one went out of character and I really believed every character.
Thank you,
Tracy:)
Thank you,
Tracy:)
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Elements of Theatre: Script/Text
Playwright = play-maker
Action/Plot versus Story
Playwrights must consider:
Action/Plot versus Story
Playwrights must consider:
- The theme they want to convey
- Hot topics that may interest the audience
- Time limitations
- How will actions of the play be portrayed
- Stage space
- Mood/Tone--how to convey that
- story: beginning, middle, end
- conflicts, obstacles, complications
- crisis . . . climax
Antigone
Blocking--constant motion--why?
Music--how was it conceived/used?
Why such a short run?
Casting?
Why the messenger and chorus in cahoots?
Why Creon only could talk to messenger/chorus?
Costumes? Half-modern half Greek?
Show in general--why half-modern, half-Greek?
What was theme/message of this show?
Exits--construction issues? Why were the exits so small?
Arena staging decision? Why?
Why minimal props?
Why color-blind casting?
WWII guards--costumes totally modern, not Greek . . . why?
zippers and boots--huh?
why did the director decide to do this show?
What were the artists trying to do?
What were the biggest challenges for the actors in this show?
Why did the adapter of the play choose to make this version?
What was the audience experience? why?
Why not use the actual lights on the poles as motivated lighting for certain scenes? Why not more dimming during the scene changes?
Bertolt Brecht--German playwright-director 1930's to 1950's . . . calling attention to the act of staging a play--big political motivations
Music--how was it conceived/used?
Why such a short run?
Casting?
Why the messenger and chorus in cahoots?
Why Creon only could talk to messenger/chorus?
Costumes? Half-modern half Greek?
Show in general--why half-modern, half-Greek?
What was theme/message of this show?
Exits--construction issues? Why were the exits so small?
Arena staging decision? Why?
Why minimal props?
Why color-blind casting?
WWII guards--costumes totally modern, not Greek . . . why?
zippers and boots--huh?
why did the director decide to do this show?
What were the artists trying to do?
What were the biggest challenges for the actors in this show?
Why did the adapter of the play choose to make this version?
What was the audience experience? why?
Why not use the actual lights on the poles as motivated lighting for certain scenes? Why not more dimming during the scene changes?
Bertolt Brecht--German playwright-director 1930's to 1950's . . . calling attention to the act of staging a play--big political motivations
Elements of Theatre: Script/Text
Characters:
Extraordinary Characters--larger than life--kings, queens, etc.
They can be extraordinarly good, bad, or funny. They may also be a regular person with an exceptional personality or achievement.
Extraordinary Characters--larger than life--kings, queens, etc.
They can be extraordinarly good, bad, or funny. They may also be a regular person with an exceptional personality or achievement.
- Nixon
- Creon
- Antigone
- Bright Girl
- Dimitri
- Sergeant Tracey
- Jim
- Guard #1
- Ismene
- Tessie
- Jack Brennan
- Guards #2 and #3
- The Queen
- Officer Charles
- Swiftly
- The Nurse
- Bernie
- Romey (teenage girl)
- Stanley (teenage boy)
- the mom
- the business lady
- Bob Zelmic
- Caroline (girlfriend)
- Waitress/Stewardess
- The Messenger
- Haemon
- David Frost
- Jim, the Narrator
- Richard Nixon
- Jim
- Jack
- Swiftly
- The Chorus
- Louis or Louie
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
New Eyes
The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.
Wonderings and wanderings--not final statement.
The sandwich principle.
Wonderings and wanderings--not final statement.
The sandwich principle.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Design- From the Inside
Okay, so the cool thing about writing about the design elements of Antigone is that I got to see the process of how they all came together. I've got the inside track, if you will. So here goes.
I thought our costumes for this show were awesome. As always, our designer, Sumi, did a great job with them. They all seemed the perfect cross between modern and period. Creon's headband was a nice touch; it hinted at his position without being too over the top. The nurse's outfit was simple and rather plain, just the way I thought it should be. And the guard uniforms actually looked official. I still have mine! But they wouldn't let me buy the hat or boots. I'll have to replace them... And I know it's not exactly costuming, but they were even so true to the spirit of the show to make sure that our hair fit. They sent me off to get an actual military haircut, and Tim (Haemon) was shipped off to the cosmetology department for a trim as well.
Another thing that I really enjoyed was the way that the stage was set up. The design of the set was fantastic. It was simple, just a square stage with four posts, but it worked really well. The designs on the floor were entrancing (at least to me... ooh, a butterfly!). And the most notable aspect of the way the staging was done, I loved the fact that the show was in the round. As an actor, I've never performed a show this way, but I can definitely see its appeal, especially in a space as intimate as our black box theater is. Though I'm sure that it was a different directing experience than most, as Rick was dealing with a 3D stage picture rather than a flat proscenium one.
And I really enjoyed the props that we used. There weren't many of them, but they were effective. The cards really gave a picture of who the guards were, playing cards while for the rest of the characters the world is crumbling around them. Not unlike Nero, I thought. I don't know where they got those handcuffs, but they were exquisite. Although they were continually pinching Antigone. (Sorry, Heather...) And all the rest were great too, from the handkerchiefs to James' notebook.
All in all, the design of this show worked hand in hand with the script to create a picture of tragedy that captured the spirit of Antigone excellently. Kudos to all those who helped us make it work.
Directing Antigone
It seems that in my absence on blogger, a little drama has erupted.... and not the drama we apprecieate... (haha a little pun on our class name and "fighting" drama).. whew... tough crowd.
Before I actually start my blog, I just want to do a prolouge. (ha wow, thats funny, im a poet and didnt even know it). I have read everything on here, and pretty much all the comments. I am swiss on this one, (neutral). I know a few people in this class from 1st term acting, but there are some I have never met. When I went to see this play, I was actually nervous about giving my opionion on it, because of the people actually in the play, are in our class, that Ive never met. I actually expressed my concern to someone (cant remember who), and finally decided that I will yes, give my opionion, but not say anything that may cause further.... frustrations. If, what I have to say, does cause offense, please remember that as a critique, and a student, I am not trying to attack anyone, and I really do understand how hard it is to be involved in a play, and I ask that you understand that I understand that.
When walking into Antigone, I was eager to see what Zimmer (the director) did for the play. As many of you know, in 1st term acting, we preformed dialouges from this exact play, so I am quite familiar with it and with Zimmer. I was first and foremost shocked at the layout. The arena seating, with 4 sides, I didnt like at first, but before I prejudged I gave it a chance. During the play, I have to say that I still didnt enjoy it. I thought that with the 2 benches the blocking was designed to fill up the whole stage. I almost felt like there was too much movement. I felt like the characters had to keep moving, because they had to entertain 4 sides. I sat there imagining what the blocking would have been like with say 3 sides. It was an interesting director choice, with the stage layout which I felt affected the blocking.
Another thing I was very shocked by was the music. From reading the other blogs I noticed that it was mentioned that it was the original score, but I have to say I wasnt a fan. I feel like the actors did not fit the music. *please remember my prolouge, im not attacking the actors* I feel like maybe the tempo and the acting did not fit the music, it was like they started playing it and then turned it off and then it started again. I did not get the feeling that it was planned and helped the dialouge. I think that maybe it was a director choice to put in the music to break up the monotony of the lengthy monolouges, but I didnt feel like it helped.
I thought the cast was surprising. Different from what I imagined, because as I mentioned before I have read this play before, so naturally I invisioned my own characters in my head. I thought that as far as choosing a hardworking cast, the director did a good job. The time spent on rehearsal and research was evident.
Im excited for the next play!!! :)
Alex Ashton
Before I actually start my blog, I just want to do a prolouge. (ha wow, thats funny, im a poet and didnt even know it). I have read everything on here, and pretty much all the comments. I am swiss on this one, (neutral). I know a few people in this class from 1st term acting, but there are some I have never met. When I went to see this play, I was actually nervous about giving my opionion on it, because of the people actually in the play, are in our class, that Ive never met. I actually expressed my concern to someone (cant remember who), and finally decided that I will yes, give my opionion, but not say anything that may cause further.... frustrations. If, what I have to say, does cause offense, please remember that as a critique, and a student, I am not trying to attack anyone, and I really do understand how hard it is to be involved in a play, and I ask that you understand that I understand that.
When walking into Antigone, I was eager to see what Zimmer (the director) did for the play. As many of you know, in 1st term acting, we preformed dialouges from this exact play, so I am quite familiar with it and with Zimmer. I was first and foremost shocked at the layout. The arena seating, with 4 sides, I didnt like at first, but before I prejudged I gave it a chance. During the play, I have to say that I still didnt enjoy it. I thought that with the 2 benches the blocking was designed to fill up the whole stage. I almost felt like there was too much movement. I felt like the characters had to keep moving, because they had to entertain 4 sides. I sat there imagining what the blocking would have been like with say 3 sides. It was an interesting director choice, with the stage layout which I felt affected the blocking.
Another thing I was very shocked by was the music. From reading the other blogs I noticed that it was mentioned that it was the original score, but I have to say I wasnt a fan. I feel like the actors did not fit the music. *please remember my prolouge, im not attacking the actors* I feel like maybe the tempo and the acting did not fit the music, it was like they started playing it and then turned it off and then it started again. I did not get the feeling that it was planned and helped the dialouge. I think that maybe it was a director choice to put in the music to break up the monotony of the lengthy monolouges, but I didnt feel like it helped.
I thought the cast was surprising. Different from what I imagined, because as I mentioned before I have read this play before, so naturally I invisioned my own characters in my head. I thought that as far as choosing a hardworking cast, the director did a good job. The time spent on rehearsal and research was evident.
Im excited for the next play!!! :)
Alex Ashton
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