Playhouse on Park

Gift Cards for Playhouse on Park

2011-12-20T14:10:00.002-05:00

Gift cards nowadays seem to be all the rage. No more endlessly perusing store aisles for presents that will merit a forced smile and a curt response from the gift recipient. No more doing battle with aggressive shoppers who see you as an obstacle between them and the latest must have item. The gift card phenomenon puts all that unpleasantness behind you.

Come see all the pleasant people at Playhouse on Park and purchase a gift card for the theater-lover in your life. When you do, the recipient of your thoughtful gift will have to have plastic surgery to get the smile off their face.

You may as well have plastic surgery too, because the amount of time you saved and the aggravation you avoided will have you grinning like a Cheshire Cat.

Our gift cards are available in any amount and can be used for any event here at Playhouse on Park. Visit our website, www.playhouseonpark.org or stop by the box office for a season brochure. Feel free to call the box office at 860-523-5900 x 10 with any questions you have.

Open Mic Nights

2011-12-05T11:54:00.002-05:00

Release your inner rock star. Be the Broadway star you always dreamed of and join us at Playhouse on Park for our wildly entertaining open mic nights on Saturday December 10th and 17th following the performances of "Company".

The open mic nights will be lead by Music Director Colin Britt. Bring him your own music, or choose from ours. Sing alone or with a group or just enjoy some live entertainment in a relaxed, night club-like environment. Light refreshments will be served. The event is BYOB.

The open mic nights are free and you do not need to have attended the performance. The festivites will begin about 10 or 15 minutes after the 8:00pm performances. At that time, audience members and newcomers will be allowed re-entry in to the theater.

So leave the hurried preparations of the holiday season behind for awhile and have a blast! Don't worry, we didn't invite Simon Cowell.

From The Playhouse News Desk

2011-11-30T19:53:00.004-05:00

Cue the dramatic music. Enter the opening graphics. Lights up, close up on the news anchor and his finely coiffed hair. A flashy smile and a knowing wink precedes a vast amount of information.

"Our top story this day, Playhouse on Park subscriptions are all the rage. 2012 five show subscriptions are available at the box office, prices range from $60.00 to $130.00. Subscribers are entitled to unlimited exchanges, free gifts and $10.00 tickets to see Stephen Sondheim's "Company" which is on stage through December 18th.

Following the Saturday, December 10th and 17th performances of "Company" will be an open mic and sing along. Join members of the cast for this free event. You do not need to have attended the show. Bring your own music, choose from our music, sing alone, with a group or just sit and be entertained. The sing along will start about fifteen minutes after the show.

The Cast of "Company" will be appearing at West Hartford's Holiday Stroll on Thursday, December 1st at 6:00pm on the center stage at Blue Back Square. "Company" is now playing at Playhouse on Park through December 18th.

For this week only "Falcetti Friday" will be on Thursday, December 1st at Falcetti Music's Blue Back Square location from 5:00 - 8:00pm. Playhouse on Park performers entertain you amidst some gorgeous pianos. Light snacks and beverages provided.

Attention adult actors, Playhouse on Park is holding open auditions for "All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten" on Monday, December 5th from 7:30 to 9:30. Visit www.playhouseonpark.org for more details.

Vote for Playhouse on Park in the 2011 Broadway World.com Awards. A long list of playhouse favorites and fresh faces have been nominated and need your support. Voting has already begun. Visit http://ct.broadwayworld.com/vote2011region.cfm?region=connecticut.

That's all for now, check back for more exciting news from Playhouse on Park, West Hartford's professional theater."

Tickle Your Funny Bone

2011-11-22T14:37:00.009-05:00

Are you stressed about having to clean your house and cook a huge Thanksgiving meal? Does the thought of your in-laws invading your home cause you to consider therapy? If so, you'll need some comic relief before and after the holiday. Lucky for you Playhouse on Park has the answers.

Wednesday, November 23rd at 8:00pm is comedy night. Comedians Johnny Rizzo and Mike Jacobs will take the stage. Mr. Rizzo is an Emmy Award nominee for "Hot Summer Nights New England Comedy Festival". He's appeared at all the top comedy clubs including Dangerfield's and Comic Strip. He has opened for acts like Jay Leno and Joan Rivers. His film credits include "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom Crystal Skull". Mr. Jacobs' edgy and intensely personal brand of autobiographical humor traces its roots back to the North end of Hartford where he was voted "funniest kid" in the 6th grade. His stories of "life" are hilarious and relevant to all. Tickets are $15.00.

Friday, November 25th at 8:00pm is the CT Cage Match Series, a no holds barred competition where two improv teams compete in a head-to-head competition. The audience decides the winner and moves on to the next round. Tickets are $10.00.

Or maybe you'd like to listen to your aunt complain about her sciatic nerve. Perhaps you'd like to hear your lovable, yet belligerent grandfather regale you with "Back in my day." stories. I'll bet your mother would be happy to offer you advice on how she thinks you should live your life.

If you haven't already made up your mind, perhaps you should consider therapy.

The 2012 Subscription

2011-11-17T20:53:00.003-05:00

You're in luck, it's not too late to purchase a subscription to Playhouse on Park. The 2012 subscription includes tickets to our five shows in 2012, starting with "The Mystery of Irma Vep" and ending with "Swinging on a Star".

In January, come witness the funniest two hours on stage with "The Mystery of Irma Vep". This quick-change comedy will feature two accomplished actors playing all eight characters, including werewolves, vampires and damsels in distress.

In February your inner child will be treated to "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten" a musical comedy for grown-ups.

In May, behold the breath-taking, drama that surrounded the life of Golda Meir in "Golda's Balcony". Golda Meir became the fourth Prime Minister of Israel. This intimate and compelling one-woman show invites you in to the heart and mind of one of the 20th century's great leaders.

In June, come see fine physiques and exceptional acting bring ancient Greeks and Romans to life, using contemporary language and familiar characters
in "Metamorphoses". The focal point of the set will be a large pool where most of the action will take place.

In July, you'll be treated to the "dazzling toe-tapping, finger-snapping delight"of a musical revue. "Swinging on a Star" features over forty tunes, including "Pennies from Heaven," "What's New," "Imagination," "Misty," and of course, "Swinging on a Star".

Wednesday and Thursday preview night tickets are $60 for all five shows. For the rest of the run, tickets range from $90 to $130 for all five shows. Significant savings off the regular ticket price. There are also discounts for students, seniors and Let's Go Arts Members.

We understand that life may sometimes throw you a curve ball, which is why subscribers are entitled to unlimited exchanges. Simply call the box office and let us know what night works better for you. We'll happily exchange your tickets for the night of your choosing.

For more information or to reserve your seats for the best deal in town, call the Playhouse on Park box office at 860-523-5900 x10. You can also order your tickets online at www.playhouseonpark.org. While you're on our website, check out our season brochure for a splendid array of other inexpensive offerings, in between your five show subscription.

Power at the Playhouse

2011-11-06T20:46:00.005-05:00

Many of us have been without power, due to a freak October snowstorm two days before Halloween. Playhouse on Park was not one of the many. While being a home away from home for some of us, we all continue to dedicate ourselves to rolling out our season three productions.

The disassembling and assembling of sets provides the backdrop for the improv drop-in workshops, the psychic show, "Bunnicula" rehearsals and photo shoots for "Company" and "The Mystery of Irma Vep".

Improv comedians of all levels are invited to just drop in to Playhouse on Park, Monday, November 7th and/or November 14th from 7:00 to 10:00pm for an open workshop. No need to register, just drop in. The cost is $10.00 per session and payable when you arrive. Accomplished improviser Claire Zick will be the instructor.

Psychic Medium Lisa Marie Lanno brings her show "Messages from the Other Side" to Playhouse on Park, Saturday, November 19th at 8:00pm. Tickets are only $20.00. Join us for two hours of "Spirit Readings" to connect members of the audience to loved ones who have passed away.

The next show in our Young Audience Series is "Bunnicula" the story of the Monroe family who bring home a new pet bunny. The Monroe's cat Chester is convinced that the bunny is a vampire. Chester has a hard time convincing the Monroe's dog Harold of this and fears for the safety of his family. This musical comedy runs from November 12th to the 20th and is about seventy-five minutes with no intermission. The November 3rd edition of the West Hartford News mistakenly has the show running an hour and forty five minutes with an intermission.

Four actors from our upcoming production of "Company" and the two actors from "The Mystery of Irma Vep" were recently here posing for photographs for their respective posters. "Company" opens November 30th. "The Mystery of Irma Vep" opens January 11, 2012.

Now the power is in your hands. You have the power to choose which one of our offerings to come see. You could make it easy on yourself and come see them all. Now that's power.

The Clowns: A Play Reading

2011-11-04T13:27:00.008-04:00

The Clowns is the latest in our play reading series, it is a rock opera written by local playwrights Andy Mayo and Matthew Dicks. The Clowns features a straight up rock score based on the music of an actual opera arias.

Come watch a group of young rock star wannabes navigate their way through life and love that all gets sorted out at a battle of the bands.

MC is a hopeless geek who can't get a date. Jake is a rock star who can't get a record deal. Gwin is the singer Jake wants to impress. Lily is the girlfriend who wants Jake's attention. MC has always loved Lily, but Xavi is the flame that lights her candle. Tabar is the schemer who rats them out, while Turi is the jilted lover who struggles to keep it all in perspective.

This play reading will feature a live band and actors, with scripts in hand bringing Mr. Mayo's music and lyrics and Mr. Dicks' words to life for the first time in front of an audience. The audience will be given the opportunity to provide feedback through a Q & A session with the writers and cast after the performances.

The Clowns will be on stage this Saturday, November 5th at 8:00pm and Sunday, November 6th at 2:00pm. Tickets are only $5.00 for general admission seats. Call the box office at 860-523-5900 x10 to reserve your seats, or buy them at the box office before the show, we'll be open two hours prior to curtain.

The Cast:
Kevin Barlowski as MC
Alex Cutler as Turi
Keisha Gilles as Gwin
Tim Hache as Tabar
Will Macke as Xavi
Jaime Morano as Lily
David Raposo as Jake

The Crew:
Dawn Loveland - Director
Colin Britt - Music Director
Jessica Nix - Stage Manager

Playhouse Profile: Ali Forman

2011-10-25T20:59:00.005-04:00

In about three seconds, you can inhale and exhale twice, change the channel three or four times and hit the snooze button from a dead sleep with amazing accuracy. If you're Ali Forman, that's how long it would take you to accept the job as Playhouse on Park's new house manager.

Ali Forman, a West Hartford resident has known about the playhouse for ages. She's known Artistic Director Darlene Zoller for over eight years, it was Ms. Zoller who offered her the job. "When she found out I was home from college, she asked me right away if I would help out as house manager for the year." Ms. Forman says of learning about the job.

Her initial reaction to the job, "Loved it." but admits "It can be hard having a theater and dance background and not be a part of the cast. I soon realized that every single one of us needs to work together to make sure the show runs smoothly. This is a team effort and I love being a part of it."

Of the playhouse itself, she has an equal amount of love. "As soon you walk in to the playhouse, you get a friendly, family vibe from the staff. It's hard not to love everyone, well...maybe James is an exception." I have to admit, I laughed out loud when I read that response, after all if you can't poke fun at your family, who can you poke fun at. Since I pride myself I clever retorts, here is my comeback to that comment 'Ha ha, what an infantile response reserved for the paste-eating, I'm rubber your glue crowd of our elementary school days.'

Good natured kidding aside for the time being, now that she had the job as house manager, she needed to be trained by the outgoing house manager, me. Her enthusiasm and love of theater combined with my affable persona and thorough knowledge of all things Playhouse on Park, has continued the tradition of exceptional leadership. Blog writer throws a shout out to himself, whoop whoop!

A house manager's primary job is to ensure the safety of the audience from the moment they enter, until the moment they leave. In between there's a lot to be done. "As house manager, you need to be able to trouble-shoot and multi-task to the best of your ability." Says Ms. Forman of her nightly responsibilities. "There are jobs every night that the house manager must complete, but it's a gift that the playhouse always receives wonderful volunteers to help." She adds.

Speaking of the volunteers, one of Ms. Forman's first big responsibilities was to organize and lead some usher training sessions. Something the playhouse hierarchy felt was necessary as we entered our third season and looked for ways to improve the theater-going experience. Many of the people who attended one of the two sessions had already ushered for us on multiple occasions. "The individuals who joined us for the sessions had wonderful questions and were very respectful." Says Ms. Forman of the attendees. "You would have never known we were boring them to death." She jokes.

As long as we're joking, I asked her what she would do if she encountered a below-average volunteer. "Lock them in a room with James for approximately forty seconds. They'll wish they were never born." Personally, if it's a good day, I could do it in twenty seconds. Of course We've only ever had great volunteers, so interrogations won't be necessary.

Her favorite night at the playhouse so far was during the annual Volunteer Potluck Dinner in September. "That night, I felt that everyone working at the playhouse, including the actors from Around the World in 80 Days made me feel as though I were part of the family, even though I was the 'new guy'. They made me feel right at home. It was a wonderful feeling that I'll never forget."

Ms. Forman does not plan on furthering her acting career any time soon, but she does still dance. "If Darlene ever needed a spare dancer, I'd jump at the opportunity as quickly as possible. but for now, I will help out at the Playhouse whenever possible." Though she does confess to being very excited if she were ever chosen for a role.

Long term, she plans on applying to graduate school for speech pathology. After graduate school, she hopes to work anywhere in the West Hartford Public School District as a speech pathologist.

For now, Playhouse on Park is fortunate to have Ms. Ali Forman as house manager. The next time you're at a show, be sure to greet her, or ask her how she can make your Playhouse on Park experience the best it can be. She's ready for whatever comes her way.

Puritan Furniture

2011-10-17T14:02:00.005-04:00

Puritan Furniture is Connecticut's largest furniture store, it occupies a five acre showroom at 1061 New Britain Avenue in West Hartford, Connecticut. Puritan Furniture graciously donated a beautiful black leather sofa, love seat and matching end table to Playhouse on Park, which is now on display in our lobby.

The furniture perfectly matches the frames of the pictures of our current production and has become a focal point in the lobby. They are as comfortable to sit in as they are beautiful to look at.

Special thank you to Puritan Furniture's Owner, Bruce Singer who quickly responded to my letter of request for a donation. Thank you to Puritan Furniture's Merchandising Manager, Pedro Gomes who kindly greeted me and Darlene Zoller on the morning of our scheduled meeting and showed us the furniture they selected for donation. Mr. Gomes also accompanied the delivery of the furniture a couple weeks later and helped bring it in to the lobby.

The next show you see at Playhouse on Park begins in the lobby, when you sit and relax on either the sofa or love seat. If your in the market for new furniture visit Puritan's huge New Britain avenue showroom or browse from the comfort of your home at www.puritanfurniture.com. Just don't let your existing furniture see you, it might pop another spring or lose more stuffing before its beautiful replacements are delivered.

Living with the Cast

2011-09-26T22:33:00.011-04:00

The show is over, the lights go down, the audience applauds, and the actors bow, accepting their admiration. The actors go backstage and the audience goes home. Normally that's the end of the theatre-going experience, unless you're living with the cast.

If you're like me...boyishly handsome for your age, and...living with two of the five actors currently appearing in Playhouse on Park's production of "Around the World in 80 Days." The agile Aidan O'Shea, who plays Passpartout and the accent-minded Jef Canter, who plays Sir Francis Cromarty and many other characters in this zany comedy.

You're probably wondering how these two talented actors ended up sharing my townhouse condo with me, if you're not wondering that, just go with me, you'll be glad you did. I take you back to last September, Daniel Garrison, Lighting Designer for Equus was arriving a day ahead of schedule, and in need of housing. After hearing the conversation, and inquiring about Mr. Garrison, I agreed to take him in. He stayed for eight days in my basement, and we got along great. From that point on, I was on the housing list. It wasn't until recently that the latest two requests came in.

Returning to mid August of this year, we suddenly lost our donated housing to paying renters. Executive Director Tracy Flater found out on Friday, and the cast was due to arrive the following Monday and Tuesday. "I am very grateful for all the donated housing that has been offered up to our actors over the past two years. I cannot fault the companies for wanting to take in paying tenants."

Thus began Ms. Flater's monumental quest to find suitable housing for the actors. "I was overwhelmed with how I was going to solve the problem in such a short time, with no money in the budget for housing". She adds.

The next few days Ms. Flater tirelessly devoted nearly every waking minute to solving the problem. Many e-mails and texts later, the problem was solved, she single-handedly found suitable accommodations for all the actors, two of which, as you know are living with me.

Mr. O'Shea arrived first, being that he was the first request I received. He is comfortably lodged on a mattress and box spring I dragged up from the basement to my office/second bedroom. Mr. Canter followed a couple days later, after Ms. Flater asked if I'd be willing to house an additional actor in my newly painted and carpeted basement, she went so far as to promise me a bed for him. I agreed, it was getting a bit boring all by myself, and two temporary roommates sounded like an exciting change of pace.

It's extremely gratifying when you throw caution to the wind and invite a person or persons you've never met before to live in your home. The hesitation you may feel at first will quickly dissipate, and long after they are gone, you'll realize how bad you would have felt had you let the opportunity pass you by. In between, both of you will have made a new friend, learned new things and created fond memories you can reflect on long after they are gone.

The next time the opportunity to house an actor, or anyone associated with a quality Playhouse on Park production arises, take it. You will be doing yourself and the playhouse a great service. The rewards will last a lifetime.

Now aren't you glad you went with me on this feel good story. It's such a good, feel good story that I think I'll write the touching and poignant script and option to the Oprah Winfrey Network. Now, who should play me? I wonder what that handsome guy with three names from Saved by the Bell is doing?

Around the World in 80 Days also stars Veronique Hurley, Chris Mixon & Russell Garrett. This is the last week to see this critically acclaimed comedy. Call the Playhouse on Park box office at 860-523-5900 x10. Ask about our pro-rated season subscription!

Playhouse on Park Turns Three

2011-09-19T16:24:00.006-04:00

Playhouse on Park is now in it's third season of producing a wide array of live entertainment. There are eight Main Stage productions, four comedy nights, four improv shows, two children's productions, singing, dancing, play reading, more events for children, Murder on the High Seas, The Annual Park Road Parade, Oktoberfest, The Mayor's Charity Ball, Pennies for the Playhouse, and Act III - Playhouse on Park's Third Anniversary Celebration.

I recently sat down with Playhouse on Park's Co-Artistic Director Sean Harris to discuss the 2011 - 2012 Main Stage Series.

The first play in the Main Stage Series is "Around the World in 80 Days". On stage now through October 2. This zany comedy features five actors using lightning-fast costume changes to play all 39 characters. The story centers on Phileas Fogg, who wagers his fortune that he can circle the globe in just 80 days. "You will feel like you are going around the world in eighty days, in an hour and a half. It will be lightning-fast and fun to watch as you follow the journey." Says Mr. Harris of Around the World in 80 Days.

On stage October 12 to October 30 is "An Enemy of the People". A poisonous discovery begins a war of innuendo and half-truths that threaten to tear a family and community apart. "The show is incredibly timely and very relevant in terms of doing what you believe is right and principled." Says Mr. Harris. "We're putting a different spin on it, it'll be different than anyone who's ever seen this production." He adds.

On stage November 30 to December 18 is "Company" The clashing sounds and pulsing rhythms of New York City underscore this landmark musical, considered by many to have inaugurated the modern era of musical theater. "Company is one of Stephen Sondheim's more sophisticated works. It's so smart, and you'll know all the music. You will laugh and also relate to the difficulties, the trials and the humor that comes across in trying to find your soul mate."

On stage January 11 to January 29 is "The Mystery of Irma Vep". This Charles Ludlam comedy is one of the most produced comedies in U.S. history. "The comedy comes out of how tragic the circumstances are for the two characters. It's two men playing these roles." Says Mr. Harris who will play all eight characters, along with Rich Hollman. Mr. Hollman has appeared in the playhouse productions of Shakespeare Abridged & Art. "It's part comedy, part horror movie, part mystery it has something for everyone and it's considered by many to be one of the funniest plays ever written." Says Mr. Harris.

On stage February 22 to March 11 is "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten" This musical guide to life, for grown ups is based on Robert Fulghum's best-selling books. "It's a story people know, it's for adults, it's extremely relatable to us and how we've grown up."

On stage May 16 to June 3 is "Golda's Balcony" it tells the story of Golda Meir from her impoverished childhood in Russia to Prime Minister of Israel. This intimate and compelling one-woman show invites you into the heart and mind of one of the 20th century's great leaders.

On stage June 13 to July 1 is "Metamorphoses" based on Ovid's classic narrative poem which tells the transformation myths of the ancient Greeks and Romans. The play uses contemporary language and familiar characters, such as King Midas and his golden touch and Orpheus and Eurydice in the underworld. "My favorite play of all time and Mary Zimmerman is one of my favorite playwrights." Says Mr. Harris. "She has a wonderful way of blending classical language and themes and bringing a fresh spin to them." He adds. Metamorphoses will feature an on stage pool and will be "highly athletic and physical." Concludes Mr. Harris of Metamorphoses.

On stage July 11 to July 29 is "Swinging on a Star". Based on the fabulous lyrics of Johnny Burke, this dazzling, toe-tapping, finger snapping delight of a musical revue features over 40 tunes, including "Pennies from Heaven" "What's New" "Imagination" Misty" "Here's That Rainy Day" and the Academy Award Winning "Swinging on a Star"

Wow, we covered a lot of ground, and that's just the Main Stage Series. There will be more detailed posts about the Main Stage Series and all our other offerings in future blog posts, so check back often. You'll not only learn about all of our 200 shows this season, but you'll also get unprecedented behind the scenes access to all things Playhouse on Park.

Now that I've whet your Playhouse on Park appetite, all you have to do is come join us. It's not too late to order a season subscription. You get all eight shows for much less than a Broadway show. Call our box office at 860-523-5900 x10 or check out our website at www.playhouseonpark.org. As luck would have it, you can access the blog from our home page, hint, hint. See you at the shows!

The Audition Phase

2011-08-19T02:13:00.002-04:00

That's the phase we're in right now at Playhouse on Park with our third season rapidly approaching. Last Wednesday we held open auditions for "Enemy of the People" on stage at Playhouse on Park October 12th through October 30th.

Actors arrived at the playhouse before their scheduled audition to fill out our audition form. They returned that form along with their head shot and resume to the front desk and waited to be called.

For past auditions, I was the one at the front desk greeting the hopefuls, however this time I walked people in to the theatre for their audition, introduced them and handed their information to the director, Kyle Fabel who then introduced the actor to Darlene Zoller, Artistic Director and Dawn Loveland, Director of Education. Darlene used her laptop to take notes on each audition. Dawn served as a reader.

Actors young and old came prepared with audition sides or a monologue. Some stood in place reading the character side they chose. Others moved about the stage as though they were speaking to the other character.

The audition phase continues with open auditions for all the shows in our third season on August 29th and August 31st from 5:00 - 11:00pm both days. Actors will audition in front of the directors for all our shows this season. In five minutes actors will have the option of performing any combination of monologue or song. A pianist will be on hand. Call 860-523-5900 x 10 to schedule your audition time, but hurry slots are filling up fast.

The Wow Effect

2011-08-18T00:09:00.002-04:00

Carolyn Cumming or Hillary Ekwall singing separately is great. When they sing together, that's when you get the wow effect! Fresh off their performances in "Chicago" and "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown" respectively, these two best friends appeared together at Falcetti Music in Blue Back Square last Friday evening with Emmett Drake on the piano, for the debut of Falcetti Music's Cabaret Series.

Tables, chairs and a stage were set up in the middle of Falcetti Music, surrounded by an impressive array of pianos. Carolyn and Hillary sat on stage belting out song after song, some solos, most were duets. "We always try to have as many duets as possible, because we find duets are interesting to watch and we love singing them." Says Ms. Cumming of their song choices.

Their choice of songs worked quite well as the songs and the melodious voices behind them caught the attention of passersby, many of whom strolled in to hear more, and enjoy some snacks.

Amazingly Carolyn and Hillary pulled off a fantastic show with little time to rehearse. No problem for these two talented playhouse favorites who have been performing together for about eight years. "We like similar styles of music and have such a high mutual respect for one another as people and artists." Ms. Cumming says when asked why they have such great chemistry together. She also credits their pianist "Emmett sight-read about eighty-five percent of that music and still sounded fabulous."

The Falcetti Music Cabaret series continues this Friday, August 19th and next Friday, August 26th from 5:00 - 7:00pm at Falcetti Music in Blue Back Square. Stop by to see who will take the stage next, or to buy a piano and release your inner Piano Man.

Dinner And A Show

2011-08-12T00:06:00.004-04:00

At A.C. Petersen Farms Restaurant you can have a delicious dinner. At Playhouse on Park you can see a great show. Put the two together and you have the best combination since peanut butter and chocolate, that is until Playhouse on Park performers began singing at A.C. Petersen Farms last Monday night.

Unsuspecting customers were pleasantly surprised when the first of four performers took the microphone and began singing their favorite show tunes. Carolyn Cumming, Keisha Gilles, Will Macke and Jamie Morano circulated the restaurant and began cozying up to the customers, some of whom sang along, others danced and everyone was smiling. "It was so much fun getting to interact with the patrons." Said Keisha Gilles who played Matron "Mama" Morton in Playhouse on Park's production of Chicago last month.

The fun will continue this Monday night from 6:00 to 8:00pm and every Monday night in the month of August. Performers and song genres may change, but the fun to be had by all involved will only increase as the venue and the talent work out minor logistical issues.

Certain to perfect the issues, all involved hope this entertaining idea continues in to September. "I would love for it to continue, so I can come back." adds Ms. Gilles who is unable to attend the remaining August performances.

A.C. Petersen Farms offers a variety of menu choices not available anywhere else, for example, two kinds of lobster rolls. A Connecticut lobster served warm dipped in butter and a Maine lobster served cold with mayonnaise, both come with Cole slaw and the choice of another side order.

Playhouse on Park is gearing up for its third season with a production of "Around The World in 80 Days" September 14 to October 2, followed by "An Enemy of the People" October 12 to October 30.

Come celebrate your passion for food and music with A.C. Petersen Farms and Playhouse on Park Monday nights, August 15, 22 & 29 from 6:00 - 8:00pm, you'll be glad you did.

Moving Guam

2011-08-08T22:57:00.002-04:00

Last Saturday was the culmination of a project six months in the making, that project was to move Guam. For Playhouse on Park purposes, Guam was a storage area in the ice cream plant behind the playhouse. It was used to house clothes, props and furniture. The real Guam is an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States located in the western Pacific Ocean.

No one seems to know how our storage area got the name Guam, but for the past two seasons it has been a convenient place to keep necessary items for our various productions.

Our new location is not too far away, a smaller space off New Park Avenue, near Home Depot. The close proximity made the grueling task of packing and unpacking a little easier, that and a large box truck supplied by Falcetti Music, complete with a driver and an additional helper.

A rallying call was sent out to all playhouse volunteers, asking them to donate as much time as they could between 10:00am to 5:00pm. An impressive array of Playhouse on Park faithful showed up, including Executive Director Tracy Flater. "Incredibly we got the box truck loaded four times and finished in the time alotted." Ms. Flater says of the move. "Now we just have to get organized." She added.

Artistic Directors Sean Harris and Darlene Zoller were also on hand, along with other staff, interns, volunteers, actors, and a board member with her two young sons.

All of us at Playhouse on Park wear different hats. The artistic directors not only determine what shows will be produced, but sometimes direct and appear in those shows. Actors from recent productions also volunteer to usher, house manage and staff the box office. Look closely at the person who sells you a ticket, or helps you to your seat, chances are you've seen them on stage at Playhouse on Park.

Now that Guam has been moved, it's time to focus on other important issues, such as auditions, introducing our new house manager, strengthening the volunteer experience, selling season subscriptions and marketing our amazing line up of shows. More information on all of that will be featured right here in the blog. Check back frequently.

The Stink Eye Top Ten

2011-08-07T17:36:00.003-04:00

Whenever a group of actors are assembled in a room waiting to audition for a role, it's only natural that some actors might give others the "Stink eye". Stink eye is defined as; A facial expression of distrust, disdain or disapproval. It is usually followed by an immediate sizing up of the competition. During this process, some not so nice thoughts might come to mind. In my opinion no one is harsher on each other than women. Below are the top ten things female actors may be thinking about their competition.

#10 Her reality show title: Project No Way.
#9 The Bride of Frankenstein had better hair.
#8 I've seen better make up on a corpse.
#7 Maybe way, way, way, way off Broadway.
#6 Honey you're pants called, they give up.
#5 That outfit is so last minute.
#4 I'll bet she's like life, a bitch.
#3 If the camera adds ten pounds, she should try radio.
#2 So that's what inbreeding looks like.
#1 Two words: Casting couch.

Intern Season

2011-07-10T21:28:00.008-04:00

By this time every year, it's in full swing, businesses across the country are infested with the inevitable influx of the wide-eyed, idealistic young people released from their liberal confines of higher learning for the summer, determined to upset the status quo with their unrelenting can-do attitude, and disgustingly pleasing demeanor. Of course I speak of...interns.

Speaking for the status quo, it works just fine for the nine months of intern-free bliss, thank you very much!

The status quo is a process in which we, the home-owning, tax paying adults over the age of twenty six have cleverly devised a system to spread the workload equally over twelve months, to avoid periods of too little or too much work. We have skillfully factored in company holidays and vacation time in to our delicate system. Then along comes the interns, making waves in the system, like a fat kid doing a cannonball in to a tranquil pool.

With a modicum of training and an abundance of enthusiaism, the interns dive headlong in to the workload powering through it in record time, like Michael Phelps at the Olympics.

The dust from the completed work has barely settled as these eager over-achievers scour the workplace looking for other tasks to undertake, no matter how menial.

The powers that be look upon this unbridaled work ethic with great joy, the status quo looks at it with contempt, because now the menial and often unnecessary tasks will likely linger in the system, floating on the surface like a Baby Ruth. Guess who's going to have to clean the pool when intern season is over?

Window Treatment

2011-06-09T00:21:00.002-04:00

Imagine my surprise when one day I arrived at Playhouse on Park and saw the provocative window display in the playhouse window. Standing across the street, the stunning imagery intrigued me. It warranted a closer look. If I were a fish and the window treatment was the bait, then I was caught, hook, line and sinker. What kind of fish will you be?

What's Wrong With Me?

2011-05-16T13:13:00.006-04:00

Answers to that question will vary wildly depending on who you ask. My family and friends will certainly pull out their inner stand-up comedian and delightfully exaggerate a perceived idiosyncrasy that they think I'm afflicted with.

I'm really posing that question to myself, because for some reason I can't seem to wrap my head around everything that's happening at Playhouse on Park now through July. I have been attempting to put together the calendar of events in an effort to schedule box office and house manager staff for all the events. Scheduling errors on my part have lead to numerous e-mails to the staff, all of which I've claimed was going to be the last e-mail.

While they are sure to blame me, I blame the playhouse for offering such a diverse array of entertainment. It's no wonder I can't keep it all straight. Dr. Phil would probably say I was engaging in a "Classic avoidance maneuver." Avoiding the blame and shifting it to a third party i.e. the playhouse.

You be the judge. On Monday, May 23rd at 7:00pm is a cabaret musical performance to benefit Playhouse on Park. Playhouse veterans Carolyn Cumming and Hillary Ekwall star in "Sing On: The Carolyn/Hillary Effect" Featuring Kevin Barlowski on the piano. All proceeds will go directly to the playhouse, so just sign a check, we'll fill in the amount, or bring handfuls of cash!

Saturday, May 28th at 8:00pm is comedy night. Three comedians will be looking to tickle your funny bone. Don't worry, my family and friends won't be performing, that would be more like a Shakesperian tragedy.

Beginning June 1st is "I Think I Can" the latest in Playhouse on Park's Young Audience series. Children from pre-school through third grade will be part of this interactive show to help Becky Watkins overcome her acute case of "I-don't-think-I-can-do-it-itis". Perhaps they can also help me overcome my case of "Now-what-the-hell-did-I-do-wrong-itis".

Smack dab in the middle of "I Think I Can" are two nights of improv comedy, June 3rd and 4th at 8:00pm. I probably could've properly scheduled one night, but noooooo they have to have two. "Improvaganza" features the best known inprov groups in the area as well as some up and coming performers.

Popular children's author Ron Roy will be featured in a Q&A on Saturday, June 11th at 3:00pm. Master of Ceremonies is local TV personality Brad Drazen. Mr. Roy is the author of the A to Z Mysteries, Capital Mysteries and Calendar Mysteries. The only mystery left is why you'd miss this event. You won't, mystery solved.

You would think one event per day would be enough. You'd be wrong, as was I, because after the Ron Roy event on June 11th at 3:00pm is another comedy show: "Connecticut Comics: Uncut" at 8:00pm. Ten comics take the stage in another benefit for Playhouse on Park. Doors open at 6:30 with beer, wine and munchies. Tickets are only $25.00.

June 15th thru June 26th come see "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown". and that loveable Peanuts clan we all grew up with. Speaking of peanuts, that's about what it'll cost to see this family-friendly show.

Now hopefully you can see how all that jazz made it hard for me to put together a shift schedule for all the shows, nevermind finding people to work. (Insert your sympathy here).

If you were paying attention, I just gave you a big clue as to the renowned musical that will close our second season with a bang this July. How apropos seeing as how that month is synonomous with fireworks. There will be plenty of fireworks on stage as Playhouse on Park brings "Chicago" to life. Chicago opens July 13th and runs through July 24th.

Hallelejuah, I'm done, but you're not, you still have to figure out how many shows to see at Playhouse on Park. Think it over carefully, there's still time. Go to our website http://www.playhouseonpark.org/ or call the box office at 860-523-5900 x10 if you'd like more information, we'll be happy to answer any questions.

The Joy and Passion of Swing Set

2011-04-27T22:54:00.006-04:00

Playhouse on Park's resident dance troupe, the stop/time Dance Theatre is currently on stage at Playhouse on Park performing "Swing Set" A medley of rousing song and dance numbers under the direction of Darlene Zoller.

When you come see this show, you'll see Darlene's literal interpretation of the term swing set. Two swings are at opposite sides of the stage with a slide and monkey bars in between the swings. Most of the stage is free for dancing, however the dancers aren't limited to the stage, they bring their high energy take in to the crowd with the rhythmic thundering of their tap shoes.

Darlene was inspired to bring this show to life after a friend by the name of Shaun Laframboise gave her the song and suggested she do this show at some point in her career. "So I listened to it, I fell in love with it and the name of the song was Swing Set." Says Ms. Zoller.

As for selecting songs for a show, Darlene lets the songs speak to her "When I choose music it has to say something to me it has to physically make me want to get up and dance." The songs are a combination of current, popular music that people know like Christina Aguilera's "Candyman" to songs that people have never heard like Swingerhead's "Pick Up The Phone".

The stop/time dancers all pursue other careers during the day "Our company is unique in that we all share an incredible joy of performing and did not want to give that up simply because they've pursued other career paths." Says Ms. Zoller of her dancers. "This show and all of our shows are the result of that unbridled joy and passion for dancing and performing." she adds.

That joy and passion transcends individuality "We are a family." Ms. Zoller says of her company. She explains the two criteria in casting the show "Number one, everyone shares the passion for dance and entertaining and number two the passion to support one another." That support also shows itself when it comes to determining leads and back ups. "There are no divas in the group. It's all about the product we put on the stage and the joy that we have bringing it."

Darlene began dancing at the tender age of three and stopped only briefly when her father decided chauffeuring three daughters back and forth to every dance class was too much. "So he made us all quit and my two sisters decided that they would remain quited and I did not, I was miserable." One year later Darlene was back to dancing with a greater appreciation for it. With no ride, she resorted to walking "It was about a mile away, but back then it was safe and you could walk."

Darlene perfected her teaching skills as a self-described latchkey kid. "Instead of being latchkey at home I got latch keyed at the studio alot." While there she would watch the classes she was not taking and learned how to explain things.

Be sure not to miss "Swing Set" now playing at Playhouse on Park. There are only three shows left and tickets are going fast. Call Playhouse on Park at 860-523-5900 x 10 or go online at http://www.playhouseonpark.org/ to order. Prices range $17.50 to $22.50 for regular adult tickets, discounts for students and seniors. No matter your age, your sure to be dancing your way out of the theater!

The Chicago Auditions

2011-04-18T00:22:00.004-04:00

Yes it's true, Playhouse on Park will be staging the musical "Chicago" this July, under the direction of Darlene Zoller, Playhouse Artistic Director. It is also true that Playhouse on Park held open auditions last Sunday night.

Sixty six talented singers, dancers and actors, 58 women and 8 men gathered at the playhouse to put their best foot forward, literally. The order was mostly determined on a first come, first serve basis, with a few appointments scheduled before hand.

The actors entered through the stage door and waited in the the theater for their chance to sing and act in the lobby.

With the singing and acting nearing its end, the first round of dancing warm ups began in the theater. Another warm up followed a short time later, as the remaining actors finished the singing and acting portion of their audition.

After being judged on their splits Ms. Zoller entered the theater and put the dancers through their paces, leading them in a choreographed routine to the song "All That Jazz", evaluating them in groups of ten that stretched across the stage. As one line was dismissed, the line of ten behind them stepped forward and so on.

The 8 men danced that same routine, and then split in to two groups of four. The women followed immediately in groups of eight. Ms. Zoller perched herself atop the center section, further evaluating the dancers. Many of the dancers, though not their turn continued to practice the routine off to the side.

The auditions had finished, the creative team retreated to the lobby to evaluate the talent. Unfortunately, this is when I left, so I'm going to have leave it there.

Regardless of who gets cast, "Chicago" is sure to be dynamite when it hits the stage at Playhouse on Park July 13th to July 24th. Call the box office at 860-523-5900 x 10 now to reserve your seat, or order them online at www.playhouseonpark.org.

Preposterous Post

2011-04-17T01:11:00.006-04:00

My day started like any other day, at noon. I awoke to a beautifully warm and sunny day. Bluebirds sang happy tunes out my window. A scantily clad waitress served me a bacon cheeseburger, french fries and chocolate milkshake in bed. I gleefully chomped and slurped my through a high caloric, trans fatty meal as the waitress caressed my feet. Then the alarm went off.

My day actually started as I struggled to open my weary eyes to a bleak and cloudy day. I didn't know it, but the storm clouds were brewin' I slammed off the alarm clock with all the fury I could muster at such an early hour. I stumbled downstairs like a drunk party crasher and in to the kitchen, eager to settle the rumbling in my stomach. The present contents of my refrigerator, yogurt from a houseguest I had last October and a cheese wrapper. I chewed on the cheese wrapper, savouring the remaining taste of cheese, and put it back in the refrigerator. Tomorrow I'll scrape the astro turf-like greenness from the yogurt and chow down.

It was about one o'clock, five hours before I had to be at the playhouse to manage the front of the house for the night's performance of Comedy of Errors. What to do in the meantime? Ding dong ditching my neighbors brought a brief smile to my face, but alas that requires some degree of physical activity, besides it had started to rain a little. Remember storm clouds are brewin'. I settled on an afternoon of baking chocolate chip cookies. Seriously, I bake a tasty cookie.

Dressed in my swanky black uniform, cookies in hand I made my way to Playhouse on Park. The wind blew the light rain through the trees under the darkening sky. Undeterred, I drove through the crappy weather, the business of show must go on.

Just after I passed under the playhouse marquee. Sheets of glass rained down from above. To put it in perspective, I was like an action hero diving away from an explosion in a nick of time. Shards of glass were everywhere. Without hesitation I bounded back outside broom and receptacle in hand. To put in perspective, I was like Batman pulling just the right device from his utility belt.

The wind and rain were picking up, eager theater-goers were arriving. With my booming voice and super hero-like posture, I kept them at bay. In a flash I had dispersed the fallen glass, the crowd roared its approval. Surveying the situation I noticed a huge shard of glass dangling perilously off the marquee. To put it in perspective it was like a tanker truck loaded with explosives teetering on the edge of a cliff. Without regard for my own safety I dashed in to the playhouse and retrieved a large ladder. Hoisting it on my shoulder I raced outside, planted the ladder on the ground an scurried to the top. Just then a gust of wind blew the ladder out from under me. I grabbed on to the marquee as the ladder crashed to the ground. A collective gasp echoed from the crowd below. A concerned colleague raced from the playhouse to snap an iconic picture of my heroic deed.

With a fierce wind and a driving rain, I struggled to grasp the marquee with one hand and reach for the large shard of glass before it could blow across the way injuring some unsuspecting children. I had but one chance to prevent a catastrophe, so with a gymnastic-like kick of my leg, I launched the shard of glass in to the air, it fell through a sewer grate where its razor sharp ferocity would not endanger anyone anymore. I lost my grip and plummeted toward the unforgiving pavement. Like a nimble super hero or a gymnast, I landed on my feet. The crowd rushed to embrace me, hoisting me on their shoulders and parading me down the street as confetti fell from every building. Alas the show would go on!

And then there's the more mundane interpretation. The glass was broken before I got there. I swept it up. It wasn't raining at the time. There was a decent size glass shard half off the marquee. I climbed the ladder and removed it. The concerned colleague did snap a few pictures, which she'll probably use to ridicule me. I do sleep late and I have a bit more food in my refrigerator. I just wanted to set the record straight, in case you believed my preposterous post. If you did, I'd like to sell you some real estate.

Playhouse Profile: Mollie Cook

2011-04-14T13:42:00.006-04:00

When you attend a show at Playhouse on Park, you see a lot of people working there; a house manager, box office employees, ushers and actors. What you don't see is the person working behind the scenes during the show. At Playhouse on Park that person is Wardrobe Mistress/Assistant Stage Manager Mollie Cook.

Mollie is a Senior at Hall High School who began working at the Playhouse during her junior year. She was approached by Hall High School Acting Teacher and Playhouse Artistic Director Sean Harris to fill in. Eight shows later she has become a reliable fixture backstage.

Before each show begins, Mollie is backstage doing a pre-show setting of props and costumes. Once the show begins, she positions herself at one of the prop tables with her computer which has a copy of the script and a run list of her duties which vary depending on the show. "It's either extremely chaotic or really boring." Mollie says of her duties. "During Comedy of Errors there's a lot going on. Sometimes there would be two quick changes happening at once which is extremely chaotic." She adds.

Quick changes is one of the most challenging parts of her work, especially for Comedy of Errors. " I was not present for a real time run until opening night, that was very difficult. Even though I knew what was going to happen, I had to learn the pace of it on the spot." Mollie generally joins the production the weekend before it opens and then the two weekends of the show. She also responds to the needs of the actors during the run of the show. "If they get sick backstage or they hurt themselves, I'm the person who's back there, who has to get them help."

Mollie says she's learned from all the different actors that have come through Playhouse on Park. "They all have different training and since I also perform, I get to learn from what they do on stage." Mollie appeared on stage as the Mouse's reflection in Playhouse on Park's production of "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie" last October. "That was one of my favorite roles I've ever done, because it was so much fun." She has also acted, worked behind the scenes and designed costumes at Hall High School.

Mollie plans to continue acting and designing costumes as she heads off to Umass Amherst in the fall to major in BA Theater Acting. "I love live theater. I think it's a more pure form of acting because it has to be the same every night. You have to do it more than once and you can't sit there and try to get the emotion out twenty times in a row, you have to get it."

As far as just sitting and watching a show she's not involved with, Mollie admits that it's very distracting. 'Oh look there's a techie backstage that I can see, I shouldn't be able to see you.' She quips. "It's almost impossible for me to sit and just watch a show."

Mollie displays an "I get to" attitude as opposed to an "I have to" attitude. No matter what aspect of her job she is doing, even the laundry. "I think I'm the lowest of all the employees here which I take with pride, because I really do enjoy what I do. I get to do the dirty work. I get to do the laundry. I get to fix stuff."

That kind of attitude will serve her well as she ponders her future ten years down the road. At the ripe old age of twenty-eight. "I hopefully see myself graduated from college in a theater somewhere. I don't really care where. I would love to work in a small theater or be in New York."

Whatever size theater or part of the country she ends up in, one thing is for sure, her positive attitude and hard work will propel her to great success in her professional career. Just remember, you heard the name Mollie Cook here first.

Charlie Brown Callbacks

2011-04-14T00:03:00.006-04:00

They're baaaaack but not all of them. Fifteen out of the forty three that attended the open auditions last night received a call back. A second chance to perform in front of the creative team and move one step closer to appearing in Playhouse on Park's upcoming production of "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown" in June.

Once again seated behind the sign in desk, I greeted the familiar faces who made their way back to Playhouse on Park to audition for one, two or three different parts.

The quiet chatter in the Playhouse lobby abruptly ended after Stage Manager Dawn Loveland emerged from the theater with sheet music and script pages. She distributed them to the actors based on which of the classic characters they were called back to read for.

The actors immediately began pouring over their material, quietly performing their monologue and song. They retreated to different corners of the lobby, even in to the foyer as each sought to perfect their performance.

Minutes later the enthusiastic voices filled the theater. Fellow auditioners listened intently from the lobby where said voices could be heard clearly. Smiles or looks of fear stretched across the faces of those waiting in the wings, as undoubtedly each compared themselves to the current performer. It is a competition.

After all is said and done there will be a cast in place. Six actors, 4 men and 2 women will be cast in the coveted roles, then the hard work will begin. I'll post the cast list here as soon as it is made public.

Make time this June to see "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown" at Playhouse on Park. If you miss it, you may need to seek psychiatric help from Lucy. However, the five cent fee is probably more like five dollars now. Don't miss the show and save the five bucks, it's good for one gallon of gas.

Charlie Brown Auditions

2011-04-13T00:00:00.004-04:00

The folding chairs in the lobby were soon filled with adult actors vying for a role as one of Charles Schultz's beloved animated characters in Playhouse on Park's upcoming production of "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown".

Twenty seven women and sixteen men, braved a rainy April evening in hopes of being cast as Lucy, Linus, Sally, Schroeder, Snoopy and the titular character Charlie Brown.

From my vantage point behind the sign in desk, I saw the hopefuls mouthing their monologues and flipping through their sheet music as they waited patiently for me to call their names. Once they heard their names, they proceeded to the "On Deck" chair and waited to be escorted in to the theater.

Upon entering, each actor was introduced to Director Sean Harris, Stage Manager Dawn Loveland Musical Director Emmett Drake and Stage Manager Ryan Bell. With their sheet music, resumes, head shots and themselves in place, the actors launched in to their songs and monologues, hoping to set themselves apart from the others and return for the callback tomorrow night.

The auditions that began at 7:00pm with a lobby filled with eager actors Ended at 10:30 as the last actor finished. The creative team talked amongst themselves, deciding who to call back for a second audition. So who made the cut? Only they know right now. Soon you will too, keep reading our blog and be among the first to know.

"You're A Good Man Charlie Brown" will be on stage at Playhouse on Park June 15th thru June 26th. Don't delay, get your tickets for this fun for the whole family show now by calling the box office at 860-523-5900 x 10 or online at http://www.playhouseonpark.org/. If you miss this show, you might feel like Charlie Brown does after Lucy pulls the football away.

Carolyn And Hillary's Cabaret Coming Soon

2011-04-09T15:32:00.004-04:00

Playhouse on Park's veteran performers Carolyn Cumming and Hillary Ekwall are planning a fundraising cabaret to benefit Playhouse on Park. The ladies enlisted two other talented performers to assist in the planning and production of the forthcoming cabaret. Pianist Kevin Barlowski and Director Dawn Loveland.

As we all sat at a small bar table at the Cheesecake Factory, amidst notepads, drinks and appetizers, the featured four cheerfully discussed everything from song choices and singing ranges to lighting and advertising. Each of them freely presenting their ideas to each other.

The camaraderie between this talented quartet is apparent, because they're all friends and they've all worked together before. Carolyn, Hillary and Kevin last appeared on stage together at Playhouse on Park's "That Holiday Feeling." last December. Dawn directed Kevin in Playhouse on Park's production of "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie." last October.

If the cheerful jubilation exhibited in the planning meeting is any indication of what will be on stage, then the audience is in for a musical treat!

Carolyn and Hillary's still to be titled cabaret will be on stage at Playhouse on Park, Monday, May 23 at 7:00pm with a reception to follow. All proceeds from the cabaret will be donated to Playhouse on Park. Check back here for more information as the date approaches.

Who Knew I'd Have To Do Kung Fu

2011-04-03T02:18:00.004-04:00

Catchy title huh? It's actually a direct quote that was spoken by Brendan Norton as he and his three other castmates; Vanessa Morosco, Brad DePlanche and Jesse Graham rehearsed a kung fu fight sequence for Comedy of Errors that opens Wednesday, April 6th at Playhouse on Park.

It's the Saturday before Comedy of Errors opens and I managed to get myself in to watch the rehearsal. Stage Manager Ryan Bell introduced me to director Will Ditterline. I asked him if I could watch some of the rehearsal for the blog. He happily agreed, so I took a seat in the center section with my notebook.

Mr. Norton and Ms. Morosco were choreographing their kung fu fight under the direction of Mr. Ditterline and Ms. Graham, with Mr. DePlanche supplying sound effects. Cast and director work diligently together to perfect the action, freely bouncing ideas off each other in an effort to obtain maximum laughs.

Laughter is sure to be plentiful as the audience will see the actors glide in and out of their characters with impeccable comic timing. Moving freely around the stage with an eager physical prowess, interacting with the audience in a farcical manner, bringing the age-old story to life with contemporary twists audiences of all ages will recognize.

"It's a play about two sets of identical twins and a whole ton of other people played by only four actors " Says Artistic Director/Casting Director Sean Harris of the story.

Comedy of Errors is reminiscent of another Shakespeare production from last season at Playhouse on Park, Shakespeare Abridged. "Three actors going through all of Shakespeare's plays, also interactive and ridiculous with unbelievably fast costume changes." Adds Mr. Harris about Shakespeare Abridged.

Having seen Shakespeare Abridged a few times last season and judging from what I saw in rehearsal, audiences are certain to enjoy Comedy of Errors just as much, maybe more. You'll just have to come see for yourself!

Shakespeare Would Not Approve

2011-04-01T13:19:00.012-04:00

If William Shakespeare, renowned English Poet and playwright was alive today to hear the butchering of the English language, he would probably snap his quill pen in half and immerse himself in a large quantity of English ale.

Shakespeare wrote 37 plays. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than any other playwright. Dats cuz he da bomb. Translation: That is because he is the best.

Sometime between the early Modern English of Shakespeare's time and the Late Modern English of today our language went awry. Proper spelling and pronunciation has been hijacked and replaced with slang. According to the website www.urbandictionary.com slang is defined as "The ever-evolving bastardization of the written and spoken language."

Dis can mean "this". Dat does mean "that". A far cry from thee and thou. Surprisingly the website www.allwords.com defines dis, dat, thee and thou. Dis can also mean: to diss, insult. Dat is defined as a colloquial pronunciation of that. Thee and thou are ways to address a person. People speak and write like dis and dat all the time. Thee and thou are usually only heard in a Shakespeare production. Thou should know dat dis mispronunciation is giving me a headache.

Gangstas talk like dis all da time while they're chillaxing with the boyz. Boyz are gang friends. The boyz might have homies. Homies are just friends. Homies might have some peeps. Peeps are just people, acquaintances. Peeps are not those cute, colorful marshmallow treats we see in stores this time of year, at least not for this story.

Aight dats enuff of dat. I can't take it no mo' I could go on, but you git da idea dawg. Any word can be intentionally misspelled or comically misused or combined with another word to make a new word, like they do with celebrity couples. We all know who Brangelina is. Hopefully when it matters the users of these mispelled words are able to use proper grammar when it counts, like on a term paper or job application. In the meantime, let's practice proper English when speaking, texting, tweeting or posting on facebook.

Shakespeare would not approve of the way some of us communicate today. Though I'm sure he would approve of Playhouse on Park's upcoming production of his "Comedy of Errors" Starring Brad DePlanche, Jesse Graham, Vanessa Morosco and Brendan Norton. Mr. Norton was last seen as Sir Mullet in Playhouse on Park's production of "Trapezium".

Comedy of Errors is on stage at Playhouse on Park April 6th to April 17th. Call 860-523-5900 x 10 or visit www.playhouseonpark.org for your tickets. Preview night is April 6th. Tickets are only $15.00. Opening night is April 7th. Come early for a complimentary wine and cheese. Sunday April 10th features a talkback with the cast and director following the show.

You Have Got To Be Kidding Me!

2011-03-24T13:15:00.008-04:00

The lights have gone down. The movie has started or the actors are taking the stage. Cue the cell phones, candy wrappers and talkative latecomers and like me, you'll be thinking to yourself, "You Have Got To Be Kidding Me!"

Most people turn their cell phones off, open their candy as quietly as possible and plunk their buttocks in their seats before the show starts. Some people don't. Those people remain anonymous until they too venture out to the theater. A courteous society often wonders if some less than courteous people realize how rude they can be.

"I know people who are well-aware that they are being rude and just shrug their shoulders about it and say that's just who they are." Says Sarah Wesley, Staff Writer for Hartford Magazine, who is writing an article for the magazine on manners and courtesy.

Ms. Wesley and some of her colleagues were recently at Playhouse on Park to take a picture that will accompany the article. She selected Playhouse on Park because she did an article about us for Hartford Magazine several months ago and discovered that we're "So very nice and accommodating." Aww shucks (blushing)

"I thought the location would be perfect for the photo shoot we were doing for our upcoming article on manners and courtesy." Says Wesley of her choice of Playhouse on Park.

Wesley speaks of her inspiration for writing the article, "Several years ago my family and I attended a performance of the Nutcracker in Boston. The people who sat behind us talked through the whole thing and it ruined the whole experience. I was so upset at how someone could be so inconsiderate, especially when we paid so much for the tickets and couldn't wait to bring our daughters to see the ballet. It was after that, that the idea for the article took shape."

The cost of entertainment over the past several years has only gone up. In today's economy many people have scaled back their entertainment dollars. People spend their money to hear the actors speak, not the audience. With all due respect, no one cares about "Aunt Gertie" and her atrocious behavior at the family reunion.

So why has society become less polite? " I spoke to a sociologist about this very question and he told me that it was in part because we'd moved away from being a society that did things to benefit the greater good of the group to a more individualistic-minded one. I agree with him." Says Wesley. She continued by saying "I think everyone is very caught up in what is important to them and sometimes they forget that their actions have an impact on other people."

Most people won't speak up, they just grin and bear it. "I honestly don't think confronting someone about their behavior makes any difference so instead I just try to kill 'em with kindness in hopes that leading by example might help. Sometimes it works and sometimes I just end up frustrated." Wesley confesses.

Of course it's not a good idea for people to keep their frustrations bottled up, so the car ride home can be used to stand up to that obnoxious person. Your fellow theater-goers will likely find your ranting very funny and may add their own interpretation. Such an exercise should make you feel better, because you're not likely to enlighten the rude people. "I'm not sure we can." Wesley admits and provides some helpful advice. "I think we need to encourage the next generation to make better choices."

Great advice, then perhaps one day instead of saying "You Have Got To Be Kidding Me!" we'll all be saying "God bless us everyone!"

Keep an eye out for Sarah Wesley's insightful article on manners and courtesy in an upcoming issue of Hartford Magazine.

Crazy Day at the Playhouse

2011-03-22T15:58:00.006-04:00

A photo shoot for an article to appear in Hartford Magazine. EQuilibrium rehearsing for their upcoming show and a fire. More on the photo shoot and Equilibrium later, but first the fire.

The mild aroma of smoke in the Playhouse graduated to a scary matter as the aroma became more prevalent. Master Electrician Tim Hache and I began to search the Playhouse and the neighboring ice cream plant for the source of the smoke. A light haze quickly gave way to a thick cloud of smoke in the ice cream plant. We decided it was time to call the fire department. Tim and I made our way back down to the theater and informed Executive Director, Tracy Flater of the situation.

Scurrying back to the box office, I dialed 9-1-1. I told the operator that we were having a smoke emergency. She instructed me to pull the fire alarm, even described to me what it looked like, thanks lady. I made my way to the fire alarm, telling Tracy what the 9-1-1 operator had told me. Tracy was reluctant to pull the alarm and asked if I would do it. I mustered up the courage and pulled the alarm, much to Tim's dismay. He really wanted to do it. Sorry Tim...Not.

A few minutes later, four fire trucks and three police cruisers and an ambulance populated Park Road. Firefighters raced towards the building, hoses in hand. Playhouse staff and visitors that had congregated outside the Playhouse were ushered away from the front of the building. A.C. Petersen's was evacuated as a precaution.

So there we all stood out in the chilly afternoon air watching the drama unfold and seeing our Park Road neighbors outside their establishments looking on. About an hour later we were given the all clear to go back in. Our fire alarm was reset and we were back in business. The cause of the fire was an old computer in the ice cream plant. There was was no damage and no injuries, just a bit of exciting news to share with family and friends.

"A typical day gets turned upside down at least once." Tracy said of the day's event. "There's always drama at the Playhouse." she added. I concur. In my opinion a good theater is one that provides drama on and off the stage. The events of today sure prove that.

Speaking of on stage drama, next up here at Playhouse on Park is EQuilibrium Dance Theater presents "The Settlement" Artistic Director of the EQuilibrium Dance Theater, Jolet Creary describes the show as "A great combination of stories that are relevant to our times and through our eyes. Taking the idea of hip hop to a new level. Not just dancing but bringing art to it."

EQuilibrium Presents "The Settlement" plays at Playhouse on Park Thursday, March 24 at 7:30pm. Friday, March 25 at 8:00pm. Saturday, March 26 at 8:00pm and Sunday, March 27 at 2:00pm. Tickets range from $17.50 to $22.50 for adult tickets and can be purchased by calling our box office at 860-523-5900 x 10 or online at www.playhouseonpark.org.

Check out an upcoming issue of Hartford Magazine for an article about a lack of politeness in movie theaters and other places. The picture with the article was taken here at the Playhouse. More about about that in an upcoming post.

March Madness

2011-03-16T23:35:00.007-04:00

I'll bet you think March Madness is all about basketball. Nope, not even close. March Madness is a term that will be applied to people who miss Playhouse on Park's current production of The Scarlet Letter. If you're mad because you thought I was going to talk about basketball, come talk to me, I'll be at the corner of Get Over It Street and Cry Me A River Avenue.

Why watch a bunch of guys trying to put a ball in a hoop? You could be watching a talented cast of actors in a slam dunk performance of The Scarlet Letter. The story centers on beautiful Hester Prynne and her affair with a prominent man in town. Young Hester is forced to wear the scarlet letter "A" on her bosom, which stands for adultery. Throw in a love child, A husband back from the dead, overwhelming guilt and the relentless pressure from the townsfolk to learn the identity of Hester's lover and you've got two hours of nothing but net!

There are just four more performances of the Scarlet Letter: Thursday, March 17th at 7:30pm. Friday, March 18th at 8:00pm. Saturday, March 19th at 8:00pm. Sunday, March 20th at 2:00pm. Call the box office, 860-523-5900 x 10 for tickets or purchase them online at http://www.playhouseonpark.org/. So avoid March Madness and come see The Scarlet Letter.

In closing I'd just like to say there's no bosoms in basketball. Swish!

The Blog is Back

2011-03-15T21:25:00.002-04:00

Good thing you weren't holding your breath, because 232 days is a long time to hold it. I promise never to keep you waiting that long again. Now that I've made that official proclamation, you're probably wondering who I am. My name is James. I am a steadfast volunteer here at Playhouse on Park. My mission is to quench your insatiable appetite for all things about Playhouse on Park. Your mission is to satisfy said appetite with regular visits to our website and blog. I'll provide you with enough tasty morsels to satisfy your hunger, temporarily. You'll want to come back for more and when you do, bring a big plate and loose pants, because I'll be serving up a buffet of Playhouse morsels. The blog is back baby!

Announcing the New Season

2010-07-26T10:14:00.006-04:00

It's been a few weeks since my last blog post, I know. But the fact is, Parkville is over, the air-conditioning is fixed and the fire alarm hasn't gone off recently. If you walk into the theatre, there will be no actors chomping down A.C.P's and no lighting guys getting strangled with wire. You will see interns on their Macs, Hillary on the phone, and (if you're lucky) Tracy in a meeting. You will think the theatre is a dying place. You will, however, be dead wrong.

These few weeks of calm actually disguised a very crazy time for PoP's directors: finalizing the line-up for next season! They shoot frantic emails, text urgent messages, engage in loud phone conversations and sometimes even talk face-to-face! They get a new idea, whip out the calendar, and cradle their heads in their hands, realizing they cannot squeeze yet another event into the already packed season. But finally, (finally!) after a summer of waiting and Bated Breath, the new season has been decided. Here are the winners!

Mainstage Productions:

Side by Side by Sondheim, music by Stephen Sondheim, Julie Styne, Richard Rodgers and Mary Rodgers

Brighton Beach Memoirs, by Neil Simon

Art, by Yasmina Reza

The Scarlet Letter, based on the novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne

The Comedy of Errors, by Christopher Marlowe (just kidding, I'm just making sure you're paying attention)

Around the World in 80 Days, based on the novel by Jules Verne

A La Carte Series (a little more edgy):

Equus, by Peter Schaffer

Holiday Cabaret

You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, based on the comic strip "Peanuts"

Chicago (yes, the really famous Broadway musical)

Theatre for Young Audiences:

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, based on the book by Laura Joffe Numeroff

Homeroom, by Andrea Green and Selma Tolins Kaufman

I Think I Can, by Bruce Bowden, Barry Miller and Kathryn Schultz Miller

Full descriptions of the shows are available on Playhouse on Park's website, but I'll give you the scoop on a few things that the website won't tell you.

1. PoP's very own Sean Harris will play one of the three main roles in January's production of Art. It will be hilarious. You will come see it.

2. Not to brag or anything, but having Homeroom as part of the Young Audience series might not have happened if PoP had not hired a literary intern for the summer. In all

seriousness, though, seeing Homeroom on the roster is a testament to all the work I've been doing at PoP. Homeroom fell into our laps here at the Playhouse. I read it, visited the playwright's website, listened to the songs, and got an official copy and written reviews from the playwright herself. I talked with the artistic directors about it, had them read it, and next thing you know, we were calling up Andrea Green all the way in Philadelphia and talking with her about putting on her show. I have a feeling that Andrea is pretty thrilled - and so are we. We have found a great musical for middle and high school kids that touches on a lot of important issues and has a ton of really catchy music. It doesn't get much better than that. :)

3. Be on the lookout for staged readings and workshop productions of new work by Connecticut playwrights. Another product of my labors this summer, these low-key productions will run over a two-day period, with the purpose of introducing a new piece to the Connecticut theatre community. The playwrights we are featuring are really excited about their pieces, and my hope is that audiences can get over the fact that they "haven't heard of it before" and come out to see some great new work.

So that's the scoop from this literary blogger. Enjoy the next season!

Cleaners and Writers

2010-07-08T11:06:00.005-04:00

Tuesday was one of the craziest days the Playhouse has ever seen. The interns and volunteers arrived in the morning to an email from the boss that looked something like this: CLEAN THE THEATRE!! So that's what we did. Floors were mopped, trashed was collected, carpets were vacuumed, bathrooms were restocked and plants were watered. The highlight occurred when Hillary and I returned from one of our multiple trips out to the dumpster and the lobby had sort of a funny smell to it. "It smells like cleaning stuff," Hillary said, and not having any other suggestions, I agreed.

Then Hillary had another revelation.

"Wait," she said, "I think the vacuum is in the trash pile." She was right. One of our trusty

vacuums was now sitting guiltily amidst the pile of black trash bags.

"That's it!" I said. "It's smells like broken vacuum!" As soon as David appeared from the storage room lugging another vacuum, our suspicions were confirmed. When asked about the dumpster-destined machine, David replied,

"Yeah, it started smoking a few minutes ago..." Tuesday, July 6, 2010 marked the first day I ever threw a vacuum into a dumpster.

But enough about the interns! Today I'm going to tell you all about Michael Bradford,

writer of The Parkville Project. I had so much fun interviewing Michael; he is

incredibly easy to talk to and offers up loads of information. But first, here's a little background on how he got into the theatre scene:

Originally from Kansas, Michael hitch-hiked around the country as a young man and then entered the navy, where he began writing poetry. While in the navy, he was lucky enough to see an August Wilson play - and from then on Michael knew he wanted to write plays. After serving in the navy, Michael went to UConn for his undergraduate degree and continued on to Brooklyn

College for his masters in playwriting. He received a fellowship at Manhattan Theatre Club, and then UConn hired him as Associate Professor of Theatre History, Dramatic Literature and Playwriting. He also serves as the Director of the Theatre Studies BA program.

Helene did most of the interviews for The Parkville Project, but it was Michael actually wrote the script. An aspiring playwright myself, I asked about Michael's writing process. How did her turen all of those interviews into just one family's story?

Michael had many questions to consider while writing. "How much drama can I add to real people's stories? How much can I manipulate?" Michael made a distinction between the "truth" of the play and a whether or not the story is "true." The "macro-story" (the overarching themes of immigration and separated families) has a lot of fact in it, while the the "micro-story" about Amalia and her family is not factual but very truthful. His goal was to weave many lives together into a larger story about the history of Parkville. "Writing this play was very different from any other play I've ever written," Michael said.

The script itself is highly unique. The play went through at least seven significantly

different drafts, with the script constantly undergoing revisions. Michael and Helene settled on an untraditional plot structure, with no obvious peripeteia (the literary term for the turning point or reversal of fortune). The structure alludes back to the works of Sophocles and Euripedes in ancient Greece, with the cast often acting as a chorus and individuals periodically stepping out to tell their stories.

When I asked how he got the idea for the specific stories of Amalia, Argulio and Eduardo, Michael responded that he had taught an acting workshop in Guemaras, Portugal, the town where Amalia's parents met. One of his students brought in a typewriter that he said had been dropped from the sky in Cuba...and the story began.

So although the craziness has died down since Tuesday, Playhouse on Park is still the place to be. We are expecting a sell-out tonight for our opening and we hope that word will get out about this locally relevant, highly powerful piece of theatre. Enjoy!

A pivotal moment between Eduardo and Amalia in The Parkville Project

Welcome to Parkville

2010-07-01T16:40:00.007-04:00

They're singing. That's the first thing the actors do at rehearsal. For their "warmup song," the stage manager sounds a percussion soundtrack from his computer and one actor leads the rest in a responsive Spanish work song. It takes a few bars to make sure everyone is in the same key, but once they get there, it sounds cohesive and the harmonies beautifully blend together.

So of course I'm wondering why the actors have spontaneously broken into song. With my history as an acting student, I just assume it's a vocal warm-up they've worked on. So I was surprised when I heard the song again a little while later as part of the show. As impecunious citizens labored under the blazing sun, their song poured out over the hot, Cuban fields, bringing their culture directly to the stage.

Music is just one of the unique elements of the upcoming Parkville Project. Movement sequences and animal puppets also add style to the performance, in addition to flying typewriters and unconventional staging techniques. This show is something else.

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to sit down with the director and the writer of the show: Helene Kvale and Michael Bradford. Both work at UConn and head the Bated Breath Theatre Company, the group presenting Parkville here at the Playhouse. During my interviews, I got to hear all about Helene and Michael, as well as their inspirations and processes for creating the show. Here's some of what they had to say:

A word with Helene Kvale...

This European director is tall, refined and elegant. Born in Norway and raised in England, she was introduced to theatre at a young age in the dramatic hotbed of London. She began the Bated Breath Theatre Company a little over two years ago, a group whose goal is to bring a slightly different flavor of theatre to this part of the world. So, speaking of this part of the world...

How did you get the idea for this project?

After a visit to Real Art Ways, Helene was fascinated by the warehouses and architecture of the area. She knew there were stories attached to these buildings and she wanted to find them.

The building that inspired Helene

To unearth the stories, Helene conducted numerous interviews with the people of Parkville. When I asked her what kind of people she interviewed, she said she talked to a lot of seniors at the senior center, people on the street, business owners, politicians, and policemen. She conducted most of her interviews in Spanish and chose not to record them. Helene explained to me that she didn't want to intimidate, because many of these people are illegal immigrants themselves.

Were there any specific interviews that stood out?

Helene highlighted her interview with Norbert, a man born in 1917 who she found at the senior center. He lived in Parkville all his life. She was also especially moved by her interviews with two young men from El Salvador whom she spoke with at a literary volunteer agency. They had been separated from their families a few years ago and were doing their best to learn English.

How much were you involved involved in the writing process?

Overall, the writing of Parkville was a very collaborative process. Helene was very instrumental in deciding on the focus and structure of the piece, as well as the dramaturgical aspects. She worked closely with Michael Bradford, who created the actual dialogue and scenes.

What is the main point you want to get across with The Parkville Project?

Helene said she jumped into this project without the desire for it to go in any particular direction. She called the process "organic," letting it take her wherever it wanted to. Immigration is a fascinating issue, she said, and she found herself focusing on the idea of the government preventing people from moving when that is really their only option. She also wants to showcase the resiliency of a community and echoes of stories over the decades. But most importantly, she said, "it all comes down to family." This is a local story and the main point is to engage the audience. She's not trying to make a political statement, she's just trying to raise some questions and make people realize that immigration issues are present right here, right down the street.

Next post: A conversation with writer Michael Bradford!

The Lighting Guys are Here!

2010-06-30T10:57:00.004-04:00

I found the theatre on Monday morning in a state of dramatic disarray. The lobby was filled with large fragments of The Last Five Years set, including numerous pieces of wooden shelving and a burnished Kawai piano. Unfamiliar people filled the theatre, climbing up on ladders and wielding paintbrushes like stage-fighti

ng Shakespeare actors. Music blared and lights were hoisted as The Parkville Project set began to take shape. But the most shocking aspect of the day was that both Artistic Directors and the Executive Director were all here at the same time. Somehow I missed the opportunity to take a picture, but I can assure you that Sean, Darlene and Tracy all occupied the office for at least a ten-minute span.

And another thing: it was hot. And humid. Dan and I expertly devised a system, however. The theatre itself is air-conditioned, a fact that we used to our advantage. We opened the theatre door, letting the icy air creep into the lobby. We then closed both doors to the foyer and positioned the fan in the office doorway to blow the air from the lobby and the theatre into our workspace. Ahh...circulation. The result? No one worked in the office that day.

But thank goodness that today is cooler and dryer and a little less hectic! As promised, here is the sixth and final intern intverview, and keep an eye out in the next few days for interviews with Helene Kvale and Michael Bradford, director and writer of The Parkville Project!

Lighting Intern

Name: Devin Lee

Age: 19

School: Endicott College in Beverly, MA

Major/Field of Study: Liberal Studies with a Photography concentration…which basically means he gets to take science, math, English and get a really well-rounded education while taking photography! Wow, I wish my school did that.

Where are you from? Cheshire, CT.

What do you do here? As the lighting intern, Devin hangs lights, plugs them in, and basically does anything to help with the construction and operation of lighting here at the Playhouse. He is usually called in the week before a show and works long shifts during load-in (yesterday he was here from 4-11pm!). “It’s hard work,” he says, “but really rewarding.” Devin started doing lighting in college. The drama club needed help and Devin was there to offer his. One of his friends taught him the basics of theatre lighting, and Devin learns more with each project he does.

How did you hear about this job? Getting at least a 120-hour internship is a requirement at Endicott College, so Devin was on the lookout. He then heard about PoP’s internship program from his teacher at Kingswood Oxford, where he attended high school.

Do you see yourself doing this in the future? “I hope to,” Devin says. Maybe he’ll be involved with lighting at a college theatre, maybe he’ll integrate photography somehow… “we’ll see where everything takes me,” he says.

Favorite Play or Musical: Sweeney Todd

Really Good Theatre Experience: Working on Endicott’s performance of Carnival for their Spring Musical Event this past semester. Doing lighting for The Last Five Years at PoP was also quite an experience because he could compare it with Endicott’s production of L5Y the year before.

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Black Raspberry

Favorite West Hartford Activity/Locale: Running around Blue Back like a bunch of wild children! “That was what we did when were done with school at KO: we ran around to all the different stores and talked to the employees.” Devin and his friends found that the guys at REI are particularly friendly. I have to agree.

Favorite book/what are you reading? Whenever there is a lull in his lighting duties, Devin can always be seen with a book. As an avid reader myself, this sparked my curiosity and I felt that I just had to know what he was reading. Currently, he’s on J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Two Towers, and confessed that The Lord of the Rings series is one of his favorites. I in turn confessed that I had read The Hobbit, The Fellowship of the Ring, and The Two Towers, but never made it through The Return of the King. I did watch the movies, though. Devin then expressed his complete awe of J.R.R. Tolkien and his imagination: “I wish I had his mind!” he said.

2010-06-24T16:07:00.010-04:00

As promised, today you will hear all about our newest intern, David Ciano, and one of our veteran interns, Erin Kacmarcik. Enjoy!

Theatre Management

Name: David Ciano

Age: 18

Position (what do you do here?): This is only David’s first week on the job, but so far he’s helped Dan with marketing and postering. David is also a great vacuumer and is known for bringing in a fan to cool down the office.

School: UConn

Major: Theatre Studies

How did you hear about this job? David’s roommate, Steve Magro, knew David was interested in theatre and suggested he work here for the summer.

Favorite Play or Musical: Into the Woods. "Everyone thinks it’s really childish, but there’s so much subtext if you look!" David insists.

Really good theatre experience: David loves being involved in the arts and being part of a creative team - team being the key word. He enjoys being in a creative environment in which everyone works toward a common goal.

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: He doesn’t really eat ice cream. His family raised him on fat-free frozen yogurt.

Type of car he drives (a very important tidbit, considering he must be mobile in order to poster): Dodge Caravan

Favorite West Hartford Locale/Activity: He’s from Bristol, so he doesn’t really know so much about West Hartford. He likes Westfarms Mall, but wonders if it is actually in Farmington.

Costuming

Name: Erin Kacmarcik

Age: 20

Position/Job Title: Costume Intern. She’s the wardrobe mistress for the four summer shows, as well as the assistant to the designers. She also helps organize and inventory the storage room upstairs.

School: The University of the Arts (Philadelphia, PA)

Major/Field of Study: Theatre Design/Technology with a concentration in Costume Design

How did you hear about this job? Internet search

What do you like best about working at the Playhouse? Erin loves working backstage on the shows and meeting the actors, directors, and designers. It's interesting to get to see the process that each artist goes through in order to create his or her vision.

Favorite Play or musical: Equus

Really good theatre experience you’ve had: The first show Erin designed for UArts was a great experience: The Dining Room, by A.R. Gurney. “It was great having the actors, who were also students, compliment me on my professionalism and creativity, as well as having the faculty director respect my opinions and ideas.”

Favorite Ice cream flavor: Turkey Hill Choco Mint Chip

Type of car she drives: Hyundai Elantra

Favorite West Hartford Locale/Activity: She’s from Ellington, so she’s not too familiar with West Hartford...she likes going to the movies, though.

Yours Truly

2010-06-22T15:15:00.020-04:00

Alert! Alert! Although Monday's blog post stated that we have FIVE interns here at Playhouse at Park, we actually have SIX! Our newest intern is David Ciano, a theatre student at the University of Connecticut. In the two days that he's worked here, he's already been an asset to the intern team by helping Dan put up posters all over town (and bringing a fan for the stiflingly hot office!). I'm sure you're all really excited to hear about David! He's already left for the day, however, and won't be available for an interview until tomorrow. So until then, you'll have to read about yours truly, the literary intern. As weird as it was to play the interviewer and the interviewee at the same time, I sucked up the discomfort and got to know myself for the good of the Playhouse. If you're going to meet the interns, you're going to meet ALL of them.

Literary Intern

Name: Naomi Bilmes

Age: 19

Position (what do I do here?): As the literary intern, my primary job is to read and evaluate new plays that writers and agencies send us. Working with Artistic Director Sean Harris, I have recently started the Readers Circle, a group that meets monthly to discuss and critique the submissions that we receive. I also write letters to agents and playwrights, play around on this blog, and have recently learned how to run the box office! I also hone my phone-answering skills when no one else is in the office and I do any other odd jobs that need to be done. Highlights include vacuuming the theatre and climbing up on a ten-foot ladder to change the wording in the marquee on the front of the Playhouse. As you know, I often work in the lobby between the piano and the coat rack, but depending on the weather, the lighting, and the position of Jupiter, my workspace of choice may be the box office, the foyer, the patio, or the floor.

School: I just finished my first year at the University of Maryland. Go Terps!

Major: Right now I am a declared English major with a plan to double major in psychology as well.

How did I hear about this job? Through Sean Harris, of course! After slaving over countless applications for summer jobs (including one for Hartford Stage, gasp!) Mr. Harris approached me and asked if I wanted to intern at his new theatre. How could I turn down my acting teacher of four years? I almost immediately said yes, even though it meant filling out yet another application and writing yet another cover letter. But this time I knew my labors would be rewarded.

What do I like best about working here? Learning about all the inner workings of the theatre. Honestly, I can’t post most of them here, but let me just say that there is way more to running a theatre than just hiring actors and a director. I also really enjoy seeing the actors come in and out of the theatre and snatching small opportunities to talk to them and learn a little bit about the real lives of people in the business. And I love love love this blog. It gives me the opportunity to be creative and write – one of my ultimate goals in life.

Favorite play or musical: Wow, this question is hard. My answer can only be based on plays I have seen, and I might’ve seen a bad performance of a good play or a good performance of a bad play, so how can I really judge whether the play itself is good or bad? And what about movie adaptations? For now, though, I’ll have to go with The Glass Menagerie, by Tennessee Williams.

Really good theatre experience: Performing in The Laramie Project and The Diary of Anne Frank during my senior year at Hall High School. I also really enjoyed writing one-acts and seeing them performed by my classmates.

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Chocolate Peanut Butter, hands down. And I’ve gotten into cones recently. And I really like frozen yogurt (chocolate vanilla swirl).

Favorite Mode of Transportation: Bicycle! I ride it to work almost every day.

Favorite West Hartford Locale or Activity: The Noah Webster Library. (I’m the literary intern, remember?)

And here's some more photos from around the PoP office:

From top to bottom: 1. The blogger 2. Dan behind bars! 3. Volunteer Hillary Ekwall and House Manager/stop/time dancer Carolyn Cumming

Top: "When would you like those tickets for?"

Bottom: Deana, casting intern, hard at work

The blogger and her bike

Meet the Interns: Take One

2010-06-21T15:31:00.007-04:00

As you may or may not know, Playhouse on Park has FIVE interns this summer! I've already introduced myself as blogger, interviewer, play-reader, phone-answerer and box office worker. You'll learn a bit more about me later on. But first, I want to introduce two of our other dynamite interns: Deana Croog and Dan Deutsch.

Casting

Name: Deana Croog

Age: 18

Position (what do you do here?): Deana is the Casting Intern. She helps Artistic Director Sean Harris cast upcoming shows and plans to assist him when he attends casting calls in New York City in July. Deana also makes audition notices and posts them on casting websites while organizing and categorizing incoming resumes and headshots.

School: Just finished her first year at Umass Amherst

Major/Field of study: Right now, Deana is an English major with a film minor, but she is thinking of switching to a marketing major with a film minor… but this could easily change!

How did you hear about this job? One of Deana’s friends was actually planning on working at the Playhouse and she told Deana about it. Deana then explored Playhouse on Park’s website and decided to apply for the internship in casting - an area of theatre that she always found very exciting.

What do you like best about working at the Playhouse? “The people! They’re funny, creative welcoming and quirky!” Deana says. She also admits that it’s really nice to be back in a theatre - something she misses while she’s away at school.

Favorite play: This one took her a while to answer. Eventually, Deana decided it was a tie between Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, by Edward Albee, and A Doll’s House, by Henrik Ibsen.

Really good theatre experience that you had: Directing Play it Again Sam, by Woody Allen, during her senior year in high school

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Either chocolate chip cookie dough with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (NOT Reese’s Pieces!!) or cake batter with marshmallow topping

Favorite West Hartford Locale/Activity: Another tie! Either The Quaker Diner (because “I love breakfast,” Deana says) or Elizabeth Park - a beautiful park right down the street from Deana’s house!

Marketing and Development

Name: Dan Deutsch

Age: 20

Position: Marketing and Development Intern. Dan compiles databases of addresses, phone numbers, and contact info for local schools and restaurants. These databases are useful for marketing of any kind (guerilla or otherwise) that needs to be taken care of. Dan was also in charge of gathering gift cards for the raffle at Act One, Playhouse on Park’s one-year anniversary fundraiser. You know he’s good at his job because he collected over $200 worth of gift cards from twelve different restaurants! Through his marketing work, he’s gotten to know some restaurant managers and owners personally, “which was cool,” Dan said. Dan also emails local theatre teachers about PoP and writes press releases for The Parkville Project, our next summer show. And, last but definitely not least, Dan has the very vital privilege of POSTERING! Dan can be seen on a daily basis driving around in his silver Subaru Forester or treading the sidewalks of Hartford and West Hartford, carrying stacks of posters of many sizes and shapes. No matter the weather, Dan earns his lunch every day by the sweat of his brow and the soles of his feet.

School: Clark University in Worcester, MA. He'll be a sophomore in the fall.

Major: As of yet, he’s undeclared, but he wants to be a Communications major with a theatre minor and possibly a music minor, too

How did you hear about this job? Dan emailed lots of arts-related organizations in the Greater Hartford area, looking for a way to get involved in theatre this summer. Of course, Mr. Harris suggested that Dan apply for a PoP Internship. Sean and Dan had a meeting over spring break, and Dan heard a little while later that he got the job!

What do you like best about working here? Getting involved in all aspects of theatre, as opposed to just the acting and backstage work he did in high school. During the interview, Dan and I came up with a metaphor for the various areas of theatre. We decided that theatre is like the human body: the actors on stage are the face and skin, the backstage workers are the skeletal, muscular, digestive, circulatory and nervous systems, and the marketing people are the oxygen (theatre can’t exist without funding and support!) Ten bucks if you can come up with a better metaphor than that.

Favorite play or musical: West Side Story

Really good theatre experience: Performing as Victor Velasco in Barefoot in the Park and as Manolo Costazuela in The Odd Couple: Female Version. Dan participated in these productions at Hall High School as a part of their superb theatre program.

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Mint-chocolate chip! More specifically, “Haagen Dazs mint chip” kicks butt. Why, you may ask? No, not because it costs $6 per scoop, but because Haagen Dazs' mint ice cream is white, not green, which means the flavor is more genuine. That green glop with brown chunks in it? Not the real thing. And if Dan had to pick a favorite at Ben and Jerry’s, he would go with Phish Food and Coffee Toffee.

Favorite WH locale/Activity: “Besides Playhouse on Park, you mean?” Dan laughs. Blue Back Square on a good weather day is his second favorite West Hartford hangout.

Since Dan and I both spend the majority of our day at the Playhouse, we have had the privilege to take many a lunch break together. We stroll up and down Park Road, eyeing the various choices of cuisine. I always end up eating the kosher contents of my lunch-box, but Dan is the ultimate connoisseur of West Hartford grub. After he purchases his carefully selected meal with cash from the intern lunch money fund, we sit in the lobby and Dan dissects his lunch choice, rating everything from the temperature of the food to the level of sugar. It’s quite an experience. Here are a few of Dan’s lunch hour highlights and lowlights:

Best lunch at PoP this summer: Any sandwich made at the deli counter at Hall’s Market

Worst lunch: Chicken Parmesan Flatbread Panini at Dunkin’ Donuts and an iced tea that was WAY too sweet

Favorite drink: The water bottle that he puts in the freezer when he gets to work. By lunch time, it's one big ice cube and beats the heat of his morning excursions.

Most recent kitchen adventure: Making crepes! Last Friday morning, Dan walked in with a cylinder of orange juice and a rectangular container with a homemade crepe in it. Dan explained to me how he cooked up his delicious breakfast of three different crepe varieties and proceeded to eat his Nutella-filled pastry with grace (until his plastic fork broke).

Next time: Interviews with more of our excellent interns and more photos of our fun-filled days at the Playhouse (it's more fun than camp!)

Lights, camera, direction!

2010-06-16T15:55:00.007-04:00

With his show going up this week, Director Kyle Fabel has been as busy as an ant next to a chocolate-chip cookie. Before rehearsal on Tuesday, however, he combined his lunch hour with a much-anticipated interview with your favorite blogger (me). Talking to Kyle was like talking to a real artist - he took a few moments to think about his answers and spoke eloquently and thoughtfully, despite the frenzied setting of our interview (the Playhouse box office). So here's a bit of info about our resident artist at work:

As a child, Kyle was surrounded by theatre. His family performed in community theatre productions and church plays, but Kyle's passion for theatre seemed to outdo that of the rest of his family. Kyle called his high school self a "malcontent" who viewed theatre as life's only worthwhile activity. After twelfth grade, unseen artistic forces pulled him into double-majoring in theatre and writing at Marquette University and subsequently propelled him to NYU for his graduate degree in acting. He recalls that the best experience of his theatre education was going abroad to London while he was an undergrad. While in England, he took nothing but theatre courses and completely immersed himself in the world to which he most wanted to belong.

But there was something different about the way Kyle looked at pieces of theatre, and this unique sense of vision led him eventually to directing. Kyle realized that he wanted to have his say in every aspect of a production; his head not only focused on his own role, but constantly whizzed from lighting to sound to staging...he was meant to be a director.

In light of this revelation, I asked Kyle whether he considers himself primarily an actor or a director. He nodded, acknowledging the depth the of the question, and answered that he has "just turned the corner" onto a sidewalk of equal portions directing and acting, with maybe a bit more directing. The directing, he said, is "gaining momentum" and he foresees much more of it in his future.

As for directing The Last Five Years, Kyle said that directing a musical did not differ as much from directing a non-musical as he had expected. It is a bit more exciting, though, he said, considering its two vitally fresh elements that a drama lacks: singers and music. Basically, there is just "more stuff to throw on the canvas." Kyle acknowledged, though, that music even plays a large role in his non-musicals. Whenever he reads a new piece, sound and music are the first aspects he starts building, whether or not they are written into the script.

He got involved with The Last Five Years here at the Playhouse during a meeting with Artistic Director Sean Harris a few months ago. Kyle knew he wanted to direct a musical, and Sean knew he wanted Kyle to direct...so when Sean whipped out the list, Kyle pointed to The Last Five Years and that was that.

So if the title of this post didn't alert you, tonight is the official opening of The Last Five Years. An hour before the show we'll be having complimentary wine, cheese, and schmoozing (although you might have to pay for the schmoozing). And now that you know all about Carey, Jeff, Colin and Kyle, you're ready to have your head spun across time and stage for five years of songs, solos and summers in Ohio.

And now a word from Jeff Scot Carey...

2010-06-15T12:48:00.012-04:00

So we've heard from the female lead, we've heard from the man behind the music, and now it's time to hear what our male lead has to say. Jeff Scot Carey plays Jamie Wellerstein, a writer who is apathetic about his religion but energetic about his romance with Cathy. Judging from Jeff's extensive interview responses, I'd say he genuinely has a great deal of energy himself. So read on, because this actor has a lot of interesting things to say!

Naomi: What made you want to audition for The Last Five Years?

Jeff: Well, I first saw the show Off-Broadway a number of years ago, and I remember being moved by it. It was innovative and stylistic musically, and the story was very relatable to me. I never saw or even listened to it again until I got the call to come audition for this production, but I always knew it would be a role I would be interested in exploring. So when it finally came up I was intrigued.

Naomi: What has the rehearsal process been like?

Jeff: We dove right in, and it’s been kind of a whirlwind up to this point. Obviously, we had to hammer out all of the technical aspects first (the music with Colin and the staging with Kyle) but the most involved aspect we had to figure out early was the timeline for the story. The two sides of the story are told in separate planes from each other. I think my process has been a little bit easier than Carey’s because Jamie’s story progresses sequentially whereas Cathy’s progresses in reverse. It’s a nice little device that Jason Robert Brown uses in the piece. We actually had a rehearsal where, as an exercise, we did the show sequentially [in chronological order] for both characters and it was amazing. It was so telling and sweet at the early part of their relationship, but extremely devastating later when the relationship ultimately fails. That day when we finished we were all a wreck, and Colin (our Music Director and Pianist) brilliantly quipped, “Well now we know why Jason Robert Brown decided to set the timelines in opposition. It’s way too depressing this way.”

Naomi: Do you have a favorite song or a favorite moment in the play?

Jeff: It’s hard to pick favorites because the whole show is really a joy to do. If I had to single out some moments, however, I’d pick the songs Miracle Would Happen and If I Didn’t Believe in You. But the best part for me is when Carey and I sing together in The Next Ten Minutes, because it’s the one moment in the show where the two timelines cross and we are actually in a scene together… in the same moment. And she’s so great to work with. I miss her the rest of the time.

Naomi: How did you first become interested in theatre?

Jeff: I didn’t get into theatre at all until college. I grew up as a military kid because my dad was a fighter pilot in the Air Force, and theatre wasn’t really a thing to do for some reason. I mean, I’m sure it was for some people, but I never got into it. I was intrigued by creative-writing and plays though, so naturally the idea of acting was always appealing under the surface. When I eventually heard of “Musical-Theatre” it sounded like the combination of two very cool art forms so I ended up taking a crack at it just for fun. I had discovered I could sing when I was a senior in high school, so when I got to college I was able to audition because I had started to learn how to read music and where to place things vocally. That’s where it started - out of curiosity really. I do come from a musical family - my mom and dad are both singers. In fact, I later learned that they actually met doing a musical in high school in 1967 (Carousel, I believe) and they’ve been together ever since. Is that a beautiful fairytale or what?

(Naomi: Yes, I think it's pretty beautiful.)

Naomi: From looking at your website, I can see you've done some interesting stuff in the past. Can you tell me about the short play you wrote, Storm Control, and the Nancy Ford musical you performed in called Blue Roses?

Jeff: Haha. Yes, I can tell you about that. I’ve always enjoyed writing and about five years ago I had my first play produced in New York. Later, I ended up joining the theatre company that produced it, City Attic Theatre, and their resident playwright, Melissa Gawlowski, used to get playwrights together for benefits in the city. Storm Control was a short piece that was presented as a part of a collaboration of music and spoken word called Metis. Each playwright adapted a section of Homer’s The Odyssey, and so I wrote a comedy about these strange demi-god-like beings who drive storm clouds like military vessels and are under orders from Zeus to wipe out Odysseus in the Mediterranean. When they start to question the supremacy of the orders that get passed down, things get dicey and they start to realize that Zeus is using them inappropriately.

Blue Roses is a musical adaptation of The Glass Menagerie. The playwright, Nancy, had seen me in a show called Back Home at the New York Musical Theatre festival that year and asked me to sing as one of the characters in her new piece. So I sang the part of Jim, the Gentlemen Caller: two songs and a duet. Wonderful music and directed by Albert Marre. Hopefully something will happen with it some day.

Naomi: From looking at your resume, I noticed you also play guitar and piano. Have you been able to use these skills at all in your theatre career?

Jeff: Seems like I’ve auditioned for lots of rock/folk musicals lately where I go in and play guitar and sing. In these cases, even if nothing comes of the audition, they’re fun little projects. I have been involved in numerous shows or films where I have played guitar as a part of the character, but mostly I just play for fun. There have been times in my life where I have written a lot on guitar and piano and then recorded the songs, but these days it’s pretty slow on that front. I don’t think I’ve written a song for two years, maybe more. I think I use music to center myself nowadays. It calms me.

Naomi: Do you have a favorite role out of all your past credits?

Jeff: Haha, no, not really. So hard to choose. Probably Roger in Rent, Dorian in A Picture of Dorian Gray, Huck in Big River, Tony in West Side Story, and Michael in Two Rooms. I’m sure tomorrow my answer would be different.

Naomi: What do you think of your experience in West Hartford so far?

Jeff: Beautiful and charming. And I love the history of this place. I haven’t had agreat deal of time yet to check out all of the places I want to see, but I’m looking forward to exploring West Hartford more. The Mark Twain and H.B. Stowe museums are on the list for sure. Today after rehearsal, on a whim, I drove down to Dinosaur State park, but it was closed by the time I got there. I am very curious to see what that’s about. Also, I’m kind of a big sports-junkie so I think I need to drive over to Bristol to see the ESPN Studios. Thanks for having me!

No problem, Jeff! The pleasure is all ours, especially when we listen to you sing!

Interview #2: Introducing the Music Man

2010-06-11T13:03:00.005-04:00

He's a composer, a conductor, an actor, a singer, a musical director...and he's only twenty-five. Plus he offered to get me and my co-worker a glass of water at the fundraiser last night, so that means he's also just a really nice guy.

The mentsch I'm speaking of is Colin Britt, the musical director of our upcoming musical The Last Five Years. I met him yesterday at the Playhouse after he admirably answered my interview questions with the celerity of a theatre major running to see The Glass Menagerie. So I'll stop rambling now and let his words speak for themselves.

Naomi: How did you hear about The Last Five Years at Playhouse on Park?

Colin: Sean, Darlene, and I worked together at WH Summer Arts Festival for three summers. When they had set the season for PoP, Sean contacted me and asked if I'd be interested in doing the show. I'm a big fan of Jason Robert Brown and this show, so it was an easy yes!

Naomi: Have you ever been a music director for a musical before? How is being a music director different from conducting?

Colin: I've been the musical director for more than 10 shows, and about as many revue concerts. Music direction in theater was actually where I got my first stint at conducting (and I was pretty awful).

In the theater, music direction usually has a very broad job description, and can include conducting and playing shows, teaching music to a chorus, being a rehearsal pianist, hiring players for the orchestra, and sometimes even arranging or orchestrating music for a show. Conducting is only a small portion of the responsibilities; very frequently, I don't end up conducting much at all (especially if I'm playing, which in this case I am). Head nods tend to get the message across!

Naomi: How has Connecticut shaped your musical career?

Colin: I've been living in CT since 2003, when I started my undergrad at the Hartt School. I graduated in 2007, worked for a year as an accompanist, and then started my master's at Yale. I just graduated in May; thus, all of my advanced education has been while living in CT. I have been very lucky to have had such amazing opportunities to compose, conduct, play, sing, do theater, and teach. Connecticut is wonderful in that it has a lot of music happening, but it's geographically small enough that it's very feasible to be involved in many groups and places.

Naomi: Where did you grow up and how did music factor into your life before you attended the Hartt School?

Colin: I grew up in Auburn, Maine. I've sung in choirs since I was 7, and I took piano lessons from about 5 on. I started acting in plays and musicals when I was in fifth grade, and I knew very early on that I wanted to work in theater. Later, when I was in high school, I started writing music (including a couple of musicals I co-wrote with my mother, who is quite a gifted playwright); that ended up being the avenue that I pursued in college. The musical direction/conducting side happened a little later, and it was only in college that I decided to pursue a career as a choral conductor.

Naomi: Describe your experience working on the The Last Five Years so far.

Colin: We've only been in rehearsals for a week, but I've really enjoyed delving into the music and the story, especially since it's constructed in such a unique way. The piano part is one of the hardest in the repertoire, so it's taken some work getting my chops up. It's also been a joy working Carey, Jeff, and Kyle, none of whom I had worked with before. Their professionalism, talent, and openness to different ideas are inspiring.

The Next Ten Minutes with Carey Anderson

2010-06-07T13:13:00.011-04:00

She's been on Broadway, she's done a national tour, she sings with a band and is working on recording her own album. Carey Anderson is just about the ultimate showbiz star. The only thing left for her to do is perform at Playhouse on Park, and then we can officially classify her in the same ranks as Barbara Streisand, Julie Andrews and Liza Menelli. Lucky for Carey, there's a show at Playhouse on Park next week called The Last Five Years and I think she's starring in it.

Starting June 16, Carey will be playing Catherine, a role that Carey says has "complex material to work with" in both the acting and singing departments. Catherine is an aspiring actress who meets Jamie, a successful writer. The story of their courtship, marriage and divorce is told backward by Catherine and forward by Jamie. One of the reasons Carey wanted to audition for the show is because "there is so much solo work in this play" which she thinks will be a pleasant challenge for her. "It's practically like we are doing two simultaneous one-person shows that just happen to coincide with one another in the middle. Brilliant!" she says.

Carey's most recent and most notable credits include playing Sophie in Mamma Mia and Kate Monster/Lucy T. Slut in Avenue Q - both on Broadway. She then toured nationally with both of the shows. Performing in regional theatres, she also played Nellie Forbush in South Pacific, Emily Webb in Our Town, and Kate Mullins in Titanic. I was lucky enough to meet her for a few minutes last week and conduct an interview with her over email. Here are some of her thoughts on past roles, acting, singing, and The Last Five Years:

Naomi: What has the rehearsal process been like (for The Last Five Years)?

Carey: So far it's been going great! Since the show works in reverse time for my character and in real time for Jeff's character (Jamie), we have spent a lot of time working on the time line of the piece. We have tried to lay out all of the events chronologically so that we can make sense of where each of them are during the other one's numbers

Naomi: Do you have a favorite song or moment in the play?

Carey: Well, my favorite song to listen to has always been Jamie's song "Resist Temptation"...I just think it's really funny. But I'm so in love with so many moments in Cathy's journey that it's hard to pick a favorite.

Naomi: What attracted you to performing in musicals rather than in dramas?

Carey: Singing is my first love. I absolutely love telling stories through song. I love the idea of a world in which things get so hightened that you can't speak about them - you just have to sing!

Naomi: What got you interested in theatre?

Carey: It was my love for singing. A friend talked me into auditioning for a children's show when I was 12 and I was hooked ever since.

Naomi: So of course I looked at your website and was really impressed by some of your previous credits. What was it like to play Sophie in Mamma Mia?

Carey: I absolutely loved playing Sophie. It was my broadway debut so I will always hold it close to my heart. I still hold the title of being the longest running actress to ever play the role of Sophie on broadway! That's pretty cool!

Naomi: Had you heard of ABBA before in cast in Mamma Mia?

Carey: I had heard of ABBA, but only their big hits like "Dancing Queen" and "Mamma Mia." Let's just say I know them backward and forward now.

Naomi: I noticed you also do some more relaxed performances with your husband and you're also doing some recording. How are these projects going?

Carey: I love singing and performing with my husband, we like to do it at any opportunity we can. He plays the guitar and we like to try out new tunes. I am currently recording TWO albums simultaneously! It's kind of crazy, but the one with the band that I sing with called THE BLUE BOTTLE COLLECTION is pretty much done and just getting mixed. Please look us up! We perform all over NYC and actually have a gig coming up on June 21st at The Bitter End. I am also recording my own solo album, which I'm so excited about. I actually starting writing a little myself and am contributing lyrics to at least one of the songs. I will be touring Japan in the fall with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and wanted a CD that the audience could buy if they liked what they heard! I hope that it's done by August...that's the goal, anyway.

Naomi: Do you have a favorite role out of all your past credits?

Carey: I'm not just saying this, but I really think Cathy Hiatt will be right up there if not my favorite role by the time our run is over. I am having so much fun discovering all the different layers that she has!

Naomi: What do you think of your experience in West Hartford so far?

Carey: I'm really loving being in suburbia! I am a midwestern girl, so I get comforted when I see strip malls, Cheesecake Factories and Targets! But I'm really loving the gorgeous homes and kind people I'm meeting in line at the grocery store. My impression is that it's a very eclectic place, and I really love that!

The Last Five Years of Youth

2010-06-04T11:44:00.000-04:00

The boisterous blogger in black is back...

Although the stage still belongs to This is Our Youth, the office at Playhouse on Park is slowly being taken over by the next offering in our summer season: The Last Five Years. As one show takes a bow and another prepares to open its curtain, I'm observing the theatre in an odd state of fluctuating transition.

But first, let's wrap up This is Our Youth. Having seen this show in preview and having spoken to one of its fabulous actors, I am very attached to this piece and will be sad to see it go. So sad, in fact, that I had to see it once

again before it left! Last night I extended my work day a few hours longer to usher for the show and inevitably treated myself to another full viewing. The second viewing of the show was not as riveting as the first, but only because I knew what to expect during the climax and the ending. In my new seat I got a great view of Dennis' back (which was sadly unexpressive) but I also a received wide array of facial expressions from Jessica. In general, though, I was highly impressed with the consistency the actors showed and their dedication to entertaining the audience while making them feel everything the characters felt.

But I was an audience member on the lookout. While watching This is Our Youth a second time, I tried to match up some of the newspaper reviewers' comments with what I saw. For example, in the Examiner, reviewer Andrew Beck mentions Jessica's "quirky, teenage shorthand" and Dennis' expressive shoe-tying, both of which I picked up on last night. Beck also states that Dennis' second-act performance "veers toward unconvincing hysteria," but I have to disagree with that. It was very convincing.

So despite the special place that Warren, Dennis and Jessica will always have in my heart, this week a soundtrack CD found its way into my hand: the soundtrack for The Last Five Years. While simultaneously reading over the script and listening to the soundtrack, I realized that this is a musical that people can and will get into. The songs are not cheesy and don't have that conventional Broadway glitz that makes so many musicals sound the same. The Last Five Years has two very real characters that seem to participate in life's activities quite authentically. Hopefully watching their romance wax and wane will be as enjoyable as watching Warren stutter through a Norse pick-up line.

The Last Five Years, by Jason Robert Brown, will run at Playhouse on Park June 16-27. Directed by Kyle Fabel, the show stars Broadway performers Carey Anderson and Jeff Scot Carey as Catherine and Jamie - the romantic couple of interest. The music director is Colin Britt, a graduate of Hartford's very own Hartt School of Music who recently completed his Masters of Music degree at Yale.

In one of this week's odd overlapping moments, Carey and Kyle attended last night's performance of This is Our Youth. I got to introduce myself to the Broadway star herself, and planted a seed for next week's blog posts: interviews with the cast of The Last Five Years! Be on the lookout for these interviews next week and have a great, sun-filled weekend.

P.S: Scroll down to the bottom of the blog to participate in a poll that will help out the theatre!

ACTORS and an actor

2010-05-28T11:19:00.000-04:00

So it's my fourth day at the theatre, and I've set up my "office" in a well-lighted nook in the lobby between the grand piano and the coat rack. Working tirelessly in my own little corner from ten am until six pm, I see more than I ever expected of theater life. People wander in and out, the phone rings off the hook for ticket sales, and office activity waxes and wanes. But the most exciting part for this attentive observer is seeing the actors off-stage.

Actor. What

a word. It carries with it a sense of awe and admiration. Just calling someone an actor makes him kind of awesome. It also makes him a little intimidating to talk to.

As an intern, however, I know it is time to overcome my star-struck shyness. If I am going to sit in a theatre all

day with actors and actresses walking in out, I am going to make the most of my situation. I am going to talk to them. So today, instead of saying a quiet "Good Morning" and ducking back to my computer screen, I approached the ACTOR sitting a few seats away from me in the lobby. Robert DaPonte, one of the three stars of This is Our Youth, was sitting in a chair just like mine and checking his email with his computer tilted upward for convenience. I asked if he had time for an interview, and, receiving an affirmative response, I returned to my laptop, hastily typed up a few questions, and began my queries.

Robert was great right from the start. He is really easy to talk to, and just a genuinely friendly guy. After asking some background questions, I learned that Robert has been an actor for twelve years, and began his career at Bradford College in Haverville, MA. In high school, he had been into writing (especially screenplays), but it wasn't until he got to Bradford and took his first acting class that he realized that the theater world was definitely the place for him. After college, he worked at the National Theater Institute in Waterford, CT and the Secret Theater in New London. Now he lives in Philadelphia.

I also spoke to Robert a little bit about the role he's playing now (Warren Straub) and past roles he's played. When I asked how Robert, as an actor, tried to connect to Warren's character, he responded that the better a script is, the easier the actor's job is. Not to say that connecting to Warren was a piece of cake, but Lonergan's characters are clear and realistic, and Robert could look at Warren and say "I kinda get that guy." Warren has a lot going for him: he's frustrated, angry, has trouble communicating with his parents and peers, and he's socially awkward. There's got to be something in there that an actor can relate to.

When I asked Robert what his favorite past role had been, he kind of wowed me with his response. He said he always wants his favorite role to be the one he's working on. He also said that he did really enjoy playing Estragon in Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot, a role he got to play twice in two different theaters.

Curious about his perceptions of This is Our Youth, I asked him how he thought opening night had gone. He replied that he thought it went "really well" and was glad there were a lot of college students in the crowd. He also felt, however, that by the end of show most of the audience, regardless of age, was involved and invested in the characters. And I'm pretty sure that's a great feeling to have.

As for Robert's favorite moment in the show? He loves the moments "in between the lines:" those times when he connects with another actor on stage without saying anything. Sometimes body language and the drapes of silence can express much more than any line of dialogue.

And what does he think of West Hartford? Well, he says we're "pretty cool."

Opening Day

2010-05-26T10:42:00.000-04:00

It's opening day for "This is Our Playhouse," the blog that keeps you updated about the summer season of West Hartford's very own Playhouse on Park. As the creator of "This is Our Playhouse," let me introduce myself: my name is Naomi, and I am one of five summer interns at Playhouse on Park. An average college student who fell in love with theater during high school, I got lucky enough to spend this summer reading plays, seeing plays, writing about plays and starting my own blog about (surprise) plays. I'll be writing all about what's going on at Playhouse on Park this summer, and I hope you'll respond to my views and post your own!

So my first post is about This is Our Youth, the edgy first production of Playhouse on Park's summer season. As an intern, I got to see the "pre-preview"- an intimate performance of the show two nights before opening night. Although the audience contained only ten people (including a sprightly photographer) the actors treated us to a performance-ready production that displayed their immense talent as well as the talents of the writer, Kenneth Lonergan, and the director, Matt Pfieffer.

Before the show, I had been warned by my superiors at the Playhouse. There's drugs, they said. There's language, they cautioned. It's "out there" and risky, they alerted me. So I was expecting to be put off. I was expecting to be disgusted and uncomfortable and ready to walk out. I was expecting to have to force myself to like it so I could genuinely do my job of convincing others to attend. I was expecting a stomachache.

But I didn't get one. About half way through the first act, I recognized This is Our Youth. I recognized it because it spoke to me and drew me in. I recognized it as good theater. The story takes place in 1982 in New York City's Upper West Side, and tells a story about three kids in their early twenties working through issues regarding independence, friendship and mortality. The play essentially gives a twenty-four-hour snapshot into the semi-pathetic lives of drug-dealer Dennis Ziegler (Zack Robidas) and his sidekick Warren Straub (Robert DaPonte). Fading in and out of this snapshot is Jessica Goldman (Alison Barton), the girl of Warren's dreams who has enough fashion sense to make up for both Dennis' and Warren's grunge.

Everything I had been warned about was true. There were drugs, f-bombs, and a whole slew of insults that will never ever cross my own lips. But they all helped to tell the story. The profanity was natural coming from Dennis and Warren, and the presence of illegal substances spurred major plot events and successfully filled out the scene of 1980s New York that Lonergan was trying to create. What I identified most with, however, was not the obsessive

drug use or the dangers of living in 1980s New York City. What really drew this play beyond the confines of time and place were the moments of awkward girl-guy confrontation and the scenes of true and intense friendship between Dennis and Warren. Behind the

characters' acid tongues and devil-may-care attitudes lies a dynamite script and a trio of tragic characters that resonate soundly from generation to generation- especially with each generation's youth.

Left to right: Dennis (Zack Robidas), Warren (Robert DaPonte) and Jessica (Alison Barton)