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!
Showing posts with label Playhouse on Park. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Playhouse on Park. Show all posts
Monday, September 26, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
The Chicago Auditions
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.
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.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Preposterous Post
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.
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.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Playhouse Profile: Mollie Cook
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.
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
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.
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.
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