tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80984670545103717932024-03-19T04:08:23.705-07:00GRIFFITIWELCOME TO THE GRIFFIN THEATRE COMPANY BLOG.
THIS IS THE PLACE TO FIND OUT THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS AND EVENTS GOING ON AT THE GRIFFIN THEATRE COMPANY.Griffin Theatre Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140689941917644473noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098467054510371793.post-88912892778824621582010-05-11T12:58:00.000-07:002010-05-11T13:03:48.422-07:00PHOTO CALL - STAGE DOOR<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfE83JO6-PcBB6scNBVCvvKK2ti3550wPxkAknzgSTJvmEcgTOXmI5GZ-zZrTKTac6bLMj2VPqCWTINsA5MrKRbHaoeLvefISciAKGtu4sUvLgP_-QEibXNZPMPPTezLEjfxDmBoR1z-u/s1600/Large+cast+photo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 171px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfE83JO6-PcBB6scNBVCvvKK2ti3550wPxkAknzgSTJvmEcgTOXmI5GZ-zZrTKTac6bLMj2VPqCWTINsA5MrKRbHaoeLvefISciAKGtu4sUvLgP_-QEibXNZPMPPTezLEjfxDmBoR1z-u/s320/Large+cast+photo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470105655332715250" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-7gy9KxriEZRKtEcv-Nmn-vaDKINRlWN1eK5VemeooYvySIXy8XLMrzsRsMuslGVWfOhP9x1lqsxKVysJih5m2k7OB-BC_xY4Ccq1HIw7AXZwZ7gPoii32JPqJBS7EfDYc8d9rRdF-P2/s1600/MaryAnne&Caroline.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 209px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-7gy9KxriEZRKtEcv-Nmn-vaDKINRlWN1eK5VemeooYvySIXy8XLMrzsRsMuslGVWfOhP9x1lqsxKVysJih5m2k7OB-BC_xY4Ccq1HIw7AXZwZ7gPoii32JPqJBS7EfDYc8d9rRdF-P2/s320/MaryAnne&Caroline.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470105447069116802" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TVgOYuyl0aU-pTL20EuePhGHa-Y4MSN6YKvBkRNzyyEomI2QrAxqZmwWBs-d65iwj1tQbyDLGGj1uOufq_5EW7pPkgFzYyTOGoEq5yxx7S8CrzrVPTLv7ielE97uXTAgqM2RFifWjF3J/s1600/erinJennifer.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 156px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TVgOYuyl0aU-pTL20EuePhGHa-Y4MSN6YKvBkRNzyyEomI2QrAxqZmwWBs-d65iwj1tQbyDLGGj1uOufq_5EW7pPkgFzYyTOGoEq5yxx7S8CrzrVPTLv7ielE97uXTAgqM2RFifWjF3J/s320/erinJennifer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470105244393039858" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGhyphenhyphenELTbfZfWmlrvvc_JIcWH9_2ynCwVW942XLaX-8p9zGJ-t7wMFuG2vLwA5IXJ5k0VVe9z_ZT8LwZOYe1qoTY9bsWx-i0Cee1rC096ln_N9i7eoB2VSQLY6minoyNdOVXdIHidUQUsM/s1600/large+cast.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 165px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGhyphenhyphenELTbfZfWmlrvvc_JIcWH9_2ynCwVW942XLaX-8p9zGJ-t7wMFuG2vLwA5IXJ5k0VVe9z_ZT8LwZOYe1qoTY9bsWx-i0Cee1rC096ln_N9i7eoB2VSQLY6minoyNdOVXdIHidUQUsM/s320/large+cast.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470105055181467602" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhktPZvfrFsyQ3XHryhUw4DnQQvZWfUtSTC7UmvvOZHmREFJ7mwrfFlmUVpSAMuvVCdq-VU1F_6lv2NrtovNb8TvKHSA-lxkLoIAPlNgGuw04UhAxR9cmTxygVNyo1yHFN2o3gWmgEYYL/s1600/MechelleDwayne.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhktPZvfrFsyQ3XHryhUw4DnQQvZWfUtSTC7UmvvOZHmREFJ7mwrfFlmUVpSAMuvVCdq-VU1F_6lv2NrtovNb8TvKHSA-lxkLoIAPlNgGuw04UhAxR9cmTxygVNyo1yHFN2o3gWmgEYYL/s320/MechelleDwayne.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470104859868041986" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2asN9Q9sJGLMCnfuImnKZvLNPNNe-XS2bvJYoYWrwbZjBUyJjpX2xH3L4aDbwH-p68W4BVXTxkauQ6vHV0NmOSmvmL2AQmQ4LhMtThufHcY8l88BjClc7w0bJK8xaw0VjKNpOmTTDELiw/s1600/MechelleMoeatpaino.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 209px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2asN9Q9sJGLMCnfuImnKZvLNPNNe-XS2bvJYoYWrwbZjBUyJjpX2xH3L4aDbwH-p68W4BVXTxkauQ6vHV0NmOSmvmL2AQmQ4LhMtThufHcY8l88BjClc7w0bJK8xaw0VjKNpOmTTDELiw/s320/MechelleMoeatpaino.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470104616717247490" /></a>Griffin Theatre Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140689941917644473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098467054510371793.post-65939437398505288732010-05-11T12:55:00.000-07:002010-05-11T12:58:19.344-07:00An Actor muses on STAGE DOOR<span style="font-weight:bold;">Mechelle Moe gives an actors POV of what it's like to put together a show like STAGE DOOR</span><br /><br />It’s hot. A very, very hot sweaty tech. Twenty-seven actors crammed in a dressing room that is meant for about twelve sitting on top of each other in what seems to be a never-ending game of twister. Arms reaching for costume pieces, legs draped over each other and faces leaning towards the few fans trying to catch a breeze. This is our second day in the space, and I just received a note not to pull my dress up. I don’t even remember pulling my dress up during the run, I think subconsciously I was just trying to let any bit of air in to cool off. There’s even sweat between my fingers and I don’t feel very pretty. That being said, everyone is in really good spirits. We’ve been sardines in a can for the past six weeks and nary a temper has flared. It’s a pretty amazing phenomenon for this many people to be gathered in small quarters. This show is not for the claustrophobic. <br /><br />Tech. Deep breath. There’s no way around it. No more miming props or pretending to walk up and down stairs that aren’t really there or hitting the wall to simulate the door slam. We finally have all the real things. Trouble is we’ve gotten so used to all our imaginary bits and bobs that the real stuff throws everyone off. It’s that frustrating regression that strikes every show at this point in the process. Trying to find the rhythm, the new rhythm outside the rehearsal room. My shoes are slightly too big, and I stuff kleenex in them to make sure they won’t slip off while running up and down the stairs. My coat weighs a hundred pounds and I remember how much I detest nylons. I have new sight lines to contend with in a space that seems impossible not to upstage your fellow actor. There’s lights now and sound. And a ladder to climb in the dressing room to reach a perch to enter into the space from the bedrooms upstairs. Logistics. All logistics. Where’s the best place for costumes and props and how much time to I have to change between scenes? That’s what occupies my mind. In two weeks, this will all become second nature and we’ll laugh when thinking back to how horrifying it seems in this moment. But right now everyone is scrambling to get it right. Oh, and then there’s actually worrying about the acting part and playing the scenes. Making sure all that work doesn’t go out the window with your sanity. <br /><br />The first day of rehearsal our director, Robin Witt, called Stage Door a love letter to actors. I underestimated this play at the start and the depth of my character’s journey. It’s not exactly the 1930s romp I anticipated paying homage to all those films I watched growing up. It’s been an extremely challenging process that has struck at my very core. And I am just as stage-struck as the character I play. After 13 years of treading the boards of Chicago theater, I still believe in it and what it has to offer the community. Despite the struggle to pay bills and scramble for work, I wouldn’t trade it in for the life of me. My character states: “The theater beats me and starves me and forsakes me, but I love it. I suppose that’s the kind of girl I am--you know--rather live in a garret with her true love than dwell in a palace with old Money-bags.” Truer words could not be spoken.Griffin Theatre Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140689941917644473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098467054510371793.post-31103595953682857192010-04-02T14:58:00.001-07:002010-04-02T15:11:03.681-07:00STAGE DOOR - In the Rehearsal Room<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JA5aZqjOesYqRGpZBVDc8RHUTITbix841aY0Ozl3G1b2Ne_UoWmWExXtuhbTrbyWj5X4TmwVldx1MBLYhzVigwqS56Gai0d29ygBZvwXtbmpOm-tEotVN7OKUomAFcqagt4JWJYATTUy/s1600/rehearsepic3"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JA5aZqjOesYqRGpZBVDc8RHUTITbix841aY0Ozl3G1b2Ne_UoWmWExXtuhbTrbyWj5X4TmwVldx1MBLYhzVigwqS56Gai0d29ygBZvwXtbmpOm-tEotVN7OKUomAFcqagt4JWJYATTUy/s320/rehearsepic3" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455666089574127666" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjcvnoW-sWO53m6A8QdbW_8hmN6yJAy6MJE0sG8wREtqVPNNAa7PNyF4jBmPWkSa0lofz5ofP_NI87dF2eL8pVzy6ac3cnL8XV9y795jS5jeKHObQ27u2cKQzKOkWi7Z118CpZgFbK1_o/s1600/rehearsepic2"><img style="float:right; 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mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:2142699420 166505266 197641 328713 66569 197641 328713 66569 197641 328713;} @list l0:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:; mso-level-tab-stop:.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:.25in; text-indent:-.25in; font-family:Symbol;} ol {margin-bottom:0in;} ul {margin-bottom:0in;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Robin Witt Director of Griffin Theatre's STAGE DOOR talks about the play, late at night after a work through of Act One, scene 1</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>"<i style="">A woman can look both moral and exciting -- if she also looks as if it was quite a struggle.</i>"<span class="body"><i style=""><o:p></o:p></i><span style=""> - </span>Edna Ferber</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span class="body"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p>Griffin Theatre’s production of <i style="">Stage Door</i> by Edna Ferber and George S. Kaufman: 248 costume pieces; 33 characters; 27 actors; 16 set pieces; 13 door slams; 9 door bells; 5 phone rings; 4 bananas; 2 apples; a baseball bat; an upright piano; a two-story staircase; and 1 small dog.
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Bill Massolia, <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Griffin</st1:place></st1:city>’s artistic director, phoned me up last summer and asked me if he was crazy. He thought the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Griffin</st1:place></st1:city> should produce <i style="">Stage Door</i> in the upcoming season. I had directed a staged reading of the play as a benefit for <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Griffin</st1:place></st1:city> a few months earlier, and it had gone surprisingly well. Yes, I had to rehearse it in shifts, and yes, only 17 actors played the 33 roles. But the evening had been really, really fun (and oddly, on the night of my birthday). Amidst the fast-paced carnival atmosphere of the reading, there had also been moments of deep pathos.
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<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I said “yes” to Bill. Yes that he <i style="">was</i> crazy and yes, that I would love to direct it.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Set in a boarding house for actresses in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Manhattan</st1:place></st1:city>, <i style="">Stage Door</i> premiered at the Music Box in NYC on November 1, 1936. It was a time when the <st1:country-region st="on">United States</st1:country-region> was struggling to pull itself out of the Great Depression and Hitler had recently presided over the Summer Olympics in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Berlin</st1:place></st1:state>. The world was a dark and uncertain place, and the theatre and film of the era were doing what they could to lift public consciousness away from gloom and despair. Ferber/Kaufman did their bit with some of the greatest comedies of the time, including <i style="">The Royal Family</i> and <i style="">You Can’t Take it With You</i>. Inspired by Ferber’s visit to the boarding house in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">New York</st1:place></st1:state> where her niece–the actress Janet Fox– lived, <i style="">Stage Door</i> is an acerbic and loving look at the intoxicating, backstabbing, heart-breaking, and arduous life of show folk.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Below is a roughly outlined list of what I considered some of the most important ideas/actions/themes of the play:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family:Times;">Hope in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family:Times;">Sharing of worldly goods—generosity in times of hardship<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family:Times;">Theatre as a higher art form than film—a noble life<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family:Times;">The draw of fame and money<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family:Times;">Artistic life worth living despite of rejection, poverty, and the bad rap being of the world’s 2<sup>nd</sup> oldest profession, etc<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Struggles of poverty<span style="font-family:Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Grasping for success<span style="font-family:Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->How is success measured?<span style="font-family:Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The inequities of gender and class<span style="font-family:Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Dire acts committed by the desperate<span style="font-family:Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family:Times;">Insular nature of the boarding house that the women inhabit—a safe place<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family:Times;">Outside world—the theatre: impossible to penetrate and conquer<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family:Times;">Action within the boarding house—ceaseless, fluid, elegant, desperate, tedious, churning<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family:Times;">Stage-stuckedness (I made up this word)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family:Times;">Music. Dance. Drama. SHOWTIME!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<br /><span style="font-family:Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Times;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Times;">There is not a whole lot written about <i style="">Stage Door</i> (the play). Ferber/Kaufman’s other plays have garnered more attention and therefore more scholarly research as well. <i style="">SD</i> isn’t produced very often, except at Colleges and Universities. Why is that you ask? See the above list of elements needed for the production (elements=$$$$$). But there is also a very interesting tone issue in this play. <i style="">SD</i> is not pure comedy. It is not <i style="">You Can’t Take it with You</i>. <span style="color:red;">SPOILER ALERT</span>: skip to the next paragraph if you don’t know the play and want to come to the production without knowing key plot points. There is a suicide, and prostitution, and shattered dreams. <i style="">SD</i> also has elements of screwball comedy. Comedy and tragedy sit side by side and the switch between them can be razor sharp. How does one navigate through such ever-changing currents?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /><span style="font-family:Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Times;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Times;">Brooks Atkinson, in his review of the 1936 production, puts it best. After praising the play’s “keen edge” of comedy and its “ebullient” nature, he ends with a lengthy discussion on how badly actors were treated by producers. Atkinson writes: “<i style="">Stage Door</i> would be funnier if the whole subject of acting were less painful.” He spends 3 paragraphs in the review naming all that is wrong with the current hierarchal system of 1930s Broadway. It’s amazing. He pretty much predicts what is going to happen in the 1960s with the birth of repertory companies in the U. S.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /><span style="font-family:Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Times;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Times;">Ok. Now it’s really late at night. More later regarding tone…..xo and goodnight.<o:p></o:p></span></p> Griffin Theatre Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140689941917644473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098467054510371793.post-16699178775000751412010-03-24T16:22:00.000-07:002010-03-24T16:36:06.253-07:001 in 27 - How do you fit all those cast members into the Griffin rehearsal space?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WJP9X5oxFo7m1IVT0fVWtkjIxTlbAOE28ENI9SwmlQEEb0L4Ybm_3HSPYEL4p4cFBQAF2in1Fle4_bhU1osU-5pFz2bPSkHTNF0vbQ6syQSQH24SDAcowVBdkO66AwWtNhEn9YIJhIuy/s1600/Jennifer+Betancourt+Headshot..jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WJP9X5oxFo7m1IVT0fVWtkjIxTlbAOE28ENI9SwmlQEEb0L4Ybm_3HSPYEL4p4cFBQAF2in1Fle4_bhU1osU-5pFz2bPSkHTNF0vbQ6syQSQH24SDAcowVBdkO66AwWtNhEn9YIJhIuy/s320/Jennifer+Betancourt+Headshot..jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452346658134880098" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7hDhxP7Z6YMeUaaZnfhai8F3u-B41PheS36_ZyiAS8AsvllOua8-gJhaG4MHPPJDsgtkz_GCM8zDo6Tc9StSN5FGZAOIj2Cywo5kfMZdyl77Uun9cyUsNXYGwdu7yaKFsQmoIMidTNqr/s1600/Jennifer+Betancourt+Headshot..jpg"><br /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Jennifer Bettancourt plays Bobbie in our upcoming production of STAGE DOOR. A recent graduate from Notre Dame, Jennifer provides perspective from one who is relatively new to the Chicago scene.<br /><br /><br /></span> <div style="font-family:arial;"><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;font-size:12px;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <span style="font-style: italic;">So far, whenever I tell people about Stage Door: the setting, the gist of the plot, and especially the cast size/make-up, nine times out of ten I get, "There are HOW many girls?! Whoa!! Please, you HAVE to tell me about the drama that goes on backstage!" and for those that know The Theatre Building, there's the additional, "Ha, Have fun in those dressing rooms!" As of this point in the rehearsal process, though, I'm pretty happy to say that I'm only seriously concerned about the dressing rooms...</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; min-height: 14px;font-size:12px;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;font-size:12px;"><span style="font-size:100%;">After doing the staged reading last year, I feel really lucky and beyond excited to be able to delve into this script and get to know the characters and their relationships again, and much more fully. When we did the reading, everyone except a few were given multiple characters and, at least for me, it was like a really cool challenge to try and give each one their own distinction while sitting down and without changing costumes. This time around, I'd be lying if I said I didn't keep my eyes and ears open during the first few reads to see how these "new girls" chose to play the parts I'd done and perhaps it's petty of me to admit that I was worried I'd never be able to fully let go of the idea that I'd once said that line differently. As we've gone along though, it was beyond easy because of everyone's enthusiasm for the script and the story (no one more than Robin, and that energy has done wonders, at least personally, to make my excitement just continue to grow with every rehearsal). The ensemble nature of the show has made it essential for each character to know themselves in and out and embrace what everyone else offers. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;font-size:12px;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;font-size:12px;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We're now in my favorite time of the rehearsal process: Books are dropped, blocking is done, and now it's time to string it together and explore and play! I've always been tickled at the idea of playing Bobby but the more we rehearse, the more I discover her and really dig the person we're becoming together (that doesn't sound too strange does it?) For example, despite what I think of myself walking down the street on any given day, when I think of being Bobby I immediately feel lighter, springier, flirtier, more in control of that flirtation, and really oblivious to time. It also works in reverse as I relate onstage the Bobby that is tempered by who I am as an individual. We also, meaning the girls of the Footlights Club (not me and my apparently multiple personalities), have spent enough time together in rehearsals to start becoming familiar with each other and it's exciting to see where different bonds and friendships are forming. It isn't that there are people NOT getting along (or maybe there are and I just am not cool or perceptive enough to know) but the substance of actually knowing and liking the people you're onstage with and why you like them, what it is about them specifically that makes you giggle or wince, is invaluable.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; min-height: 14px;font-size:12px;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;font-size:12px;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Given the time the girls have had in the last few weeks just to rehearse with one another I don't envy the guys (aside from Chuck...poor chuck, reinforcements are coming soon!) having to come into it and find their way in this nest of women giggling, gossiping, and constantly in various states of dress (actually, maybe they won't mind so much...). It's only gonna get better from here on out and I can't wait to see where we all end up together! While there may develop some drama backstage, I'm sorry at this point to disappoint those that were expecting it by reporting what can only be described as a veritable profession of love, maybe I'll try and start some tonight. You know, to make it up to you. - Jennifer Bettancourt<br /></span></p> </div>Griffin Theatre Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140689941917644473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098467054510371793.post-7702375620286544202010-03-24T16:10:00.000-07:002010-03-24T16:22:24.349-07:00Next Up at the Griffin - STAGE DOOR by Edna Ferber & George S. Kaufman<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVddPUUvnLklLKzuPvrOOU9DHQGQejabnfzDfZDSKdOQL3NE51bdE3GHNjfNEgZFNGMzci-NFuizbkUWKhu9RYUJbV_KliJbQGLadgxpmR3xkt8T8yNlNUBrXZS8tGtFJZoh6AdGK8Z8m/s1600/StageDoorPC_front.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 207px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVddPUUvnLklLKzuPvrOOU9DHQGQejabnfzDfZDSKdOQL3NE51bdE3GHNjfNEgZFNGMzci-NFuizbkUWKhu9RYUJbV_KliJbQGLadgxpmR3xkt8T8yNlNUBrXZS8tGtFJZoh6AdGK8Z8m/s320/StageDoorPC_front.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452344640611804034" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqdYHhB5t0HwqtJ72hsBe3WzOSdI-6pDWCwvfw3De1eXv11uEdB2JrPNnCppUgu7grhFsXwr9QwLc79hnE7NViAsmXiymc8vx657aovE49Ccxb3rfCnTgwl74fkkZs3KkJJeQevXdnjak/s1600/StageDoorPC_front.jpg"><br /></a><br />In the upcoming weeks we will be posting interviews, rehearsal photos and directors note from our upcoming production of STAGE DOOR by Edna Ferber and George S. Kaufman. Check it out!Griffin Theatre Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140689941917644473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098467054510371793.post-67405303115243605572009-10-31T16:05:00.000-07:002009-10-31T16:19:28.221-07:00Brian Dennehy to host LETTERS HOME at Westport Playhouse<span class="article_text">Award-winning actor Brian Dennehy will host Westport Country Playhouse’s presentation of “Letters Home,” a dramatic production of actual letters written by U.S. troops serving in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, on Veteran’s Day, Wednesday, November 11. Produced by the Griffin Theatre Company of Chicago, the initial production last winter was critically acclaimed and nominated for a Joseph Jefferson Award for “Outstanding New Play.”<br /><br />In conjunction with “Letters Home,” the Westport Arts Center (WAC) will install an exhibition in the Playhouse lobby, “Daily Exchanges: U.S. Soldiers in Iraq - The Ordinary in Images.” Curated by WAC's Director of Visual Arts Terri C. Smith, with the guidance and input of artist and "Operation Enduring Freedom" veteran Paul Kaiser, "Daily Exchanges" will feature photographs and videos depicting the everyday lives of troops serving in war.<br /><br />A reception and guided tour of the art exhibit will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the performance of “Letters Home” at 7 p.m. A panel discussion will follow the play at approximately 9 p.m., moderated by Lisa Chedekel, an award-winning investigative reporter with more than 20 years experience writing for Connecticut newspapers. After the discussion, Smith and Kaiser will be available for comment on the exhibition.<br /><br />“The Playhouse is pleased to present ‘Letters Home’ as a powerful reminder around Veteran’s Day of the hard work and sacrifices of our nation’s servicemembers. We are delighted to work with the Westport Arts Center to create an immersive experience in the portrayal of our troops in both drama and the visual arts,” said Angela Marroy Boerger, the Playhouse’s Education and Community Programs Coordinator.<br /><br />“Letters Home” paints a powerful portrait of servicemembers’ experience in the ongoing war, and, without politicizing, gives voice to the people who are still fighting and dying far away from home. The production is inspired by the New York Times Op-Ed article, “The Things They Wrote,” and the subsequent HBO documentary, “Last Letters Home,” and additionally uses letters and correspondences from Frank Schaeffer’s books, “Voices from the Front: Letters Home from America’s Military Family,” “Faith of Our Sons” and “Keeping Faith.”<br /><br />The art exhibition, “Daily Exchanges: U.S. Soldiers in Iraq - The Ordinary in Images,” is in dialogue with the Westport Country Playhouse’s “Letters Home” performance and includes artist interpretations of the daily lives of U.S. soldiers in Iraq – as well as projects relating to their loved ones at home. The exhibition will also feature photographs, videos and emails from soldiers themselves. Direct documents and artworks are exhibited in tandem to provide a variety of viewpoints. By emphasizing the quotidian – the everyday routines, environments and stories of U.S. soldiers – the hope is to avoid “newsworthy” portrayals of a soldier’s life in a deliberate attempt to circumvent stereotypes of troops and war. In addition to Wednesday afternoon and evening, the art exhibition will be on display Thursday, November 12, 1 to 6 p.m. and Friday, November 13, 12 to 6 p.m.<br /><br />Brian Dennehy, host and panelist, has maintained a strong presence in film, theater and television for three decades. He has twice won the Tony Award for Best Actor: honored for playing James Tyrone in Eugene O'Neill's “Long Day's Journey Into Night,” and for playing Willy Loman in “Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman.” The latter production was also filmed for Showtime which subsequently earned Dennehy a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award and an Emmy Award nomination. He revived the role of Willy Loman in London's West End for which he received the coveted Olivier Award for Best Actor. Dennehy is well-known to audiences worldwide for his performances in many popular films and a wide range of television projects.<br /><br />Lisa Chedekel, panel moderator, is a former staff writer for The Hartford Courant, where she won a number of national awards, including a 1999 Pulitzer Prize for breaking news which she shared with a team of reporters. As a member of The Courant’s investigative team, she co-authored a series of stories in 2006 on soldiers’ mental health that led to sweeping reforms in the military’s system of screening and treating troops deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. The series was a finalist for the Pulitzer in investigative reporting in 2007 and won a George Polk Award for military reporting, the Worth Bingham Prize, and the Selden Ring Award for investigative reporting. Chedekel previously covered the state Capitol, education and immigration for The Courant, and was a reporter and columnist for the New Haven Register. She now writes for publications in the Boston area.<br /><br />The Playhouse’s presentation of “Letters Home” is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and Pitney Bowes. Tickets are $15 for the general public and $10 for veterans.<br /><br />For more information or tickets to “Letters Home,” call the Westport Country Playhouse box office at (203) 227-4177, or toll-free at 1-888-927-7529, or visit the box office at 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport, or www.westportplayhouse.org. For more information about the exhibition, call the Westport Arts Center at (203) 222-7070 or visit www.westportartscenter.org.</span>Griffin Theatre Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140689941917644473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098467054510371793.post-89283000228692332722009-10-13T16:01:00.001-07:002009-10-18T09:02:10.370-07:00Photos of THE HOSTAGE<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh913zGBeIWXczoOfSr5cJ-Gq6OrOXSuQPj92bh4kfJwc2wFFaYSoS1PijRuTfWVKc4NeNq299YJRSTvYz0R_JTmNBySHK-SJNXL4OrHDlhNJKhd8TKMS_uMjwfItF8WB8cWbfkvJu2KZD9/s1600-h/RobFentonSaraSevigny.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 278px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh913zGBeIWXczoOfSr5cJ-Gq6OrOXSuQPj92bh4kfJwc2wFFaYSoS1PijRuTfWVKc4NeNq299YJRSTvYz0R_JTmNBySHK-SJNXL4OrHDlhNJKhd8TKMS_uMjwfItF8WB8cWbfkvJu2KZD9/s320/RobFentonSaraSevigny.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392225702488244754" border="0" /></a>Rob Fenton & Sara Sevigny<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJWYGVFEiGZhIFBUK18a_Wpe-q_Gyxm3xmTD3Ed46j2u9AxuJqA29HqAnFZnpBojKj_BaSnGIe123XOYINVlewP9Cys8KT3gix5pGyyyPUKAimgBnjmKnRU_H-XW46Yox6uJO20eEqHfP/s1600-h/Donna+%26+Eammon.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 261px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJWYGVFEiGZhIFBUK18a_Wpe-q_Gyxm3xmTD3Ed46j2u9AxuJqA29HqAnFZnpBojKj_BaSnGIe123XOYINVlewP9Cys8KT3gix5pGyyyPUKAimgBnjmKnRU_H-XW46Yox6uJO20eEqHfP/s320/Donna+%26+Eammon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392224530902757778" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Donna McGough & Eammon McDonagh<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWG7hr5C5SrYWRP6QGfeEK8kyhJ6BvP6gEy9OMX36N3MrODOYn00Jxdl-uv7BRJQ_8GJwhyphenhyphenh3-q-lUtTksy63bRL1egdH15Drrxsnqd2RSE1HtQoa7s-dX5SRa8unYYTsH3Tf9igBdjv8b/s1600-h/RomBarkhorder.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWG7hr5C5SrYWRP6QGfeEK8kyhJ6BvP6gEy9OMX36N3MrODOYn00Jxdl-uv7BRJQ_8GJwhyphenhyphenh3-q-lUtTksy63bRL1egdH15Drrxsnqd2RSE1HtQoa7s-dX5SRa8unYYTsH3Tf9igBdjv8b/s320/RomBarkhorder.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392224391651108226" border="0" /></a>The cast of <span style="font-style: italic;">The Hostage</span> break into song.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEx7D-RUTmUvHRIDVSVg3epx3nBEFwr2XTzMgRjx3tdzrXAX2of7zLgOn1eDccLK11tLPsY66ZHx4oPrTlxPhyphenhyphenpAB-MbEMK2vbQ_7-6syOagbjW9D3NE6R2GWCTwsrBLIdQcL5fuZpkXz/s1600-h/RobFentonNoraFiffer.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEx7D-RUTmUvHRIDVSVg3epx3nBEFwr2XTzMgRjx3tdzrXAX2of7zLgOn1eDccLK11tLPsY66ZHx4oPrTlxPhyphenhyphenpAB-MbEMK2vbQ_7-6syOagbjW9D3NE6R2GWCTwsrBLIdQcL5fuZpkXz/s320/RobFentonNoraFiffer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392224120243611746" border="0" /></a>Rob Fenton & Nora Fiffer.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpup9GhKZseNzCuA4g8RgqbxEiT1Nn1wGVr2VRPNeBt1N2dT-SrUau06m9DyPN_7tWq99NTZDzfVgnyW4c1i7UNYNOaMie6fte_Hm1hMHgf8-42VFzjYO0yCuLmiNIa-o9cTv0spGQKa5l/s1600-h/cast+ofhostage1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpup9GhKZseNzCuA4g8RgqbxEiT1Nn1wGVr2VRPNeBt1N2dT-SrUau06m9DyPN_7tWq99NTZDzfVgnyW4c1i7UNYNOaMie6fte_Hm1hMHgf8-42VFzjYO0yCuLmiNIa-o9cTv0spGQKa5l/s320/cast+ofhostage1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392223950697402882" border="0" /></a>The cast of <span style="font-style: italic;">The Hostage.</span><br /><br />All Photos by Michael Brosilow<br /><br /><br /></div>Griffin Theatre Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140689941917644473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098467054510371793.post-26702608428625259892009-09-22T10:21:00.000-07:002009-09-22T10:22:22.570-07:00A Note From the Director on THE HOSTAGE<p class="MsoNormal">Finally, with some time on my hands, I’m able to sit down and write a bit about THE HOSTAGE process, with a little perspective and, hopefully, a little insight into the work and our intentions.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I recognize that this play can be a little challenging to grasp.<span style=""> </span>Lord knows in rehearsals, moment after moment, good intuitive actors had to stop and have a discussion about “why am I doing this now?”<span style=""> </span>Just to grasp the history, and political beliefs of each of these individuals takes a whole lot of charts and diagrams and trust to just get the basics of the shifting allegiances brought about by the fight for Irish independence.<span style=""> </span>I was grateful every day to have both Stefka, our dramaturg, and Eamonn McDonagh (playing Pat) in the room to provide guidance and insight and a vague road map of where Behan was coming from.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Even then, the shifts remain challenging.<span style=""> </span>As Eamonn kept reminding us, there is a legend where Freud said that the Irish were the only people on the planet who are completely impervious to psychoanalysis.<span style=""> </span>They love to fight and argue and sing and joke and dance and will do all of them within moments of each other – two folks can be fighting fiercely for their opposing political opinion one moment, then singing raucously the same freedom fighting song the next.<span style=""> </span>They are, as a people, made up of a bag of impossible contradictions – so to represent them on stage is to embrace these contradictions, and hope that people spend less time looking moment to moment, and rather attepmt to grasp the whole picture at the end.<span style=""> </span>One has to check one’s linear mind at the door.<span style=""> </span>You cannot solve this play (or the Irish) with your heads.<span style=""> </span>You have to use your heart.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">And ultimately that’s why I love this play.<span style=""> </span>It is a collection of such beautiful, flawed, painfully real individuals who embrace these contradictions and embrace the fullness of life in every moment.<span style=""> </span>They are the people that were left behind, the fringe – none of these people will be important to the course of Irish history, or the movement – they aren’t particularly gifted poets – they are the everyday people of Ireland, fighting for their beliefs, or the next pint of Guiness, or the two pounds for the rent.<span style=""> </span>But, despite their ordinariness, they fight for life with ferocity and a fullness of spirit of the greatest of Irish heroes.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">No one feels that their life is unimportant.<span style=""> </span>Behan wrote this for the people he knew from the neighborhood, those nameless, faceless people who he saw every day growing up in Dublin’s Fringe.<span style=""> </span>We try to honor those people with this production.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Similarly, Behan looks at the cost of war – and that the people who pay the price aren’t the high up decision makers, not the generals making the plans, but the every day.<span style=""> </span>As Meg says, “Old women and mother’s with their infants” – or in Leslie’s case – a 19 year old Cockney boy without a family, who has no real prospects and nothing much to look forward to.<span style=""> </span>But Behan knows that, to him, he’s just as important as any Duke or Lord of the manor.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For the tragedy of the play to come from a chaotic misunderstanding is a strong comment on the absurdity of a war effort.<span style=""> </span>Talk to some of our returning soldiers even now – the mission may be clear, but anytime you try to lay a black and white morality over the intricate grayness of our human existence, you are going to have trouble reconciling the differences.<span style=""> </span>Our lives are not neatly ordered and regimented in sharp clear ideology.<span style=""> </span>This play celebrates those contradictions and asks us to recognize that THAT is what makes us human, and brings us together, and that life must be cherished above all things.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Yes, the play is messy.<span style=""> </span>It’s too much.<span style=""> </span>It shifts to quickly.<span style=""> </span>Sometimes it’s confusing and, when you think about it, it doesn’t really make sense.<span style=""> </span>But that is so often my experience of life as well.<span style=""> </span>And I believe that, if you come to this play with your heart, instead of your head, you’ll find a richness of experience that feels to me remarkably human.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I love this play.<span style=""> </span>I hope you do to.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jb</p>Griffin Theatre Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140689941917644473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098467054510371793.post-78254271369840432772009-08-28T18:47:00.000-07:002009-08-28T19:16:07.860-07:00The Hostage opens Griffin's 21st Season!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgly2YHwZ2Bmdf8lMbDSL-388vOMP0UuFjbN4lQ2gDKXBIH1cpdmHnKQ5FT9ADXZqXuOHtjBWY236kTD2yZJbfPzAMfhQK3zHVyDd0LuTf1bya_GiQPNktSb2evQPgtoFEaTy8b6IUK3S1n/s1600-h/HostagePC_front1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 207px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgly2YHwZ2Bmdf8lMbDSL-388vOMP0UuFjbN4lQ2gDKXBIH1cpdmHnKQ5FT9ADXZqXuOHtjBWY236kTD2yZJbfPzAMfhQK3zHVyDd0LuTf1bya_GiQPNktSb2evQPgtoFEaTy8b6IUK3S1n/s320/HostagePC_front1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375200343386138994" border="0" /></a><br /><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:14;" ><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"></p><b style=""><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:11;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Chicago, IL, August 10, 2009: </span><tt><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >The Griffin Theatre Company opens its 21<sup>st</sup> season with Irish playwright Brendan Behan’s most celebrated play,</span></tt><span class="style2"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" > <b style=""><i style="">The HOSTAGE</i></b></span></span><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >. </span></i></b><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><span style=""> </span><b style="">Press opening is Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 7:00pm.</b> Tickets are on sale now at Theatre Building Chicago, <o:p></o:p> (773) 327-5252, or online at <span style="text-decoration: underline;">ticketmaster.com</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >In 1959 <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Dublin</st1:place></st1:city>, a young British soldier is held captive by the Irish Republican Army while an equally young IRA volunteer awaits execution for killing a policeman. Should the British carry out the Irishman's sentence, the IRA will do the same to the Englishman. Playwright Brendan Behan, himself a former IRA member, took this dire premise to mold a sly political satire.<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:city st="on"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Griffin</span></st1:city><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" > ensemble member Jonathan Berry brings his directorial vision to Behan’s play set in a <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Dublin</st1:place></st1:city> brothel and reveals it to be a rollicking, bawdy comedy, full of brawling energy, song and satire that mixes beautifully with powerful drama. <span style=""> </span>Berry who last season helmed the Griffin’s hit production of Simon Stephen’s <i style="">On the Shore of the Wide World</i> will intertwine laughter, tears, joy and fear in a music hall staging of one of Ireland’s most significant Irish dramas. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >Behan's absurdist tragi-comedy, <em><b style=""><span style="font-family:Arial;">THE HOSTAGE</span></b></em><em><span style="font-family:Arial;">, </span></em>was originally written in Irish Gaelic and performed in that language as <i style="">An Giall</i> at the Damer Hall, St. Stephen's Green in Dublin, Ireland, in 1957. Following the success of that production, Behan translated the play into English and Joan Littlewood, the innovative director of the Theater Workshop in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">London</st1:city></st1:place> agreed to direct it. The premiere of <em><b style=""><span style="font-family:Arial;">THE HOSTAGE</span></b></em><em><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></em>opened on the 14th of October, 1958, at Littlewood's Theater Royal in <st1:city st="on">Stratford</st1:city>, <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">London</st1:city></st1:place>. The work has subsequently become one of the pillars upon which Behan's reputation rests, and the original Littlewood production has since become recognized as evidence of the Theater Workshop's important role in Postwar British theater.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >The play is written in a non-realist style; characters frequently burst into song and sometimes into song-and-dance routines, and Behan consistently tries to undercut seriousness with humor. Littlewood tried to act and direct her plays in a way that would break down the "fourth wall" between actors and audience. It is a key text of the Absurdist theater movement, a movement that influenced later generations of playwrights such as Tom Stoppard and Harold Pinter. The play is especially important because it represents the intersection of British and Irish theater that occurred prior to the escalation of hostilities in <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Northern Ireland</st1:country-region></st1:place>.</span><tt><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><o:p></o:p></span></tt></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >THE HOSTAGE</span></i></b><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" > continues the <st1:city st="on">Griffin</st1:city>’s tradition of producing rare revivals not seen in <st1:city st="on">Chicago</st1:city> for decades—<i style="">Ah Wilderness!,</i> <i style="">Time and the <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Conways</st1:city></st1:place>, The Robber Bridegroom </i>and<i style=""> Dead End </i>to name a few.<i style=""> </i>The <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Chicago</st1:city></st1:place> cast includes, <span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Rom Barkhordar, Ryan Bourque, Chris Chmelik, Rob Fenton, Nora Fiffer, Kevin Gladish, Pat King, Evan Lee, Jason Lindner, Eamonn McDonnagh, Donna McGough, Eddie Paul, Melissa Riemer, Sadie Rogers and Sara Sevigny.</span><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >The Technical and Design team for <b><i>THE HOSTAGE</i></b> includes: Stephanie Sherline (Music Director), Maureen Janson (Choreography), Chantal Calato (Costumes), Lee Keenan (Lights), Marianna Csaszar (Set), Rick Sims (Sound) and Kimberly Purcell (Production Stage Manager).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >BRENDAN BEHAN</span></b><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" > (Playwright) was born in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Dublin</st1:place></st1:city> and lived his childhood in the slums of the city. In spite of the surroundings, he did not end up becoming an unlettered slum lad. He also owed much of his education to his family, well-read, and of strong Republican sympathies.<span style=""> </span>Behan attended Catholic schools until the age of 14, when he abandoned studies and then worked as a house painter. In 1939 Behan was arrested on a sabotage mission in Liverpool, following a deadly explosion at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Coventry</st1:place></st1:city>. He was sentenced to three years in Borstal in a reform school for attempting to blow up a battleship in <st1:place st="on">Liverpool</st1:place> harbour. After release, Behan returned to <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Ireland</st1:place></st1:country-region>, but in 1942 he was sentenced to 14 years for the attempted murder of two detectives. He served at Mountjoy Prison and at the Curragh Military Camp. In 1946 he was released under a general amnesty.<span style=""> </span>During his years in prison, Behan started to write, mainly short stories in an inventive stylization of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Dublin</st1:place></st1:city> vernacular. Later he lived in <st1:city st="on">Paris</st1:city> and <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Dublin</st1:place></st1:city>, writing for Radio Telefis and for the Irish Press.<span style=""> </span>Behan's best-known novel, <i style=""><u>Borstal Boy</u></i> (1958), drew its material from his experiences in the <st1:place st="on">Liverpool</st1:place> jail and Borstal school (reform school).<span style=""> </span>Behan's first play, <i style="">The Quare Fellow</i>, was based on his prison experiences.<span style=""> </span>Behan wrote several plays, but he had difficulties in getting performed in his own country. Among Behan's other dramas are <i style="">The Big House</i> (1957) and <b style=""><i style="">THE HOSTAGE</i></b> (1958), written in Gaelic under the title An Giall and set in a disreputable Dublin lodging house-or a brothel-owned by a former IRA commander. The play was acclaimed in <st1:city st="on">London</st1:city>, <st1:city st="on">Paris</st1:city>, and <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">New York</st1:place></st1:state>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >THE HOSTAGE </span></i></b><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" >begins preview performances Saturday, September 12, 2009 at 7:45pm. Previews continue September 17, 18, 19, at 7:45pm and Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 3:00pm. <b style="">Press opening is Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 7:00pm.</b> Tickets to <b style=""><i style="">THE HOSTAGE</i></b> range from $18-$28, and are on sale now.<span style=""> </span>The regular run performances (September 20 – November 1, 2009) are Thursday through Saturday at 7:45 pm. and Sunday at 3:00pm. Note there will be no matinee performance on Sunday, September 20, 2009. Preview tickets are priced at $18.00 each and regular run tickets are priced at $28.00 each. Tickets are on sale now at Theatre Building Chicago, (773) 327-5252, or online at <span style="text-decoration: underline;">ticketmaster.com</span>.<span style=""> </span>Senior and student discounts and group rates are available.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Griffin Theatre Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140689941917644473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098467054510371793.post-25487373758683381502009-07-14T11:22:00.000-07:002009-07-14T12:22:26.497-07:00Check Out the Youtube Videos of LITTLE BROTHERWe have three videos posted on Youtube of <span style="font-style: italic;">Little Brother</span>. Now seen by thousands of people! Very cool.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzX-Ov_giXllP-zlUU7BrnqTj-KD_1vxUllF60otIVMAIbIxdT58-q5Od19YzMyE7WY-VpNqChAnlCCIG8jiw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9gvJif3Bds">Or look at it on YOUTUBE.</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHWz1MYcH9Y&feature=related"><br /></a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx_X8RmjgrZjVvB5rzvy8tSC_moyfi7CuZiFkUiwDM3L_NhuRtxckDrPyQ7l4S5e6x_OoBd_qsSPBkE7xAAAw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeF7PpnOl8k&feature=related">Or look at it on YOUTUBE.</a><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwnuJ4tQD6A1USPoUuwvOJEt2coORalAtv9llYylWeZjpIUkgFhLpA7jIm8FY5NW3NZhSPZbBgk5cm2W_NdEg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHWz1MYcH9Y&feature=related">Or look at it on YOUTUBE.</a>Griffin Theatre Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140689941917644473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098467054510371793.post-15875936069120730782009-06-15T19:36:00.000-07:002009-06-15T20:00:29.908-07:00First Look Production Photos of LITTLE BROTHER<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNe8E-ZWkDBTj5drqRMD8soAZj5gy8vamw_pAoRVnVl9AVc3Ji8YPB_x3tGD29M8T0er9sbNCNqpzETIon2uPJgoIx7smZqGKvGmuokJdh-IBYyT7i18xKFNHT2QQGsaLWw_QbEqOCCWL/s1600-h/LBconcertmikesadie.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 203px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNe8E-ZWkDBTj5drqRMD8soAZj5gy8vamw_pAoRVnVl9AVc3Ji8YPB_x3tGD29M8T0er9sbNCNqpzETIon2uPJgoIx7smZqGKvGmuokJdh-IBYyT7i18xKFNHT2QQGsaLWw_QbEqOCCWL/s320/LBconcertmikesadie.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347754653604584722" border="0" /></a>An Illegal Concert, Sadie Rogers & Mike Harvey<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDC963HSc3YuuJ0S68BvPrGijTygBjrakg2uCNgolMyfdwZ4COCxao-0Wk97UfTavXML5pAEkeZWCFTgsAk1vdgKwNtOxEkvjUz_-ig8J5jYt71MnZqJ-eGLB02eXLja2T2kBw6J8WlkF-/s1600-h/LBZebMarcus.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDC963HSc3YuuJ0S68BvPrGijTygBjrakg2uCNgolMyfdwZ4COCxao-0Wk97UfTavXML5pAEkeZWCFTgsAk1vdgKwNtOxEkvjUz_-ig8J5jYt71MnZqJ-eGLB02eXLja2T2kBw6J8WlkF-/s320/LBZebMarcus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347754007450517618" border="0" /></a>The revealing letter, Josh Odor & Mike Harvey<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAeohykBD9aIpjAiqFL8_VrfigAqQK3-0SR2zVlEw0Vo7F0LQdExs5bC7EvurHKsLXysll-QkLMeRrjz_MkBUZxkyLWn9TGkhq4fSLAmFMeJu31KI9xNJEyy3RPGFLf8V4ME-3kfcPK3g/s1600-h/LBfamily.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAeohykBD9aIpjAiqFL8_VrfigAqQK3-0SR2zVlEw0Vo7F0LQdExs5bC7EvurHKsLXysll-QkLMeRrjz_MkBUZxkyLWn9TGkhq4fSLAmFMeJu31KI9xNJEyy3RPGFLf8V4ME-3kfcPK3g/s320/LBfamily.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347753027392574354" border="0" /></a>The Family, Kevin Gladish, Jennifer Lowe & Mike Harvey<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WUTBL25CbQwWKi3ry4yYxrXFiHUG2b1704zNp1JXD6YRKecVvubEdyp_KvVoG15GvCzvLEWpL4AYKwPSb06I4c9Ja7VdjoP2GU-4cLQbDT7Emjb_gQdGUFd8TaihuTgFe8i4qW5_6D-4/s1600-h/LBInterrogationArielMikeBrian.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WUTBL25CbQwWKi3ry4yYxrXFiHUG2b1704zNp1JXD6YRKecVvubEdyp_KvVoG15GvCzvLEWpL4AYKwPSb06I4c9Ja7VdjoP2GU-4cLQbDT7Emjb_gQdGUFd8TaihuTgFe8i4qW5_6D-4/s320/LBInterrogationArielMikeBrian.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347751350123834434" border="0" /></a>The Interrogation, Ariel Brenner, Mike Harvey & Brian DiLoreto<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRYZsHfk2R8nEfIvJead61Q8gtJGF88F6G5PTnfjcZyjqbOt4MW21I86_beRgP6EXvGpt-TdxWBG0S1z4kZF9z15Ju8Xrk7vFm7bz_wl824Du0Q_uqVoPSnOBHPUb2V8k4F_WqigmVT5a/s1600-h/LBthegang.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRYZsHfk2R8nEfIvJead61Q8gtJGF88F6G5PTnfjcZyjqbOt4MW21I86_beRgP6EXvGpt-TdxWBG0S1z4kZF9z15Ju8Xrk7vFm7bz_wl824Du0Q_uqVoPSnOBHPUb2V8k4F_WqigmVT5a/s320/LBthegang.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347750610862797170" border="0" /></a>Little Brother's gang, Mike Harvey, Jorge Silva, Denice Lee & Darren Meyers<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIHK88Urdf-G4wR_yY0uSBUDG5JN6Sz0d3B8riPhfvDJhFBpK7FsGxvD38mYYWg8CFHN_8CNMr5M7jfhkngQYBqbWUWTAYfozV3EvZeh72RZNU_U3SCDRjvdKMRG-5ntyzZCNRaf1VJxl/s1600-h/LBMikeyMike.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIHK88Urdf-G4wR_yY0uSBUDG5JN6Sz0d3B8riPhfvDJhFBpK7FsGxvD38mYYWg8CFHN_8CNMr5M7jfhkngQYBqbWUWTAYfozV3EvZeh72RZNU_U3SCDRjvdKMRG-5ntyzZCNRaf1VJxl/s320/LBMikeyMike.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347750022522446882" border="0" /></a>Mike Harvey is Marcus Yallow (aka M1k3y)<br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6G3n1eiLi3kN35mnm5AYH2LZ-Qgd7d8iscHIZg1jbUQtdcj4dCcK1jkqAE9d-Cilz_-0a_1SiMVEU_64qcAVrNn4timjFizNklwZBF39BCOiPkSWwlww5X2DRcd0qNJyF0iQKQcjOFIK/s1600-h/LBMikeyMike.JPG"><br /></a>Griffin Theatre Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140689941917644473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098467054510371793.post-17808590502774632172009-06-11T09:05:00.000-07:002009-06-11T09:44:41.815-07:00LITTLE BROTHER OPENINGWell, the opening of <span style="font-style: italic;">Little Brother</span> is just around the corner. It's been quite a journey. The production boast an incredible amount of technical expertise. My hat is off to director Dorothy Milne for keeping it all running so smoothly. Our sound designer Rick Sims said that <span style="font-style: italic;">Little Brother</span> may have the most sound ques he has ever put into a play. The set in made up of a series of movable gates that simulate a caged environment--all the incredible work of the talented Alan Donahue who is designing the set. Add to that, wonderful lighting by Sarah Hughey fun, hip costumes by Branimira Ivanova and superb fights by Geoff Coates and I am sure audiences are going to have one of the most unique experiences they have ever had going to the theatre. And did I mention there is video too. Wheww! The production is bolstered by an incredibly talented cast lead by newcomer Mike Harvey in the lead role. More to come on the play....Griffin Theatre Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140689941917644473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098467054510371793.post-77305489482886869112009-02-23T16:04:00.000-08:002009-02-23T16:16:55.994-08:00The Robber Bridegroom - The Reviews are In!<span style="font-style: italic;">The Robber Bridegroom</span> opened last week and received glowing reviews from Chicago critics. Here are the links below to some of the best. Congrats to director Paul Holmquist and the cast and crew of the production! The production also received a Jeff Recommendation.<br /><br />Read the Chicago Tribune review <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/chi-0218-robber-bridegroom-ovnfeb18,0,5075369.story">HERE.</a><br /><br />Read the Chicago Sun Times review <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/weiss/1435960,CST-FTR-Weiss18.article">HERE.</a><br /><br />Read the Chicago Reader review <a href="http://events.chicagoreader.com/events/EventSearch?narrowByDate=&neighborhood=&eventSection=&eventCategory=&location=&feature=The+Short+List+%28Theater%29&specialPlacement=&keywords=THE+ROBBER+BRIDEGROOM">HERE.</a>Griffin Theatre Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140689941917644473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098467054510371793.post-75770924228715825622009-01-28T12:16:00.000-08:002009-01-28T14:50:18.241-08:00The Year that Was....a Great YearWe haven't posted in a while due to the fact that the company has been incredibly busy with projects both large and small. I thought I would bullet point some of the highlights.<br /><br />* The Griffin touring production of <span style="font-style: italic;">Letters Home</span> played to more than 10,000 people this fall. Stops on the fall tour included Madison, WI., Cleveland OH., Cerritos CA., Indianapolis, IN., Brooklyn NY., Westhampton Beach NY. and Peekskill, NY. The tour continues in the spring with stops in Syracuse, Buffalo, Watertown NY and Concord NH. And negotiations are underway for the production to tour to Alaska, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Seattle, Wilmington and Hartford to name more than a few.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIKwO8A0sDB4qV9C9N7yxZiU8snDYXKzLenHTwt-vckpmyZsPeqv91NIj7HsY4Qkvi4img2jViTVrqhraJ4wB-HCRPO4KYu8B6InSLXVEc_vTXf-3V5fiUrRHaXC3qDgvyJYSDHbBp9Vi/s1600-h/100_0236.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIKwO8A0sDB4qV9C9N7yxZiU8snDYXKzLenHTwt-vckpmyZsPeqv91NIj7HsY4Qkvi4img2jViTVrqhraJ4wB-HCRPO4KYu8B6InSLXVEc_vTXf-3V5fiUrRHaXC3qDgvyJYSDHbBp9Vi/s320/100_0236.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296447180668675330" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> The LH cast on the beach in Montauk, NY</span></span><br /></div><br />* <span style="font-style: italic;">On The Shore of the Wide World</span> concluded a great run at Theatre Building Chicago, garnering outstanding reviews. If you saw the production the Griffin is now the proud owner of 4 dozen chairs--none matching. Anyone want one?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3u-Mhp2o4sDbeJK_mQmWDjYzRAYxeBuBdDkzLsqNBxgQZevlM6ZZvI7rEHUs27jPY6MED3kZ5EAALdts8cWx1_5t5ornAHniRo11P-JClDeFl_66n_UvkBid0dAlOHfMfrp1FO-wkH3W_/s1600-h/Lucy+Carapetyan+%26+Brian+Deenen2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 331px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3u-Mhp2o4sDbeJK_mQmWDjYzRAYxeBuBdDkzLsqNBxgQZevlM6ZZvI7rEHUs27jPY6MED3kZ5EAALdts8cWx1_5t5ornAHniRo11P-JClDeFl_66n_UvkBid0dAlOHfMfrp1FO-wkH3W_/s320/Lucy+Carapetyan+%26+Brian+Deenen2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296447719590387234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">On The Shore of the Wide World</span><br /></span><br /></div>* "Best of the Year Lists" The Griffin production of <span style="font-style: italic;">Journey's End</span> was listed by Chris Jones in the Chicago Tribune as one of the "top ten productions of the year" and one of the "top five revivals of the year" in New City Newspaper. And <span style="font-style: italic;">Be More Chill</span> was listed as one of the "top five productions of the year" in New City Newspaper too.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8PWC52oSsdPZfZzIsm4sQTSDdPfxZ6OvIMYLxo1upTkEHSbI3BsjdJvxb6W7hEdOnEvoCa4rwUNODyDSeVlVnSRB5m-nx8mUtg8DAE4_3jvVNSJKwg6C0c3KwtijH4mnAEAnKxpJVK0Q/s1600-h/_DSF6751.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 115px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8PWC52oSsdPZfZzIsm4sQTSDdPfxZ6OvIMYLxo1upTkEHSbI3BsjdJvxb6W7hEdOnEvoCa4rwUNODyDSeVlVnSRB5m-nx8mUtg8DAE4_3jvVNSJKwg6C0c3KwtijH4mnAEAnKxpJVK0Q/s200/_DSF6751.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296451991257794338" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOIFb-R93OQWeEOG4AfPIWUFtPYj4hKWDlxZAO9owUin1JI0n4i6RK7cCnm7I9Mtf_iUQxCdOGRsjy7dHGcF8IMOPJvB3xBS21TbAJGx55wq6NO_MmqucTNhrvB1TshCLnI9q1dXpeZ7G/s1600-h/JE+photo+4+email.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOIFb-R93OQWeEOG4AfPIWUFtPYj4hKWDlxZAO9owUin1JI0n4i6RK7cCnm7I9Mtf_iUQxCdOGRsjy7dHGcF8IMOPJvB3xBS21TbAJGx55wq6NO_MmqucTNhrvB1TshCLnI9q1dXpeZ7G/s200/JE+photo+4+email.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296452362885988898" border="0" /></a></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Be More Chill & Journey's End</span></span>Griffin Theatre Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140689941917644473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098467054510371793.post-54265818724593185762008-10-23T17:35:00.000-07:002008-10-23T17:45:21.203-07:00The First Word On - THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOMHere is the first post from Paul <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Holmquist</span>, the Director of our next production, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Robber Bridegroom. </span>Remember this production opens in February. <span style="font-style: italic;">On the Shore of the Wide World</span> is running for four more weeks--GO SEE IT! It's great. And we are on tour for <span style="font-style: italic;">Letters Home</span> - in Indianapolis next week. Busy, busy fall.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"The auditions for The Robber Bridegroom have come to a close and I've been fortunate to assemble quite a cast. Something my Musical Director Mark Elliott and I agreed over early on in discussing this project was that I cared less about having "pretty" voices than I did about having authentic and talented actors to play the characters. I have it all with this group and I couldn't be more thrilled. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Each show I direct (</span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">heh</span><span style="font-style: italic;">, all five of them now) has had a different audition focus for me: auditions for </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.lifelinetheatre.com/performances/07-08/moreau/index.shtml">The Island of Dr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Moreau</span></a><span style="font-style: italic;"> involved groups of 8 - 10 at a time for a two hour movement and vocal lab, </span><i style="font-style: italic;">The Constant Wife </i><span style="font-style: italic;">required straight on reading of sides for scenes, for </span><i style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.lifelinetheatre.com/performances/08-09/dodo/index.shtml">The Flight of the Dodo</a></i><span style="font-style: italic;"> I asked actors to sing a ditty, experiment with bird movement and perform a short group scene. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">For The Robber Bridegroom I simply had them sing - sixteen bars in the style for the initial audition and selections from the score for the callback. While the audition process was going on, Mark and I were listening to their voices and watching them for infusing character into their singing. As important to me however was observing the personalities in the room. Watching the way they interacted and treated each other, watching how they asserted themselves while balancing the </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">competitive</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> nature of the evening graciously. The fact that they are incredibly talented singers and skilled actors felt to me to come hand in hand with being excited to work with these people for the sheer joy of sharing a creative process with them. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Part of the beauty of this play is the nature of it's storytelling, a group shared experience with the audience. From the moment the audience walks into the theatre there should be something special in the air and the fact that the entire ensemble will be onstage for almost the entirety of the 90 minute show will add to community feeling the show is meant to produce. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">There are a slew of co-</span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">existent</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> dualities in the story. Jamie </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Lockhart</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> has two faces, the clean cut gentleman and the robber stained with berry juice. Rosamund is spoiled but bored and lonely. Salome wants money and gets it but can never be satisfied. Further themes contrast passion and violence, love and lust and actor and audience. We see the actors are audience as they act and as audience we participate in the performance. This dual shared role will bind us in the experience of performance - for 90 minutes we share the support of the tale and it's telling. Hence my interest in the </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">inherent</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> charm and grace of the actors I've cast - this concept can only be produced by a </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">generosity</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> of spirit."</span><br /><br /><br />And here they are:<br /><br />Rosamund - Caroline <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Fourmy</span><br />Jamie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Lockhart</span> - Cameron <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Brune</span><br />Salome - Amanda <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Hartly</span><br />Clement <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Musgrove</span> - Dan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Loftus</span><br />Little Harp - Steve Best<br />Big Harp - Michael Kingston<br />Goat - Kyle Gibson<br />Goat's Mother - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Darrelyn</span> Marx<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Airie</span> (Goat's Sister) - Kate <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">McGroarty</span><br />Ensemble/Raven - Julie Nichols<br />Ensemble/Narrator/Banjo - Dylan Lower<br />Ensemble/Violin - Hilary <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Holbrook</span><br />Ensemble/Salome Understudy - Katie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Swimm</span><br />Ensemble/Jamie Understudy - Eric <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Lindahl</span><br />Ensemble/"Deeper in the Woods" soloist - Sean Dean <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Effinger</span><br />Ensemble/Rosamund Understudy - Jennifer <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Tjepkema</span>Griffin Theatre Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140689941917644473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098467054510371793.post-6481174024116775192008-10-22T12:14:00.000-07:002008-10-22T18:00:01.536-07:00Jeff Awards - We Have a Winner!Griffin ensemble member Bill Morey won a Jeff Award on Monday night for his Costume Design work on the Porchlight Theatre's production of <span style="font-style: italic;">Nine.</span> Congrats Bill!<br /><br /><a href="http://jeffawards.org/">Click here to see the complete list of winners.</a>Griffin Theatre Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140689941917644473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098467054510371793.post-49145857602592647362008-10-17T10:34:00.000-07:002008-10-17T11:03:17.443-07:00LETTERS HOME tour - The PerformanceWe had a very early call the day of our performance at the Cerritos Center. 6:30am in order to load-in and tech the show. The venue was beautiful as you can see by the pics posted here.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiScU_miyGMN0Z8k_1lX4rUaPhvDG9_Mv4h1HgLf2FZC6pB8wJXeKKAYn6mA9Wz1jluDtu9t2zLtIcqgkh5FiAevstPRfvdmt2qJOrDgd6textMnpMHz9SPFrMKyJggff3lXF6Q13kOXo/s1600-h/Cerritos+stage2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiScU_miyGMN0Z8k_1lX4rUaPhvDG9_Mv4h1HgLf2FZC6pB8wJXeKKAYn6mA9Wz1jluDtu9t2zLtIcqgkh5FiAevstPRfvdmt2qJOrDgd6textMnpMHz9SPFrMKyJggff3lXF6Q13kOXo/s320/Cerritos+stage2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258182146945191074" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gu9EPy2ij1ELXkCnTyWemzxR9Y5kRdJoIy0GzNDIZklz07l-Yxj71hd3eog09d62fqi7w6knHp7ipRyOLWlZDu4T1DJ7F_ptv1QE6KW0pYOW55eTTJiIUeEkmal1yMuyCXOx2koxFEAD/s1600-h/Cerritos+stage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gu9EPy2ij1ELXkCnTyWemzxR9Y5kRdJoIy0GzNDIZklz07l-Yxj71hd3eog09d62fqi7w6knHp7ipRyOLWlZDu4T1DJ7F_ptv1QE6KW0pYOW55eTTJiIUeEkmal1yMuyCXOx2koxFEAD/s320/Cerritos+stage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258182013414845026" border="0" /></a>The view from the stage<br /></div><br />The performance went really well and for some of the actors it was their first big venue performance. Afterwards we had a short discussion with the audience, mostly high school age kids. I am always struck by the fact that some of them view the play as pro-war. It really takes no stance, but, I think since most of America today is not for the war (well any war for that matter) it just comes off that way unless you are blatantly bashing it. That would be an easy target for an artist. And this of course, is not something we would do as it would be a disservice to the soldiers and families who provided us with their stories. I think presenting the letters as we do gives the audience so much more to think about in terms of the costs of war and the humanity that lies within it as seen through the eyes of the men and women fighting it.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPXTx5VxRoU-uhBQP_I-d3O91Z-bxCSMdqHXAI3YmsloJC5-Ig5fZQmkpRHVy2hA0BTxc7gh_INHU1fb5AKs5veNKJSr4sK4CMsppdjG9e9DUfeEwrE2CNIBjlD_SatvjTEvloxg1Xka-/s1600-h/Cheap+sunglasses.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPXTx5VxRoU-uhBQP_I-d3O91Z-bxCSMdqHXAI3YmsloJC5-Ig5fZQmkpRHVy2hA0BTxc7gh_INHU1fb5AKs5veNKJSr4sK4CMsppdjG9e9DUfeEwrE2CNIBjlD_SatvjTEvloxg1Xka-/s320/Cheap+sunglasses.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258182870898567874" border="0" /></a>Cheap sunglasses that you could only buy on Venice Beach.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QLhOs8TJt5Q83mPro2-ReNnQDGJ4QgxSWGfFReQjte0XvfhOJ1unDpD0hDQRiy5C8RTU76gpNtuIGXxD8WTwRjsECeMiRnEeSmFLyIRq9Mz1doHmQCvu3CeSYbLeycxLG2dHJkYpouZI/s1600-h/Venice+Beach.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QLhOs8TJt5Q83mPro2-ReNnQDGJ4QgxSWGfFReQjte0XvfhOJ1unDpD0hDQRiy5C8RTU76gpNtuIGXxD8WTwRjsECeMiRnEeSmFLyIRq9Mz1doHmQCvu3CeSYbLeycxLG2dHJkYpouZI/s320/Venice+Beach.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258182771630362562" border="0" /></a>Obvious Chicagoans in SoCal<br /><br /></div>After the performance we had some time to kill and we went to Venice Beach. Had a drink or two and then left for the airport. The first performance is under our belt and now we move on to Indy.Griffin Theatre Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140689941917644473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098467054510371793.post-812487085775754072008-10-16T22:11:00.000-07:002008-10-17T11:05:06.817-07:00LETTERS HOME tour - The OCWe arrived in LA around 1:30pm pacific time so we had the day to kick back and chill. A group of us drove to Huntington Beach. Who could resist seeing the sunset over the pacific ocean?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkr98LR5nJqldMnR9LqlPZQva3vcFADc4pTJ8Gkd3P0Tf9yp4aBrJiKfOrK5BtU0QvT7V3Il_8M0pUxn51A4S03FO86CyxQk0Yi39tqG_O4B1DD2_y5rjNAHiQ6bBGCIvw8T_2s6r2gFMG/s1600-h/Kevin,+Melissa,+Zach,+Kevin,+Ajay,+Brad.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 291px; height: 208px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkr98LR5nJqldMnR9LqlPZQva3vcFADc4pTJ8Gkd3P0Tf9yp4aBrJiKfOrK5BtU0QvT7V3Il_8M0pUxn51A4S03FO86CyxQk0Yi39tqG_O4B1DD2_y5rjNAHiQ6bBGCIvw8T_2s6r2gFMG/s320/Kevin,+Melissa,+Zach,+Kevin,+Ajay,+Brad.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257993600712854546" border="0" /></a>Can you see the surfers in the background?<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpyROZOBhxicPHVJx6Ip95V4iTO63fIa40otYRg3yHAesS5nazD59S_cjXLvqShyphenhyphenRskHVZq_d516sirRYldE5f03fRIg6AFK0D3qIDgaI2BzOOiPXGsMR9hcGCIIurIGYa1rRmM9ZczEX/s1600-h/Drinks+on+the+beach.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 315px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpyROZOBhxicPHVJx6Ip95V4iTO63fIa40otYRg3yHAesS5nazD59S_cjXLvqShyphenhyphenRskHVZq_d516sirRYldE5f03fRIg6AFK0D3qIDgaI2BzOOiPXGsMR9hcGCIIurIGYa1rRmM9ZczEX/s320/Drinks+on+the+beach.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257993205080950802" border="0" /></a>Drinks on the Beach.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHiqXvjNVMpWiJTiU_FnzCSqk8S59y1kPmxJ4OoI2BniIe8SATRtQIbwHeQcjC-9CdMnQlUW0SpykoJWgR2PN2_SByxt8D9kSTUFgqQXucuDarVB6pCUgCcITj0V8zokl39-tPg1adnec/s1600-h/Surfers.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHiqXvjNVMpWiJTiU_FnzCSqk8S59y1kPmxJ4OoI2BniIe8SATRtQIbwHeQcjC-9CdMnQlUW0SpykoJWgR2PN2_SByxt8D9kSTUFgqQXucuDarVB6pCUgCcITj0V8zokl39-tPg1adnec/s320/Surfers.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257992018540567234" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The perfect OC sunset. It's like this everyday?<br /></div>Griffin Theatre Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140689941917644473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098467054510371793.post-75999166984755492602008-10-16T07:23:00.000-07:002008-10-16T22:52:07.762-07:00LETTERS HOME tour - Economy classCast member Niall McGinty took these great pics from the plane. Hoover Dam, Lake Powell and of course La-La Land.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwtXiABdF8yCcMJySlXv5vIzXmPvoHPAyiKsdPmliZuMG0AN99ct1bj9AdwcnqrMGkEJUJ4NnlkLE-IbIxlgW_74Sen-iD00SQQhPhSR4GZ1353Vmb_TQ1xWKhey7xDIwua9fZEvdSSmJ/s1600-h/Hoover+Dam.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwtXiABdF8yCcMJySlXv5vIzXmPvoHPAyiKsdPmliZuMG0AN99ct1bj9AdwcnqrMGkEJUJ4NnlkLE-IbIxlgW_74Sen-iD00SQQhPhSR4GZ1353Vmb_TQ1xWKhey7xDIwua9fZEvdSSmJ/s320/Hoover+Dam.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257758252975067762" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6T4HxZ5Ua3w6hoUUCDueJ3-YAhUrShyphenhyphen5mbS-8BLBR1QLqcs4yD6f1_PJhT9QY5a-2XtQ5BmYlOzq6CokkT6hd8BafB8qrRC8iIb4FB2fboM8Tix6gqYmoliGSHElLnCgBAgJG1JSJXnxo/s1600-h/Lake+Powell.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6T4HxZ5Ua3w6hoUUCDueJ3-YAhUrShyphenhyphen5mbS-8BLBR1QLqcs4yD6f1_PJhT9QY5a-2XtQ5BmYlOzq6CokkT6hd8BafB8qrRC8iIb4FB2fboM8Tix6gqYmoliGSHElLnCgBAgJG1JSJXnxo/s320/Lake+Powell.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257758253443065282" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43mgKhJb9623NNhEKsl6LN2p1QX3NneqRNjehmEXt5qtPFg2sB5rX0MIz5X8YtetEwwG54bgv4pqiGmPZQ9KpLSB5AcQ8V7ifJH1dqR8US227Dxzsec-BReQwSe8AzxxU66IzHKyzLuac/s1600-h/LA.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43mgKhJb9623NNhEKsl6LN2p1QX3NneqRNjehmEXt5qtPFg2sB5rX0MIz5X8YtetEwwG54bgv4pqiGmPZQ9KpLSB5AcQ8V7ifJH1dqR8US227Dxzsec-BReQwSe8AzxxU66IzHKyzLuac/s320/LA.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257758257731129970" border="0" /></a>Griffin Theatre Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140689941917644473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098467054510371793.post-73099167121906704782008-10-15T21:38:00.000-07:002008-10-16T07:03:34.252-07:00LETTERS HOME tour -First stop LA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQjDG-sx20z7mSquUWfztIvtsrv3ASoKT1wVzG7_Oed6LHXqWeEzXeLzYkFshy-RgKgEF4fA8A-A4qUCD1pP5oNv904C97J1BLDxVUCBOqpUnHcNFxCTGlqIIErZ32jGw3G5ib75PrJt4/s1600-h/100_0164.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQjDG-sx20z7mSquUWfztIvtsrv3ASoKT1wVzG7_Oed6LHXqWeEzXeLzYkFshy-RgKgEF4fA8A-A4qUCD1pP5oNv904C97J1BLDxVUCBOqpUnHcNFxCTGlqIIErZ32jGw3G5ib75PrJt4/s200/100_0164.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257752082179574066" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQ7j3gIwwdKQOq7Z4CR0_4358zQwLmGWRruXA2sFFGE7bK5HDtJs2XFR1g-TP2zK2j3jAJnV7MtPVm3Klp1Wu8RVxpHhATb3-ZIMzV-rXLgQi5llWr3U-ukslPlOwdE5y8fBIn6nfPzdK/s1600-h/100_0163.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQ7j3gIwwdKQOq7Z4CR0_4358zQwLmGWRruXA2sFFGE7bK5HDtJs2XFR1g-TP2zK2j3jAJnV7MtPVm3Klp1Wu8RVxpHhATb3-ZIMzV-rXLgQi5llWr3U-ukslPlOwdE5y8fBIn6nfPzdK/s200/100_0163.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257751896327371602" border="0" /></a><br />The <span style="font-style: italic;">Letters Home</span> cast and crew traveled to Los Angeles on Monday for a single performance at the Cerritos Center. A 1500 seat performing arts center. The group left at 7:45am -- coffee in hand. Stretch limo transportation.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="file:///C:/Users/BILLMA%7E1/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg" alt="" />Griffin Theatre Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140689941917644473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098467054510371793.post-14179156019965930192008-10-11T21:21:00.000-07:002008-10-11T21:41:18.473-07:00Letters Home Tour 2009/2010Beginning Monday, October 13th the Griffin Theatre Company will travel to Los Angeles, California for the first leg of it's national tour of <span style="font-style: italic;">Letters Home</span>. The <span style="font-style: italic;">Letters Home</span> company will be posting regular updates on the tour here. You'll here from the cast and crew as we travel to LA, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Madison and then to New York. So check back here often and find out how it's going.Griffin Theatre Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140689941917644473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098467054510371793.post-51841218046873494022008-10-07T21:11:00.000-07:002008-10-07T21:16:55.509-07:00On the Shore of the Wide World - Chicago Tribune review - It's a rave!Here is the link below to Chris Jones' review of <span style="font-style: italic;">On the Shore of the Wide World. </span><br /><br />He calls it a "A powerful little Chicago show"<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /><a href="http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/the_theater_loop/2008/10/everyday-insecu.html#more">Read about it here *** 1/2 Stars!</a><br /></span>Griffin Theatre Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140689941917644473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098467054510371793.post-9540686358908047902008-10-07T09:48:00.000-07:002008-10-12T21:19:03.598-07:00On the Shore of the Wide World - More Great Reviews!!!Here are links to three more great reviews of <span style="font-style: italic;">On the Shore of the Wide World</span>.<br /><br />I guess it's a hit!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.timeout.com/chicago/articles/theater/66201/on-the-shore-of-the-wide-world">TIME OUT CHICAGO review.</a><br /><a href="http://events.chicagoreader.com/events/EventSearch?narrowByDate=&neighborhood=&eventSection=84642&eventCategory=&location=&feature=&keywords=on+the+shore+of+the+wide+world"><br />CHICAGO READER review.</a><br /><a href="http://newcitystage.com/"><br />NEW CITY review.</a> (Make sure you scroll down the page)Griffin Theatre Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140689941917644473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8098467054510371793.post-89906247540674464372008-10-06T10:14:00.000-07:002008-10-06T10:28:33.028-07:00On the Shore of the Wide World - Sun Times review - It's a rave!Here is Hedy Weiss' review of <span style="font-style: italic;">On The Shore of the Wide World. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><h1 style="font-weight: bold;" class="story_headline"><span style="font-size:85%;">REVIEW | Emotional turmoil fuels rich British play</span></h1> <p> <!-- Article Publish Date --> </p><div class="date"> <span style="font-size:85%;">October 6, 2008<br /></span></div> <!-- Article By Line --> <div class="byline"><span style="font-size:85%;">BY <a href="mailto:hweiss@suntimes.com">HEDY WEISS</a> Theater Critic / hweiss@suntimes.com </span></div> <!-- Article's First Paragraph --> <!-- BlogBurst ContentStart --> <p>Sometimes there is so much flamboyance and "high concept" in the theater that plays with a quieter, more deeply satisfying emotional richness get swallowed up in all the noise.</p> <p>British playwright Simon Stephens' "On the Shore of the Wide World," now receiving its U.S. debut by Griffin Theatre, is just such a quiet play, though there certainly is no shortage of emotional storminess driving its characters. The exceedingly gifted director, Jonathan Berry, and his ideally chosen, generation-spanning cast of 10 have homed in on the play's wonderfully crafted scenes, focusing all their energy on a truthfulness and intimacy that grows increasingly magnetic. There is some lovely, thoughtful acting here, full of genuine vulnerability.</p> <!-- BlogBurst ContentEnd --> <!-- start sidebar --> <div class="sidebar"> <a href="javascript:dc_popup_win('http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/weiss/1204327,100608weiss.fullimage',%20'fullimage',%20'toolbar=no,location=no,directories=no,status=no,menubar=no,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,width=650,height=650')" class="enlarge_pic"><img src="http://media1.suntimes.com/multimedia/100608weiss_cst_feed_20081006_00_36_28_417-116-165.imageContent" class="IMG" width="165" border="0" height="116" /></a> <div class="caption"><span style="font-size:78%;">Lucy Carapetyan plays the girlfriend in Manchester helping Alex<br />(Brian Deenen) grow up in Griffin Theatre's "On the Shore of the Wide World." </span><br /><span class="credit"></span> </div><br /> <!-- begin poll --> <!-- end poll -->"On the Shore of the Wide World," winner of the 2006 Olivier Award for best new play, takes its title from a poem by John Keats that aches with mortality, loss and the ephemeral nature of love. And these sentiments figure heavily in the psyches of the Holmes family at the center of the play. In fact, each member of this family feels beached -- desperate to head out to sea, even if that means just taking a train from the suburbs to see a movie in the city.</div> <!-- BlogBurst ContentStart --> <p>At the chronological center of this working-class family from outside Manchester are Peter Holmes (Paul D'Addario), who carries on his dad's business of restoring old homes, and his wife, Alice (Elise Kauzlaric), whose college education was cut short years earlier by marriage and early pregnancy.</p> <p>The couple had two sons: Alex (Brian Deneen), who recently has fallen for Sarah Black (Lucy Carapetyan), a beautiful, headstrong, troubled girl, and Christopher (Josh Schecter), a mischievous kid recently killed in an accident. Christopher's death is the catalyst for many of the family's already troubled relationships to implode, with Alex's grandparents -- the volatile, abusive Charlie (Norm Woodel) and his timid wife, Ellen (Ariel Brenner) -- caught up in their own problems.</p> <p>Four "outsiders" fuel the instability as Sarah helps Alex move into manhood, as Alex's old pal (Christopher Chmelik) lures the young couple to try life in London, as Peter's pregnant client (Susan Reynolds) supplies a desperately needed ego boost and as John Robinson (Ian Novak) becomes a most unlikely "suitor" for Alice. </p> <p>The whole story is played out amid the raw, minimalist beauty of Marianna Czaszar's set -- a battered, once grand hotel slated for demolition, and perfect for secret assignations. Think of it as a broken dream palace in a world where reality is often inescapable.</p><p><a href="http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/weiss/1199104,WKP-News-Stage03.article">Click HERE to read Hedy's feature story on the play in the Sun Times.</a><br /></p>Griffin Theatre Companyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04140689941917644473noreply@blogger.com0