24 years on... A new Journey begins...

It was a cold Wednesday in London.  21 December, 1988.  A group of theatre and study abroad students were getting ready to fly home from an exciting term abroad.  Their bags packed with gifts for family, british snacks they had come to like, play scripts and programs acquired attending the best of the RSC and West End seasons and many, many pieces of clothing...  You know how Americans tend to over pack when going to study abroad... well, I always did anyway.  You never knew what the occasion would call for -- cocktail, casual, jeans. For me, the early weeks of that December were spent awaiting my doctor's authorization to fly --- I lived in the UK and wanted to go home to spend the holidays with my family and friends.  I was nearly 8 months pregnant, with complications and, because of this, I had two flights booked.  One on the 19th.  And, one on the 21st.  Both on Pan Am.  We had those pesky 7 day minimum stay requirements for the cheaper flights and my doctor was undecided about which of the two flights he would sign the 'safe to travel' note for.  Both were close to my 36 week travel deadline, but one would definitely put me into that 'no fly' zone.  I wanted the later flight.  I had really wanted to 'do tea' at Liberty on my birthday and spend the day with Andy and friends.   In the end, it was decided I had to travel on the earlier flight, so that I would be home in the UK in time for my next consultant appointment... It was a frigid Wednesday in Ohio.  21 December, 1988.   I had arrived in the US just a little more than a day before.  I was engrossed in conversation with one of my best friends, having a long awaited lunch gossip session and then the news blared across televisions around the world... A plane traveling from London Heathrow to New York JFK had exploded in the skies above the little southern Scottish town of Lockerbie, Scotland.   From that day, this has haunted and affected me...  as it did so many others.  I have never had a day since, that I haven't thought about the tragedy; what could have happened; the victims; that little town in Scotland; those American theatre students, so young, so talented, so excited about being in London, and more excited about going home for the holidays to share their incredible study abroad experience with their families... just waiting for their lives to begin...  So, 24 years later, when I was asked to direct WOMEN OF LOCKERBIE for Clark State Theatre Arts Program, I was excited.  I had never really been forced to look deeper into how I really felt about everything surrounding 21 December, and being the super detail oriented, immersive director I am, I knew this was one show I HAD to do.  And, do right.  And, so... while auditions are still a comfortable 4 months away, it is time to explore the many facets of history surrounding the tragedy, as well as begin the journey to understanding that my cast and I will undertake during the process of the show.  Over the next few months, I will be posting many things:  my thoughts about the show, ideas for concept and vision, what I am looking for in my actors, as well as historical information such as photos and videos.   With that said, it is time to begin this new journey.  And, we will do that with the basic audition information.   In the meantime, if you have any questions regarding the show or auditions, feel free to contact me via e-mail.  You can also find me on facebook or twitter.   Clark State Theatre Arts Program  Presents Women of Lockerbie  by Deborah Brevoort Directed by Lisa Howard-Welch AUDITIONS January 29, 2013 7pm Callbacks - January 30, 2013 7pm WHAT TO BRING - Actors should prepare a one minute dramatic monologue from any period play. - Headshot and resume recommended. - List of schedule conflicts from February 5 through April 21, 2013. PERFORMANCES Performance dates - April 12 to 21, 2013 Clark State Performing Arts Center Turner Studio Theatre ABOUT THE PLAY From Dramatists Play Service, Inc. "A mother from New Jersey roams the hills of Lockerbie Scotland, looking for her son’s remains which were lost in the crash of Pan Am 103. She meets the Women of Lockerbie, who are fighting the US Government to obtain the clothing of the victims found in the plane’s wreckage. The women, determined to convert an act of hatred into an act of love, want to wash the clothes of the dead and return them to the victim’s families. The Women of Lockerbie is loosely inspired by a true story, although the characters and situations in the play are purely fictional. Written in the structure of a Greek tragedy, it is a poetic drama about the triumph of love over hate." AVAILABLE ROLES Casting will not be restricted to ages listed MADELINE LIVINGSTON - 35 to 50's A suburban housewife from New Jersey. Her 20-year old son Adam was killed 7 years ago in the Pan Am 103 crash over Lockerbie, Scotland. BILL LIVINGSTON - 35 to 50's Her husband, father of Adam. OLIVE ALLISON - 35+ Woman from Lockerbie. Leader of the laundry project. WOMAN 1 & 2 - 20+ Women from Lockerbie. HATTIE - 18+ A cleaning woman. From Lockerbie. GEORGE JONES - 20+  The American government representative in charge of the warehouse storing the remains from the Pan Am 103 crash. For more information about the production or Clark State Theatre Arts Program please call 937/328.3880

Dark Elegy

Back into the woods...

 After over two months off the stage (and the rehearsal and run period of another Shakespeare show underway), here we are... Back together again, to restage the show for the summer performance at The Springfield Arts Festival. 

It was great to see the cast, working together to get this show back on stage for the summer performance.  Luckily, I get to join the cast as Titania for this performance, but am finding the blocking (and rock climbing) somewhat challenging with my still healing broken foot.  Having said that, I am looking forward to getting back on an outdoor stage.





  We shall be welcoming a couple of new faces to our ensemble and I can assure you that this show, though essentially the same, will be a little bit different in the restaging.  More to come, as we move ahead with rehearsals!! 

Thursday, July 5, 2012 - 8:00 PM
Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream"
Presented by Springfield StageWorks

Shakespeare's most popular comedy has delighted audiences for centuries. This Springfield Stageworks production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, directed by Lisa Howard Welch, brings Puck, Bottom, Oberon, and all the others to the stage to sort out their love-torn lives. And when the tale of Pyramus and Thisbe is presented, you'll discover why the Bard still keeps people laughing in 2012! 

Admission: FREE! (Donations accepted at intermission)
www.springfieldstageworks.org

Our Merry War continues...A review hits a blog and the understudies hit the stage on Friday...

A successful weekend down and one more to go.  We played to one Sold Out and two nearly Sold Out houses... three different, but exceptionally appreciative audiences.   Audience member, Joey Ahern, has given us his honest review of the performance  in his blog.

I could be critical of each of the performances...little, annoying bits which the actors never fixed or changed...pacing that was slightly 'off' here and there... but, of course, I am a perfectionist. True, there are issues I would change, but, I have to face reality and remember I am working in a tiny theatre, with limited resources and a cast with varying abilities and experience.  That is what I love about this show... the complete spectrum of all the artistic aspects this production covers.  

Friday's performance will feature our Understudies in the principal roles.  Of course, understudy performances always scare me... no they are not as rehearsed and all of them are of the less experienced portion of the cast, but they will indeed give you a good, if not different performance. 

One of the understudies, Jon Dowler, takes on the role of Claudio.  His stage experience is limited to his normal role of Watch #1 (which will be taken on by principal actor, Jared Mola in the understudy performance) and Ensemble in my last show, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT's DREAM.  Jon has been working very hard to build his performance, and I am sure will do well. 

 Also part of the understudy team, Jon Hung (Watch) takes on the role of Benedick in the US performance and Michelle Graham (normally in the role of Conrade) will do Beatrice.  Jon has really taken his position of an understudy seriously and has worked hard to prep for Friday, while Michelle has actually played the role of Beatrice in a previous production of MUCH ADO. 

Katie Paeg (normally Watch #3), will take on Hero in Friday's performance.  Should be an interesting little performance and an even more interesting weekend of performances, so don't miss this!

Welcome to our Wonderful world of Much Ado...

And, away we go...

Performances are underway and tickets can be purchased online.  Now, you might also want to take a look at the early promo for the show, created by Anthony Chiles...

We opened to a raucously appreciative  Sold Out crowd last night!  Due to my extreme Bipolar and OCD perfectionism, I am rarely happy with the final product... but, last night's performance (with only one scene problem) surprised and pleased even me.

The cast was on point through out most of the show, and finally some of the long standing notes and directorial comments were put into play, so things smoothed out into a nice, neat and fun little performance package

I have to admit, this has been a hard production journey for me to complete.  I was faced with numerous challenges from the start --  most concerning company issues like a VERY small budget and some inadequate 'help' from one of the company provided personnel.  In fact, because of this and in an effort to save money, most of the set pieces have been 'borrowed' from MIDSUMMER (except for the... uhm... 'fountain')

Of course, we had one problematic actor (not even a principal), who caused complaint and concern from every corner of the cast, so replacing him rather than bowing to his ultimatums and failing attempts to direct my show from his perspective, was an easy choice. 

Also, coming directly from another (overlapping) show, having only 5 and a half weeks of formal work rehearsals -- all of which were plagued by numerous actor conflicts & absences -- and healing a broken foot, had to have something to do with why this journey was so exhaustive for me.

I have to admit, I wasn't sure if my vision and concept could be realized at the end of it all.  I don't think I have questioned or feared the outcome of a show since... well, since some of the nightmare shows with my own company, namely Sleeping Beauty, As You Like It and the evil Rabbit show we did at one point.  But, this one exhausted and stressed me.

I always KNOW it will be alright in the end, constantly tell my cast to trust me (and most of them truly do) and can see the final 'painting', but this show... Uhm, no.  One minute the vision was there, the next it was a little cloudy.

However, starting at rehearsal 2 weeks ago, something changed...  The cast seemed lighter emotionally, less inhibited, more relaxed and it all began to fall together one piece at a time.

Every rehearsal saw massive changes to tiny moments and sections.  Even my flow and artistic view was less stifled and much more receptive to the new ideas which were randomly popping into my head...

The cast is packed with actors, many who have never done Shakespeare before, a few who have a resume packed with it, some who have never worked with a demanding, perfectionist, detail oriented director like myself before, but all who appreciate the ensemble and protective bond they have created.  They are all truly an ensemble group, who work together as an unbreakable team.






Though, there are still a few sections and moments that could have benefited with another week of focused clean up, this piece of Shakespearian art has been 'painted'... with just a few little endearing quirks to make it 'special.'  And, for what my cast gave me last night, I shall always be grateful.

I have never faced so many administrative (and venue / technical) challenges on a show before, but with all the issues working in this space and with this company entails, I am delighted with what my cast and production team have  given me.  They have pulled something unique out of this show and have truly given us a sparkling little production.

Now for a little look at what happens in our world of Much Ado...

 Hero and Claudio, with Beatrice at the masked ball

The 'Schoolgirl' Watch take note of some villainy

 Beatrice and Benedick in the 'church' scene

 

Claudio gets a 'talking to' from Antonia and Leonata

Don Pedro examines Benedick, as he talks of his ills

 Hero and Claudio seal their devotion to each other

Principal Cast includes (Top to bottom) Juliet Howard-Welch as Beatrice, Josh Katawick as Benedick, Jared Mola as Claudio, Elizabeth Dillard as Hero and Tony Copper as Don Pedro.

 

                                                               

                                                                 

                                                           

Until next time...

'I wonder that you will still be talking... Nobody marks you...'

I realize it has been quite a while since my last post, but the actual task of directing the show has had me a little busy...

In addition to directing, the company has me performing a series of other paperwork and company tasks that are creeping up on me, while overwhelming the process.  While this show has been far more draining than I expected, we are well underway and move into partial runs next week.  Some scenes are flying along beautifully, while others are causing quizzical looks on my face and holes in my brain on a daily basis.  But, past experience reminds me that every show is different and challenges me in varying ways... and that it will all find it's feet eventually... perhaps, in a new way, so I know I have to be open and trust the new process I have to devise to resolve the challenges of this show.  One day, I will use it on another production.

It is time to start developing the interlude scenes and add the music to the show, as well as dealing with those naughty problem scenes that are causing many a sleepless night (or high school related nightmares...)  so that is what we will be working on through this week.  Much needs to be done and my focus will be on that.  The group scenes are my main concern, as they contain people who have been to rehearsal so irregularly. 

 

We are also still reveling in the 1920's setting and exploring the many changes that occurred in the world at that time.  The Titanic already sank 9 years earlier, women are making great headway in the world, skirts are rising, music is becoming a little more upbeat, if not risque at times, and women are really starting to come into their own.  Though the first world war is over, the Irish rebellion is gaining steam and starting to create warlike symptoms around the British Isles.  What an exciting and scary time to live....

Of course, we have had our share of drama... but, we have had more than our share of fun and amusement as the scenes are being developed and begin to grow.  Some scenes are stronger than others, with the group scenes needing the most work.  On the other hand, If I could remind one or two members my cast of one thing, it would be to trust that the vision will come together, but only if the few quit trying to change, question and alter every aspect of concept that is given to you.  If there are too many unimportant ideas thrown into the mix, the important things get lost.  We do not want that.  I won't allow that.   Shakespeare is universal and can be done in many settings and time periods... not just the one you have in mind.  I also want to remind everyone not to overthink the tasks given to you... these processes have been done scores of times before and do not require the drama or excuses given to make it more difficult than it actually is. I do love working in the educational and professional theatre arena, but this regional theatre thing is still somewhat new to me.  Now...  Cast and Creative Headshots will be posted soon ...  In the meantime, head over to facebook and LIKE the  MUCH ADO Facebook Page for more immediate information and details on the show.
 

Incidentally, all photos shown in this blog have been taken by Lisa Bernheim, who is playing Margaret and is also my Student Director.

And, we are off...

Readthrough down and character work begins tonight.  Was difficult to let go of the previous show and move on to the next, but 'needs must'... so on we go.

I have a solid and talented cast and look forward to working with them, getting to know them and sharing this beautiful text with them! 

Have numerous plans for this piece... away from the fast paced, sometimes cartoon portrayals in Midsummer... and on to a little more realistic, yet sophisticated humor.  My set will be representational and have it's own water feature and sculptures!

Can't wait to begin sharing all the details...

"Oh, Look, We've Made Enchantment..."

Though my journey with MIDSUMMER has now officially come to an end, there are a number of tasks still outstanding, as the process will not culminate until the summer performance at the Springfield Arts Festival.  I still have another rehearsal schedule to prepare and implement, many shows yet to perform and make an appearance at, and loose ends still to tie up on this run.  This journey has been rough -- rougher than expected -- as there has not been one day... not one hour of my life that has remain untouched by this show for nearly a year.  I am utterly exhausted, injured and nearly broken.  Every relationship I had prior to this process has been affected, with none remaining untouched... a few having been scarred or eradicated entirely.  To be fair, one or two of them were hindered by other (but theatre related) circumstances during the process... but, the stress of those circumstances hindered my creative process, all the same, causing many stressful and blocked weeks.  That stress contributed to more than my share of  injuries, having fallen backstage breaking my foot, while my mind was on other things and falling yet again, while favoring one foot, only to sprain the other ankle.  We joke about that 'M' word... And, yes, tho my favorite number is 13, I live with a black cat and my favorite day of the year is a Friday the 13th, I  am a little superstitious.  Nothing good has ever come from anyone saying that name in a theatre.  I was not the only injury, with many actors slipping, falling, running into injuries in this very active and fast paced show. 

However, through all of that, a show has emerged.  One, which has remained a true picture of my vision.  An enchanting & delightful piece, brought to life by a company of talented actors and amazing design team members.  Each of these team members has dedicated many months to help embody my vision and bring it to the stage.  They blended their own vision with mine to create a magical stage scene, with a depth bordering on reality, yet keeping us in the magical world of a dream.

I think the most magnificent of these belongs to my Lighting Designer, Plato Pavlatos, who took an old, challenged performance space, with extremely limited power and electrical issues, and gave me so many delightful and beautiful scenes to melt into my production.  The set, by Geoff Moss, is amazing ---and costumes by Roberta Stocker (with much help from Kathleen Day, Connie Strait and the rest of the cast) also bring much to the production.  Larry Coressel listened carefully to my needs for sound and music and created a 'soundtrack' which blends my vision with that of Shakespeare's original intention to bring to life an atmosphere of surreal, reality. 

The company of actors is led by one of the most genuinely talented young performers I have ever come in contact with.  Josh Katawick took a huge leap into the role of Puck, originally feeling he was better suited to a role such as Bottom.  But, no... this young man trusted my vision, was off book (literally) immediately, took in every note and made the role his own, while keeping the integrity of my vision intact.  I am thrilled to have him in my next production and am looking forward to watch the growth he makes as he begins to explore yet another challenging role. 

This show is the 'debut' performance for a young lady who I have known for many years.  Lisa Bernheim reluctantly took on the roles of Moth and Snout, while still finding time to photograph the entire process.  Many of the photos you see in this blog have been taken by her.  She, too, dove right into the production feet first and immersed herself in the beauty of theatre.  She did WHATEVER was necessary to get the production 'up' and running.  AND, she is the only individual never to have missed a rehearsal.  She is, without a doubt, the hardest working cast member in this show.  It has been a joy to finally have Lisa in one of my shows.

 A few months ago, I was delighted to have the chance to work with Jacinda Bridger on a show.  Now, as we move into production, I am even more thrilled to be able to say she is in MIDSUMMER.  Her level of emotion and commitment to the character, the craft, and this show can be challenged by NO ONE.  Actors make a lot of promises to directors when cast in a show, with many never keeping them.  But, Jacinda kept every one and challenged others to keep theirs.  Her bravery and trust in me, helped to empower the show and her onstage relationships, as well as her performance.  I have found a friend in Jacinda, as well as a cast member.

So many amazing actors go into creating a company... so many personalities, so many egos, so many attitudes.  But, in the end, they all come together and blend into the perfect recipe to create the perfect show.

The Lovers are such a vibrant and important part of the play... with their comic foibles and farcical love antics.  With Chelsea Carey as Lysandra, Austin Smith as Demetrius and Judy Shaw as Helena (along with Jacinda Bridger as Hermia), these characters fight and love their way through the forest.  Chelsea is a multi-talented actress, with a lively stage presence and amazing ability to play just about any tune on the violin.  Austin is blessed with a dedication to each production and the task at hand, as well as growing steadily as one of the most talented young actors I know; and, Judy steals many a scene with her bright spark of energy and sense of fun with her characters.

The Fairies offer the production a delightful escape out of reality (or is it) and into the dream state of the play.  Rebecca Baker brings the earth Mother beauty to the character of Titania, while Bengt Gregory-Brown as Oberon and Xander Gregory-Brown & Kenny Neal as Sprites and Silas Neal as the Changeling Child, let us see the darker, playful side of the Fairy land.  Katie Paeg and Abigail Reisinger are truly delightful as Peaseblossom and Cobweb.  Both also hold production jobs (Katie as our Directing Intern and Abby as our Production assistant) and both have been invaluable to ALL ASPECTS of the production.  These are two young people I can truly say, have made the show what it is becoming. 

The Mechanicals - Connie Strait as Quince, Daniel Wilson as Bottom, Adam Hardy as Starvling, Patrick Taylor as Flute and James Michael Fazio as Snug, bring their fun personalities and farcical humor to the play.  This talented team have brought so many fun and delightful quirks to their scenes, that I can't imagine any other ensemble being any more together.

Mortals are truly such fools and ours are no exception.  John Fredland as Theseus and Kelly Bennington as Hippolyta, bring a fun chemistry to these sometimes 'dry' characters.  I have worked with both many times and would do so again in a heartbeat.  Kelly is one of the best rehearsal stage managers / assistant directors around and John (who played my son in TITUS ANDRONICUS last year) has put so much heart and soul into his work on stage, that I can do nothing more than adore working with him.  Kathleen Day, as Egea has been a great added attraction to the show, with her dedication to text, Shakespeare and the production in general, she is another person I am thrilled to have as part of the show. And, what would the show be without the ensemble actors who tie it all together?  Nothing!  Jon Dowler, Ralf Paeg and Mary Sullivan, all without much performance experience, have stepped in to complete this show and make it a successful venture for all concerned! 

 As we hit our final photo calls next week, I will post more photos of others, but for now...
 
The rehearsal process has ended (but for the daily combat and dance calls) and it is now time to settle into the comfort of the production run.  There has been an unusually low amount of 'actor drama' until the last week or so, when it blew up to the proportions of what I had been forewarned about prior to casting, but overall it has been an enjoyable journey.   A journey I would happily undertake again!


Now to quote my previous show... 'We've made enchantment...'