Wednesday, May 31, 2006

In the Theater: The Fourth Wall

In theater there's a number of interesting terms and concepts. Today I thought I'd put together my thoughts on the concept of the fourth wall.

The fourth wall is the imaginary invisible wall at the front of the stage, through which the audience sees the action in the world of the play. While the origin of the term is uncertain, the concept is generally believed to come into use in the twentieth century with the advent of theatrical realism.

An actor can "break" the fourth wall by addressing the audience directly, or actively acknowledging (through breaking character or through dialogue) that the characters and action are not real. This has the effect of reminding an audience that what they are viewing is fiction and as such can have a jarring effect.

So it is an tactic that can be used to effectively cause the audience to view the play or musical in a different context, to encourage them to think about the point being raised, or in a comedic manner.

What got me thinking about the forth wall? It was this post from one of my favorite theater blogs - The Wicked Stage, he's referring to this article in the la times.

So what do you think about breaking the fourth wall? As an actor do you find it uncomfortable or jarring to break character to address the audience? As a theatergoer does it bother you to have that fourth wall broken, or does it not effect your experience at all?
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Monday, May 29, 2006

Summer Theater Festivals all over!

I know some of my readers are from way off-off-off broadway, so when I saw this list I thought of you all - The NYTimes put together a list of some Theater Festivals happening this summer in states from Alabama to Utah and some in Canada. I thought I'd pass this along to those of you who visit me from afar ... Really Far Off Broadway.

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Witness for the Prosecution - Mid Hudson Valley Theater Review

Yesterday I ushered at the Rhinebeck Performing Arts Center - it's been a while, but it was good to see a show. CENTERStage Productions put on Agatha Christie's Witness for the Prosecution. It was a typical Agatha Christie story with Murder, Motives and lots of plot twists. Although it was a long show 2:40 running time, three acts with two intermissions, the show was fantastic and the time just flew!

Some of the roles were double cast, and were handled so well that it was hard to tell. Many familiar faces were onstage: Linda Roper, Michael Brooks, Joe Felice to name a few. There was also a local radio personality, Kimberly Kay, who did a wonderful job. Bravo to the whole cast a crew.

Witness for the Prosecution is the story of Sir Wilfred, a master criminal barrister who takes the case of a man on trial for murder. While he expects that the defendant's wife will stand up for him in court, she unexpectedly agrees to appear for the prosecution in a trial while multiple twists and turns occur that will test the lawyer's skill to the limit. The play itself was based on one of Christie's short stories, first published in 1933 in the collection The Hound of Death.

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Sunday, May 28, 2006

Pirate Queen Previewing in Chicago

I am very jealous of everyone who lives in Chicago!

The Pirate Queen thepiratequeen.com is a Musical based on the real-life story of the legendary Irish pirate chieftain, Grace O'Malley, who led an extraordinary life as a pirate, chieftain, lover and mother in 16th Century Ireland. It is doing it's pre-broadway preview (and world premiere) in Chicago, October 3 - November 26, 2006.

They're planning on bringing it to broadway for the 2006-2007 season. I hope they're true to the historic story - I love when the past is brought alive, and maybe, just maybe, I'm so excited because I just got home from Ireland. I hope the show lives up to the story, and I'll have a chance to see it on Broadway when it opens!

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Friday, May 26, 2006

Regional Theater: Helen Hayes Theater in Nyack, NY to Close

A sad story about how a well established (debt free) theater was effected by 9/11 and how the Theater has been sold to a developer. The theater is slated to be closed permanently if another performing arts tenant cannot be found. Link

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This Production brought to you courtesy of these fine sponsors

I just read something disturbing - NYTimes Article - It's about a advertisement performed live before the curtain went up for Stomp! on Broadway.

Is nothing sacred? We're used to the constant bombardment of the media trying to reach us as consumers. It's on TV, the Radio, Online, Email, on the phone and even when you open your mailbox.

I find it rather disturbing that you can pay upwards of $100 for a ticket for an evening of entertainment and find yourself faced with yet another unwanted message. What do you think?

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Lestat and Other Broadway Shows Closing

It's that time of year again .... The Tony nominations have been announced and shows start to close for the summer. Lestat is closing, as well as Barefoot in the Park and a number of other dramas. More from the NYTimes.

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On Stage in the Mid Hudson Valley

I have returned from Vacation - I've missed everyone, but had a wonderful time in Ireland. Now for the important bit - what shows are on stage this weekend.

There's a lot more then usual on stage in the hudson valley for the weekend of May 25 - May 28: Memorial Day Weekend.

Harold and the Boys
Powerful drama about apartheid in South Africa.
May 25, 26, 27 at 8:00PM
May 28 at 3:00PM

New Day Repertory Company
Cunneen-Hackett Arts Ctr
9 Vassar St.
Poughkeepsie

Witness for the Prosecution
May 25, 26, 27 at 8:00 PM
May 28 at 3:00 PM

CENTERstage Productions
The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck
Rhinebeck, NY
Call: (845) 876-3080

Smokey Joe's Cafe
May 25, 26, 27, 28 at 7:30 PM
June 2, 3 at 7:30 PM

Out of the Nest Theatre Works
Woodstock Playhouse
Woodstock.
Call: (845) 247- 4007

Fuddy Meers
May 25, 26, 27, June 2, 3 at 8:00 PM
May 28, June 4 at 7:00 PM

Performing Arts of Woodstock
Woodstock Town Hall
76 Tinker St.
Woodstock.
Call: (845) 679-7900

Circumference of a Squirrel
May 25, 26, 27, June 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 at 8:00 PM
May 28, June 4, 11 at 2:00 PM

Shadowland Theatre
157 Canal St.
Ellenville
Call: (845) 647-5511

Play by Play
May 26, 27 June 2, 3 at 8:00 PM
May 27 at 3:00 PM
May 28, June 4 at 2:00 PM
May 30, June 1 at 7:30 PM

Stageworks Hudson
Max & Lillian Katzman Theater
41A Cross St.
Hudson
Call: (518) 822-9667

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Tuesday, May 09, 2006

On Stage in the Hudson Valley May 10 - May 24

You might have noticed that this post covers two weeks of shows. I'll be away on vacation, and am not planning on blogging. I'll be back soon, so go see a couple of shows and leave reviews in the comments while I'm away. I'd love to know what you saw and how it was.

There are three shows auditioning also - so make sure to check those out too!

On Stage in the Hudson Valley May 10th - May 24th

Glengarry Glen Ross * all-female staged reading
May 11 at 8:00 PM
Lipstick Thespians
The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck
Rhinebeck, NY
Call: (845) 876-3080

Wonder of the World * Off Beat Comedy – Not suitable for Children under 17 *
Play Exposes Hidden Fetish, Marital Crisis and a Woman’s Comic Odyssey Toward Finding Her True Self
May 12, 13, 19, 20 at 8:00 PM
Brewster Theater Company
H.H. Well Middle School
Brewster, NY
Call: (845) 598-1621 or Reserve Online

Silent Movie 4
An original play in silent movie format with music and dance that explores relationships with slapstick and clowning.
May 12, 13 at 7:00 PM
May 14 at 3:00 PM
Cocoon Theatre
6384 Rt. 9 (Mill St.)
Rhinebeck

Alain Nu - Master Illusionist
May 12, 13 at 8:00 PM
May 14 at 3:00 PM
The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck
Rhinebeck, NY
Call: (845) 876-3080

Birds of Paradise
May 12, 13 at 7:30 PM
May 14 at 2:00 PM
90 Miles Off Broadway
New Paltz High School
South Putt Corner's Road
New Paltz, NY

Gypsy
May 12, 13, 19, 20 at 8:00 PM
May 14 at 2:00 PM
County Players
County Players Falls Theatre
2681 W. Main St
Wappingers Falls, NY
Call: (845) 298-1491

Wait Until Dark
May 12, 13, 19, 20 at 8:00 PM
May 21 at 7:00 PM
Creative Theatre-Muddy Water Players
The Playhouse at Museum Village
Route 17M
Monroe, NY
Call: (845) 294-9465

Witness for the Prosecution
May 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 at 8:00 PM
May 21, 28 at 3:00 PM
CENTERstage Productions
The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck
Rhinebeck, NY
Call: (845) 876-3080

New Generation Theater
May 19, 20 at 7:30 PM
May 21 at 2:00 PM
Cunneen-Hackett Arts Ctr
9 Vassar St.
Poughkeepsie

Mid Hudson Valley Community Theater Auditions

Black Coffee (details)
May 15, 16, 17 at 7:00PM
Coach House
12 Augusta Street
Kingston, NY

Grease
May 13, 14, 20 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
CENTERstage Production
The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck
Rhinebeck, NY

Footloose
May 13, 20 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Callbacks May 20 from 1-3
Rhinebeck Unplugged Student Theater (RUST)
The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck
Rhinebeck, NY

The World Goes 'Round - Musical Review (details)
May 21 at 7:00 PM
May 22 at 7:00 PM
County Players Falls Theatre
2681 W. Main Street
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
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Sunday, May 07, 2006

TKTS Booth in NYC Temporary Move

Many of you may be familiar with the TKTS Booth in Duffy Square, if not, It is a location where you can buy reduced cost day-of Tickets for Broadway and Off-Broadway Shows. You can Visit the TKTS website for details.

The TKTS booth is moving just a block away from their current location in Duffy Square, so the space can be completely remodeled. The project is expected to be completed by this December.

In the meantime, customers can buy TKTS tickets at a temporary booth just outside the Marriott Marquis Hotel on West 46th Street between Broadway and Eighth Avenue.

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Saturday, May 06, 2006

Music Man Blocking

First rehearsal of Blocking & Choreography was today. It was the "Society Ladies", so we worked on blocking out the Pick-a-little song/scene, as well as the "Grecian urn" bit. We really are starting to work out our character positions, poses and relationships. It was a very rewarding rehearsal, and we completed the two scenes. We were also assigned lines, it looks like I will have a few lines, and a small vocal solo - I'll be playing Alma! So very exciting!

I've also been asked to help with costumes, so my spare time will consist of sewing once that gets going. It's a good way to spend time during rehearsals while waiting for my scenes. I'm sure I'll find other ways to help out, I always do. I'm also really enjoying the other members of the cast - what a nice bunch!

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All the Theater Awards

How many people are confused about all the different theater awards that will be handed out over the coming weeks ... Okay, How many of us can name all of the awards? No, I can't do it either ... TheaterMania.com has a handy guide to the upcoming awards season for the theater. From the Obie's to the Tony's it's a nice chronological guide, with a little historic bits about each of the awards.

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Wednesday, May 03, 2006

On Stage in the Mid Hudson Valley May 3-7

The summer season is approaching with a lot of big name musicals and plays. Community Theater Groups are providing a variety of shows this week, and into the coming months. Take some time off from that yard work, and other chores and see a show!

Birds of Paradise
May 5, 6, 12, 13 at 7:30 PM
May 14 at 2:00 PM
90 Miles Off Broadway
New Paltz High School
South Putt Corner's Road
New Paltz, NY

Silent Movie 4
May 5, 6, 12, 13 at 7:00 PM
May 7, 14 at 3:00 PM
An original play in silent movie format with music and dance that explores relationships with slapstick and clowning.
Cocoon Theatre
6384 Rt. 9 (Mill St.)
Rhinebeck

Gypsy
May 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 at 8:00 PM
May 14 at 2:00 PM
County Players
County Players Falls Theatre
2681 W. Main St
Wappingers Falls, NY
Call: (845) 298-1491

Wait Until Dark
May 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 at 8:00 PM
May 7, 21 at 7:00 PM
Creative Theatre-Muddy Water Players
The Playhouse at Museum Village
Route 17M
Monroe, NY
Call: (845) 294-9465

Death of a Salesman
May 5, 6 at 8:00 PM
May 7 at 3:00 PM
CENTERstage Productions
The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck
Rhinebeck, NY
Call: (845) 876-3080

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Theater Bits

There's been a few items I've stumbled upon and have been saving, totally unrelated but not really long enough to make one post about!

NPR had a great piece about Irritations to performers. Who can't relate to a cell phone going off in the middle of a performance? Even after the 'Cell phones should be turned off' message. So what some performers have to say about it ... In an individual way, of course!

the second Bit is about how business executives can make a big impact on the board of your theater company. Leveraging the same skills used in the office, as well as a large network of contacts make an executive an alluring addition: the article from the Boston business Journal.

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Who's on the List for Host of the Tony's

We know when the Tony's are, but we don't know who will host the all-important awards ceremony. As one of the biggest nights in the theater world, the host is an important part of it all. So who allegedly tops the list for this year's list? Oprah. She's not the only one on the list, the New York Post has more.

Recent Posts on the Tony's

History of the Tony Awards
Tony Awards Turn 60

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Music Man - Music rehearsal

Last night we had the first vocal rehearsal for Music Man - We rehearsed most of the ensemble numbers, Unfortunately I was late due to traveling for work. We worked on Wells Fargo Wagon, Pick-a-little, Pick-a-little (reprise), 76 Trombones, and Iowa Stubborn. I had quite the surprise when we rehearsed Wagon and the Barbershop Quartet came in...

We've got an incredible Barbershop Quartet for the show ... Hearing them gives you goosebumps! Between them and the kids, they will both steal the show.

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Monday, May 01, 2006

Music Man - First rehearsal

Tonight was the first rehearsal for Music Man. There were some familiar faces, and some new faces, which is wonderful. I'm terrible with names, so I try to work on a few at a time. I am great with remembering faces. It's sad - I'm more likely to remember what someone wore and or their pet's name, then to remember their name. So Tomorrow I'll try to address everyone that I met tonight by the proper name - I'll let you know how I do.

So we got our libretto's (script and music) today, and went through some group exercises. We also played with some dance moves, and gave our vocal chords a little warm up - We have a nice rounded full sound. I'm looking forward to music rehearsal tomorrow. The singing and dancing is always my favorite parts of the rehearsal process.

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Broadway World Contest to see Patti LuPone 5/22

Thought I'd pass this along ... who doesn't like to win?

Enter to win two tickets to Patti LuPone's "The Lady with the Torch" special one-night-only benefit concert for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS! Contest ends May 9, 2006.
On Monday night May 22, Tony and Olivier Award winning actress-singer Patti LuPone, currently starring to critical acclaim in the hit Broadway production of "Sweeney Todd," will return to the Vivian Beaumont Theater in Lincoln Center to perform a concert of her critically acclaimed one-woman show and new Ghostlight Records CD, "The Lady With The Torch."

Visit Broadway World to Enter (before May 9th)

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Mid Hudson Valley Theater Blog

Community Theater in the Mid Hudson Valley of New York. Information on shows, auditions, and our general adventures onstage, backstage and in the audience.