Catching Up and Looking Forward

I'm sitting on a bus heading to NY to see Becky Shaw by Gina Gionfriddo, directed by our very own Peter DuBois. We're about to head into rehearsals here in Boston for The Miracle at Naples with Peter. We know him pretty well by now - he's been around for almost a year but, finally, our chance to work with him as a Director is here - so I am looking forward to get a glimpse of Peter's directing style tonight.

I am really excited about the work we are doing for the remainder of this season - it's our busiest time of the year - and the upcoming projects are all really interesting.

The company of Two Men of Florence recently spent a couple of days in the scene shop working on the double turntables that have a role of their own in this production. The circular turntables, echoing the earth rotating on it's axis - or the planets circling the sun, move the actors around in orbit of each other. It is a fascinating dynamic - and it was a lot of fun to watch the cast find their balance, learn how to move, and bring these scenes to life. It was also fun to have a rehearsal in the scene shop, and to sit next to Dick and Doris Kearns Goodwin for the morning. I wanted to take photos and video for you - but had not thought in advance to get the permissions necessary. Next time. We go into tech on Sunday. Click here for other video, other multimedia and more information.

The Miracle at Naples begins rehearsals next week. The set is nearly complete - a lovely Italian plaza, featuring a statue of St. Genaro compliments of our talented sculptor and charge scenic artist, Corey Shipler. This show is going to be fun. I hope I can find the time to spend a lot of time in rehearsal.

In April the Huntington staff will be building Lucia di Lammermoor for BU's College of Fine Arts, working together with the students and faculty of the School of Music, Opera Institute and School of Theatre. If you have never attended an opera at the BU theatre I highly recommend it - there is a lot of great talent in these programs.

Pirates! (or Gilbert & Sullivan Plunder'd) is also progressing well, we've got a great artistic team - a funny new book that combines the patter and cadence of Gilbert and Sullivan with a fun new look at the Pirate King and friends.

We are also workshoping a new production written and performed by Maureen McGovern this coming month as part of the developmental work the Huntington is committed to doing.

Our spring is very ambitious, which is even more challenging given the times were in. I hope the challenges will be transparent to you so that you enjoy the magic, fun, fantasy, and history about to unfold on our stages.

The Corn is Green - Music

We have had tons of requests for info on the music from The Corn is Green. I've been swamped and therefore have been sitting on this email from Sound Designer Drew Levy:

Here's the song list. Hold on to your hat....

Suo Gan

Fferm Fach

Cân Yr Hen Weddeles

Hob y Deri Dando

All Thro' The Night

Marwnad yr Ehedydd

Migldi Magldi

Land of Our Fathers (Welsh Anthem)

I think that covers it, though I don't know how helpful it is. Most of the music, and much like it, can be found on any decent compilation of Welsh folk choirs. It is a very niche market, but it's there. The culture of Welsh choirs is quite an institution.

Check out these choirs - some of them have Music and CDs for sale on their websites:

Treorchy Male Choir

Morriston Orpheus Male Choir

The North Wales Male Chorus

If you're interested in purchasing some of this music I suggest Amazon.com

For a sampler try The World of Wales in Song. Amazon has online downloads or you can purchase the CD

The Huntington Theatre Company's production of The Corn is Green, by Emlyn Williams, played January 9 through February 8, 2009 at the Huntington's mainstage, the B.U. Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA

Two Men Casting

Casting news for Two Men of Florence -













Tony winner Edward Herrmann (left) will play Pope Urban VIII and stage and screen actor Jay O. Sanders (right) will play Galileo Galilei.

More casting news coming soon.

Catch Dick Goodwin talk about his "second act" as a playwright on Chronicle - Friday, Feb 6 - WCVB - 7:30PM.

Mary Richardson and camera crew joined us for our first rehearsal meet and greet yesterday. Catch a glimpse of your favorite Huntington staffers and Two Men Cast on TV tomorrow night. I'll post a link once the video is online.

The Huntington Theatre Company's production of Two Men of Florence, by Richard Goodwin, playing March 6 through April 5, 2009 at the Huntington's mainstage, the B.U. Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA. Buy tickets online or call our Box Office at 617 266-0800.

PS> Only 5 more chances to see The Corn is Green, closing Sunday!
The Huntington Theatre Company's production of The Corn is Green, by Emlyn Williams, playing January 9 through February 8, 2009 at the Huntington's mainstage, the B.U. Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA. Buy tickets online or call our Box Office at 617 266-0800.