We had a fair response (here) from our audiences that came to see Rock n Roll earlier this season. The latest comment came in over the holidays with the following note attached:
[Todd--I hope this remarks won't need moderation or censureship.]
I thought it worthy of a general response.
The moderation feature is enabled only so that I can review comments prior to posting them live on the site.
I will publish all opinion as long as it is at least somewhat relevant and contains no more than what I feel is a reasonable quotient of foul language. This is also the criteria I use myself when writing here. I really do want to hear what you think about the work that goes on here at the Huntington. I am not afraid of opinion - I find it's variety to be fascinating - and encourage you to share your thoughts, ideas, opinion, with us and our readers.
The blog software I use does not allow edits - so I cannot censure expletives nor fix spelling errors. I use the "moderation" feature only because I have received some comments that I can only describe as "spam" and I have exercised my prerogative to spare you from them.
The result is that when you make a comment it will not appear right away. I get a text message when you submit a post so I know to log on and take a look - but that still can take some time. Sometimes I'll delay so I can craft a response, sometimes I'm busy with other work responsibilities, and sometimes I'll delay because I am enjoying the holidays with family. Please be patient.
If you have a specific issue that you would like us to respond directly to then send me an email or use our feedback form so we know how to contact you.
Happy New Year!
Todd
December 30, 2008
December 22, 2008
Judy Gold - this weekend!
Emmy Award-winning comedian Judy Gold returns to the Huntington with her outrageous stand-up comedy after last year’s triumphant 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother. Bold, brass, and clocking in at 6’3”, Judy is ready to divulge all the comic highs and lows of being a Jewish, lesbian, working mom raising two boys in New York City. Judy’s electric humor and outlandish opinions are enough to keep anyone rolling in the aisle all night long.
Tickets and Information about Judy Gold is Mommy Queerest, playing December 26-31, 2008, can be found at huntingtontheatre.org. Performances are at the Calderwood Pavlion at the BCA, 527 Tremont St, Boston, MA. Buy tickets online or call our box office at 617 266-0800
December 17, 2008
Photos
Here are a few behind the scenes photos...
This is the Deane Rehearsal Hall - all dressed up for our Cabaret series - Upstairs at the Calderwood. Photo: Mark S. Howard
Producing Director Chris Wigle and Kate Burton (Miss Moffat) catch up at 1st rehearsal
and here is our Marketing Department underneath our Corn is Green banner at the Huntington Ave entrance to the Prudential Center.
This is the Deane Rehearsal Hall - all dressed up for our Cabaret series - Upstairs at the Calderwood. Photo: Mark S. Howard
Producing Director Chris Wigle and Kate Burton (Miss Moffat) catch up at 1st rehearsal
and here is our Marketing Department underneath our Corn is Green banner at the Huntington Ave entrance to the Prudential Center.December 16, 2008
Previews and Parties
We're sending out a "break a leg" to Peter DuBois and the company of Becky Shaw at Second Stage Theatre in NY. The production, directed by DuBois, begins previews tonight. You can read more about the production at 2ST, Broadwayworld.com, and/or Playbill.com
Huntington staffers will be raising a toast to the NY company from our holiday party this evening.
Despite extensive belt tightening and budget cutting we've managed to hang on to our annual holiday tradition (we hear even Harvard has scaled back on it's holiday celebrations!) holding it this year in the Roberts Studio Theatre, Calderwood Pavlion at the Boston Center for the Arts. We finagled a deal with the management for a reduced rent. Oh yah - we manage and operate that facility - don't we. The space is being reconfigured (sans seating risers) for a New Year's Eve rental - so we're taking advantage. Thanks as ever to our generous board for providing the food and drink.
Our event will feature what has become an intense "Holiday Bake-off" competition amongst staff. I'll be so glad when it's over. My associate has been going on about frosting and "Ho Ho Ho Bars" all day. Threats from the development staff have caused me to withdraw my entry (I am in fear for my personal safety).
I've also heard rumors that the Huntington's Santa suit has been pulled from storage and delivered to the office of one particular managing director. Seems that a call for the reinstatement of a politically incorrect yet particularly amusing long lost Holiday tradition was made through the staff suggestion box.
I hope to have a photo or two for you tomorrow... (added 12/18)
The Judges - Joey, Bevin and Anna - there were a lot of entries. They have not eaten since.
The Maso prize for excellence in presentation went to "The Nutcraker Suite" by Penney, Becky, Denise and Barbara
Joey, Todd and Rebecca
Temple and Vawnya
Lisa, Mary - our first place winner for a truly decadent triple chocolate cake - and Howard
Tyler, Chris, and Sam (Adams)
Huntington staffers will be raising a toast to the NY company from our holiday party this evening.
Despite extensive belt tightening and budget cutting we've managed to hang on to our annual holiday tradition (we hear even Harvard has scaled back on it's holiday celebrations!) holding it this year in the Roberts Studio Theatre, Calderwood Pavlion at the Boston Center for the Arts. We finagled a deal with the management for a reduced rent. Oh yah - we manage and operate that facility - don't we. The space is being reconfigured (sans seating risers) for a New Year's Eve rental - so we're taking advantage. Thanks as ever to our generous board for providing the food and drink.
Our event will feature what has become an intense "Holiday Bake-off" competition amongst staff. I'll be so glad when it's over. My associate has been going on about frosting and "Ho Ho Ho Bars" all day. Threats from the development staff have caused me to withdraw my entry (I am in fear for my personal safety).
I've also heard rumors that the Huntington's Santa suit has been pulled from storage and delivered to the office of one particular managing director. Seems that a call for the reinstatement of a politically incorrect yet particularly amusing long lost Holiday tradition was made through the staff suggestion box.
I hope to have a photo or two for you tomorrow... (added 12/18)
The Judges - Joey, Bevin and Anna - there were a lot of entries. They have not eaten since.
The Maso prize for excellence in presentation went to "The Nutcraker Suite" by Penney, Becky, Denise and Barbara
Joey, Todd and Rebecca
Temple and Vawnya
Lisa, Mary - our first place winner for a truly decadent triple chocolate cake - and Howard
Tyler, Chris, and Sam (Adams)December 11, 2008
Project Ghostlight
This TV pilot was filmed here last year during the run of Third by a couple of recent BU grads. The history part is fun, and mostly accurate. In my experience our ghosts have never really been all that scary - in fact they seem quite benevolent. And not particularly inclined to appear on cue. It's really no surprise that the attempts at ghost hunting didn't pay off. Oops - was that a spoiler?
November 26, 2008
Judy Gold, Lea DeLaria play the Calderwood Pavlion at the BCA
Broadway singer-actress Lea DeLaria and Emmy-winning stand-up comic Judy Gold will play the South End next month to launch this season's Upstairs at the Calderwood.DeLaria, whose Broadway credits include On the Town and The Rocky Horror Show, will launch the Huntington Theatre Company's new winter cabaret series. The singing actress will play Deane Hall Dec. 11-13. Tickets $25
Just in time for the winter holidays, Emmy Award-winning comedian Judy Gold returns to Huntington Presents after last year’s triumphant 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother with her outrageous stand-up comedy act. Bold, brass, and clocking in a 6’3”, in Mommy Queerest, Judy is ready to divulge all the comic highs and lows of being a Jewish, lesbian, working mom raising two boys in New York City. “As scary as it was being raised by one Jewish mother,” Gold says, “I have to feel for my kids because they have two Jewish mothers.” Judy’s electric humor and outlandish opinions are enough to keep anyone rolling in the aisle all night long.“Judy has unique perspectives on life, but transcends the Jewish and gay communities through her wicked humor and surprising insight,” says Huntington Theatre Company Artistic Director Peter DuBois. “With Mommy Queerest, we take another step toward transforming the Calderwood into a hub of eclectic artistic activity in Boston. Both Huntington Presents and Upstairs at the Calderwood, our new winter cabaret series, expand our activities beyond traditional theatre and are really infusing the Huntington with new energy.” Emmy winner Gold will offer Judy Gold is Mommy Queerest Dec. 26-31. Tickets $25- $45
Also on the schedule now is Berklee @ Upstairs at the Calderwood, beginning Jan. 22. Shows at at 8 and 10 p.m. Tickets $15
- Amy & The Electric, Jan. 22: "Amy Crawford’s melodic piano and cool vocals recall the sounds of Peggy Lee, Sheryl Crow, and Norah Jones."
- Sol Melodiq, Jan. 23: "A Boston-based ensemble of six that combine elements of jazz, hip-hop, soul, funk, and gospel to create an offbeat sound that uplifts the soul."
- Latin Jazz All Stars, Jan. 24: “Down Beat’s” Best College Jazz Band of 2008. A six-member ensemble that performs a salsa-infused blend of musical styles from around the globe.
- Florencia Gonzalez, Jan. 29: "A composer, arranger and saxophonist, Florencia Gonzalez is inspired by the rhythms of her native Uruguay to create a visionary style of jazz-infused bossa nova that recalls Leonard Bernstein’s score for 'West Side Story.'"
- Manami Morita, Jan. 30: "A trained classical pianist from Japan, Manami Morita’s instrumental tunes are a collision of classical melodies and American jazz backbeats."
- Andrei Matorin, Jan. 31: "Jazz violinist Andrei Matorin’s one-of-a-kind original melodies come to life amid the up-tempo syncopations of the jazz ensemble that accompanies him. "
Tickets and Information about Mommy Queerest, Lea DeLaria, and Berklee@Upstairs at the Calderwood can be found at huntingtontheatre.org. Performances are at the Calderwood Pavlion at the BCA, 527 Tremont St, Boston, MA. Buy tickets online or call our box office at 617 266-0800
Jud Williford talks about Rock 'n' on the road
Jud Williford, who plays Ferdinand in Rock 'n' Roll, talks about what it's like to visit and perform in Boston. You can read it all on the A.C.T. blog... just click here.
Czech dissident Ferdinand (Jud Wilford) discusses politics, prison, and the Plastic People of the Universe with his friend Jan (Manoel Felciano) in the Huntington Theatre Company's production of Tom Stoppard's Rock 'n' Roll, playing November 7 through December 13 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
November 21, 2008
Rock 'n' Roll extends thru Dec. 13
NEW BLOCK OF TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
GREAT SEATS AVAILABLE!
"Brilliant! Ingenious and warmhearted.
The Huntington's production is thoughtful and smart and does handsome service to a mighty work."
— The Boston Phoenix
"Touching and richly satisfying!
With his latest work Rock 'n' Roll, now at the Huntington, Stoppard has crafted not only a deeply emotional play, but a a play about emotions. Worth every minute!"
— EdgeBoston.com
"Powerful! Rich and rewarding.
An irrepressible anthem of love and freedom! An affecting blend of intellectual engagement and emotional force. Pulses with the unstoppable force of love and desire." — The Boston Globe
Visit the Articles and Reviews and Multimedia sections of our website to learn more Learn more about Stoppard, his personal play, and our critically-acclaimed production. Tell us about your experiences with Tom Stoppard's plays at the Huntington here.
Special Thanksgiving Week Offer!
Buy one ticket and get one free
at select performances before Thanksgiving:
- Tuesday, November 25 at 7:30pm
- Wednesday, November 26 at 2pm
- Wednesday, November 26 at 7:30pm
Use the code STOPPARD online
or when you call the Box Office at 617 266-0800.
The Huntington Theatre Company's production of Tom Stoppard's Rock 'n' Roll, playing November 7 through December 13, 2008 at the Huntington's mainstage; The Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Avenue, Boston MA, 02115
November 13, 2008
Manoel Felciano and Carey Perloff talk Rock 'n' Roll
Manoel Felciano writes about Keeping it fresh on the A.C.T. Blog:
The second most common question I get as an actor—after, “How do you memorize all those lines?”—is usually, “How do you keep things fresh, doing the exact same thing night after night?" Click here to read the full blog post
Carey Perloff talks about crossing paths the The Plastics:
Of the many wild and unexpected things that occurred during our rehearsals of Rock ’n’ Roll (like Russian tanks rolling into South Ossetia claiming “fraternal assistance” on the day we began rehearsals, an eerie echo of the August 21, 1968, Russian occupation of Prague), none was more surreal than going with the cast to Slim’s at midnight on October 9 to hear The Plastic People of the Universe play. Click here to read the full blog post.
The Huntington Theatre Company's production of Tom Stoppard's Rock 'n' Roll, playing November 7 through December 13, 2008 at the Huntington's mainstage; The Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Avenue, Boston MA, 02115 Buy tickets online or call our Box Office - 617 266-0800
The second most common question I get as an actor—after, “How do you memorize all those lines?”—is usually, “How do you keep things fresh, doing the exact same thing night after night?" Click here to read the full blog post
Carey Perloff talks about crossing paths the The Plastics:
Of the many wild and unexpected things that occurred during our rehearsals of Rock ’n’ Roll (like Russian tanks rolling into South Ossetia claiming “fraternal assistance” on the day we began rehearsals, an eerie echo of the August 21, 1968, Russian occupation of Prague), none was more surreal than going with the cast to Slim’s at midnight on October 9 to hear The Plastic People of the Universe play. Click here to read the full blog post.
The Huntington Theatre Company's production of Tom Stoppard's Rock 'n' Roll, playing November 7 through December 13, 2008 at the Huntington's mainstage; The Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Avenue, Boston MA, 02115 Buy tickets online or call our Box Office - 617 266-0800
November 12, 2008
Inbox
Boleros for the Disenchanted closes this weekend. Catch it while you can.
The New York production of Becky Shaw directed by Peter DuBois announces casting.
The Roundabout production of Streamers opens to rave reviews in NYC.
Rock 'n' Roll opens tonight. Preview items have hit in the Boston Globe and the Patriot Ledger.
The New York production of Becky Shaw directed by Peter DuBois announces casting.
The Roundabout production of Streamers opens to rave reviews in NYC.
Rock 'n' Roll opens tonight. Preview items have hit in the Boston Globe and the Patriot Ledger.
November 11, 2008
Huntington Audiences Rock to Tom Stoppard
Huntington audiences have always had great affection for Tom Stoppard. He's practically family here - nine productions (thus far) over our 27 year history. Packed houses this past weekend speak well of this relationship to Stoppard's work.
My first exposure to Tom Stoppard here at the Huntington was in 1993 with Undiscovered Country. I don't remember too much about the play - perhaps I was distracted at the time by my own explorations of undiscovered country - but in 1996 when we did Arcadia (Photo above) I was astounded that people went nuts for a play about chaos theory. Since then we've done The Real Thing and now Rock 'n' Roll.
Photo (right): Henry (Rufus Collins) a devoted lover of 1960s pop music, enlists wife Charlotte (Meg Gibson) to help him choose records for an appearance on a radio program in the Huntington Theatre Company’s production of The Real Thing. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.
For those of you who have been coming to the Huntington longer
than I - you may recall Night and Day (Photo left) in 1982, On the Razzle in 1986, Jumpers in 1987, and Travesties in 1991. Other Stoppard titles that you may recognize are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, Every Good Boy Deserves Favour, The Coast of Utopia, The Invention of Love and one of my favorite movies - Shakespeare in Love.
What I enjoy about Stoppard's work is the way it melds an often academic, intellectual and social discussion with a real sense of adventure and interesting human dynamics. The wordplay or verbal wit always adds to the fun.
Are you a Stoppard fan? Why? How do you compare Rock 'n' Roll to other plays that you have seen? What do you think you'll remember about this one?
Is there a song that you associate with a specific political or personal moment from the past? What memories does this music bring back for you? Is there a piece of music that embodies the current political climate?
Please add your thoughts and comments to the discussion
Esme (René Augesen) and Jan (Manoel Felciano) at the momentous Rolling Stones 1990 concert in Prague. Photo: Kevin Berne
The Huntington Theatre Company's production of Tom Stoppard's Rock 'n' Roll, playing November 7 through December 13, 2008 at the Huntington's mainstage; The Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Avenue, Boston MA, 02115 Buy tickets online or call our Box Office - 617 266-0800
My first exposure to Tom Stoppard here at the Huntington was in 1993 with Undiscovered Country. I don't remember too much about the play - perhaps I was distracted at the time by my own explorations of undiscovered country - but in 1996 when we did Arcadia (Photo above) I was astounded that people went nuts for a play about chaos theory. Since then we've done The Real Thing and now Rock 'n' Roll.
Photo (right): Henry (Rufus Collins) a devoted lover of 1960s pop music, enlists wife Charlotte (Meg Gibson) to help him choose records for an appearance on a radio program in the Huntington Theatre Company’s production of The Real Thing. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.For those of you who have been coming to the Huntington longer
than I - you may recall Night and Day (Photo left) in 1982, On the Razzle in 1986, Jumpers in 1987, and Travesties in 1991. Other Stoppard titles that you may recognize are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, Every Good Boy Deserves Favour, The Coast of Utopia, The Invention of Love and one of my favorite movies - Shakespeare in Love.What I enjoy about Stoppard's work is the way it melds an often academic, intellectual and social discussion with a real sense of adventure and interesting human dynamics. The wordplay or verbal wit always adds to the fun.
Are you a Stoppard fan? Why? How do you compare Rock 'n' Roll to other plays that you have seen? What do you think you'll remember about this one?
Is there a song that you associate with a specific political or personal moment from the past? What memories does this music bring back for you? Is there a piece of music that embodies the current political climate?
Please add your thoughts and comments to the discussion
Esme (René Augesen) and Jan (Manoel Felciano) at the momentous Rolling Stones 1990 concert in Prague. Photo: Kevin BerneThe Huntington Theatre Company's production of Tom Stoppard's Rock 'n' Roll, playing November 7 through December 13, 2008 at the Huntington's mainstage; The Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Avenue, Boston MA, 02115 Buy tickets online or call our Box Office - 617 266-0800
Lysistrata, Lizzie Stranton, Liz Estrada, Lydia Diamond
So - shortly after publishing this - I had an nagging feeling something was off. I knew BU CFA's School of Theatre was producing Lysistrata over at the Calderwood Pavilion in December - and that Lydia was doing a lot this fall with the school. Could it be?
Yes - the Boston Globe was wrong (it's not called Liz Estrada) and Lydia's adaptation of Aristophanes' Lysistrata is indeed happening in December at the Wimberly.
I contacted Lydia to get the details: Hi Todd, I hadn't seen the blog, and thank you regardless for thinking of me and including me in it. So, I'm adapting Lysistrata.... the title of which is "Lizzie Stranton" a re-imagining of Aristophanes' Lysistrata.
You can get more info here and here. Huntington subscribers get in for just $10
BTW - Voyeurs de Venus is getting great reviews... It runs through Nov 22 and you can get tickets at our very own BTS.
Yes - the Boston Globe was wrong (it's not called Liz Estrada) and Lydia's adaptation of Aristophanes' Lysistrata is indeed happening in December at the Wimberly.
I contacted Lydia to get the details: Hi Todd, I hadn't seen the blog, and thank you regardless for thinking of me and including me in it. So, I'm adapting Lysistrata.... the title of which is "Lizzie Stranton" a re-imagining of Aristophanes' Lysistrata.
You can get more info here and here. Huntington subscribers get in for just $10
BTW - Voyeurs de Venus is getting great reviews... It runs through Nov 22 and you can get tickets at our very own BTS.
November 10, 2008
Appetite Stimulus Plan - Dining Discounts
Coming to see Rock 'n' Roll between Nov 17 - 22? Take advantage of Open Table's Appetite Stimulus plan and enjoy a $35 prix fix menu at dozens of area restaurants.
Coming on a different date? Check out the dining discounts for our subscribers from our neighbors around the Boston University Theatre or the Calderwood Pavilion
The Huntington Theatre Company's production of Tom Stoppard's Rock 'n' Roll, playing November 7 through December 13, 2008 at the Huntington's mainstage; The Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Avenue, Boston MA, 02115 Buy tickets online or call our Box Office - 617 266-0800
Coming on a different date? Check out the dining discounts for our subscribers from our neighbors around the Boston University Theatre or the Calderwood Pavilion
The Huntington Theatre Company's production of Tom Stoppard's Rock 'n' Roll, playing November 7 through December 13, 2008 at the Huntington's mainstage; The Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Avenue, Boston MA, 02115 Buy tickets online or call our Box Office - 617 266-0800
November 6, 2008
Rock 'n' Roll Music
Listen to tracks online using iTunes, or download the entire soundtrack for the show. Thanks to ACT for putting the soundtrack together!
The Huntington Theatre Company's production of Tom Stoppard's Rock 'n' Roll, playing November 7 through December 13, 2008 at the Huntington's mainstage; The Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Avenue, Boston MA, 02115 Buy tickets online or call our Box Office - 617 266-0800
The Huntington Theatre Company's production of Tom Stoppard's Rock 'n' Roll, playing November 7 through December 13, 2008 at the Huntington's mainstage; The Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Avenue, Boston MA, 02115 Buy tickets online or call our Box Office - 617 266-0800
Rock 'n' Roll Video - Tom Stoppard
Tom Stoppard talks about his play "Rock 'n' Roll" in connection with the protest movement of '68 and the Velvet Revolution. Also features The Plastic People of the Universe. Video from the South Bank Show
For articles, reviews, tickets visit huntingtontheatre.org and for even more production info visit act-sf.org/rock - There's a great podcast interview with director Carey Perloff and playwright Tom Stoppard - click on the multimedia tab
Playwright TOM STOPPARD, now represented at the Huntington with ROCK 'n' ROLL, discusses the etherial process of beginning a new play. Video from Theater Talk.
and just for fun - the out-take from the Theater Talk interview.
The Huntington Theatre Company's production of Tom Stoppard's Rock 'n' Roll, playing November 7 through December 13, 2008 at the Huntington's mainstage; The Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Avenue, Boston MA, 02115 Buy tickets online or call our Box Office - 617 266-0800
November 5, 2008
To Do List
A few of our production department heads met with our new Overseers on Monday to give them a little show and tell. My job was to give them an idea of the time line of a production. My presentation was pretty much an explanation of what is going on this week:
How Shakespeare Won the West: I have to dig in and reconcile some pesky outstanding budget numbers. The horse has just returned to it's stables (ART prop storage).
Wishful Drinking: The production is back in CA - and we've completed repairs on the sound system problems we had during the run.
Boleros: We did some maintenance on the floor this week... and I'm making final budget projections through the end of the run. Arrangements are being made to pack the show up after it closes on Nov. 15 - catch it while you can!
Rock n Roll: Tech/Dress all week - we did leave early last night so we could catch the election results - first preview is Friday.
Corn is Green: Currently being built in the shop - painting starts any day now. Costumes is working with the designer on prelim costume designs. Props is hunting for furniture.
Two Men of Florence: the scenery from the original UK production left Felixstowe GB yesterday on the container ship MSC Sweden - due to arrive in the Port of Boston on Nov. 14th - and make it's way to us some time thereafter post clearing customs. Costumes have received prelim designs and are doing some advance work.
The Miracle at Naples: Prelim scenic designs arrived yesterday. We'll begin to budget, plan, and source the materials for the show this week. I touched base with the costume designer to check on progress.
Lucia di Lammermoor: Design meeting tonight for the Opera that we build for BU CFA Opera Institute.
Pirates: Had a teleconference today with the director, scenic and costume designers. Our first step in realizing the design.
Other meetings this week included the Overseer Orientation on Monday, Executive Committee Meeting yesterday, and Department Head Meeting today. And then there is NEXT Season: We have begun evaluating and budgeting 8-10 projects under consideration. Last year I think we looked at over 20 titles before getting down to our final choice of seven.
One of the overseers asked how I managed to blog amongst all that... it's sometime tough - but at least I don't have to make this stuff up.
How Shakespeare Won the West: I have to dig in and reconcile some pesky outstanding budget numbers. The horse has just returned to it's stables (ART prop storage).
Wishful Drinking: The production is back in CA - and we've completed repairs on the sound system problems we had during the run.
Boleros: We did some maintenance on the floor this week... and I'm making final budget projections through the end of the run. Arrangements are being made to pack the show up after it closes on Nov. 15 - catch it while you can!
Rock n Roll: Tech/Dress all week - we did leave early last night so we could catch the election results - first preview is Friday.
Corn is Green: Currently being built in the shop - painting starts any day now. Costumes is working with the designer on prelim costume designs. Props is hunting for furniture.
Two Men of Florence: the scenery from the original UK production left Felixstowe GB yesterday on the container ship MSC Sweden - due to arrive in the Port of Boston on Nov. 14th - and make it's way to us some time thereafter post clearing customs. Costumes have received prelim designs and are doing some advance work.
The Miracle at Naples: Prelim scenic designs arrived yesterday. We'll begin to budget, plan, and source the materials for the show this week. I touched base with the costume designer to check on progress.
Lucia di Lammermoor: Design meeting tonight for the Opera that we build for BU CFA Opera Institute.
Pirates: Had a teleconference today with the director, scenic and costume designers. Our first step in realizing the design.
Other meetings this week included the Overseer Orientation on Monday, Executive Committee Meeting yesterday, and Department Head Meeting today. And then there is NEXT Season: We have begun evaluating and budgeting 8-10 projects under consideration. Last year I think we looked at over 20 titles before getting down to our final choice of seven.
One of the overseers asked how I managed to blog amongst all that... it's sometime tough - but at least I don't have to make this stuff up.
November 4, 2008
VOTE - TUNE OUT - HUNKER DOWN
I'm on my way to the polls - just taking one more moment to urge you to vote NO on Question One.
If you are still in the mood to voice your opinion after you've cast your ballot - join the conversations going on about Boleros (here and here) and Wishful Drinking (here).
Don't know what to do on election night? The Boston Globe has a few ideas on how to survive; Join the Party, Hunker Down, or Tune Out. I like their advice on tuning out - a performance of Boleros for the Disenchanted. Then you can hunker down or join the party a little later in the evening if you like. Me? I'll be in tech rehearsals for Rock n Roll until 11:30 tonight - then I'll be hunkering down... unless my friends are still at the party...
PS - the discounted preview performance tickets for Rock n Roll are almost gone. Looks like we've got some full houses ahead of us. If you are thinking of going - get your tickets now.
The Huntington Theatre Company's production of Boleros for the Disenchanted by José Rivera. Playing through November 15, 2008 at the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA - 527 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116. Photos by T. Charles Erickson
The Huntington Theatre Company's production of Tom Stoppard's Rock 'n' Roll, playing November 7 through December 13, 2008 at the Huntington's mainstage; The Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Avenue, Boston MA, 02115 Buy tickets online or call our Box Office - 617 266-0800
If you are still in the mood to voice your opinion after you've cast your ballot - join the conversations going on about Boleros (here and here) and Wishful Drinking (here).
Don't know what to do on election night? The Boston Globe has a few ideas on how to survive; Join the Party, Hunker Down, or Tune Out. I like their advice on tuning out - a performance of Boleros for the Disenchanted. Then you can hunker down or join the party a little later in the evening if you like. Me? I'll be in tech rehearsals for Rock n Roll until 11:30 tonight - then I'll be hunkering down... unless my friends are still at the party...
PS - the discounted preview performance tickets for Rock n Roll are almost gone. Looks like we've got some full houses ahead of us. If you are thinking of going - get your tickets now.
The Huntington Theatre Company's production of Boleros for the Disenchanted by José Rivera. Playing through November 15, 2008 at the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA - 527 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116. Photos by T. Charles Erickson
The Huntington Theatre Company's production of Tom Stoppard's Rock 'n' Roll, playing November 7 through December 13, 2008 at the Huntington's mainstage; The Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Avenue, Boston MA, 02115 Buy tickets online or call our Box Office - 617 266-0800
November 3, 2008
Lydia Diamond - Voyeurs de Venus
Huntington Playwriting Fellow Lydia Diamond is getting a lot of well deserved attention in Boston's papers this week. Click to read the Boston Globe and Edge Boston articles.
Lydia's plays The Bluest Eye, Harriet Jacobs, Stick Fly and Voyeurs de Venus have seen many readings and productions in the region - and now you can catch Company One's new production of Voyeurs de Venus over at the BCA. Tickets, of course, are available at our very own box office and at bostontheatrescene.com
Lydia's newest play, Liz Estrada, currently in development, may hit a local stage soon. Let's hope so!
Lydia's plays The Bluest Eye, Harriet Jacobs, Stick Fly and Voyeurs de Venus have seen many readings and productions in the region - and now you can catch Company One's new production of Voyeurs de Venus over at the BCA. Tickets, of course, are available at our very own box office and at bostontheatrescene.com
Lydia's newest play, Liz Estrada, currently in development, may hit a local stage soon. Let's hope so!
November 2, 2008
Feedback
Feedback - not the kind that howls in your ear when the board op raises the level on the mic too much. More like the kind where people tell you what they think... and we like that kind.
We've been reaching out to people who saw Wishful Drinking and Boleros for the Disenchanted - asking them to tell us what they thought about the play - and people are starting to respond. Click to read and add your comments.
We've been reaching out to people who saw Wishful Drinking and Boleros for the Disenchanted - asking them to tell us what they thought about the play - and people are starting to respond. Click to read and add your comments.
October 30, 2008
mas Boleros
and our friends at bostonlatinotv.com partied with us at opening night...
The Huntington Theatre Company's production of Boleros for the Disenchanted by José Rivera. Playing through November 15, 2008 at the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA - 527 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116. Tickets 617 266-7900. Photos by T. Charles Erickson
The Huntington Theatre Company's production of Boleros for the Disenchanted by José Rivera. Playing through November 15, 2008 at the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA - 527 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116. Tickets 617 266-7900. Photos by T. Charles Erickson
October 28, 2008
Hablamos Boleros
TuBoston.com was in the house last week for a great evening at our Latino Night - where about 80 community members enjoyed a preshow reception with Peter DuBois and a performance of Boleros for the Disenchanted. This is their video:
Meanwhile - Rock n Roll is loading in at the BU Theatre. Carrie Fisher is back in LA - but I think Boston will be talking about her for weeks to come.... like at the Boston Herald for instance.
The Huntington Theatre Company's production of Boleros for the Disenchanted by José Rivera. Playing through November 15, 2008 at the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA - 527 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116. Tickets 617 266-7900
Meanwhile - Rock n Roll is loading in at the BU Theatre. Carrie Fisher is back in LA - but I think Boston will be talking about her for weeks to come.... like at the Boston Herald for instance.
The Huntington Theatre Company's production of Boleros for the Disenchanted by José Rivera. Playing through November 15, 2008 at the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA - 527 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116. Tickets 617 266-7900
In Box - We Need Your Vote
This is from Dan Hunter and Hathalee Higgs at Massachusetts Advocates for the Arts, Sciences and Humanities (MAASH):
Learn About Question 1—the ballot referendum to cut state spending
Dear Friends,
Will Question 1—the proposal to cut state spending by 40%—be defeated? The latest polls look good. But, defeating Question 1 isn’t enough. Six years ago, 45% of the electorate voted to end the income tax to send a message that state investment in our communities is wrong. We need to defeat Question 1 overwhelmingly to keep the state investing in our communities and in arts and culture.
MAASH invites all members of the cultural community to attend a cultural town meeting at the Mass. College of Art today from 5:30 to 6:30 pm:
MAASH Town Meeting:
Tuesday, October 28:
Mass. College of Art
621 Huntington Avenue
Boston, 5:30 pm—6:30 pm
We will discuss Question 1, the state budget cuts and the current political climate for arts and culture. We will provide you with talking points, bumper stickers, and yard signs so you can help with the Vote No on 1 campaign. We will also provide refreshments.
You will also be able to give voice to your concerns and questions about the coming budget year, the elections and the future of arts and culture in Massachusetts. More information on Question 1 and the locations of upcoming town meetings follow.
We look forward to seeing you today.
Thank you for your support.
Dan Hunter
Executive Director
Hathalee Higgs
Other town meetings:
Tuesday, October 28: Mass. College of Art, Boston, 5:30 pm—6:30 pm Wednesday, October 29: Amherst Cinema, Amherst, 12 noon--1 pm
Wednesday, October 29: The Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield, 5:30—6:30 pm
Thurs. October 30: Framingham Civic League, Framingham,
8:30 am--9:30 am
Thurs. October 30: Blackburn Performing Arts, Gloucester, 5:30—6:30 pm
Question 1
MAASH Town Meeting Today
Mass. College of Art
621 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA
5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Refreshments
Question 1 Will Eliminate All State Cultural FundingLearn About Question 1—the ballot referendum to cut state spending
by $12.7 Billion
Dear Friends,
Will Question 1—the proposal to cut state spending by 40%—be defeated? The latest polls look good. But, defeating Question 1 isn’t enough. Six years ago, 45% of the electorate voted to end the income tax to send a message that state investment in our communities is wrong. We need to defeat Question 1 overwhelmingly to keep the state investing in our communities and in arts and culture.
MAASH invites all members of the cultural community to attend a cultural town meeting at the Mass. College of Art today from 5:30 to 6:30 pm:
MAASH Town Meeting:
Tuesday, October 28:
Mass. College of Art
621 Huntington Avenue
Boston, 5:30 pm—6:30 pm
We will discuss Question 1, the state budget cuts and the current political climate for arts and culture. We will provide you with talking points, bumper stickers, and yard signs so you can help with the Vote No on 1 campaign. We will also provide refreshments.
You will also be able to give voice to your concerns and questions about the coming budget year, the elections and the future of arts and culture in Massachusetts. More information on Question 1 and the locations of upcoming town meetings follow.
We look forward to seeing you today.
Thank you for your support.
Dan Hunter
Executive Director
Hathalee Higgs
Development Director
Massachusetts Advocates for the Arts, Sciences & Humanities (MAASH)
Other town meetings:
Tuesday, October 28: Mass. College of Art, Boston, 5:30 pm—6:30 pm Wednesday, October 29: Amherst Cinema, Amherst, 12 noon--1 pm
Wednesday, October 29: The Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield, 5:30—6:30 pm
Thurs. October 30: Framingham Civic League, Framingham,
8:30 am--9:30 am
Thurs. October 30: Blackburn Performing Arts, Gloucester, 5:30—6:30 pm
Question 1
Question 1 on the state ballot in November is a binding referendum to eliminate the state income tax effective January 1, 2009. This is a proposal with immediate consequences for all of us.
Overnight, the state would lose $12.7 billion in revenue—40% of the state budget. This could eliminate all cultural funding, drive up local property taxes, and lead to drastic cuts to fundamental state services in education, health care, and public safety.
In 2002, a ballot referendum to eliminate the income tax nearly passed, winning 45% approval. Though that referendum failed, the high percentage of support helped to convince legislators that it was politically impossible to increase revenue to meet the needs of our communities.
It is vital that the cultural community support state investment in our communities and strongly oppose Question 1. Click here to register your opposition:
http://capwiz.com/artsusa/ma/
We need to mobilize to defeat Question 1. Register your opposition by sending an e-mail today.
When you register through MAASH, you become part of the key voting bloc being organized by the Coalition for Our Communities, a growing coalition of civic, human services, environmental, labor, faith and business organizations that oppose the ballot question to eliminate the income tax.
After you register, you will receive an e-mail reminder to “Vote No on Question 1” shortly before the election on November 4th.
By registering now, you help the campaign know its strength in the coming campaign to defeat Question 1.
Non-profit, 501 (c ) 3 organizations are legally allowed to take a public position on ballot referendums. A ballot referendum is considered legislation (as opposed to a partisan election) and voters are considered legislators. Therefore, cultural organizations, leaders, and supporters can actively work against Question 1, as long as they don’t devote more than a substantial portion of their resources or devote more than 20% of their annual budget.
Register as an opponent of Question 1 on the MAASH web site or by sending an e-mail with name and address to me at dhunter@maash.org.
We need to defeat Question 1 by a large margin so that the state can continue its investment in our communities.
October 25, 2008
Boleros Audience Reviews
Some of our audience told us what they thought about the show. What do you think makes for a good marriage? Did you see it? How would you rate the marriage of Flora and Eusubio ?
Feel free to reply and let us know...
More Boleros content can be found by clicking on the Boleros link in the index to the right.
The Huntington Theatre Company's production of Boleros for the Disenchanted by José Rivera. Playing through November 15, 2008 at the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA - 527 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116. Tickets 617 266-7900
checking in
I'm in lovely Minneapolis this week for dual conferences; LORT (League of Resident Theatres) and PMF (Production Managers Forum). There has been plenty going on here given the volatile state of our current economy.
And there has been plenty going on back in Boston - with Boleros for the Disenchanted continuing a great run to very nice houses at the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA, and Carrie Fisher's Wishful Drinking wrapping up performances at the BU Theatre. Some good seats available for both.
And there has been plenty going on back in Boston - with Boleros for the Disenchanted continuing a great run to very nice houses at the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA, and Carrie Fisher's Wishful Drinking wrapping up performances at the BU Theatre. Some good seats available for both.
October 17, 2008
Boleros for the Disenchanted - Photos
The promised blogsculsive photos
Jaime Tirelli (Don Fermin) and Monica Raymund (Flora) chat and play dominos in Milaflores
Monica Raymund (Flora) and Maria-Christina Oliveras (Monica) dish the dirt in Santurce
Socoro Santiago (Dona Milla) and Jaime Tirelli (Don Fermin) get ready to meet the new boyfriend back in Milaflores
Socorro Sanitago (Old Flora) - tends to her mothers plants transition to Alabama
Socorro Santiago (Old Flora) and Jaime Tirelli (Old Eusebio) comfort each other
Jaime Tirelli (Don Fermin) and Monica Raymund (Flora) chat and play dominos in MilafloresMonica Raymund (Flora) and Maria-Christina Oliveras (Monica) dish the dirt in SanturceSocoro Santiago (Dona Milla) and Jaime Tirelli (Don Fermin) get ready to meet the new boyfriend back in MilafloresSocorro Sanitago (Old Flora) - tends to her mothers plants transition to AlabamaSocorro Santiago (Old Flora) and Jaime Tirelli (Old Eusebio) comfort each otherThe Huntington Theatre Company's production of Boleros for the Disenchanted by José Rivera. Playing through November 15, 2008 at the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA - 527 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116. Tickets 617 266-7900. Photos: T. Charles Erickson
October 15, 2008
Boleros - Before and After
My last post may have given you the impression that we're all serious and composed about our work around here. I wanted to reinforce that notion.
Costume Designer Anita Yavich "conducts" a fitting of Flora's wedding dress. First Hand Becky Hylton and Draper Penney Pinette peel back the layers while Monica Raymund (Flora) tries to avoid injury.
and here is Monica Raymund (Flora) in the dress again (sans veil and gloves) at the end of Act I. It's a slightly more serious moment. More blogsclusive Boleros photos tomorrow.The Huntington Theatre Company's production of Boleros for the Disenchanted by José Rivera. Playing through November 15, 2008 at the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA - 527 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116. Tickets 617 266-7900. Photo: T. Charles Erickson
Wishful Drinking Reviews
Just in case you thought my last post about the stormtroopers was a gag...
(scroll down for the reviews)
(scroll down for the reviews)
Marketing Associate Vawnya Nichols gets busted for attempting to rush the box office
Artistic Associate Bevin O'Gara and Production Associate Adam Krueger teach these scary guys a thing or two about life in OUR world.
and finally - Artistic Director Peter DuBois and Managing Director Michael Maso give Darth Vadar some advice. If I told you more I would have to kill you.ANYWAY - I saw the show on Saturday evening with some friends. I have to admit that I wasn't sure that listening to Carrie Fisher talk about hairmuffs, Hollywood inbreeding, drugs, addiction, and depression for two hours was really going to be all that much fun. My doubts were totally unfounded. It is great fun - a blast even. If you don't believe me - click below and see what these folks had to say:
"Laughter is indeed the best medicine" - Boston Globe
"Wishful Drinking is loaded..." - Boston Herald
"Still Crazy after all these years" - The Phoenix
"I don't know Carrie Fisher personally, but I feel like I do" - Cape Cod Times
What did you think? Please comment or add your own review. What was your favorite part of the show?
Wishful Drinking - written and performed by Carrie Fisher. Presented by the Huntington Theatre Company at the Boston University Theatre - 264 Huntington Ave - Boston, MA 02115 617 266-7900
October 10, 2008
Storm Troopers Raid BU Theatre
This is just a cut and paste from an all staff email today - no further explanation necessary:
Hello all,
The battle for supremacy of the galaxy comes to a head tonight at the first preview of WISHFUL DRINKING at the BU Theatre, when members of the 501st New England Garrison descend on Huntington Avenue.
About a dozen troupers will be strutting their stuff outside the theatre from approximately 7:00-7:45pm and then be attending the show.
Click for more info on these guys. Stop by tonight and get your picture taken with Boba Fett!
May the force be with you,
Adam Roberts Skywalker
Wishful Drinking - written and performed by Carrie Fisher. Presented by the Huntington Theatre Company at the Boston University Theatre - 264 Huntington Ave - Boston, MA 02115 617 266-7900
Hello all,
The battle for supremacy of the galaxy comes to a head tonight at the first preview of WISHFUL DRINKING at the BU Theatre, when members of the 501st New England Garrison descend on Huntington Avenue.About a dozen troupers will be strutting their stuff outside the theatre from approximately 7:00-7:45pm and then be attending the show.
Click for more info on these guys. Stop by tonight and get your picture taken with Boba Fett!
May the force be with you,
Adam Roberts Skywalker
Wishful Drinking - written and performed by Carrie Fisher. Presented by the Huntington Theatre Company at the Boston University Theatre - 264 Huntington Ave - Boston, MA 02115 617 266-7900
NECN - Carrie Fisher
Wishful Drinking - written and performed by Carrie Fisher. Presented by the Huntington Theatre Company at the Boston University Theatre - 264 Huntington Ave - Boston, MA 02115 617 266-7900
October 9, 2008
Boleros for the Disenchanted - Video
The Huntington Theatre Company's production of Boleros for the Disenchanted by José Rivera. Playing through November 15, 2008 at the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA - 527 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116. Tickets 617 266-7900. Photos: T. Charles Erickson
October 5, 2008
In Box - and other bits
It's a busy week...
Today is first tech for Boleros for the Disenchanted by Jose Rivera. So I'm sitting at my tech table in the Wimberly keeping an eye on the proceedings while following up on some email ignored earlier in the week, proofing a few documents, and catching up on my online reading.
A couple of my department heads have dashed over to the BU Theatre where How Shakespeare Won the West just closed. Lights, Sound and Props will clear everything off the deck tonight so scenery can come in and strike the rest of the set tomorrow. I've still got to post some embarrasing and self depricating photos from opening night... just you wait.
We'll start getting ready for Wishful Drinking on Wednesday. The production arrives on Thursday, with a short tech on Friday afternoon. Both Boleros and Wishful will have their Boston premieres on Friday evening.
The Boston Globe sent Megan Tench to Hartford CT last month to talk with Carrie Fisher in Wishful Drinking. Little did Megan know that Carrie would give the interview from bed... read it all here. The Herald also has an interview.
There's been a little news re: Nicky Martin. The Globe ran an update, and local blogs the The Hub Review and The Mirror up to Nature sent their best wishes. One reader - read the last comment on the the Mirror post - also took the opportunity to chide me for not posting often enough. He's right - but hey - the blog had it's 2 year anniversary this week - and we have an average of 2.7 posts per week over that period. I don't feel too guilty. He also expressed his disappointment in the Boston press for their lack of coverage.
ANYWAY...
I've heard that they had to move Nicky to a larger room to accommodate the abundance of floral arrangements, and I've had several first hand confirmations that Nick is in good spirits and is receiving many visitors.
In other news - Campbell Scott is remounting The Atheist in NYC. Playbill has a nice interview here.
Photo Credits
Boleros: (l-r) Jaime Tirelli, Socorro Santiago, Monica Raymund, and Elliot Villar portray two generations of the same married couple in the Huntington Theatre Company's production of Boleros for the Disenchanted playing October 10 through November 15 at the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA. Photo: Eric Antoniou
How Shakespeare Won the West: The company rests on their journey to California in the Huntington Theatre Company's production of How Shakespeare Won the West, playing September 5 through October 5 at the Huntington's mainstage, the B.U. Theatre. Photo: T. Charles Erickson.
Wishful Drinking: Image of Carrie Fisher in the the Berkeley Rep production of Wishful Drinking. Photo: Kevin Berne.
Today is first tech for Boleros for the Disenchanted by Jose Rivera. So I'm sitting at my tech table in the Wimberly keeping an eye on the proceedings while following up on some email ignored earlier in the week, proofing a few documents, and catching up on my online reading.A couple of my department heads have dashed over to the BU Theatre where How Shakespeare Won the West just closed. Lights, Sound and Props will clear everything off the deck tonight so scenery can come in and strike the rest of the set tomorrow. I've still got to post some embarrasing and self depricating photos from opening night... just you wait.We'll start getting ready for Wishful Drinking on Wednesday. The production arrives on Thursday, with a short tech on Friday afternoon. Both Boleros and Wishful will have their Boston premieres on Friday evening.
The Boston Globe sent Megan Tench to Hartford CT last month to talk with Carrie Fisher in Wishful Drinking. Little did Megan know that Carrie would give the interview from bed... read it all here. The Herald also has an interview.There's been a little news re: Nicky Martin. The Globe ran an update, and local blogs the The Hub Review and The Mirror up to Nature sent their best wishes. One reader - read the last comment on the the Mirror post - also took the opportunity to chide me for not posting often enough. He's right - but hey - the blog had it's 2 year anniversary this week - and we have an average of 2.7 posts per week over that period. I don't feel too guilty. He also expressed his disappointment in the Boston press for their lack of coverage.
ANYWAY...
I've heard that they had to move Nicky to a larger room to accommodate the abundance of floral arrangements, and I've had several first hand confirmations that Nick is in good spirits and is receiving many visitors.
In other news - Campbell Scott is remounting The Atheist in NYC. Playbill has a nice interview here.
Photo Credits
Boleros: (l-r) Jaime Tirelli, Socorro Santiago, Monica Raymund, and Elliot Villar portray two generations of the same married couple in the Huntington Theatre Company's production of Boleros for the Disenchanted playing October 10 through November 15 at the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA. Photo: Eric Antoniou
How Shakespeare Won the West: The company rests on their journey to California in the Huntington Theatre Company's production of How Shakespeare Won the West, playing September 5 through October 5 at the Huntington's mainstage, the B.U. Theatre. Photo: T. Charles Erickson.
Wishful Drinking: Image of Carrie Fisher in the the Berkeley Rep production of Wishful Drinking. Photo: Kevin Berne.
October 3, 2008
The 39 Steps continues
A few staffers caught a glimpse of The 39 Steps on today's Good Morning America showon ABC TV. I watch NBC's Today show - so I missed it live - but thank goodness for the www where you too can take a backstage peek at the Broadway production currently running at the Cort.
Those are the sets, props and costumes that we built here on Huntington Ave over a year ago.
Well - maybe some things are new - it has been a year.
The role of Hannay is now played by Sam Robards (above).
Photo by Joan Marcus
Those are the sets, props and costumes that we built here on Huntington Ave over a year ago.
Well - maybe some things are new - it has been a year.
The role of Hannay is now played by Sam Robards (above).
Photo by Joan Marcus
September 26, 2008
Nicholas Martin News
We learned late last night that Nicholas Martin was hospitalized after a small stroke yesterday. Word is that Nicky is doing well, in good spirits, and no doubt entertaining the hospital staff. He is expected to make a full recovery after a yet undetermined period of rehabilitation.Nicky was directing Noah Haidle's Saturn Returns at Lincoln Center in NY. Playbill.com has that news here.
Nicholas Martin is Artist Emeritus at the Huntington and is slated to direct The Corn is Green starring Kate Burton and her son Morgan Ritchie later this season. He is currently artistic director of the Williamstown Theatre Festival.
Please join me in wishing Nicholas a speedy recovery. I'll keep you posted as I can.
- Todd
September 18, 2008
Adam Pascal Live
I'm heading to the South End tonight to see Adam Pascal at the Calderwood Pavilion. I put this You Tube playlist together to get an idea of what I'm getting into. I've never actually seen Rent or Aida in the theater. The playlist has 5 clips - and about 20 minutes of Adam and his friends performing. Pick the song you know - and enjoy.
Tickets ($20 to $45) and more info - click here
Tickets ($20 to $45) and more info - click here
September 16, 2008
September 11, 2008
Playwright in the House
Richard Nelson, the author of How Shakespeare Won the West is in the house. Right now - on the day before our press opening - making an adjustment to the opening of the play. And he was here for the first rehearsal. And practically every day in between making daily tweaks and corrections. That's five weeks thus far.
I'm not complaining, mind you, just making sure your understand.
It is standard practice, whenever we do a new play, that the playwright visits and participates in the process. The level of involvement, however, can vary greatly. Even with Richard. He wrote our adaption of The Cherry Orchard a few years back - and I think he was here for just a few days. I expect we'll see a lot of Jose Rivera and Richard Goodwin this season - maybe even Tom Stoppard - who knows.
I think it's pretty cool having these folks in the room. It's when I get a little star struck. I mean really... Richard Nelson, Teresa Rebeck, August Wilson, Tom Stoppard? How can that not be exciting. And then there are folks like Melinda Lopez, Ronan Noone, and Sinan Unel... people who might not (yet) have Tonys, but who you know and root for and talk to like a friend.
You spend a couple of weeks in tech and preview with these folks and you have a new appreciation for their craft - it's amazing how much the experience can heighten your emotional attachment to the work.
What we try to do at the Huntington is create a comfortable environment for our artistic team (the actors, director, designers, and playwright) in order that they can do their best work and bring you the best of their work.
The relationship a playwright has with their play, the director, and the theatre and it's staff is different on each production. Some are primarily interested in the text, some in the direction, some in the technical elements, and some even in participating in casting the production. Some actively seek feedback from the team - and some don't. For most it's some combination of all of the above. Part of the fun of my job is figuring out what that dynamic is and how to best navigate it.
One of the things I like best about my job is that it brings different challenges on a daily basis... this is just one more example.
I would love to hear from those of you out there who have participated in the creation of a new work - people who have been there in the room helping form a new play. Designers, directors, artistic directors (yah you DuBois!), staff, actors, audiences, and even yous playwrights. Yep - I know you are out there...
What kind of collaboration suits you best?
What makes for a productive and valuable relationship between the playwright, director, artistic team and staff? What gets in the way?
What else have you to say on the topic? Click below and let me know...
I'm not complaining, mind you, just making sure your understand.
It is standard practice, whenever we do a new play, that the playwright visits and participates in the process. The level of involvement, however, can vary greatly. Even with Richard. He wrote our adaption of The Cherry Orchard a few years back - and I think he was here for just a few days. I expect we'll see a lot of Jose Rivera and Richard Goodwin this season - maybe even Tom Stoppard - who knows.
I think it's pretty cool having these folks in the room. It's when I get a little star struck. I mean really... Richard Nelson, Teresa Rebeck, August Wilson, Tom Stoppard? How can that not be exciting. And then there are folks like Melinda Lopez, Ronan Noone, and Sinan Unel... people who might not (yet) have Tonys, but who you know and root for and talk to like a friend.
You spend a couple of weeks in tech and preview with these folks and you have a new appreciation for their craft - it's amazing how much the experience can heighten your emotional attachment to the work.
What we try to do at the Huntington is create a comfortable environment for our artistic team (the actors, director, designers, and playwright) in order that they can do their best work and bring you the best of their work.
The relationship a playwright has with their play, the director, and the theatre and it's staff is different on each production. Some are primarily interested in the text, some in the direction, some in the technical elements, and some even in participating in casting the production. Some actively seek feedback from the team - and some don't. For most it's some combination of all of the above. Part of the fun of my job is figuring out what that dynamic is and how to best navigate it.
One of the things I like best about my job is that it brings different challenges on a daily basis... this is just one more example.
I would love to hear from those of you out there who have participated in the creation of a new work - people who have been there in the room helping form a new play. Designers, directors, artistic directors (yah you DuBois!), staff, actors, audiences, and even yous playwrights. Yep - I know you are out there...
What kind of collaboration suits you best?
What makes for a productive and valuable relationship between the playwright, director, artistic team and staff? What gets in the way?
What else have you to say on the topic? Click below and let me know...
September 8, 2008
September 6, 2008
Inbox
The fall previews are starting to hit the papers - here are a few links:
Curtain Rises on a New Director - on Peter DuBois in the Boston Globe
Boston Theatre brings in Young Blood - on Peter DuBois in the Patriot Ledger
BU Today - on Peter and our BU Community Night
Theater's Journeyman - on Richard Nelson in the Boston Globe
Tom Stoppard's Rock n Roll at ACT - on Tom Stoppard in the San Francisco Gate
Easy Does It - on greater Boston's fall theater scene in Theatre Mania
Prop Drops - on Adam Pascal in Playbill news
Mother and Daughter Keep the Show Going On - on Wishful Drinking at Hartford Stage
Curtain Rises on a New Director - on Peter DuBois in the Boston GlobeBoston Theatre brings in Young Blood - on Peter DuBois in the Patriot Ledger
BU Today - on Peter and our BU Community Night
Theater's Journeyman - on Richard Nelson in the Boston GlobeTom Stoppard's Rock n Roll at ACT - on Tom Stoppard in the San Francisco GateEasy Does It - on greater Boston's fall theater scene in Theatre Mania
Prop Drops - on Adam Pascal in Playbill news
Mother and Daughter Keep the Show Going On - on Wishful Drinking at Hartford Stage
September 5, 2008
How Shakespeare Won the West - Final Dress
Tonight was our final dress rehearsal - the show begins previews Friday Night (9/5/08). It was an excellent run after 4 days of tech. We had a good turnout of staff in the house to experience the fun - and we'll share it all with good sized preview audiences this weekend. When are you coming?
I've been thinking about what to focus on here in the blog for this production.
There is some fun tech stuff as usual. The set is a big open wooden structure - pretty cool of itself.
The tech challenges have really been a test of our theatre curtain rigging 101 skills: We have roll drops, and we have curtain on a traveler track - which opens to reveal another curtain behind it. We have curtains that fly, we have a curtain that look like a Tee Pee, and we have bunting that swags. We have a drop that that rises up from the floor - it's on a winch. We have a curtain that falls down, and one that's hung like a clothes line. And then there's the one that's called an Austrian Curtain (def - a curtain that is raised (opened) with bailed lifting lines and is sewn with both vertical and horizontal fullness). 15 feet or curtain have to appear out of no where. We're still working on that.
I think I've got them all. Oops one more - a banner that had scene titles projected on it. The projected titles were cut tonight. We'll see what happens to the banner tomorrow.
Need a refresher course on your rigging terms? Click here.
Then we have some glorious period costumes - city wear, western wear, and even some good olde Elizabethan Shakespearean garb. Yep - even the horse has a ruffle around it's neck.
The crew cleans up tonight as Richard Nelson (playwright) and Peter DuBois (Huntington Artistic Director) talk onstage after tonight's dress rehearsal.
But I'll talk more about that stuff when the pictures that Charlie Erickson took tonight are in hand. 'Cause all of that isn't really what I intended to write about in this post...
What I think I'll try to explore is what it means to have the playwright around when you're doing a world premiere (or otherwise rehearsing their play). Yes - we're doing Shakespeare, but this is a new play by Richard Nelson. I've also had the pleasure of being in tech with Melinda Lopez, Roonan Noone, Teresa Rebeck, Sinan Unel, Jon Robin Baitz, Noah Haidle, and August Wilson (just to name a few). It is a very different experience - and not just for the tech staff. Heck - the director and the actors get more notes from the playwright than I ever do.
But more on this idea later. It's one AM - I am unwound and ready for bed - and I have to be back at work in about 8 hrs. Stay tuned for more. I'll be looking for your thoughts on the subject, too...
I've been thinking about what to focus on here in the blog for this production.
There is some fun tech stuff as usual. The set is a big open wooden structure - pretty cool of itself.
The tech challenges have really been a test of our theatre curtain rigging 101 skills: We have roll drops, and we have curtain on a traveler track - which opens to reveal another curtain behind it. We have curtains that fly, we have a curtain that look like a Tee Pee, and we have bunting that swags. We have a drop that that rises up from the floor - it's on a winch. We have a curtain that falls down, and one that's hung like a clothes line. And then there's the one that's called an Austrian Curtain (def - a curtain that is raised (opened) with bailed lifting lines and is sewn with both vertical and horizontal fullness). 15 feet or curtain have to appear out of no where. We're still working on that.
I think I've got them all. Oops one more - a banner that had scene titles projected on it. The projected titles were cut tonight. We'll see what happens to the banner tomorrow.
Need a refresher course on your rigging terms? Click here.
Then we have some glorious period costumes - city wear, western wear, and even some good olde Elizabethan Shakespearean garb. Yep - even the horse has a ruffle around it's neck.
The crew cleans up tonight as Richard Nelson (playwright) and Peter DuBois (Huntington Artistic Director) talk onstage after tonight's dress rehearsal.
But I'll talk more about that stuff when the pictures that Charlie Erickson took tonight are in hand. 'Cause all of that isn't really what I intended to write about in this post...
What I think I'll try to explore is what it means to have the playwright around when you're doing a world premiere (or otherwise rehearsing their play). Yes - we're doing Shakespeare, but this is a new play by Richard Nelson. I've also had the pleasure of being in tech with Melinda Lopez, Roonan Noone, Teresa Rebeck, Sinan Unel, Jon Robin Baitz, Noah Haidle, and August Wilson (just to name a few). It is a very different experience - and not just for the tech staff. Heck - the director and the actors get more notes from the playwright than I ever do.
But more on this idea later. It's one AM - I am unwound and ready for bed - and I have to be back at work in about 8 hrs. Stay tuned for more. I'll be looking for your thoughts on the subject, too...
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