Tag Archives: directing

Finally! Williamston Theatre’s FULL 2013-2014 Season!

We’ve finally got the rights secured to our 6th show for next season, so we can eliminate that pesky “TBA” from our 2014 Summer Slot!

So, here’s the COMPLETE Williamston Theatre 2013-2014 season.

THE WOMAN IN BLACK
Adapted by Stehen Mallatratt from the book by Susan Hill
October 3, 2013 to November 3, 2013

It was a dark and stormy night…
Join us for a spine tingling tale of things that go bump in the night. A neighborhood is held hostage by the shadowy figure of a woman who haunts the locale where her illegitimate child was killed years before. Legend holds that any soul encountering her will perish on the spot! Two men attempt to solve her mystery, and release their neighborhood from her spell, by recreating the events leading to her first sighting. But will they solve the mystery before they, too, fall victim to her deadly gaze?

OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS
By Joe DiPietro
November 29, 2013 to December 29, 2013

Meet Nick – a single guy from New Jersey with four adoring, and adorable, grandparents. Frank, Aida, Nunzio and Emma fold Nick into their warmth every Sunday for a traditional dinner with la famiglia, and try to impart to him the importance of family, a good meal and a good wife. When he tells them of his plans to move across the country for the job of his dreams, the news doesn’t sit so well. They go into full crisis mode and pull out every scheme in the book to get him to stay close to home – including baiting him with pretty Caitlin O’Hara, the girl next door. This is one to share with your family this holiday season.

THE LION IN WINTER
By James Goldman
January 23, 2014 to February 23, 2014

Uneasy is the head on which the crown lies, and uneasy the truce between a matchless king and queen. This is the legendary story of King Henry II of England, and the battle between his fiercely competitive sons to be chosen next in line for the thrown. Add in his banished Queen, the notorious Eleanor of Aquitaine, mother of said sons and equally competitive, and King Louis of France, and two countries find themselves on the brink of bloody war at the whim of a temperamental and power hungry family. This classic tale of deception, manipulation and world dominance will draw you into its irresistible web, and might not let you go without a fight.

FRANKIE AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE
By Terrence McNally
March 20, 2014 to April 20, 2014

Frankie is a waitress at a second rate restaurant who gives in to the temptation of a one-night stand with her co-worker Johnny after a few weeks of working together. But Johnny has other ideas. A compulsive talker, and hopeless romantic, Johnny begins the process of wooing Frankie, hoping that she will return his proclamations of love. World-weary and battle-worn, Frankie needs a lot of convincing that this won’t be yet another disappointment in life. As their night together unfolds, they are surprised by the discoveries they make about each other, and themselves. Winner of the Dramatists Guild Hull Warriner Award, this bittersweet comedy combines poignancy and laughter as it traces the unlikely romance that begins to develop between two middle-aged “losers.”

OLD LOVE
By Norm Foster
May 15, 2014 to June 15, 2014

He’s recently divorced. She’s newly-widowed. He’s a man who won’t give up, and she’s a woman who won’t give in. In a story that spans three decades, we travel with two unlikely companions who encounter each other at strange and inopportune times. When the time is finally right, will they be able to give in to their desires for courtship? Find out if a trip to the circus is what it takes to start over, again.

THE BIG BANG
Book and Lyrics by Boyd Graham
Music by Jed Feuer
July 10, 2014 to August 17, 2014

Jed and Boyd need your cash!  Have you ever wanted to invest in a Broadway Musical?  In this outrageous musical comedy, two wanna-be tycoons are desperate to line up funding for their new project, “The Big Bang”, so they’ve set up a “backers’ audition” and you’re invited!  With a cast of hundreds, the overblown extravaganza they’ve written is the biggest thing Broadway has ever seen and depicts the entire history of the world – from the formation of the planets right through the most important events – Adam and Eve!  The Pyramids!  Cher!  Will Broadway ever be the same?  This zany song-and-dance romp will leave you breathless!

——–

I’m really excited about this season, some terrific pieces and some challenges for us.  I love the blend of the contemporary stuff and some classics, some heartwarming stuff and a lot of life affirming joy.  Plus, next season we’ll be bringing back our Dark Nights In Billtown festival, as well as announcing a few more special projects.  The future looks good!  :)

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Williamston Theatre 2013-2014 Season

I’m so excited about next season!

    WILLIAMSTON THEATRE
    2013-2014 SEASON

THE WOMAN IN BLACK
Adapted by Stehen Mallatratt from the book by Susan Hill
October 3, 2013 to November 3, 2013

It was a dark and stormy night…
Join us for a spine tingling tale of things that go bump in the night. A neighborhood is held hostage by the shadowy figure of a woman who haunts the locale where her illegitimate child was killed years before. Legend holds that any soul encountering her will perish on the spot! Two men attempt to solve her mystery, and release their neighborhood from her spell, by recreating the events leading to her first sighting. But will they solve the mystery before they, too, fall victim to her deadly gaze?

OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS
By Joe DiPietro
November 29, 2013 to December 29, 2013

Meet Nick – a single guy from New Jersey with four adoring, and adorable, grandparents. Frank, Aida, Nunzio and Emma fold Nick into their warmth every Sunday for a traditional dinner with la famiglia, and try to impart to him the importance of family, a good meal and a good wife. When he tells them of his plans to move across the country for the job of his dreams, the news doesn’t sit so well. They go into full crisis mode and pull out every scheme in the book to get him to stay close to home – including baiting him with pretty Caitlin O’Hara, the girl next door. This is one to share with your family this holiday season.

THE LION IN WINTER
By James Goldman
January 23, 2014 to February 23, 2014

Uneasy is the head on which the crown lies, and uneasy the truce between a matchless king and queen. This is the legendary story of King Henry II of England, and the battle between his fiercely competitive sons to be chosen next in line for the thrown. Add in his banished Queen, the notorious Eleanor of Aquitaine, mother of said sons and equally competitive, and King Louis of France, and two countries find themselves on the brink of bloody war at the whim of a temperamental and power hungry family. This classic tale of deception, manipulation and world dominance will draw you into its irresistible web, and might not let you go without a fight.

FRANKIE AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE
By Terrence McNally
March 20, 2014 to April 20, 2014

Frankie is a waitress at a second rate restaurant who gives in to the temptation of a one-night stand with her co-worker Johnny after a few weeks of working together. But Johnny has other ideas. A compulsive talker, and hopeless romantic, Johnny begins the process of wooing Frankie, hoping that she will return his proclamations of love. World-weary and battle-worn, Frankie needs a lot of convincing that this won’t be yet another disappointment in life. As their night together unfolds, they are surprised by the discoveries they make about each other, and themselves. Winner of the Dramatists Guild Hull Warriner Award, this bittersweet comedy combines poignancy and laughter as it traces the unlikely romance that begins to develop between two middle-aged “losers.”

OLD LOVE
By Norm Foster
May 15, 2014 to June 15, 2014

He’s recently divorced. She’s newly-widowed. He’s a man who won’t give up, and she’s a woman who won’t give in. In a story that spans three decades, we travel with two unlikely companions who encounter each other at strange and inopportune times. When the time is finally right, will they be able to give in to their desires for courtship? Find out if a trip to the circus is what it takes to start over, again.

TBA SUMMER SHOW!
We can’t reveal the title yet, still in negotiations, but our final show of the season is going to be one you don’t want to miss!!

4 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Friday Pic Post

Some pics from Sweet Mercy, now running at MSU, that I took with my iPhone!

20130322-231946.jpg

20130322-232018.jpg

Beginning set sketches for the next show I’m directing, 10:53.

20130322-232051.jpg

My son in Schoolhouse Rock, cracking up the audience as he reacts to being given a shot during the “Interjection” song. Horrible photo of a hilarious moment!

20130322-232223.jpg

I know I’m easily amused, but this is the coolest cream pitcher any coffee shop has ever had! (cravings in Stockbridge, MI)

20130322-232606.jpg

Continuing my efforts to improve my diet and fitness, so I thought I’d share this. Copy it, use it!

20130322-233136.jpg

Lastly, a snapshot of a script page from Sweet Mercy: A phrase in Kinyarwandan, and the English translation.

20130322-233550.jpg

Have a safe, wonderful weekend everyone. Amahoro iwanyu.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Wednesday Update: Keeping all the plates spinning…

So much good stuff going on!

Williamston Theatre presents Shirley Valentine, by Willy Russell!

Starring Julia Glander and directed by Lynn Lammers, this beautiful, witty show runs March 21st through April 21, 2013.  Get more info at www.williamstontheatre.org

In other news in my life, the show I’m directing at MSU,  Sweet Mercy, opens next week.  It’s a beautiful play about survivors of the Rwandan genocide that deals with humanity, loss, empathy and our place in the world.

And, I’m excited to say that in about a week we start rehearsals for the next play I’m directing, 10:53 by Annie Martin.

Plus, I get to work with students from Otterbein University next month as we present their Senior Showcases to agents and directors in New York and L.A., and then later in the Spring I get to re-mount the beautiful production of Ernie by Mitch Albom at the City Theatre in Detroit.  After 2 amazingly successful summers, we’re bringing it back for a 3rd year!

Right now, reading plays, picking next season for Williamston Theatre, and looking for some coffee.  :)

Happy Wednesday, everybody!

kindness

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Thursday Quotes: change it up once in a while!

Change it up once in a while.

Something to remember when directing, in terms of pace, picture, volume, tactic… and not a bad thing to remember when you’re NOT directing, too! As Professor Parker Zellers told me, many years ago when critiquing an early directing project… “Caselli! Peaks and valleys! Peaks and valleys!”

Variety’s the very spice of life, That gives it all its flavor.
-William Cowper

Life isn’t divided into genres. It’s a horrifying, romantic, tragic, comical, science-fiction cowboy detective novel …with a bit of pornography if you’re lucky.
-Alan Moore

Sameness is the mother of disgust, variety the cure.
-Francesco Petrarch

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Fun On The Set of “boom”

The play boom, which starts previews at Williamston Theatre next week, is a ton of fun.  This week we’ve had a blast as we added the tech elements to the show – There’s a saltwater fish tank that just arrived!  Preuss Pets, of Lansing, is donating the use of the tank and fish, and assisting with care and maintenance!

Here’s the crew from Preuss Pets setting up the tank, along with Janine Woods Thoma, the set designer.

Here’s Steve from Preuss Pets, and Aral Gribble, the actor who will do the most with the fish, being VERY excited that the fish have arrived!


And then here’s a shot from a moment of the play, what a mess!  Good thing that tank is sturdy, this place is a mess!  :)

2 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

An important fish

This little guy, the Beaugregory Damselfish, will be important to Williamston Theatre in the first show of the season, boom.

20120710-230755.jpg

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Pic Post Sunday: Celebrating Life!

Random pics from a Dad, director, baseball fan, celebrating some good things on this beautiful Sunday!

Today, we had a great Easter! The kids had a great time hunting baskets and eggs this morning, the Easter Bunny did a nice job hiding things this year!
 


Speaking of Easter – Maggie and I spent Easter afternoon at the ballpark! :)
 

And… speaking of baseball…


I’m happy to be in rehearsals for the remount of Ernie at the City Theatre in Detroit.

This weekend, we had a great time visiting our friends Crystal and Steve, and I had to take a picture of these desserts that we made. Crystal did all the prep, making the mousse and homemade whipped cream and slicing the fruit, but Steve and I were given the task of putting them together – and this is what they looked like! Chocolate coffee mousse, lots of fresh fruit, shaved chocolate… oh man, now I want another one. Or 7.

Lastly… I worked with a great stage manager, Sam, this weekend on a project in NYC, and she came in with this shirt that made us all laugh, and I had to share it. (Warning – yes, this is a little risque. Skip it if that’s not your thing, but this type of humor is exactly my thing… and I suppose if you’re a regular reader of this journal, you already know that!)

Have a great week, folks, and whatever you’re doing this week, have fun doing it.

2 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

It never fails…

Listen up, young up-and-coming directors:

You will inevitably, when watching the final preview and your rehearsal hours are over, figure out a way to fix that moment/scene/beat change/transition that’s been bugging you for weeks.  And then, as you watch the show, celebrating the fact that you’ve figured it out, you’ll realize that all you need is another few hours of rehearsal and one costume change… neither of which you’ll get.  So you watch the show, and when that moment comes, you just imagine your improved version in place of what’s happening… and file it away to use at a later date. 

Theatre: Art with a deadline.  And that deadline can be pretty firm.

2 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Wednesday Pic Post!

It’s time to share some more photos in this Commonplace Journal!  Wednesday Pic Post, here we come!  (Well, it’s after midnight, so it’s technically “Thursday Pic Post”, but who wants to be technical after midnight?)

We open “The Usual” on Friday.  Previews have gone well, the rehearsals this week have been a fun process of polishing, trimming, and a little adding (like a newly minted dream sequence).  We also made some small adjustments to the set, and some prop tweaks.  Here’s an example of the kind of props we were playing with:(This sticker and more like it can be found here!)

Why would we be using that?  Come see the show and find out!  If you come see the show, you may see this:

Until then, think about this…

If you’d like something else to think about, spend some time trying to figure out why THIS exists:

(Okay, truthfully – I really want to try it, just because I’m impressed that someone actually said “You know what my bologna needs? Mac and Cheese” convincingly enough for Koegel’s to say “Hey… Yeah, that IS what your bologna needs!”)

Instead of buying Mac and Cheese Loaf for my family last week, though, I set up a crockpot of yummy goodness to cook while they were all at school and work, so when they got home they found this sign:

(Since I’ve been making these crockpot meals more often, I have a feeling that “Songs From Inside A Crockpot” could become a recurring literary & musical theme in our house…)

And another Wednesday has come and gone.  Now… sleep!

 

2 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized