Words from behind the scenes at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. A glimpse into the day to day of producing world class theatre in Montgomery, Alabama.
ASF repertory actress, and contributor to "Ask and Actor" on this blog, Lauren Sowa recently visited a local school room and shares this inspiring report!
"Oh, the THINKS you can think up if only you try! If you try, you can think up a GUFF going by."
I'm not quite sure what a Guff is, but if it's a creature that helps stir up the imagination of Alabama schoolchildren then I think there was one in Montgomery Friday. My fellow actor and roommate, Melanie and I went into the Highland Ave. Elementary School Friday to read a few Dr. Seuss books to the children as part of the Read Across America program. The kids were adorable and probably didn't know what to make of us with our silly voices and large gestures. Melanie read "Oh, the THINKS you can think!" with gusto and I ended up reading the teacher's choice: "Bartholomew and the Oobleck" - never heard of it? Me neither. Have you ever tried to sight read a Dr. Seuss book?!?! Not easy. About halfway through I realized I was working up a sweat - playing five or so different characters and warning the people of the Kingdom of Didd that large blobs of oobleck were raining from the sky! The book, in the end, teaches the importance of the simple and powerful words "I'm sorry." All in all, it was a hour well spent, sharing the joy of reading and the power of imagination with a small classroom full of the creative minds of the next generation. Now, back to Shakespeare!
Margaret Loesser Robinson from the Cast of Nobody shares her experiences in Montgomery while in rehearsals for the show.
I started my journey to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival under one week ago at LaGuardia airport. After having sat at my flight’s gate for about an hour, a man turned around, looked at me and pointed at me. I pointed back. We had found each other--somehow, you can just tell who amongst your fellow passengers is your fellow actor. Call it artistic profiling. And so began our journey--we flew into Atlanta, and were met by our wonderful company manager, Crystal, and met several other cast members before starting the drive to Montgomery. I’ve been ready to come to Montgomery for some time; I have held a long distance fondness for the south and things southern for some time now but have only made it as far down as Florida, and so I greeted the warm air, the hospitality, the accent, and the biscuits eagerly. One of my favorite things about being a regional theatre actor is getting to live in and experience new places--make a temporary home and try to take advantage of my free time to do some exploring. And free time is something I have in some abundance at the moment--I don’t make my way onto the stage until the second act in Nobody, so I’ve had the luxury of getting out and about in advance of our first official day off. Already, I’ve been to the Zelda Sayre and F. Scott Fitzgerald Museum in the beautiful Cloverdale Historic District. When I arrived, I was greeted by the man who has run the museum for the past five years and actually lives in the house itself (with his cat, named Zelda, of course) who invited me to sit down in the living room and chat before looking around; this is part of what I love already about the south. People take a little more time here, time to get to know one another. He actually offered to rent me an apartment in Zelda’s childhood home for 500 dollars a month when he found out I was a Zelda fan--an offer I seriously considered for a brief moment. As we parted ways, he remarked that as a “living historian,” he and I, as an actor, had a lot in common as people who keep the past alive. On the sun porch, there was a faded newspaper article about a play performed at ASF years ago called Zelda.
Already, I have taken a quick drive though downtown Montgomery just to get a lay of the land, have enjoyed Publix to no end, and am a fan of Zoe’s Kitchen in Eastchase. I also made my first visit to the Museum of Fine Art--I am sure to be back. I liked Café Mfor its name, and also for its food, and yet again for Jonas, who let me try the Brunswick Stew when he found out (yes, from my “accent”) that I wasn’t from the south and had never tried or heard of this delicacy. It was delicious and I felt indoctrinated in a way. I saw Jonas a couple of days later--he was working at an event before a performance of (the excellent) Harriet’s Return and he remembered my name! New York City, this is not.
As I continue to explore Montgomery and its environs, I am also hard at work finding out all there is to know about Eva Tanguay, the real life vaudevillian I play in Nobody. She was a real madcap, and tales of her backstage antics--including an arrest for sticking a stagehand with a hatpin--are wild. Here’s a link to a NYTimes article about the arrest. This clip of Bert Williams singing “Nobody” may also be of interest.
I’m looking forward to sharing more of our casts adventures--on stage and off…
Margaret Loesser Robinson recently arrived in Montgomery to play the role of Eva Tanguay in the world premiere of Nobody at ASF. This new musical is based on the true-life characters of Bert Williams and George Walker, two African-American vaudevillians who couldn't catch a break at the big-time until they did the unthinkable and performed in black face. By doing so, they broke racial barriers and paved the way for modern entertainers of all racial backgrounds. Margaret's character, Eva Tanguay is another real-life vaudeville performer who worked in the same entertainment community as Bert Williams and George Walker.
Our first ever Ask an Actor question comes from Rodney via Facebook:
Q: During public speaking I sometimes feel a little stage fright. Do you guys ever feel the same during a performance? If so, what are your secret methods of getting over it?
A: Stage fright is a common fear among people of all ages.
Personally, I haven't had a problem with stage fright. That being said, I am usually nervous before a performance (and sometimes rehearsal!) but I think of it as "good nerves," aka: anticipation or excitement. If you are feeling butterflies in your stomach before a public speaking engagement, my advice would be to close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, while imagining yourself to be successful. Try to channel your nerves into positive energy and use that energy to give you a little kick!
You may have heard the old "picture them naked" trick. Some people find this useful. I find it awkward. But if it works for you, then that's great! All you do is picture your audience without clothing, which I think is to make you feel less embarrassed and more empowered. The problem with this, for me, is that if I pictured 1000+ audience members without any clothes on, it would probably make me MORE embarrassed. Or break out into laughter. Neither of which would really be good for the play. But I digress.
The best thing you can do for yourself is to be utterly and completely prepared. Know what you are going to say. Know the information you have to get across. Practice, practice, practice. Ask if you can practice for your significant other, or a friend. Personally, I am always the most nervous when I know a family member is in the audience, or a friend, because their opinions are so important to me. If you can practice your speech or presentation for someone close to you, it might be easier when you get up in front of others.
Once you do get up there, just remember, your audience wants you to succeed. Crack a joke if you're feeling nervous, it will help to calm you and everyone else down. Then, just trust yourself!
Ask an Actor is a new feature where you can ask an actor anything! Submit your questions here in the comments or on ASF's Facebook page or by direct messaging @AlabamaShakes on twitter. Questions are answered by ASF actor Lauren Sowa. You can see Lauren in the upcoming productions of Hamlet and All's Well that Ends Well. Keep an eye out for the next Ask an Actor post!
Seven days into Black History Month, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival is presenting "Harriet's Return", author and actress Karen Jones Meadows' stirring tribute to Harriet Tubman, an escaped slave who went on to become a noted "conductor" for the Underground Railroad, a "General" under John Brown, another "Moses" and "Mother Harriet" to countless abused victims of slavery.
A tour-de-force two-and-a-half-hour performance by Ms. Jones Meadows tracks Tubman's life from childhood to old age, wherein she portrays some 30+ characters who intersect and often re-appear in Harriet's eventful life. Read more
We're starting a new feature on the ASF Blog: Ask an Actor! This is your opportunity to submit questions to be answered by a member of our acting company. Anything goes! Submit your questions here, on the ASF FaceBook page or on Twitter by direct messaging @AlabamaShakes.
Your questions will be answered by Lauren Sowa, a member of the repertory acting company. Lauren was most recently seen as Cochina in Ferdinand the Bull, and is also playing Diana in All's Well that Ends Well, among other roles in the Repertory Season.
A coworker forwarded a really interesting item from mint.com to me today. Those interested in non-profit administration (i.e. how we manage to run a non profit like a theatre) might find it very interesting as well. This neat little set of stats clearly and quickly delivers a ton of info on trends in American's charitable giving habits. As we already know at ASF, its the gifts from individuals who tend to make up the majority of charitable donations. Draw your own conclusions from the rest of the info given here:
-- "What do you want for Christmas?"
-- "..a legendary official Red Ryder 200-shot carbine action range model air rifle with a compass and this thing which tells time built into the stock."
-- "You'll shoot your eye out!"
These lines are repeated frequently in the Alabama Shakespeare Festival's delightful production of Jean Shepherd's "A Christmas Story" adapted for the stage by Philip Grecian, and brought to life under Geoffrey Sherman's clever direction by a company of professional actors and local students recruited from many Montgomery schools. READ MORE...
(Pictured above: Sandy York, Seth Meriwether, MaryKathryn Samelson and Bryant Mason. Bottom right: Seth Meriwether as Ralphie.)
If you haven't checked out our children's show Ferdinand the Bull yet, maybe you need a little more info to make your decision. If so, feast your eyes on this little taste of the show.
Yesterday was the BIG day at ASF. We not only had performances from the Alabama Dance Theatre and Wetumpka Depot Players on our stages but we officially opened Ferdinand the Bull! It was invigorating to have so many people, especially very young people, in the theatre!
We took some photos of the Ferdinand Opening Party and you can check them all out on our FB page. Here are a few of the highlights: Chick-fil-A Colonial Promenade location sponsored the part and provided delicious kid-friendly nuggets plus brought a long-lost cousin of Ferdinand's, the Chick-fil-A cow known by few as Jason.
The cast of the show made an appearance and greeted their adoring (tiny) public.
They even joined in the fun activities like Spanish Bingo and making paper flowers.
These hands-on activities will be available to Ferdinand the Bull patrons before EVERY public show!
You can check out a similar event this Tuesday, November 10 from 6-7 PM at the Chick-fil-A Colonial Promenade location for a Kids night with the cast! Its FREE, so check it out!
ASF is full of furry creatures these days, and I'm not just talking about Ferdinand the Bull and his friends. Today is the 9th Annual Walk 'n Wag Pledge Walk for the Montgomery Humane Society in Blount Cultural Park.
The weather was downright cold this morning at 41 degrees, but that didn't stop lots of cute four-legged friends and their owners from coming out for the costume contest, silent auction, 50-yard Doggie Dash and more.
One very special guest was Mr. Louis Vuitton, a pit bull who survived extraordinary cruelty at the hands of a very disturbed young man. Louis' story was on the news for weeks here in Montgomery, and a local family adopted him and has given him a VERY loving new home. Because he had been so severely abused it took a very special family to take him in. As you can see, he's doing great!
Local radio hosts (and great friends of the theatre) JT & Leanne from Mix 103's married in the Morning were the emcees for the event and introduced a new member of their family, a pup they lovingly call a chi-wiener, a cross between a chihuahua and dachshund. Sure is cute in that dino-suit!
Thanks to all who came out to the park this morning. Here's hoping it was a huge success for the Montgomery Humane Shelter!
Our long-time theatre reviewer Michael Howley has begun a new blog where he will publish his reviews of local productions, including ASF, Faulkner Dinner Theatre, Way Off Broadway, the Wetumpka Depot Players, Theatre AUM, and more.
The first post on his new blog expresses it best:
"Welcome to a new blog with a purpose of service to the theatre community in Montgomery. With several years of contributing theatre reviews in print, my plan is to continue writing reviews for the local theatre companies and the public at large.With their permission, I would like to provide links to these theatre companies as well as to other theatre organizations on the blog.
Please spread the news that local theatre will receive critical attention here."
So please do share the word. Follow his blog and learn about all the great theatre there is in Montgomery!
Today we met the new Intern Acting Company for the 09-10 Season. Six fresh faced youths were greeted by a room full of techies, artists and administrators chewing on bagels and sipping tart OJ from our styrofoam cups. Every season, there's about a month or so where we have very few actors on site while we're dark. Right before the first cast of the season comes in, its almost like we start to ache for the giddy buzz of actors in the hall, running lines, cracking jokes and building that special bond that translates so well on stage in a great ensemble. Today we got our giddy buzz back and it's kinda wonderful.
The Intern Acting Company will first take on the task of bringing Ferdinand the Bull to life for our young audiences. Later they will take on roles in the Repertory season and in between they will do lots of outreach to students in classrooms across the state.
After long months of discussions and budget meetings, we at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival have announced the 2009-2010 season! So for a quick run-down, the season includes:
Ferdinand the Bull Nov. 7 - Dec. 19, 2009 adaptation and lyrics by Karen Zacarias Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma Based on the book The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf and Robert Lawson
All Ferdinand wants is to sit in his field and smell the flowers. All Danilo wants is to dance. But Danilo's father, the Duke, has other ideas, and so into the bullring they go. This sweet and funny musical, based on Munro Leaf's classic children's story, teaches important lessons about being true to yourself. Recommended for ages 4+
A Christmas Story Nov. 27- Dec. 24, 2009 adapted by Philip Grecian from the works for Jean Shepherd
Oh fudge! Yes, it's that Christmas story, complete with little Randy's oversized snowsuit, the Old Man's leg lamp, and, of course, Ralphie's Red Ryder BB gun. We triple-dog dare you to bring out the whole clan to spend a hilarious holiday with a family even more dysfunctional than yours. Recommended for ages 7+
Harriet's Return Feb. 5 - 28, 2010 by Karen Jones Meadows This incredible and inspiring story of Underground Railroad conductor Harriet Tubman comes to life in this amazing one-woman show, in which playwright and actress Karen Jones Meadows plays more than 30 characters. Recommended for ages 13+, due to occasional suggested violence and mild sexual suggestion
Provocative Premieres
Nobody March 12 - 28, 2010 by Richard Aellen
A pair of down-on-their-luck African-American vaudevillians can't catch a break until they do the unthinkable - don blackface. This provocative new musical story is based on the tempestuous lives of Bert Williams and George Walker, who broke racial barriers by portraying racial stereotypes. This production is recommended for mature audiences only, due to strong language and adult situations
The Fall of the House April 9 - 25, 2010 by Robert Ford
The spirit of Edgar Allen Poe haunts this mind-bending new play that brings together magic, betrayal, forbidden love, tragic accidents, secret documents and familial bonds that span 150 years. This production is recommended for mature audiences only, due to strong language and adult situations
The Repertory Season
Lettice & Lovage April 9 - May 23, 2010 by Peter Shaffer
Exuberant, eccentric Lettice Douffet is a tour guide given to exaggerating history to entertain her charges. Lotte Schoen is a buttoned-up, by-the-book boss brought in to fire her. The confrontation leads to an unlikely friendship filled with drama, laughter, and an accidental near-beheading. This very witty, very British comedy is tailor-made for fans of the BBC. Recommended for ages 10+
Hamlet April 16 - May 22, 2010 by William Shakespeare
Denmark's Sweet prince suffers the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune as he seeks to avenge the murder of his father, poisoned by Hamlet's conniving uncle. The bodies pile up as his revenge takes its toll on the innocent as well as the guilty. Recommended for ages 10+ for some violence and mature themes
All's Well That End's Well April 23 - May 22, 2010 by William Shakespeare
Helena is smart, brave, and talented...and in love with a man who's just not that interested in her. But she's willing to do whatever it takes to win his heart - be it risk the wrath of a king, cross battle lines, or fake her own death. Because after all, all's well that end's well. Recommended for ages 10+ for mature themes
Summer Musical
Cowgirls June 11 - July 3, 2010 by Betty Howe with Music and Lyrics by Mary Murfitt
Jo Carlson is gonna lose the family saloon unless she raises a lot of cash, fast. And darned if she hasn't accidentally hired an all-girl trio of classical - not country - musicians for her Grand Reopening. Now she's gotta help them find their inner cowgirls in just 24 hours. Ya'll won't want to miss this very funny musical, featuring such original songs as Don't Call Me Trailer Trash, Honkey Tonk Girl, Saddle Tramp Blues. Recommended for ages 10+
The only way to order right now is by becoming a member. Don't worry, it's painless this year with our new membership program. Each starts with a $25 membership fee and then just add how many tickets you'd like to whatever show you'd like to attend. We have three different levels:
Scripted - Want to see six or more shows? Buying in bulk ensures the highest discount off ticket prices.
Ad Lib - Want to see five or fewer shows or just want to add on throughout the year? Then Ad-Libing it is the way to go.
Improv - This is our voucher membership in case you'd like to purchase discounted tickets but don't know when you want to go, or if you'd like to give them away as gifts during the year.
So give us a call at 334-271-5353 or check out the website at www.asf.net for more information.
The Montgomery Advertiser has some great coverage of the wigs that go into taking our musical Beehive back to the 60's. Follow the link for the article. Preview tickets for $25 are still available till this Sunday, July 19th. This is one show you don't want to miss!
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