When crew members get into position before the show
February 7, 2015
Another opening, Another Show with Homestead High School “Mikado”
February 6, 2015
Gilbert and Sullivan is true kitchy music: some love it, some don’t. It is also, without doubt, a litmus test for any company of players, requiring ferocious energy, lightning delivery and perfect comic timing as Gilbert’s busy libretto spins swiftly across Sullivan’s catchy tunes. So, it’s not always to everyone’s taste, and it can be … More Another opening, Another Show with Homestead High School “Mikado”
Our Maestra!!
February 5, 2015
She’s standing on a podium, with an enameled wand cocked between her fingers and sweat dampening the small of her back. Ranks of young musicians eye her skeptically. She’s raises her arm in the oppressive silence and lets it drop. Miraculously, Sullivan’s overture to The Mikado explodes in front of her, recognizable and violently thrilling, and the one that made this music possible … More Our Maestra!!
The Mikado: Directors Note
February 3, 2015
Back when VHS tapes were a thing and siblings fought over what movie to pop in the VRC, my sister and I always agreed on one movie, the film version of The Pirates of Penzance. Our mother never understood our obsession with the music and lyrics of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operas, especially at such a … More The Mikado: Directors Note
WHEN YOU’RE PLAYING A PIECE WITH A RIDICULOUS KEY SIGNATURE
February 3, 2015
When there is good food at tech dinners
February 2, 2015
Who really makes Theatre Magical
February 1, 2015
I’ve always found theatres to be magical places. For many years now, an important part of my pre-show ritual has been to arrive at the theatre early enough that I can sit alone for a few minutes in the stillness of the deserted auditorium, soaking up a little bit of that magic; the atmosphere pregnant with … More Who really makes Theatre Magical
Q: Why was the musician arrested? A: They were in treble
January 30, 2015
As the orchestra walks out into the auditorium, the audience breaks into a soft applause. The musicians take their seats and warm up. After several minutes, the conductor walks into the hall and takes the podium. Both the orchestra and the audience quiet to a mere hush. With a quick flick of the conductor’s baton, … More Q: Why was the musician arrested? A: They were in treble
Supertitles!
January 30, 2015
“It’s the greatest thing to hit opera since the long-playing record. The Wall Street Journal, July 6, 1984. “The Canadians have created something that makes opera understandable and accessible to many who love the music but can’t understand the words. It’s called SURTITLES.” The New York Times, September 23, 1983. Supertitles or Surtitles are dialogue … More Supertitles!
Seeing Everything Come Together for the First Time
January 29, 2015
Act Out 