Friday, November 8, 2013

The Nutcracker Nightmare: Christmas just got a whole lot spookier


Strangeloop Theatre presents

The Nutracker Nightmare

A tale of Christmas joy & horror


The stockings are hung by the chimney with care, but oh, little children, the toys beware. The Doll Queen is coming with her icy stare, into your dreams creeps the Nutcracker Nightmare.


In a world where dolls come to life and little children dream of sugar plum fairies, a new evil has emerged from the toy box. It's up to one young girl, a rag doll, a toy soldier and a ballerina mouse to prevent the total destruction of Christmas. Where's the Nutcracker when you need him?

Strangeloop's holiday production provides a sequel to E.T.A. Hoffmann's classic holiday tale, but this time Marie and the toys face an enemy far worse than mice that threaten to chew up dresses and eat sugar toys — and all without her precious Nutcracker to save them.


The cast includes: Lauren Bourke, Carrie Campana, Elana Elyce, Ticha Guillaud, Jaclyn Jensen, Tim Lee, Allison McCorkle, Carolyn Minor, Mark Edward Penzien, Holly Robison, Andrew Todaro and Chad Wise.

Written and directed by Strangeloop company member Maria Burnham, Nutcracker Nightmare runs two nights only: Sunday, December 15, and Monday, December 16, at 8 p.m. at Mary's Attic, 5400 N Clark St. in Chicago, (above Hamburger Mary's). Tickets are $10 and are available at the door or in advance at Brown Paper Tickets.


Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Last chance for Robots! Final four performances of R.U.R. begin


The robot revolution is nearing the end. It's the final weekend for Strangeloop's R.U.R.: Rossum's Universal Robots. The show closes Sunday and then the robots will pack up their synthetic suitcases and march off into the past.

But they're not gone yet. You still have four chances to see the "dark dystopic comedy" that the Chicago Tribune praises for its "sly wit."

Set in a not-too-distant future, R.U.R.'s world is one in which humanoid robots have been built as the new slave labor for humans determined to find cheaper and cheaper ways to make their products and to do the jobs that no one wants to do. Enter the bewitching Helena Glory, who has arrived at Rossum's island factory determined to find out if robots have a soul and to lobby for their liberation, upsetting the status quo. There's some love and romance mixed in there too for good measure, but not in the places where you're expecting. Written by Karel Čapek in 1921, R.U.R. teaches us about what it is to be human and robot, and what it means to love.

Join us for one (or all!) of our final four performances, Oct. 3-6, at The Side Project Theatre in Rogers Park (1439 W. Jarvis Ave., Chicago). The show is at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Tickets are $18 for general admission and available online at Brown Paper Tickets. Industry, student and senior citizen discounts available. 

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

The R.U.R. Reviews Are In

Photo by Peter Robards

"an entertaining two hours" Chicago Theatre Review
"it's good fun" Chicago Theatre Beat


The robot revolution is well underway and the reviews are rolling in. There may be nothing harder to love than a robot, but audiences are responding warmly to the human drama that unfolds before them both the tragic and the tragically funny during Strangeloop Theatre's production of R.U.R.: Rossum's Universal Robots. You have one weekend left to see the "dark dystopic comedy" that the Chicago Tribune praises for its "sly wit."

Critic reviews:

“Karel Capek's 1920 play introduced the word "robot" to the world, but productions in the cyber age remain relatively rare. Strangeloop Theatre's take, directed by Brad Gunter, has many moments of sly wit that underscore Capek's all-too-relevant observations on the value (or lack thereof) placed on human labor…The ensemble finds the right mix of sardonic and feckless, the key ingredients making up the brain trust of doctors and engineers behind R.U.R.'s creations. Matthew Lloyd's Dr. Hallemeier sips brandy and whips out raised-eyebrow bon mots with machinelike efficiency, while Rory Jobst's Dr. Gall exudes the single-minded exuberance of a socially awkward science geek.”            
          — Chicago Tribune

“If you are looking for some classic scifi ancestry, though, this is a good show to check out. As with many early such stories, the science is thin and subverted to the purpose of the larger social commentary, but it’s good fun all the same.”
           Chicago Theater Beat

“The production was very enjoyable. The set was well designed for such a small space and really created an atmosphere…James Sparling as Harry Domin really carried the show. He was very natural in his role as an intellectual elite and pulled off the slightly absurd comedy in the piece.”
          — Chicago Theatre Review

Tickets:

Tickets are $18 for general admission and available online at Brown Paper Tickets. Discounts are now available for students, senior citizens and industry. Season passes are also available. A limited number of discount tickets for the general public also are available on Goldstar and Hot Tix.

R.U.R. runs through Oct. 6 at The Side Project Theatre in Rogers Park (1439 W. Jarvis Ave., Chicago). The show is at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Behind the Robots

Want to know more about the philosophy behind Strangloop's production of R.U.R.?

Read Theatre In Chicago's article on the making of our show, The Nuts and Bolts Of The Future: Looking Back on R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots) . Mary Shen Barnidge takes a peak at how we take our human actors and turn them into human-looking robots. (Hint: It does not involve aluminum foil.)

See the robots in person at the side project theatre in Rogers Park through Oct. 6.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Tech week begins for Strangeloop's 'R.U.R.: Rossum's Universal Robots'

The paint is drying and the last of the trousers are being hemmed. Tech week is underway for R.U.R.: Rossum's Universal Robots as we put the finishing touches on our fall show.

Set in a not-too-distant future, R.U.R.'s world is one in which humanoid robots have been built as the new slave labor for humans determined to find cheaper and cheaper ways to make their products and to do the jobs that no one wants to do. Enter the bewitching Helena Glory, who has arrived at Rossum's island factory determined to find out if robots have a soul and to lobby for their liberation, upsetting the status quo.

Join us for our $5 previews on Sept. 5 and Sept. 6, or anytime during our full run from Sept. 7 through Oct. 6 at The Side Project Theatre in Rogers Park (1439 W. Jarvis Ave., Chicago). The show is at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Company members Holly Robinson (above right) and Michael Wagman (middle) join the cast of nine Chicago actors to bring this Czech classic to life. The cast of R.U.R. is: James Sparling as Harry Domin (above left); Becca Kravitz as Sulla; Michael Wagman as Marius/Radius; Holly Robison as Helena Glory; Rory Jobst as Dr. Gall; Matthew Lloyd as Dr. Hallemeier; Paul Tinsley as Mr. Alquist; Tim Lee as Consul Busman; and Patricia Tinsley as Nana.

The production team for R.U.R. includes: Glen Anderson (set and lighting designer), Maria Burnham (script editor and marketing), Carrie Campana (costume designer), Keith Gatchel (sound designer), Letitia Guillaud (production manager), Jaclyn Jensen (costuming assistant), Lisa Uhlig (props designer) and Mike Wozniak (graphic designer).

Tickets for the full run are $18 for general admission and available online at Brown Paper Tickets. Discounts are available for students and senior citizens. Season passes are also available.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Help fund the ROBOT revolution!

The Robots are coming. Are you ready?


The actors are acting. The director is directing. The robots are...shhh...don't tell anyone but the robots are on a smoke break. (You just can't get good help anymore.)

Yes, rehearsals are in full swing for Strangeloop's fall show, R.U.R.: Rossum's Universal Robots, and the futuristic, sci-fi world we are creating for you — where robots will type your letters and other lesser robots will clean up your streets — is A-MAZING. But in order to make this show "more than so much grass" we need GOOD help. We need your help.

Just a little further to go. Our Indiegogo campaign ends in less than 40 hours and we need you to help us meet our goal of $1,000. That money will make sure everyone comes out properly costumed with hats and robot bits all in place, that when a prop gun is needed that prop gun appears (instead of a piece of gun-shaped aluminum foil) and that actors aren't forced to rehearse in cardboard boxes (because we couldn't make rehearsal space rent). Plus, everyone knows, robots ain't cheap.

As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, your tax deductible contribution, whether it's $5 or $500, will help us pay for production costs. We cannot wait to bring this show to you, one we know will be a crowd favorite, but we need your help to make it happen. Click here to support the show.

You can also support Strangeloop and the robots in other ways. Help us spread the word about the show and invite your friends, family and even your frenemies. Point them to our Facebook Event for all the details. And while you're all on Facebook, make sure you check out our Robot of The Day and share your own robot-related news. You can also buy your tickets in advance at Brown Paper Tickets. And finally, make sure you hug a robot today. You might not think it to look at them, but all they really want is a little bit of love.

The robots take the stage September 7 through Octobert 6, 2013, with discounted preview performances on Sept. 5 & 6 at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays at The Side Project Theatre, 1439 West Jarvis Ave., Chicago.

See you on old Rossum's Island!

We beg to remain, for Strangeloop Theatre. Yours truly.  

Monday, August 5, 2013

Strangeloop Theatre joins the robot revolution with R.U.R.: Rossum’s Universal Robots

Strangeloop Theatre launches its sixth mainstage season with the classic futuristic science fiction play, R.U.R.: Rossum’s Universal Robots, written by Karel Čapek and directed by Strangeloop Co-Artistic Director Brad Gunter. R.U.R. begins performances September 7, 2013, at The Side Project Theatre (1439 West Jarvis Ave., Chicago).

In 1921, Čapek introduced the word "robot" to a world still recovering from the ravages of war and built around it the concept that humankind would bring about its own destruction. In the play, the idealistic young Helena Glory arrives at the remote island factory of Rossum's Universal Robots, on a mission to liberate the robots. Old Rossum’s robots are not the mechanical men and women that later science fiction works would take up, but humanoid beings streamlined by man and biological in nature. So human-like, that Miss Glory has trouble telling man from machine. Not surprisingly, things do not go as planned — neither for Miss Glory, nor for humankind once the robots realize they actually are more than “so much grass.”

Still relevant today, R.U.R.: Rossum's Universal Robots examines what it is to be human and robot, and what it means to love.

Company members Holly Robinson and Michael Wagman join the cast of nine Chicago actors to bring this Czech classic to life. The cast of R.U.R. is: James Sparling as Harry Domin; Becca Kravitz as Sulla; Michael Wagman as Marius/Radius; Holly Robison as Helena Glory; Rory Jobst as Dr. Gall; Matthew Lloyd as Dr. Hallemeier; Paul Tinsley as Mr. Alquist; Tim Lee as Consul Busman; and Patricia Tinsley as Nana.

The production team for R.U.R. includes: Glen Anderson (set and lighting designer), Maria Burnham (script editor and marketing director), Carrie Campana (costume designer), Keith Gatchel (sound designer), Letitia Guillaud (production manager), Jaclyn Jensen (costuming assistant), Lisa Uhlig (props designer) and Mike Wozniak (graphic designer).

Intimately staged at The Side Project Theatre in Rogers Park, R.U.R. runs September 7 through October 6, 2013, at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Preview performances begin on September 5.

Tickets are $18 for general admission and available online at Brown Paper Tickets. Discounts are available for students and senior citizens. Season passes are also available.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Loopshop 6: Conspiracy Theory [Redacted]

We're previewing all seven of the plays featured in Loopshop 6.

Except Conspiracy Theory. There's nothing to see here. Please move on.

[Summary redacted by the United States government]

Written by and starring alleged Strangeloop company member Brad Gunter, Conspiracy Theory is directed by co-conspirator and company member Letitia Guillaud.

Loopshop is Chicago-based Strangeloop Theatre's annual short play and new works series. This year's production features a mix of short, original plays and scenes from full scripts in development — all from local playwrights.

Performances for Loopshop 6 will be at 8 p.m. on Monday, July 29, and Tuesday, July 30, 2013, at Chemically Imbalanced Comedy Theatre, 1422 West Irving Park Road, Chicago. Tickets for the show are $10.

Loopshop 6: Gassed on the Fourth of July (The Mad Gasser of Mattoon)

We're previewing all seven of the plays featured in Loopshop 6.

In this edition, The Mad Gasser of Mattoon:

Inspired by real events in Illinois from the 1940s, The Mad Gasser of Mattoon is a modern story about love, growing up and gas masks. Playwright and Strangeloop company member Keith Gatchel plunges his audience into the delusional world of a madman(?) making them question what is real and what is madness. Directed by company member Maria Burnham, The Mad Gasser of Mattoon stars Carolyn Minor as Emily, Jason Pereira as Carlos and Lauren Bourke as Audrey.

Loopshop is Chicago-based Strangeloop Theatre's annual short play and new works series. This year's production features a mix of short, original plays and scenes from full scripts in development — all from local playwrights.

 Performances for Loopshop 6 will be at 8 p.m. on Monday, July 29, and Tuesday, July 30, 2013, at Chemically Imbalanced Comedy Theatre, 1422 West Irving Park Road, Chicago. Tickets for the show are $10.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Loopshop 6: In The Light of A Drinking Man’s Moon

We're previewing all seven of the plays featured in Loopshop 6.

Today we get a peek into In The Light of A Drinking Man’s Moon:

A young woman and a homeless man meet on a dark street late one night In The Light of A Drinking Man’s Moon. They share insults, cigarettes and advice on love, all while waiting for the bus...sort of. Playwright Kyle A. Martin scrutinizes the lives we live and how we live them, leaving his audience to wonder who has it bad and who has it worse. Directed by James Sparling, In The Light of A Drinking Man’s Moon stars Paul Tinsley as the Vagrant and Megan Dudzik Farris as Vicki.

Loopshop is Chicago-based Strangeloop Theatre's annual short play and new works series. This year's production features a mix of short, original plays and scenes from full scripts in development — all from local playwrights.

 Performances for Loopshop 6 will be at 8 p.m. on Monday, July 29, and Tuesday, July 30, 2013, at Chemically Imbalanced Comedy Theatre, 1422 West Irving Park Road, Chicago. Tickets for the show are $10.

Loopshop 6: Do not make the gods angry (a.k.a. The Odyssey, an adaptation)

We're previewing all seven of the plays featured in Loopshop 6.

Next up is The Odyssey, an adaptation:

An excerpt from a longer work in development, Strangeloop company members Michael Wagman and Carrie Campana translate Homer’s The Odyssey from epic poem to epic play told with a chorus of voices and bodies. Written by Wagman and directed by Campana, The Odyssey stars Ryan Santa, Ryan Johnson, Miona Lee, Tim Lee, Holly Claire Millican and Beau Buccilli. 

Loopshop is Chicago-based Strangeloop Theatre's annual short play and new works series. This year's production features a mix of short, original plays and scenes from full scripts in development — all from local playwrights.

 Performances for Loopshop 6 will be at 8 p.m. on Monday, July 29, and Tuesday, July 30, 2013, at Chemically Imbalanced Comedy Theatre, 1422 West Irving Park Road, Chicago. Tickets for the show are $10.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Loopshop 6: Mitera, or A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Funeral

We're previewing all seven of the plays featured in Loopshop 6.

Today we get a peek into Mitera:

Three single sisters have their lives turned upside down when they find out their mother is still micromanaging their lives from beyond the grave. Mitera, written by Strangeloop company member Maria Burnham, pokes and prods the boundaries of family loyalty and examines the idea that sometimes the people we’ve known our entire lives are the people we know the least. Directed by Elana Elyce, Mitera stars Allison McCorkle as Olga, Stella Martin as Nitsa and Cyra K. Polizzi as Dimitra.

Loopshop is Chicago-based Strangeloop Theatre's annual short play and new works series. This year's production features a mix of short, original plays and scenes from full scripts in development — all from local playwrights.

Performances for Loopshop 6 will be at 8 p.m. on Monday, July 29, and Tuesday, July 30, 2013, at Chemically Imbalanced Comedy Theatre, 1422 West Irving Park Road, Chicago. Tickets for the show are $10.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Loopshop 6: In which Martha Stewart guides us through Wedding Hell

We're previewing all seven of the plays featured in Loopshop 6.

Today we take a look at Wedding Hell:


A bride-to-be finds herself disorientated and shoeless in her trip through Wedding Hell with only Martha Stewart as her guide and protector. Written by Strangeloop company member Letitia Guillaud, Wedding Hell satirizes our societal expectations of the perfect wedding and proves that most things can be made better with cupcakes. Directed by company member Lisa Uhlig, Wedding Hell stars Jaclyn Jensen as The Bride, Megan Brown-Wood as Martha Stewart and Sam Heindl and Mary Lorenz as ensemble members.

Loopshop is Chicago-based Strangeloop Theatre's annual short play and new works series. This year's production features a mix of short, original plays and scenes from full scripts in development — all from local playwrights. 

Performances for Loopshop 6 will be at 8 p.m. on Monday, July 29, and Tuesday, July 30, 2013, at Chemically Imbalanced Comedy Theatre, 1422 West Irving Park Road, Chicago. Tickets for the show are $10.


Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Conspiracies, Weddings and Madmen Galore! (a.k.a. Loopshop 6 or How I Learned to Love The Frog)

To get folks ready for Loopshop 6 — which happens at the end of July at Chemically Imbalanced Comedy, — we'll be sharing some short teasers about all seven of our featured plays here and on Facebook. (Like us if you haven't already.)

Performances for Loopshop 6 will be at 8 p.m. on Monday, July 29, and Tuesday, July 30, 2013, at Chemically Imbalanced Comedy Theatre, 1422 West Irving Park Road, Chicago. Tickets for the show are $10.

First up is The Mating Habits of Frogs.

Two sisters discuss The Mating Habits of Frogs and humans in this play by Barbara J. Lhota, which examines the complex relationship between siblings and self and what it is that prevents us from taking chances even when we have nothing to lose. Directed by Ben Campana, “The Mating Habits of Frogs” stars Amber Page as Sylvia and Betty Lorkowski as Alison.

Loopshop is Chicago-based Strangeloop Theatre's annual short play and new works series. This year's production features a mix of short, original plays and scenes from full scripts in development — all from local playwrights. 

Monday, July 1, 2013

MAGIC, MACHINES INVADE NEW SEASON AT STRANGELOOP THEATRE

2013-2014 season launches with Loopshop 6 on July 29 & 30


CHICAGO – Strangeloop Theatre announces its sixth season of pursing the undiscovered, highlighting big stories in intimate spaces. The five productions in the 2013-2014 Season range from new twists on well-known pieces to original works created by company members.

“As our company matures on its journey into the undiscovered, we wanted to consciously reach back and pull from the imagination of childhood,” said Co-Artistic Director Brad Gunter. “These plays continue our mission to present works of consequence, but with the kind of magic and mystery that captivated us when we were young – robots and fairies and frogs.”

The season begins in July with Loopshop 6, the company’s annual short play and new works series, with seven new pieces from local playwrights, each performed both nights of this two-night run.

This year's production features a mix of short, original plays and scenes from full scripts in development, which will give audience members the opportunity to join Strangeloop in the discovery process. The pieces in Loopshop 6 take viewers on a journey from the Animal Universe to Wedding Hell with conspiracy and sibling-rivalry-filled stops in between.

The featured plays of Loopshop 6 are:

  • Mitera by Maria Burnham (Directed by Elana Elyce)
  • The Mad Gasser of Mattoon by Keith Gatchel (Directed by Maria Burnham)
  • Wedding Hell by Letitia Guillaud (Directed by Lisa Uhlig) 
  • Conspiracy Theory by Brad Gunter (Directed by Letitia Guillaud) 
  • The Mating Habits of Frogs by Barb Lhota (Directed by Ben Campana) 
  • In Light of the Drinking Man’s Moon by Kyle Martin (Directed by James Sparling) 
  • The Odyssey an adaptation by Michael Wagman (Directed by Carrie Campana) 

Performances for Loopshop 6 will be at 8 p.m. on Monday, July 29, and Tuesday, July 30, 2013, at Chemically Imbalanced Comedy Theatre, 1422 West Irving Park Road, Chicago. Tickets for the show are $10 at the door or online at www.strangelooptheatre.org.

The sixth season continues in the fall with R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots), by the Czech writer Karel Capek and directed by Brad Gunter. The play, which introduced the word robot (from the Czech robota, meaning forced labor) to the world in 1920, examines what it is to be human and robot, and what it means to love. R.U.R. runs Sept. 5 through Oct. 6, 2013, at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays.

The company will continue its collaborative tradition of developing a holiday show in December, and bring back its popular French With Me production with vignette-style musings on love just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Next spring, the season will close with an original interpretation of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, bringing a fun-filled and intimate approach to this perennial favorite. Company member Holly Robison will direct this classic story of girl loves boy who loves other girl who loves other boy. (Now with more fairies!)

With R.U.R. and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Strangeloop returns to The Side Project Theatre, 1439 West Jarvis Ave, Chicago.

Season 6 subscriptions will be available at Loopshop 6 and online at www.strangelooptheatre.com.


Friday, May 24, 2013

Meet a Robber: Letitia Guillaud on Ameilia




We'll be sharing perspectives from our actors and crew of "The Robbers" periodically throughout the run. Here's Letitia Guillaud on Ameilia.

What were your initial impressions when you first read The Robbers?
As a company we were considering producing it with an all-female cast, so I was reading it from that perspective. I was pretty excited by all the youthful male anger and the desire for destruction and revolution that drives many of the characters. These are themes that women seldom get to play with on stage, esp in classical works. Plus, I just really love stage violence and this script has plenty of opportunities for that.

What's your biggest challenge been working on The Robbers? How have you dealt with it?
Amelia, as the only female written into the script, was difficult for me for a few reasons. Firstly, I don't consider myself to be the most ladylike of women, so it took some time for me to sink into the idea of being cast as her and of being the only "woman" in a cast of women. Second, she spends most of the play at the mercy of the other characters, so some of her choices seem strange at times, but it is due to her limited power in this world. Don't get me wrong, Schiller wrote a very strong woman here.  She speaks her thoughts and feelings, and is fully capable of defending herself. Once I let myself connect more with her strength and sunk into her reality a bit, I was able to connect the dots of her journey a little better.

What's your favorite classical play?
I don't know that I have a favorite, but I would love to play Medea someday.  I have a fascination with the insanity and clarity that exists in a character when they choose to pursue one singular purpose, the way she does.

What do you think motivates Amelia?
Her love for the ideal of Charles is her motivation.  

What kind of job do you think Amelia would be good at?
There are a lot of bits that were cut, with Amelia wondering around playing the guitar and singing.  I think, today she would be some sort of singer/songwriter/activist.

Tickets and other details for The Robbers at the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/events/352335911539310/

Meet a Robber: Moira Begale on Speigelberg




We'll be sharing perspectives from our actors and crew of "The Robbers" periodically throughout the run. Here's Moira Begale (pictured, left) on Speigelberg.

What were your initial impressions when you first read The Robbers?
A little terrified. The script was daunting and long but the story was incredibly intriguing and the character they asked me to read for was a shit-disturber!  

What's your biggest challenge been working on The Robbers?  How have you dealt with it?
The biggest challenge was being honest and truthful as a different gender. I dealt with it by working on my relationships with the other characters and realized that I cannot control the fact that I am not a man but I can be an honest person onstage, reacting truthfully to the situation at hand.

What's your favorite classical play?
Winter's Tale by Shakespeare. It has almost every genre in it!   

If you could play any male role in theatre, what would it be and why?
I would say King Lear by William Shakespeare. Lear gets to live through all the stages of life!

What do you think motivates Spiegelberg?
The fear of being forgotten and the need for fame.

Other than robbing (or ruling, etc), what kind of job do you think Spiegelberg would be good at?
Salesman!  Shoes or insurance.   

What do you think your character, Spiegelberg, does to relax when not directly involved in the events of the story?
Plays darts with Charlie's picture attached to the dart board. 

Tickets and other details for The Robbers at the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/events/352335911539310/

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Meet a Robber: Carrie Campana on Grimm





We'll be sharing perspectives from our actors and crew of "The Robbers" periodically throughout the run. Here's Carrie Campana on Grimm.

What were your initial impressions when you first read The Robbers?
Upon reading it I thought, this is a hefty play, I can't wait to see what Brad's going to do with it!  This is gonna be a good time!

What's your biggest challenge been working on The Robbers? How have you dealt with it?
Deciding on what Grimm was going to be like, as there isn't a lot given about him in the script. I did some research, watched some frat boy and little kid movies and kind of melded together a mixture plus adding a bit of my own ideas to create a back story and entire personality for Grimm. It wasn't difficult to find inspiration, it was just difficult to narrow it all down!

What's your favorite classical play?
hmmmm.....I have always enjoyed Taming of the Shrew

If you could play any male role in theatre, what would it be and why?
Soooooo many! I'm going to go musical with this and say Collins from Rent. I like his songs and story the best in that show, he goes through a lot and to me is one of the more redeeming characters in Rent.  

What do you think motivates Grimm?
Well, initially he just wants to belong in this group of fellows, so he goes along with the whole robbing thing, I mean, what else does he have going on. As the play goes on, it gets more serious that he had anticipated, but has faith that Charles will pull them all through it. Being a part of something is Grimm's motivation, acceptance, and friendship.  

Other than robbing (or ruling, etc), what kind of job do you think Grimm would be good at?
Either bar back, line cook, or something janitorial. Grimm likes to drink :-)

What do you think Grimm does to relax when not directly involved in the events of the story?
As stated above, Grimm likes to drink and get drunk with his buddies. Oh, and hunt though he doesn't often kill much...he really just like traipsing around the woods.

Tickets and other details for The Robbers at the link below:

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Meet a Robber: Allison McCorkle on Razman




We'll be sharing perspectives from our cast of "The Robbers" periodically throughout the run. Here's Allison McCorkle (pictured left) on Razman.

What were your initial impressions when you first read The Robbers?
That it was long and incredibly melodramatic, very German. (I actually have a spent a good deal of time with Germans in my past, so I feel comfortable making that statement.) And I was curious as to how it would be cut/if it would be cut.

What's your biggest challenge been working on The Robbers?  How have you dealt with it?
Battling the balance between the truth of the character and the very swashbuckling (to steal a term from someone else) feel of the language against my own sense of humor.

What's your favorite classical play?
Hmmm. I've always been a big fan of Antigone and Medea, but as for the latter, my take on the story is probably a little different from the standard. My first exposure was in middle school, with a book that had a more feminist angle...

If you could play any male role in theatre, what would it be and why?
Generally, anyone English and witty or Irish/Scottish and unruly. But specifically, Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof. One of the most important and complex relationships he has is with God. I feel this is expressed very well in the story and the music, and I think it would interesting to form my own version of this man.

What do you think motivates your character, Razman? 
For Razmann, he isn't bored, he just has nothing else better to do, no family and no home- this is his strength.

Other than robbing (or ruling, etc), what kind of job do you think Razman would be good at?
Razmann whittles wood - as a pickpocket he could leave a present behind to replace a wallet. 

What do you think Razmann does to relax when not directly involved in the events of the story?
Oh, Razmann drinks. For relaxation, it's Vodka. 

Tickets and other details for The Robbers at the link below:

Friday, May 17, 2013

Meet a Robber: Holly Robison on Charles





We'll be sharing perspectives from our cast of "The Robbers" periodically throughout the run. Here's Holly Robison (pictured left) on tortured aristocrat turned anarchist, Charles.

What were your initial impressions when you first read The Robbers?  
Wow. That's long.'  In fairness, I first saw the initial uncut version.  But I also thought that it had potential for a lot of gritty, visceral fun.  

What's your biggest challenge been working on The Robbers?  How have you dealt with it? 
Charles is not a low-key person. He operates at an incredible pitch of expression, intensity, and emotion without letting up, to an extent that I don't think I've encountered in a play yet. My natural starting point is very internalized; I have a tendency and affinity toward nuance and subtlety in characters and story. I had to push (and let myself be pulled) into a bigger performance with Charles.  Ultimately, external factors were an enormous help - the amazing, explosive performances of my castmates helped light my own fire.  Also, with this kind of show - which is a world so very far from our own - the moment we finally have the costumes, sets, and technical elements is also key.

What's your favorite classical play?  
You can't make me pick only one.  Much Ado About Nothing, Hamlet.  Or Uncle Vanya (hey, it's a classic, if not classical)

If you could play any male role in theatre, what would it be and why? 
John Proctor inThe Crucible.  I've been strongly drawn to this play for ages.  I love the thought of this man who is deeply flawed, who makes hugely consequential mistakes and judgments, but still with the courage to find his own definition of self, his own sense of goodness, decency, and morality aside from society.

What do you think motivates your character, Charles? 
A desire to fix the world coupled with the conviction that he alone understands just how that world should work.  Emotionally, he's an adolescent: he means well, he loves people in his life and cares about them, but that is all constrained by his own vision and narcissism.  Charles really personifies the notion that the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Other than robbing (or ruling, etc), what kind of job do you think your character, Charles, would be good at?
Nomad bartender/failed novelist. He'd be like a pathetic version of Hemingway - roam the world drinking and looking for wars to fight.

What do you think your character, Charles, does to relax when not directly involved in the events of the story? 
See above regarding Hemingway: Drinks, reads, fights, hunts, attempts at useless existential discussion with barflies.  

Tickets and other details for The Robbers at the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/events/352335911539310/

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Meet a Robber: Stefanie Johnsen on Schweitzer



We'll be sharing perspectives from our cast of "The Robbers" periodically throughout the run. Here's Stefanie Johnsen (pictured, left) on Schweitzer.

What were your initial impressions when you first read The Robbers? I am very attracted to the language and I loved the possibility in a script like this performed for modern audiences with women. It seemed like a BIG challenge, so I was interested to see how it would pan out.
What's your favorite classical play? 
Classical American is Tennessee Williams – no one writes heartbreaking character like he does. When it comes to genuine classical, nothing beats Euripides’ Medea or Christopher Marlowe’s Dr. Faustus

If you could play any male role in theatre, what would it be and why? Katurian Katurian Katurian from The Pillowman, Martin McDonagh. Any male character from any of his shows, really. If you haven’t read The Pillowman, give yourself a treat and buy it NOW.
What do you think motivates your character? 
Schweitzer is motivated by violence. He loves his captain only because Charles enables his affair with aggression and bloodshed.
Other than robbing (or ruling, etc), what kind of job do you think your character would be good at? 
Schweitzer would defend his country, absolutely. Army, marines, navy, air force: whatever puts a weapon in his hands and puts him on the front line.
What do you think your character does to relax when not directly involved in the events of the story? 
Hahaha! Probably polishes his knife or bullies the locals.
Tickets and other details for The Robbers at the link below: 
https://www.facebook.com/events/352335911539310/ 


Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Meet a Robber: Morgan Manasa on Hermann


We'll be sharing perspectives from our actors and crew of "The Robbers" periodically throughout the run. Here's Morgan Manasa (pictured, right) on one of her roles, Hermann.


What were your initial impressions when you first read The Robbers?
This is going to be a beast of play. *puts on big girl pants* Let's do this.

What's your biggest challenge been working on The Robbers? How have you dealt with it?
Aside from wrapping my mouth around the hefty language itself, playing two completely different characters really inspired me to make distinctive physical choices to distinguish who's who, which was both challenging and fun. Hermann's posture alone is challenging. (My back and hands are sore!)

What's your favorite classical play?
I love me some Much Ado About Nothing. 

If you could play any male role in theatre, what would it be and why?
I'd love to take a stab at Horatio or King Lear. I also love George from Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolfe?

What do you think motivates your character, Hermann?
I think everything Hermann does is out of love for Amelia, which causes him to make some very, very terrible choices. 

Other than robbing (or ruling, etc), what kind of job do you think your character, Hermann, would be good at?Honestly, if Hermann wasn't the son of a Nobleman I think he'd be a pauper. 

What do you think your character, Hermann, does to relax when not directly involved in the events of the story?
I think he writes love letters and poems to Amelia, but never sends them.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Meet a Robber: Jaclyn Jensen on Roller


We'll be sharing perspectives from our actors and crew of "The Robbers" periodically throughout the run. Here's Jaclyn Jensen on ONE OF her roles, Roller.

What were your initial impressions when you first read The Robbers?
I'm not gonna lie - it's heavy, so it was pretty slow going for me at first. But there is a lot of good action! I was really drawn to the melodramatic tendencies.

What's your biggest challenge been working on The Robbers? How have you dealt with it?
Creating the physicality of a male character was a challenge for me. I would practice at home over the top to really bring on the masculinity, and then pull back a bit to reach something more natural. And a bit of feedback from guys!

What's your favorite classical play?
Oedipus the King. Aristotle convinced me.

What do you think motivates Roller?
Loyalty and camaraderie are major factors for him. And although he seems like he could likely be the most practical of the bunch, he still craves the adventure and mischief too.

Other than robbing, what kind of job do you think Roller would be good at?
He likes to talk and has a lot of opinions. In that time - reviewer. Now - blogger.

Tickets and other details for The Robbers at the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/events/352335911539310/

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Meet a Robber! Margo Chervony on playing the villainous brother Francis in "The Robbers"




We'll be sharing perspectives from our actors and crew of "The Robbers" periodically throughout the run. First up, Margo Chervony on her character, Francis.

What were your initial impressions when you first read The Robbers?
The Robbers is the first Sturm und Drang play I've ever read, so, upon my first reading, I was pretty uncomfortable with the extreme metaphors, the extreme character choices, and the extreme length. Schiller really seemed to be indulging himself, which was quite honestly a pain, as I was trying to get through it as quickly and efficiently as possible. As I've worked on it though, I've learned that "quick and efficient" is just not The Robbers' way, and that this brand of extreme can be fun and a great challenge.

What's your biggest challenge been working on The Robbers? How have you dealt with it?
This role's been fraught with challenges, but I think the most difficult one was Francis's isolation. He spends a great deal of his time on stage by himself, there aren't many people that he actually interacts with, and he doesn't know how to reach out to any of them. It's self-perpetuated, even if it's the last thing that he wants.  My answer's already longer than it should be, but I dealt with it by doing a ton of homework to begin with, and once we opened I got the lovely gift of an audience to play with, so Francis isn't really alone anymore (my scene partners have been great, too). I'm still figuring out what that dynamic is, but it's a rich journey.

What's your favorite classical play?
That's a kind of unfair question (at least for me).  I used to say Measure for Measure and King Lear, but I find new reasons to appreciate Shakespeare's plays and characters and words all the time, so picking one just doesn't seem right...

If you could play any male role in theatre, what would it be and why?
I used to have all kinds of dreams about male roles that I wanted to play (this was back in high school, so they're pretty embarrassing), but I realized I was setting myself for disappointment and decided to stop thinking about it. I was clearly wrong about the disappointment, as I get cast in male roles pretty frequently, but my wish list is still retired. I'm actually pretty happy with Francis.

What do you think motivates Francis?
In the first act, it's his longing for Amelia. His dad's bad parenting sets the framework, but it's really all Amelia. And in the second act, it's all fear (or, more accurately, "terror").

Other than robbing (or ruling, etc), what kind of job do you think Francis would be good at?
He'd make a great "Hell is Real" poster...

What do you think your character does to relax when not directly involved in the events of the story?
Apparently, he plays the harpsichord sometimes. I don't think Francis knows how to relax.



Tickets and other details for The Robbers at the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/events/352335911539310/