Tuesday, June 24, 2008

FINAL WEEKEND!!! EVERYTHING MUST GO!!!


(at left- Tony and Gina from AGL/EQUUS RUN'S MERRY WIVES)
So we're coming up on the final weekend of our run of MERRY WIVES. Last weekend's performances were tight, fun and very satisfying. We had very strong, receptive crowds, but more folks need to get out and see this show! I know most of our theatre locals are busy with other material, but we really need to support each other. So spread the word and haul your arses out to the vineyards and enjoy a helluva good show!
It's been a blast doing this piece. I'll post a little post-mortem after we're all done. For now, here's the query:
What is the Shakespeare role you've been dying to play (or the show you really have been dying to DIRECT) that you haven't "gotten around to"?
Lemme hear ya!!!

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Friday the 13th INDEED!!!


Last night, our MERRY WIVES company had a very memorable evening. AS time is short for me now (got a call in about an hour) I'll let Chuck Pogue describe the scene:
For thebrave sixty people who defied the forbidding auguries of thunderstorms and came to Equus Run last night, they got towitness...nay, got to be a part of...a rare and weirdly wonderfulnight of magical incandescent theatre.Shortly before curtain, a brief shower came down, making the stagewet and slippery. The possibility of more rain threatened and Artistic Director and Falstaff Tony Haigh had a decision to make --cancel the show or carry on.He chose to carry on in a most unusual way! The audience moved fromthe amphitheatre up to the covered patio that flanks two sides ofthe wine-tasting barn. There on a platform at the apex of this triangular space and utilizing the area in front to expand this makeshift stage, the company begin its performance, making entrancesand exits into the barn, where wine was being served to patrons.All the costumes changes were also done in the barn. Meanwhile blocking and performances were being adjusted on the run...with no one missing a beat. The Equus staff found light to focus on thestage to compensate for the early darkness brought on by the rainclouds.Halfway through the first act, the rain tumbled in such torrents, it drowned out the actors. The show was stopped...but only to move the audience a second time -- into the barn!
The crowd toted their chairs inside around another makeshift stageand the show picked up where it left off...the most amazing mingling of actors, audience, wine-sellers I've ever seen. Actors walked offstage and became part of the audience waiting for their next cue.They changed costumes right there. The audience could see Tony come off as Falstaff, whispering in a corner with his actors about sudden variations required to accommodate the changing conditions. Actors rubbed shoulders with customers coming up to buy wine. They threaded through and around chairs, figuring out to make their next entrance in the most effective way.
The ensemble was on their toes, ad-libbing with facileness, making impromptu inspired adjustments, energized by the danger and excitement of the moment. Everyone of them I talked to as they come off said, "I'm having a blast!"
The audience was having a blast too...in the moment, following the play, with the actors and their daring every step of the way...and,at the end, leaping spontaneously to their feet to give the actors an honest and well-earned standing ovation.
Thanks, Tony and your wonderful ensemble for your courage and dazzling dexterity for a wonderful night in the theatre. And thanksto the audience for their courage to go with the flow and be a partof the excitement and fun!All of them were giving a raincheck to return for another performance, but I don't think they could attend one that could surpass the specialness of this one. What a night of theatre!
-Pogue
That sums it up....one of the most incredible nights of Theatre I've had the pleasure of being a part of!
more later...

Monday, June 09, 2008

Eat, Drink and BE MERRY
















Ahoy, hoy!








This week, we open MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR at Shakes @ Equus Run. We have a preview Wed, and we officially open Thursday. Right now, it looks as if the weather gods will give us a good opening night, but it's looking a bit iffy on the weekend! Lets hope the rain holds off! Last year, I went out opening weekend to the show, and while a bit cloudy, it was a VERY nice atmosphere to see a show in. Very relaxed and inviting.


We have a great cast, and Tony Haigh has done a marvelous job getting us all together. (And, he's also doing a splendid job as Falstaff). If you haven't read the Herald Leader article yet as to why he's going on, here it is. http://www.kentucky.com/701/story/427546.html

And if you click onto the ACTORS GUILD link to the right, it'll take you to some cool cast and show info. I hope all of you in the area can make it out. Any of you non-KY residents who wanna make a road trip, I got spare rooms with your name on 'em!

And for another cool, winery- type event coming up, read this:






FREE TO THE PUBLIC!
on the grounds at TALON WINERY
7086 Tates Creek Road Lexington, Kentucky
Teresa Tope - (859) 246-6601



Saturday, June 14 ~ 11-7 p.m.Saturday, June 15 ~ 12-5 p.m.
Featuring:
Talon Wine
Art Vendors Sales
Food
Performing Arts
Children's Activities
and more!

Come one come all!!! It's gonna be a great weekend!!