THAT WAS AWESOME

This whole weekend has been full of theater events. On Friday night, Kristan and I with 10 other friends went to see season 5 of Fall of the House. If you aren't hip to this groove train you are seriously disturbed. If you do one good thing for yourself this weekend GO SEE THIS SHOW and I bet you'll be going back for more. And a word to the wise: make reservations.

Then on Saturday & Sunday, I rehearsed a most fabulous play entitled: COOKING WITH ELVIS by Lee Hall, you know the same guy who wrote BILLY ELLIOT. I'm working with the kids at Third Rail as part of their lab series were we get to play around. All I have to say is this one has Tim True playing a quadriplegic Elvis impersonator. Need I say more?

Last night I went to Anonymous Theatre's The Scottish Play and I am still so totally impressed. If I told you that a cast who had never rehearsed together, never rehearsed in the space, and didn't know who else was in the cast, was doing...well, you know, wouldn't you think they were insane & don't you think that the show would be an entire train wreck?! But no. NO! Not under the direction of Liz Young. It was one of the BEST productions of Mackers I have ever seen. Big BIG surprise: Scott Coopwood as the man himself. He wasn't even in town!

Both on Friday and Sunday night I was so SO deeply moved by the audiences. I found myself watching them, not because I was bored with what was going on the stage (that couldn't be further from the truth), but because I was amazed at how tuned in they were. It is so invigorating to be in an audience with people who are excited to be there & sold out the house! WHOOHOO!

I need a fundraiser like Theatre Vertigo's! (p.s. have you checked out their awesome season? Buy a subscription for $40!) Speaking of fundraising, THE BULLET ROUND website has a donation link now. I'm just saying: support the arts!

See you all at the Drammys tonight! Look out for my GIANT hair (designed by Gary Norman)

Merry Merry Christmas Time

I don't know why, but this year I'm just not feeling the Christmas cheer. My dad and I have a tradition that every year, the day after Thanksgiving we go out and get the Christmas tree. When my brother and I were younger we loved spending all day at the big Christmas tree farm where when we were bored following dad around looking for the perfect tree we could step inside the warm barn house and have apple cider with my our mom and pick out ornaments.

I remember my first year away at college, I came home and the tree was up and all without my help. I was livid. How dare they carry on a tradition without me! But this year, I was like "ho hum, yeah, that tree will do." and "Dad can we hurry this up I really got to get home." What the butt, Megan?! I don't even care about presents.

Although, I have to say that I did see a glimmer of the Christmas spirit at PCS' production of 'A Christmas Carol'. If you went last year, you definitely have to see it again this year. Mead and Cliff made some minor adjustments that really made all the difference. I was like a little kid again and totally engrossed in the story (and exqueeze me how many times have I seen 'A Christmas Carol'?! exactly.). I was so moved and proud of this production I was one of the first people to stand up and clap. ME! I know...right?

So if you are like me and just holding your breath until the holidays are over, check out 'A Christmas Carol' at Portland Center Stage and it might just put you in the Christmas spirit.

p.s. my other favorite version of A Christmas Carol is 'The Muppets Christmas Carol' which I might put in right now...

The New Kids on the Block

Last night I had the privilege of seeing AFTER ASHLEY by Gina Gionfriddo at Portland's new theatre company: Portland Playhouse. These crazy kids just landed here and are kicking ass and taking names. They found space, actors, an excellent season, and support. Go and see their work and introduce yourself to the new kids. Who's excited?!

After Ashley

by Gina Ginofriddo

Directed by Brian Weaver

November 13 2008- December 6 2008

602 NE Prescott Street Portland

Previews: November 13 & 14 at 8pm

Opening Night: Saturday November 15 at 8pm

Sunday 5pm performances on: Nov 16, 23, and 30th.

8pm performances: Nov 20-22, 26-29 and Dec 3-6.

Final Weekend Only: Dec 6 performances at 3pm and 8pm

The Play

After Ashley premiered at the 2004 Humana Festival of New American Plays. After Ashley is a blisteringly funny and deeply affecting story about a teenage boy navigating the joys and terrors of life—all through the distorting prism of a media firestorm. When a family tragedy deals the Hammond family a dose of dubious celebrity, Justin finds himself paralyzed, unable to fully grieve or grow up. The only bright spot is a girl, only Justin can't decide if she's a saving angel or a self-interested groupie. In a world as weird as this one, she might just be both.

The Playwright

Gina Gionfriddo has received the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, the Helen Merrill Award for Emerging Playwrights, a Lucille Lortel Fellowship, and Rhode Island State Council on the Arts Fellowship. Her work includes After Ashley, Safe, Trepidation Nation, U.S. Drag (published in Women Playwrights: The Best Plays of 2002) and Guinevere. After Ashley and U.S. Drag are published by Dramatists Play Service, Inc. Her plays have received development support from Denver Center Theatre Company, Trinity Repertory Theatre, ACT (A Contemporary Theatre), Philadelphia Theatre Company, Basic Grammar, and Chicago Films. She has held residencies at the MacDowell Colony, Yaddo and Hedgebrook. She is a graduate of Brown University's M.F.A Playwriting Program. Production History This play was originally commissioned by Philadelphia Theatre Company and was supported by a residency and public staged reading at the 2003 Eugene O'Neill Playwrights Conference. It premiered at the Humana Festival of New American Plays in March 2004. Subsequently, it was performed off Broadway at the Vineyard Playhouse in March 2005 with Kieran Culkin as Justin and Anna Paquin as Julie. The Company Portland Playhouse is a non-profit theatre company based in North Portland. Our Mission: Portland Playhouse is dedicated to producing quality, intimate, live performance in which the interaction between artists and audience is paramount. We hold theatre to be a community space in which people of all social, economic, racial, and political backgrounds can come together to celebrate the complexity of our shared human experience. You may, of course, decide to attend a special invite-only performance on November 23rd at 5. This will be a fundraiser: silent auction, mingling with the cast, and cornhole contest! Tickets are $35.

Fall of the House Season 3

OMG. I can't even get these words out fast enough...but if you haven't seen Fall of the House this season (or ever for that matter) you need NEED to check it out. It's back and better than ever. And I seriously recommend calling ahead for a reservation because they are selling out. There are only two more episodes this season so make sure you're caught up on the draaama for when it comes back in January. I plan on going to all of the shows this season, I'm super addicted. Maybe it's because I don't have a T.V., or maybe it's just really that good, my hunch is it's really that good...but you won't know I'm right until you check it out.
AND it's for everyone, it's uber Portland and there is nothing we love more than reminiscing about how we all belong to Club Portland.
For more information check out the action/adventure website.

People. People.

Let's talk about theater etiquette. This past weekend I saw some shows in Portland and I was amazed at how many people talked, or fell asleep and snored, or had their cell phone go off. KNOCK IT OFF!

Don't talk or whisper to your neighbor, we can hear you. And even if we can't totally hear you, we are distracted by what we can hear but cannot quite make out. It's not o.k., people are working and creating art right in front of you, by all means enjoy yourself, but don't be distracting to the performers or the other audience members. It's rude. Turn off your cell phone. Don't even text, you think you're being sneaky but the light from your screen is so bright in our dark theaters. Don't fall asleep, have some caffeine before you enter the theater. Or have your friend next to you wake you up if you start snoring. And please dear god do not do not get up to go the bathroom. Most of the performing spaces in Portland are small and exiting the audience space is awkward, but even in a house as big as PCS, the actors can see you and hear you more than you think. And other audience member get taken out of the play because they are watching you exit and then come back in. Now if it's an emergency, then fine. But seriously, most of us need to learn to use the toilet before getting into the car...I mean theater.

O.K. that's my little rant. Now you know. Don't do it anymore.
Thanks.

Spring Awakening

Well my Spring has been awakened. I got to see Spring Awakening tonight at the Keller. The tour is in town. I highly suggest seeing this show. It was a good time. I happened to be sitting next to two teenage girls who were loving every minute of it and even grabbed each others hands when the cute boy got up to sing. EEEEE! SO EXCITING. AWWW...remember, remember what that was like? To have your heart leap out of your throat you were so excited!?

I am not a huge musical fan. It's not the unrealistic behavior of bursting out into song, I know plenty of people that do this for real in real life, I'm not sure what it is exactly. But whatever. The songs in this show do an excellent job of giving you that teenager feeling again. These characters may be in period dress, but god damn do they rock out with their cock out. And I have to say, thank god for the masturbation, abuse, sexual abuse, sex ( he makes like he puts it in...yeah. This was too much for some), suicide, boys kissing boys, and an abortion. Finally a musical that gets down and dirty. Oh wait? Aren't these things also in Grease and it Rent (and many others I can't remember right now)? SOOO...why were some of the "older" theater patrons around me so shocked...cuase the actors are kids. Literally the cast is pulled from high schools and colleges around the country. And apparently when they auditioned they had to make a myspace page to see how many hits they could get. The kid with the most hits got called in. Yep...so I hear. Or maybe it's because the blocking is more graphic. Will someone tell me...please.

Anyway, it was a good night all told. The choreography was really interesting and the set was cool. It almost looked like it was 3D at points because of the lighting, which was also really well done. Very rock and roll but could so scale back and be poetic. The hanging light bulbs reminded me of the Armory chandelier. Oh and there were young kids pulled from the audience and asked to sit on these bleachers on stage and be part of the ensemble. Marc Acito, who I ran into at intermission thought I was one of those kids. To be fair, the girl he was referring to kinda did look like me: white with long blonde hair. And the band was on stage and the characters interacted with it (several characters sat down and played the piano) and were constantly pulling mics out of their jackets or handing them to each other. I feel like this was a choice by the director to make it feel more like a rock concert than a musical. Don't hide the mics that's sooo musical theater. Of course they were wearing body mics as well, but the choice to pull out the mics and use the mic stand had to have been a deliberate choice. It's so more rock and roll.

I'm really glad I was able to go. Thanks Cynthia for the tickets! I can't wait for the rights to become avalible.

Go Porland It's your birthday

And we're going to party like it's your birthday...

I am very proud of the Portland theater scene these days. Last night I saw 'The Receptionist' by Adam Bock directed by Rose Riordan at CoHo Productions. It was fabulous. Chris Murray, Laura Faye Smith, Gary Norman, and Sharonlee McLean starred and they were all incredible. Gary Norman was transformed on stage. You have never seen Gary do a role quite like this. I definitely recommend you check it out.

Last week I saw, 'Wish' by james moore at defunkt theater. Well crafted and hilarious. I was really enjoying the story but then-hang on- it takes a sharp left turn. But don't get discouraged a singing hamster will fill you in in just a second. Another good night of theater.

The next night I saw 'Dead Funny' by Terry Johnson at Third Rail Rep. They have moved into their new space and are hitting it out of the park. It was sold out and the audience loved every moment. I was able to just sit there and enjoy it. Maureen Porter is so lovely on stage, your heart just goes out to her character. You care deeply about the show even if you don't know anything about Benny Hill because you are invested in the characters. I also thought it was smart that the company didn't use the whole stage instead hey built their set just the size they needed. Brilliant.
It warms my heart that there are so many good shows going on right now.

SOMETIMES A GREAT NOTION

Today was the first rehearsal for the World Premiere of "Sometimes A Great Notion" adapted & directed by Aaron Posner at Portland Center Stage. It was a truly inspiring first read through. This script came to us a couple of years ago and I first encountered it at our first workshop reading. I immediately fell in love with Kesey's characters and felt a sense of new found pride for Oregon. This is a great work of fiction and Posner has perfectly captured Kesey's world in this adaptation. I am pleased to have been a part of this process and am so glad that the work will have its premiere at our theater in its home state. This script reminded me today why I love love LOVE theater and I highly recommend coming to see the show. It opens April 4th on the Main Stage. Click Here to find out more.

Fall of the House Season 2

Action/Adventure brings you the second season of FALL OF THE HOUSE: The House Strikes Back, directed by Tamara Carroll. There are a few old faces and some new ones too.

I saw this show last night and was blown away. I saw only one episode last season and was impressed with this improv theater soap-opera thing. It was new, it was exciting and each night it was different. What a concept! Fresh theater every night coming to you live. This show captures communal living at it's worst and at it's best. If you live in SE or know someone who does you will definitely relate to these characters. It will make you laugh and it will make you cry. It is soo good you hardly know it's improv, by this I mean no one looks lost or stuck on stage. Actors are smart and well directed. They clearly know their intentions and tell a tight, touching, and hilarious story along the way.

I highly recommend this production and seeing as many episodes as you can. It plays for four consecutive weekends in the late night spot (after Profile Theater's SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION) in Theater! Theater! (3430 SE Belmont). For more information check out Action/Adventure's website and to make reservations e-mail: reservations@actionadventure.org or call 503-358-8646.

Curtain @ 10:30pm
Show is one hour long

Episode 1: October 18, 19, 20
Episode 2: October 25, 26, 27
Episode 3: November 1, 2, 3
Episode 4: November 8, 9, 10

Tickets: $10 for 1 Episode
$24 for a 4-week pass
$2 off or every previous episode seen
Thursdays are always "Pay What You Will"

To hear what other people are saying about this phenomenon, check out The Portland Mercury's review.

Snow Falling on Cedars

I met up with my friend Lora for breakfast this morning. Lora and I went to Santa Clara together and then the both of us transfered to other schools. It was really nice to catch up with her. After breakfast we walked around and tried to find the theater. It was a really good thing we took the time to search because it was difficult to find.




Book-It Rep lives in Center House Theatre, which is located right behind the Experience Music Project in Seattle Center. SNOW FALLING ON CEDARS was adapted and directed by Kevin McKeon. The stage had cedar sod on the ground, which when the actors played around in it you could smell it. I love the smell of cedar. It reminds me of my dogs because their doggy beds were full of cedar. The court room was located upstage and just behind the courtroom window you could see the shadows of a cedar forest with snow falling steadily.

I really enjoyed this show. It was 2 ½ hr show but it kept me entertained the entire time. I feel like I have to say that I went into the show having never read the book or seen the movie, so I had no idea where it was going. As you might remember it takes place in a court room, but what was especially lovely is that the person on the stand never just sits there and talks about what happens. Their testimony and back story is played out in front of courtroom. This keeps the story moving and made it worth sitting through. Also it was fun to see our friend Eddie Levi Lee in the cast. He was part of JAW last year in Jason Grote's BOX AMERICANA and in David Adjmi's MARIE ANTOINETTE.

And to my surprise my train left on time and even got in a little early. I got to see the most beautiful sun sets. Unfortunately my camera didn't quite capture them well enough, but you can still tell they were beautiful.

My First Business Trip!

I am off again—this time to Seattle. Our poor Mr. Mead was really sick, so I went in his place on a trip to Seattle to scout out some new plays that are being produced up here. Often times theater companies will see each other's work to see if it is a script that they would like to consider for their upcoming season. That was the mission of my trip. As a representative of Portland Center Stage and specifically the Artistic and Literary department, I am constantly seeing shows in Portland to support local theater companies and to get to know the people and the work that is going on in town. I’m also interested on a personal level because I hope to direct someday for these companies. How lucky am I that both my work and personal life overlap in this way?

For of those you who have taken the train from Portland to Seattle and back again, you know that the train is never ever on time. This time I was lucky, we only waited an hour in Portland for a connecting bus before taking off. I’m sorry but can’t we put those people on the next train? Just because their bus is late, why am I supposed to suffer? I got here on time expecting my journey to take off on time and it NEVER does. Why is this allowed to happen? Whatever, bitching aside, I got to Seattle with enough time to check into the hotel, get some food, and catch a cab to my first show: CRIME & PUNISHMENT adapted by Marilyn Campbell & Curt Columbus based on the novel by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. Theater Under Ground produced it at the Capitol Hill Arts Center, which is also an event venue. The show was held in the basement, which only added to the fringe/exciting edgy theatre feel. The place was full, mainly due to the fact that two professors had brought their beginning acting classes from Seattle University to see the show. Oh young theatre people, doesn’t that just inspire you?

I had read this play last year when it was submitted to us for consideration and really liked its pace. For an adaptation of Dostoyevsky’s novel, it moved well. This production honored the script in this way. The transitions and use of the space was excellent. The director Sheila Daniels, who is also the Co-Artistic Director of Theatre Under Ground, chose to stage it in traverse (also known as Lane) seating arrangement. Shocking! The last time I saw a production staged this way was in college. I know for me this was not long ago, but still it is very rare to see a theater outside of college use the space this way. Whether or not this was her choice or the space commanded it to be this way is up for debate. I suspect it was her choice. Hats off to you Sheila.

As we walked into the space and chose our sides, we could hear a pre-recorded Raskolnikov reciting his writings. Two burlap curtains hung on either side of the stage in front of the audience platforms. Fences on the edge of these platforms automatically gave the audience a separated or judging feeling. On the short side of either side of the stage were three staggered burlap curtains, which was where characters were able to enter and exit. The audience curtains were pulled back and forth by characters to denote a scene change. The sound of the rings on the steal rods made a very jarring sound like that of prison shackles, which helped to create an anxious feeling. In fact of the sound ques were done live. And the only draw back from the space, was that during very intimate moments on stage, loud crashing and stomping sounds would come from the upstairs bar area. It seemed like they knew exactly when the actors were having a quite and intimate moment and chose it as the perfect opportunity to start a mosh pit or some sort of fight/wrestling match upstairs. Props to the actors for keeping it together during these unexpected and additional sound effects.

In the program was an advertisement for Portland own Hand2Mouth Theatre. They are coming to Seattle November 1-4 and performing at On the Boards. How exciting! Congratulations guys!

Seeing the show tonight was helpful. You may think you had a good sense of how to stage a play (or at least see how it might be done) after reading a script, but it is another thing to see how the play makes sense out loud. I'm really enjoying my trip and looking forward to my show tomorrow: SNOW FALLING ON CEDARS adapted and directed by Kevin McKeon at Book-it Rep. Co-Artistic Director Jane Jones will be directing our production of TWELFTH NIGHT which will be done in rep with BEARD OF AVON by Amy Freed. Jane is an amazing director and I can't wait to see her work at PCS. In fact, Jane and Chris are in New York right now to finish casting both shows.