Opening night is history.
Director, Christopher Weaver's instincts to add humor were spot on. The audience loved it. Opening night is usually filled with families, good friends and fellow actors, which automatically offers a friendly and supportive audience. Due to the work done for some recent reunions and subsequent re-connecting on Facebook many former high school classmates of Joe LaChappelle were also in attendance creating an extremely friendly atmosphere.
Joe, playing the part of Henry Drummond, couldn't have done any wrong in our eyes...even if he had, but he didn't. In the lobby I heard one patron saying that the guy playing Drummond was born to play that part. Indeed, Joe had called it a "bucket list" role for him right from the start. But of course, Joe couldn't and didn't do it alone. The entire cast (which follows) did a wonderful job. Christopher finessed parts that would barely be noticed into several delightfully quirky, funny moments. The exchanges between Drummond and all others in the courtroom scenes were appropriately intense. I'll discuss some of what I consider to be bright spots in a future post.
The Cast:
Joseph Scott Anthony: E K Hornbeck
Jerry Borths: George Sillers
James Booth Burr, Jr: Matthew Harrison Brady
Toby Weiner Dolinka: Mrs. Sarah Brady
Frances Gentile: Mrs. McClain
Shiloh Gilbert: Melinda Loomis
William Handy: Rev Jeremiah Brown
Mary Howing: Mrs. Blair
Andrew Howing: Timmy Blair
Peter Huschilt: Mr. Bannister and Elijah
Silas Kachman: London Rueters News Man, Photographer, Harry Esterbrook, Bollinger, Hot Dog Vendor
Michael Kohlenberger: Bertram Cates
Joe LaChappelle: Henry Drummond
Jim Lax: Jessie H Dunlap
Candy Novenski: Mrs. Loomis
Clara Osbeck: Rachel Brown
Todd Osbeck: Mayor
Michael Phelp: Tom Davenport
Joey Riedy: Hurdy Gurdy Man and Reporter
Bob Rose: George Meeker
Kitty Slasinski: Mrs. Krebs
Sam Vandersluis: Howard Blair
Gary Walker: Judge Merle
Jurors: Ray Gautreau, Russ VanAllen, Dan Brooks, Keenan Foley, Mark Moran, Mike Rose, Alan Petkus, Bud Thompson, Bradford Winkler, Esq., George Noyes, Ron Vetter, Jeff Thomas, Ed Phelps, David Atkinson
Community theater is well-represented in the Grand Rapids area, but Heritage Theatre Group is just one of several groups. While operating on a shoestring budget, they have managed to provide wonderful opportunities for our local actors, directors, stage managers and production staff. At the same time they provide entertainment opportunities, reasonably priced and very well done.
There are seven performances left, and I encourage you to attend one of them. You will not be disappointed.
Just to entice you, here's a YouTube clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnlV5FYMH68
And here is a link to a review in the Grand Rapids Press: http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/07/review_clever_lines_and_humoro.html
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS...
What a difference a couple of weeks makes. Yeesh! The last time I visited the rehearsal for "Inherit the Wind", they were hammering out blocking details and working, re-working the scene with Brady on the witness stand. Mrs. Krebs was filling in as the Greek Chorus, and they were "off book", but calling for lines pretty frequently. While the dialog between Drummond and Brady is riveting, the "acting" that makes it come to life has moved forward exponentially.
Not an actor, never want to be an actor, can't imagine being an actor. The work they do is amazing. "Amazing" is a much too frequently used word to describe things that, well...AREN'T. This is.
I sensed some frustration tonight. I would be frustrated, too. Calling for lines with a week to go must be genuinely frightening, or at least, unnerving.
After a grueling 3 hours, director, Christopher Weaver had 20 minutes worth of notes made during the run-through. Virtually every actor, plus the Greek Chorus, had a mention, but he likened it to the sculpting of the Michael Angelo. You start with a hammer and chisel, and end up with a tiny brush and fine detailing tools. Well, he's equipped with the detailing tools, and the cast is adjusting. I am, however, curious how they remember the detailed instructions that he gives. They obviously, make the necessary notes in their books, but they are "off book", so I don't know how they can remember the changes/corrections.
To the cast who check this blog: You are all STUPENDOUS! WONDERFUL! AWESOME!
It's easy to think of Terri Foley, the stage manager, as the ultimate mother figure. But, don't be fooled. She is one extremely organized, very thorough person. She, too, has a keen eye for detail.
I teared up during one of Rachael's big moments. The young woman playing her is Clara Osbeck. Michael Kohlenberger as Bertram Cates is believable as the charged teacher, Rachael's love interest, and a man questioning his faith. Joseph Anthony as E.K. Hornbeck is so very good, he has the tenor of the character perfect. Perhaps Christopher would call it something else, remember--I know nothing about acting, but I know what I love. Joe mentioned early on that he had been hoping to have a shot at the Reverend Brown. Well, Bill Handy is the Reverend Jeremiah Brown, and is wonderful in that role. His big scene, when he's preaching to the townspeople, is pretty perfect, too. Jim Burr as Matthew Harrison Brady is fresh off a knee replacement, but he is spellbinding in the scene when he breaks. Joe is, well.....Joe IS Henry Drummond.
I've thought alot about the fact that, while the Scope's Monkey Trial was the starting point, the playwrights, Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, made it very clear that it is a piece of fiction, not journalism, or history either for that matter. People have spent countless hours ripping the play apart for it's inaccuracies, but it was never intended to be an accurate depiction of the Scope's trial.
Taken for what it's worth, the play stands very nicely on it's own. It may seem, to some, to be making light of, and even, ridiculing the Christian faith. I think, rather, that it shows how even the well-intended can fall into a "head" knowledge without "heart" action, and that legalism is not ever an appropriate response.
Opening night is Thursday, July 29.
To all of Joe's friends: You will not be disappointed.
Not an actor, never want to be an actor, can't imagine being an actor. The work they do is amazing. "Amazing" is a much too frequently used word to describe things that, well...AREN'T. This is.
I sensed some frustration tonight. I would be frustrated, too. Calling for lines with a week to go must be genuinely frightening, or at least, unnerving.
After a grueling 3 hours, director, Christopher Weaver had 20 minutes worth of notes made during the run-through. Virtually every actor, plus the Greek Chorus, had a mention, but he likened it to the sculpting of the Michael Angelo. You start with a hammer and chisel, and end up with a tiny brush and fine detailing tools. Well, he's equipped with the detailing tools, and the cast is adjusting. I am, however, curious how they remember the detailed instructions that he gives. They obviously, make the necessary notes in their books, but they are "off book", so I don't know how they can remember the changes/corrections.
To the cast who check this blog: You are all STUPENDOUS! WONDERFUL! AWESOME!
It's easy to think of Terri Foley, the stage manager, as the ultimate mother figure. But, don't be fooled. She is one extremely organized, very thorough person. She, too, has a keen eye for detail.
I teared up during one of Rachael's big moments. The young woman playing her is Clara Osbeck. Michael Kohlenberger as Bertram Cates is believable as the charged teacher, Rachael's love interest, and a man questioning his faith. Joseph Anthony as E.K. Hornbeck is so very good, he has the tenor of the character perfect. Perhaps Christopher would call it something else, remember--I know nothing about acting, but I know what I love. Joe mentioned early on that he had been hoping to have a shot at the Reverend Brown. Well, Bill Handy is the Reverend Jeremiah Brown, and is wonderful in that role. His big scene, when he's preaching to the townspeople, is pretty perfect, too. Jim Burr as Matthew Harrison Brady is fresh off a knee replacement, but he is spellbinding in the scene when he breaks. Joe is, well.....Joe IS Henry Drummond.
I've thought alot about the fact that, while the Scope's Monkey Trial was the starting point, the playwrights, Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, made it very clear that it is a piece of fiction, not journalism, or history either for that matter. People have spent countless hours ripping the play apart for it's inaccuracies, but it was never intended to be an accurate depiction of the Scope's trial.
Taken for what it's worth, the play stands very nicely on it's own. It may seem, to some, to be making light of, and even, ridiculing the Christian faith. I think, rather, that it shows how even the well-intended can fall into a "head" knowledge without "heart" action, and that legalism is not ever an appropriate response.
Opening night is Thursday, July 29.
To all of Joe's friends: You will not be disappointed.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE!!!
The ticket line for Heritage Theater Group is 616-234-3956. It is open from 1-5:00 pm Monday through Friday.
For "Inherit the Wind" the front row will be row "E" as the stage for this play comes a bit forward. Middle seats will be #s 106-107.
You may purchase over the phone with a credit card.
See you there!!
For "Inherit the Wind" the front row will be row "E" as the stage for this play comes a bit forward. Middle seats will be #s 106-107.
You may purchase over the phone with a credit card.
See you there!!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
2 HRS 12 MINUTES TO GET 21 MINUTES
Oh my! Such hard work! Who knew?!?
My granddaughter, Ally, and I attended rehearsal again last night. Only four actors were in attendance: Jim Burr (Matthew Harrison Brady), Gary Walker, (the judge), Kitty Slasinski (Mrs. Krebs), and Joe. They worked and reworked, and yes...RE-reworked the courtroom scene that has Brady on the witness stand.
This particular part of the play has Henry Drummond showing in varying degrees amusement, frustration, anger, and more. Joe is working hard to follow Christopher's direction and by CW's direction, Joe's own instincts.
Christopher throws directions, like "Try it, if it's not right, we'll throw it out!"
"If you don't know what to do, do less!"
"So much pacing is weakening your examination of Brady!"
"Wait to lay down the book."
"Big gesture toward Cates right there."
"Wait to pick up the rock."
And to Brady:
"Don't fold your arms quite so soon."
"No big breath there, it stops the momentum."
Whew!
To my eye huge progress is made. They go over small sections repeatedly. Trying first one thing then another. Before calling it a night, Christopher calls for one last run through. They start where Drummond calls Brady to the stand and end when the judge excuses him. On this night they have spent 2 hours and 12 minutes working on 21 minutes of play.
It must be both exhausting and stimulating. I find it riveting.
Note: Next rehearsal will be the designer's run-through, which means, beginning to end, without stopping, so the sound, lights, costume and set designers can see the flow and the requirements.
My granddaughter, Ally, and I attended rehearsal again last night. Only four actors were in attendance: Jim Burr (Matthew Harrison Brady), Gary Walker, (the judge), Kitty Slasinski (Mrs. Krebs), and Joe. They worked and reworked, and yes...RE-reworked the courtroom scene that has Brady on the witness stand.
This particular part of the play has Henry Drummond showing in varying degrees amusement, frustration, anger, and more. Joe is working hard to follow Christopher's direction and by CW's direction, Joe's own instincts.
Christopher throws directions, like "Try it, if it's not right, we'll throw it out!"
"If you don't know what to do, do less!"
"So much pacing is weakening your examination of Brady!"
"Wait to lay down the book."
"Big gesture toward Cates right there."
"Wait to pick up the rock."
And to Brady:
"Don't fold your arms quite so soon."
"No big breath there, it stops the momentum."
Whew!
To my eye huge progress is made. They go over small sections repeatedly. Trying first one thing then another. Before calling it a night, Christopher calls for one last run through. They start where Drummond calls Brady to the stand and end when the judge excuses him. On this night they have spent 2 hours and 12 minutes working on 21 minutes of play.
It must be both exhausting and stimulating. I find it riveting.
Note: Next rehearsal will be the designer's run-through, which means, beginning to end, without stopping, so the sound, lights, costume and set designers can see the flow and the requirements.
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