HEARTWOOD / LA COMEDY - FUN AND A LOT OF WORK
HEARTWOOD / LA COMEDY - FUN AND A LOT OF WORK
Opening October 30th is Heartwood Theater and Lincoln Academy's annual youth collaboration - and this year, it's a rollicking comedy. Audiences can prepare for some unexpected, sophisticated student performances and a great evening in the Poe ... and be ready to laugh!
"One Man, Two Guvnors" is an unusual challenge for high school actors notes Director, Griff Braley. "They've learned much about the style and history of comedy, while rehearsing the play and putting the pieces together." There are more student techies than in the past several years, and that's added another exciting layer of learning and energy for the production.
The integrated 60's music, whimsical costumes, great script, and the brief history of the play itself, coming out of the National Theater in London, all contribute to the energy of the run.
After spending much of their time in September learning about Commedia dell'Arte and studying the script, actors quickly leaned and staged the play. It's fast paced and very physical, demanding great energy and focus.
The student band of four musicians and trio of female vocalists are now rehearsing with the cast, and their 60's skiffle sound is developing quickly, bringing a huge amount of energy and zip to the performance.
As students finish up the technical work, delving into every aspect of production, they're feeling the energy rise toward opening night.
"Overall," notes Braley, "I'm very excited that these students have committed to a demanding project like this. Audiences are really going to love this show and we can't wait to get viewers in the house. For this show, especially, audience energy will be an essential part of the performance experience."
Many local businesses value this theater education / performance opportunity for Midcoast students and have joined together in sponsorship. Heartwood's Season Sponsor is once again Bath Savings Institution, flanked by Granite Hill Estates as Main Stage Sponsor and Damariscotta Hardware as Season Youth Sponsor. Colby & Gale is Heartwood's Season Youth Ticket Sponsor, ensuring affordable student tickets for each production. Show sponsors are Supplies Unlimited and Chesterfield Associates, of Westport Island.
Performance dates are October 30 & 31 at 7:30, November 1 matinee at 3:00, and final 7:30 shows on November 5, 6 & 7.
Reservations are strongly recommended by emailing Heartwood at info@heartwoodtheater.org or phoning 563-1373 (please do not contact Lincoln Academy for tickets). Student tickets are $8, all adults are $16. Seating is unreserved, unless specifically requested in advance. For more details visit www.heartwoodtheater.org.