tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389750891975736952024-03-14T02:55:20.071-04:00Front Row at Lansing's TheatersAn eagle-eye view of Lansing area theater and performing arts from the view of a local critic and performing arts columnist.Bridgette Redmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081446801589621832noreply@blogger.comBlogger296125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38975089197573695.post-57249432135279757642013-07-29T12:08:00.000-04:002013-07-29T12:08:10.937-04:00Young People and the TheaterThere is something about seeing theater that lifts the spirits, whether the show is a comedy, tragedy or something in between.<br />
<br />
This past weekend was a treat for many reasons. For starters, I got to see four shows through the course of the weekend. But greater than the quantity was being able to take a group of students to see Shakespeare--and for them to enjoy it--and then to see such a large group participate in a local children's production.<br />
<br />
It is energizing to see young people enjoying theater, to see them getting turned on and excited about it. I strongly believe that our job is just to get young people to the theater. Once they're there, the art will work its magic on them.<br />
<br />
On Saturday, we took a group of Waverly High School students to the Michigan Shakespeare Festival. We saw "Twelfth Night" and "King John", attended the talk back and bard talk and played theater games in between the two shows. After the final show, some of the actors came out to the lobby and talked to our students. They offered comments that were insightful and articulate. Our students left turned on to theater, excited, energized. It was a perfect day.<br />
<br />
On Sunday, we saw "Charlotte's Web" at Riverwalk. It was an enormous cast and it was thrilling to see so many young people doing theater--getting an experience that they'd always remember. For us it was especially rewarding to see our friend's daughters Bella and Josie Croff as the goose and Avery, respectfully. We also loved seeing Waverly students in several important roles including John Henrikson as Wilbur, Sarah Kennedy as one of the narrators and Xavier Carroll as Unk the Pig.<br />
<br />
If young people continue to get involved in positive experiences in theater, we have a promising future for the art.<br />
<br />Bridgette Redmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081446801589621832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38975089197573695.post-2554206168632032032013-07-23T01:00:00.002-04:002013-07-23T01:00:40.258-04:00A teaserHey, I still have the password to this blog.Bridgette Redmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081446801589621832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38975089197573695.post-54460349450863549622011-02-09T09:09:00.001-05:002011-02-09T09:09:03.137-05:00Thank you, Mr. Waldschmidt<div class="MsoNormal"><i>“I liked it. It was gud. I will tell my frunds abut it.”</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Every time I sit down to write a review, those sentences go through my head. They were sentences that my high school English teacher frequently wrote on the chalkboard. It was his way of mocking the papers he received that claimed to be book reviews or literature essays. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It is one of those things which has stuck with me as the epitome of how not to write a review. Granted, I would hope that I have enough sophistication as a writer at this point in my career that my writing would be neither so crude nor so poorly spelled. However, each of those sentences represent other temptations that are easy to give in to when I’m not being vigilant.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>“I liked it.”</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Who cares? Really now, if I’m writing a serious review, it matters not one whit whether I liked the show or not. I hate <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Heart of Darkness</i>, but that is irrelevant in any serious writing. My likes and dislikes are subject to my personal tastes, my emotions, how I’m feeling on a given day and what my life experiences are. None of those are relevant to other audience members nor to my readers. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For a Facebook status, a conversation with a friend, a blog post or even an informal radio segment, I’ll say whether I liked a show or not. With my friends, they know my biases. They know which of my judgments they share and which they don’t. They can ask me questions about why I liked it. On a recent evening I told a friend of mine how moved I was by a particular production and told him that he absolutely had to go see it. He laughed at me and said, "Yes, but you're a sucker for Greek drama." I agreed and then referred him to my husband for his opinion. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In the context of a review, my focus must be more on providing those details which will let my readers decide whether <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">they</i> will like the play. I have to provide sufficient information for them to be able to make an informed judgment that is independent of whether it was my kind of show or not.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>“It was gud.”</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This second sentence gets even trickier. Critics are supposed to make judgments about technique, aesthetics and the emotional power of a production. That includes stating whether something worked, whether it had worth, whether it succeeded in accomplishing what it set out to accomplish—in short, whether a choice was good or bad.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So why is that sentence a no-no when it comes to writing a serious review? It represents an unsupported and unqualified judgment. A critic’s job is not to merely return a verdict of thumbs up or thumbs down. It is to explain why the thumb is pointing in the direction that it is pointing. It is meaningless for me to say a show is good or bad. What is useful to the reader is to provide details that support a critical statement.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">One of the questions I constantly ask myself when working on a review is "Why?" Was the choreography good? Why? What made it good and what evidence can I provide to show that it was good? It's not enough to say that something is good or bad. I have to show why.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>"I will tell my frunds abut it."</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">This final sentence serves to remind me who my audience is. I am not writing a letter to send to my friends or an email blast telling those closest to me what I think of a particular show. If I'm doing my job correctly, I'm providing a detailed, well-supported evaluation of a performance based on commonly accepted criteria. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Those closest to me will tell you that the way I describe a show to them is very different than the content that I put in a review. There are different standards. With my friends, we share a long history of shared likes and peeves. We have a shared vocabulary and certain short-cuts that let us quickly communicate without having to provide detail. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In a review, on the other hand, the criteria that I use to judge a show is ideally based on wider, more accepted standards. They are those standards that have evolved through centuries of theater criticism and performance. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Thank you, Mr. Waldschmidt</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Mr. Waldschmidt, I know you're no longer living, but if you were, I'd find you and thank you. You drilled those phrases into my head and because of that, made me a more conscious critic. I won't forget.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Bridgette Redmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081446801589621832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38975089197573695.post-44175630036493419912010-09-29T21:19:00.001-04:002010-09-29T21:21:14.599-04:00Cue Bette Midler: "You don't own me"<div class="MsoNormal">I’m a great believer in transparency when it comes to issues of ethics. That is one of the reasons I have this blog. It gives me the opportunity to talk about issues surrounding theater and the coverage of theater. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What I am about to write next applies to very few people in this community. The vast majority of the arts community in Lansing is populated with individuals I am honored to be associated with. They are people who enrich those around them through their art. They are amazing, generous, and brilliant individuals. I have many times expressed my love for this community because it is truly filled with dynamic, caring, and talented people whose diverse individuality make Lansing a wonderful place to live. What I am about to write is something 98% of this community would wonder why I even find it necessary to state the obvious. To those folks reading this, I apologize. I also thank you for not treating me the way I am about to describe.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For all that I believe in transparency, that does not mean that I believe I have to share everything about myself. There are some explanations that I don’t owe anyone because they are of a personal nature that has nothing to do with my ability to cover the theater community. Even more important, my covering the local arts community does not mean that the community owns me any more than I own it. We are wayfarers with similar destinations, but how we take the journey is for each of us to determine. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Setting Boundaries: "I'm not one of your little toys"</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So allow me to set a few boundaries for those few who need it. You don’t get to dictate what I see and what I don’t see. You can choose to take it personally if you wish, but you don’t get to tell me how I spend my time. You don’t get to tell me which shows I have to see or that I have to see each group’s show in even amounts. You don’t get to tell me the type and quantity of experience that I need to have in order to cover you—only my editor gets to do that. You don't get to tell me who I can write for and who I can't. You don't get to tell me what I'm allowed to write and what I can't. In truth, the second amendment gives you the right to say all those things, but I don’t have to listen and from now on, I won’t. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">You are welcome to pass whatever judgment on my character that you wish. I couldn’t stop you anyway nor do I have any desire to. However, I also don’t have to be subjected to your tirades and I choose not to. </div><div class="MsoNormal">You don’t get to tell my husband what he can and cannot do. You don’t have the power or the right to tell us that one of us must choose a career and the other must drop it. You don’t get to tell me who I’m “allowed” to be friends with and who I must not be friends with. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>You Probably Don't Own the Media Either</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Also, while this may disappoint some people, I must advise that no newspaper is required to cover you. They aren’t required to give you equal coverage. They aren’t required to have a single policy which equally spreads coverage around. Their obligation isn’t to you. Their obligation is to their readers (though, nowadays, most newspaper executives would say their obligation is to their shareholders). If you want to be covered, then make a compelling case to the media as to why you ought to be covered. If you simply say, “I’m here and I’m doing something,” well, not too many editors or readers are going to find that compelling. You’ll fare even worse if you say, “You covered this exact same thing when another organization did it.” Telling a newspaper that they need to be redundant in these days of reduced news hole isn’t going to get you very far. Their response will be—“we already told that story.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you want the newspaper to cover you, tell its editors why your story matters to their readers. Tell them why it will appeal to a broad group of people. Tell them what makes it compelling and what makes it different. Tell them how it will make a difference in people’s lives. If you can’t do that, don’t be surprised that they don’t jump when you say boo. Don’t be surprised when they are merely bemused at your attempts to tell them how to run their business. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>I'll talk, talk, talk about it</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I welcome discussions of anything I write—I relish passionate debate on issues, debate that challenges word choices, that examines ideas. Tell me what I've written is wrong and why. Who I am as a person is not up for debate or discussion. At least, it isn’t with me. You can have whatever conversations about me that you want with other people, though I am not so egotistical as to think that I am very frequently a topic of gossip. I will not discuss my personal life choices (including how I spend my personal time) with you simply because you think that I ought. Nor will I engage in debate with you about me as a person.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ll gladly discuss journalism, theater, the arts, and the Lansing community with anyone who is interested. However, I’m still old-fashioned about manners. I will treat you courteously and I will expect the same in return. If you abuse me or attack me personally, I will cut off any future dialogue with you that isn’t strictly professional. I’ll do my job and cover you when you do something newsworthy. I’ll be as objective and fair as possible when I review you. I will not, though, allow you to threaten my health or well-being by tolerating abusive behavior. I won’t bear you ill will, for I have no desire to poison my outlook or become cynical about people in general. I will, though, refuse to allow you any further access to me than what is strictly necessary.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Celebrating Everyone Else</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">The real advantage to cutting abusive people out of one’s life is that you are able to be more open to the vast majority of people who are not. By refusing to engage with people who make unhealthy choices in their dealings with others, I have more time and energy to engage with everyone else. Once again, I will express gratitude that so few people need to be told what has been written here. </div>Bridgette Redmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081446801589621832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38975089197573695.post-29682611735320137292010-09-17T17:04:00.002-04:002010-09-17T17:07:11.812-04:00Twelfth Night: The Shakespeare ClubOne of many reasons that I haven't been writing here is that I've been helping Waverly High School by writing their fall play (it opens in a month, and no, I'm not done with the script yet). To go along with the play, I'm putting together a rehearsal blog to provide dramaturgy on not just Shakespeare but the plays time setting--the 1980s (which you already figured out from the subtitle, right? If not, your hint is: Scrambled eggs and bacon.<div><br /></div><div>If you'd like to read my theater writing over there, the link is <a href="http://whstwelfthnight.blogspot.com/">http://whstwelfthnight.blogspot.com/</a>. </div>Bridgette Redmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081446801589621832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38975089197573695.post-81852768176608701382010-09-15T00:06:00.002-04:002010-09-15T00:06:47.114-04:00*cough, cough*Hi! Still here. Still recovering. Will write more once things are on a more even keel.Bridgette Redmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081446801589621832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38975089197573695.post-22492322528604851582010-08-26T00:40:00.004-04:002010-08-26T01:14:52.725-04:00A qualification or two<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Generally speaking, I'm not overly fond of talking about my credentials. It isn't that I don't have them, it's that I do not wish to be arrogant or boastful (For more about that, you can read this <a href="http://www.facebook.com/notes.php?id=826935409#!/note.php?note_id=435864687712">note</a> from Facebook). I also continue to believe that as a reviewer, I have to reprove my credibility internally with each review that I write. </span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Also, being a woman of "a certain age" (42 to be exact), I really don't feel like I have much to prove. I have enjoyed a wonderful career so far and I look forward to new opportunities and challenges in the years to come. A career is a fluid thing and the most important thing is to be engaged in lifelong learning and to be open to new experiences and new ways of doing things.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sometimes it is also better to be quiet about one's credentials because there are times actors need to be able to call your credibility into account so that they can discount what you say. That's OK. If a performer needs to believe that I don't know what I'm talking about so that he or she can get back up on stage the next day, then go for it. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Knowing what I do about my qualifications, I'll confess that I was amused to hear them portrayed in a rather unfavorable light in "An Artist's Nightmare" last week. My experience was reduced to liking theater, having seen a "few" plays, and being willing to learn. While all of those things are true--I do like theater, I have seen a few plays (though a few every weekend would be more accurate) and I am willing to learn--they are major understatements. Now, I recognize that it really wasn't personal. I was being used as a device to present a particular point. I'm not offended and I continue to find it sadly amusing. I also recognize that I had the opportunity to boast to the playwright when we first met and chose not to because I was there to interview him and learn about his school, not to put myself forward.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For any curious, I'll post a more detailed version of my professional background. Everyone else can just skip to the next entry which I hope to make in the next week or so.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Writing/Journalism/Revi</span></span></b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><wbr></span></span></b><span class="word_break" style="display: block; float: left; margin-left: -10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ewing experience</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span></span><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">27 years of professional writing experience</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">B.A. in Journalism from Michigan State University (I graduated either magna cum laude or summa cum laude, but I can't remember which--it didn't really strike me as important.)</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Winner of Serwach Leadership Award in Journalism ("</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 20px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This award recognizes undergraduate journalism majors who have demonstrated superior leadership and reporting and writing ability for campus or professional media.")</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Second place winner for the Focus:Hope Journalism Olympics award</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Alternate for Dow Jones International Journalism internship in Brussels, Belgium</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Executive Editor of my college newspaper at Olivet Nazarene University</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Editor of the opinions section of my high school newspaper and editor for two years of my junior high newspaper</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Temporary entertainment editor and reporter for the Observer & Eccentric Newspapers</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Intern at the Grand Rapids Press--which included writing book reviews</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Copy editor for the Lansing State Journal--which included editing theater reviews when they came in and writing restaurant reviews</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Editor of hospitality textbooks and training materials for the past 17 years</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Writer of training materials and textbook chapters for the hospitality industry for the past 17 years</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Author of numerous books for the hospitality, private club, and spa industries</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ghost writer for marriage self-help book, football biography, several ph.d. papers, natural hormone replacement therapy book, textbook chapters on everything from turfgrass to training.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Category Lead for the Book, Newspaper, and Magazine category of Epinions.com, a consumer review site. I wrote for them for 10 years, primarily reviewing books but also writing travel and theater reviews. I was a top reviewer for many years.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Publisher and primary contributor of Book Help Web, a consumer book site that included exclusive author interviews, book reviews, author bios, and related book news. I created content for more than 1,500 pages.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Freelance writer for a variety of organizations including General Motors, Michigan State University, EduGuide, Lansing CityLimits magazine, Dramatics Magazine, National Parks and Recreation Association, Club Managers Association of America, International SPA Association, Pulse Magazine, and others.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2007 National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship for Arts Journalism in Theater and Musical Theater at the University of Southern California Annenburg.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Was a founding contributing blogger to Flyover, a national arts blog focusing on theater outside the country's major theater centers. It is hosted by Arts Journal.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Theater reviewer for the Lansing State Journal and Encore Michigan</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Performing arts columnist for the Lansing State Journal</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Weekly theater correspondent for Michigan Entertainment Internet radio and occasional co-host at live theater broadcasts</span></span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Theater Experience</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Performed in theater in junior high and high school</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Performed in pit orchestra</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">President of the forensics team my senior year and competed on the team for three years</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Was part of a religious acting troupe</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Took several courses in dramatic literature </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Performed in several community theater roles from minor parts to a lead.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Directed a show.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Assistant directed several shows.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Produced many shows.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Costumed shows.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Worked lights and sound for shows.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Served on two community theater boards.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Volunteered extensively for several years for a professional theater.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Taught drama to K-3 grades for four years.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Wrote, produced, and directed children's shows.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I also see an average of 100 live performances a year (mostly theater and musicals but also opera, dance concerts, symphonic concerts, and vocal concerts)--and have seen them all around the country.</span></span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />(And I'm not sure if this counts or not, but I am married to an Equity actor and have learned a lot from him and his colleagues. Also, my father is a journalist and I hung out in newsrooms from the time I could walk.)</span></span></span>Bridgette Redmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081446801589621832noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38975089197573695.post-48478508298466833222010-08-21T15:43:00.002-04:002010-08-21T15:45:13.659-04:00"Real-world" experienceDoes geography matter when it comes to experience?<div><br /></div><div>Is art only art if it takes place in certain agreed-upon locations? Do we only count experience if the person gained it in these locations?</div>Bridgette Redmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081446801589621832noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38975089197573695.post-33342100068609777862010-08-18T10:25:00.005-04:002010-08-18T10:58:08.415-04:00Rejecting Mamet's GlassesI've never liked the plays of David Mamet. <div><br /></div><div>I used to think it was because of the foul language and how I felt verbally assaulted after I'd been to one of his shows. However, strong language in other shows didn't bother me. I'll even use vulgarity myself when the situation seems appropriate (though never profanity and I do draw a very distinct line between the two--if I say "God," it's because I'm talking to or about him). </div><div><br /></div><div>So why is it that I don't like David Mamet plays? It's because of the characters themselves. So often they are people who exhibit the worst human qualities. They are cruel, heartless, selfish, and amoral. Many of his characters could easily be diagnosed as mentally ill--sociopaths and psychopaths. </div><div><br /></div><div>While drama is an excellent way to explore social diseases, Mamet's outlook is far too pessimistic and ultimately lacks authenticity. The societal problem that it skirts isn't that there are people like the ones he portrays in the world. The problem is that we look at others and see monsters like the ones Mamet creates. How many times do you hear someone come out of a Mamet show and say, "I know people like that."? </div><div><br /></div><div>I've met a lot of people in my life. While there may be people who resemble Mamet's characters and who engage in some of the behaviors, none are as lacking in empathy or soul as he portrays. When you take the time to listen, you discover that the person does have redeeming qualities. For some people, it might take a lot of listening and a lot of empathy. </div><div><br /></div><div>Hatred is easy. It's a pretty destructive habit to have. It's far easier to scream obscenities at the person who cuts you off when you're driving than to say to yourself that perhaps that person is having a bad day or didn't see you or any of a number of reasons that would make their actions understandable. It's far easier to classify someone as an idiot, jerk, or any of a number of stronger terms that to simply acknowledge that we don't like some of their behaviors--anymore than they likely are fond of some of our own behaviors.</div><div><br /></div><div>We get to choose how we see people. We get to choose what sort of interpretation we put on their actions. While it is not wise to be naive, it can take great courage and effort to choose to see the best in people. We could see the world through cynical eyes that believe others to be criminals, wastrels, and users. Or we could see the world through compassionate eyes that believe others to share in our own struggles and to be searching for ways to be healthy and happy.</div><div><br /></div><div>The latter may be more difficult, but it is also far more rewarding.</div>Bridgette Redmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081446801589621832noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38975089197573695.post-11546735154884273912010-06-27T16:44:00.003-04:002010-06-27T17:21:17.170-04:00The Difference<p class="MsoNormal">What is the difference between community theater and professional theater?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Aside from the obvious difference that one is a volunteer organization and the other pays its performers, how are the missions different?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">There are many people who want to define the difference by creating some measure of quality. There is some validity to that measurement, but what is it that contributes to that quality? </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a huge supporter of community theater. Yet, you will not hear me say that community theater is as good as professional theater. To me, that would be a bit like saying a strawberry is as good as a carrot. They’re both good, but both different in core ways. They both provide different but necessary vitamins to the human body just as the different types of theater provide different but necessary forms to the arts community.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Why do I value community theater?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I value community theater because it gives a wide variety of people a chance to participate in the art as an avocation. It enriches their lives and makes them more committed to the community in which they live. It helps them to form long-lasting bonds with people who share a geographic home with them. They’re able to connect to people who have similar interests, temperaments, and personalities. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Community theater, when it is true to its mission, is focused inward on the participants.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Why do I value professional theater?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I value professional theater because it elevates the art form and allows audiences to participate in the art as a transformative experience. The performers matter less than the story being told and the effectiveness with which it is being told. The story is the medium in which people are talking to people about things that matter to them. Theater becomes a way of exploring issues, experiencing catharsis, and laughing deeply.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Professional theater, when it is true to its mission, is focused outward on the audience.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">In community theater, production values can take on a lesser role as what is important is providing the support and structure for the performers to be able to explore and create. Choices are made based on whether they challenge, encourage or distract the actor. The audience is coming to see their friends, co-workers and families. They’ll be far more forgiving and far more inclined to praise a show because the priority isn’t what the audience was able to feel, but what the performers were able to do. Performers want to be treated with respect because they have given up their free time and worked hard at something for an extended period of time.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">In professional theater, production values are of extreme importance. Even a bare set needs to be executed well. Choices are made based on whether they will challenge, encourage, or distract the audience. The audience is coming to be entertained, moved and transformed. They’ll have high expectations for the time they are spending in the theater and will have high expectations. They want to be treated with respect and have the show creators think that the audience was worth the effort.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">In community theater, the performers are learning on the fly in an invigorating, collaborative effort that allows them to transcend their daily lives. A show’s success can often depend on whether the cast is able to bond with each other in mutual respect and admiration. The participants should be given a chance to learn, grow, and develop. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Once the show ends, the relationships can continue and all are likely to be given opportunities to perform together again.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">In professional theater, the performers are already proficient and trained in the skills the art demands. A show’s success depends on the strong collaboration of artistic and technical staff that is focused on the work and not the personalities. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When the show ends, the artists will go their separate ways, maintaining a professional respect and connection, but no longer a part of each other’s daily lives until they once again end up at the same theater.</p><p class="MsoNormal">In community theater, it is essential that an effort be made to draw in new people who may not know much about the art or the craft. There needs to be room for participants to grow as performers. They should not be required to be great performers when they first show up. A community theater stagnates when it doesn't allow "less talented" people to be part of the shows.</p><p class="MsoNormal">In professional theater, it is essential that every performer from the lead to the walk-on role, from the stage manager to the box office manager, have all of the skills required to do the job. The theater should make sure it is hiring the best people possible for each role and job and not just the performers and technicians with whom they are most familiar and comfortable.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Community theater fails when it treats its performers poorly or ignores their needs and abilities. They succeed when they select work that allows their participants to stretch without asking the impossible. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Professional theater fails when it ignores the needs and desires of its audience and gets caught up in what it wants to do to the degree that it shows contempt for their patrons.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Community theater enriches society by giving people the chance to perform.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Professional theater enriches society by giving people the chance to experience performance.</p>Bridgette Redmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081446801589621832noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38975089197573695.post-69910276802353206122010-06-15T01:21:00.005-04:002010-06-15T02:07:40.894-04:00Thespie "Nominees"In just a few hours, the winners of this year's Thespie Awards will be on the newsstands. This is the 31st year of the Thespies--sponsored by the Lansing State Journal. They recognize great work done in the Lansing community during the 2009-2010 season. <div><br /></div><div>Typically, only the winners are published, despite the large number of names that get considered. Part of this is because there is a limited amount of news hole. Also, with the process that the Thespie committee uses, we don't have formal nominees--thus the quote marks in the title. We float a lot of names before starting our votes. In some categories, a single judge might have a dozen nominees. </div><div><br /></div><div>This year there had to be some last-minute changes in judges due to some illnesses and other complications. After the committee had discussed it for awhile after the meeting determining the winners was over, we thought it might be best to add an extra layer of transparency this year--to show the variety of shows and performers which were discussed. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Disclaimer:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"> These were not formal nominees. They were the names we floated that made it through the first two or three rounds of elimination. They do include the winners.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>In a couple cases, the professional and non-professional categories were divided out. These were cases where there were a great deal of nominees in both categories. I will post a link to the winners as soon as it is up (er, and I'm on the computer).</div><div><br /></div><div>One more disclaimer: There are also several special awards--for those things which didn't fit within a category neatly. In a few categories, there is a winner but not enough other nominees for me to be able to list them here.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">2009-2010 Thespie Nominees</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style=" Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Best Play:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">A Few Good Men, Riverwalk Theatre</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">An Infinite Ache, Williamston Theatre</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Bluff, BoarsHead Theatre</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">The Late Henry Moss, Icarus Falling</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">The Seafarer, Peppermint Creek Theatre Company</span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.6px;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style=" Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Best Musical:</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Altar Boyz, Peppermint Creek</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Hank Williams: Lonesome Highway, Lansing<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Community College</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">The Light in the Piazza, Riverwalk Theatre</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Rent, Michigan State University</span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.6px;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style=" Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Best Director, Play</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Chad Badgero, Seafarers, Peppermint Creek</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Tony Caselli, It Came From Mars, Williamston</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Tony Caselli, This Wonderful Life, Williamston</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">James Glossman, Bluff, BoarsHead</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Suzi Regan, Home: Voices of Families from the Midwest, Williamston</span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.6px;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style=" Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Best Director, Musical</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Chad Badgero, Altar Boyz, Peppermint Creek</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Scott Burkell, Rent, MSU</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Jane Falion, The Light in the Piazza, Riverwalk</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">John Lepard, Hank Williams, LCC</span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.6px;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style=" Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Best Lead Actor, Play, professional</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Jacob Albright, It Came From Mars, Williamston</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">John Astin, Bluff, BoarsHead</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Aral Gribble, An Infinite Ache, Williamston</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">John Lepard, This Wonderful Life, Williamston</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Wayne David Parker, It Came From Mars, Williamston</span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.6px;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style=" Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Best Lead Actor, Play, non-professional</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Doak Bloss, The Seafarers, Peppermint Creek</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Rick Dethlefsen, The Seafarers, Peppermint Creek</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Jack Dowd, The Late Henry Moss, Icarus Falling</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Michael Hayes, The Late Henry Moss, Icarus Falling</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Brad Rutledge, The Late Henry Moss, Icarus Falling</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Brad Rutledge, The Seafarers, Peppermint Creek</span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.6px;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style=" Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Best Supporting Actor, Play</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Dave Dunckel, A Few Good Men, Riverwalk</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Mark Gmazel, Things You Shouldn’t Say Past Midnight, Peppermint Creek</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Bill Henson, Things You Shouldn’t Say Past Midnight, Peppermint Creek</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Jacob Hodgsons, It Came From Mars, Williamston</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Brad Rutledge, A Few Good Men, Riverwalk</span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.6px;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style=" Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Best Featured Actor, Play</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Joe Dickson, Book of Days, Riverwalk</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Jason Garvey, You Can’t Take It With You, MSU</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Bill Henson, The Importance of Being Earnest, Capitol TheatreWorks</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Markitwia Jackson, The Late Henry Moss, IF</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Kevin Knights, The Late Henry Moss, IF</span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.6px;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style=" Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Lead Actress, play</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Sandra Birch, It Came From Mars, Williamston</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Jasmine Rivera, Infinite Ache, Williamston</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Emily Sutton-Smith, The Smell of the Kill, Williamston</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Piaget Ventus, In The Blood, MSU</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Veronica Gracia Wing, Enchanted April, Riverwalk</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Amy Winchell, Power Plays, IF</span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.6px;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style=" Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Supporting Actress, play, professional</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Laura Croff, The Smell of the Kill, Williamston</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Alysia Kolascz, It Came From Mars, Williamston</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Teri Clark Linden, The Smell of the Kill, Williamston</span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.6px;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="Times New Roman","serif";font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;color:black;">Supporting Actress, play, non-professional</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Sarah Blossom, Third, Peppermint Creek</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Abby Murphy, Enchanted April, Riverwalk</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Char'Tavia Mushatt, In the Blood, MSU</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Rachel Kabodian, Third, Peppermint Creek</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Sandra Thomason, Enchanted April, Riverwalk</span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.6px;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="Times New Roman","serif";font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;color:black;">Featured Actress, play</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Erin Cline, Ah Wilderness, LCC</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Carol Ferris, Size 8 Shorts, Riverwalk</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Julie Schilling, Bluff, BoarsHead</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Becky Tremble, Talking With, IF</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Gloria Vivalda, Enchanted April, Riverwalk</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Amy Winchell, Talking With, IF</span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.6px;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="Times New Roman","serif";font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;color:black;">Lead Actor, Musical</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Rusty Broughton, Rent, MSU</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Chad deKatch, The Light in the Piazza, Riverwalk</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Derek Smith, Hank Williams: Lost Highway, LCC</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Evan Pinsonnault, Into the Woods, Riverwalk</span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.6px;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="Times New Roman","serif";font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;color:black;">Supporting Actor, Musical</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Joseph Baumann, Into the Woods, Riverwalk</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Doak Bloss, Light in the Piazza, Riverwalk</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Jeff Kennedy, Into the Woods, Riverwalk</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Brandon Piper, Rent, MSU</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Sineh Wurie, Hank Williams, LCC</span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.6px;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="Times New Roman","serif";font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;color:black;">Lead Actress, Musical</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Emily English Clark, The Light in the Piazza, Riverwalk</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Claudia Dibbs, Rent, MSU</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Paige Lucas, The Light in the Piazza, Riverwalk</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Jennifer Schafer, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Riverwalk</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Veronica Gracia Wing, Into the Woods, Riverwalk</span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.6px;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="Times New Roman","serif";font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;color:black;">Supporting Actress, Musical</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Betsy Bledsoe, The Light in the Piazza, Riverwalk</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Laura Croff, Hank Williams, LCC</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Abigail English, Into the Woods, Riverwalk</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Laura Stebbins, The Light in the Piazza, Riverwalk</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Kellyn Uhl, Rent, MSU</span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.6px;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="Times New Roman","serif";font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;color:black;">Ensemble, Professional</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Bluff, BoarsHead</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Home: Voices of Families from the Midwest, Williamston</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">It Came From Mars, Williamston</span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.6px;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="Times New Roman","serif";font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;color:black;">Ensemble, Non-Professional</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">The Late Henry Moss, IF</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Opposites Attract, Lansing Civic Players</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Seafarer, Peppermint Creek</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Things You Shouldn’t Say Past Midnight, Peppermint Creek</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Trojan Women, MSU</span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.6px;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="Times New Roman","serif";font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;color:black;">Original Script, Professional</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Home: Voices of Families From the Midwest, By Annie Martin and Suzi Regan</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">It Came From Mars, by Joseph Zettelmaier</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Three By Poe, by Paul Riopelle</span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="Times New Roman","serif";font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.6px;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="Times New Roman","serif";font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;color:black;">Original Script, Non-Professional</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">The Watch List by Eric Dawe</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Thunder Hoof and the Prince by Fran Johnson and Yvonne Whitmore</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">I’ll Make Merry When I’m Good and Ready by Oralya Garza, Tony Sump, and Chuck Dimick</span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.6px;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="Times New Roman","serif";font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;color:black;">Children’s Show</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Thunderhoof and the Prince</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Bremen Town Musicians</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;font-size:15.6px;">Dragonsong</span></li></ul><p></p> </div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:black">Set Design</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15.6px; ">Enchanted April, Riverwalk</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15.6px; ">A Few Good Men, Riverwalk</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15.6px; ">Home: Voices from Families of the Midwest, Williamston</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15.6px; ">In the Blood, MSU</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15.6px; ">The Light in the Piazza, Riverwalk</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15.6px; ">One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, MSU</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15.6px; ">The Smell of the Kill, Williamston</span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15.6px; "><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:black">Set Dressing</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15.6px; ">Ah, Wilderness, LCC</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15.6px; ">The Light in the Piazza, Riverwalk</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15.6px; ">Rent, MSU</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15.6px; ">Seafarer, Peppermint Creek</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15.6px; ">Three by Poe, Boarshead</span></li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15.6px; "><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:black">Costumes</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15.6px; ">Enchanted April, Riverwalk</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15.6px; ">Frog and Toad are Friends, Holt-Dimondale Community Players</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15.6px; ">In the Blood, MSU</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15.6px; ">The Light in the Piazza, Riverwalk</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15.6px; ">Rocky Horror Picture Show, MSU</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15.6px; ">Trojan Women, MSU</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif;">**NOTE: There are additional nominees for lighting and sound, but there is a problem with my notes and I need to get the nominees confirmed by the other committee members before I publish them. My apologies.</span></div><p></p> </div>Bridgette Redmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081446801589621832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38975089197573695.post-32146192820294075492010-04-24T16:18:00.003-04:002010-04-24T16:20:04.658-04:00The Red ViolinTonight we're going to be going to the John Corigliano concert at MSU's Wharton Center. I've been most excited about hearing Circus Maximus as it is one of those symphonies that must be experienced live in order to get the full effect.<div><br /></div><div>Another highlight will likely be performances of his work from The Red Violin. Here is an MSU student giving a preview performance:</div><div><br /></div><div><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hQGYKm6h2dg&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hQGYKm6h2dg&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div>Bridgette Redmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081446801589621832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38975089197573695.post-37209398126629095612010-04-11T22:13:00.001-04:002010-04-11T22:14:51.693-04:00Weekend in ChicagoHey! Dancin!<div><br /></div><div>Cherry Poppins: A New Musical (an improv musical)</div><div><br /></div><div>Billy Elliott</div><div><br /></div><div>Awesome food, even better company. It was a good weekend.</div>Bridgette Redmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081446801589621832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38975089197573695.post-68715100554112893642010-04-09T00:02:00.002-04:002010-04-09T01:06:46.724-04:00Comparing apples to applesSeeing the same play done by multiple companies is simply part of the job description for a theater critic. Moreso than any other art except ballet and classical music, live theater is a medium that explores different approaches to the same script. By its very nature it is dynamic and subject to many interpretations. While movies will have the occasional remake, it won't be done a thousand different ways by ten thousand different actors.<div><br /></div><div>So when attending a show, a critic must try to approach each version of each play with an open mind. After all, it's not about whether a particular production was similar to another. What's more important is whether the production is living up to its own internal interpretation. What is the vision of a particular director? What does each new actor bring to his or her role? That said, outside of the structure of a review, it is highly enjoyable to compare shows and part of the essential discussion about what makes theater vibrant and dynamic.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Seeing Double: Canterbury and April</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Several weekends ago, I had my weekend of seeing double. The two Canterbury Tales performances I saw were actually quite similar--which was to be expected. They had the same director and about a third of the cast was the same for each show. There were individual variations in character interpretations between the two different casts, but it was basically the same show.</div><div><br /></div><div>The other show I saw twice was "Enchanted April." Knowing that I was going to review the Meadowbrook show while judging the Riverwalk version for the Thespies, it seemed only fair to see the Riverwalk version first. After all, Meadowbrook had access to greater resources, better trained artists, and the ability to rehearse as a full-time job rather than an after getting out of other work rehearsal schedule.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Enchanted April</b></div><div><br /></div><div>What surprised me was how genuinely close the two shows were in overall quality--both in artistic performance and in production values. Both shows had their strengths and both had their weaknesses.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Meadowbrook actors were far superior in their vocal quality, consistency of accents, and overall development of characters. Yet, while their Lotty was easier to understand, she also changed less. Nor could the Meadowbrook Rose hold a candle to the sensitivity and passion that the Riverwalk Rose showed. Likewise the marital relationship between Rose and "Florian" in the Riverwalk production was far more layered and complex. I could believe in Florian's change at the end far more than I could in the Meadowbrook production.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Riverwalk production was also the more daring of the two, willing to commit to more intense choices. The men, while having very little to work with in the script, were also much more convincing and real in the Riverwalk production whereas they came across as too much of just backdrop in the Meadowbrook version.</div><div><br /></div><div>The set, which is very much a part of the show--both in the grim grayness of the first act and the floral airiness of the second act--also had different strengths, even while looking extraordinarly similar. Both used the same color schemes with similar looking set dressing. For the first act, the Meadowbrook set was far more interesting with its constantly changing backgrounds and the ability to change lighting to a far greater degree. For the second act, the Riverwalk set had a much fuller, brighter feel to it. There was more depth and character to the castle. Also, the set change at the top of Act II at Riverwalk was one of those memorable moments that got its own applause. The audience was able to witness the transformation which once more underlined the theme of the show.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Proscenium vs. Thrust</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>The difference in sets could primarily be attributed to the two very different spaces. Meadowbrook is a large theater with a proscenium stage. Riverwalk is much more intimate and is a thrust stage. For the first act, the flatness added to the play's story while allowing the technical team far greater flexibility in swiftly creating many different rooms and settings. For the second act, the intimacy with the audience and the ability to emphasize dimension made for a stronger second act.</div><div><br /></div><div>Both were shows well worth seeing for the beauty of the play and the fascinating differences in choices made by each cast.</div><div><br /></div>Bridgette Redmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081446801589621832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38975089197573695.post-53682938265230679242010-03-30T22:12:00.002-04:002010-03-30T22:24:02.243-04:00Picking nitsWhen I write a review that is restricted to 300 words or less, I rarely include much except the main points of the production. What most worked? What didn't? What was the overall impression of the show?<div><br /></div><div>I often think this is a disservice because there are many things about a production that can be worth talking about even though they are not the main thrust of the show and even when they don't effect the overall quality of a show. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes I think some of the more interesting moments in a show are the small ones that go by quickly. They can be great moments, or they can be horrible ones. When they're bad, mentioning them seems like an exercise in picking nits. They can be interesting to discuss, but really shouldn't effect whether someone goes to see a show or not. Sometimes the little things are matters of interpretation--one person wondering whether a slightly different choice might have been more effective. In the latter instance, the overall performance may have been quite good and it can be demoralizing to raise a question in a review.</div><div><br /></div><div>At other times, the nits do matter. Sometimes the lack of attention to a small detail can take the audience out of a production and make the overall show suffer. Sometimes the jarring detail or moment can indicate a sloppiness on the part of the actor, crew, or director (depending on what it is). </div><div><br /></div><div>I've been bothered lately by one of those small details I saw at a show--a detail that would likely go unremarked upon in a review because there were so many more important things to comment on. And yet, that detail told me a lot about the show and about the actor. In the play, the actor is complaining about how cold it is and how frozen he feels with a lack of proper heating during a winter month. He's wearing a scarf and a sweater and would rub his hands to keep warm. Yet he had his sleeves pushed up to his elbow. It immediately told me that as an actor, he wasn't paying much attention to what he was saying. He wasn't feeling the cold. He wasn't thinking. I couldn't believe what he was saying because if he were really cold and shivering, he'd pull his sleeves down rather than leave his bare arms exposed to the frozen air.</div><div><br /></div><div>Does that minor point of costuming matter compared to the other elements of the show? Only in that it informed my thinking about the other problems that show had and what might have contributed to them. </div><div><br /></div>Bridgette Redmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081446801589621832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38975089197573695.post-62001752223920489512010-03-29T11:18:00.002-04:002010-03-29T11:19:26.359-04:00In the Blood reviewHere is my <a href="http://mientertainment.biz/content/2010/3/29/in-the-blood-excellent-show.html">review</a> of MSU's "In the Blood." It's posted at Michigan Entertainment.<div><br /></div><div>It was a powerful show and I hope to be back to talk about it some more--after talking about Enchanted April.</div>Bridgette Redmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081446801589621832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38975089197573695.post-80746791673783600432010-03-28T19:08:00.002-04:002010-03-28T19:11:55.461-04:00What a weekend!Theater has the power to move, the power to change lives, the power to challenge us to re-examine our ways of thinking. <div><br /></div><div>This weekend the theater I took in left me almost out of breath by the end of it with plenty of themes chasing themselves around in my head during today's car trip to the west-side of the state for a family birthday.</div><div><br /></div><div>Friday night, Richard and I went to see Romeo et Juliette, the opera put on by the MSU College of Music. It is the operatic version of Shakespeare's play, sung in French, then set in Miami, Florida during the 1980s.</div><div><br /></div><div>On Saturday, I went straight from MSU's "In the Blood" to Everett's "Rent." I'll be writing more about the MSU show as it was strong, powerful stuff. Speaking of that, I need to go finish my review of it for Michigan Entertainment. So I'll write more later.</div>Bridgette Redmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081446801589621832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38975089197573695.post-51516398790911107742010-03-26T00:52:00.002-04:002010-03-26T01:42:17.386-04:00Balance of appropriatenessEarlier this month I attended a production of the musical <i>Spelling Bee</i> at the Ruhala Performing Arts Center. As with most productions there, the performances were superior and the young performers did an excellent job. Not only are they talented, but more importantly, they have put in a lot of hard work.<div><br /></div><div>While their production was charming and wonderful, there were several times I found myself distinctly uncomfortable. Discomfort during a theatrical performance isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it is a sign that there is something to think more about.</div><div><br /></div><div>When I first saw <i>The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee</i>, all of the characters were played by adults--including the kids. This added a certain humor factor to it. It also gave us even more of a feeling of looking at the kids through adult eyes.</div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Spelling Bee</i> is a fun musical that takes a very authentic look at the real struggles of junior high kids--especially those who are outcasts for one reason or another.<i> </i>If stage shows were rated, this would would probably get a PG-13, with one song about the young man's "unfortunate erection" making it push the edge of an R rating. There is also a fair amount of language which is both vulgar and profane. </div><div><br /></div><div>If I acknowledge that nothing in the show is outside of the language, thoughts, or conversations of junior high aged students, is it hypocrisy to be uncomfortable when I see actors as young as age 12 performing it? </div><div><br /></div><div>After much thought, I've concluded that the answer to that is no. Ultimately, it is a parental choice whether it is appropriate for their child to participate in musical or dramatic pieces with adult content. For myself, I would not have my child perform in a musical like <i>The Spelling Bee. </i>There is a difference between knowing that children use certain language and joke about certain subjects and having an adult demand that they do so and having them perform it in front of audiences. </div><div><br /></div><div>When you teach math, you don't ask students to attempt trig before they've learned how to multiply and divide. So it is with other subjects. Students of life shouldn't have everything thrown on them at once. When we respect the learner, we allow the learner to take things in stages and steps without dumping things on them before they are ready. So it is with issues of sex. I'm all in favor of open, honest discussions with children about sexual topics--and in letting them lead the way when determining what they are ready for and what they are not. However, we already live in an over-sexualized society in which messages about sexuality are far from healthy. I'm not eager to push my child to explore topics of physical desire when he is still working out more basic social and decision-making skills. </div>Bridgette Redmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081446801589621832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38975089197573695.post-67434841219418525722010-03-21T22:29:00.002-04:002010-03-21T22:34:09.689-04:00A full weekendIt was a good weekend for theater and I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend of seeing double. Everything went off as planned--I saw Waverly High School's "The Canterbury Tales" with Cast Canterbury on Thursday and Cast Southwark this afternoon. On Friday, I saw "Enchanted April" at Riverwalk and on Saturday night I saw the same show at Meadowbrook. The <a href="http://www.encoremichigan.com/reviews.html">review </a>of the latter show is posted at Encore Michigan. <div><br /></div><div>We then topped it all off by a family night out at the movies with our friends the Thompsons. We splurged and saw Alice in Wonderland at the iMax. </div><div><br /></div><div>Tonight, I am tired, but in the next couple days, I hope to write the following blog entries:</div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>A review of "The Watch List"</li><li>A comparison of the two Enchanted Aprils</li><li>A discussion on the delicate balance of what we ask children to do in theater</li></ul><div>Meanwhile, I wish for all of you a wonderful week.</div></div>Bridgette Redmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081446801589621832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38975089197573695.post-17789026305230253782010-03-19T00:57:00.002-04:002010-03-19T00:59:02.987-04:00Seeing DoubleI'll be seeing double this weekend.<div><br /></div><div>Tonight I went to see the Canterbury cast perform "Canterbury Tales" at Waverly High School. I'll see the play again on Sunday with the Southwark cast. (The show has only eight characters and they were double-cast to give more people the opportunity to perform.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Then Friday night, I'll be going to Riverwalk to see "Enchanted April." On Saturday night, I'll be going to Meadowbrook to see "Enchanted April."</div><div><br /></div><div>A weekend full of seeing double.</div>Bridgette Redmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081446801589621832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38975089197573695.post-79299713508149591472010-03-15T00:44:00.002-04:002010-03-15T00:48:00.085-04:00Good weekend for theaterI may have to break my usual rule and write a review for "The Watch List" in my blog. It's a new work and it deserves to get attention. So I'm going to put some thought into it and once I get my other assignments done for the week, I'll turn back to "The Watch List" and write about it.<div><br /></div><div>I also saw "Opal's Husband" with Jane and Mark Zussman, Winifred Olds, Dan Pappas, and Jan Ross in it on Saturday night. I sat at a table with the director's parents who were quite proud of the cute show that their daughter directed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Earlier tonight I saw a wonderful production of "The Ingham County Spelling Bee" at the Ruhala Center. It was a cast of exceedingly talented performers.</div>Bridgette Redmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081446801589621832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38975089197573695.post-34023765503757004822010-03-12T21:56:00.002-05:002010-03-12T21:59:50.486-05:00Directors and EditorsWriters are told that when they fall in love with a sentence that they've written--when they think it is just the greatest thing ever, they should get rid of it. Sounds harsh, but writers with that kind of discipline are far more readable and effective than those who aren't. Granted, it often takes a good editor to kill the sentence that the writer is in love with.<div><br /></div><div>There is a parallel to this in acting. Theater needs strong directors to sometimes tell the actor to get rid of something that the actor thinks is awesome.</div>Bridgette Redmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081446801589621832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38975089197573695.post-88294897373646243802010-03-12T18:43:00.002-05:002010-03-12T18:45:07.922-05:00Weekend of TheaterIn less than an hour I'll be heading out for the start of what I expect to be a wonderful weekend of theater.<div><br /></div><div>Tonight I'm going to "The Watch List" at Riverwalk. On Saturday, I'll be at Starlight Dinner Theater's "Opal's Husband," and on Sunday I'll see the musical theater ensemble at the Ruhala Center perform "The 25th Annual Ingham County Spelling Bee."</div>Bridgette Redmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081446801589621832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38975089197573695.post-27618932715553945262010-03-09T22:07:00.001-05:002010-03-09T22:09:04.472-05:00Daily postI said I would post every day for a week, so here is today's post.<div><br /></div><div>Eventually, I will get embarrassed if my blog entries continue to say nothing. Hopefully that will inspire me to create better content and not just stop writing here.</div>Bridgette Redmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081446801589621832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38975089197573695.post-55985362087672265592010-03-08T22:46:00.003-05:002010-03-08T23:04:32.705-05:00Monday Movie MusingsYesterday was the Oscar Awards ceremony. This statement will surprise no one.<div><br /></div><div>We didn't watch it for a couple reasons. One, we haven't a television. Two, with our car broken down, we couldn't get to any of the various Oscar parties taking place around town.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't say that I minded missing it the way I minded missing the Olympics. Primarily this is because I see so very few movies. As a theater critic, I see a lot of plays. When I talk about the "theater," I'm talking about what happens on the stage, not the screen. Given that I also have a day job, a family, friends, and more than a few hobbies, this doesn't leave much time for movies. This year, when I've missed many of the plays that I wanted to see, movies were an even lower priority. </div><div><br /></div><div>Of the few movies that I did see (and you should take "few" literally), none of them were likely to be nominated for an award. I have fairly plebeian tastes in movies. If I'm going to go to the theater, I'm going to go see something that I can't see on stage since I far prefer the live medium to the two-dimensionality, distance, and static nature of movies. I prefer to have my actors life-size rather than bigger than life on the silver screen or in miniature on the television. </div><div><br /></div><div>This means most of what I watch is animated. Yes, I could give you the excuse that I'm a mom and I do it for family reasons, but really, it's because I like animated movies. One of my favorite movies of all time is still Disney's Mulan. </div><div><br /></div><div>Feeding into this was that I was raised a Nazarene at a time when Nazarenes didn't go to movies. While my parents never enforced this--preferring instead that I come to a decision on my own--as I became more active in the church, I saw movies less and less. By the time I reached high school, I had given up going to movies entirely. During my first two years of college, going to a movie could have gotten me expelled.</div><div><br /></div><div>While that restriction has long since been lifted, movies never became a habit for me or even something that I typically think of when pondering entertainment options. </div>Bridgette Redmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081446801589621832noreply@blogger.com0