A Look at Theater in 2007

I found this article at http://newyork.metromix.com/theater/article/the-year-in-theater/271841/content and thought it might interest you to see what critics think of the theatre produced this year.

Enjoy!

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The Year in Theater 2007

Top critics weigh in on the year's best, worst and most innovative plays and performances

By Lenna King
December 18, 2007

Best actor

Phillip Seymour Hoffman, “Jack Goes Boating,” the Public Theater

Any opportunity to ogle the obscenely talented Mr. Hoffman must be seized, so when I heard he was starring in “Jack Goes Boating,” at the Public, I ran. His ability to captivate on stage—even in his portrayal of a mumbling man of few words—was nothing short of remarkable and certainly worth the full ticket price.

Best actress

Lauren Ambrose, “Romeo and Juliet,” Delacorte Theatre

This past season of Shakespeare in The Park had much talent to boast, but Lauren Ambrose was the most delicious offering. Her Juliet was both nubile and savvy, conveying the text with such intelligence and tenderness—a new world of understanding was introduced.

Best musical

"Gypsy," New York City Center

The stars seemed to have aligned for this past summer’s all-too-limited engagement of “Gypsy,” the first offering in the Center's Encores! Summer Stars series. Starring Patti LuPone as Mama Rose, Laura Benanti as Louise/Gypsy Rose Lee and Boyd Gaines as Herbie, this musical also scores a nod for best ensemble, as they collectively managed to breath new life into this often-revived classic. Thankfully, we’ll all have a chance to see it next season when it moves to Broadway in March 2008.

Best play

"The Homecoming," Cort Theatre

Yes, it’s a revival, but it’s back for a new generation to see. Directed by Daniel Sullivan and written by Harold Pinter, this virtuosic ensemble including Eve Best, Ian McShane, Michael McKean, Raul Esparza, James Frain and Gareth Saxe lends a new meaning to family drama and makes for chilling theater.


Best Off-Broadway production

The Wooster Group’s "Hamlet," the Public Theater

This amalgam of live performance and video footage of Richard Burton’s 1964 production gave a new meaning to performance art. Seamlessly choreographed, this reimagining of “Hamlet” ranks among the year's most innovative theater.

Best theatrical event

"Hair," Delacorte Theatre

Offered for three nights in September, the Public Theater’s concert version of "Hair," written by Galt MacDermot, Jim Rado and Gerome Ragni, concluded the “Summer of Love” at Central Park's Delacorte The enthusiastic audience sang, danced and cheered for this incredibly energetic and imaginative anti-war opus that was perfectly at home in the open-air theater.

Biggest disaster

The Broadway stagehand strike

It almost felt as though Christmas came early—Nov. 28, 2007 to be exact—when Broadway’s lights beamed again after 18 days of darkness. Theatergoers and industry folk alike were disappointed and disoriented as tickets were refunded and sales rapidly slowed, marking the longest strike to afflict Broadway since a 25-day musician strike in 1975.

Looking ahead: 2008

Loads to look forward to in the new year, but particular excitement surrounds Laura Linney’s return to the New York Stage in “Les Liasions Dangereuses,” as part of Roundabout's 2008 season, as well as the move to Broadway for last years off-Broadway sleeper hit “In The Heights.”

SLOLT New Year Wish List

As we approach 2008, SLOLT is rededicating itself to bringing you the highest quality community theatre on the Central Coast. In order to do so, we will be engaging in a series of renovations to our backstage area, office, and kitchen, as well as upgrades to our tech booth.

Below are a few items we could use to improve these areas. If you would like to donate something to the theatre, please call our Production Manager, Katie Mack-Montenegro at 781-2889 x11.

Thank you and Happy New Year!

• Desks
• Desk Chairs
• Scanner
• Adding machine/Calculator(s)
• Washer/Dryer
• Steamer Iron
• Stove

Happy Holidays!

SLO Little Theatre wishes you and your loved ones a Happy Holiday Season! Thank you for your support all year round and best wishes for a happy and successful New Year!

READER's THEATRE TONIGHT!!!

Don't miss our Holiday Reader's Theatre production, "Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol" Friday, December 21, 2007 at 8 p.m. in the theatre.

“Marley was dead, to begin with…” — but what happens to Ebenezer Scrooge’s mean, sour old business partner after that? Join Jacob Marley on his journey during which Scrooge's heart, indeed, is opened; but not before Marley—in this irreverent, funny, and deeply moving story—discovers his own. The San Luis Obispo Little Theater presents an evening of laughter and redemption, including some non-traditional casting that give this year’s production a completely new twist! A holiday treat for the whole family!

$5.00 Admission at the door

WANTED: ACTRESS FOR LOCAL COMMERCIAL

KSBY is filming a commercial and needs a woman between 50 & 60 years old. Filming will take place the first week in January. If you're interested, please email me at wendymarie@slolittletheatre.org and I will get you in contact with more information.

Thank you!
Wendy-Marie Foerster
Executive Director

Interview with East of the Sun and West of the Moon's Ethan Scott

SLOLT: Hi Ethan. We appreciate you taking the time to chat with us. Can you tell everyone how old you are and how long you've been doing theatre?

Ethan: I'm 16 years old and I started taking theatre classes at the SLO Little Theatre in early 2006.

SLOLT: What made you audition for East of the Sun and West of the Moon?

Ethan: The auditions were one week after the Summer Conservatory ended, which I attended, so I took a chance and tried out while everything was still fresh in my mind.

SLOLT: How did you learn all those lines?

Ethan: I usually run all my lines in my head as fast as I can to make sure I'm ready, especially at lines I'm having trouble with.

SLOLT: Do you have a favorite moment on stage during this show?

Ethan: My favorite part of the whole play is the Wedding Precession. Even though I have no lines and can't make any facial expression, I still have a lot of fun listening to the other actors and enjoying all the laughs.

SLOLT: Are there any words of wisdom you would like to share with other young actors?

Ethan: Don't worry if you feel you aren't skilled or developing fast enough, you need to take your time. Just work hard and give it your best. I was so incredibly nervous before opening night I can't even explain. But eventually I felt more confident on stage then I did in real life. Never let your nerves get in your way of doing what you love.

SLOLT: Where can your fans see you in the future? Do you have plans to do another production?

Ethan: I'm really looking forward to audition for future plays at the SLO Little Theatre as well as taking more acting classes. I'm also considering taking classes at PCPA in the Summer.

Interview with Lauren Elizabeth Romero - leading role in East of the Sun and West of the Moon

SLOLT: Hi Lauren. Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us. Can you tell everyone your full name and how old you are?

Lauren: My name is Lauren Elizabeth Romero, and I am 14 years old.

SLOLT: How long have you been doing theatre? Have you performed other places?

Lauren: I've been doing theatre for 4 years at SLO Little Theatre and at school and SLOHS.

SLOLT: Why did you audition for East of the Sun and West of the Moon?

Lauren: I wanted to audition because I love the ACT program, and the people who are in it.

SLOLT: How did you prepare for the role of Tove?

Lauren: I prepared with the cast, playing fun games to get our voices and body warmed up such as "Ride that Pony", "Murder" and call and response games.

SLOLT: What is your favorite part of East of the Sun and West of the Moon?

Lauren: My favorite part in this show is the hags scene where Tove meets three odd, old ladies.

SLOLT: Do you have any advice for other young actors out there?

Lauren: Have fun with this art, let your creativeness show throughout your performance.

SLOLT: Can you let SLOLT audiences know what your future theatrical plans might be?

Lauren: My plans for the future are to take more classes at my school and at SLO Little Theatre.

SLOLT: Thank you, Lauren! We look forward to seeing you on-stage again in the near future!

More Upcoming Auditions at SLOLT

Hello Everyone!

SLO Little Theatre is just the place to be this holiday season! Last night we closed a very successful run of our ACT Production, East of the Sun and West of the Moon. The production was so wonderful - the kids were amazing, the set, costumes, lights, everything was just beautiful. Yesterday's performance actually had a waiting list of about 8 people hoping to catch of glimpse of the magic! We were all a little sad to strike the set last night.

Moving on to more exciting things - if you are an actor, a designer, a stage manager, a lover of the theatre - we have so much going on here in the coming year. Great productions, renovations, new classes, training sessions - we know you want to join the fun! All you have to do get started is contact us at volunteer@slolittletheatre.org or 781-3889 ext 11

And now for the audition information:

M. BUTTERFLY!!!
Performances are April 11 - May 4, 2008
Auditions: Tuesday, December 18th at 6:30
Where: St. Stephens Church, 1344 Nipomo St, SLO
More Info: 781-3889 ext 11

Ray Charles - WHAT'D I SAY
SINGERS! DANCERS! ACTORS!
WHEN: Wednesday, December 19th at 7pm
WHERE: St. Stephens Church, 1344 Nipomo Street, SLO
PARTICULARLY NEED AFRICAN AMERICAN PERFORMERS - BUT ALL ARE WELCOME!FOR MORE INFORMATION - PLEASE CALL MARY MESERVE AT 574-0882


We hope to see you all at the theatre.

Happy Holidays!

Greetings from the Big Apple!

Hi everyone. I'm in New York and thought it might be fun to do a long distance post. :-)

Last night I saw an evening of short plays in NYC, one of which was mine! What an experience. Fn Productions is a new NY theater company with loads of talent. (www.fnproductions.org) Many of the actors involved were equity actors with incredible credits and some of the other playwrights had resumes to put mine to shame! But it was amazing to see someone I've never met produce my play with such an understanding of the piece that I felt as if I'd directed it myself. My actors were flawless and the audience really seemed to love it. What a night!

I'll see it again today and then fight my way to Rockefeller Plaza to take a picture of the tree. I'll post pictures when I get back.

Don't forget that today's matinee is your last chance to see East of the Sun and West of the Moon, as the Saturday evening and Sunday matinee shows are SOLD OUT!

Have a great weekend and keep your fingers crossed that I will be able to get out of JFK tomorrow night.

Wendy-Marie Foerster
Executive Director
SLOLT

Support the Arts! See a Concert!

ACTOR CALL FOR M. BUTTERFLY AUDITIONS!!!

We are currently seeking actors for our upcoming production of "M. Butterfly"!!

Asian actors are especially needed!

AUDITIONS are TUESDAY, DEC. 11, 2007 at 6.30 p.m. in the theatre at 888 Morro Street in downtown SLO. Please call for more information, 781-3889 x11.

Please see character descriptions below or visit our website at www.slolittletheatre.org.

Thank you!

Yours,
Wendy-Marie Foerster
Executive Director,
San Luis Obispo Little Theatre

M. BUTTERFLY
Performances are April 11 - May 4, 2008
Auditions Tuesday, December 11, 2007 6.30PM
SLO Little Theatre, 888 Morro St., San Luis Obispo, CA

Loosely based on the real-life relationship between French diplomat Bernard Boursicot and Chinese opera diva Shi Pei-Pu and inspired by Puccini's opera Madame Butterfly, this imaginative, and at times shocking play won the Tony Award, the Drama Desk Award and the Outer Critics Circle Award as Best Broadway Play in 1988.

Synopsis:
Life as a French diplomat holds no excitement for Rene Gallimard until he meets Chinese opera star Song Liling, a "woman" who personifies the Western vision of the submissive, exotic oriental female. They begin an affair that lasts for twenty years, the story told through Gallimard's distorted recollections as he now sits in a prison cell, accused of treason. We see the curious parallel of his life with the opera as it unfolds, and through his wife and colleagues we are made painfully aware of Gallimard's delusions about Song's true identity. Song is not "the perfect woman," in fact; "she" is a man, a Chinese spy, who uses her intimacy with Gallimard to bring French intelligence to the Chinese government during the Vietnam War. Even when presented with Song's masculinity face to face, Gallimard cannot accept the truth, and is ultimately driven fatally into the operatic fantasy he has used over the years to keep the truth at bay.

Rene Gallimard - 40 - 65 Rene is an "everyman." Someone you would pass on the street. He is someone whom a girl might say, "let's be friends." He can be easily seduced.

Song Liling - Beautiful, seductive Asian woman, 20 - 40. Must be played by a man.

Marc/Man #2/Counsul Sharpless - 35 - 50, First seen as a rowdy college man then Outgoing, sexy...everything Rene is not.

Renee/Woman at Party/Girl in Magazine - Pretty girl, 25 - 30. Seductive, shrewd.

Comrade Chin/Suzuki/Shu Fang - Asian woman - 30- 50 A Communist Official, "Butterfly's " lady in waiting...

Helga - Married to Rene. 30's

M. Toulon/Man #1/Judge - Distinguished man in his 50's - 60's

Film Opportunity

Hi everyone! Our "Lend Me a Tenor" director, Gailee Walker, has an opportunity that might interest some of you. Take a look below.

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Hi Ya’ll,

We are producing a DVD for a client and would like to film a section of the project in front of an audience. It’s an incredible DVD. An incredible subject. Everyone would receive a DVD for participation.

We’ll be filming the project in a hotel conference room – most likely in Atascadero on a day – most probably in January.

All participants would need to sign non-compete and non-disclosure forms. You’re welcome to bring family and friends (who would also need to sign these forms).

We can’t discuss the topic until the day of filming, but each of you would benefit greatly from the subject. You’re also able to ask questions during the filming, thereby be in the DVD.

Please let me know if you’re interested in participating without knowing any more than this. If you have friends who might be interested, you can forward this e-mail to them.

Thanks,

Gailee

East of the Sun and West of the Moon

Anyone who hasn't seen our Academy of Creative Theatre production of "East of the Sun and West of the Moon" should order tickets soon because it's filling up quickly!

Join our Academy of Creative Theatre as our all-youth cast brings a beloved Norwegian folk tale to life. Tony Award nominee Tina Howe has adapted this lovely story for the stage, and SLOLT is thrilled to produce what will surely become a classic in children’s theatre. This tale of the perils of greed and the virtue of selflessness will touch young and old alike – a perfect holiday gift for the whole family!

If you missed the article in the Ticket last week, click on this link and read more about the production. http://www.sanluisobispo.com/ticket/story/212671.html (Many thanks to Joan Crowder of the Tribune for her coverage!)

The performance on Sunday, December 9, 2007 is sold out and closing weekend tickets are going quickly. Don't miss out on this magical production!!!

It's the first SLOLT Blog Entry!

Thanks for stopping by to check out the San Luis Obispo Little Theatre. As you can see, our new website is up and running (and gorgeous!). I'd like to thank Damian Rollison and Stephen Aiena for making the new website a reality. :-)

The SLOLT staff will be blogging regularly to keep you up to date on the latest theatre news at SLOLT, around the Central Coast, and beyond. One of my hopes is that we can create a dialogue with other theatre groups here and search for ways to work together more often and more effectively. When it comes down to it, we are one big family here on the Central Coast. I think it's time we all sat down to dinner together and got to know each other a little better. Think of this blog as one big dining room table. Feel free to post comments and ask questions. All we ask is that it's done respectfully. Any disrespectful comments will be blocked. Any questions for SLOLT staff will be answered as soon as possible. If you have questions regarding other theatres, I will try to find the answers for you or put you in contact with someone who can.

Thank you for supporting SLOLT and being active members of our company. And, YES, you are a member of the company. If you are in any way volunteering this season at SLOLT, you are a Company Member. That means you are part of the SLOLT family and welcome to all events, meetings, work sessions, etc. I will be posting information about any upcoming company events or parties, so keep checking back!

The SLOLT staff hopes you enjoy the new website and visit our blog regularly. We're looking forward to getting to know you all better soon!

Yours,
Wendy-Marie Foerster
Executive Director