Hey Fans,
Patrick and the theater crew from Anoka Ramsey Community College are hauling the spiral staircase to Lyric Arts. Come and check out this awesome staircase in Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure.
Archive for the ‘General News’ Category
What is Happening @ Lyric Arts?
September 29th, 2011Whats Happening @ Lyric Arts
September 19th, 2011Today has been an early day at Lyric Arts! We are partnering with Anoka Ramsey Community College and hosting high school area theater students in a day full of theater learning. Take it away Laura…
What is happening @ Lyric Arts
September 16th, 2011Here is what Joanna is up to today at Lyric Arts.
Evolution of a Set: Day 14
September 2nd, 2011I can’t believe it is already Day 14 of Evolution of a Set. Anyone is show business will tell you that it all comes down to lighting to really make a scene pop or to invoke any emotion. Well today Dan Thorson, the Lighting Designer, is here invoking emotion. Take a look at the gobos (lighting instrument term) on the wall, the red room on the top level, and the vase even has it own lighting. Things are definitely coming together.
Enjoy the Evolution!
Labor Day Plans
September 2nd, 2011Check out what we are all up to this Labor Day Weekend!
Meet Keith Reilly who is performing in “Leading Ladies”
August 24th, 2011
Lyric Arts had a chance to interview Keith Reilly, who is performing as Leo Clark/Maxine in Leading Ladies . Read on to hear what he has to say about his experience thus far!
LA: Tell us a little bit about why this particular play interested you?
KR: First off, guys posing as women…..That in it self screams good humorous times! I actually wasn’t familiar with the script when I heard that Lyric Arts was doing this show. I had heard good things about the script and also heard that Bob Neu was going to be directing it. I have wanted a chance to work with Bob for quite some time and after I read this show, I was hoping that this could be the opportunity. I got cast and here we go. The characters are big and fun and challenging. I knew it would be a show that would be a lot of work but could have a wonderful payoff.
LA: For those that are unfamiliar with Leading Ladies can you tell us about the show?
KR: Two English, Shakespearian actors who are down on their luck are performing in the town of York, Pennsylvania when desperate times bring about an opportunity. From an article in the paper they find that a woman is looking for her two long lost nephews to leave them a large sum of money. Jack and Leo, the actors, decide to pose as these nephews so that they can get the money and continue to live out their acting dreams, only to find out they aren’t long lost nephews but nieces. They decide to continue on with the plan and hilarity ensues. It’s a comedy. It’s a love story. It’s an all around good time.
LA: Talk about the character that you play in Leading Ladies How have you developed this character?
KR: My character is Leo Clark\Maxine. It’s a very big character. Very much larger than life at times. Character creation always comes from a collaboration between the actor and the Director. Basically I had an idea of the characterization for both Leo and Maxine from reading the script so I bring that to the table. During the rehearsal process Bob, the director, then helps steer my character to match his vision of the show. I always start with a strong base and then the rehearsal process helps with shaping and molding that character and discovering new things about the characters.
LA: Why should people come and see Leading Ladies?
KR: Well…Amber Rose Reilly is in it. Have you seen that girl act? Seriously, we have a very strong cast with an excellent director steering the ship. If you love a good comedy, and who doesn’t, you should come see this show. I mean, who doesn’t love the hilarity of two English guys in dresses!?
LA: Talk about your fellow cast members, how do you see their characters developing? Any that you are particularly amazed at?
KR: It’s an amazing cast and everyone is wonderful to work with. Everyone is working so hard and it’s always a pleasure to watch characters develop and to see the things that are discovered. As far as amazed….I guess I’m always amazed at the amount of talent that exists in the Community Theater world.
LA: What do you feel are the “wow” elements of Leading Ladies?
KR: Did I mention that Amber Reilly is in the show? Ok, enough of that. Just showing some love. Maybe scoring some brownie points.
There are a lot of “wow” elements in this show. Usually people think wow with musicals because there are big flashy numbers, but there is a lot of wow with this show. Just seeing the sketch of the set made me go, “wow”. I actually said it out loud. It’s going to look amazing when it’s done.
I think when people see the characters, costumes and the energy in this show it will make them say wow.
LA: What is your favorite aspect of the show?
KR: That’s a hard question. I don’t know if I have one favorite aspect. I’m just excited that I get to be a part of this production. I think audiences will really have a fun time with this one. It sure has been fun watching things come together and I can’t wait to see what else is discovered. We still have a lot of rehearsal time left.
LA: Tell us what is something that you are particular excited about this show coming to together? For example, a certain scene, costumes, set, lights, etc?
KR: Costumes are very exciting. I have seen some of the costumes that are going to be worn by Leo and Jack when they are playing Maxine and Stephanie. Good humor.
I’m quite excited to see the completed set. The drawing looks amazing.
One of my favorite scenes in this show is at the climax of the show when Stephanie ends up in a hilarious situation. I don’t want to go into detail because I don’t want to ruin things for the audience, but I think that is going to be a huge laugh scene!
LA: Are comedies easy or harder to act than dramas or musicals? If so, why?
KR: It all depends on the show, but in general comedies can be more difficult. Comedy is all about the timing. You have to find that sweet spot to make it funny and get the laugh and every audience is different. What one person finds funny, the next person may not. The biggest thing in a comedy is timing. It takes a lot of work to get the timing of everything just right.
LA: What is your favorite comedy (in theater) to watch?
KR: That’s a hard question. I’m never good with the favorite questions. I’m a big musical fan and one of my favorite musical comedies that I have seen in recent years is Avenue Q…Hilarious! Not for the kiddies!
LA: Do you have a favorite theatrical actor that you like to see on stage, either local or national? Why do you like to watch this person on stage?
KR: I don’t really have an answer to this question. As I said, I’m not really great with the favorite questions. I just really enjoy seeing good theater no matter who is involved.
LA: To date what is your favorite role that you have played and why?
KR: Again with the favorite question…..J/K
I have many roles that I have loved playing but my most recent is Chad in All Shook Up. Such a fun role, cast, musical….. I got to rock out, be involved in some great comedic moments and just have a great time.
LA: Please tell us a little bit about yourself?
KR: A little bit about me…..I have a lot of favorites.
OK, seriously.
I’m a computer tech by day. I work for Anoka County and have for the past 12 years. I’m married to the wonderful Amber Rose Reilly. When I’m not taking up all of my free time with theater, I love riding my motorcycle, listening to music, spending time with my lovely wife, two Pharaoh Hounds and bird named Scooby Doo, and I also like long walks on the beach….Oh Wait.
LA: Any other area that you would like to comment on?
KR: I just want to say that Lyric Arts in Anoka is a truly wonderful theater. Come and see this show and support your local theater. You won’t be disappointed.
Making a Scene: Day 5 begins
August 20th, 2011Good morning, Lyric Arts fans!
The morning has gotten off to a rousing start! Painters are painting and volunteers are setting things up for all the activities that the day is going to bring. Check out our “Making a Scene” webpage for a full schedule of events including live music and activities for kids including face painting and a bouncy house!
“Making a Scene” made an appearance on WCCO-TV’s News at 6:00 last night, and we have a some new pictures loaded on our Facebook gallery this morning. You can also visit our YouTube channel to see all of our videos about “Making a Scene” (or about our productions and other events).
Here I am doing my best to give a coherent run-down of today’s events…plus, I show off my pants! Please come and join us!
Evolution of a Set: Day 3
August 19th, 2011Because all the “Making a Scene” and the Rummage Sale hoopla that is going on, not much is happening with the set. Patrick did get the rounded panel up and I have included some up close pictures of that today. If you have any questions about the set, please write them below in the comment section. Otherwise, enjoy the Evolution!
Adia’s Blog: My Last Day
August 5th, 2011
Today is my last full day here at Lyric Arts. I will be around for the next few weeks helping with “Making a Scene,” but today is my last official work day. 10 weeks is just not as long as it seems! In honor of my last day (and of my love for list making) I thought I would share a few of the most important things that this internship has taught me.
1. Just do it. Even if you can’t. I am aware that that doesn’t make sense, but let me explain. When Laura handed me a blank calendar at the start of this summer and told me to make a marketing plan, I wanted to laugh in her face and cry all at the same time. I didn’t know how! I was bound for failure! No matter how much I told her this, however, she was instant that it was my job. It turned out to be an awesome learning experience. Sometimes you just have to accept that you have no idea what you are doing, and try to do it anyway. And that leads me to #2…
2. Failure isn’t failure. It’s learning. No one here at Lyric Arts ever got made at me because I tried something and it didn’t work. What is there to lose? And how do you know if you are too afraid to try.
3. Volunteer to do stuff. It seems simple, but my experience here would never have been as fulfilling if I hadn’t volunteered to take on tasks or attend meetings and events that I wasn’t otherwise required to attend. I love working with people so helping out in the box office for last Wednesday’s show when we were short volunteers was not only a great time, it helped me learn even more about the theater. And finally…
4. Never stop getting better. This lesson is majorly due in part to the awesome people that I worked with this summer. Lyric Arts is a great place. We are selling out shows, have full workshops, and are generally doing quite well for ourselves. But no one here is content with that. Everyone is always striving to update, re-vamp and find ways to make us even better. Don’t ever, ever settle for good enough and always know that there is room for growth.
It has been an absolute pleasure to spend my summer at Lyric Arts. Thank you to the Jackson Fellowship and the College of St. Benedict for providing me with this awesome opportunity. Thank you also to the wonderful staff of Lyric Arts: Joanna, Jessica, Laura, Allison, Patrick, Paula, and Lin.
As the Lyric Arts calendar says: Adia…OUT!
Adia’s Blog: Talkin’ Back about Footloose
August 4th, 2011After the performance of Footloose tonight, audience members are invited to stick around for a post-show talk back. A talk-back gives audience members an opportunity to ask the cast and crew questions about the show. It’s a really great way to learn more about the creative process and all of the work that goes into creating an awesome show like Footloose. To get you started thinking about possible questions for tonight, I thought I would share a few of my own.
1. The show features a ton of spectacular dancing. What is the most difficult number to perform and why?
2. Why did you choose to be in a production at Lyric Arts?
3. The projections are awesome! What was that process like?
4. Where did you find all 0f those crazy 80′s prom dresses?
5. I didn’t know Barb (Betty Blast) could roller skate! (not a question, I know, but a very necessary comment!)
What questions do you have for the Footloose crew? Let me know and we will see if we can get some answers!
