The Mousetrap: 12/23/2009, 11:00 a.m.: Pre-building can have its benefits and fallbacks, especially when mistakes can’t be fixed until later. For example, can you see what’s wrong with the walls on stage left? (Answer: one wall is 8″ shorter than the other….oops.) But at least we think we’ve got the furniture organized!
Archive for December, 2009
Evolution of a Set: Day Three
December 23rd, 2009Evolution of a Set: Day Two
December 22nd, 2009
The Mousetrap 12/22/2009, 11:00 a.m.: Didn’t take long to get things moving! These pieces of wood will soon become the walls of the Inn in the play…the walls that keep the secret of the murderer a mystery….but at this point, they hide nothing.
Evolution of a Set: Day One
December 21st, 2009Welcome to our second edition of the “Evolution of a Set” series! If you have ever wondered how a set comes together, this series takes you step by step by step through the build of one of Lyric Arts’ productions. The first series featured the set of the production, Doubt, A Parable. This series will feature the build of the production of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap. For every work day up until opening night, Lyric Arts will feature a picture with commentary, and we love to have your feedback and comments!
The Mousetrap 12/21/2009, 11:00 a.m.: Just finished up the run of two fantastic Christmas shows, A Christmas Carol and A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas. The set was taken apart during “strike” by the cast and crew members of the shows. Things with the new set will seem rapid at first, but that’s only because Patrick’s been working on things back in the scene shop for the last few weeks.
Holiday Hours Announced
December 16th, 2009Lyric Arts will have special hours during the holiday season.
Click here to see them.
Mrs. Fezziwig (Tari Karbula) Invites You In
December 11th, 2009
Lyric Arts was “invited in” by Mrs. Fezziwig, played by Tari Karbula, and we found out some fun facts about the actress. Read below!
LA: Tell us a little bit about why this particular show interested you.
TK: I always love doing a Christmas show as it gives me an opportunity to share my favorite holiday season with a large number of people on so many different levels.
LA: What character do you play in the show? What is your back story?
TK: I play Mrs. Fezziwig and am married to the best boss in town. He is loved by all his employees for not only being a gracious and generous employer but also a great friend. He is good to his employees. Given the current state of our economy with such a high unemployment rate, it is good to be reminded there really are employers who deserve high praise.
LA: For those that are unfamiliar with A Christmas Carol can you tell us about the show?
TK: This is a story about change…for the better. Ebenezer Scrooge has the rare opportunity to see his past, present AND future only to realize he does not want the future he has been shown. He then has the opportunity to change his life and create a better future. It’s all in his own hands. It never hurts to be reminded we can make the future we want for ourselves…it doesn’t just happen. Everyone needs to be an active part of their life and make it the best they can.
LA: Why do you think A Christmas Carol such a beloved Christmas show for people?
TK: I feel this show tells the true meaning of Christmas…to love and allow yourself to be loved by others in your life.
LA: What is your favorite part of Christmas and the holiday season?
TK: I don’t know where to start with this one. There are just so many things I love about Christmas. I love the music…there’s nothing like great cheesy Christmas music. I have a difficult time picking a favorite. I love spending extra time with friends and family. I even like getting out into the crabby crowds and shoppers and try to brighten moods with a friendly smile, a simple hello and, of course, wishing a heartfelt Merry Christmas. I do, however, think my most favorite thing about Christmas is the love. I believe you feel it more during the holidays and everyone seems just a little bit more open to sharing their love at the special time of year.
LA: Why should people come out and see this Christmas production?
TK: I feel every audience member will be touched by this production. There are fun moments which make you laugh out loud but then also very tender, touching moments that will bring a tear to more than one eye in the house. It’s a timeless tale told exceptionally well. A “feel good” show that makes a person want to be the best they can be.
LA: Tell us something that you are particular excited about this show coming to together.
TK: It’s always amazing when a show really does “come together.” I have been in several productions where I had serious doubt it would happen but the magic of live theatre always comes through. I haven’t been worried about this show. I knew from the first read through that it would be a great production and I’m proud to be a part of it. I think the audience is in for a real treat with this production.
Auditions Announced for “As You Like It”
December 9th, 2009We just announced auditions for our April show of As You Like It.
Click here for more details.
Director Barbara Hynes-Tomczyk Interview
December 9th, 2009
Lyric Arts had the opportunity to sit down with Barbara Hynes-Tomczyk, the director of A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas, and talk about what makes her show such a great one! Read the interview below.
LA: Tell us a little bit about why this particular show interested you.
BHT: It included working with children and adults. Also, Laura Ingalls is a very integral part of our Minnesota heritage.
LA: For those that are unfamiliar with A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas can you tell us about the show?
BHT: The theme of the show is finding “your truest, best thing.” It is a touching story with some real life lessons for all of us, both children and adults.
LA: Why do you think people, especially in the Midwest, love the stories from Laura Ingalls Wilder?
BHT: The stories have a universal appeal The Ingalls family faces many of the same problems we all face. In addition, the character of Laura is such a feisty, yet thoughtful, young girl.
LA: Being that this is your first time directing at Lyric Arts, what has your experience been like?
BHT: I absolutely love it. There’s a great feeling of support and respect from all the staff here. Actors, actresses, directors, stage managers, costumers and production staff are all working toward the same goal-quality productions that are great learning experiences and fun for everyone. Thanks so much to the organization and support here at Lyric Arts. I’m very impressed.
LA: What do you feel are the “wow” elements of A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas?
BHT: The simplicity of the set and costuming. A great deal is done with very little.
LA: Comment on the talent level in the cast.
BHT: Our cast has a large age range and amazing talent. Because they have so little to work with in terms of set and props, their acting ability needs to carry the show – and it does!
LA: Why should people come out and see this Christmas production?
BHT: It’s a simple reminder about what’s important in life. There’s some great advice given and lessons learned.
Steve Florman as “Charles Dickens”
December 7th, 2009
Lyric Arts had the opportunity to sit down with Steve Florman to talk about playing the beloved playwright, Charles Dickens and his love for Christmas. Read the interview below!
LA: Tell us a little bit about why this particular show interested you.
SF: I’ve always liked Charles Dickens, and I also enjoy the Christmas shows at Lyric Arts and the energy and spirit that they have. Working with Dann Peterson again is a privilege as well.
LA: What character do you play in the show? What is your back story?
SF: I play Dickens himself, who acts as the narrator and hovers around during the entire play. The action basically acts itself out in his imagination. As with much of his writing, elements of A Christmas Carol are autobiographical – the plight of the English poor, the life of tradespeople and clerks, and so on. Since the original story is not a play, Dickens’ presence as narrator helps to tie the story elements together and adds continuity. Some of my best lines are direct quotes from the book – and Dickens was a truly great wordsmith.
LA: For those that are unfamiliar with A Christmas Carol can you tell us about the show?
SF: Miserly, miserable old Scrooge hasn’t had a thought for anyone but himself for years – and he hasn’t let himself be too happy, either. Through the intervention of the ghost of his business partner, who arranges a series of visits from the spirits of Christmas past, present, and future, Scrooge comes to see himself as he was, is, and will be – and he experiences a miraculous change of heart.
LA: Why do you think A Christmas Carol such a beloved Christmas show for people?
SF: It’s a story that we can all relate to, no matter what our religious convictions or political beliefs. It makes all of us think about what we could be doing for others, and helps us to realize, as Marley did, that Mankind and the common welfare are truly our business.
LA: What is your favorite part of Christmas and the holiday season?
SF: It is a close family time for us, something I get from my late mother who loved the Christmas season. For me, it is also very much a time to ponder the birth and mission of Jesus Christ, who gives me and all humankind the hope of exaltation and eternal life.
LA: What do you feel are the “wow” elements of A Christmas Carol?
SF: We have a very creative set that allows us to use the Lyric Arts stage to maximum advantage. I think people will enjoy seeing how everything moves and changes in harmony as the scenes change throughout the show. It is not only well-written, but so well-acted. There won’t be a dry eye in the house.
LA: Comment on the talent level in the cast.
SF: We have been truly blessed. None of these people are really “amateurs” except that they don’t get paid. We have some very experienced and talented people, dedicated to the craft of theater, with great skill at timing and nuance. I have learned a lot from them.
“A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas” video
December 2nd, 2009Check out our You Tube video of “A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas.” It is such a great show, make sure to get your tickets soon as we are selling out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqGgJlVTamc
Thanks to Tim Carlquist for creating the video!
