Month: January 2019

Getting Back into It

Acting, Theatre

I worked on shows pretty consistently all while growing up, whether it was acting, stage managing, assistant directing, or running tech. The longest break I took was during college. I did a couple of sporadic shows during the first couple years, but I took a hiatus from 2012 (after Much Ado About Nothing) to 2017.

Finally, in 2017 I had my BA in English, I’d spent a little time in 2016 traveling after graduation, and then I had acquired a full time job with evenings free and was actually able to do a show! Just as I was starting to think about getting back out there, one of my very best family friends, JoLynn Jones Ibanez, called me up and let me know that she was asked to direct Our Miss Brooks at Huntington Beach Playhouse and asked if I would come read for one of the teenagers. Naturally, I said “okay!”

Auditions in themselves will be another post entirely, but believe me when I say that I felt so bad for my friend. On the first night of auditions, when I came down, there were four of us. On the second night of auditions, she only had two people show up. So, with only six total people for a show written for at least 15, we started calling everyone we knew.

I called my mom, who graciously agreed to take on two small parts. She then called our good friend, Karla, who came in bringing her stepdaughter and another actress she had directed before, Emily. JoLynn ended up roping not only our stage manager into taking a part, but also her nine year old son, and my mom brought in a teenage neighbor. Finally, after cutting out a couple extra characters, we had a semblance of a cast.

Thankfully, we had a wonderful cast and crew because we went through many difficulties in the rehearsal process. This was HBP after leaving the library location, so we were rehearsing in a small storage space that was full of costumes and set pieces up until hell week when we were trying to get used to the actual space we’d be using while the set was built around us. Additionally, because of the time constraints on us being in the building, we didn’t do a full run-thru of the show until the invitational address, in front of an audience.

Then, once we finally opened, there were more battles to come. We were performing without mics in an auditorium that eats sound. Some of the younger actors were not used to needing to project so much, and even the veterans were having trouble making themselves heard. We also had the unfortunate problem of performing a script that was a remake of a well-known radio and tv show. The script, in itself, is not the greatest one I’ve ever done (though, admittedly, also not the worst), but I’m not sure it would have mattered how well it was written or how well we performed it. People came in knowing the title and expecting to see what they knew, but it just wasn’t that. Not only were a lot of the original characters’ names changed, but the personalities as well. It was natural for people to think of a cheap imitation and be disappointed when it was not what they were expecting.

However, despite all of the problems we encountered through the run, I had a wonderful time. We had such a great cast and I was able to work with some good friends whom I had not had the pleasure of working with on stage before, such as Eduardo and Karla. I also made some great new friends, and I always love working with my mom.

Now, allow me to spend a minute talking about how amazing my mom is. If you’ve ever seen her perform or acted with her, you know how brilliant she is. She has great comedic timing and is so funny. I’ve done quite a few shows with her now and it is always such fun to see her get into character. Plus, she’s always making everyone laugh. This show in particular she took on two roles: a flighty music teacher and a haughty, overbearing mother. These characters could not have been more different and she had such a switch between the two. She wore a distinctive hat as the teacher and a wig as the mother. She had a different walk, a different voice. It was wonderful and she was hilarious. Actually, she’s pretty much always hilarious so make sure you check out her next show, Old Acquaintance, at Westminster Community Playhouse! They’re in rehearsals now, so you’ll be hearing more about it soon.

So, was Our Miss Brooks the best show in the world? No. Did we have an amazing cast and director? Yes. Did audiences love it? Some did, some didn’t. Did I have a great time? Absolutely. I made wonderful friends and learned a lot about the types of parts and shows I want to do in the future. Jane was a really fun role and very different from myself. She is shy, sweet, and smitten with the star basketball player. Plus, it’s always fun to play the ingénue, and I’ve had so few opportunities thus far. It definitely would’ve been type casting had I played the villain, but it’s fun to be sweet and innocent for a change.

I always try to take something from every experience. Whether it’s new friends, fond memories, or lessons learned, I am thankful and take that forward into my next endeavor.

So tell me, what is it that you hope to take with you from your experiences doing or attending theatre? Let me know in the comments!

Review: Seussical the Musical

Theatre

Seussical the Musical, directed and musical directed by Tyler Stouffer, at Mysterium Theater is a treat for the whole family. The show can easily be blown off as just a show for children, but Stouffer’s vision really shines through for audiences of all ages, engaging the children and keeping the adults entertained at the same time.

The entire cast is one cohesive unit, bringing the story to life. Every person makes a contribution, and several make many. The show flows easily from scene to scene with the help of moving set pieces and a great ensemble. The costume changes are quick and impressive. So many of the actors play multiple characters with distinct differences between them. It is a pleasure to watch as an audience member and to appreciate as a performer.

Speaking of the moving set pieces, the overall set is fantastic. On first look, the design is simple, yet effective. However, throughout the show you see the hidden doors for entrances and exits and the versatility of designing the main location as a young boy’s bedroom. It really shows how children can dream anywhere and make every space magical. The set is beautifully designed and clearly works with the story.

The entire cast is fantastic, but I have to highlight some star performers. Danielle Torres (JoJo) is incredible, especially for someone so young. She has a powerful voice and makes impressive acting choices. Brandon Lisama (Horton the Elephant) is the true hero of Who-ville and you really want him to succeed. The audience is pulled in by the emotions he portrays and his beautiful voice keeps everyone listening. Christina Chan (Gertrude McFuzz) plays up the dreamer and makes you want to fight for her future. Gertrude, as a character, is a great role model for young people and Chan portrays her remarkably.

Steven Michael Brogan (Cat in the Hat) is engaging and fun. He really brings the audience into the story and keeps everyone entertained. The night I attended, there was a little boy in the audience who was celebrating his birthday. Brogan brought the little boy onto the stage to look around and take some pictures and see the toys and props. He kept in character the entire time and I’ve never seen a child so excited. It was wonderful to witness.

The entire ensemble is wonderful, with spotlights on amazing dancers Josh Alvarez (Wickersham 2) and Jessica Bill (Bird Girl 1). Both light up the stage with their presence and perform impressive steps with seeming ease. Additionally, the Wickershams as a unit (Alvarez, Francis San Agustin, and Quintin Burrola) are the bad guys that you love to hate. Their harmonies are beautiful and their dance moves are in sync. Despite the actions of the characters, the trio is a treasure to view on stage.

Tyler Stouffer’s vision shines through every set piece, prop, and character. The production comes together under his direction, musical direction, and set design and it’s a pleasure to witness. If you have any pre-conceived notions about the show, Stouffer will break them, replace them with the show’s charm, and leave you wanting to see much more from him.

Seussical the Musical runs through February 3rd, Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 3 pm. Have you seen the show? Let me know what you thought in the comments. Still need to check it out? Click the link below for tickets!

Get tickets to see Seussical!

Review: The Long Weekend

Theatre

I had the pleasure of attending the opening night performance of The Long Weekend at Westminster Community Playhouse.

Let me start by saying that, as an actor, I know how much time and hard work goes into the “hell week” leading up to opening weekend. In addition to having rehearsed every night during that week, you’ve usually just added hair styling, costumes, lights, and sound during that same week. Then BOOM, you’ve got an audience.

To say that the whole feel and flow of a performance changes when you have an audience is an understatement. Leading up to that point, you can only guess what people will react to based on your own reactions or possibly the reactions of your director and stage manager through the rehearsal process. Once you start getting laughs, applause, and other reactions from the audience, you learn a lot more about the show and your own performance in it. I usually like to give the actors the benefit of the doubt on an opening weekend if there are pacing issues, especially when there are people like myself and my mother in the audience (i.e. loud laughers).

The Long Weekend, written by Norm Foster, is the story of two couples who have been friends for a long time. The two women are friends from high school and their husbands do not get along, masking it through passive aggressive snips at each other. The couples end up getting divorced and remarrying the other’s partner. All in all, the script is witty and funny, though possibly a little redundant at times, however, this stellar cast did amazing work with it.

Bill Paxton (Roger) is the star performer, showing a great character development over the story’s two-year progression. He displays how his character changes over time and in reaction to his new wife and their compatibility (or in-compatibility depending on how you want to look at it). In the first act, he shows more of a vulnerable side, wanting to be a successful screen writer, but having spent three months struggling over just the right word before continuing. However, in the second act, you see a more confident, successful writer, but with exaggerated paranoia influenced by his psychiatrist wife.

Susan Levinstein’s fickle fashionista, Abby, is terrible in the best way. She’s extremely judgmental and mildly narcissistic and the combination makes for some great comedy. What also makes her character so great is that she doesn’t change for anyone and is always unapologetically herself. Levinstein really played up her over-the-top character and added to the comedy by having a visual reaction to everything, always in character. You can’t help but keep your eyes on her and her reactions during the scenes, even when she isn’t the primary focus.

Greg Stokes (Max) and Harlene Miller (Wynn) balance out the cast as the remaining partners. They work seamlessly as opposing parts of the same coin. Greg plays up his character’s neurosis, while Harlene is the constant reminder of them to all. Additionally, Greg plays up the surprise ending that leaves you laughing and wanting more. The foursome come together to bring the script to life and really play up the funny moments.

This script in the hands of another set of actors could come off redundant and boring, but this cast really brings it all together and plays up the funny. It was a wonderful treat after a long, stressful week and definitely started my weekend off right!

Have you seen the show? Let me know what you thought in the comments!

The show runs through January 27th, Fridays and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday afternoons at 2pm at Westminster Community Playhouse. If you have time, definitely check it out and you will not be disappointed!

Click to learn more!

Acting Up

Uncategorized

Growing up with two actor parents meant that I spent a lot of time around the theater. I remember spending more time at the theater than I did at home. I would fall asleep on couches in green rooms or front lobbies, across rows of seats, or even on the floor in the aisles.

I can’t remember the first time I performed on stage. I remember the first show I did, but I don’t remember my first time actually performing. I honestly don’t even remember what I enjoyed about it. I’m not sure if it was the thrill, the praise, or just being able to be involved in something that my parents enjoyed so much, but once I started I never stopped. I’ve taken a couple of breaks, but always knowing I’d be back.

I went to a performing arts high school, the Academy for the Performing Arts in Huntington Beach (APA), and I loved the classes, but I couldn’t stay away from community theatre. I ended up doing only one APA show in the two years that I spent there, but I continued doing community theatre shows.

The big hiatus that I took was during my college years, though I still sprinkled a few shows in there when I had the time. As much as I was working, going to school, and having zero time to myself, I just longed to be back on the stage.

So here’s the thing: there are many reasons why people enjoy doing theatre. Some people enjoy the thrill of being in front of an audience, the attention, the applause. Some love the experience of building a character and finding the backstory and getting all of the creative juices flowing. Others just enjoy the ability to create a scenario for audiences to escape to and to be there to make them laugh or cry. While all of those are great and powerful reasons, that’s not why I act.

I enjoy acting because it’s an escape from myself. I’m of the generation of the over-educated and under-paid. I work three jobs and I’m still going to be paying off my student loans forever. I come from a family with a history of mental illness, and I struggle with some really difficult bouts of depression. BUT, when I’m on stage, performing as a character, I’m free from all of the debt and depression and any other worries. As soon as I open the script, Noelle’s problems drop to the floor and my character is alive.

For me, stepping into a character is natural. The things that come out are sometimes out of my control and can even be a surprise to me. The voice, the walk, the reactions are all the character’s and not my own. It’s very freeing. Every time I get to play a new character it’s like meeting a new person. I read the script and go through rehearsals learning what that person would or wouldn’t do, how they would respond, what they would think when presented with different opportunities.

These experiences are really fun for me because I’m able to step in and out of character (generally) easily. It’s also what I enjoy about switching between characters. My most fun recent experiences were while doing Titanic: The Musical and The Jury Room. In Titanic, I played two characters (with 11 changes between being pregnant and not pregnant) and I had so much fun making the two characters different from one another. As far as The Jury Room, one of the greatest things was how completely different my character was from who I am as a person. I heard so many fun stories from friends in the audience who took no time in relaying to other audience members how much I am NOT a stereotypical “dumb blonde” in my daily life.

Honestly, I’m not sure if any of this makes me a good actress, or just proves that I’m super bipolar and can channel it into my acting, but I’ll take it! It may be different, but I really enjoy it, and I wouldn’t give it up for the world.

So, tell me: why do you do theatre? Or if you don’t, why do you enjoy going to see it? Tell me your stories and share your favorite characters in the comments!