#townhalltheatrecompany

[brothermarc7theatre]

Season Announcement Wednesday...errr....Thursday

Hello and welcome to another season announcement! This week’s company has been an East Bay area favorite of mine for a few seasons now. Even though I have moved back to Fresno, you better believe I will continue to see their shows when the calendar allows. With that, let’s take a peek at what Town Hall Theatre Company is offering audiences in 2019/2020!

Shows/Dates: The Legend of Georgia McBride (September 28th - October 19th); Cinderella: A Fairy Tale (December 7th - 21st); The Cherry Orchard (February 29th, 2020 - March 21st, 2020); Violet (May 30th - June 20th)

Venue/Address: Town Hall Theatre @ 3535 School Street, Lafayette 94549

Website: www.townhalltheatre.com

Facebook: “Like” them at- Town Hall Theatre

Twitter: “Follow” them at- @TownHallTheatre

Description: Over the years, I have had the pleasure of seeing Town Hall Theatre’s productions of The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, An Ideal Husband, The Song of the Nightingale, and Sense and Sensibility, among others. They have grown in their community events and outreach, holding Literary events, talk backs, and other various events for artistic involvement for its audiences and artists. Do yourself a favor and begin putting your dates for Town Hall Theatre attendance on your calendar now. Go see a show! 

[brothermarc7theatre]

Season Announcement Wednesday

What gives me joy about highlighting this week’s company is that even pre-COVID-19 regulations, this group of artists made audience education and variety in entertainment a priority. In addition to some wonderful productions, their community events, pre-show activities, and education program were staples of their mission as a theatre group with love for serving their community. Their work continues in an adapted form while SIP is a reality. So, I am quite pleased to highlight the 2020-2021 season at Town Hall Theatre Company!

Shows/Dates: The Grown-Up (September 26th - October 17th); Coney Island Christmas (December 5th - 20th); The Trip to Bountiful (February 27th, 2021 - March 20th, 2021); Peter and the Starcatcher (May 29th - June 19th)

Venue/Address: Town Hall Theatre @ 3535 School St., Lafayette 94549

Website: www.townhalltheatre.com

Facebook: “Like” them at-Town Hall Theatre

Twitter: “Follow” them at- @TownHallTheatre 

Description: Town Hall Theatre Company has been a source for excellent theatre in the East Bay area. I have enjoyed their productions of The Mystery of Edwin Drood, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, An Ideal Husband, Sense and Sensibility, The Song of the Nightingale, and The Revolutionists, among others. In addition to their main stage season, Town Hall provides literary events, writing events, lobby events, and all sorts of interactive activities for audiences of all ages. Head to their website to check out the details and make your plans to support this company big time once we can congregate in their house again! 

[brothermarc7theatre]

Season Announcement Wednesday

This week's highlighted season comes from a theatre company that is relatively new in my rotation of theaters to frequent, but they have continually impressed me with how they stage classic titles and newer/lesser-known works with the same level of entertainment values across the board. Their 2017/2018 season kicks off in just a few weeks, so what better time to highlight their season than now, huh?!

Shows/Dates: The Song of the Nightingale (September 28th - October 21st);  A Civil War Christmas (November 30th - December 16th); Woman in Mind (March 1st, 2018 - March 24th, 2018); Sense and Sensibility (May 31st - June 23rd)

Venue/Address: 3535 School Street, Lafayette 95459

Website: www.townhalltheatre.com

Facebook: "Like" them at- Town Hall Theatre

Twitter: "Follow" them at- @townhalltheatre

Description: Now, it is rare for a theatre company I follow to provide a season of titles that I have never seen, but leave it to Town Hall Theatre to further expose me to works I have yet to be introduced to. Located in the beautiful downtown Lafayette area, this theatre company has plenty of events and outreaches for youth in addition to their main stage season, so don't hesitate to peruse all their offerings. I'll be attending opening night of their first show, The Song of the Nightingale, and I hope to see you at the theater too!

[brothermarc7theatre]

Interview--Susan Hovey, "An Ideal Husband" at Town Hall Theatre Company

When it comes to relatable, timeless comedies, Oscar Wilde is one of the top playwrights that comes to mind. This week, Town Hall Theatre Company opens their production of Mr. Wilde's very popular, An Ideal Husband. This title has seen four Broadway runs, the last being in 1996 when it was nominated for three Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Play. I had the opportunity to pose some questions to Town Hall's director of An Ideal Husband, Susan Hovey, to gather some insight into the rehearsal process, personal attachments to the title and playwright, as well as some interesting fun facts about Miss Hovey's career thus far. An Ideal Husband runs through June 24th so ensure that you go see this show!

1.       Why did you accept directing An Ideal Husband?

I started working with Town Hall in 2008, and it’s always a pleasure to work at the theatre with the talented staff and actors in the community. When they asked me to direct for them this season I was honored. When An Ideal Husband was selected as the production I was elated; it is my favorite Oscar Wilde show personally.

2.       What part of this production makes it your own?

Every theatre piece you put on really is a labor of love. It’s amazing how much it is always a unique and different experience -- even if all the people and elements stay the same! For An Ideal Husband, we decided to keep this show in its original Victorian setting as we felt it best showcased what is still a very modern play. But we are playing with the idea of a few modern nods for the audience, which will hopefully highlight its contemporary relevance.

3.       Why do you think audiences love An Ideal Husband so much? What makes it a worthwhile play in 2017?

An Ideal Husband is pertinent to the modern audience because, in the end, all great plays are about people and, fundamentally, people have not changed. We are still flawed and seeking compassion. This message is still very alive and well in this timeless piece.

4.       Why is An Ideal Husband perfect for Town Hall Theatre audiences?

I think An Ideal Husband is perfect for any audience member who wants a smart and stylish show full of wit, fun and entertainment. If you like your entertainment a little smart, a little scathing -- but always delightful -- then this is it! If you had something else in mind...well, then perhaps you wouldn’t enjoy it...

5.       Past history with An Ideal Husband, or Oscar Wilde, or is this your first time working on a Wilde show in any capacity?

I actually designed a set for a student production of Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest many years ago but this is my first chance to direct one of his shows. An Ideal Husband, being my favorite of his, has been an amazing opportunity.

6.       What is the one thought/impression/feeling you, your team, and your cast want audiences to leave with?

We want the audiences to join us join us for our celebration of wit, charm and above all, love with a theme of compassionate tolerance that these wonderful actors and creative team have created.

7.       Other than staging, how are the costume, lighting, and set elements fitting in with your overall vision of this An Ideal Husband?

The design elements provided by the creative team for this production are the perfect complement to my vision. This group of rock stars are finding amazing ways to enhance and modernize this piece, all while creating the perfect homage to this late Victorian-era piece. It is authentic and true to the time in which this social comedy was written, while also ever-so-slightly adapted for a contemporary audience, plus a few extra surprises for the audience. It has been such a honor and privilege to get to work with this beyond talented crew here at Town Hall Theater.

8.       Where have your inspirations come from?

In theatre I have been lucky enough to work all throughout the Bay Area over the years, and I find I have been inspired by almost everyone with whom I have worked with. My mother, who has been a Drama teacher for high school for over 30 years, was my first and is probably still the most influential inspiration. She guided me into community theatre at a young age and helped me develop my love for it. In addition, every actor and designer I work with on a piece truly inspire the creation of different moments and ideas throughout the process. They are truly inspiring in every sense of the word and the essence of collaboration -- which is the part I love the most about getting to continue to work in community theater in the Bay Area.

[brothermarc7theatre]

Interview--Lauren Rosi, "Smokey Joe's Café" at Town Hall Theatre Company

Jukebox musicals and musical revues tend to get a bad rep in the theatre community. "It's just recycled music." "I'd rather hear the original artist sing the hits." Yada, yada, yada. The thing is, Broadway has had a slew of revues and jukebox musicals that were genuine hits, paying homage to the artist/writer while providing a more accessible way for a new generation to experience that iconic music. Such is the case for Smokey Joe's Café, which had a nearly 5-year run on Broadway, totaling 2,036 performances, and received 7 Tony nominations, including Best Musical. Plus, Smokey Joe's Café has become a staple revue for theatres across the country to stage. I had the chance to interview Lauren Rosi, director of Town Hall Theatre Company's upcoming production of Smokey Joe's Café to get her insight on the show, the rehearsal process, and what audiences can look forward to seeing when they come to the show.

  1.       Why did you accept directing Smokey Joe’s Café?

I think one of the factors that drew me to this show is the music, in particular, the opening number, “Neighborhood”. I live in Jack London Square, a part of Oakland that seems to change every week. Every chance I have to walk around my neighborhood the song "Neighborhood" plays in my head, like a soundtrack to the battle between gentrification and history that I’m watching unfold.

 2.       The songs of Leiber and Stoller are iconic both musically and lyrically. What about your production pays tribute to their writing/sound, and what part of your production makes it your own?

Leiber and Stoller’s sound is so memorable and has the power to transport audiences to the time when it was written. The music speaks for itself, and our production honors that while developing new characters and relationships that have been created uniquely because of the artists involved. There is also room for the audience to identify with whichever songs and characters resonate with them. We’ve made the piece more personal to our “Neighborhood.” 

3.       With this being one of the more successful, long-running Broadway revues, why do you think audiences love Smokey Joe’s Café so much? What makes it a worthwhile revue?

Smokey Joe’s Café takes us on a journey through time and relationships. Every number is a ride in itself, and the energy is electric from the very beginning. Really, there’s nothing not to love. It’s one of the better constructed revues or song cycles in the musical theater cannon- you get both catharsis and a party.  

4.       How has your cast embraced/taken on the variety of ballads, dance numbers, stylistic songs and vocal demands, and company numbers?

We’ve worked carefully to keep the natural dynamic arc of the revue alive, but this cast of actors is unbelievably versatile and has been able to tackle every style and moment in the show with pure aplomb. They have paid respect to the original recording artists and  the Broadway cast while bringing in their own styles and sensibilities. 

5.     Why is Smokey Joe’s Café perfect for Town Hall Theatre audiences?

I think this show is a fantastic marriage of Town Hall's 3 pillars- main stage, music, and education. It is a show that appeals to all ages and a story that is told entirely through music.   

6.       What is your personal history with Leiber and Stoller as writers; how do their songs fit into your childhood/youth/adult life? Past history with Smokey Joe’s Café, or is this your first time working on the show in any capacity?

I had the privilege to grow up with parents who strictly raised me on the music of the 50's and 60's. A lot of the original recording artists relocated to the Bay Area in the 60's, giving my parents access to this music in their teens and 20’s, which they passed down to me. I have never worked on this show before but when I discovered it was being produced at my hometown theater, all the pieces came together.  

7.       Other than staging, how are the costume, lighting, and set elements fitting in with your overall vision of this Smokey Joe’s Café?

The biggest challenge is that there is no script, the lyrics of each song are the story itself. But with this challenge also creates a great opportunity for the designers and actors. We all get to create a story that is completely our own during the rehearsal process and production process. Our brilliant design team has embraced the journey through time that this show takes place and each brought their own artistry to that journey.  

8.       How have rehearsals been going? How have the team and cast been bonding? Challenges in learning the music, choreography, etc.?

It’s a gift to have 8 artists who are not only exceptional musicians, dancers and actors, but who also bring creativity and playfulness to the rehearsal process. The vibe in the room from the beginning has been that of a strong and energetic ensemble.

9.       Where have the staging and choreography inspirations come from? i.e. Music videos, records, knowledge of the dances and moves from personal experience, reaching out to others who have directed/performed Smokey Joe’s Café before, etc.?

It’s really been a combination of so many things! Inspiration can come from random research in the depths of the internet, old movies, or just bouncing ideas off of each other. The co-choreographer and I started off with a pretty good grasp on the styles of each of the pieces but with 40 numbers to put together, it’s definitely been an exciting journey to come up with something original at every turn in the show.

 Smokey Joe's Café will play at Town Hall Theatre Company from March 4th through the 25th, with Previews on the 2nd and 3rd of March. Head on over to their website,

www.townhalltheatre.com

for tickets and any more info you may need. It sure sounds like Miss Rosi, her team, and the cast are cooking up a mighty fun production of Smokey Joe's Café. Don't miss it!