All The World's A Stage
Tuesday, 30 September 2008 13:42 | 
Written by Jared Sakren |
As September draws to a close our first production of our Fifteenth Season
has opened. "As You Like It" is pleasing audiences on a variety of levels. This
production, the first for us directed by new Artistic Associate Richard Baird, is both light and dark,funny and touching, realistic and poetic. Audiences have been loving it. Kaitlin O'Neal plays the lead character of Rosalind (sometimes referred to as the "female Hamlet" because of the enormous line-load) and I think she is brilliant. Newcomers Brennan Taylor (Orlando),Lori McNally (Celia), and Daryl Ball (Oliver) are wonderful additions to our company, charming audiences nightly. Additional cast members include Company Associate Artists Jason Barth (Jaques) and Sandy Elias (Corin and Ensemble) delivering superb performances, as well as company members Eric Schoen (Touchstone), Jim Porter (both Dukes), Jim Coates (old Adam/Hymen), Amanda Schaar (Audrey), Keath Hall (Sylvius/Charles the Wrestler), Trey Clevenger (Forester/Dennis/William), Chad Krolczyk (Jacques de Boys), Vi Flaten (Phebe),and Stefan Dollak of Bartholomew Faire supplying live Elizabethan musical accompaniment to this most musical of Shakespeare's plays (except for perhaps The Tempest!). The fabulous set design by newcomer Pegi Marshall-Amundsen is wowing our audiences with its atmospheric Forest of Arden, and Paul Black's lighting design is as magical and gorgeous as ever (assisted by David Empey). And of course, there are the absolutely sensational costumes by Lois Myers, probably the best designer of Renaissance costumes in the state! Also we have a superb props designer on hand in Mirko von Berner, who has elevated our work to a new level.
Last night our company received several AriZoni Awards for excellence that I am very proud of, including Best Production (MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR), Best Actor (Richard Baird in SHREW), Best Actress (Sarah Wolter in MERRY WIVES), Best Supporting Actress (Jenae Thomas in MERRY WIVES), and Best Hair and Make-Up Design(Kelly Elizabeth Turner for SHREW)---Oh and also Best Director for a Play (me for SHREW).
We are still selling season subscriptions for all five plays this season and you can call the Mesa Arts Center Box Office at 644-6500 to both subscribe or purchase single tickets. Our 5-play subscription is the best deal in town for the money!
has opened. "As You Like It" is pleasing audiences on a variety of levels. This
production, the first for us directed by new Artistic Associate Richard Baird, is both light and dark,funny and touching, realistic and poetic. Audiences have been loving it. Kaitlin O'Neal plays the lead character of Rosalind (sometimes referred to as the "female Hamlet" because of the enormous line-load) and I think she is brilliant. Newcomers Brennan Taylor (Orlando),Lori McNally (Celia), and Daryl Ball (Oliver) are wonderful additions to our company, charming audiences nightly. Additional cast members include Company Associate Artists Jason Barth (Jaques) and Sandy Elias (Corin and Ensemble) delivering superb performances, as well as company members Eric Schoen (Touchstone), Jim Porter (both Dukes), Jim Coates (old Adam/Hymen), Amanda Schaar (Audrey), Keath Hall (Sylvius/Charles the Wrestler), Trey Clevenger (Forester/Dennis/William), Chad Krolczyk (Jacques de Boys), Vi Flaten (Phebe),and Stefan Dollak of Bartholomew Faire supplying live Elizabethan musical accompaniment to this most musical of Shakespeare's plays (except for perhaps The Tempest!). The fabulous set design by newcomer Pegi Marshall-Amundsen is wowing our audiences with its atmospheric Forest of Arden, and Paul Black's lighting design is as magical and gorgeous as ever (assisted by David Empey). And of course, there are the absolutely sensational costumes by Lois Myers, probably the best designer of Renaissance costumes in the state! Also we have a superb props designer on hand in Mirko von Berner, who has elevated our work to a new level.
Last night our company received several AriZoni Awards for excellence that I am very proud of, including Best Production (MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR), Best Actor (Richard Baird in SHREW), Best Actress (Sarah Wolter in MERRY WIVES), Best Supporting Actress (Jenae Thomas in MERRY WIVES), and Best Hair and Make-Up Design(Kelly Elizabeth Turner for SHREW)---Oh and also Best Director for a Play (me for SHREW).
We are still selling season subscriptions for all five plays this season and you can call the Mesa Arts Center Box Office at 644-6500 to both subscribe or purchase single tickets. Our 5-play subscription is the best deal in town for the money!