Music, Movement, and Mayhem.
Fall 2015: "Romeo & Pirouette"Premise
In our first deliberate collaboration with State Street Ballet's Library Dances and UCSB's Shakespeare & Me program, a two-act show was created to explore "Romeo and Juliet" on multiple levels. Act I interwove theatre and dance as student actors and narrators summarized the play interspersed with scenes choreographed by Cecily Stewart. Act II revived "Drop Dead, Juliet!" by Alison Williams. As before, the madcap comedy twist was a welcome post-intermission reprieve after the intense drama of the more literal first half. Notes This was easily the most ambitious production to date with so many moving parts. As in the previous spring, working alongside State Street Ballet's professional dancers greatly aided the students in savoring Shakespeare in ways they may not have otherwise. The show was fantastic! |
Spring 2016: "The Rules of Comedy"Another Reprise
As with "Revenge of the Space Pandas," this production had become a frequent topic of conversation in terms of repeat performance. Needless to say, it was enthusiastically received when brought back to the stage. The students and audience alike loved it! Notes This show was actually being held for a later date, but due to scheduling conflicts, the one that was to be in its place was canceled. "Rules of Comedy" was cast, designed, and thrown into production in a matter of days, and by the time it hit the stage two months later, nobody could tell the difference. This speaks volumes about the maturity and flexibility of this particular cast and its ability to work well under pressure. Bravo! |