A Local Lady's Theatrical Impressions

I've often thought that the theatre is a place where grown ups remember how to play and where the younger generation are instilled with what could otherwise be a lost art of story telling. In theatre, everyone can pretend and make a story real- by acting and by believing. My first live show was The Chronicles of Narnia, a local production at the Richmond Civic Theatre. It inspired in me what has thus far been a lifelong love and soft spot for theatre. The Richmond Civic Theatre has been operating since 1940. The building Murray Theatre, originally a house of vaudeville in 1909, itself is quite a gem. The seating is cozy. The stage is magical. It is RCT's mission to engage, entertain, educate and inspire both their audiences as well as their participants. RCT is volunteer and membership driven. Although they are not "big city" or "professional theatre" their quality and enthusiasm are legendary. We are extremely fortunate, in Richmond, to not have to go far to experience (as a spectator or particpant!) professional, quality theatrical performances.

On Thursday evening, I attended an open rehearsal of Studio 10's production of Shakespeare's Tempest. It gave me a chance, not only to see the show but to meet two of the young Thesbians previously interviewed in connection to the show: the director, Joshua Robinson, as well as the light technician Andy Darr. Unfortunately, I missed the composer who had not yet made it to town.

What was the show like?

It was truly an immersive experience. The audience was actually invited to sit themselves on stage, which brought you into the epicenter of the action. It was the most interactive and innovative of shows. Imagine steering wheels, squirt guns, personified ocean waves, bawdy songs and silly love scenes. The score melted chronological time and kept complementing the changing moods as the scenes progressed. The guitar sounded most modern, Bronson was inspired by 90's rock. The use of wind instruments added touches of the ancient, nature and whimsy which complemented the weathered marine set design and the tempestuous action.

The casting was perfection. Prospero (T. J. Rivard), the father figure, sported the beard, the magic cloak and alternated between gentile fondness and fierce protectiveness. His daughter, the heroine, Miranda (Allison Giles) was aptly naive and lovely. Ariel, played impeccably by Beth Anne Darr, was the quintessential Ariel: all at once fiery, sparkly blue & mischievous. It was as if the Ariel I had pictured when reading the Tempest many years ago had sprung to life along with a tribe of glittering spirit beauties. Calaban (Mark Edwards),  the "monster-slave", brought new dynamics to his character who did not appear to be only monstrous and comical. His voice was sonorous and his beastly apparel could not hide a nobler interior, even despite his assertion that language only taught him "to curse". Stephano (Paula Werle) and Trinculo (Kim Dearing) provided comedic relief as the king's butler and his sidekick enjoying their delusions of grandeur. Jennie Kiffmeyer, a long time Thesbian whose parents founded the company in charge of this production has played now every part in the Tempest. An interesting side story in coming full circle. Her experience is to her credit and evident in her clear enunciation and crisp performance as Alonso, King of Naples.

The play was well balanced with every desirable flavor of story: comedy, tragedy, quarrel and tension, romance and resolution. It's always a treat to see the words of Shakespeare come to life. Although the language may be dated and difficult for some to follow, most people agree that Elizabethan England was a time that the English language enjoyed a particular zenith. However, all due credit for this event goes to the cast, technicians and artists who put forth astonishing talent and effort for without them the great bards' words would be left inanimate on a page.

The lighting, set design, costuming and attention to each detail made the Tempest unforgettable. The show left my husband and I hungry for more performances!

Well done Studio 10!

Studio 10 Site

Special thanks to Raymond and Sharon Ontko for sponsoring this event. Gratitude also to Beth Anne Darr, the show's producer and exemplary Ariel for inviting the Local Lady! <3

Craving some imagery? Check out Jim Hair's Flickr account. A savvy photographer with Richmond ties was on hand to document the show!

Think theatre could be your cup of tea? Watch for casting calls and future performances at our local theatre's Facebook page!

Richmond Civic Theatre Group Page

Tempest I Interview with the Lights, Andy Darr

Facebook Site

Studio 10 is a branch of Richmond Civic Theatre founded to provide our community with opportunities to experience "contemporary and classic-but-seldom-seen gems (that) are equally at home on Studio 10 stage." These productions are usually intended for a more mature audience. Their up and coming production is one such gem, The Tempest by William Shakespeare, 

a lesser known play of the famous bard that in some circles is considered to be one of his greatest of works. 

The Local-Lady blog is pleased to offer readers a special III part series of exclusive interviews leading up to the play which is to run June 7th and 8th at 8 pm at Richmond Civic Theatre.   

All three of our guest interviewees hail from the Richmond area and have a history of working together in the theatre. All three are returning and specially collaborating for this production. Andy Darr, behind the technical scenes & in charge of manning the lights is our first guest! Welcome home, Andy!

Here we go:

What are your best Richmond memories?

Portrait of Andy Darr Photo Credit: Jim Hair

"Most of my best Richmond Memories involve friends and family, really but every time I come back I make an effort to visit Glen Miller, and if there's time, a visit to local favorite eateries is always a treat." 

Tell us about your history of theater involvement/musical involvement in your hometown of Richmond at RCT or elsewhere?

"My first introduction to the theatre was in Richmond, at Richmond Civic Theatre. And you know, when you find something you just absolutely love, the drive to explore it can be almost unstoppable. 

I've designed (the scenery for) a handful of productions at RCT, a couple of favorites there being To Kill A Mockingbird and Picasso at the Lapin Agile. In Indianapolis, I designed the lighting for Cabaret Poe, and most recently I designed the settings for a stage adaptation of The Yellow Wall Paper by Charolette Perkins Gillman; ...served as a Technical Director at a small theatre in Nashville, Indiana."

What's it like to stretch your wings and fly and return home?

"Honestly, it's a little surreal, actually, to return home to produce a show. My partner and I usually come back for holidays with the fam and what have you. It's kinda exciting, really."

Tempest Light Focus

How do you see Richmond differently now? What's the same/What's different?

"I think a lot of people may not be the biggest fan of their small Midwestern Hometown when growing up in it, I know I wasn't. When I was younger it was all: "Golly it's small, there's nothing to do here, it's such a waste land", you know -- and it seems true. Though this trip back seems to have revealed that Richmond is beginning to tap into and embrace things that can make it pretty cool. The revitalization of the Depot District is a good example of that. There seems to be a shedding of the ambivalence, and more energy is being put toward making things better: embracing local history and recognizing some of the stunning architecture that's here. Don't get me wrong, I love urban decay, but it isn't always what one wants when embarking on H.M.S Revitalization."

What can we expect to see in Studio 10's version of the Tempest? Any sneak peek or titillating tidbits you're willing to share?

"People can expect to see some awesome theatre. I don't want to reveal too much but I can say that the awesomeness will begin with the audience being seated on stage, in the three-quarter round. "

How are you guys enjoying the collaborative work?

"For me, it's been great. I've been eager to work with Joshua again as it's been some years since our last project together. John and I recently worked together in Fort Collins, Colorado on a production of Hairspray."

Thank you so much for your time, Andy! Stay tuned Local Lady Readers for more exclusive interviews in the very near future!!

<3 Your Local Gal