A little more than two weeks and the story of Treasure Island
will come alive at the Grand Marais Playhouse. Director Sue Hennessy told me “It is certain this show will be worth your money.” I cannot wait to see this show and I plan on attending several times!
The past few columns of Backstage Buzz
have attempted to give a glimpse of what takes to put on this grand performance. Two professional choreographers, scenic painter for an amazing backdrop, seamstresses, set builders, and numerous volunteers have gathered for a variety of tasks to bring this production to us. And don’t forget the actors—night after night, including weekends, of rehearsal. Director Hennessy has truly worked night and day. This “theater” village is truly a team and we are blessed, indeed, to be able to so easily see a top notch show!
More recently, rehearsal has focused on stage combat. Fighting on stage you say? Well, yes and no! Stage combat is much more than pretending to “fight.” I received my stage combat lesson 101 from Sue Hennessy. The Playhouse has six actual swords to use in Treasure Island.
The Playhouse worked with the school district to develop professional protocol with regard to the swords due to the “no weapons”
WELCOME Bob C er immediatel been invol co- ost of appear d Ra s tas as w policy of the school. The blades on the swords are made of high carbon tempered steel. Theblades are blunt. But don’t be fooled! These swords are potentially dangerous if not used properly. Steel is used because it is considered safer
Bob has be l ven y performer est e – par is cl ent o than plastic, wood or rubber Weapons made of these other materials can actually break more easily and can then present a very real weapon.
So with six actual combat swords in a play that has several fight scenes, how is safety achieved? It is achieved through an unbelievably intense amount of training. Every step an actor takes in stage combat is choreographed. In the present production, Annie Enneking, a professional choreographer from the Twin Cities, assisted in this for almost a week. Imagine—every step the actor moves takes must be precise. Actors have cues for every move, must watch their partner closely, and must know their dialogue. Theactors must learn to breathe properly. The actors learn how to fall, and where to place themselves so that the audience might be distracted with different angles.
Jack Nickolay, aka Long John Silver, is the “fight captain” for Treasure Island.
Before every performance and every rehearsal the actors must walk through every step of the stage combat scenes. Scenes are purposely short so that the actors can learn the moves and weapons are never directed towards the face. Stage combat involves the epitome of teamwork and dedication. I thoroughly enjoyed my lesson on stage combat and I know I will watch the fight scenes with even greater interest with my new knowledge.
The costumes for Treasure
Island
are looking beautiful. Set construction continues, and if anyone is interested in helping with the final pieces, they should stop by the Playhouse and talk to Director Hennessy.
Hennessy is developing the music for the play by using the software program “Garage Band.” Thisis a huge task as it involves intimately knowing each line, the sounds, and emotions involved in the play. The play will also have lots of lights—we are utilizing every light the Playhouse owns.
The first weekend the play opens, April 22-25, theater guests may enjoy fabulous treats catered by Becky Thompson. In addition, Sunday, April 25, allows admission by a donation at the door. Theplay will also be the following weekend, April 29-May 2 as well as June 24-27 and July 1-4.
So don’t be surprised if I ask you when you plan on going
to see Treasure Island.
I can
!
almost promise you will know
e o ok Cou ty i 19 a someone on the stage or working ecme xurntheo n on the play Celebrate the
withWTIP Mal ostsnei inc
Playhouse’s 40th anniversary e popular “R adho e program)
with us. Celebrate the talents umerous roduction at he Gran
on display. I promise you will beenana veparti pant n h
, n numerousoh love this production!
neo Playhouse Board Member
ndhas nsistentyb no
Maureen O’Phelan provides
the coun y His now edge o
this behind the scenes look
ularly land sales as we l as c
at Grand Marais Playhouse
customers make Bob a re
activities.
Leave a Reply