Annie runs lines backstage.
Yesterday was long and full and strangely relaxing. We loaded out the entire set in a half-hour, and loaded it into The Alcazar in roughly fifteen minutes. There isn't a single piece of the set that cannot be carried by one individual. Those familiar with previous tours (say, Mysterious Affair at Styles) would be astonished, and perhaps burn with rage and jealousy.
That's the entire set. That's it.
Our final dress was witnessed by the Great Lakes Theater Shakespeare Society, and a more supportive crowd we could not find. It was reassuring to witness the reactions from an audience before we open. Is the funny funny? Well, apparently, yes. Yes, it is. And it moves. Many remarked after how much we managed to pack into one hour.
GLT Artistic Director Charlie Fee was on hand, and had much to say about the historical basis for the play, especially as it relates to the sea wars between the Ottoman Empire and Europe in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Much Ado About Nothing is not specific about which wars Benedick and his fellow soldiers are returning from ... but I do.
In fact, it was a comment from director Lisa's ten year-old niece (who watched a double run-through on Sunday) that the play gave her quite an education in the Civil War, which she is studying in school right now. They describe battles and laws, but they don't get into the details of what happens to individuals or the general populace when war breaks out ... but I do.
Tonight we open at The Alcazar at 8 PM, the performance is free and open to the public. Please join us.
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