I've been so busy actually putting up a show, that I completely forgot to update the internet about it.
Savage Wilde Traveling Players just closed it's first ever production!!!
We performed Much Ado About Nothing in conjunction with Made Up Theatre in Fremont, CA. MUT is an improv company with a small performance space. They were kind enough to lend us their space (and one of their actors) for our first production. More information on MUT can be found at www.madeuptheatre.com
I found six actors form around the Bay Area and put together a seven actor version of Much Ado. We rehearsed in my garage! I so felt like I was starting a garage band and we just happened to already have a first gig lined up. It should have been a bit strange, but it was pretty cool. It made the whole process very informal and fun. The location, along with (I'm certain) my laid-back attitude, allowed all of us to play with the text and find new and different angles on the characters.
Once we finally opened, the cast really came into their own. Their audience interactions and the fun they found once people with an audience in the house was just amazing to watch. They really took it to another level. I only wish that we had gotten more people into the house to watch their incredible work.
I could not have done this show without the help of my amazing cast. Here's the photo we took at closing:
From left to right: Mylissa Malley, Jeff Opine, Stephanie Whigham, Shannon Schultz, Bobby August Jr., Elizabeth Finkler, Tanya Benitez
It was such a fun experience. I can't wait to put together our next show next Summer! And this time... we take it on tour!!!
