Shakespeare — Page 3

And, We’re Off!

January 13, 2017 at 9:26 am by Claudia

We had our first Preview performance last night. This is a rollicking, fast-paced comedy and it needs an audience, so it was wonderful to hear laughter coming from someone other than those of us who are involved with the production. The director and actors learn a great deal from laughter, not the least of which is timing.

We are rehearsing during the afternoons with a performance at night, and that will continue until Opening Night, which is next Friday. And then, I’ll be on my way back to the cottage.

I held off posting this until Previews had officially started. Darko designed this set. It has everything, including boats! In the midst of winter, it evokes sunny and warm climates – and suddenly, I’m yearning for a vacation.

I hope you’re all well. I don’t have much more to say.

This production is a positive in the midst of so much that is negative. I’m grateful for that. I have a request: Can you share something positive in the comments section? Something that is making you happy at the moment? I think we could all use a nice dose of happy.

And speaking of that,

Happy Friday.

Hey, Boo

January 10, 2017 at 10:17 am by Claudia

I slept in this morning – thankfully – after being jolted awake during the night by the sound of snowplows on the street below my apartment. Gosh, they’re loud! I guess it snowed a bit last night, though when I look out the window, the amount of snow seems minimal.

Tell me this isn’t crazy – the temperature here tomorrow will reach 50° and Thursday? 55°. What the heck? I read about that gorgeous redwood with the tunnel toppling in the storms out in California. Oh, how sad. Such history and beauty – gone in a second.

These came in the mail from our friends Lynne and Sean, who live in Toronto. I don’t know where she finds them, but Lynnie always finds unique treasures. And could these be any more perfect for Mockingbird Hill Cottage? I’m thrilled with them! In fact, I had some hot chocolate in one of them on Sunday.

And they capture one of the most beautiful moments in that book. “Hey, Boo.” That particular line of dialogue brings tears to my eyes every time. Thank you, Lynne and Sean. We love you.

I’ve started another Elizabeth George – one I purchased before I came to Hartford in December. Just in case. You understand. I always have this particular conversation going on in my head:

“I’m enjoying this book by this author. But what if I finish it and I love it and I don’t have any other novels on hand by this author? If I’m in the mood for more, I won’t want to start a book by another author…hmmmm…I’d better buy this book also written by the author. Just in case.”

This particular Elizabeth George happens to be the book that follows Believing the Lie, so I clearly lucked into picking the right one.

Today, I’ll wander over to the theater, where the initial tech rehearsal continues. Tech started on Sunday – it’s a slow process – and will go on through today. And maybe part of tomorrow. By tomorrow night, we should be able to have a run-through of the show. And Thursday night is the first Preview for audiences. See how quickly it goes? Once we start Previews, I’ll be sitting in the house every night, taking notes on what I can hear and not hear, what needs to be articulated more clearly, and any other Voice & Text issues that arise. Previews will go on through a week from Thursday and then we will open on Friday, January 20th (boy am I glad I have something joyous and happy to watch that day, otherwise I might be slitting my wrists!) and I will return to the cottage the next day.

Today, I’ll check in and see how the show looks with the set, costumes, lighting and sound.

Happy Tuesday.

Beat the Snow

January 7, 2017 at 8:13 am by Claudia

Three to five inches of snow is headed toward Hartford this morning, but not, supposedly, toward my home in the Hudson Valley, so I’m going to try to get out of here early and beat the snow. Fingers crossed. The weather is unpredictable, and if I feel like it might be more trouble than it’s worth, I’ll wait until tomorrow.

But I’d really like to get home for a couple of days, starting today. I need to see my husband. And my new chair, which Don picked up for me the other day, bless him!

So, this will be quick, then I’ll jump in the shower and start to ‘assess the situation.’

Don likes cigar boxes and wanted me to stop by a local cigar shop here in downtown Hartford to see if they had any empty boxes for sale. On the way home from rehearsal, I peered in the window and saw that they did. So, I pulled open the door and walked right into a cloud of cigar smoke courtesy of a guy who was standing at the counter, talking to the owner. To his credit, as soon as he saw me, he moved away, but the damage was done. Plus, I quickly realized that there was a smoking lounge in the back of the shop! Yikes.

I picked out three boxes (only $2 a piece!) and hightailed it out of there. But the smell of cigar smoke surrounded me. I had to open the windows in the apartment and air out my clothing!

They’re neat looking, aren’t they?

We had our final run-through in the rehearsal space yesterday and, boy, was it fun! Darko’s vision for a production never fails to astound me. I wasn’t sure how this was all going to come together, but I’ve learned to trust Darko and on Thursday, I could really see it coming together. Yesterday – perfection! And it’s hilarious, as well!

Can’t wait to see it with costumes, lighting, set, and sound on Tuesday. We have an extremely talented cast and they are having a lot of fun, as are we.

A cheery view of the yellow alstroemeria for you today.

Wish me luck with my ‘beat the snow’ journey home!

Happy Saturday.

And, We’re Off!

Hey, Boo

Beat the Snow

claudiahillsparks

Lambs Like to Party

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