Asolo offers free 'Midsummer Night's Dream' in Sarasota

   Every year, Asolo Rep take a very abridged version of a Shakespeare play on the road, performing in high schools and middle schools all over Florida.
   This year, it's a fast-paced and bombastic 45-minute version of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Local audiences will have a chance to see it Saturday, Oct. 11, in a free performance at the Out-of-Door Academy Lower School outdoor amphitheater.
   The show debuted Thursday to a capacity crowd in the Cook Theatre at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts.
   Director Jen Wineman has done an amazing job of paring the play down to to its bones, and still telling its three separate but connected stories coherently, and maintaining the flavor and -- most importantly -- the linguistic integrity.
   The actors, all third-year students from the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training, each taking multiple roles, are wondrous and energetic. Andrea Adnoff and Brian Owen are standouts, but the whole cast is magnetic.
   The grown-ups that made up almost all of the audience loved Wednesday's performance, but it's definitely aimed at youngsters. 
   The only liberties Wineman has taken with the script are to change the setting from Athens to a private school called Athens Academy, and to change some of the nobles into school officials. The

Some of the "Dream"  cast

changes aren't obtrusive (except for a repeated school cheer of "Go Minotaurs!" that's ill-fitting and a little bit annoying), but they're probably unnecessary. Wineman said she wanted to make the play as relevant to teenagers as she could, but the changes don't do much toward that end.
   Besides, "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is one of the most easily enjoyed of all of Shakespeare's plays, so there's no real need to turn it into a high school thing. The idea is try to get young people who have never seen a Shakespeare play -- and maybe never seen a play -- to try to catch the theater bug, and this one should do that, and would probably do it just as well without those small changes.
   There's no Shakeseareance necessary, but the audience at Asolo Thursday was full of people who had seen full-length performances of the play before (there was a show of hands during a talk-back) and they all loved it. So unless you're a curmudgeonly Shakespeare purist, this should be a really fun 45 minutes. (Count on an hour including the talk-back).
   Besides, it's free.
   Te performance starts at 2 p.m. Oct.11, at Out-of-Door Academy,
444 Reid St., Sarasota. There's an "introductory workshop" at 1:30 p.m.
   Seating is limited and reservations are required. Call 941-351-8000.






    
   

Asolo Rep announces 2012-13 season

Michael Edwards/Herald file photo

The Asolo Repertory Theatre’s 54th season will be all about the U.S.A.

But not exactly in a jingoistic way.

Announced today by Michael Edwards, producing artistic director, and Linda DiGabriele, managing director, the 2012-13 roster features four Pulitzer Prize winning plays, three Tony Award winners and one world premiere, all centering around the theme "The American Character."

The project will examine and celebrate the people, culture, history and experiences that make our country unique while serving as a guiding, artistic principle for the Asolo Rep over the next five seasons. 

After 2012-2013, the following four seasons will feature select productions that explore what it means to be an American. The American Character Project will also increase the commitment to new American playwriting, with Asolo Rep pledging to produce at least one world premiere each season.

“The American Character Project is a five year artistic initiative that poses a series of galvanizing questions: what is the American character? How did it come to be? What is its nature? How has it evolved into what it is now? Where is it going?” said Edwards, an Australian, in a statement. “It’s impossible to ever concretely define such a vast, far-reaching concept as the American character, but that is precisely why it is worth exploring. These questions provide a gateway to a truly collaborative experience that we will share with our audiences."

Edwards has assembled a creative advisory group of American theater artists who are already informing the programming for the American Character Project. The group consists of Tony Award-
winning director Frank Galati, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwrights Lynn Nottage and Nilo Cruz as well as artistic director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival Bill Rauch.

“They are true creative companions,” Edwards said in a statement. “Providing exciting ideas and inspiring our whole organization as we embark on this journey.”

Frank Galati/Herald file photo

The 2012-2013 begins with the musical "1776" (Nov. 16-Dec. 22). Directed by Galati, the 1969 Tony Award winner for Best Musical follows John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Richard Henry Lee and Thomas Jefferson  as they attempt to convince the members of the second Continental Congress to vote for freedom from the British monarchy by signing the Declaration of Independence.

The 2013 Repertory Season brings four Pulitzer Prize winning plays in a row to Asolo Rep, beginning with George Kaufman and Moss Hart’s "You Can’t Take it With You" (Jan. 4-April 20, 2013). Directed by Peter Amster (of Asolo Rep’s "Deathtrap" and upcoming "Fallen Angels").  Winner of the 1937 Pulitzer Prize, "You Can’t Take it With You" examines the American Dream.

Opening next in repertory is David Mamet's 1984 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner "Glengarry Glen Ross" (Jan. 11-Feb. 28, 2013). A biting look at a greed-infested 1980s real estate office, Mamet’s characters stop at nothing to get ahead with a profit. This production will be directed by the artistic director of New York’s Keen Company, Carl Forsman (of Asolo Rep’s "A Few Good Men").

Third in the Rep lineup is Wendy Wasserstein’s "The Heidi Chronicles" (Jan. 19-March 20, 2013), winner of the 1989 Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Awards for Best Play. It tells the story of Heidi Holland, a successful art historian, as she tries to find her bearings in a rapidly changing world. This production is being directed by Cleveland Play House’s Associate Artistic Director Laura Kepley.

The final Pulitzer Prize winner of the repertory season will be Bruce Norris’ 2011 winner "Clybourne Park" (March 15-May 2, 2013), directed by Edwards. Told from the perspective of the white couple that sells their house to the black family in Lorraine Hansberry’s "A Raisin in the Sun," "Clybourne Park,"  gives a modern twist to the issues of racism, housing and the dream for a better life. This production will travel to the South Miami-Dade Cultural Center for a week of performances after it concludes at Asolo Rep.

Asolo Rep is also presenting a world premiere March 22, 2013, as part of The American Character Project. "To ensure the highest quality of work is presented to our community, Asolo Rep is conducting a thorough search for just the right piece, and so cannot reveal the title at this time," reads a statement from the company. "Because of 'Unplugged,' Asolo Rep’s new play festival, the choices of cutting-edge work are growing, and we look forward to letting you know what piece we will be premiering soon."

The final repertory production will be Ken Ludwig’s  Sherlock Holmes-esque"The Game’s Afoot" (March 29-May 12, 2013). The murder mystery comedy sets the scene in a snowy Connecticut mansion where American star William Gillette (best known for his iconic portrayal of Sherlock Holmes), invites his co-stars from his current production for a Christmas Eve celebration. When one of the guests is murdered, Gillette employs the persona of the master detective he’s made famous on the stage. This is only the second production, the first having been produced at Cleveland Play House. It will be directed by Greg Leaming, associate artistic director at Asolo Rep.

"Pulse" (May 23-June 16, 2013) is a new dance musical created by and starring Broadway performer Noah Racey. Pulse will be directed by" Bonnie & Clyde" director and Tony Award nominee Jeff Calhoun.

The final summer musical will be announced at a later date and will begin June 21.

Alongside its season, Asolo Rep will also present "Unplugged," a festival of new play readings performed by the 2012-2013 acting company, and Asolo Rep presents an FSU/Asolo Conservatory production of "The Tragedy of Macbeth" (Oct. 2-3, 2013) as its New Stages 2012 tour.

The 2012- 2013 Florida State University/Asolo Conservatory 2012- 2013 Season:

The FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training also announced its 2012–2013 season, which features some of the country’s most talented acting students performing in a series of four plays in The Cook Theatre at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. In addition to the second year class season, third year Conservatory students perform on the Asolo Rep mainstage with the professional company.


"Twelfth Night" by William Shakespeare (Oct. 30-Nov. 18)

One of Shakespeare’s best known comedies, full of music, laughter and the high drama of young love, starring the entire second year student body of the FSU/Asolo Conservatory.

"The Aliens" by Annie Baker (Jan. 1-20, 2013)

In a back lot behind a Vermont coffee shop, two social outcasts befriend an innocent young employee from the shop. In doing so they teach him about friendship, commitment and what it means to grow into manhood.


"Stop/Kiss" by Diana Son (Feb. 19-March 10, 2013)

Two young women in New York spend a quiet evening together talking about their boyfriends and life. In the process, as they sense a growing, unspoken attraction for each other, an innocent kiss results in a savage gay-bashing, resulting in a complex story about hatred, love, and the difficulties of living life fully.

"Candida" by George Bernard Shaw (April 9-28, 2013)

A minister’s wife must choose between a passionate young poet who is smitten with her, and her older but far more reliant husband. A comedy about love, passion and the liberated woman by one of the 20th century’s most venerable playwrights.


Tickets for Asolo Repertory Theatre’s 2012-2013 season and the FSU/Asolo Conservatory season are available through the Asolo Repertory Theatre box office by calling 941-351-8000 or toll-free, 800-361-8388. Tickets are also available online at www.asolorep.org.

Asolo Rep announces 2011-12 season

Asolo Rep Nov. 19, 2010/Photo by Wade Tatangelo

A classic musical, a bilingual take on a William Shakespeare masterpiece and a pair of world premieres are among the highlights of the Asolo Rep's 2011-12 season, announced today.

The Tony Award-winning favorite "My Fair Lady" opens the nationally acclaimed, professional Sarasota theater company's 53rd season on Nov. 18. The innovative "Hamlet, Prince of Cuba" will perform in Miami after its Sarasota run.  And Asolo Rep will produce the world premieres of "Who the #$&% is Jackson Pollock?" as well as Tommy Tune presents: "State of the Art Song & Dance."

“Constructing a season for a repertory company of this caliber requires considering a vast array of issues," said Producing Artistic Director Michael Edwards in a statement. "It must all be shaped so carefully; the stars must truly align. Our company, the artists and organizations with which we’ve developed such strong relationships, combined with the strength of our production studios, collaborative resources, and amazing theatres–-are all factors that put us in a unique position to do what most theater companies can only dream of doing. 

"And with the enormous responsibility we have as a State Theatre of Florida, we strive for the season to be as exciting and appealing for as many different people as possible,” Edwards continued. “We’ve created a season filled with the thrill of new works, brilliant classics produced as though they were brand new, searing dramas, outrageous comedies, and soaring musicals. It is a season that will challenge, astonish, and delight – come and dream with us.”

Asolo Rep 2011–2012 season in chronological order

"My Fair Lady": Nov. 18-Dec. 23
Book and Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner; Music by Frederick Loewe

Based on George Bernard Shaw’s "Pygmalion"

Directed by Tony Award-winner Frank Galati, who also directed Asolo Rep's riveting production of "Twelve Angry Men,"running through March 26. Click for my review.

"Once in a Lifetime": Jan. 6-April 1, 2012

By Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman

Directed by Mark Rucker

"God of Carnage": Jan. 13-Feb. 29, 2012

By Yasmina Reza

Translated by Christopher Hampton

Directed by Greg Leaming

"Yentl": Jan. 20-April 26, 2012

A play based on Isaac Bashevis Singer’s short story “Yentl The Yeshiva Boy”

Adapted for the stage by Leah Napolin and Isaac Bashevis Singer

Directed by Gordon Greenberg

"Fallen Angels": March 9-May 13, 2012

Directed by Peter Amster

"Hamlet, Prince of Cuba": March 23-May 6, 2012

By William Shakespeare, adapted and directed by Michael Donald Edwards

Spanish Translation by Eduardo Machado

With performances in both Spanish and English. The play will first run in Sarasota, and then will travel to Miami to perform as part of the South Miami Dade Cultural Arts Center (SMDCAC) Grand Opening. The SMDCAC performance is part of an artistic exchange between Asolo Rep and the Miami Dade County Cultural Alliance, which began with "Las Meninas," which opens March 18.

"Who the *$&% Is Jackson Pollock?" March 30-April 22, 2012

Directed by Anne Kauffman

World premiere in the Historic Asolo Theater, in co-production with the Ringling Museum of Art

By Liz Brixius; based on the film by Harry Moses

Written by "Nurse Jackie" creator Liz Brixius, Asolo Rep will co-present this commissioned new work.

Tommy Tune presents: "State of the Art Song & Dance": May 25—June 17, 2012

Conceived, choreographed and starring Noah Racey

World premiere musical event celebrating the state of the art of Broadway song and dance. Directed by Jeff Calhoun, who also directed the Asolo Rep's Broadway-bound production of "Bonnie & Clyde." Click for my review. Click for "Bonnie & Clyde' to open on Broadway."

"Asolo Rep Unplugged 2012"

Greg Leaming, curator

Asolo Rep’s new play festival returns, with readings planned for the spring 2012.

Full details, titles and final dates will be confirmed in 2012.

 
Subscriptions are available now. Single tickets go on sale in September. Information: (941) 351-8000 or www.AsoloRep.org.

The FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training 2011-12 season

The FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training also announced its 2011-12 season today. The Conservatory features first-rate acting students performing in a series of four plays in two venues: the Cook Theatre in the FSU Center for the Performing Arts and the Historic Asolo Theater at the Ringling Museum. In addition to the second year class season, third year Conservatory students perform on the Asolo Rep mainstage with the professional company.

"The Brothers Karamazov": Nov. 1–20

By Anthony Clarvoe; based on the novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky

"Lobby Hero": Jan. 3-22, 2012

By Kenneth Lonergan

"The Robbers": Feb. 1-March 11, 2012

By Friedrich Schiller

"Cloud Nine": April 3-22, 2012

By Caryl Churchill.

FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training 2011-2012  ticket/subscription information: (941) 351-8000 or www.asolorep.org

REVIEW: 'Reasons to be Pretty' by Neil LaBute at Asolo Conservatory in Sarasota

My review of the Asolo Conservatory's staging of Neil LaBute's "Reasons to be Pretty," running in today's Herald.

Steph (Gretchen Porro) has been insulted by her boyfriend Greg (Tony Stopperan) and peppers him with enough profanities to fill a football locker room. She won’t let Greg leave their home, physically blocking him from exiting the door at one point, until he admits what she heard he said: That while a female coworker possesses a pretty face, hers is “regular.” The remark terminates the young couple’s four-year relationship.

Continue reading.

Click for interviews with Porro and director Barbara Redmond.

If you go info.

FRANK ATURA/PUBLICITY PHOTO Gretchen Porro and Tony Stopperan star in the FSU/Asolo Conservatory’s production of “Reasons to be Pretty.”

'Nunsense,' Shakespeare and the Sarasota Ballet hit local stages

Another big week for the performing arts.

Here are links to my stories that ran in Thursday's Weekend section:

Shakespeare goes clubbing at Asolo with an extremely hip take on "Two Gentleman of Verona."

Manatee Players bring 'Nunsense' back with 'Sensations,' the latest sequel of Dan Goggin's off-Broadway sensation that debuted in 1985. My review of last night's show will run Saturday or Sunday.

Sarasota Ballet opens 20th season with "Firebird" and "Anne Frank."