Bill Kenzie talks theatre in light of COVID-19

 Bill Kenzie, director-producer of Daytrippers Dinner Theater in Bloomington shared his thoughts below about the future of the theatre industry in light of COVID-19:

"Obviously, the virus is impacting theatres all over the world. Broadway in New York is shut down until at least April 12th. London's West End, (which had vowed to carry on) announced the closing of all theatres indefinitely. Cirque du Soleil, which operates all over the world, has closed down. That said, I'm not worried about the theatre business. 

First and foremost the theatre is an art form, and art never stops, never dies; as long as there are people living, there will be art. In the Spanish Influenza pandemic of 1918, 675,000 Americans died. Theatres were shuttered; quarantines were imposed. And theatres flourished afterward, as they surely will when this pandemic passes. The more important issue here is to think of your neighbor, don't hoard, be kind and helpful - and do everything within your power to 'flatten the curve.'" - Bill Kenzie, Director-Producer of DayTrippers Dinner Theatre, daytripperstheatre.com

'Shear Madness' St. Croix Off Broadway Dinner theatre

Shear Madness written by Paul Portner and directed by James A. Zimmerman is playing at St. Croix Off Broadway Dinner theatre. This dinner show's explosive energy and interactive format will have you begging for more.

Sunday Post #amwriting #amjoy

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Today's post will link up to The Sunday Salon, The Sunday Post and Stacking the Shelves for weekly updates.

           LOOKING FORWARD TO FEBRUARY

Why am I celebrating peace?  

Because its a great feeling!

I got this idea from another writer.

I'm celebrating peace this week. Have you ever had that feeling that you're so exhausted-you don't know if there's light at the end of the tunnel?

That was me for a second. But then I had this breakthrough and I was able to get some energy.

  I came across a writer's favorite quote:

"Hatred is a sword with a second blade pointed inward. The more I wield it, the more I destroy myself. My battles are not with those who anger me, but within myself, as I struggle to weed out and destroy the silly reasons I use to justify that anger." (anonymous)

Mitch Albom also had this to say

Holding anger is a poison...It eats you from inside...We think that by hating someone we hurt them...But hatred is a curved blade...and the harm we do to others...we also do to ourselves.”

The Five People You Meet in Heaven

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Play Review

Chess Combat United

Amber Richards as Evelyn Knight and Graidon Mabson as Chase Mabson, photo by Trin Carl

An organization called Chess Combat United gives its members a chance to hone both their chess strategy and their fighting skills. On March 7th, the teams Corsairs vs The Roses fought in a match worth remembering.

'Saint Joan' by George Bernard Shaw

Photography by Trin Carl

Leadership isn't what it's cracked up to be.

Saint Joan would be saying if alive today. Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw is directed by Ben Shaw, produced by The Orchard Theatre Collective, playing at Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis, showing through March 21st.

The play takes us back to 15th century France, amidst the Hundred Years’ War against England.  It follows Saint Joan, a country girl, who changed history. Joan (Annie Schieferl) calls herself Jehanne la Pucelle or Joan the Maid.  "There’s something about her," says a patron.

They could also be talking about the actress who portrays her, Annie Schiferl is a proud graduate of the University of Minnesota/Guthrie training program. She played Antonia in My Antonia at Illusion theater. Joan is often kneeling to pray. There's a memorable scene of her sitting during the trial with her hands tied together as she's questioned by John d’Estivet. “You were found lying in the moat. Why did you leave the tower?”  She responded with, “Why would anybody leave a prison if they could get out?”  In another scene, she says “Oh, squire! Your head is all circled with light, like a saint’s.” The squire is batting the space above his head as if there are bees swarming. Joan’s steadiness of speech and positivity is alarmingly sincere given the circumstance. The audience will relate to that one overtly religious person who’s always praying.

Photo by Trin Carl

I had a chat with Lucinda Holshue, who was sitting in the audience.  She is a senior lecturer for the University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater and teaches voice and couldn’t be more proud that night to see many of her students performing. 

Actor Craig Johnson is a standout.  He plays the warwick, inquisitor, La Hire, Robert, and the Duchess. In many scenes he gives advice or condemns the king,“We are asking for the Bishop’s opinion, Monsieur John.” He takes a sip of tea and looks back at childlike Monsieur John and then at the bishop, encouraging him to continue. This gets a laugh.

photo by Trin Carl

The set is sparse except for the exquisite red carpets and red upholstered chairs in the chapel The seating is set up in a u-shape, giving the audience an opportunity to change seats during intermission as a section of chairs is removed so actors can quickly leave during climatic scenes.  Sound effects are surprisingly eerie. The clanging of a ship at sea is memorable as well as religious chanting.  The actors often sit among the patrons which creates an immersive experience. The king sits next to an audience member and later gets up and speaks a line of outrage, this surprises a patron to say the least.

This production is sure to make you think of Saint Joan in a different light. I personally don't believe in war. But if I was going to be swayed, Annie Schiferl, and this Saint Joan might be the ones to do it.

Tickets at https://orchard-theater-collective.ticketleap.com/saint-joan/

Sunday post #amwriting #amjoy

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Today's post will link up to The Sunday Salon, The Sunday Post and Stacking the Shelves for weekly updates.

           LOOKING FORWARD TO FEBRUARY

Why am I celebrating yoga?  

Because its fun!

I got this idea from my YOGA class at the YMCA.

 I went to a yoga body flow class and was put to the test.  The instructor had us do like 30 downward dogs and we were in continuous motion the whole hour.  The teacher was also moving around the room and demonstrating moves and sometimes she'd be doing a move right along side you.

  I talked to her after and she talked about how she has a degree in psychology and has worked as a therapist.  I believe it, because she was encouraging throughout. She talked about how our bodies are composed mostly of water. I heard this before but I liked how she described water and the flow of She said she'd give me all of the fitness tracks from that class.  And it came as no surprise that a Backstreet Boys' song was on one of the tracks, also a song called 'Rise Up. (All very motivating songs)

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CURRENTLY

Reading: Yes Please, by Amy Poehler

On a side note, I also went to the stage reading of the script 'Devil Wears Prada'-A Drinking game Minnesota at the Phoenix. 

 Lately, I have gone to several shows by myself which is okay, but not nearly as enjoyable as taking in a show with a friend and I found that if I go see the Drinking Game, I'm guaranteed to take in at least one performance where I know someone in the audience. It's like a breath of fresh air.

ON THE BLOG

Sunday: The Sunday Post

Up Coming:

Play Review

Battle of the Sexes 'My Fair Lady' at the Orpheum

Sheeran Ahmed(Eliza) photography by Joan Marcus

If you’ve been waiting to see My Fair Lady since George Cukor’s film adaptation of the stage musical, then wait no longer.  The musical adaptation My Fair Lady, written by Alan Jay Lerner and directed by Bartlett Sher is playing at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis through March 8th.

Sunday post #amwriting @amjoy

Today's post will link up to The Sunday Salon, The Sunday Post and Stacking the Shelves for weekly updates.

           LOOKING FORWARD TO MARCH

Why do I love Zoom meetings?  

Because they are empowering!

I got this idea to do Zoom meetings from my first improv zoom meeting.

I do like 3-4 zoom meetings a week now.  One is for my improv group.  Another is for my family, in which I touch base with three of my brothers and their families about what's going on.  One of my brother's is a teacher and he talks about zoom meeting etiquette within the schools, including dressing properly and showing only a portion of your personal life.  lol. 
I also do one for the Toastmaster's public speaking group.  This one usually has me in a frenzy, as I have to pay attention to the um's and hmm, as I talk and project my words into the oblivion.  

I guess you do have to be careful with Zoom because there are hackers that like to capture your meetings.  Have a great week everyone.  Stay active!

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Reading: Calypso by David Sedaris

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