Showing posts with label The Laguna Playhouse. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Laguna Playhouse. Show all posts
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Two Minutes of Theatre: The Secret Life of Girls
Monday, April 6, 2009
OC Register Interview with Maripat Donovan, Creator and Performer of "Late Nite" Series
April 2, 2009
Orange County Register
By Paul Hodgins
Sister has been good to Maripat Donovan.
"Sorry I missed your call," Donovan said when she picked up the phone on the interviewer's second attempt. "I was swimming in my pool." Who knew the wimple would lead to such wealth?
The phenomenon known as "Late Nite Catechism" is well into its second decade, and other Sisters (all of them as funny as she is, Donovan claims) have brought the franchise to theaters throughout the country. Donovan, its originator, still can't quite believe her good fortune.
"When I first started this in Chicago back in '93 I really had no idea how it would be received," said the writer-actress, who is putting the finishing touches on the show's latest incarnation, "'Til Death Do Us Part," which will make its world premiere this weekend at the Laguna Playhouse.
Donovan plays a sometimes stern but sharp-witted veteran nun with a mission: to remind wayward Catholics (and teach the rest of us) about the theories, practices, quirks and beliefs of her religion.
"Each of the shows is a series of classes that sister is teaching," Donovan explained. "In the first show (Late Nite Catechism") she's a substitute teacher. She does a basic overview of what people need to know.
"In my next show, I decided that she was such a good teacher that she has the job full-time. She has a lot of elements that she can bring in: her own banner, a film strip." Donovan focused a little more tightly on a subject: how to avoid going to hell.
Donovan's next show tackled the issues of Christmas.
"I cover the birth of Jesus and the Nativity – all the stuff that Catholics talk and argue about during the Christmas season."
"'Til Death Do Us Part" is a continuation of Sister's methodical analysis of the Sacraments. This time Sister concentrates on the rites and rituals surrounding marriage and death.
"It's definitely a continuance of the series. Sister tries something new in her teaching – she happens to think that this game show she's devised will teach you about compatibility." Donovan issues a warning: audience participation is a big part of the show.
IMPROV IS KEY
Improvisation has always been a crucial part of "Late Nite Catechism," Donovan said.
"When I first started, there was one interactive moment where I gave away a glow-in-the-dark rosary as a prize. That was it. But because I'm both the playwright and the performer I can pretty much do whatever I want, so I grew that element over the years. I always like to deal with people talking during the show, people coming in late, that kind of thing."
Donovan studied improvisation from early in her career, so she always felt comfortable with it as an element of the show. "After I gave myself permission to do it, it just grew and grew and grew."
Donovan has made sure that Sister modernized her teaching methods over the years as her instructional prowess developed. No more filmstrips for this up-to-the-minute nun.
"Sister has a laptop now. In this show she's checking her Facebook account before class. Sister has grown along with the culture and the technology."
Though Donovan's performances as Sister seem completely improvised and loose, she relies on director and collaborator Marc Silvia to help her structure her creation.
"He's been my director for a long time. He understands the character completely. He kind of prods me along and he helps me to be more organized; he's a good second ear. But in the end it's pretty much my voice, and he respects that."
Donovan has been trying out her new material for the last few weeks in a small theater in the South Bay, but she considers the Laguna Playhouse her home. Various "Late Nite Catechism" incarnations have been offered there for years as a nonsubscription event that played on off nights, usually Mondays. Their popularity prompted the Playhouse to give Sister a slot on its regular season, Donovan said.
"The Playhouse has always felt like my home theater. It's a beautiful place; the staff is spectacular. They know how to put butts in seats.
"And audiences there know how to have a good time, yet they're not obnoxious. They just want to laugh and have fun with you."
Has Donovan's freewheeling show ever gotten into trouble with audiences that were, well, too participatory?
"The only place I've had trouble with an audience is in New York. Everyone is out to prove that they're funnier than me. And guess what? They never are."
Orange County Register
By Paul Hodgins
New 'Late Nite Catechism' comes to Laguna
Sister has been good to Maripat Donovan.
"Sorry I missed your call," Donovan said when she picked up the phone on the interviewer's second attempt. "I was swimming in my pool." Who knew the wimple would lead to such wealth?
The phenomenon known as "Late Nite Catechism" is well into its second decade, and other Sisters (all of them as funny as she is, Donovan claims) have brought the franchise to theaters throughout the country. Donovan, its originator, still can't quite believe her good fortune.
"When I first started this in Chicago back in '93 I really had no idea how it would be received," said the writer-actress, who is putting the finishing touches on the show's latest incarnation, "'Til Death Do Us Part," which will make its world premiere this weekend at the Laguna Playhouse.
Donovan plays a sometimes stern but sharp-witted veteran nun with a mission: to remind wayward Catholics (and teach the rest of us) about the theories, practices, quirks and beliefs of her religion.
"Each of the shows is a series of classes that sister is teaching," Donovan explained. "In the first show (Late Nite Catechism") she's a substitute teacher. She does a basic overview of what people need to know.
"In my next show, I decided that she was such a good teacher that she has the job full-time. She has a lot of elements that she can bring in: her own banner, a film strip." Donovan focused a little more tightly on a subject: how to avoid going to hell.
Donovan's next show tackled the issues of Christmas.
"I cover the birth of Jesus and the Nativity – all the stuff that Catholics talk and argue about during the Christmas season."
"'Til Death Do Us Part" is a continuation of Sister's methodical analysis of the Sacraments. This time Sister concentrates on the rites and rituals surrounding marriage and death.
"It's definitely a continuance of the series. Sister tries something new in her teaching – she happens to think that this game show she's devised will teach you about compatibility." Donovan issues a warning: audience participation is a big part of the show.
IMPROV IS KEY
Improvisation has always been a crucial part of "Late Nite Catechism," Donovan said.
"When I first started, there was one interactive moment where I gave away a glow-in-the-dark rosary as a prize. That was it. But because I'm both the playwright and the performer I can pretty much do whatever I want, so I grew that element over the years. I always like to deal with people talking during the show, people coming in late, that kind of thing."
Donovan studied improvisation from early in her career, so she always felt comfortable with it as an element of the show. "After I gave myself permission to do it, it just grew and grew and grew."
Donovan has made sure that Sister modernized her teaching methods over the years as her instructional prowess developed. No more filmstrips for this up-to-the-minute nun.
"Sister has a laptop now. In this show she's checking her Facebook account before class. Sister has grown along with the culture and the technology."
Though Donovan's performances as Sister seem completely improvised and loose, she relies on director and collaborator Marc Silvia to help her structure her creation.
"He's been my director for a long time. He understands the character completely. He kind of prods me along and he helps me to be more organized; he's a good second ear. But in the end it's pretty much my voice, and he respects that."
Donovan has been trying out her new material for the last few weeks in a small theater in the South Bay, but she considers the Laguna Playhouse her home. Various "Late Nite Catechism" incarnations have been offered there for years as a nonsubscription event that played on off nights, usually Mondays. Their popularity prompted the Playhouse to give Sister a slot on its regular season, Donovan said.
"The Playhouse has always felt like my home theater. It's a beautiful place; the staff is spectacular. They know how to put butts in seats.
"And audiences there know how to have a good time, yet they're not obnoxious. They just want to laugh and have fun with you."
Has Donovan's freewheeling show ever gotten into trouble with audiences that were, well, too participatory?
"The only place I've had trouble with an audience is in New York. Everyone is out to prove that they're funnier than me. And guess what? They never are."
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Around the World in 80 Days Takes Off!
STAGE ADAPTATION OF AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS
TRAVELS TO THE LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE
JANUARY 6 – FEBRUARY 8, 2009
Orange County Premiere combines Humor and Adventure in this
Theatrical Tour de Force as Five Actors play Three Dozen roles
LAGUNA BEACH, CA – December 5, 2008 – Get ready for a theatrical rollercoaster ride of epic proportions as The Laguna Playhouse presents an exciting stage adaptation of Around the World in 80 Days January 6 – February 8, 2009. This Orange County Premiere is a co-production with San Jose Repertory and is directed by Michael Butler, artistic director of Center Repertory Company of Walnut Creek.
Adapted by Mark Brown from the classic novel by science fiction pioneer Jules Verne, Around the World in 80 Days follows the tale of proper London gentleman Phileas Fogg, who strikes a wager with fellow members of the Reform Club that he can travel around the world in a mere 80 days—a mighty feat in 1872. With him goes his trusty French servant, Passepartout, while tenacious Detective Fix – who has mistaken Fogg for a fugitive bank robber – shadows him every step of the way. On his journey, Fogg encounters romance, adventure and a host of colorful characters who both help and hinder his progress. Will Fogg make it back in time to win the wager?
This fast-paced, clever comedy has been called “Jules Verne meets Monty Python… a flat-out frenetic farce" by the San Jose Mercury News, while Metro Silicon Valley says that it’s “a genuinely fun, ingenuously produced and witty show that can be enjoyed by all ages.” Aisle Say San Francisco calls Around the World in 80 Days “a rewarding evening of entertainment with lots of laughter.”
TRAVELS TO THE LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE
JANUARY 6 – FEBRUARY 8, 2009
Orange County Premiere combines Humor and Adventure in this
Theatrical Tour de Force as Five Actors play Three Dozen roles
LAGUNA BEACH, CA – December 5, 2008 – Get ready for a theatrical rollercoaster ride of epic proportions as The Laguna Playhouse presents an exciting stage adaptation of Around the World in 80 Days January 6 – February 8, 2009. This Orange County Premiere is a co-production with San Jose Repertory and is directed by Michael Butler, artistic director of Center Repertory Company of Walnut Creek.
Adapted by Mark Brown from the classic novel by science fiction pioneer Jules Verne, Around the World in 80 Days follows the tale of proper London gentleman Phileas Fogg, who strikes a wager with fellow members of the Reform Club that he can travel around the world in a mere 80 days—a mighty feat in 1872. With him goes his trusty French servant, Passepartout, while tenacious Detective Fix – who has mistaken Fogg for a fugitive bank robber – shadows him every step of the way. On his journey, Fogg encounters romance, adventure and a host of colorful characters who both help and hinder his progress. Will Fogg make it back in time to win the wager?
This fast-paced, clever comedy has been called “Jules Verne meets Monty Python… a flat-out frenetic farce" by the San Jose Mercury News, while Metro Silicon Valley says that it’s “a genuinely fun, ingenuously produced and witty show that can be enjoyed by all ages.” Aisle Say San Francisco calls Around the World in 80 Days “a rewarding evening of entertainment with lots of laughter.”
An interesting note: Director Michael Butler has laced the production’s ambiance with a playful nod to the “steampunk” genre of science fiction. As Metro Silicon Valley points out “one of the most extraordinary aspects of the production is how brilliantly the stage is utilized…the production is styled in the opulent esthetic of steampunk, a growing retro-futuristic movement that combines Victorian finery with modern technology. The set has the distinct feel of being located inside a giant ticking watch, complete with a huge manually revolving central stage that is sporadically set into motion by stagehands for fast, dramatic effect.”
Performance & Ticket Information:
Ticket Prices: $25 to $65
Previews:
January 6 – 9
Opening Night Gala:
Saturday, January 10: 7:30 p.m.
(By invitation only and press night)
Regular Performances
January 11 – February 8, 2009
Tuesday – Saturday evenings at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m.
Thursday matinees January 8 & 22: 2:00 p.m.
Sunday evening, February 1: 7:00 p.m.
Special Child Ticket Pricing:
Ages 5 thru 18: $10 - $15 All Performances
Special College Student Ticket Pricing:
$10 - $15 All Performances except Friday/Saturday evenings
Special Half Price Tickets for Teachers and Military with ID:
All Performances except Friday/Saturday evenings
FOR INFORMATION & TO PURCHASE TICKETS:
CALL: 949.497.ARTS (2787) - GROUP SALES: 949.497.2787 ext. 229
VISIT: http://www.lagunaplayhouse.com/
Performance & Ticket Information:
Ticket Prices: $25 to $65
Previews:
January 6 – 9
Opening Night Gala:
Saturday, January 10: 7:30 p.m.
(By invitation only and press night)
Regular Performances
January 11 – February 8, 2009
Tuesday – Saturday evenings at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m.
Thursday matinees January 8 & 22: 2:00 p.m.
Sunday evening, February 1: 7:00 p.m.
Special Child Ticket Pricing:
Ages 5 thru 18: $10 - $15 All Performances
Special College Student Ticket Pricing:
$10 - $15 All Performances except Friday/Saturday evenings
Special Half Price Tickets for Teachers and Military with ID:
All Performances except Friday/Saturday evenings
FOR INFORMATION & TO PURCHASE TICKETS:
CALL: 949.497.ARTS (2787) - GROUP SALES: 949.497.2787 ext. 229
VISIT: http://www.lagunaplayhouse.com/
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