Quote of the Month
“Writing is a kind of Lottery in this fickle Age,
and Dependence on the Stage as precarious as the Cast of a Die”
- Susanna Centlivre (18th-century English playwright)
Spring is just around the corner, as are a variety of fun updates! It’s been a busy month of wide-ranging projects including ongoing dramaturgy work, post-production audio drama editing, and sorting out scheduling for some upcoming projects (which I can’t talk about yet, of course). I’ve also had the chance to attend quite a bit of theatre in February, which is always a treat.
Current & Upcoming
I’m working on several projects for the summer and fall… which one of these blogs I will actually be able to write about. But first, several wonderful theatres I work with have some exciting readings coming up this spring!
At Gingold Theatrical Group we are headed into our series of spring Project Shaw readings, beginning with a one-night-only presentation of Mrs. Warren’s Profession on March 18. I’m looking forward to assisting on this presentation of Shaw’s thought-provoking classic, in which he takes on gender roles, social taboos, and what it means to take agency of your own life. Casting is announced, and tickets are available through Symphony Space.
As I read and research for next year’s Expand the Canon list, Hedgepig Ensemble Theatre is producing monthly events with a lovely group of partner organizations to spotlight the featured plays from the 2023 List. In February I enjoyed joining the livestream to hear a reading of Charlotte von Stein’s New System of Freedom hosted by Island Shakespeare Festival of Seattle and in March we look forward to our next New York event. Irish Repertory Theatre will host a staged reading of thoughtful farce The Sons of Erin by Alicia Sheridan Le Fanu on March 19, and reservations are now available for that event as well. Dates for upcoming months’ events can also be found on the Hedgepig website.
And please do stay tuned for updates (here, or on socials @fireweedspod) on the Fireweeds audio drama pilot episode, which should be coming your way sooner rather than later!
February Highlights & Recommendations
Favorite adventures and performances from the past month!
Broadway Musical: I finally caught a performance of the current revival of Sweeney Todd during their casting changeover period. It was a blast to see the long-running standbys take on the lead roles with fantastic performances!
Broadway Play: I enjoyed Manhattan Theatre Club’s production of Prayer for the French Republic, which skillfully blends family dramedy with powerful social commentary, and especially seeing a past collaborator make their Broadway debut.
Immersive: After thirteen years, I experienced Sleep No More before its New York closing later this year! This work of immersive art really is like nothing else, with an incredible spectacle of storytelling through movement and dance and intricate production design throughout a very extensive performance space.
New York: I love a new take on a lesser-produced Shakespeare play, so Classic Stage Company & Fiasco Theater’s Pericles was such a delight. Clever ensemble storytelling and the use of music were excellent additions to this production, running through March 24.
Readings: I caught a few friends and colleagues’ developmental play readings this month, ranging from an experimental new work to a Shakespearean epic. I look forward to seeing what full productions may spark from these projects!