Flatwater Shakespeare's Blog News

Monday, July 25, 2011

Looking Back at Midsummer, Ahead to Next Summer


We knew the show would be something exceptionally special as early as the first full run-through. Just as we were getting underway, a boy of 4 or 5 years old tugged his father into the Lincoln Foundation Garden. He was immediately enchanted. His father recognized this and they both stayed. And so Joe, Jr. became our Changeling Boy for that night. He immediately saw Oberon’s selfishness and took Titania’s side (more on this later). He offered advice and commentary to the lovers, the fairies, the mechanicals. At one point, our Oberon allowed himself to be bridled by the boy just as Bottom had been by the fairies. Joe, Jr. joined the onstage audience for “Pyramus and Thisbe,” topping the others’ wisecracks – and stopping the show more than once. He had, in effect, his own Where the Wild Things Are Midsummer Night. Our actors responded as delightedly and generously to him as he was responding to them.

Catherine Coffey, who played Hippolyta and Titania, provides an update: “I still have the collection of assorted gifts he gave me throughout the rehearsal. I have no idea what to do with a rose stem, a piece of glitter, and a band-aid, but I could never throw them away! He was absolutely precious. I ran into him only a week or so ago and I was still ‘Faerie Princess’ to him. That boy’s imagination will take him far.”


If you would like to make Flatwater Shakespeare’s Summer Tour
a permanent feature on the Lincoln scene,
there are two things you can do right now.

1) Support us with a donation as we prepare for Othello this fall.
Send your tax-deductible contribution to
Flatwater Shakespeare Company
P. O. Box 84935
Lincoln, NE 68501-4935

2) Have your business or place of employment
become a Sponsor of Flatwater Shakespeare’s Summer Tour 2012.
For information, contact Deni Kornbluh, Business Manager,
at 402-990-6143 or denikornbluh@gmail.com

Many thanks for your past and continued support!

Find us -- and like us -- on Facebook

Visit us at flatwatershakespeare.org

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Final Audience Comments on *Midsummer*


Really, really, really outstanding performance this evening. Very impressive. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you so much for your passion and commitment, and keep it up! We will follow you anywhere.

The show and tour have been a wonderful success. It's a great idea and I hope Flatwater Shakespeare can continue to present excellent work in exciting locations. Congratulations to you and the entire company.

Wonderful finale!

Congratulations on a wonderful summer production of A Midsummer Night's Dream! I attended the show at the First Plymouth courtyard, and it was a great night of theatre, on a perfect Nebraska evening. Looking forward to the next production!

Thank you to the awesome Flatwater cast/production team for inviting me into your family for the past few months to share A Midsummer Night's Dream! You guys are all amazing!

Went with the family to see the last performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream in Woods Park last night. We had a great time and I am delighted that both girls now have a new found love of Shakespeare. As a matter of fact, they want to know when we can do it again!


Thanks to our wonderful cast and crew, especially tour organizers Daniel Kubert and Dustin Witte -- thanks to our sponsors, including Lincoln Parks and the Woods Charitable Trust and, of course, Ivanna Cone -- thanks to our splendid volunteers -- and thanks to the citizens of Lincoln, Nebraska for making this experiment so worthwhile!

Stay tuned for information about helping to make Flatwater Shakespeare touring shows a regular summer feature!

*Othello* Auditions


Flatwater Shakespeare will hold auditions for all roles in Shakespeare's Othello Thursday, July 21 at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday July 23 at 2:00 p.m. at The Haymarket Theatre, 803 Q St. Actors who have been in previous Flatwater productions need not audition at this time, but please contact director Bob Hall to indicate interest: bob@bobhall.com.

Two memorized pieces are welcome or you may bring material to read -- one piece should be from Shakespeare. Alternatively, scenes from Othello will be available. Othello will be presented at the Lincoln Community Playhouse's family theater Thursdays through Sundays, October 6 - 24. Rehearsals will begin August 25. We are seeking an actor of color to play Othello.

Tuesday, July 05, 2011

Magical Creatures, Bells, Shimmering Youth


MIDSUMMER TOUR CONTINUES FOR ONE MORE WEEKEND!


TOUR AUDIENCE REACTION:

“If you have a chance to see this, don't miss it. It was great time, a perfect summer evening's entertainment for the whole family!”

“Friday at Cooper Park: the play was excellent -- the lovers were hilarious and the magical creatures were fascinating (lots of wind chimes and bells and shimmering youth). There's something about outdoor theater that just seems so magical. Plus the FREE Ivanna Cone ice cream -- chevre, honey, lavender and cake.”

“What a Lincoln treasure is Flatwater Shakespeare. Thoroughly enjoyed the performance I saw at Henry Park! Eric [as Bottom] and Robie [as Quince] were outstanding and hilarious!


ONLY FOUR SHOWS REMAINING!

Admission is Free, but freewill donations gladly accepted.

Please bring blankets, chairs, and cushions to sit on.

Free ice cream will be provided by Ivanna Cone.

The tour is supported by the Woods Charitable Fund, Lincoln Parks and Recreation, Prescott Elementary Panthers, and First-Plymouth Congregational Church.

Showtime is 7 p.m.

July 7: First Plymouth Congregational Church, 2000 D Street

July 8: Trago Park, N. 22nd and U Streets

July 9: Antelope Park @ Ager Center, 1300 S. 27th Street, by Liberty Statue

July 10: Woods Park, S. 33rd and J Streets

Call 402-473-2897 for information.

Find us – and like us – on Facebook!

Visit us at flatwatershakespeare.org!

Photo: Petrea Whittier as Hermia, Catherine Coffey as Hippolyta, Darin Hemmer as Theseus, Rob Burt as Lysander, and Peter Swanke as Demetrius in Flatwater Shakespeare's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, presented as Prescott Elementary. Photo Credit: Erin Duerr, Lincoln Journal Star.