Controlled Violence Erupts on the Small Stage

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WATERVILLE, Maine – When seasoned director Sumner Hayward agreed to direct “I Hate Hamlet” by Paul Rudnick for Aqua City Actors Theatre (ACAT), he knew it would be a challenge.

Caption: Instructor Jeffrey Eagen (center), shows actors James Paine (left) and Bart Shattuck (right) proper combat technique during training for ACAT’s “I Hate Hamlet.”

 

The play chronicles insecure TV actor Andrew Rally as he attempts a stage version of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” a role made famous by the great actor, John Barrymore. Luckily for Rally, a séance delivers Barrymore, who is more than happy to school him in the ways of great acting and show him what it means to be a man – a manly, manly, man.

“Although the script is wickedly funny,” explains Hayward, “it does present some challenging technical issues including doors that close on their own, flickering lights and an intense swashbuckling swordfight.”

Knowing that the actors needed coaching on swordplay, Hayward turned to veteran fencing instructor Jeffrey Eagen of Belgrade Community Fencing Club. Although Eagen has taught fencing for the past 22 years, he had never worked a stage combat scene with actors.

“Fencing is all about quick small moves and stage combat is all about seeing the action and there will be a fair amount in the presentation.  I’m confident the audience will enjoy the action and comedy in this presentation,” states Eagen.

Actors Bart Shattuck and James Paine are enjoying the experience. Paine states, “This show is a lot of fun. I get to do some drama, some comedy, some sword fighting and I even get to kiss the girl. It’s a win-win all the way around.”

Shattuck quipped, “stage combat is more like a highly choreographed dance than an actual fight.  It’s like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers with swords.  In this case, James is Ginger.”

For Director Hayward, having Eagen provide professional fencing instruction allowed him to create a dynamic fight scene which, although thrilling to watch, is safe for the actors to perform night after night during the show’s two week run.

See the swordplay in person as ACAT presents “I Hate Hamlet” by Paul Rudnick at the Studio Theater, 93 Main Street, Waterville.  Performances are June 1-2, 8-9 at 7:30 p.m. June 3 and 10 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $12.00 for adults, $10.00 for students and senior citizens and are available at the door, or can be reserved by calling the Waterville Opera House at (207) 873-7000, or on-line by visiting the Waterville Opera House website at www.operahouse.org; Seating is limited, so please make reservations early.

For more information, visit ACAT at www.acattheatre.org.

About Aqua City Actor’s Theatre: Aqua City Actor’s Theatre (ACAT) – Founded in 1997, and run by a group of dedicated volunteers, ACAT brings live theatre to the people of central Maine. Along with a commitment to supporting and nurturing the creative spirit in its actors and stage support personnel, its intimate, 62 seat Studio Theater offers audiences a unique and visceral theater experience. ACAT – Inspiring Art, Creating Community. For more information on upcoming productions or becoming a part of ACAT’s community, please visit our website at: www.acattheatre.org or like us on Facebook.

ACAT Appeals to Audience – SAVE OUR SEASON

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For Immediate Response

April 23, 2012

Contact: Juli Brooks

juli@acattheatre.org

 

WATERVILLE, MAINE – Recent talks by the ACAT Play Reading Committee have broken down amid allegations of wide-spread corruption and intimidation.

At issue is the final slot in the 2012-2013 season. Committee Members worked all through the morning into brunch, but reached an impasse when deciding between the well-known sophisticated Noel Coward comedy, Blythe Spirit or the sharply-written, contemporary comedy, The Understudy by Theresa Rebeck.

Supporters of The Understudy contend that the story of a production of a long-lost  play by Franz Kafka in which the co-star, who is also understudy to the star and must contend with his OWN understudy – the same understudy who was once engaged to the stage manager, is a wonderfully complex, crazy tale that must be told.

Proponents of Noel Coward (known in theatre circles as Camp Coward), point to Blythe Spirit’s strong dialogue and witty repartee of a man being haunted by his first wife and the fact that the show features a séance – because let’s face it – séances are just plain funny, as justification for selection.

Allegations of corruption follow Committee Chair Daniel Goodheart’s complaints that during brunch, Camp Coward members denied him bacon until he switched his vote.

“They knew how much I love bacon,” Goodheart lamented, “crispy bacon is my kryptonite.”

Camp Coward members refuted Goodheart’s claim, while The Understudy supporters countered with allegations of abuse as committee members who suffered numerous paper cuts after dropping their scripts during bouts of hysterical laughter were denied bandages.

Committee Member, Evan Sposato exclaimed, “I’ve just never seen anything like it. The fast-paced, wickedly funny Understudy just had everyone rolling with laughter. The carnage was indescribable – Oh the humanity.”

ACAT’s Artistic Director Doree Austin was forced to shut down all negotiations before rioting broke out at the Studio Theater’s space at 93 Main St. in Waterville.

During the crisis, she pleaded for peace. “We are all here for the same reason, to put together a great season. We must decide on the final show of our season without further bloodshed.”

After entering a vote of no-confidence for the committee to reach an agreement, Austin called for a public vote between Noel Coward’s Blythe Spirit or Theresa Rebeck’s The Understudy.

Austin is now pleading with ACAT’s community to respond to and share this email in a last desperate act to keep the peace. The season is slated to be announced at the Opening Night Gala event for I Hate Hamlet on Friday, June 1 – so be sure to get your votes in!

Please send an email to info@acattheatre.org or use the comments area below and tell ACAT which show should round out their 2012-2013 season – and respond quickly, (artistic) lives are on the line.