Lear Fills Arden's Village Green with Tragedy (and Comedy)

By Guest Blogger Carol Van Zoeren

Carol is a 40+ veteran of community theater and a retired chemist and retired from being a middle manager at DuPont.

 James Kassees (Kent), Kerry Kristine McElrone (Goneril) &
Greg Tigani (Lear). Photos: Pete Lounsbury Photography.

It’s not summer unless I see some Shakespeare outdoors. Thankfully, our area offers two great opportunities every summer: Delaware Shakespeare Festival at Rockwood in July and the Arden Shakespeare Guild, now performing King Lear in North Wilmington. 

Greg Tigani (Lear) &
Lily Ozer (Cordelia).

King Lear has always been one of my favorites. I’m sure it dates back to my college days. I’d read a few plays and, well...meh. But freshman year, my professor showed us a video of the NYC Shakespeare in the Park production. When that sexy bad boy Edmund – the breeze billowing his rakishly long hair – bellowed “Wherefore bastard, why base”…um…I was…ah…let’s just say “undone.” 

Shakespeare on the page ain’t nothin’ compared to Shakespeare on the stage! And Arden’s production certainly delivers! Full disclosure: I’m friends with a lot of the people involved, and I know how talented they are. Director Mary Catherine Kelley has a dream cast, and my expectations were high. 

Robert Tietze (Edgar),
James Kassees (Kent),
Greg Tigani (Lear) &
Tim Donovan (Fool).

I consider Shakespeare productions a success if I learn, if I see, if I feel, something new, different and/or deeper than I had before. This production took me deeper into the heartbreak the characters inflict upon one another. I saw how Goneril’s and Regan’s deceitful natures poisoned everyone they touched and eventually, each other. I saw how crushed Gloucester was to realize he had placed his trust in the wrong son. I saw how Lear crumbled when he realized that words of love mean nothing. And I saw the helpers – Kent, Edgar, Cordelia – all of whom had to remove themselves from this poisonous atmosphere, whether geographically or by disguise, to protect the ones they loved. 

Emma Orr (Regan).

And more down to earth, in my 40+ years of community theater, I’ve always felt that the hallmarks of a really good production are how deep is the bench, how good is the chorus, are the smaller roles just throwaways, or are they fully fleshed out? I’d never thought about Goneril’s and Regan’s husbands, but for the first time I saw them. And I saw the huge difference between them. 

OK, logistics. Arden's Frank Stephens Memorial Theater is directly under the flight path of the Philly airport. In addition, there was a fireworks display going on somewhere nearby. The cast adjusted admirably, increasing the volume when there was aural competition. But how fabulous to have these “natural” sound effects for “Blow winds and crack your cheeks”?

My only serious logistical quibble was a certain shakiness with lines. Not because I know the play inside and out – I don’t. But being an actress myself, I recognize the full cast "deer in the headlights" look when you don’t know when, what, or how your next cue is going to come. Maybe this will get better later in the run.

See http://ardenclub.org/shakespeare-gild. 

The Grand Announces 2015 Summer Children's Theater Schedule

This information taken from release courtesy of The Grand Opera House...

The Grand Opera House is pleased to announce its 2015 schedule for Summer Children Theater that will celebrate 20 years of free entertainment for the kids! Over the past two decades, The Grand has served more than 200,000 children from across the region and we're still going strong! The Grand’s Summer Children’s Theater presents a variety of fun and engaging performances each season with free admission (a suggested donation of $5 per person is requested for reserved seating).

This year promises more exciting performances for all ages – with comedy and juggling, music and dancing, unique adventures and larger-than-life characters! The shows are designed to introduce children to the excitement of live entertainment. Most shows are appropriate for children from preschool through middle school, and all of them are perfect for schools, summer camps, daycares, and families. The Grand also offers the chance for local students to audition with Missoula Children’s Theatre and perform on The Grand’s stage.  All shows are performed at The Grand, 818 N. Market Street in Wilmington.

2015 Summer Schedule
MARK NIZER 4D – A new dimension in entertainment!
Thursday, July 2, 10:00am & 1:00pm

HOT PEAS ‘N BUTTER – As seen on Nick Jr!Thursday, July 9, 10:00am & 1:00pm

REGGY’S CARIBBEAN ADVENTURE – Reggy the Purple Party DudeThursday, July 16, 10:00am & 1:00pm

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK – Delaware Children’s TheatreThursday, July 23, 10:00am & 1:00pm

BLACKBEARD THE PIRATE – Missoula Children’s TheatreFriday, July 31, 1:00pm & 7:00pm

Running time for all shows is approximately one hour. Tickets are only $5 (suggested donation), and seats may be reserved by making your donation in advance. If you prefer to bring your donation on the day of the show, you will be given the best seats available at the time of your arrival.

To make a reservation with your advance donation, visit The Grand’s website at www.TheGrandWilmington.org/SCT to download and complete a reservation form, then return with your payment. For other questions, please contact Nora Reilly at (302)658-7897 ext. 3201 or nreilly@grandopera.org.

See www.TheGrandWilmington.org. 

Penn's Place Seeks New Artisans!

The Artisans Gifts & Gallery — part of Trader's Cove at Penn's Place — has served as an artisan small business incubator and retail shopping experience since July 2010. Located in the former William Penn Bed & Breakfast, directly across the street from the Court House Museum and central location of Delaware's National Park in Old New Castle, it has become a shopping destination for unique, handmade gifts and accessories.

Trader's Cove at Penn's Place is now seeking a few new artisans and craftspeople to fill available gallery/display space in the artist co-op.  The space can be filled by one or more artisans sharing the footprint.  Monthly rent is $167 and includes the following amenities:

• Includes A/C, heat, water, electric and trash removal
• Each room is equipped with its own A/C unit 
• Free Wi-Fi thoughout the building
• Website promotion and cooperative marketing efforts to promote your business 
• Access to Color Printer at no additional charge
• Break Room: Private room with table and 4 chairs, bathroom, closets, mini refrigerator and microwave
• Trader’s Cove: A Best of Delaware Winner coffee shop located in the building to attract additional traffic to Penn’s Place
• The Muse: A LIVE Entertainment Venue/Private Event space also designed to drive more traffic to the location 
• Cooperative Coverage: We understand that you have demands on your time outside of Penn’s Place. We cover for each other and communicate on everything...together we are greater than the sum of our parts to help grow your business
• Collaborative Effort: Meaning we are always open to new ideas and input 

The space is a cooperative effort; each occupying artist is expected to volunteer time in working in the gallery (artist themselves or their representative). Required time is one day per week (approximately 5-7 hours).

Trader's Cove at Penn's Place Hours

Thursday: 11:00am-5:00pm

Friday & Saturday: 11:00am-6:00pm

Sunday: Noon-5:00pm

For details on how to apply for artisan space, See http://www.pennsplace.net/sign-me-up.html.