History Theatre's Back Stage Blog

Through An Usher's Eyes

Sandra Carlton is one of the many fantastic volunteers who help History Theatre offer high-quality, professional theatre to our patrons. Thanks to the generous commitment of time and energy from men and women like Sandra, our patrons are warmly greeted and assisted by a cadre of ushers who know and love History Theatre too.

Sandra is in a unique position as one of our volunteers who sees the opening weekend of shows and the final weekend of shows. This gives her a distinct perspective on how a show grows over the course of its run, and how she, as an audience member may see things differently on a second viewing.

Here is her first impression of Beyond the Rainbow

10/7/11

The play is set at Carnegie Hall, April 23, 1961 where Judy Garland is performing. History Theatre’s “Beyond the Rainbow: Garland at Carnegie Hall” takes us back 50 years yet makes Judy Garland, her music, and tragic off screen life as relevant today as it was when it happened.

Growing up in Minnesota I got to know Judy – her voice and her mannerisms – through the movies I saw and revisited many times as a girl.  I sang along with the Munchkins, walked the yellow brick road walk, and sang the songs (that still know word for word, note for note). It’s not my voice I hear, it’s Judy’s. Tonight, I heard and saw her again – in the flesh. Jody Briskey is Judy in body and voice. Briskey’s performance alone would made the experience memorable. Norah Long portrays a younger Judy who weaves in and out of Judy’s songs as a pieces of the memories that are at the soul of Judy’s music. The players allow us to see both sides of Judy – her past and her present.  Through her music, both sides of Judy become one and the same. The play ends on an optimistic note. Judy gives us a moment in time that celebrates her life time contribution and great talent. Check out any classic movie channel. Judy will be there.

On a bittersweet note, I left the theatre knowing that Judy belongs to us but at what cost. Over the summer, my husband and I visited her historic home and museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. She’s a Minnesota native. One of us. Her birth home is humble. Small with a piano taking up most of the living room. A kitchen with a lighting fixture so low, you bump into it. Bedrooms just large enough for a bed and dresser. A long way from the mansions of Hollywood. Maybe too far of a leap for a young girl caught up in a whirlwind of opportunity with cash in value to those around her. The song, “Be a Clown” drove home that Francis Gumm got lost somewhere back in Hollywood. Knowing that, an evening at Carnegie Hall with Judy is a gift.

The story could not have been told without the cast of actors who portrayed family and Hollywood tinsel types that shaped her life. “That’s not fair but that’s the way it is.”   The show must go on.  The History Theatre reminds us against all odds, Judy still endures.

And during the final weekend of Beyond the Rainbow

11/5/11

Tonight was the next to the last performance of “Beyond the Rainbow:  Garland at Carnegie Hall.” Large crowd tonight--about as close as you can get to a full house.  Filled to the brim—a grand sight for those folks behind the set, ready and waiting to bring Judy to life on the stage. Once we had seated our guests, I headed for my spot in the balcony. I see the faces of the audience from my bird’s eye view of the theater and am still up close to players on stage. (The way the theater is designed, there isn’t a seat in the house in which you don’t feel up close to the actors.) Whether seated in the balcony or on the main floor, you may look up or to your side and see an actor standing right next to you! For those of you who know our theater, it happens. Our audience gets wrapped into the play in a very special way—we’re all gently included in a way that gives you a “you are there” experience rather than simply watching actors on stage.

I’m no play critic, but if you were to survey folks in the audience, they probably tell you that the two actors who lived and breathed Judy the night she performed at Carnegie Hall in 1961 took it over the top, along with all members of the cast and musicians who showed us different aspects of Judy and her life story. They seamlessly interwove the pieces of Judy’s present and past into a reflective one night performance at the Carnegie. Each member of the cast deserves separate applause and recognition. Hedda Hopper (played by Cathleen Fuller) and her hats provided moments of comic relief until we saw a stalking predator under fur and all those feathers. The entire cast gave us an intimate look at a child celebrity written off as a loss who, in spite of all odds, survived to perform at Carnegie Hall on April 23, 1961. On that particular night, she was very much alive and took the house down with her performance.

During intermission, I met a wonderful family in the first row, left of center, that had brought their father to see the play.   If you happen to read this, thank you for making my evening very special. I met and spoke with a fine man with a clear memory of his past and his recollection of seeing Donald O’Connor bussing tables at a U.S.O. show during WWII. He experienced Judy and her music in a very personal way. He had served in the Pacific under Admiral Nimitz as did all sailors in the navy at that time. People who have lived the stories we see on stage and carry stories of their own come to our theatre. That’s the cool part of being an usher. Our paths wouldn’t have crossed were it not for the History Theatre.

Best moment? Judy Briskey’s unbridled talent as a singer as she delivered  “Swanee” in a way that shook us as an audience. No other human being can hold a note that long with such strength and certainty as Ms. Briskey did last night. “Wow!” was about all we could say as we hooted and clapped in response to this unexpected level of performance. Rip your heart out song?  Has to be “Stormy Weather.” Judy Briskey and Norah Long wove story, music, grief, and crippling loss together in a way that gave the song personal meaning and a sense of a lost human soul.

After the play, a couple leaving the balcony commented, “she was just getting her life together, then she died.” I wonder… It’s amazing how Judy Garland finds and connects with us all through her music when she herself had the impossible task of trying to find herself. So who was Judy Garland? We may never really know. How do we find and know the real Judy who was buried for decades under layers of drugs, alcohol, abusive relationships, and the unreachable expectations of her keepers. The production conveyed the caged nature of her world. On the other hand, there’s a young girl on my street who would swear she knows who Judy is but probably doesn’t know her name.  On October 31^st, a young lady with a small basket in hand knocked at my door. She wore a puffed short sleeved white blouse with a peter pan collar, a light blue cotton pinafore dress that I recognized and marvelous pair of red shoes that sparkled. She informed me that the dog tucked inside her basket was Toto. She’s our neighbor on all other days but on that night, she was Dorothy.  

During intermission, I overheard a patron on first floor say, “She’s more Judy Garland than Judy Garland.” Wow. That’s about the highest compliment I could make to the two actors who played Judy on stage and gave us back her voice, her mannerisms, and music. They captured Judy as we know her yet left an open door to the inner heart and soul of France Ethel Gumm who was born June 10, 1922 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota and given to the stage as a toddler. 

So are we any closer to finding Judy? If our experience this evening is any measure, I’m feeling a little closer and more personal with her as a human being rather than simply hearing and seeing Judy as she was on the screen. The entire cast received and deserved a roaring standing ovation for their performances and insights into the individuals they portrayed as part of this production. We had and will remember our evening with Judy at Carnegie Hall. The play was emotionally explosive and touched our hearts in the best possible way.   

If you would like more information about volunteering at History Theatre please contact Bailey Anderson: volunteer@historytheatre.com

Audiences are LOVING "Beyond the Rainbow"

It’s not unusual for people to come up to History Theatre staff or the actors to share their thoughts – usually glowing, warm ones – about the performance they’ve just seen.

For Beyond the Rainbow we’ve received a lot of emailed notes, which is great because that makes them so much easier to share ;-)

 

I had to send you a quick note to say.....wow. Your show is amazing. I can't believe it took me like 5 years to see it, but I'm so glad I did!

I hate to say it, but sometimes at shows I feel pressured to "join in" on standing ovations even if I don't really feel the caliber of work is standing ovation material. But I was so happy to jump to my feet for your show.

Great work. You should be so proud, as I'm sure you are.

Thanks for taking the time to tell such great and important stories.

Talk soon!

Vanessa G.

 

I attended the Sun Oct 23 matinee of “Beyond the Rainbow” and it was outstanding!  Also outstanding was the ASL interpreter, David Evans.  I have never before paid so much attention to an ASL interpreter.  He “acted” and he, also, “sang” along with the extremely talented cast.  To me, this just added to the quality of this fine theatre!  We are most fortunate to have the History theatre in our Twin Cities!

An Enthusiastic Fan,

Marilyn L.

 

I have just seen the performance of “Beyond the Rainbow: Garland at Carnegie Hall” and I was so moved that I had to send you this message and say thank you.

I was filled with goose-bumps and tears throughout the performance and it was the best thing I have ever seen!  I am a Garland fan (at 46 yrs old) and that helps I am sure but it in no way takes away the talent of the performers.  The story flow, music, stage set up, lighting and time line was so perfect. Every actor was superb but my favorites were Jody Briskey and Cathleen Fuller. I see Cathleen will be returning to the History Theater in the spring and I may have to come just to see her.

This was my first time at the History Theater and I loved it!

Thank you again for such a memorable show!!

Sincerely,

Karen L.

 

We enjoyed the play very much.  Our seats were amazing - no really bad ones there.  I could not get over how will everything is communicated with so few people - doing several tasks so well and hardly any sets and yet communication was absolutely amazing.  It must be really cut throat business out there because what was accomplished was superb!!  The theater should be full every time.  How one person can sing so many songs for such a long time and do it so beautifully is beyond me!!  Does each person have an understudy?  Thank you again.

                Judy N.

 

 

The show plays until November 6, so if you haven’t seen it – get your tickets ASAP!  And if you have seen it, be sure to send a friend – they’ll get a $10 discount if they show your ticket stub!

 

 

Rachel Flynn

Marketing Director

History Theatre

www.HistoryTheatre.com

 

 

Something BIG is happening…

 

2011-12 Season is open! BEYOND THE RAINBOW is bringing audiences to their feet!!

The 2011-12 season is off to a great start after a wildly fun and successful benefit event on Saturday evening and a stellar opening for Beyond the Rainbow: Garland at Carnegie Hall.

Beyond the Rainbow will play until Sunday, November 6.
Thursdays, Friday, and Saturdays at 8 p.m. / Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Tickets are available online [HERE] or by phone 651.292.4323

Here are some of the great photos taken during the first preview of Beyond the Rainbow: Garland at Carnegie Hall.

Judy Garland (Jody Briskey, up center) is interupted by memories of her 4-year-old self (played by Norah Long) and her parents, Frank and Ethel Gumm (Peter Moore and Cathleen Fuller). Gossip columnist Hedda Hopper (Cathleen Fuller) reports on the latest news in Hollywood. Jody Briskey as Judy Garland in History Theatre's production celebrating the memories and music of the Minnesota icon: Beyond the Rainbow: Garland at Carnegie Hall. Judy Garland (Jody Briskey, up left) remembers her father Frank Gumm (Peter Moore) as he supported her younger self (played by Norah Long) through her childhood in show business. MGM studio president Louis B. Mayer (Clark A. Cruikshank) tries to talk to Judy (Norah Long) while the memory of her ex-husband Vincente Minelli (Peter Moore) haunt her. Businessman Sid Luft (Clark A. Cruikshank) sweeps Judy (Norah Long) off her feet. Judy Garland (Jody Briskey) closes her 1961 comeback concert with a profound rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". Jody Briskey is Judy Garland performing in her 1961 comeback concert. Ethel Gumm (Cathleen Fuller) presses young Judy Garland (played by Norah Long) to be great for her life-changing audition for the president of MGM Studios. Judy (Norah Long) and her new husband Vincente Minelli (Peter Moore) enjoy the quiet of their honeymoon in New York City. Judy Garland (Jody Briskey, up left) relives the thrill of preparing for her first solo concert through her younger self (played by Norah Long). Judy Garland (Jody Briskey, up right) sings words of encouragement to her younger self (played by Norah Long).

All photos taken by Scott Pakudaitis.  All photos copyright of History Theatre.

A groovy Tuesday at MN History Center

Unfortunately the threat of rain moved the concert indoors, but the foyer of the History Center is already buzzing as folks filter in to the 3M Auditorium to see The Revolution (a Beattles cover band). And History Theatre is on hand to promote our winter production:
"1968: The Year That Rocked the World"

The production will play at the MN History Center's 3M Auditorium January 21 - February 19 of 2012, as a perfect artistic compliment to The 1968 Exhibit (which will be on view from 10/14/11 - 2/20/12).

~ Rachel ~

Sent from my iPhone

History Theatre welcomes a new Associate Artistic Director

History Theatre has named Austene Van as Associate Artistic Director, beginning in the 2011-2012 season. Ms. Van replaces Suzy Messerole who served in this role for the past two seasons. Both directors will work together closely during this transition, and Ms. Messerole will stay connected with History Theatre as an Artistic Associate while she pursues additional directing and teaching opportunities.

In her role as Associate Artistic Director, Ms. Van will produce RAW STAGES, the theater’s new works series, assist with long-range planning for the main stage, and tend to the daily administrative and artistic needs of History Theatre. Ms. Van will also direct this season’s holiday production, the regional premiere of Paula Vogel’s A Civil War Christmas.

"It is with great pleasure, excitement and honor that I accept the position as Associate Artistic Director with the award winning History Theatre. I deeply respect and appreciate the company’s talent and passion for bringing to life our historical events and iconic figures in ways that touch and move us into thought and action. Since I was raised and mentored in a theater that creates art for social change, joining the History Theatre team feels like a perfect union. I am proud to become part of a theater that is committed to educating our community about the amazing accomplishments, missteps, vulnerabilities, joys, and revelations that we share as Minnesotans and as Americans."

– Austene Van

Austene Van comes to History Theatre with a wealth of experience in the Twin Cities community as an actor, choreographer, and director. As a director, Ms. Van has presented works for Penumbra Theatre, Park Square Theatre, The Ordway and The Illusion Theater. She first worked for History Theatre back in 1997 as an actor in Roger Nieboer’s Trial of the Wind, and most recently performed in the RAW STAGES festival this past January in readings of Cheers! and 1968: The Year That Rocked the World.

“It was a tremendous pleasure to work with Suzy Messerole over the past two seasons, and I am so delighted to now have Austene join our staff,” said Artistic Director Ron Peluso. “She is bright, funny, inventive, and truly understands the important role that history plays in our lives. She really understands History Theatre and our mission and I look forward to introducing her to our many History Theatre patrons, artists, and supporters.”

 

A Civil War Christmas 

By Paula Vogel  •  Directed by Austene Van

Opens: Saturday, November 19, 2011

Featuring a special welcome reception for Austene Van

Plays through: Sunday, December 18, 2011 

Details and ticket information available at www.HistoryTheatre.com

 

 

What should we call it???

"Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story" - A Bookend Review

Sandy Carlton is one of several dozen wonderful volunteers who help History Theatre make the front of house operations run smoothly before, during, and after performances. Sandy was able to usher both the opening and closing performances of Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story this spring, and she shared her thoughts about getting to experience the show from that perspective. 

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story – Review

By: Sandy Carlton

I saw Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story twice – I ushered opening and closing nights.  After the first night, I walked out feeling as if it just can’t get any better.  After the last night, I found out that it can.   We all know how it ends, but that last night of the show, closing night, we celebrated being there with the Big Bopper, Ritchie Valens, and Buddy Holly, on February 2^nd, 1959.   We had them – right there in front of us, talking with us, making us all feel real good, and we loved them.   A rock and roll party of the best kind.  It wasn’t a musical anymore, it had become real.   When it was over, the sadness I felt was real as well. 

When actors can take us to that place, it’s magical.   Sitting close to the stage, leaning over the balcony, for me the play had stopped being a play and the actors, well, they stopped being actors.  I believed.  Buddy Holly. The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens.  I was there.  Clear Lake, Iowa.  Buddy lives.  

 Tapping the talents of McNally Smith College of Music and St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Arts, the high energy, in the spirit of the ‘50s dancers were a big addition to this year’s Buddy.  Opening night, they danced in the lobby, aisles, on stage.   By closing night, they owned all these spaces and took us into the all parts of the theatre, balcony and main floor, turned it all into one big stage, then drew us into the action.  We became part of the play. 

Last night show stopper?  Why, it was the Lil’ Bopper.   A young lass in the front row with a big voice.   Lauren, a young girl in the front row with a pair of brown pigtails dressed in a spring green jumper showed spunk and belted out an “Oh, baby!” that could go head-to-head with the master.  She captured the hearts of the audience and cast.  

The difference between the two performances?  The first night, I saw talented actors and dancers come together to deliver a great performance.  The last night, it felt as if they had become a family during their stay, performed at their peak last night, and would dearly miss each other once apart.

 

If you would like more information about volunteering at History Theatre, please contact Doug Tiede, 651.292.4323 x102.

Beautiful Cars and Beautiful Weather

On Saturday night 20 beautiful classic cars were on display in the parking lot across from History Theatre before the performance of Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story.

Some of the members of the cast got in on the fun too!

It was a great way for patrons to get into the swing of the 1950s before seeing Buddy, and a great way to enjoy a beautiful spring evening.

It was so much fun that we're already looking at how we might do it again next spring during the run of Capital Crimes: The St. Paul Gangster Musical.

Eye Witness to History - BOB HALE

Last Friday evening, Bob Hale arrived in St. Paul in order to join History Theatre for the opening weekend of Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story. At the start of his career, Mr. Hale was a radio DJ in Clear Lake, Iowa and the was emcee at the Surf Ballroom the night that the Winter Dance Party Tour played there. He was there, in the mix of things as Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper (J. P. Richards) performed their last concert before their tragic deaths in a plane crash that night. And he was on the air on KRIB the next day when the news came across the wire. It is a memory that still chokes him up every time he shares it.

History Theatre was honored to host Mr. Hale for the weekend during which he saw the show a couple of times, spent some time with the cast, and shared some of his stories with special guests at a Dinner Party on opening night and following Sunday’s matinee performance. Bob is a radio man to the very center of his bones and it was a joy to meet him and to get to hear some of his amazing stories of the Clear Lake concert and a lifetime spent in the world of radio and television broadcasting.

Below is a thank you note that Bob sent to the folks at History Theatre. It’s so warm and gracious I felt it was worth sharing:

 

Ladies and Gentleman...

What a weekend!! 

Again, I say, What a weekend!!!

The last time I had closing number chills as I did Sunday afternoon was when Carol Channing took her bows as the close of "Dolly" in Chicago!  Few words can describe the emotions of the performances. Sorry, but "WOW" is all I can come up with.

But, it was not only the performances, it was the warmth. My stalwart drivers and tour guides, the cast and crew, the honchos and the hoofers, the volunteers and the views of the Cities I was afforded - well, it was a stellar time for me. On the train ride back to Chicago I had the opportunity to "talk it up" with several Cities' residents, so I may have increased the attendance by 6 or 7.  I can say again, as I did after the performances, this is the best mounting of BUDDY I've experienced.

And, the handshakes, the smiles, the kind words, and the warm welcome by everyone made me feel I was part of your efforts. I am honored to have been a small part of the launch!

Of course, a deep, deep, bow to Ron for tying it all together, not only as director, but also as head guide and driver for me! But, every one of you made this a joyous visit for me.

It was the best!!!! I am still hearing "La Bamba" in my head!!!!

Be well, know that I will talk up the show to anyone headed to the Twin Cities, and know that this guy was honored to have been part of your incredible efforts! You all made my Heartbeat a bit faster!

Rave On!

Bob Hale

 

During his comments at the Dinner Party Bob noted that he has seen seven or eight productions of Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story and that this one has the most heart and the most energy and is the most enjoyable production he has seen. All of us at History Theatre and our patrons certainly enjoyed getting to know an eye witness to the history that plays on our stage! So it seems like this weekend was a win-win for everybody!

 

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story will play through May 29.

www.HistoryTheatre.com

BUDDY opens tomorrow night!

Buddy, the Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens rock the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, IA on a blizzardy February night in 1959.

RAVE ON!

~ R ~