Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Jane, Sweet Jane!

Jane has once again Rorschach some love in her column today.

Read her article about our Exile in her back stage column. She calls it Rorschach's Alarming Scene, we call it press. She talks to Randy, Jenny, Colin, Jason Grote, Rahaleh and me all about what it means to be doing a season in the cold hard world of Georgetown. Please note irony here.

Read all about it HERE.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Dream Sailors Episode 2 Recap



Thanks again Grady!

Remember episode 3 premieres this Thursday.

By the way the final weekend is selling fast get your tickets now.

Monday, July 28, 2008

While We Are Waiting

Randy, Colin and the crew are getting love out there in the world for Dream Sailors. First DC Theatre Scene, by way of Lorraine Treanor sends this love their way:

Actors Tony Bullock, Rex Daugherty, Lindsay Hanes, Casie Platt, and Grady Weatherford are doing excellent, convincing work with Shane Wallis a standout among the rest of the ensemble.
As all dreamers know, dreams aren’t static. These flash by, melt and merge into one another thanks to the creative team: Colin Hovde contributes great casting and brisk pacing; set designer Hannah J. Crowell designed a series of panels strung with what look like dried rice noodles (but aren’t) guided by quick footed stage hands, which quickly sluice through the front stage forming different slices of space; and the eerie quality to the dream and waking states are made vivid by the lighting and sound designs (John Burkland and Christopher Baine respectively).


Read it all HERE.

Then Stephanie of the Going Out Gurus over on the Washington Post Blog has this to say:

"Dream Sailors" makes it easy to jump in midway. I went to the second episode without seeing the first and found out that I could watch a "previously on" video on both the Rorschach blog and at the theater before the show began. Rorschach also provides a cheat-sheet with the list of characters, so it's easier to keep everyone--and their bizarre dreams--straight. Earlier episodes will also be reprised if you decide you want to see it all from start to finish.

Read it all HERE.

Grady is working on the next Dream Sailors Trailer. For those of you who are looking for some Dream Sailors' scoop, read on:

Rumors are abounding on the set of Dream Sailors as to a mystery romance. Nothing is confirmed, but a lot of time is spent on the Georgetown campus seeing glimpses of rising star Rex Daugherty and sophomore Rorschach actor Lee Liebeskind holding hands and laughing together. One stealthy paparazzi even caught glimpse of the duo embracing in joy for one another. Last Saturday they were the only two actors playing "Frisbee" together. This reporter attempted to contact each actor for comment but was turned away by their agents. I did get in contact with Lee Liebeskind current "Girlfriend", Megan Reichelt, and was told that "...their relationship is fine and that there are no issues." From her tone of voice on the phone, I am not sure I believe it.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Even Peter Marks Says He's Hooked

...I sort of got hooked. Just trying to keep up with what's going on makes the game diverting.

Read the rest of the review HERE from the Post.

Remember Episode 2 runs all this weekend and a chance to see Episode 1 again this Saturday at 7pm.

Sorry I am in a bit of a rush today, but to all of you who are waiting for the last weekend of Dream Sailors, maybe should reconsider. We are starting to sell out for the marathon run.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

What the Hell?

Dream Sailors is open and it has some whacked out craziness going on. Photo by Keith A Erickson.

A Message from a Dream Sailors' Insider:

DC insiders are talking about the series premier of the new show "Dream Sailors". Although the show is raising a lot of questions with talk of massive fight sequences, Pirates, and world class choreography...the biggest buzz is coming from the drama and intrigue surrounding the set. A source close to the project relates that the buzz around town on the show is so big that talks of "Dream Sailors" season two have already begun. Although season one is written by local favorite Randy Baker, my source tells me that Hollywood wunderkind JJ Abrams has been approached to write the next season. I am told that although Baker will retain creator credits the producers are looking for a new direction in terms of writing. Nothing is confirmed, but even if not true it has caused quite a stir on the set and even talks between cast mates on where their loyalties lay and who might be returning for the next Season.

Friday, July 18, 2008

House on Fire and Previously on Dream Sailors



Above is the first in the series of previouly ons for Randy Baker's Dream Sailors. The show opened last night and in true Rorschach fashion it has already started with a bang. Or at least a high pitched wailing fire alarm.

Not five minutes into the performance last night, the hazer which they had been using without incident for almost two weeks, set off the fire alarm in the whole Davis Performing Arts Center.

Which not only stopped their show but The Skin of Our Teeth and This Storm is What We Called Progress. It was quite a sight seeing the audience and casts of all three shows milling aroudn the outside of the building waiting to get the all clear signal to go back into the building.

The good news is that all three shows and all of our audiences came back into the building and finished our shows. This would never have happened back at Casa, someone pointed out. Mostly because we didn't have fire alarms, but it was nice to be reminded of the good old days when loud noises used to happen all the time.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Dream Sailors Premieres and Reviews Keep Coming in for Skin

Episode 1: Jacob's Fence of Dream Sailors, opens tonight and continues through Sunday. I think that you all know how excited we all are to be producing Randy's new show. This fantastic cast has worked their hind-quarters off to bring this special World Premiere to life and they will continue to work their asses off for the next 5 weeks. Don't let them down and get your own ass over to see this special show.

Debbie Minter Jackson, is the second to chime on The Skin of Our Teeth on DC Theatre Scene. While not fully impressed with the show, Ms. Minter Jackson does have some kudos for the cast:

McCormick portrays the father figure with a self-assurance and swagger. Whether he’s right, wrong, just, unfair, sporting Spitzer-like arrogance, or humble-pie humility, McCormick carries it all and is exciting to watch.

Wyckham Avery as his Edith Bunker-like wife seems to acquiesce, twisting and turning to his every whim, but shows glimmers of reinforced steely strength when you least expect it-one can only pity the fool who dares to mess with her family. Cesar A. Guadamuz plays Henry, whose original and official name is apparently Cain, replete with plenty of underlying hints about his tendency to throw rocks at people in uncontrolled rage, so you know where this is going.

Simone Zvi plays the dutiful though precocious daughter Gladys, and Jjana Valentiner rounds out the cast in the pivotal role of Sabina, with a bright-eyed appeal.

Read the rest HERE.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

We Own the Kids Page of the Post Today

Pick up a copy of The Washington Post today and go to the Style Section. Don't open the section just turn  it over and go to what is usually the Kids Page. Go below the fold and read some Rorschach goodness. 

First you can read all about Dream Sailors, which just happens to be opening tomorrow night. Celia Wren talks to Randy, Jenny and Colin Hovde about the great experiment we have going on down in the Theater Lab at Georgetown. She also does a pretty nice job of giving the history of Episodic Theater going back to Greece and Shakespeare (think about any Shakespeare play with the name Henry in it and you'll see where she is going with that.) Read for your self though in the article, Pursuing the 'Dream' That Lingers Longer Than One Night.

Then there is a stellar review for the folks slogging it out upstairs doing The Skin of Our Teeth. Nelson Pressley:

They've blown the dust off this one. As Nassri's gang renders it, Wilder's drama feels like the granddaddy of the edgy material Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company has bee doing for years, finding loopy ways to goof off and then land hard.

Love is given to the cast, designers and director. HERE is the rest of the review for you to read.

Congratulations to everyone on both shows. Keep on plugging.



Monday, July 14, 2008

Skin is Open, Sailors is Opening and Storm is . . .

The Skin of Our Teeth opened last night to a great audience. Thanks to everyone who makes this show so wonderful to work on. Usually we could bask in our opening but we have another opening in just three short days.

Get ready folks Dream Sailors makes its triumphant debut this Thursday. No pay-what-you-cans but all tickets are just $10 each. Want to save $5, see all 4 episodes for just $35.

And in the world of This Storm is What We Call Progress, we should have some interesting and exciting news very shortly. Stay tuned!

Friday, July 11, 2008

This Storm is What We Call a Trailer



Thanks to Karl Miller and Grady Weatherford. The Trailer looks fantastic.

Remember This Storm is What We Call Progress runs for just two more weeks and we have two more PWYCs for The Skin of Our Teeth tonight and tomorrow night at 7:30pm. Also start marking your calendars because the first episode of Dream Sailors opens on Thurday at 8:30pm. No Previews for Dream Sailor but you can get tickets for a low $10 per episode or see all 4 episodes for $35.

See you tonight!

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Video and PWYC for The Skin of Our Teeth

Now the time is here for us to see what happens when Rorschach has two plates spinning in the air.

Tonight The Skin of Our Teeth joins with This Storm is What We Call Progress. Both shows will be performing this weekend. Skin has 3 PWYC previews, starting at 7:30 Tonight, Friday and Saturday nights.

And what is in store for next weekend. Not two but three shows running, as Dream Sailors joins our roster of shows.

For tonight just remember that Storm starts at 8pm and Skin starts at 7:30pm.

See you there my friends!

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

I Think He is Creepy. Don't You?

Another message from the The Traveler. Once again he is threatening people. And has gotten very specific.

DCepticon,
In regards to your assertion of some sort of power or status involving your plays "completed" nature. I would remind you that it has been in a status of completion since 1942, making it old and with an ending that any individual could obtain using the internet, a retail book store, or (in an act that would match the age of the piece) a library. I will not reveal to you my plans involving the 4 simpletons that inhabit my existence - firstly because your primitive mind would not be able to comprehend them, and secondly because you may reveal them to a more evolved specimen of your pathetic kind before I have eliminated you. Check your food for nuts.
Warmly
The Traveler

Traveler, I'll watch what I eat, you just be sure to take care of that stygmatism. Good thing your show wasn't finished yet, otherwise your inabaility to see things straight might have really impacted your character's eye color.

Sunday, July 06, 2008

Get to Know Yasmin Tuazon

This Storm played to splendid crowds this weekend, including a sell out plus 1 for Saturday night. You can still see Storm for the next two weeks. But now the next punch in our reservoir of shows in exile coming out to knock you in the gut. The Skin of Our Teeth starts PWYC Previews this Thursday. With shows Friday and Saturday as well. All shows start at 7:30pm so get there on time.

If you see see anyone who is a theater critic for The City Paper this week ask them when they he might be getting down to Georgetown. If you get a chance read read their timely review of The Lion King. I know the Kennedy Center could use the help a great mention in the City Paper can bring.

While you are here why don't you get to know Yasmin. She's kind of cool and she is in our next show.

1. What is your name, role/job and on which show are you working?


Yasmin Tuazon
Baby Dinosaur, Broadcast Official, Ivy, Carol Burnett
The Skin of Our Teeth

I've also been working behind the scenes on Storm - every day, I replace one of their fake blood Tupperwares with real blood.

2. Is this your first time at Rorschach? If no, what have you done with those crazy kids before?

Well, it's my first time legally.
My previous misdemeanors include God of Vengeance, The Illusion, J.B., Fair Ladies at a Game of Poem Cards, Jesus Christ Superstar (Editor: She's Fibbing), and References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot.


3. Besides your show which of the Exile shows are you most interested in?

Sock Puppet King Lear.

4. Tell us what has been your favorite part about working in the comfort of Georgetown University?

Air conditioning, air conditioning, cleanliness, air conditioning, endless supplies of toilet paper, air conditioning, a vermin-free environment, reliable plumbing, the fridge, the rehearsal blocks, proximity to designers, and air conditioning.

5. What has been the biggest challenge you have faced either designing, directing, managing or acting in this particular show?

Walking the fine line between dinosaur and chicken. Not to mention saving my knees.

6. Who is your favorite character historical or fictional who was placed in Exile?

Benjamin Linus. Or Napoleon. I'd actually like to see both of them exiled to the same island, to see what would happen. Who would take out the other? Or would they end up in a blissful domestic partnership like the Skipper & Gilligan?

7. In a fight, which cast would win?

Depends on the type of fight
Light saber - Skin.
Dodgeball - Dream Sailors. I think they have it in dexterity and sheer numbers.
Philosophical debate - Storm (though it would probably be settled by 2am sudden-death arm-wrestling between Karl & Grady).
Tickle fight - oh, that's anyone's. But I'd like to see it happen.
Karaoke - again, I'd give that one to Dream Sailors.
MC battle - Storm
Pudding wrestling, aka The Butterscotch Smackdown - Skin, all the way. You heard me, Colin Hovde. We will take you DOWN. Dave Ghatan has been ready to build a ring for five years. I'm just saying.

8. Why should people come and see your show?

Come for the side-splitting and heart-wrenching carnival that is the persistence of human spirit; stay for the pie.

Thursday, July 03, 2008

House Cleaning

Well everyone, we have some house cleaning to do.

First off there is one more review that just loves the heck out of This Storm is What We Call Progress. Missy at DCist send her kudos our way HERE.

Missy says:

After a nearly year-long absence from the theater scene when it lost its performance space, the small but ambitious theater company is returning with a jam-packed schedule stuffed with three works running in July, including a four-part serial. If its first offering, a sexy and meditative staging of the world premiere This Storm Is What We Call Progress is an indication of things to come, we're in for an exciting summer.

Also we have three performances of This Storm is What We Call Progress this weekend. Tonight at 8pm, No Show on the 4th, Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 3pm. for tickets visit us HERE or call 1-800-494-TIXS.

And finally I got an email from a from someone yesterday which has got me a little worried:

Dear DCepticon,

It has come to my attention that the Casts and Crews of Storm and Skin do not fear the Cast of Dream Sailors. This is a mistake. True they may think they are formidable with their light sabers and knife fights, but can that really compete with due wielded katana's, nunchucks, broad swords, a 8' naginata, duel wielded sai, cutlass, rapier, and a hand to hand fighting style that pauses only for dialog - which is unnecessary in a fight. I realize we may be a bit secretive down in the lower dungeon, but one must always fear that which lives in the dungeon. If a test is necessary, Dream Sailors would happily engage Skin for the rights to use our own performance space for rehearsals. We've considered just breaking their necks one by one anyway. In fact the Traveler would happily take on the entire Skin cast by himself, he is already doing the Darth Maul/Obi-Wan fight from Phantom Menace - so he is used to the light sabers. He will also reserve the right to use their dreams, memories, and fears against them.

I'll be seeing you all real soon.
the Traveler

All I have to say to The Traveler, is at least we have a finished script.

Have a happy 4th and come out to the theatre.

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Get to Know Robbie Hayes Again

Robbie Hayes is back with us for another go around on this swing set called Rorschach. Let's explore the man the myth the legend.

1. What is your name, role/job and on which show are you working?

Robbie Hayes, Scenic Designer for This Storm is What We Call Progress and The Skin of Our Teeth

2. Is this your first time at Rorschach? If no, what have you done with those crazy kids before?

I was the Scenic Designer for References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot, and I was a designer for the First Myth Approptiations.

3. Besides your show which of the Exile shows are you most interested in?

Well, not just because it is the one I am not working on, Dream Sailors. I still haven't read any of the episodes. I want to be surprised...

4. Tell us what has been your favorite part about working in the comfort of Georgetown University?

The proximity to my office. and the AC

5. What has been the biggest challenge you have faced either designing, directing, managing or acting in this particular show?

With Storm it was just getting a handle on the environment for this really difficult play. And Skin, well, size does matter.

6. Who is your favorite character historical or fictional who was placed in Exile?

Doctor Who...

7. In a fight which cast would win?

I have to say Storm, have you seen the all the tupperware?

8. Why should people come and see your show?

Storm - Only the Grapes. Skin - Lightsabers!

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Get to Know Storm's Sara Barker

There are a lot of folks working on these three shows. Some of them old like me and some of them new to our little corner of this business called show. Like our first participant in this summer edition of Get to Know, Sara Barker.

Sara has been impressing critics and audiences alike, as they say in those movie commercials, with her role in This Storm is What We Call Progress. What makes this young lady tick? I don't know and these questions probably do very little to make that clear, but it does give you a scratch at the scratch-and-sniff that is her soul. Enjoy!

1. What is your name, role/job and on which show are you working?

Sara Barker, I play Lily in This Storm is What We Call Progress

2. Is this your first time at Rorschach? If no, what have you done with those crazy kids before?

This is my first time with the crazy kids. Wooohooo!

3. Besides your show which of the Exile shows are you most interested in?

Dream Sailors . . . wondering if it will include pointers on lucid dreaming . . .

4. Tell us what has been your favorite part about working in the comfort of Georgetown University?

Refrigeration - it makes it fun to go outside and thaw . . . and our fantastic ASM Alex Aki, who is a Georgetown student. It's also clean. Stuff works. Bathrooms have toilet paper . . . there are just so many nice things about it.

5. What has been the biggest challenge you have faced either designing, directing, managing or acting in this particular show?

Finding my shoes during the blackout after scene 11 . . .

6. Who is your favorite character historical or fictional who was placed in Exile?

Prince Myshkin from The Idiot - not sure he counts since the novel begins with his return to Russia and his exile was not entirely forced upon him . . . he's pretty much my favorite character of all time though so I'd like to bend the rules to include him.

7. In a fight which cast would win?

That's easy, we've got the Lady with the Silver Skin, who'd of course use her mega magical powers to do to everyone what she does to Adam in the show.

8. Why should people come and see your show?

Blind knife fighting.