NEW SOUND SYSTEM NOW IN PLACE
The
Players have successfully placed an upgraded sound system in the
theater at 51 Walden, and it is already being used for the current
musical, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. The new
system uses current technology to fill the theater with a rich, full
spectrum of sound, and cover every seat in the house. It uses modern
line-array speakers that project the sound of the orchestra, the
on-stage dialogue, and sound effects with precision. Part of the new
equipment is an audio processor that allows state-of-the-art mixing, and
the precise "house mix" to balance the sound. The Concord Players can
now offer this state-of-the-art system to the sound professionals who
support our shows. This is all part of an effort to bring the best
quality entertainment to our audiences. We also want to thank the many
supporters who have helped fund this project, Bruce Gray for his support
during the installation, and Boston Light & Sound for their
professional expertise.
TUNING UP THE BOARD
The
Executive Committee of the Players Board of Directors recently attended
a seminar on "Building a Board that Works," sponsored by the Middlesex
Savings Charitable Foundation and presented by Andy Robinson. Through a
series of open
discussions and workbook exercises, the attendees were
able to identify a number of areas for improvement of the overall work
flow and communication in the board in order to foster better results.
By having a more efficient and better organized board, we will be in a
better position to improve the quality of the shows we produce and
enhance the overall impact that The Concord Players have on the
community at large.
OTHER PLAYERS NEWS
Ed Bernard along with Bill and Elizabeth Hoermann will appear in Arsenic and Old Lace
at the Cannon Theatre, directed by Larry Lickteig. The show opens
on Thursday May 19, and runs for three consecutive weekends. For info,
go to www.thecannontheatre.com
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PLAYERS OUTDO THEMSELVES WITH SET AND OPENING-NIGHT RECEPTION FOR DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS
Backstopping the fine perfomances was a complex and interesting set for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.
Set designer Doug Cooper, working with construction head Allen Bantly,
created huge left and right wings that come up from down in the green
room and totally change the set. Opening night, the first elevations got
a major round of applause. The orchestra, directed by Mario Cruz, was
positioned in the back of the stage, and the bandstand in front of them
consisted of a railing set with seahorses etched in lucite panels, with
submerged lights to make each panel glow orange.
Opening Night drew more than 250 ticket holders who attended a French
Riviera style reception, with champagne, hors d'oeuvres, and dessert.
The ticket sales people, the servers and front of house wore sparkling
top hats, and there were several in tuxedos to match the elegance on
stage. These opening night receptions for ticket holders have become a
reunion for long-term Concord Players subscribers, and actors from
theater companies all over New England.
HOW ARE DIRECTORS AND PLAYS CHOSEN?
Typically,
the play/director selection committee reviews about 135 shows on a
spreadsheet of shows that the committee developed two years ago. From
that list the committee might isolate about 36 for consideration.
Simultaneously, the committee sends a letter to some 85 directors,
soliciting their suggestions of plays they would like to see on the
Walden stage, as well as plays they would like to direct. Based on their
responses, the committee looks for shows that enjoy strong support
from them. For example, eight directors placed next fall's musical at
the top of their list. (Because of rights restrictions, we cannot name
that show until June.)
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