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Our SIXTH installment of Read’n’Hump’n’Show’n’Tell is coming!
Please come grab a beer and join us as we read and discuss a brand new piece by a local Chicago playwright (who you just may remember from Deliver Us From Nowhere).
At Black Rock Pub and Kitchen’s back room
on Wednesday, April 10th
at 7:30pm
We will proudly present:
ALONE AT LAST by Ted Brengle
Featuring:
Catherine Bullard as Ellen
Christopher Waldron as Ben
“The perfect day.”
Ellen deserves it. Ben knows this. He loves her. She is pregnant with his child, after all. What else could that be but love? He knows what she has given up to be with him.
And on this beautiful spring day, as they move into the small bucolic house where they will raise their family, Ben is determined to give her something perfect to hang on to and remember. Nothing will get in the way of that.
Not the boxes they unload, each containing a stark reminder of everything Ellen is giving up for a life and child she isn’t even sure she wants.
Not the strange, insistent phone calls that stubbornly intrude via a land line that hasn’t been turned on yet.
Not the half-heard whispers of fights that cannot end.
No, this will be the perfect day. The day of sunlight and love. The day they have been waiting for. The one they were always meant to have. A moment of happiness. A moment of grace. Alone together.
Alone at last.
Want to know a little more about our playwright and actors? Read on…
Ted Brengle has Master’s degrees in both English and Theatre from Miami University of Ohio. Alone At Last is the final part of a three-play cycle that includes Alone Together, which has been produced regionally and in New York City, and Alone Apart, which premiered at the 2011 Chicago Fringe Festival. His last work with Tympanic Theatre was Daughters of Necessity which he wrote for their “Deliver Us From Nowhere” production in 2012. He has won a couple of awards here and there, including First Prize in the One Million Monkeys playwriting competition and has been a semi-finalist for the National Playwrights Conference. Also, his play Of Apocalypse and Cappuccino was adapted into an independent short film in 2006, so he (bafflingly) somehow has an IMDB entry. Despite a ten line walk-on part in a particularly desperate college production of Two Gentlemen of Verona, he is not even remotely an actor and thus doesn’t have a headshot. He apologizes and hopes you will understand. He lives in Chicago.
Catherine Bullard is pleased to work again with her good friend Ted after acting in the prequel to Alone at Last (Alone Apart) in the 2011 Chicago Fringe. Other Chicago credits include Beautiful Broken (Julie), currently running at The Greenhouse Theatre, with Broken Nose Theatre, Reasons to be Pretty(Carly u/s) at Profiles Theatre and Common Hatred with The Ruckus. Catherine has also done play development work with Chicago Dramatists, Stage Left Theatre, and The Ruckus, with which she is an ensemble member.
Christopher Waldron is happy to be working with Ted Bringle and Tympanic Theatre again. He is currently busy with On Camera classes at the Acting Studio Chicago and his improv team Old Face. You can check them out every other Tuesday at the Tonic Room.
As our run of Brewed wraps up, our Artistic Directors would like to say a final word.
You only have THREE chances left to see this critically-acclaimed show! Tickets are almost gone, so get yours now and get them here!
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Bloody fights. Cauldrons. Bear traps. I love that shit. They’re the things that originally drew me to Brewed. And they all made their way into the final version of the show. Seriously, you can see all of these things onstage, plus some surprises I won’t ruin here. Our design team truly outdid themselves.
When Allison Shoemaker (brilliant AD of The Ruckus for those of you who don’t know her), pitched the idea of a co-production to Tympanic, she focused on those things specifically, playing to the horror fan in me, and rightfully so. I’m a sucker for the “cool” factor of a show, and sometimes forget that things like bloody fights, cauldrons, and bear traps aren’t substitutes for more traditional–and let’s face it, important–things like plot, theme, and character development.
Luckily, Brewed delivers in all those areas too, and in ways that are astoundingly layered and subtle. The great thing about Scott’s writing is that it uses the horror genre and morbid spectacle to expose the dirt underneath: The dark side of familial obligation. The numbing effect of tradition. What it means to be someone’s sister. That last one can be both beautiful and terrifying.
Anna and her cast did a remarkable, unnerving job of exposing all these things, warts and all. Our design team gave us all the bells and whistles. Everyone, and I mean everyone, stayed up late through a grueling tech week to make it happen. It was work. Hard, hard work. But in paid off.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen Brewed, but it never gets old to me. I still get dopey with pride each time I watch it, not just because I love the end product so much, but because I know how hard everyone worked to get there. Because of how great it was to work with The Ruckus. And did I mention there are bear traps?”
Dan Caffrey,
Artistic Director
Tympanic Theatre Company
“Yeah, what he said”
Allison Shoemaker,
Artistic Director
Our final blogpost for Brewed goes behind the scenes (and up to the booth) to speak with the lady who serves as the glue that holds it all together, Holly McCauley.
Remember, this is your LAST WEEKEND to see this critically-acclaimed show! Tickets are going fast, so get yours now and get them here!
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What’s your name, and what on EARTH are you doing here?
I’m Holly McCauley, and I’m riding the train to work. But I’m also stage managing Brewed.
How did you come to be involved with Brewed?
I’m really an actor who’s let myself get sidetracked, and about six months ago I put my foot down and said, “No more stage management.” And then Dan Caffrey approached me with this offer. I had already read and loved the script, and there was really no way I could turn it down.
What about this play excites you?
Oh, man. Getting to work with the playwright. I’ve never done that before, nor had I worked with Scott or Anna. I wondered if there was going to be any awkward power struggle or creative differences, but they really worked beautifully together. At all times they respected each other and each other’s roles.
How long can this list be? I really love what the actors have done with the roles, what Casey Bentley the Prop Fairy has done with clay and hot glue and metal and a key, the subtle and not-so-subtle aspects of Max’s sound design, getting paid to see this show, getting to play with blood (can I take this opportunity to plug Blood Jam? Because that stuff has made my life so easy).
What about this play is challenging?
This is without a doubt the most involved stage management I’ve done, so I think the most challenging part is juggling all the SM responsibilities when what I really want to do is drink my tea and watch every moment of rehearsal.
What’s your favorite design moment/element of the show?
I hate picking favorites, but different things stand out to me each night. I haven’t yet mentioned what great work Rick and Vic did with the fights, so that should be noted.
In five words or less, why should people come see Brewed?
It’s absolutely incredible.
Today we talk to the man behind the story of Brewed, Scott T. Barsotti. Check out what Scott has to say below and then get your tickets here! You only have 2 more weekends to see this critically acclaimed co-production!
FOUR STARS: “[A] dark and gritty take on gender roles, fairy tales and family drama… [T]he emotional struggle is just as vicious as the physical violence.” -TimeOut Chicago
RECOMMENDED: ”[W]ickedly staged fight scenes … a joy to watch.” -Splash Magazines
RECOMMENDED: ”[C]asts a little spell all its own.”
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What’s your name, and what on EARTH are you doing here?
I’m Scott Barsotti and I wrote this fuckin’ thing. I don’t know if that answers your question…
How did you find yourself writing this piece?
I started writing BREWED when I was in grad school. I read the play “Footfalls” by Samuel Beckett, and it got this idea of circular repetition and ritual in my head. May’s mother asks/observes, “Will you never have done…revolving it all?” This was the kernel that started things going but then it grew and grew into much more of a family drama, and it became about their relationships, their history, their sacrifice…the ritual became what they do, not who they are. It’s their obligation, not their identity. That was an important shift! Years passed, did some readings, some workshops (a couple with Anna), and back in 2010 is when the very first conversations began with Allison, Dan, and Chris, and everything came together a few years later. And here we are.
What about this play excites you?
Like with any play I write, the most exciting time for me is rehearsal, especially early rehearsals, when the actors are discovering things and relating to each other in character. It’s awesome every time, but especially with BREWED since it’s a family we’re dealing with, that work went even deeper than usual. There’s just so much history and subtext here, a lot of which is in the script, but a lot of which came right out of the actors’ and Anna’s imaginations. It’s a great feeling.
What about this play scares you?
Everything about it scares me. I’ve watched probably 12 runs of this production and it still makes me tense. It’s in a heightened world but in my opinion it’s very honest, and the emotional and moral truths in it are really frightening to me. A lot of the core issues these seven women work through are very real problems that very real families have, and in most cases, there’s no clear-cut right thing to do.
If your character was a professional wrestler or fighter, what would his signature move be?
The Bulldog!
In five words or less, why should people come see Brewed?
Ferocious ladies, bloody and mean.
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Brewed
March 2 – 24 at Theater Wit
Thurs-Sat, 8pm / Sun, 7pm
Time once again to get a little cozier with one of Brewed’s leading ladies. This week, we talk to Meredith Rae Lyons:
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What’s your name, and what on EARTH are you doing here?
My name is Meredith Rae Lyons and I am here to make Nanette the most awesome of all of the Brewed sisters. (That’s right, you heard me.)
How did you come to be involved in Brewed?
I got an email from Anna who got my email from Kerstin Brookmann who is another director Anna knows and who also boxes with me. Anyway, the email said something like, “we’re doing this crazy play, come audition if you like it” but it was longer and sounded more professional. And there was fighting in the play and it was all intense so it was good. So I auditioned and I guess they liked me because they called me back and then I got cast and I was excited about it.
What about this play excites you?
I like when I get to act and fight at the same time. And the BLOOD! The last few times I’ve been in a show that promised blood it’s been cut at the last minute. Such a tease! So I am waaaaaaay excited for all the blood.
What about this play scares you?
Hm. Well…. there’s that one part…. no, I’m good. Not scared of nuthin’.
If your character was a professional wrestler or fighter, what would her signature move be?
Nanette would OBVIOUSLY knock her opponents down with a spinning hook kick to the head (after some distracting elbows and kidney punches) and then if they were still conscious; ground and pound, baby.
In five words or less, why should people come see Brewed?
Hot talented actor-girls. Fighting. Blood. (Yes, actor-girls is one word. It’s a hyphenate. It totally counts.)
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Brewed runs Thurs-Sun through March 24 at Theater Wit, so don’t miss it! You can get your tickets here, and see what the critics have to say below!
RECOMMENDED: ”[A] refreshing take on the typical family drama and an interesting spin on the fantasy genre.” -Newcity Stage
RECOMMENDED: ”[W]ickedly staged fight scenes … a joy to watch.” -Splash Magazines
“[Playwright] Barsotti has a first-rate director on his side in Anna C. Bahow … Dana Black and Erin Myers are both giving the performances of their lives…” -Chicago Tribune
We recently took some time to talk with two of the tough-as-nails cast members of Brewed, Tympanic member Charlotte Mae Ellison and Ruckus’s own Elise Mayfield.
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What’s your name, and what on EARTH are you doing here?
I’m Charlotte Mae Ellison and I’m playing Collette!
How did you find yourself to being a part of Brewed?
Well, I’m one of them crazy Tympaniacs, and thus I took part in a small reading of the play that we did for both companies during the season-picking process. I was then asked to audition, and now, I have the distinct pleasure of playing the deliciously clueless Collette!
What about this play (if anything) excites you?
So many things. So many! Seven fully-realized women’s roles, a story about the love-hate relationships that only exist amongst families, a play peppered with ritual and mystique, and an opportunity for the aforementioned women to express their emotions through physical fighting.
Also, have to holler at the cast and crew – I couldn’t imagine a better directing, production, design or acting team.
What about this play (if anything) scares you?
Honestly, how cruel we can be, especially to the people we love the most. Scott so beautifully encapsulates this in an honest, exciting, and (you better believe it) hilarious way.
If your character was a professional wrestler or fighter, what would her signature move be?
I think Collette would get a huge kick out of jumping off the ropes and landing on people. Those few seconds of flight through the air would be her greatest joy!
In five words or less, why should people come see Brewed?
Babes, Barsotti, Bahow, and Blood.
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What’s your name, and what on EARTH are you doing here?
Hi! I’m Elise Mayfield, and I’m the Publicity Manager for The Ruckus. I’m also playing “Lee” in Brewed. (I decided to go practical rather than existential on this one…right?)
How did you find yourself being a part of Brewed?
Well, I read for the role of Lee several times when The Ruckus and Tympanic were deciding on producing this play. I loved reading for Lee, so I auditioned for the role and was thrilled to be cast.
What about this play (if anything) excites you?
So much! This cast is absolutely dynamic; every time we run the show, it’s different and better than the last time. We’re creating a multi-faceted family. You get to see the good and bad sides of every character. It’s a true ensemble show and it’s amazing to feel like we’re truly all in this together.
Also, two words: Blood. Packs.
What about this play (if anything) scares you?
I’d be lying if I said that the fighting in the show doesn’t scare me a little bit. Maybe I missed out on some scrapping during my childhood or something, but I’m not really acting during fights in the show. Those are actual gasps and cringes.
Also, I’m playing both the romantic interest and the comic relief character at the same time. And to top it off, Lee’s in a lesbian relationship too! How often does that happen?! I’m pretty nervous about smooching Susan every night, but I’ve been stockpiling breath mints so it should be okay.
If your character was a professional wrestler or fighter, what would her signature move be?
Duck and Cover.
In five words or less, why should people come see Brewed?
Females. Ferocity. Fights. Fright. Family.
Brewed is now showing at Theater Wit through March 24, Thurs-Sun. Get your tickets here and don’t delay!
Ready for Brewed? You better be, because we open tomorrow! Can’t wait until the show for some kick-ass sister-on-sister action? You’re in luck, because you can whet your appetite with a FREE download of Brewed’s original soundtrack.
Original music written, performed, produced, and mixed by Master of Unsettling Sound Design, Maxwell Shults. Get the download or stream live at http://eversonpoe.bandcamp.com/album/brewed, then head over to Theater Wit to put it all in context!
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Brewed
March 2 – 24
at Theater Wit, 1229 W Belmont Ave
Thurs – Sat, 8pm / Sun, 7pm
Tickets here!
You and me, Sister.
Scott T. Barsotti’s Brewed opens this Saturday, March 2, at Theater Wit! You can get more information and tickets here!
Interested in looking behind the scenes (and fights) of Brewed? Eunice Woods features the cast and crew in all their bad-assery on her acting blog, TalkBack! Check it out below:
Scott T. Barsotti’s Brewed opens this Saturday, March 2, at Theater Wit! You can get more information and tickets here!
To all of you who joined us for Brawl Ball, thank you! To the musicians who performed that night, thank you! To The Ruckus for working so hard on this with us, thank you! Thank you all so much for making this night so much fun! We had such a wonderful time; check out the photos below and we think you’ll agree that this was an awesome night.
The Ruckus High for Troubled Teens.
Of course Tympanic and Ruckus couldn’t have prom without getting into a fight.
But we were still able to crown a King and Queen for the night, David Wesley Mitchell and Natalie DiCristofano.
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After such an awesome night with our friends at the Ruckus, we are more psyched than EVER to open our co-production of Brewed by Scott T. Barsotti! You can get your tickets here!
