No 'Doubt': Not to Be Missed!

If you haven't read the extatic reviews for Doubt, I've taken the liberty of posting some musings here.

First, the NEW YORK TIMES raves:

George Street Playhouse has mounted a
"striking new production...with outstanding performances by the four-person cast under Anders Cato’s taut direction, a stunning rotating setting by Hugh Landwehr, evocatively lighted by Daniel J. Kotlowitz, and an arresting score by Scott Killian, this “Doubt” manages to produce 90 minutes of theatrical fireworks."

I'm not one to brag, but that's pretty great stuff there. But WAIT...there's more...some superlative praises for actress Ann Dowd.

"Ann Dowd is chilling as Sister Aloysius" - NY Times
"Ann Dowd is astonishing as Sister Aloysius" - The Star Ledger
"Dowd may have been born to play this role" - The Home News Tribune

and of course, plenty to say about the other actors in this production:

"[Meghan] Andrews is so credible as the inexperienced and idealistic young teacher that her alternating fear, nervousness, disappointment and elation ripple palpably through the theater as she performs." - Home News Tribune

"Dylan Chalfy’s Father Flynn comes alive" - NY Times

"Sister James, an inexperienced but highly idealistic teacher, played with heartbreaking intensity by Meghan Andrews" - NY Times

Coleman's "performance on opening night prompted the audience to interrupt the play with applause." - Home News Tribune.

Given all this, if you haven't yet seen this production, you only have one more week! Be sure to come back here to vote and leave your comments about the production

posted by Scott Goldman, Executive Assistant

"Aunt May," "That Girl" and Elaine May!

Lots of exciting news is happening here at George Street. You only have 19 shopping days left! Why not buy that special someone a gift card or tickets to George Street! Two new shows have been announced this week. The first will open in January, Oscar and the Pink Lady stars the great stage and screen star Rosemary Harris, best known as Peter Parker's Aunt May in the recent Spiderman movies. The second announcement is that Marlo Thomas from TV's "That Girl" will star in a new comedy, Roger is Dead, by Elaine May (Oscar Nominated for the original The Heartbreak Kid and writer of Primary Colors). I'm actually one of the few people around here who have never seen That Girl on TV , but I did grow up on the cartoon series Free to Be...You and Me. Fortunately, both are now on DVD and I have this clip from the show. It's clear even here, what a comic actress Ms. Thomas is.



posted by Scott Goldman, Executive Assistant

Got Doubts?

During our three preview performances we hold a talkback session with Artistic Director David Saint, the director of the production, and occasionally members of the company. Last night at our first preview talk back with Director Anders Cato, the audience's comments were both encouraging and insightful. I was also encouraged to see so many Rutgers students engaged and in discussion as well. Based on the performance and the discussion following, minor changes will be made to enhance the production before opening night.

During an audience poll about half agreed with Sister Aloyisious' suspicions regarding Father Flynn's alleged innappropriate behavior. The remaining half, disagreed, and believed Father Flynn was innocent.

What do you think? See Doubt now through December 23rd and then, take our poll on the right. Who's right and who's wrong? In the words of Mrs. Muller... "Some things are not black and white!"

posted by Scott Goldman, Executive Assistant

In Tech: Doubt

So I got to sit in on technical rehearsals this weekend which began the day after Thanksgiving. Each show has two technical rehearsals which typically rehearse for 10 hours out of a 12 hour day (leaving time for a two hour meal break). Tomorrow we will have a dress rehearsal before beginning previews on Tuesday. (Buy your tickets now!)
Tech is when all the elements finally come together after weeks of design meetings and rehearsals. It's a tedious period, stopping often to adjust things like the revolve, or the bass in the sound, the timing of scene shifts and lighting cues, etc. Each scene shifts with movement of the revolve (see photos below), music elegantly composed by Scott Killian, and lighting by Daniel Kotlowitz. Scenic Designer Hugh Landwehr leaves no stone...or brick rather..unturned and his set holds many unique surprises when lit.

Here's a look at some of the process.

In the scene shop, the bench is texturized, and painted.

The deck and revolve floor is made from homosote, cut and texturized and painted as well.

A look at the finished product:

The Model

Now on Stage

When the cue is given for scenes to shift, the Assistant Stage Manager, Erin Ciallella enters a number on the counter that tells the revolve to move to a particular position.















Kudos to the production staff and crew for such hard work this weekend!

posted by Scott Goldman, Executive Assistant

"The Sunshine Boys" say goodbye!

The Sunshine Boys closed this past Sunday after a record-breaking run becoming the highest grossing show in the history of George Street Playhouse! Here are some photos from our closing afternoon party with Touring Actors Meredith Pierce and Laura Credidio on the scene.

Michael Mastro (Ben), Laura Credidio, and Joe O'Brien (Asst. Director)

Peggy Crosby (Sketch Nurse) and Assistant Director and fellow blogger, Joe Marchese

Artistic Director David Saint and Jack Klugman

Anne Meara, Meredith Pierce, Paul Dooley and Laura Credidio