An Afternoon with Adriana

Tags

laguna hills community center, picnic, Shakespeare

Shelly Lee as Adriana, wife to Antipholus of Ephesus

It is with great joy we announce Shelly Lee’s debut with SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS! Shelly Lee plays Adriana in The Comedy of Errors opening August 3 at the Laguna Hills Community Center.

Get to know Shelly a little better by enjoying the following interview:

What do you do when you’re not doing theatre?
Learning how to play the banjo, salsa dancing, and riding my bike.

What’s your perfect Sunday afternoon look like?
It’s 78 degrees, it’s football season, and the Vikings are kickin’ Green Bay’s butt!

What sort of person is going to love The Comedy of Errors?
This show has a broad appeal; any person with a pulse will love it.

What’s challenging about bringing this script to life?
Making the language accessible to everyone.

Why did you want to be involved in SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS?
Rori totally rocks and attracts amazing talent.

What’s going to surprise people about this show?
Shakespeare’s humor

Call someone out by name: who must come see this production?
Alex Delahunty

How is this character like you? Different?
She is like me in that she is not shy about sharing her opinion. I am not as jealous, and I tend to trust people.

What do you love about this character?
She gets stuff done.

What’s the biggest challenge about taking on this role?
Bossing everyone around.

Besides yourself, what celebrity would you like to see tackle this character?
Tarji P. Hensen

Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue?
That never meat sweet savored in thy taste.

If you could play any other Shakespeare character, who would it be?
Mistress Page in the Merry Wives of Windsor

What do you want to be when you grow up?
A wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams.

If someone was going to make your life into a movie, who would play you?
Sanaa Lathan

When did you first perform?
2013 as a maid in The Importance of being Ernest

Besides this one, what’s your favorite stage show?
Show Boat

Who do you look up to (as an actor/director/etc.)?
I admire anyone who has the moxy to perform on stage and I admire anyone who knows how to wrangle the many personalities that make up a cast.

Who’s the funniest person in the cast in real life?
Oh that would be me, most definitely me.  Imma freaking riot.

If you had a magic wand, what show would you do next?
The Merry Wives of Windsor.

What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage / the curtain goes up?
Check out the house.

ACTOR’S BIO: Shelly Lee – “Adriana”
Shelly is absolutely thrilled to be working with Shakespeare in the Hills. She has been a fan of the company since she first saw them in 2016. This will be Shelly’s second time playing Adriana; a character with whom she strongly identifies.
She hopes you enjoy our lil vaudeville-like romp through the streets of Ephesus and she thanks you for coming.

SHOW INFORMATION:

This summer, join SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS for Shakespeare’s zany comedy of adventure, mayhem, and mistaken identity! The Comedy of Errors tells the tale of two sets of twins split apart by a tragic shipwreck at a young age. Years later, unbeknownst to them, they have all ended up in the same town, unaware that they are being mistaken for each other.

With vaudeville performance, slapstick humor, immersive staging, and Shakespeare’s comedic writing, this production for all ages is not to be missed!

Bring a blanket or your lawn chair, bring your meal and make it a picnic event for SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS‘ outdoor performance presented by On The Edge Theatre Productions. All performances are held at the Laguna Hills Community Center & Sports Complex’s Gazebo and Town Green.

Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase at this family event. All participants of age 12 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets are sold (cash only) on the day of the show. You may also purchase your ticket early online (class registration). No refunds or transfers for this event. Call (949) 707-2680 for more information.

Performances @ 7 pm, August 3rd & 4th, 10th & 11th, 17th & 18th. Tickets $10
Age 12 and under free. All participants of age 12 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets are sold (cash only) on the day of the show. You may also purchase your ticket early online (class registration). No refunds or transfers for this event. Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase at this family event.  Call 949-707-2680 for more information.

facebook event for Comedy of Errors

Visit us at www.otetheatre.com

Like us on facebook at www.facebook.com/otetheatre

Follow us on twitter @OnTheEdgeThtr

See our photos at www.instagram.com/ontheedgetheatre

Read our blog at https://ontheedgetheatreproductions.wordpress.com

Advertisements

An Evening with Egeon

Tags

comedy, summer

Phil Seifert as Egeon, father to the Antipholus twins.

 

We, at OTE, are thrilled to introduce you to Phil Seifert, a returning SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS’ player. This year, Phil plays “Egeon” in The Comedy of Errors.

What is the role you are playing in The Comedy of Errors?

I am playing the role of Egeon – the father of the twins, separated in infancy, who are the primary protagonists of this comedy of mistaken identity.

Why did you want to be involved in SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS?

My great respect for Aurora’s directorial talent and the opportunity to “come out and play” with a very talented troupe of younger performers.  I am seeking to stay young at heart, by keeping the young at hand. They are all so very gracious about waking me up from my frequent naps to ensure I make my entrances and remember my lines.  Besides, I think Aurora wants some “eye candy” on stage to attract the single ladies from Laguna Woods.

How is this production bringing something new to this story?

By updating the setting to a more recent time and locale and introducing theatrical elements from a time not that “long, long ago,” and a galaxy not that “far, far away.”

What’s going to surprise people about this show?

The creativity of Aurora’s staging in taking a somewhat familiar tale and telling it in a new way, whilst remaining true to the story.

Call someone out by name: who must come see this production?

I would really like to have my son – Daniel – and my granddaughter – Julianne be able to see the show.  Daniel is a much better actor and stage presence (including singing) than I will ever be, and Julianne has a great love for Shakespeare – having mentored a home-school curriculum in Colorado in a year-long Shakespeare project that included being the Assistant Director of a staging of “The Twelfth Night.”

How is this character like you? Different?

Both of us are fairly well advanced in age and, like Egeon, I have made many ocean voyages.  I am well aware of the ways of the sea.

We differ in that I have never “lost” my two children and had to go seeking them amongst the ports of Asia Minor.

What do you love about this character?

His willingness to let his one son go seek his lost brother and his own willingness to leave the comforts of Syracusa to go after him.  His stoic resignation to the “fate” that landed him in Ephesus, and now awaits him because of the “trade war” that embroils the two communities.

What’s the biggest challenge about taking on this role?

For me, it is the challenge of memorizing the lines, the blocking and the emoting.  Also, learning the art of creative gesticulation.

Beside yourself, what celebrity would you like to see tackle this character?

I would love to see Michael Kitchen (of “Foyle’s War” renown) do this role, seeing how masterfully he handled being both Antipholus’ in the 1983 BBC production, with Cyril Cusack as Egeon and Roger Daltry as the Dromeo’s.

Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue?

“A heavier task could not have been imposed, than I to speak my grief’s unspeakable.”

If you could play any other Shakespeare character, who would it be?

It would be interesting to play Romeo in a “leisure world” setting of “Romeo and Juliet”, although the balcony scene could be a challenge and the sword fighting might have to be with walkers and canes.  The feuding families could be the respective children and grandchildren of the love-struck pair.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Having gotten well past the “biblical allotment” of three-score years and ten, it may be too late to ponder “growing up” and just be determined to enjoy every day for what it brings and what new things to learn or observe.  My prayer would be that I stay fully alive until I die.

If someone was going to make your life into a movie, who would play you?

If it were to be someone close to me in resemblance, it would probably be a toss-up between Richard Dreyfus and the Roaming Gnome.  If it were to be someone who knows me best (and still loves me) it would be my son Daniel.

When did you first perform?

I have come late to the world of community theatre.  I did some acting in high school (in the middle decade of the last century) but did not take it up again until the “tractor beam” of Musical Theatre Village in Irvine locked onto me and I became part of that wonderful multi-generational troupe.

Besides this one, what’s your favorite stage show?

That is like asking someone to pick his or her favorite grandchild (for those of us with grandchildren).  There are many great stage shows and each one offers a unique look at a slice of the world’s experience.  Any show with well-written characters and meaningful interactions among the characters can qualify to be a favorite and one to revisit often, much like a good book.

Who do you look up to (as an actor/director/etc.)?

In the theatre world, I greatly appreciate the skill and talents that Aurora, and her mother Dawn bring to their directorial tasks.  Their vision for telling the story before them and for getting the cast to buy into that vision and even amplifying it in production.

In the non-theatrical world, I look up to my Pastor – Philip De Courcy – for his ability to preach and teach God’s Word and for his ability to craft meaningful and memorable phrases that plant truth into the listener’s heart and mind.

What Does your perfect Sunday afternoon look like?

Relaxing after a full Sunday morning at church, being well-fed with God’s Word while serving others there, and then watching whatever good English or Australian TV productions are airing on the PBS channels.  Above all, avoiding the dreck of the political news and talk shows or sit-coms and action-laden “dramas” of American TV.

When you have a five-minute break during rehearsal, what do you spend that time doing?

Catching my breath, getting hydrated, and then looking around to see what I can do (or should be doing) to help my fellow cast members achieve the success they are seeking..

Who’s the funniest person in the cast in real life?

That would have to be Kaitlyn Smith.  Having had the great fun of working with her for the past two seasons, I am constantly amazed and amused by her talent and her spirit.

What do you do when you’re not doing theatre?

When I am not “doing theatre” or attending to the sustenance, sanitation, and security needs of the rescue cat who condescendingly adopted me two years ago, I am involved in a variety of serving opportunities at Kindred Community Church in Anaheim Hills, and as part of the volunteer staff for Philip De Courcy’s radio ministry – Know The Truth.

·What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage/the curtain goes up?

Remind myself of Spencer Tracy’s two “commandments” of being a good actor:

Know your lines and cues

Don’t run into the furniture.

ACTOR’S BIO: Phil Seifert – “Egeon”

This is Phil’s third season with SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS having been the shipwrecked Captain in Twelfth Night, and Lord Montague in Romeo and Juliet. Phil has come late to the community theatre scene, and has worked primarily with the Musical Theatre Village, Irvine, where his roles have included Andrew Carnes in Oklahoma, Avram in Fiddler on The Roof,  General Ghengis Khan Schmitz in Seussical, and Patrick Martin in Little Shop of Horrors. Phil thanks Aurora and the company of SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS for helping him to stay young at heart, by keeping the young at hand.

Soli Deo Gloria.

SHOW INFORMATION:

This summer, join SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS for Shakespeare’s zany comedy of adventure, mayhem, and mistaken identity! The Comedy of Errors tells the tale of two sets of twins split apart by a tragic shipwreck at a young age. Years later, unbeknownst to them, they have all ended up in the same town, unaware that they are being mistaken for each other.

With vaudeville performance, slapstick humor, immersive staging, and Shakespeare’s comedic writing, this production for all ages is not to be missed!

Bring a blanket or your lawn chair, bring your meal and make it a picnic event for SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS‘ outdoor performance presented by On The Edge Theatre Productions. All performances are held at the Laguna Hills Community Center & Sports Complex’s Gazebo and Town Green.

Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase at this family event. All participants of age 12 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets are sold (cash only) on the day of the show. You may also purchase your ticket early online (class registration). No refunds or transfers for this event. Call (949) 707-2680 for more information.

Performances @ 7 pm, August 3rd & 4th, 10th & 11th, 17th & 18th. Tickets $10
Age 12 and under free. All participants of age 12 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets are sold (cash only) on the day of the show. You may also purchase your ticket early online (class registration). No refunds or transfers for this event. Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase at this family event.  Call 949-707-2680 for more information.

facebook event for Comedy of Errors

Visit us at www.otetheatre.com

Like us on facebook at www.facebook.com/otetheatre

Follow us on twitter @OnTheEdgeThtr

See our photos at www.instagram.com/ontheedgetheatre

Read our blog at https://ontheedgetheatreproductions.wordpress.com

The Vaudeville Players of THE COMEDY OF ERRORS

Tags

Shakespeare in the Hills

Rehearsals are underway, and we are excited to share with you the cast of THE COMEDY OF ERRORS!

This summer we are bringing the show to life in the world of vaudeville, from slapstick comedy to musical acts, from burlesque to magic tricks. We are so blessed to have such a variety of talented performers joining us. Each rehearsal we are working hard to bring this performance to life and having a rollicking good time doing so!

Join me in welcoming the players…

Rachel Trant as Master of Ceremonies, Duke Solinus, Luce

Paige Hiskey as Musician, Jailer, Angelo

Ashley Arroliga as Burlesque Dancer, First Officer, Merchant, Courtesan

Marie Duggan as Magician, Puppeteer, Sailor, Dr. Pinch, Third Officer

Gloria Henderson as Puppeteer, Balthasar, Second Officer, Emilia

Phil Seifert as Egeon

David Cromer as Antipholus of Syracuse

Mario Arciniega as Antipholus of Ephesus

Kaitlyn Smith as Dromio of Syracuse

Kristington Plotkin as Dromio of Ephesus

Shelly Lee as Adriana

Chelsea Caracoza as Luciana

We’ll be interviewing the performers and sharing more about who’s involved and what they’re doing as we get closer to the performances. Join us on our journey by reading our blog!

“The sword fights are very realistic, with metal swords and great acting. They are very exciting!” Lanette Gutman, the Nurse in OTE’s ROMEO AND JULIET

Tags

History, kids free, outdoor theatre, picnic, Romeo and Juliet, SUMMER FUN

Lanette Gutman plays the Nurse in OTE Shakespeare in the Hills’ Romeo and Juliet returning to the Laguna Hills Community Center this Friday, August 11 for it’s final weekend.

What’s challenging about bringing this script to life?
The Stairs….And my first attempt at outdoor theater. It really is a different animal. And the Stairs, plus Shakespeare is new to me too, so getting the iambic pentameter just right has been a challenge for me. And the Stairs.

How is this production bringing something new to this story?
Our time in history. Alta California, and the Spanish feel, flavors the story with a bit of fire in my opinion.

What’s going to surprise people about this show?
The sword fights are very realistic, with metal swords and great acting. They are very exciting!

Call someone out by name: who must come see this production?
All my PCOM church friends, MTV theatre friends and GOGALS…You know who you are! Come see!

How is this character like you?
The Nurse is a very strong character in the story. She is a mother figure and confidant to Juliet. She is also a go-between with Juliet, Romeo and with the Friar. She really does love Juliet and has her best interests at heart.

How is this character different from you?
I am different in that I think I would have implored more of Juliet’s mother into the conversation, and not excluded her so much.

What do you love about this character?
I love how bold she is. She is gentle and loving yet playful with Juliet, and then the next moment hold her own against the bully Mercutio and violent Capulet.

What do you hate about this character?
She was not able to see through the Friar’s attempt to drug Juliet to sleep. This haunts her.

What’s the biggest challenge about taking on this role?
The language of Shakespeare has been tough. Being a 6th grade reading and language arts teacher… the grammar has been tricky.

Besides yourself, what celebrity would you like to see tackle this character?
I would have loved to see Robin Williams do it. Also Maggie Smith would be awesome.

Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue?
‘I pray you senor, what saucy merchant was this that was so full of her ropery?’

If you could play any other character in this show, who would it be?
I love playing pants parts. So Tybalt or Mercutio would’ve been nice in younger years.

When did you first perform?
I did musicals in High School and in College. But my degree is in vocal performance.

Besides this one, what’s your favorite stage show?
To perform? Toss up between Nunsense and Annie! To watch, a toss up between Oklahoma!, and West Side Story ( alas…. those soprano roles)

What’s your perfect Sunday afternoon look like?
Lunch and a movie with my son David

What do you do when you’re not doing theatre?
When time??? Teach elementary school and spend time with family.

If you had a magic wand, what show would you do next?
I’d love to do Mama Mia!

What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage?
When possible, I like to sit quietly alone in the dark, in the wings…getting into character… say a little prayer…and go!

Lanette Gutman is very excited to play the Nurse in this beautiful production of Romeo & Juliet. This is her first time in not only Shakespeare, but in doing a play. Most of her time is with Musicals playing character roles, such as Marmee in Little Women, Miss Hannigan in Annie!, Mother Superior in Nunsense and Dolly Levi in Hello Dolly! Thank you Aurora Culver and On the Edge Productions for this wonderful opportunity. Enjoy the show!​

SHOW INFORMATION:

This summer’s Shakespeare in the Hills production transports the well-loved story of Romeo and Juliet to 1845 and the conflicted world of Alta California. With sword fights, immersive staging, and a blend of comedy and tragedy, this production for all ages is not to be missed!

Bring a blanket or your lawn chair, bring your meal and make it a picnic event for Shakespeare in the Hills’ outdoor performance presented by On The Edge Theatre Productions (www.otetheatre.com). All performances are held at the Laguna Hills Community Center & Sports Complex’s Gazebo and Town Green.

Performances @ 7pm, July 28th & 29th; August 4th & 5th, 11th & 12th. Tickets $10
Age 12 and under free. All participants of age 12 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets are sold (cash only) on the day of the show. You may also purchase your ticket early online (class registration). No refunds or transfers for this event. Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase at this family event.  Call 949-707-2680 for more information.

Facebook Event for Romeo & Juliet

Visit us at www.otetheatre.com

Like us on facebook at www.facebook.com/otetheatre

Follow us on twitter @OnTheEdgeThtr

See our photos at www.instagram.com/ontheedgetheatre

Read our blog at https://ontheedgetheatreproductions.wordpress.com

“It’s an annual event we have incorporated into our family’s summer activities and we look forward to it every year!” – Holly Jones, opening night audience member.

Tags

History, kids free, picnic, playground, Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare

 

OTE Shakespeare in the Hills’ Romeo and Juliet returns this Friday, August 4 to the Laguna Hills Community Center.

This experience is perfect for family and kids! Come a little early and enjoy the company of other families and friends while picnicking. There’s a nearby playground for kids to enjoy if they get restless. Best of all, kids 12 and under are FREE!!!!

Here’s what some of our audience members’ have to say about the venue and entertainment:

“Our family attended the Shakespeare in the Hills opening night for ROMEO & JULIET and we loved the experience! There’s nothing better than sitting outside, under the stars, enjoying time with family and friends in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere, and watching Shakespeare being performed. We enjoy the casual seating (first-come, first served, picnic-style on the ground or in chairs, right in front of the stage area) watching the performance while noshing on food we bring. It’s an annual event we have incorporated into our family’s summer activities and we look forward to it every year!” -Holly Jones, mother of three active boys.

“The atmosphere is friendly and the acting stellar for this production in the park of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. We loved bringing a picnic dinner and some lawn chairs and enjoying some fine entertainment. Bring a blanket as it got chilly in Act 2 the night we saw it. Best entertainment deal of the summer!” – Keeran Reidling

 

“This is the third year I have attended OTE’s Shakespeare in the Hills. It is always a great evening of entertainment. Outdoor theater is a wonderful, interactive experience that cannot be matched. It is the perfect mix of enjoying our usually perfect Southern California weather, spending time with friends and family, and live entertainment. I highly recommend it for all ages” – Teri Griffin

“Wow, what a fun time my daughter and I had seeing On The Edge Theatre’s production of Romeo and Juliet! It was an enjoyable and unique experience to be able to bring our beach chairs and sit under the stars while watching this amazing show. We even brought our own picnic dinner to eat as we watched the performance, which gave us a new concept of ‘dinner and a show’. All in all, we were happy to be able to experience another great Shakespeare in the Hills’ production!” – Linda Pace

SHOW INFORMATION:

This summer’s Shakespeare in the Hills production transports the well-loved story of Romeo and Juliet to 1845 and the conflicted world of Alta California. With sword fights, immersive staging, and a blend of comedy and tragedy, this production for all ages is not to be missed!

Bring a blanket or your lawn chair, bring your meal and make it a picnic event for Shakespeare in the Hills’ outdoor performance presented by On The Edge Theatre Productions (www.otetheatre.com). All performances are held at the Laguna Hills Community Center & Sports Complex’s Gazebo and Town Green.

Performances @ 7pm, July 28th & 29th; August 4th & 5th, 11th & 12th. Tickets $10
Age 12 and under free. All participants of age 12 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets are sold (cash only) on the day of the show. You may also purchase your ticket early online (class registration). No refunds or transfers for this event. Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase at this family event.  Call 949-707-2680 for more information.

Facebook Event for Romeo & Juliet

Visit us at www.otetheatre.com

Like us on facebook at www.facebook.com/otetheatre

Follow us on twitter @OnTheEdgeThtr

See our photos at www.instagram.com/ontheedgetheatre

Read our blog at https://ontheedgetheatreproductions.wordpress.com