“I use a lot of google and even more imagination in an attempt to make tangible what often seems ambiguous and surreal.” Steven Teats, “Falstaff”

Tags

Friends tv show, Laguna Hills California, Merry Wives of Windsor, Shakespeare

Steven Teats plays “Falstaff” in SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS’ The Merry Wives of Windsor running July 19-August 3 at the Laguna Hills Community Center.

What’s challenging about bringing this script to life?
The real challenge in bringing anything to life is first finding a way to generate 1.21 gigawatts. Then channeling that energy into this lifeless conglomerate of static words, imagery, and metaphors into something that is alive, real, and relevant today. I use a lot of google and even more imagination in an attempt to make tangible what often seems ambiguous and surreal.

How is this character like you? Different?
Physically Falstaff is a very large man. In this production I will be wearing a padded suit to make my self look larger. Two years ago, I was the same size as this character looks now with the suit on. It is very important to me that I retain some of the physicality that I had back when I was that size. It was only a short time ago for me but the first time I put the suit on with the costume I remembered certain challenges that I had forgotten. For comedy’s sake, I will take advantage of my newfound physical mobility at select times. Even at my largest size I could do much of what I am doing now; however, it carried a much higher risk of injury back then. So I was always very careful with every move that I made. I don’t want my performance to be the impersonation of a fat man. I want all of his movements to be real and representational of the experience that I had.

What’s the biggest challenge about taking on this role?
Falstaff spends so much time trying to present a version of himself to everyone he interacts with. It can be difficult to find what he is truly feeling and thinking at times. He is very clear about his goals in the show. He wants money and liquor. But I think he uses those things to buy his way out of loneliness. As long as the alcohol is flowing and the money plentiful, he will have no shortage of men willing to keep his company.

Actor’s Bio: Steven Teats, “Falstaff”
Steven put on 120 lbs as research in preparation for this play; however, due to health concerns he lost the weight and decided to go with a fat suit. He is sure no one has noticed. This is the fourth show he has been apart of for Shakespeare in the Hills, “Toby” in 12th Night, and the Friar in Romeo and Juliet were two of his more notable parts. He also played “King Duncan” in Mac***h, Macccers, the play that must not be named, you know, the Scottish play, but that role was short lived. Thank you Rori, the Laguna Hills Community Center, Katie Kelly, Kaitlyn Smith, Kelli, Kenneth, Kenneth Culver, Taylor, Anthony, Ashley, Chris, Cole, Grace, Jim, Josh, Kristington, Lisa, Makenna, Marcia, Noah, Rhonda, Shelby, The Rembrandts, the guy who works at the community center that pulled all the strings for us to play here at the park, he is an awesome dude, Jennifer Aniston, Mathew Perry, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudro, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, and of course, Jesus, for making all of this possible.

SHOW INFORMATION:
“O powerful Love, that in some respects makes a beast a man, in some other a man a beast.”

This summer, join SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS for one of Shakespeare’s most hilarious comedies, The Merry Wives of Windsor.

Sir John Falstaff and his entourage are wearing out their welcome in Windsor. The city isn’t big enough for his antics and appetites, especially as he sets about improving his financial situation by wooing Mistress Page and Mistress Ford. Meanwhile, Mistress Page’s lovely daughter, Anne, is under romantic siege from several local admirers. Double-meanings, disguises and dirty laundry abound as the men try to get what they want, but it’s the women of Windsor who pull the strings in this story…

Originally set in Shakespeare’s native land and time, this comedy shares traditions with today’s well-loved sitcoms. With its dexterous mingling of verbal and physical humor, we’ve brought it into the era of 90’s television, bringing elements from the show “Friends” and many more!

Bring a blanket or your low-lying beach 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, 25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA, 92653.
Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase at this family event.

Performances @ 7 pm, July 19 & 20th, 26th & 27th, and August 2nd & 3rd. 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.  Call 949-707-2680 for more information.

Visit us at our website
Like us on facebook
Follow us on twitter @OnTheEdgeThtr
Follow us on instagram
Read our blog at OTE blog

“What do you love and/or hate about this character? I adore how ridiculous he is.” Kristington Plotkin, “Doctor Caius”

Tags

Friends tv show, Laguna Hills California, Shakespeare in the Hills, the merry wives of windsor

Kristington Plotkin plays “Doctor Caius” in SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS’ The Merry Wives of Windsor running July 19 – August 3 at the Laguna Hills Community Center.

What’s challenging about bringing this script to life?
This script in particular has a lot of highly repetitive moments and phrases. I think that’s been the most challenging for the cast over the course of the production. I cannot count how many times I say “by gar” in this show – you just at some point have to assume I’m starting everything with “by gar.”

How is this production bringing something new to this story?
I definitely can’t think of another production that’s turning this ridiculous mayhem into a 90s sitcom. Also, we’ve decided Dr. Caius is a soap-opera import – a model/doctor.

What’s going to surprise people about this show?
How Falstaff is gonna fit in that dang buckbasket.

How is this character like you? Different?
Doctor Caius & I both probably have an over-inflated sense of self, and we both are a little out of place in our worlds. He’s super touchy-feely (at least with women), intimate, sort of chivalrous, and tries to be a total ladies’ man. I really don’t like being touched except by my close friends, I keep people at a distance, and without trying too hard people feel comfortable with me.

What do you love and/or hate about this character?
I adore how ridiculous he is. When I read the play, I knew Doctor Caius was going to be the most fun. Someone in a summary of the play spent about 5 minutes describing how Dr. Caius is this mad french doctor who gets into duels with people in a ten minute explanation of the whole play. He’s an attention stealer.

What’s the biggest challenge about taking on this role?
Caius is such a jump from who I am in a lot of ways. He’s a total clown in this, which is my favorite thing to play, but it requires a release of yourself to really explore that.

Besides yourself, what celebrity would you like to see tackle this character?
A lot of the inspiration came from Kevin Kline, so I guess him.

Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue?
M. Ford: art thou there, my deer? my male deer?
Fal. : My doe with the black scut! Let the sky rain potatoes;

If you could play any other character in this show, who would it be?
Maybe Mistress Quickly. It’s hard to say since Caius was my first choice. Quickly is fun to play because you can either make her totally knowledgeable about what’s going on and very sly, or you can make her an absolute ditz.

When did you first perform?
The first thing I remember performing in and can still sing a song from was a play about the 13 colonies. I was Sybil Luddington (too bad her name doesn’t rhyme like Revere). But there’s footage my mom found of me as one of the fires in the Temple play about the plagues of Egypt. I did not look like I was enjoying it.

Besides this one, what’s your favorite stage show?
My favorite stage show is the Great Comet of 1812 with Hadestown in a close second. There’s no show I’ve ever seen other than Great Comet that manages to cover so many senses, that whirlwinds the actors around you, create such a spectacle, puts you in the action, feeds you delicious piroshkis, and just does so many things to reinvigorate the medium of theater.

What’s your perfect Sunday afternoon look like?
All days blend into each other for me because I work almost every day. I guess a perfect Sunday is spent coming up with new project ideas or getting some serious work done on a project I’m already working on, drinking some tea, eating some artichokes, and seeing friends. I have my hands in too many cookie jars.

What do you do when you’re not doing theatre?
I teach science in camps & after school, I facilitate fun with corporate groups, I develop podcasts (current focus is Let the Old Wives Tell it – a breakdown and reintroduction to fairy tales and their histories), I body paint, I read a lot, and I’m also probably trying to pick up a new hobby as if I have time for another.

What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage?
Try to remember what I’m doing out there.

Actor’s Bio: Kristington Plotkin, “Doctor Caius”
Kristington is a perpetual dabbler – probably the result of being told they could do anything from a young age. Their cinematography and playwriting careers started in high school, which paved the way for the need to act and direct. Since then, Kristington has produced several audio dramas, been artistic director for 3 theatre groups, and performed in various mediums over the past ten years. Currently, they’re working on getting their new podcasting production company off the ground, Onology Audio, with a current focus on Let the Old Wives Tell It – a show that’s half educational dive into the histories behind fairy tales, and half fully-produced audio with original first-person retellings of the stories in focus. They’re also a proud stakeholder of bS Theatre which performs minimally rehearsed Shakespeare in intimate settings like bars and cafes and finds time to body paint on the side. No one knows quite when Kristington finds time to eat or sleep, but it’s claimed it somehow happens.

SHOW INFORMATION:
“O powerful Love, that in some respects makes a beast a man, in some other a man a beast.”

This summer, join SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS for one of Shakespeare’s most hilarious comedies, The Merry Wives of Windsor.

Sir John Falstaff and his entourage are wearing out their welcome in Windsor. The city isn’t big enough for his antics and appetites, especially as he sets about improving his financial situation by wooing Mistress Page and Mistress Ford. Meanwhile, Mistress Page’s lovely daughter, Anne, is under romantic siege from several local admirers. Double-meanings, disguises and dirty laundry abound as the men try to get what they want, but it’s the women of Windsor who pull the strings in this story…

Originally set in Shakespeare’s native land and time, this comedy shares traditions with today’s well-loved sitcoms. With its dexterous mingling of verbal and physical humor, we’ve brought it into the era of 90’s television, bringing elements from the show “Friends” and many more!

Bring a blanket or your low-lying beach 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, 25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA, 92653.
Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase at this family event.

Performances @ 7 pm, July 19 & 20th, 26th & 27th, and August 2nd & 3rd. 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.  Call 949-707-2680 for more information.

Visit us at our website
Like us on facebook
Follow us on twitter @OnTheEdgeThtr
Follow us on instagram
Read our blog at OTE blog

Dress 90s to celebrate the opening of THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR this Friday and Saturday night!

Tags

Friends tv show, Laguna Hills California, Merry Wives of Windsor, Shakespeare

SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS’ The Merry Wives of Windsor opens this Friday, July 19 at 7 p.m. at the Laguna Hills Community Center.

We invite you to celebrate by dressing 90s style in honor of our mashup between Shakespeare and 90s sit-coms!

Remember to bring a low-lying beach chair and/or blanket. Grab a friend or two and some picnic dinner.

We can hardly wait! “We’ll be here for you!”

SHOW INFORMATION:
“O powerful Love, that in some respects makes a beast a man, in some other a man a beast.”

This summer, join SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS for one of Shakespeare’s most hilarious comedies, The Merry Wives of Windsor.

Sir John Falstaff and his entourage are wearing out their welcome in Windsor. The city isn’t big enough for his antics and appetites, especially as he sets about improving his financial situation by wooing Mistress Page and Mistress Ford. Meanwhile, Mistress Page’s lovely daughter, Anne, is under romantic siege from several local admirers. Double-meanings, disguises and dirty laundry abound as the men try to get what they want, but it’s the women of Windsor who pull the strings in this story…

Originally set in Shakespeare’s native land and time, this comedy shares traditions with today’s well-loved sitcoms. With its dexterous mingling of verbal and physical humor, we’ve brought it into the era of 90’s television, bringing elements from the show “Friends” and many more!

Bring a blanket or your low-lying beach 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, 25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA, 92653.
Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase at this family event.

Performances @ 7 pm, July 19 & 20th, 26th & 27th, and August 2nd & 3rd. 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.  Call 949-707-2680 for more information.

Visit us at our website
Like us on facebook
Follow us on twitter @OnTheEdgeThtr
Follow us on instagram
Read our blog at OTE blog

“I like the merging of starkly different worlds together. 90s sitcom meeting Shakespearean literature is definitely a unique combination to me.” Kenneth Phuong, “Nym”

Tags

Friends tv show, Laguna Hills California, Merry Wives of Windsor, Shakespeare

Kenneth Phuong plays “Nym” in SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS’ The Merry Wives of Windsor opening July 19 at the Laguna Hills Community Center.

How is this production bringing something new to this story?
I like the merging of starkly different worlds together. 90s sitcom meeting Shakespearean literature is definitely a unique combination to me.

How is this character like you? Different?
Nym, the eccentric assassin? I guess I can be rather odd at times too, but I’ve never actually assassinated anyone before!

Besides yourself, what celebrity would you like to see tackle this character?
Troy Baker. That multi-talented man can do it all.

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

If you could play any other character in this show, who would it be?
I think playing Slender could be pretty fun. Just a self-absorbed pretty boy who can be rather ditzy.

When did you first perform?
Besides a brief stint in 8th grade, I have not performed again until just last year. This will be my 4th show!

Besides this one, what’s your favorite stage show?
Clava Non Hominum.

What do you do when you’re not doing theatre?
Gaming. I’ve actually competed in local tournaments and won actual prize money. I’d love to continue doing that.

If you had a magic wand, what show would you do next?
Rent.

What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage?
A quick joke with my fellow castmates about breaking legs by demand of the Almighty Leg God, then slowly inhale and exhale.

Actor’s Bio: Kenneth Phuong,  “Nym”

Kenneth is slowly but surely making his mark as an aspiring actor! Many thanks to Laguna Niguel Community Theatre, El Camino Real Playhouse, and On The Edge Theater Productions for these opportunities to perform for you all. Many additional thanks to friends and family for their support all this way! You may have seen Kenneth doing a song and dance as “Society Max” in Guys & Dolls, face-palming as “Sydney” in Clava non Hominum, moving forward as “Tim Burr” in Dastardly Deeds at Harmony House, and donning many faces as the Hotel Clerk, Barman, Psychiatrist, and Priest in The Graduate.

SHOW INFORMATION:
“O powerful Love, that in some respects makes a beast a man, in some other a man a beast.”

This summer, join SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS for one of Shakespeare’s most hilarious comedies, The Merry Wives of Windsor.

Sir John Falstaff and his entourage are wearing out their welcome in Windsor. The city isn’t big enough for his antics and appetites, especially as he sets about improving his financial situation by wooing Mistress Page and Mistress Ford. Meanwhile, Mistress Page’s lovely daughter, Anne, is under romantic siege from several local admirers. Double-meanings, disguises and dirty laundry abound as the men try to get what they want, but it’s the women of Windsor who pull the strings in this story…

Originally set in Shakespeare’s native land and time, this comedy shares traditions with today’s well-loved sitcoms. With its dexterous mingling of verbal and physical humor, we’ve brought it into the era of 90’s television, bringing elements from the show “Friends” and many more!

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, 25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA, 92653.
Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase at this family event.

Performances @ 7 pm, July 19 & 20th, 26th & 27th, and August 2nd & 3rd. 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.  Call 949-707-2680 for more information.

Visit us at our website
Like us on facebook
Follow us on twitter @OnTheEdgeThtr
Follow us on instagram
Read our blog at OTE blog

“We are bringing tons of fun and humor to the story!” Kelli Griffin, “Anne Page”

Tags

Friends tv show, Laguna Hills California, Merry Wives of Windsor, Shakespeare in the Hills

Kelli Griffin plays “Anne Page” in SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS’ The Merry Wives of Windsor opening Friday, July 19 at the Laguna Hills Community Center.

What’s challenging about bringing this script to life?

The most challenging part about bringing this script to life is trying to use the words in the script and the meaning behind the lines to contextualize the show. Setting Shakespeare in the 1990s definitely isn’t easy, so we all are working very hard to bring our best 90s interpretations to what Shakespeare wrote so long ago.

How is this production bringing something new to this story?

This production is definitely bringing a fresh view of The Merry Wives of Windsor. Our show mimics beloved 90s sitcoms like Friends, so I think audiences will be able to relate the story to a setting they’re already familiar with. We are bringing tons of fun and humor to the story!

What’s going to surprise people about this show?

I think people are going to be surprised by how funny the show is and how well it fits into the setting of Friends. Even I didn’t realize the shocking amount of parallels between the two until we started digging deeper into our characters and the script during rehearsals.

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

Sofia Migliaccio. Girl, you’re my best friend, so if you aren’t there, I’m not sure what I’m going to do.

How is this character like you? Different?

“Anne Page” and I are similar in that we are a little snarky and a whole lot of fun, and that we have big, open hearts. Anne is a bit quieter than I would be in her situation and she definitely has a lot more boys interested in her than I do, that’s for sure.

What do you love and/or hate about this character?

I love that Anne isn’t afraid to continue her relationship with Fenton even though her parents keep on telling her no, although I wish she could break through to them before they got married. Anne isn’t super shy when handling her suitors and knows exactly what she wants in life, which I really admire.

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

The biggest challenge in playing Anne Page is finding ways to bring myself to the character as well as playing Anne like a character in a 90s sitcom. It may not be easy, but it is definitely fun to find new ways to say lines and figuring out what I like best.

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

“Alas, I had rather be set quick i’ the earth And bowl’d to death with turnips!”

If you could play any other character in this show, who would it be?

Probably Mistress Ford or Mistress Quickly. I love all of the comedic roles for women in the show!

When did you first perform?

My first show was in 2011, when I was in the chorus of Annie Get Your Gun at age 9.

What’s your perfect Sunday afternoon look like?

My perfect Sunday would be sunny, not too hot, and my friends and I would be at a miraculously-not-crowded Disneyland.

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

When I’m not doing theatre, I work at Chick-fil-A, hang out with friends at Disneyland, read books, and do a whole lot of schoolwork.

If you had a magic wand, what show would you do next?

The next show I would do would probably be West Side Story or the Diary of Anne Frank.

What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage?

I fix my costume and my hair and make sure that it is just right while I say my first few lines in my head to get into character.

ACTOR’S BIO: Kellie Griffin, “Anne Page”

Kelli Griffin is very excited to be returning to SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS to play “Anne Page” in The Merry Wives of Windsor. Kelli recently graduated from El Toro High School and will be attending Wagner College in the fall to pursue her degree in Theatre Performance. Some of her favorite roles include “Juliet” in Romeo and Juliet (OTE), “Annie Oakley” in Annie Get Your Gun, “Ariel” in Footloose, “Ado Annie” in Oklahoma!, “Chava” in Fiddler on the Roof (Musical Theatre Village), and “Bridget” in Bring It On (Broadway On Tour). She would like to give a quick shoutout to her family (including those not actually related to her) for always encouraging her passion for theatre, to Rori for her incredible direction and faith in Kelli from a young age, and to her fellow cast for building such a fun show and environment. Enjoy!

SHOW INFORMATION:
“O powerful Love, that in some respects makes a beast a man, in some other a man a beast.”

This summer, join SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS for one of Shakespeare’s most hilarious comedies, The Merry Wives of Windsor.

Sir John Falstaff and his entourage are wearing out their welcome in Windsor. The city isn’t big enough for his antics and appetites, especially as he sets about improving his financial situation by wooing Mistress Page and Mistress Ford. Meanwhile, Mistress Page’s lovely daughter, Anne, is under romantic siege from several local admirers. Double-meanings, disguises and dirty laundry abound as the men try to get what they want, but it’s the women of Windsor who pull the strings in this story…

Originally set in Shakespeare’s native land and time, this comedy shares traditions with today’s well-loved sitcoms. With its dexterous mingling of verbal and physical humor, we’ve brought it into the era of 90’s television, bringing elements from the show “Friends” and many more!

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, 25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA, 92653.
Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase at this family event.

Performances @ 7 pm, July 19 & 20th, 26th & 27th, and August 2nd & 3rd. 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.  Call 949-707-2680 for more information.

Visit us at our website
Like us on facebook
Follow us on twitter @OnTheEdgeThtr
Follow us on instagram
Read our blog at OTE blog

“This is going to be the must-see community summer event for the entire family!” Marie Duggan plays Dr. Pinch and a variety of other characters in SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS’ The Comedy of Errors

Tags

comedy, Laguna Hills California, Shakespeare, summer

This is Marie Duggan’s debut with SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS. She plays The Magician, Dr. Pinch, Sailor, and Third Officer in The Comedy of Errors opening August 3 at the Laguna Hills Community Center.

Why did you want to be involved in SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS? Four words: Shakespeare. In. The. Hills.

How is this production bringing something new to this story? On The Edge Theatre Productions has brought together a unique cast for their amazingly entertaining vaudeville show-within-a-show spin on this much-loved story. This is going to be the must-see community summer event for the entire family!

Call someone out by name: who must come see this production? Jordan! Bring a picnic basket, blanket, and the Missus! It will be too much fun!

What do you love about this character? Everything. Both the Magician and Dr. Pinch are ridiculous. And I love it.

What’s the biggest challenge about taking on this role? I actually have to learn magic! I’m a “real” magician, guys!

Besides yourself, what celebrity would you like to see tackle this character? Benedict Cumberbatch. Always Benedict Cumberbatch.

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

When did you first perform? This is my first performance!

What’s your perfect Sunday afternoon look like? Sofa life: yoga pants, a good book, and a cup of tea that stays the perfect amount of hot until it’s done.

Who’s the funniest person in the cast in real life? I want to be Shelly when I grow up.

If you had a magic wand, what show would you do next? Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus

What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage / the curtain goes up? Take a deep breath!

ACTOR’S BIO: Marie Duggan – “The Magician”, “Dr. Pinch”, “Sailor”, “Third Officer”

Marie Duggan is delighted to join the cast of On the Edge Theatre Production’s The Comedy of Errors for her first production. She is very excited to play the characters of The Magician, Dr. Pinch, Sailor, and Third Officer. When she is not reading Shakespeare or adventuring with her husband and their two dogs Archimedes and Valkyrie, she enjoys crunching numbers by day and baking cookies by night.

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

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“Gregorio is by far the sassiest character I’ve played. Much like me, he calls out his friends on their bluffs and has a few ditzy moments (like inviting a Montague to a Capulet party… Oops!)” Patrick Castillo, Gregorio in OTE’s ROMEO AND JULIET

Tags

History, Laguna Hills California, outdoor theatre, Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare

Patrick Castillo plays Gregorio in OTE Shakespeare in the Hills’ Romeo and Juliet opening TONIGHT, July 28 at the Laguna Hills Community Center.

What’s challenging about bringing this script to life?
I believe the most challenging part of bringing the script to life is essentially making Shakespeare’s language understandable to unfamiliar audience members. As beauteous as it may be, even I have difficulty understanding what I’m saying half the time.

How is this production bringing something new to this story?
This play is the same R&J we’ve read in school, with a  twist, we base it in 1840 California instead of Europe.

What’s going to surprise people about this show?
The fact that we incorporate Spanish into this show might catch others off guard.

Call someone out by name: who must come see this production?
My Father, Lionel Castillo.

How is this character like you? Different?
Gregorio is by far the sassiest character I’ve played. Much like me, he calls out his friends on their bluffs and has a few ditzy moments (like inviting a Montague to a Capulet party… Oops!)

What do you love about this character?
He’s bold. Willing to fight when he has too,

What’s the biggest challenge about taking on this role?
Shakespeare’s language for sure. And the fact that I am just coming off from doing Fiddler on the Roof at Musical Theatre Village made memorization just a tad bit difficult.

Besides yourself, what celebrity would you like to see tackle this character?
I’d like to see Josh Gad take on this role. He’d definitely do it justice.

If you could play any other character in this show, who would it be?
Hmmm… Benvolio would be fun.

When did you first perform?
That depends… It was either at 2 years old singing “Como La Flor” by Selena for my grandma, or 2nd grade in my schools choir.

Besides this one, what’s your favorite stage show?
Watching Wicked at the Pantages Theatre has been the only show I’ve seen at a professional theatre. But I’d say Little Shop of Horrors at Musical Theatre Village was also one of my favorites.

What’s your perfect Sunday afternoon look like?
Church in the morning, lunch with friends, mid-day crocheting session, watching some Netflix shows and going to bed early.

What do you do when you’re not doing theatre?
I’m either working from 8am-5pm, hanging out with friends, crocheting, or sleeping in.

If you had a magic wand, what show would you do next?
Catch Me If You Can, or Jesus Christ Superstar.

What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage?
The last thing I do before I go on stage is review my lines one more time, pray and sip some tea. When the curtain goes up and I do well, I take a small sigh of relief and get some food, and if it doesn’t go well, I review whatever needs fixing then get food.

This is Patrick‘s first production with OTE and is thrilled to be working alongside an amazing cast! His previous theatre experience includes productions of Fiddler on the Roof as Perchik, Little Shop of Horrors as the Dentist , and A Christmas with Scrooge as Topper at Musical Theatre Village in Irvine. He hopes that his bilinguality pays off in this production and his peers 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

“If we are not able to forgive one another for grievances, great or small, we shipwreck ourselves on a deserted island, even though we may live in a teeming metropolis.” Phil Seifert, Lord Montague in OTE’s ROMEO AND JULIET

Tags

History, kids free, Laguna Hills California, montague, picnic, Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare, theater

Phil Seifert plays Lord Montague in OTE Shakespeare in the Hills’ Romeo and Juliet, opening this Friday, July 28 at the Laguna Hills Community Center.

What’s Challenging About Bringing This Script To Life?
The challenge of telling a story dependent on dialogue and emotions in an outdoor venue to an audience more accustomed to hand-held electronics and CGI special effects.

How Is This Production Bringing Something New To This Story?
Setting the story in Alta California in the years just before the Gold Rush and statehood demonstrates the timelessness of the themes of the power of love and reconciliation amidst the devastation wrought by hate and division.

What’s Going To Surprise People About This Show?
Discovering that William Shakespeare (wink, wink, nudge, nudge) wrote some of his dialogue in Spanish (or is it Spanglish?)

Call Out Someone by Name: Who must come see this production?
Matt Thomas and the team with whom I have the privilege of working at Know The Truth. Not to see me, but to enjoy live theatre presented by a talented and accomplished cast.

How is this character like you? Different?
I also am now the patriarch of an English/Irish family – although none of my children or siblings are involved in any blood feuds (at least that I know of).

What do you love about this character?
His willingness to forgive and to reconcile with Capulet, even though it has cost him so dearly. If we are not able to forgive one another for grievances, great or small, we shipwreck ourselves on a deserted island, even though we may live in a teeming metropolis.

What do you hate about this character?
That it took such a cost in bloodshed to come to a reconciliation. False pride and bruised egos have been the major cause of most of the grief and bloodshed over the entire course of human history.

What is the biggest challenge about taking on this role?
Adopting the mindset of someone who bears a deep grudge/animosity against another, to the point of losing his son. I savor the sweet taste of grace and forgiveness, while the bitter gall of an unforgiving spirit makes me retch.

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

If you could play any other character in this show, who would it be?
Probably Friar Laurence or The Prince– although it would take more acting chops and comedic presence for me to carry off Friar Laurence. I would have no difficulty being the officious and haughty Prince.

When did you first perform?
In high school; in the middle years of the last century. More recently, (i.e. this century) after getting reintroduced to the magic and power of live theatre in small venues through Musical Theatre Village in Irvine and On The Edge Productions here in Laguna Hills. Twelfth Night was my first on-stage role with OTE.

Besides this one, what’s your favorite stage show?
It is hard to pick one out of the many available, but, if forced to choose, I would probably say Kiss Me Kate or Kismet. For drama it would probably be Mr. Roberts or A Man For All Seasons.

What’s your perfect Sunday afternoon look like?
After a week of constant activity between the radio ministry and the demands/opportunities of theatre, I like to just sink into the leather sofa in my family room (that sucks the life force out me), pay proper attention to the cat who shares my residence, and periodically checking to make sure that my eyelids do not leak light.

What do you do when you are not doing theatre?
I have the great privilege of volunteering for Pastor Philip De Courcy’s “Know The Truth” radio ministry and being involved with my church. Also, making sure that I meet the security, sustenance and sanitation needs of the cat who adopted me last year.

If you had a magic wand, what show would you do next?
Shakespeare: The Taming Of The Shrew

What’s the last thing you do before you step on stage?
Thank God (the Audience of One) and commit the performance to His honor and glory; and then remind myself of the secrets to a successful performance detailed by Spencer Tracy: know my lines and don’t run into the furniture.

Phil Seifert  was born in the early years of the middle decade of the last century (you all can do the math). He is retired after a 46-year career in the national defense and national intelligence communities including active naval service and am now blessed with the opportunity to volunteer with Kindred Community Church and Philip De Courcy’s bible-teaching radio ministry. He was married for 44+ years (and has now been widowed for 8 years), with two adult children and 5 grandchildren – none of them living in California – so he has time to get involved with community theatre. Phil was adopted by a rescued cat a year-ago who has granted Phil the privilege of meeting his sustenance, security, and sanitation needs, while retaining the absolute right to decide when and where he will grant Phil an audience. Phil looks forward to each day as another opportunity to learn new things and to make a difference in another person’s life – even if it is simply an encouraging word, a smile, a recognition of that person’s presence and inherent value as a child of God.

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

 

“…now that some of the male roles have been cast with females. It brings an interesting twist to what the characters mean to each other,” Mario Arciniega “Tybalt”

Tags

History, laguna hills, Laguna Hills California, laguna hills community center, Romeo and Juliet, theater, tragedy

Mario Arciniega plays Tybalt  in OTE’s SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS’ Romeo and Juliet opening July 28, 2017 at the Laguna Hills Community Center.

What’s challenging about bringing this script to life?
I think it would be all the studying before hand. Definitely looking at how I would like to play the role compared to how the character fits in and trying to blend it all together.

How is this production bringing something new to this story?
I think there are interesting hints at fresh and different takes on relationships between characters now that some of the male roles have been cast with females. It brings an interesting twist to what the characters mean to each other.

How is this character like you? Different?
I think he has a confidence about him that is similar to me, but he is too hotheaded… which I don’t believe I am … yet.

What do you love about this character?
How iconic this character is. How he just changes the whole course of the play because of how hotheaded he is. Small character, huge key factor! Leaves a lasting impression with very few appearances.

What do you hate about this character?
I hate that he dies so early! Imagine what more mischief could have happened!

What’s the biggest challenge about taking on this role?
The biggest challenge I think I faced early on was the kind of impression I wanted to give with every entrance and exit. I want people to know what this character is all about before he even talks. Which was also interesting since I’m using a voice I have never used before for this character.

Besides yourself, what celebrity would you like to see tackle this character?
Nicholas Hoult!

Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue?
“What? Drawn and talk of peace! I hate the word”

If you could play any other character in this show, who would it be?
Definitely Sampson… he is such a hidden comedy gem! I would love to try and get this role next time.

When did you first perform?
It was in high school! After a leg injury playing basketball I decided to take what I thought would be an easy class to get through. But fell in love when I was shockingly cast as the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland.

Besides this one, what’s your favorite stage show?
Othello. My dream role is Iago.

What do you do when you’re not doing theatre?
Reading Scripts, playing video games, and basketball.

If you had a magic wand, what show would you do next?
I would like to tackle Petruchio in Taming of the Shrew.

What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage?
I try to go through all of the emotional breaths I take. My method of acting definitely depends on my breath. I try to breath how I naturally would depending on my emotional situation, since we all breathe differently depending on our moods.

Mario Arciniega is an East Los Angeles actor who has many experiences performing Shakespeare with characters like Benedick, Demetrius, and Lucio under his belt. Taking many Shakespeare and Improv classes he hopes to one day perform at the Shakespeare Oregon Festival and Griffith Park. Mario would like to take thank his Mom and Dad for pushing him to keep going, his brother Thomas for always setting the bar to which he hopes to achieve, and Alexis Tapia for always being there to run lines and encouraging him to do better.

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

“So when you put it (ROMEO AND JULIET) on you have to … be able to bring something to it that’ll make it fresh and entertaining.” Shannon Dodson

Tags

Laguna Hills California, Romeo and Juliet

Shannon Dodson plays “Sampson/Sophia” in Shakespeare in the Hills, Romeo and Juliet. Opening July 28 at the Laguna Hills Community Center

What’s challenging about bringing this script to life?     The language makes all Shakespeare inherently challenging, for actors as well as for the audience. I think the challenge with Romeo & Juliet in particular is that it is such a well-known piece. Everyone comes to it with some sort of idea already in their mind, either from reading it in school or just absorbing it from the zeitgeist. So when you put it on you have to have that in mind, and be able to bring something to it that’ll make it fresh and entertaining.

What’s going to surprise people about this show?  How bad my Spanish is. JK literally no one will be surprised by that.

Call someone out by name: who must come see this production?  Hey Harry Styles, you’ve got some free time before your tour starts, right?

What do you love about this character? I love that Sampson/Sophia is all gusto and bravado and swagger but hightails it to the hills when someone actually takes her up on it. Fake it til you make it and someone calls you out on it amirite???

Besides yourself, what celebrity would you like to see tackle this character?  Andrew Rannells

If you could play any other character in this show, who would it be?  Mercutio! But Kaitlyn’s got that one handled right now.

Besides this one, what’s your favorite stage show?  The Last Days of Judas Iscariot by Stephen Adley Guirgis

What do you do when you’re not doing theatre?  I mean, in my perfect life I would spend most of my waking hours doing theater, buuuuut right now I have to work a day job. When I’m not at rehearsals, though, I love going to museums and art galleries, I love trying new restaurants with friends, I love going to see other people do theater, and I love watching the Angels.

What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage?  Take a deep breath and ignore my sudden and spontaneous need to pee.

Shannon Dodson can think of no better way to spend a summer than doing Shakespeare in the Park and no better people to do it with than her pals at On The Edge. She was previously seen in OTE’s Twelfth Night as Olivia and Macbethas the Third Witch. Other favorite credits include A Piece of My Heart (Whitney), Tom Jones (Honour), The Diviners (Jennie Mae), and Little Women (Jo).

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 forShakespeare 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