“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

Announcing the Cast of Romeo & Juliet

Tags

History, Laguna Hills California, Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare, theater, tragedy

For our fifth annual Shakespeare in the Hills,
On The Edge Theatre Productions is pleased to announce our cast of
ROMEO & JULIET!

Citizens
Prologue – Grace Teddy
Prince – Stephanie Thomas
Paris – Anthony Cervero
Mercutio – Kaitlyn Smith
Friar Laurence – Steven Teats

The House of Montague
Balthasar – Noah Estling
Abraham/Friar John – Austin Cooling
Benvolio – Josh Teincuff
Montague – Phil Seifert
Lady Montague – Marge Packman
Romeo – Max Sorg

The House of Capulet
Sampson – Shannon Dodson
Gregory – Patrick Castillo
Tybalt – Mario Arciniega
Lord Capulet – Joseph Manville
Lady Capulet – Alyssa Elder
Juliet – Kelli Griffin
Nurse – Lanette Gutman

Performances @ 7pm
July 28th & 29th; August 4th & 5th, 11th & 12th
Tickets $10
Age 12 and under free
(cash only at event)

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. The local rancheros of old Mexico are dealing with the American immigrants who’ve moved into the province. The Capulets are a long established Hispanic family with ties to the Mexican governor, while the Montagues are a merchant family new to the region and at odds with the Capulets.

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.

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.

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

Auditions for SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS 2017: ROMEO AND JULIET

Tags

AUDITIONS, History, Laguna Hills California, Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare, theater, tragedy

This summer, On The Edge Theatre Productions is preparing to bring Shakespeare’s classic romance, ROMEO AND JULIET to life. The production will be set in 1845 Alta California where the rancheros from Mexico are dealing with the American immigrants who’ve moved into the province. The Capulet family is a long established Hispanic family with ties to the Mexican governor, while the Montague family are a merchant family new to the region and at odds with the Capulets.

AUDITIONS FOR  ROMEO AND JULIET

By appointment only! Please email aurorajlong@gmail.com to set up your appointment to audition for Shakespeare in the Hills 2017. Details for your audition will be emailed to you. Thank you!

Auditions will consist of performing a Shakespearean monologue. No need to have the monologue memorized. Please choose your own. You can use the following website as a resource: 
http://www.shakespeare-monologues.org/home
You can do a monologue from any show, for any role or gender. Does not need to be memorized.

OTE presents SHAKESPEARE IN THE HILLS 2017

ROMEO AND JULIET
Directed by Aurora Culver

Rehearsals and performances at
the Laguna Hills Community Center
25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA

Auditions May 30th & 31st
Show rehearses June 5th-July 27th, 2017
Performances July 28th & 29th; August 4th & 5th, 11th & 12th

TEAMWORK IS MANDATORY
Actors not only perform but also act as crew members. Everyone is expected to be present for his/her performance evenings and participate in setting up the show.We must set-up and breakdown the set each night. It is a team effort where each person is assigned a few tasks. It’s a lot of fun!

For ROMEO AND JULIET we are looking for a diverse cast- accepting auditions from actors of all ethnicities and from ages 10 to 99.

Facebook event for the auditions: Auditions for Romeo and Juliet
Follow us on facebook at On The Edge Theatre Productions
More info at OTE website