Happenings at MetroStage: March 2011

"A Must See" by Joel Markowitz from BroadwayWorld.com

(6) FROM APRIL 20TH TO MAY 29TH, THE REAL INSPECTOR HOUND, AT METROSTAGE, IN ALEXANDRIA, VA.

Tom Stoppard is coming back to MetroStage! John Vreeke returns to direct Ralph Cosham, John Dow, and Michael Tolaydo, who were awarded a Helen Hayes Award for their ensemble work in Heroes (which John directed and Tom Stoppard translated) at MetroStage last year. Joining them are local favorites David Elias, Catherine Flye, Kimberly Gilbert, Doug Krehbel, and Emily Townley.

"Two theatre critics, Moon and Birdboot, watch a ludicrous setup of a country house murder mystery. By chance, they become involved in the action causing a series of events that parallel the play they are watching."

CLICK HERE to read full article, "A Theatre Lover's Guide to DC/Capital Area Theatres - April 2011 Offerings" >

Labels: Hound

A look at the design for The Real Inspector Hound

Below is a picture of the model that set designer Daniel Pinha created, depicting a "theater in the round" and the English manor house setting for the play within a play. It concentrates more on architectural elements and the furniture.

Below are some research images that were used as reference to get a feel for what the script called for - a mysterious quality; a light touch; the "fanciful, farcical and satirical nature of Stoppard's writing; an "Agatha Christie" depiction - and to spark a conversation among the production team.

Costume designer Ivania Stack created these preliminary sketches and had many reference pictures.

MoonBirdboot

"I believe Moon/ Birdboot should either be contempory to our time, or to the time that Stoppard first produced the play - the late 1960's."

Mrs. Drudge

"She could go a couple of different ways. Since this is a Manor House, she could have a more formal uniform, as depicted in some of the research. On the other hand, she seems to have a somewhat more slattern character, and she is not a live in housekeeper. She says on page 12: 'I don’t live in but I pop in on my bicycle when the weather allows to help in the running of the charming though somewhat isolated Muldoon Manor.' This could indicate that she is somewhat more informal, perhaps in a 1930’s country style day dress with an apron and cap?"

The movie, Gosfard Park, was brought up for its similar look and feel.

Labels: Hound

Tickets are ON SALE NOW for The Real Inspector Hound

By Tom Stoppard
Directed by John Vreeke

Two theatre critics, Moon and Birdboot, watch a ludicrous setup of a country house murder mystery. By chance, they become involved in the action causing a series of events that parallel the play they are watching. Featuring our "heroes" Ralph Cosham, John Dow, Michael Tolaydo and MetroStage favorite Catherine Flye as Mrs. Drudge.

"Stoppard is the master comedian of ideas in the English language."

- Newsweek

PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN PREVIEW
($10 minimum)
Wednesday, April 20 at 8pm

Please come directly to the theater
and check in with the Box Office upon arrival.
Box office opens one hour prior to performance.

Seating is general admission. Space is limited.

PREVIEW PERFORMANCES:
Thursday, April 21 at 8pm
Friday, April 22 at 8pm
Saturday, April 23 at 5pm

$25 tickets are available from BoxOfficeTickets.com.
USE CODE: Preview

OPENING/ PRESS NIGHT:
Saturday, April 23 at 8pm

NO PERFORMANCES ON EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 24th

Performances:
Thursdays & Fridays at 8pm,
Saturdays at 5 & 8pm
and Sundays at 3 & 7pm

Tickets:
$45-50 (Students: $25)

Tickets are available by calling 800-494-8497
or CLICK HERE to order online.

Labels: Hound

A Message From The White House

An invitation was sent to President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama to come see His Eye Is On The Sparrow. Below is an excerpt of the letter to the First Lady:

"It would be an honor and a privilege if You and The President could attend one of our performances. Not only would it be a humble thrill for our entire cast, crew, volunteers and staff to perform for you, your attendance would also be a much needed boost in exposure to the local public as to the amazing work we do to further the arts in the DC metro area.

As are most non-profit organizations like us, we have been experiencing falling attendance to our performances due to the challenging economy. You and The President coming to one of our shows would surely result in a breath of renewed public interest in our theatre and the arts in our region."

Production Manager Kevin Laughon received a phone call last week from the White House and, later, a note in the mail (see below) saying they regretfully could not attend.