Monday, April 23, 2007

Pillowman First Run Through Journal

by Kane Anderson (Father in Actors Theatre's The Pillowman)

4/20

Sometimes a first run-through of a play is called a "stumble through" or "drag through" or a "wow...this show is waaay longer than we thought" through. In any case, it's an exciting time because actors get to see scenes and sequences that we aren't in and everyone gets an idea of how the pieces fit together into a whole.

The Pillowman's first run went very well.

Cale & Jon banter like they have been doing it for years. The timing is snappy and there is a subtle one-upmanship in their relationship onstage (and off!) that infuses their scenes. Their interaction mesmerizes.

Christian's Katurian is nuanced and conflicted. The guy works like a dog on this play and it shows.

And Oliver...well, Oliver is just a rock star. I want to be him when I grow up. (You'll see what I mean.)

All of these great actors share the trait that Matthew prizes in his performers: a sense of joy onstage. Even in the most horrific moments of this script (and there are many, many...), these guys have an undercurrent of passion and enthusiasm. It's infectious. And they keep raising the bar-which is awesome. This show is already something special and I can't wait to see all the pieces come together.

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