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Last Friday night we got to see The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickelby at the California Shakespeare festival in Berkeley (although it seems to me it's really in Orinda). It was awesome. I often have a hard time separating myself from my surroundings when I’m at a live performance and I struggle to “get into” the story. The production was awesome and about 10 minutes into it I was fully absorbed. The quality of acting was excellent (apparently some of them had TV bits according to the pamphlet) and the sets were clever. Sheesh – I can’t recall the characters’ names, but they pegged them all so well, it was easy to “see” the story evolve. The portion in the boys’ school was so real that I got kind of sick to my stomach, especially during the beatings (or maybe that was a side effect of the migraine I was having). Anyway, it creaped me out and made me want to hide. And there was singing! I didn’t expect singing. The narration was quite good and clever in that it didn’t disrupt the flow. I can’t wait to see Part two next month.
And yes, if you caught it, I had a migraine that started as we were leaving for the play. The pain killers took the edge off, which I’m grateful for, but didn't squash it entirely. I think it’s a testament to the quality of the production that I was able to get into the story despite the throbbing head, vision loss in one eye and nausea.
I wasn’t sure if my mom would follow the story line, but based on how she didn’t shut up during the intermission, she not only followed the story line, she was really enjoying herself. She even called me Monday night to tell me what a good show it was. During the intermission she started telling me she wants to get season tickets again next year. My personal jury is still out on that one, but that’s a mom issue and not part of the performance. I already know I want season tickets for F and I.
Cal Shakes appears to be better funded than they were when we took Hawkgirl there for her bachelorette party. Back in 1999 it looked like they dug their costumes out of a trunk and it was pure luck if they fit. This time they were all wearing tailored Victorian-esque stuff. They do a plug for fundraising at the beginning and they list all their sponsors. Good on them.
So far our little party has had nothing but praise for Cal Shakespeare for Othello in June and Nicholas Nickelby Pt 1 in July. We see part NN2 next month and then the Tempest in September or October (not sure – need to check the calendar). I can’t wait to see what's happening next year.
And yes, if you caught it, I had a migraine that started as we were leaving for the play. The pain killers took the edge off, which I’m grateful for, but didn't squash it entirely. I think it’s a testament to the quality of the production that I was able to get into the story despite the throbbing head, vision loss in one eye and nausea.
I wasn’t sure if my mom would follow the story line, but based on how she didn’t shut up during the intermission, she not only followed the story line, she was really enjoying herself. She even called me Monday night to tell me what a good show it was. During the intermission she started telling me she wants to get season tickets again next year. My personal jury is still out on that one, but that’s a mom issue and not part of the performance. I already know I want season tickets for F and I.
Cal Shakes appears to be better funded than they were when we took Hawkgirl there for her bachelorette party. Back in 1999 it looked like they dug their costumes out of a trunk and it was pure luck if they fit. This time they were all wearing tailored Victorian-esque stuff. They do a plug for fundraising at the beginning and they list all their sponsors. Good on them.
So far our little party has had nothing but praise for Cal Shakespeare for Othello in June and Nicholas Nickelby Pt 1 in July. We see part NN2 next month and then the Tempest in September or October (not sure – need to check the calendar). I can’t wait to see what's happening next year.
