PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE 2014 Set Design: Dave Linfield / Lighting Design: Kevin Harris Photos by Jamie Foster Photography

We’re in a “calm before the storm” week here at the Little Theatre. There’s one more weekend of performances for THE SECRET GARDEN and WE’RE CANCELING CABLE! and then we take down those sets, store those costumes and start building the magical world for SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN, opening on February 13th.  That’s just 18 days and nights to transform the Little Theatre stage from an early 20th century English manor into 1920’s Hollywood. How do we do it, you may ask? It’s a mystery!

Dave Linfield and Zach Johnson consider the set for A CHORUS LINE

Actually, it’s NOT a mystery. (That’s just one of my favorite quotes about theatre!) Technical Director/Designer Dave Linfield and a team of dedicated volunteers spend hours upon hours working on each and every set you see on our stage. It starts with reading the play, then research, then several meetings with the director and the artistic team for the show. Dave then creates digital plans and a practical model of the set. More discussion, a few changes (or more than a few) and then building begins.

Scenic Artist Lisa Langere works on the set for ENCHANTED APRIL (2013)

Here’s a photo of a typical production week where the theatre is generally a huge mess. Lighting instruments are being adjusted, set pieces are being constructed and painted and each night the stage needs to be cleared and ready for a rehearsal.

Lisa Langere working on the “Picasso” for PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE

I wish I had more “before” photos I could show you of our sets in process, but take my word for it, it’s an amazing process of transformation. One that would not be possible without the help of our set construction and painting volunteers including Ron Burkhart, Lisa Langere, Janet Elder-Nichols and many more.

Pam Hester (Stage Manager and Light/Sound Operator) Randal Sumabat (Costume Designer for The Secret Garden) Franklin Mognett (Running Crew for Good People) Ella Harris (Sound Operator The Secret Garden)

Not to mention our amazing prop masters, back stage crews, stage managers and running crews. It takes a village to put on a show, and we are fortunate to have a very dedicated and talented group of people who help make the magic happen for each and every show here on the Little Theatre stage!

The set for THE SECRET GARDEN designed by Dave Linfield

Speaking of which… it’s closing weekend for two fabulous shows and if you haven’t seen them yet, then you’d best get your tickets now!

“If you’re looking for a little more magic in your life, The Secret Garden is the play for you.” – NEW TIMES

There are just four performances remaining of our Academy of Creative Theatre production of THE SECRET GARDEN. If you missed it the first time around, you can read the lovely review in New Times HERE. It’s a terrific show for all ages and you can find out more and purchase your tickets online right HERE.

“Funny, well-executed, apropos to the times.” “Lot’s of laughs and sometimes just a funny grin.” “Hilarious and so true!” (Facebook comments)

It’s also the final weekend for our After Hours @slotheatre late night comedy show WE’RE CANCELING CABLE! (AND OTHER EMPTY THREATS).  Excellent cast, very funny writing, this show is LOADS of fun and you don’t want to miss it!  I’ll be there for the second time this weekend, because once is just not enough!  Do yourself a favor and spend an evening full of laughs at the Little Theatre. WE’RE CANCELING CABLE runs Friday and Saturday at 9:30 pm and Sunday at 7 pm. It’s not exactly appropriate for children, but why bring them? This is YOUR time. 🙂  You can read Sarah Linn’s Tribune story about the show HERE and get your tickets HERE!

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see how Dave Linfield and his team make THIS happen for our next show. It’s going to knock your socks off. Big show, tiny stage, talented directors, designers, actors and crew. I just can’t wait for SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN! I’ll keep you posted as production continues, but if I were you I’d get your tickets NOW. And you can do that right HERE.

Have a great rest of your week everyone – and I hope to see you at the theatre this weekend!

~Patty