Blackfriar Playhouse in downtown Staunton.American Shakespeare Center, 10 South Market Street,
Staunton, VA 24401
While SWAC Niece enjoyed her spring break in my corner of the world, we took in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" at Blackfriars Theater in historic and hip downtown Staunton.
It was opening night and a pay-what-you-will performance at that, when actors stand with baskets at the exit afterwards to collect whatever patrons feel the event is worth. Any seat in the house is available that night if it does not have a "reserved" sign.
The playhouse was packed with only a few open seats as performance time drew near. We had arrived early and gotten just the seats we wanted - Row E on the floor in front of the stage, seats 5-10. It was close enough to the action but not close enough for the actors to use you as part of their props.
As patrons filed in, talked, or stood in line for refreshments, the actors offered musical offerings from high up on Juliet's balcony overlooking the crowd.
Blackfriars was created exactly as it was in Shakespeare's day but a few modifications have been made since its opening for the comfort of modern day audiences. The original wooden benches have since had individual seat backs added as well as the addition of seat cushions.
As in the days of old, overhead lighting remains on during the play so, while the audience can see the actors, the actors can also see the audience ... and therein begins the fun. Beware ... because you may end up as part of the production! Some brave souls tempt fate and sit on stools provided on stage and, yes, they definitely are picked on by the actors.
Just before the play began, Juliet's "father" made announcements about no cameras or recording devices, and then he offered special seats for those who wanted them ... eight seats located above the stage on Juliet's balcony! Hands eagerly went up and the eight who were chosen hurried to their perches where everyone in the audience could watch them especially when Juliet performed her famous balcony scene.
Intermissions had musical entertainment by the actors who were playing instruments and singing vintage and current rock/pop/classic music. Mercutio was killed on stage only to show up a short time later at intermission on Juliet's balcony belting out a song.
The funniest part in the entire play was the Capulets' masquerade when the actors line-danced on stage ... the name of the song escapes me at the moment ... but it was hilarious to watch actors dressed in period costume with masks all in step and hamming it up to a pop tune that most would recognize (although not necessarily remember). Everyone was laughing out loud at the merriment.
Even with two 10-minute intermissions, the play was rather long. We were in our seats by 7:00; the play began at 7:30 and did not end until shortly after 10:00. Three hours is a long time. If it had ended at 9:00, I would have been happy. However, that last hour was just too much and I noticed many others fidgeting in their seats as the clock hands dragged.
Our group had planned to hit the Split Banana on Beverley Street afterwards for ice cream treats but by the time the play was over, we were ready to head home. Thursday nights feature "TalkBack" when audience members can talk with the actors about the play, their training, experiences, anything at all ... too bad we were so ready to leave and had to miss it.
Which characters did I like the best? They were all good but standouts were the actors who played Juliet's mother and father, the nurse maid, and Mercutio. Also the actor who played Romeo's cousin.
The Shakespeare players are rotating a number of productions so if you don't want to see Romeo and Juliet for the 5,000th time, there are other choices. Check their website for more information.
It was opening night and a pay-what-you-will performance at that, when actors stand with baskets at the exit afterwards to collect whatever patrons feel the event is worth. Any seat in the house is available that night if it does not have a "reserved" sign.
The playhouse was packed with only a few open seats as performance time drew near. We had arrived early and gotten just the seats we wanted - Row E on the floor in front of the stage, seats 5-10. It was close enough to the action but not close enough for the actors to use you as part of their props.
As patrons filed in, talked, or stood in line for refreshments, the actors offered musical offerings from high up on Juliet's balcony overlooking the crowd.
Blackfriars was created exactly as it was in Shakespeare's day but a few modifications have been made since its opening for the comfort of modern day audiences. The original wooden benches have since had individual seat backs added as well as the addition of seat cushions.
As in the days of old, overhead lighting remains on during the play so, while the audience can see the actors, the actors can also see the audience ... and therein begins the fun. Beware ... because you may end up as part of the production! Some brave souls tempt fate and sit on stools provided on stage and, yes, they definitely are picked on by the actors.
Just before the play began, Juliet's "father" made announcements about no cameras or recording devices, and then he offered special seats for those who wanted them ... eight seats located above the stage on Juliet's balcony! Hands eagerly went up and the eight who were chosen hurried to their perches where everyone in the audience could watch them especially when Juliet performed her famous balcony scene.
Intermissions had musical entertainment by the actors who were playing instruments and singing vintage and current rock/pop/classic music. Mercutio was killed on stage only to show up a short time later at intermission on Juliet's balcony belting out a song.
The funniest part in the entire play was the Capulets' masquerade when the actors line-danced on stage ... the name of the song escapes me at the moment ... but it was hilarious to watch actors dressed in period costume with masks all in step and hamming it up to a pop tune that most would recognize (although not necessarily remember). Everyone was laughing out loud at the merriment.
Even with two 10-minute intermissions, the play was rather long. We were in our seats by 7:00; the play began at 7:30 and did not end until shortly after 10:00. Three hours is a long time. If it had ended at 9:00, I would have been happy. However, that last hour was just too much and I noticed many others fidgeting in their seats as the clock hands dragged.
Our group had planned to hit the Split Banana on Beverley Street afterwards for ice cream treats but by the time the play was over, we were ready to head home. Thursday nights feature "TalkBack" when audience members can talk with the actors about the play, their training, experiences, anything at all ... too bad we were so ready to leave and had to miss it.
Which characters did I like the best? They were all good but standouts were the actors who played Juliet's mother and father, the nurse maid, and Mercutio. Also the actor who played Romeo's cousin.
The Shakespeare players are rotating a number of productions so if you don't want to see Romeo and Juliet for the 5,000th time, there are other choices. Check their website for more information.
Standing at Blackfriars front door looking toward Mary Baldwin College
(white buildings on the hill).
(white buildings on the hill).
Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
8 April 2010
Lynn Mitchell
8 April 2010
