An inside glimpse, by Adam Elmergreen

 It is hard to believe that "The Mousetrap" will be opening in less that 3 weeks. What a great adventure it has been to watch a cast breathe life into their characters. Some staying to the traditional representation, while others have redefined their characters, all staying true to the original script.  This added mix has brought a new fresh definition to this classic play.

I had asked the actors to pick one quote from the play that they felt represented the over all feel of their character; and also, to help introduce their characters to a new group of people who may have never seen or heard of "The Mousetrap."  To the left and are quotes from Miss Casewell, Mrs. Boyle, Molly Ralston and Christopher Wren. 

Stay tuned to our future blogs for the remaining character quotes. 

And don't forget to help spread the word about this amazing show! 

Tickets are on sale now thru the St. Norbert Box Office, 920-403-3950 

or online, www.evergreenproductions.org

Thoughts from a Young Actor: Introducing Kailee

 

Since we are only have gone through the first week of rehearsals of The NeverEnding Story, I say that the show looks great so far!  I, and the rest of the cast, can surely tell that this production will be amazing!  It's always a great feeling in the rehearsals when you catch yourself thinking like your character.  When you start moving as if you were really becoming the part you are portraying, you know that you are ready for the show!  I feel that some of the cast is getting to that point.  Others should maybe start thinking about their propose as that character.  Because once we figure out the Who, What, Where, When, and Why of our characters, it all comes easy.
 
I took part in some classes on the summer program, too.  I found them, for the most part, a great experience!  I took Acting, Improv, and Putting on the Look of the Show.  Since I have taking many acting and improv classes in my days, I found those two classes mostly refreshers, which was quite nice.  But to anyone new to acting and improv, the classes are perfect for getting down the basics of them.
 
Putting on the Look of the Show was great to me because I never thought I would actually sew a dress! The class was a lot of fun and it was great to learn new things about costumes and makeup!
 
I would gladly suggest Evergreen to anyone interesting in the performing arts! It's great!

Tickets on sale NOW for "The Never Ending Story" at 403-9540 or www.evergreenproductions.org

Meet the Cast: Lauren Maugeri (Miss Casswell)

I sat in a tiny, old creaky seat, looking over the wooden balcony, telling myself to take in and remember everything I could. I looked at costumes, the set, the actors. I listened intently to their lines, their delivery, their actions.  I studied one character in particular, because, well, she is the character I will portray in September.  And when I got home, and returned to rehearsal at 1010 Waube Lane, images and sounds came back to me.  And I used my experience and shared my experience to help inspire me and my castmates and director.

On Friday, August 9th at 7:30, I was at the St. Martin’s Theatre, West Street, London, England.  I watched the 25,300th show of The Mousetrap, the longest running play in history. This might sound funny, but my first reaction was critical, thinking to myself, I think we do that a bit better.  Maybe it’s because in the short amount of time we’ve been rehearsing, I’ve seen my fellow actors’ characters brought to life already, and I got used to their portrayal.  And already fallen in love with all of them.

At rehearsal this week, as a group, we had a discussion about my character, Miss Casewell.  We all had different perspectives, ideas, and thoughts on her.  My director, Craig Berken, told me in the end it was up to me to find my character, and to know my character better than anyone.

Lauren reviewing lines.

When I watched the actress on stage say the lines I am working on memorizing, I learned new things about my character.  Seeing her portray Miss Casewell a bit differently than I do, helped me cement my vision of my character.  I became more sure of myself.  All the ideas, whether on a stage in London, from my castmates, director, assistant director and shadow director, or from my family and friends who help me rehearse, or from within my own heart and mind, are all a part of finding my Miss Casewell.

There is still lots of work ahead, and I am looking forward to all of it.  And just like in life, I will bring all my experiences, knowledge, inspiration, and energy, to do the best I can do.  In the end, all the different perspectives and interpretations of the actors and audience is what makes theater so great.

            

Tickets are on sale now thru the St. Norbert Box Office, 920-403-3950 

or online, www.evergreenproductions.org

Learning to trust each other

In The Mousetrap, I get to do a lot of different things in the story I’ve never done before, the biggie being I have to be in love. As a 17 year old, I’ve never been in love so this is a unique challenge. It was kind of weird at first with Emmanuel (he plays my husband, Giles) but that was overcome by what our director, Craig, had us do. He had us sit together whenever we weren’t on stage. I know it sounds simple but it made a difference, we got comfortable with each other. We’re still learning how the other works but we understand how the other is going to play his part. Also, I’ve realized something I’ve never fully appreciated or noticed before; you have to trust your cast mates.

            The Mousetrap is a thriller knowing how everybody works and fits together is crucial. This play has such a small cast (8 actors), there aren’t any leads. It’s a level playing field. It’s so soon in the play I’m shocked to see everyone bouncing off of each other and becoming their character without much of themselves showing through. I love it.

            I feel like I’m level with everyone; the leading and following changes several times a scene, each person gets to wrap the audience around his or her fingers. Each gets to stand alone but relies on the ever-changing swirl of the story brought to life by us. 

~ Azure Hall ~ 

The full cast rehearsing a scene.

Tickets are on sale now thru the St. Norbert Box Office, 920-403-3950 

or online, www.evergreenproductions.org

Meet the Cast: Azure Hall (Mollie)

First week of rehearsals are done -- another week closer to opening night! At the same time, it just doesn’t seem real.  For a young actor in her first all-adult Mainstage play, I’m still shocked I made it past auditions. I’ve tried out for several, but because of my age was never cast. I’m walking on clouds. 

Azure Hall

There are so many things different about adult shows versus kid shows. For starters, it moves so much faster, the characterizations that started coming out during auditions started blooming on the first day of practice. Maybe that’s why the story of The Mousetrap is already apparent in our acting.

The play itself is a rather twisted one. There's a definite point to the plot - catch a murderer - but with so many turns taken in the maze you’re never sure what is going to happen next! Alliances switch, suspicions grow, and fingers are pointed. I won’t say anymore because I refuse to spoil the ending. You’ll just have to come and live The Mousetrap with us.

Craig working with Azure & Andy

Tickets are on sale now thru the St. Norbert Box Office, 920-403-3950 

or online, www.evergreenproductions.org

Rehearsals are Underway!

Well, our summer break has flown by & we're back! Currently, our Mainstage Actors are rehearsing for Agatha Christie's, popular murder mystery, The Mousetrap.  Originally, The Mousetrap opened in the West End of London in 1952, and has been running continuously since then. It has the longest initial run of any play in history, with its 25,000th performance taking place on 18 November 2012.  Amazing!

Our production is being directed by Craig Berken, assisted by Amy Tubbs. The cast has had their first read-thru and week of rehearsals; and is once again, a wonderful mix of actors of varying ages and experience.  It's one of my favorite aspects of Evergreen - being accessible to everyone interested in theater.

Since you're most likely wondering who the entire cast is, here you go: 

Craig B. working on blocking with some of the cast.

 

MOLLIE RALSTON - Azure Hall

GILES RALSTON - Emmanuel Zamora

CHRISTOPHER WREN - Ian Wisneski

MRS. BOYLE - Margi Diny

MAJOR METCALF - Michael Yoder

MISS CASEWELL - Lauren Maugeri

MR. PARAVICINI - Adam Elmergreen

DETECTIVE SGT. TROTTER - Andrew Delaurelle

 

 

 

Tickets are on sale now thru the St. Norbert Box Office, 920-403-3950 

or online, www.evergreenproductions.org