Check out all of this great press for MAIN-TRAVELLED ROADS!

Main-Travelled Roads behind the scenes YouTube video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awN-YweCyy4



Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – review
http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/arts/105101384.html


Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – advance story
http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/arts/104914214.html

OnMilwaukee.com – advance story
http://onmilwaukee.com/ent/articles/maintravelled.html?24038

Third Coast Digest – advance story
http://thirdcoastdigest.com/2010/10/those-rhode-girls-and-mcts-main-travelled-roads/

WUWM Lake Effect interview
http://www.wuwm.com/programs/lake_effect/le_sgmt.php?segmentid=6478

do you know where you're goin'?

Hello MCT blog-world!

I can hardly believe MAIN-TRAVELLED ROADS is officially one week from opening! Time certainly flies when you are doing what you love most in the world, especially when you have the support of such a wonderful team. When I accepted the part of Aggie about one year ago, I thought that fall of 2010 was eons away, and here we are about to head into tech week after a great rehearsal process.

My experience at MCT is unlike anything I have had the opportunity to experience. From the initial audition and throughout this entire process I have felt so welcomed and at home with the MCT family. Everyone is so genuinely invested in creating something special and I feel blessed to share this experience.

I’ve learned a lot in rehearsals, from the scene work to charming music. The most challenging aspect of the show so far has been learning the “air piano.” There is a certain scene in which I get to play an imaginary piano in space, and let me tell you it is not as easy as one might think! Unlike jamming out on an air guitar, (a skill that many can claim they have mastered) “air piano” requires acute concentration and precise execution of finger placement. I gave up learning piano at an early age, a decision I regret as I prepare my “air piano” debut. However, I have the advantage of getting to play with the awesome Scott Haden during the scene, so I’m not too worried. Wish me luck. :)

I recently heard a writer on NPR say something to the effect of “At the very end, life is the story you tell.” This idea made me so excited to be apart of MAIN-TRAVELLED ROADS and have the opportunity to share Hamlin Garland’s touching stories. At our first reading, Michael said these stories were 'old world Wisconsin.' I grew up visiting Old World Wisconsin on school field trips, where I could live out my Little House on the Prairie dreams. This play reminds me of those stories I fell in love with as a little girl and live out the make-believe world of a simpler but more difficult time.

More about Garland’s stories later…which everyone should read! They are fascinating and it is so great to see how Dave Hudson translated the stories to the book/lyrics. I was surprised to see how much was taken directly from the text and how it adds authentic truth to the play.

Happy Friday! :)

Minnie the Moocher

Hullo.

Tomorrow at about two thirty in the afternoon, Jeeves and I will be having tea with many of the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre's patrons. If it were entirely up to my Aunt Agatha we would solely be drinking "oolong" tea. She would also try her utmost to make sure that I get nowhere near the piano, or sing a song of any kind. Therefore, I will be doing just that. I have been fooling around with "Minnie the Moocher" - some 'Cab' fellow wrote it, or some chap wrote it in a cab... I can never be certain - either way, I will be playing that ditty. The words still don't make all that much sense to me, but I think I will get Jeeves to explain their meanings. I might even ask him to join in on the chorus. He's never been much of a musical person and it's nice to know that I can at least best him at one darned thing. Hopefully everything will turn out to be a smashing success.

See you then!
-- Bertie

One endeavors to give satisfaction, sir.

Although one takes great pride in executing one's duties faithfully, one is not often used to seeing one's praises enumerated in print. I had not considered the amount of fame I might incur by being a part of this production. I do not wish to alarm Sir Rupert or Mrs. Spencer-Gregson, however, it seems members of the press have not only been invited to our theatrical, but have written about it, effusively.

Our skit has become somewhat of a critical darling, and now, I fear I will never hear the end of it from Mr. Wooster.

-Jeeves.

Such Potential

Our little production of one of my exploits is finally open and ready for public viewing! It was ever so delightful to run around on stage in front of so many Americans. The show went off without a single hitch (even Bassy somehow managed to come away without a single blunder - his first time since we began this whole rigmarole) Even if something were to go wrong, I'm always assured knowing that Jeeves is right there with me. He certainly is quite the marvel. The audience was laughing the whole way through, and I think they rather enjoyed it! It's an honor to be working with my friends and family for the next few weeks (even though Aunt Agatha is a bit of a dreadful woman - always staring at me and judging my every move). This is only the very beginning of the process and I cannot wait to continue this romp. Unlike Bassy and myself, It has such potential.

Ta!

- Bertie

Gad, what a time!!!

Dear Mr. Blog,

Tonight we previewed our theatrical endeavor for a real, live audience! I don't know why they call it a preview, because we did he whole thing for them. At any rate, they seemed to enjoy it almost as much as I did. I must say, it took me a few tics to relax and become comfortable, speaking infront of so many people (I'm told that even more people will be at the actual "run.") Once I settled in though, the show seemed almost to run itself. All that "rehearsing" really pays off, when you're a sweaty, panicky mess, grasping for your next "cue."

Speaking of sweat, I must say, one would have to travel to the jungles of South America to simulate the conditions on that blasted stage. The lamps used to illuminate us are quite powerful and give off considerable heat. That, coupled with woolen garments and our quite aerobic spectacle, turns me into bit of a mobile sauna. There is little relief upon leaving the theatre, as the outside conditions are very similar. I was told that if I didn't like the weather in Wisconsin, America, I would have only to wait, and it would change. Well, I'm waiting.

Dearest Mr. Blog, I am overflowing with excitement for your and the Mrs. attendance of our endeavor. If you do or do not have children, please do or do not bring them as our show is appropriate for the whole family, that you may or may not have. There is love, laughter and some pretty solid lessons. Above all, Mr. Blog, please remember that the only reason we are performing is to make you laugh. It really is a cure-all.

Sincerly,

Eustace Bassington-Bassington

You may rely on me, sir.

Last night we completed our final practice session for our theatrical. This evening we shall endeavour to give it the first public performance.

Over the last week we have smoothly integrated the technical elements of the production, including adding lighting effects, timing the sound of the wireless, acclimating to the three-walled representation of Mr. Wooster's flat, and learning to change clothes much faster than any human should, by right, have to do. Our intrepid team of director, designers, stage managers and crew agilely navigated through the, I am told, sometimes treacherous waters of technical rehearsals, and we seem to be quite ready to share our adventures with an audience.

It is my sincere hope that ill effects of the revelling in which Messrs. Wooster and Bassington-Bassington no doubt took part following the rehearsal will have subsided by the time doors open this evening. If not, it proves lucky that among the very first actions I take in the presentation is the handing of a refreshing glass of Gentlemen's Relief to Mr. Wooster.

Remarkably, some things never change.

-Jeeves.