By NPF Blogmaster Kevin Six
(Swedenborg Hall, June 21, 2008) Well there was a lot of drama at the opening night of the New Perspective Festival last night (June 20 -- Happy Birthday to Kelly's dad!). There was also a lot of comedy, some farce and no tragedy. So all and all it was a good night. Actually it was a great night!
the Summer Solstice took place yesterday and could you have asked for a better day to be the longest of the year? The sun, warm air and cool breezes all combined to make a mellow distraction for all that drama (and comedy) on and off stage. As a new festival, there were some glitches to work out but everyone worked together to get close to one hundred people into Swedenborg Hall for a great event.
Here, the lovely and talented and all-volunteer (thank you, guys!) box office and concessions staff get ready for the rush we were all hoping for but were still surprised about. I was the lucky (or annoying enough) one to be able to open the door.
Here I am in my stylish Aloha ensemble opening the matching doors. I planned the outfit for just this occasion showing at once that I am resourceful, style-conscious and don't have much to do Friday afternoons.
Also, it's my camera so...
And here they are! The first rush of theatre-goers. Many well-wishers -- what a great idea to have nearly 100 people with friends involved in the festival! Swedenborg Hall has a lot of unique, quaint and downright old and well-worn elements but all would have to agree it's a cozy, comfortable place to see theatre.
Among the first people through the door were Dale Morris of the recently re-named Compass Theatre and Jamie Lloyd. Dale directed Jamie in Polarity for the festival. Thanks for showing the love. Thanks also to all the people involved in programs two and three, who will be opening tonight and tomorrow, for showing the love!
Also on hand for the opening was La Jolla Playhouse's Literary Manager Gabriel Greene. He spoke eloquently about the necessity for new work and looked much better than this photo. Hey, I had to take it without a flash or the audience might have gotten ugly...
Here, see for yourself. No. Actually, they look pretty good. Did I mention that there were about a hundred of them? Thanks to all who came and saw what we've been up to!
At intermission, the audience was treated to snackies and great coffee from Java Joes. Paola Hornbuckle and her husband Scott (who are pictured in the first photo you saw) are partners in this great, organic and socially conscious gourmet coffee roaster, retailer and... well, just look them up here and you'll see what I mean!
After the performances (what,
no critical review? Hell no! Come see for yourself!), we all traipsed over to Gulf Coast Grill for Happy Hour. (Happy Hour at 10:30? Yes, we were all happy, thanks to Gulf Coast Grill). But don't take my word for it, visit them online or on Park Boulevard. Here are some people having fun at the Grill.
A Grill staffer takes copious notes from Jennie and Kristina as Tyler checks his text messages. What brilliant photography!
Now it's your turn. Will we see you at the festival? Counting tonight, there are only five performances left! And those of you who came last night, you only saw one third of what we're capable of!
My friend and colleague Jaleen Francois and I met the bus on 116th Street and Amsterdam Avenue on June 25. Check out the address on 116th Street.
Here's how excited Jaleen was to be riding from New York City to the Catskill Mountains.
I know, I seem to be forcing the excitement. Actually, I was a little tired after a long flight the night before.
We got there for dinner and then went out to the trapeze rig to have a swing. Pretty setting, eh?
Breakfast the next morning with some of the circus crew and other counselors.
We had to pass a swim test if we want to swim or ski in the lake. Here Sarah and Jaleen prepare for their tough swim test. We all passed so we can play in the lake on days off (Saturdays!).
