from left: Matthew Sherbach, Peter DeFaria, Lauren Pizzi, Caden Bohmer, Brian Hamman, Sean Patrick Fawcett in "...80 Days". Photo by Kimberly G. Morris
I’m happy to report that we are currently in technical rehearsals for our upcoming production of the adventure comedy “Around the World in 80 Days”, which is going very well. So much time, so little to do!!…wait, I mean ‘so little time, so much to do!’ This show is packed with adventure, characters, continents, elephants (yes, I said elephants!), and comedy…need I say more?
During ‘tech’ rehearsal, we set all of the light, video and sound cues while the actors get into their costumes for the very first time. This technical time involves a lot of specific focusing, sounds cues and ensures a smooth process while you’re watching the show.
The show is looking fantastic – and the designers, cast and crew are doing a wonderful job. I can’t wait for you to see it. Did I mention that after the tech rehearsals, we move into final dress rehearsals, and then onto the preview performances. These preview performances start THIS Thursday (6/9). Already. Wow!
This summer, we are doing something different and never done here before. As part of the inaugural Summer Theater Fest here in St. Charles, we will be doing not one, but TWO shows in repertory. That means two shows rotating each night. Two different sets. Two different sets of costumes. Two different everything! While this gives our cast and crew quite a workout while physically alternating these shows, it gives YOU – our audience – the opportunity on certain days to see “Around the World in 80 Days” in the afternoon and also our production of “Bad Dates” in the evening. This is what we call doing two shows in ‘rep’….. have you made the connection to our new Fox Valley Repertory name? I hope so!
Lauren Pizzi as Haley Walker in "Bad Dates." Photo by Kimberly G. Morris.
As well, one of our actors, Lauren Pizzi, will be busy playing the role of the princess in “80 Days” AND the lead in “Bad Dates” so it will be a great experience to see her play two very different roles.
We are really looking forward to sharing both of these stories with you this summer. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this new journey of ours.
Want to find out more?? Watch this Youtube video of me talking to My Suburban Life
publications about the creation of our set!
See you at the theater! You do have your tickets already, right? Just checking…
John Gawlik, FVR Artistic Director and “80 Days” Director
About John Gawlik:
John Gawlik, Wheaton native, directs the show after recently directing the remount of The Gift Theatre Company’s The Ruby Sunrise at Theater on the Lake, named one of the Top Ten shows of 2009 by TimeOut Chicago Magazine. Other recent directing credits include Fox Valley Rep’s Always Patsy Cline, Red Herring, Over the Tavern, smash hit Altar Boyz and the holiday classic A Christmas Story, as well as the Jeff Nominated productions of W;t for The Gift Theatre and Dated: A Cautionary Tale for Facebook Users for Collaboraction’s Sketchbook Festival (Festival Best Director). John is the Artistic Director of Fox Valley Rep.
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