News & Notes from Commonweal Theatre Company
July 23, 2015
Issue #10
Midsummer 2015 is approaching and that means mid-season at the Commonweal is not far behind. Season 27 is turning out to be a grand one and the combo of summer shows is not to be missed!
Two Very Special Trips
In less than a month, rehearsals begin for our production of John Patrick Shanley's Tony Award-nominated play,  Outside Mullingar. We are pleased to welcome Michael Bigelow Dixon back to the director's chair.  We are also thrilled that two of Michael's students at Transylvania University in Kentucky are a part of the  creative team. 

Stephanie Robinson
Stephanie Robinson and Mollie LaFavers both received   " research  and travel"  grants funded by their university. 

Stephanie received funds to travel to Mullingar, Ireland to conduct research in cultural anthropology. T ranslation: she'll make audio recordings of local residents and create a visual record of architecture, fashion and the landscape. Her  research will be used to inform the design and rehearsal process. A CD will be made for the cast to ensure that dialect work is accurate and her photos and videos will be used as inspiration for the design team. 

Mollie LaFavers
Mollie was funded for a trip to Lanesboro to serve as the dramaturg (one who deals primarily in research and  interpretation of scripts) for the production. She will be in residence for the first week of rehearsal and has already provided valuable research on relevant topics along with a glossary of Irish colloquialisms found in the script. 

It is unlikely that you will ever meet Stephanie and Mollie but you will certainly experience the excellent "fruit of their labor" when you join us for Outside Mullingar later this fall.
Sunday Salon meets Classic Comedy
Walk through the lobby of the Commonweal during a performance of Charley's Aunt, and you will delight in the sound of laughter being broadcast from inside the theatre. Comedy will be the theme of the day at our next Sunday Salon gathering as Commonweal Executive Director and Charley's Aunt director Hal Cropp talks about the comic style of the show and the reason behind why it is one of the most popular comedies of all time. 

Following remarks from Hal, the Commonweal 2015-16 apprentice class will be on hand to discuss what is, for most of them, their first professional theatre experience out of college. Admission to Sunday Salon on August 9 is free of charge with the purchase of a ticket for the matinee performance. Join us for an afternoon of laughs at the Commonweal!

It is a true testament to the writing and the power of comedy that after 120 years, Charley's Aunt remains as funny as when it made its debut. Tom Weber of the Post-Bulletin agrees. Click here to read his full review of the production. 
The Power of Art
Of course, we love the art of theatre and know it to be a powerful force in life. We feel the same way about other forms of art. Our own lobby, for example, is an installation of artwork from the supremely talented Karl Unnasch. 

By Brian Andreas
This summer, we are pleased to 
partner with Barnyard Gallery in Lanesboro, showcasing some of their works. Now in their second season, Barnyard Gallery has a fine collection of StoryPeople pieces from Brian Andreas of Decorah, Iowa as well as the popular Steel Cow paintings of Valerie Miller from Waukon, Iowa. The next time you visit Lanesboro and the Commonweal, take a walk across the street to Barnyard Gallery and experience art of another kind. 

Inspired by Woody Guthrie's American Song
And of course, as in years past, we are thrilled to display the works of artists from Lanesboro Arts. This season we present the paintings of Leisa Luis-Grill. Leisa has created five pieces based on themes and/or settings of the plays produced this season. 

Arrive early to the theatre to check out the art -- on our walls and our ceiling! 
In Search Of...
Commonweal Production Manager Thomas White has put out the call for a filing cabinet, or two, to be used for storing dress patterns in our costume shop. If you happen to have a spare cabinet to donate or if you are able to lead us in the direction of one, please call Thomas at (507) 467-2905 ext. 222
Theatre Times Two
Ask anyone in the Commonweal family and they will tell you that a professional theatre company annually producing plays in a town of 750 is a miraculous thing. They will also tell you that having not one, but two, performing  arts spaces in that town is doubly so!

Twice a year, the talented folks at Lanesboro Community Theater come together to produce both plays and musicals. With a cast of 29 (!!), Mary Poppins is now plays this weekend at the St. Mane Theatre in downtown Lanesboro. For more details and ticket info visit Lanesboro Community Theatre
Lanesboro's Annual Buffalo Bill Days
Beginning next Friday, Jul 31st and continuing through Sunday, August 2, Buffalo Bill Days returns to Lanesboro. The city-wide festival features marketplaces, food booths, live entertainment, dances, volleyball and softball tournaments and a grand parade. Please be reminded that if you are heading to the Commonweal to take in a performance on Friday or Saturday to give yourself extra time for travel and parking. On Sunday, the Commonweal is closed in celebration of the grand parade.

 

208 Parkway Ave N, Lanesboro MN 55949
(800) 657-7025


Now Featuring:

Woody Guthrie's
American Song

&

Charley's Aunt

Visit our 
for details.


Commonweal Theatre Company | Lanesboro, Minnesota | (800) 657-7025 | (507) 467-2525
tickets@commonwealtheatre.org