The Spirit Play
Magic and Mentalism at the Storefront Theater
Posted by DCA Theater on November 4, 2011 in July-December 2011 Season, The Spirit Play
Last week, DCA Theater hosted Contacting the Spirits: Magic and Mentalism in the 19th century. Presented in conjunction with The Strange Tree Group’s world premiere production of The Spirit Play, the lecture focused on mentalism and spirit mediums in 1870s Chicago and included a magic demonstration. Local historian and author Ursula Bielski, founder of Chicago Hauntings, Inc., was on hand to share and answer questions about mediums and the Spiritualist movement, while magician Brett Schneider, who also designed the illusions in The Spirit Play, dazzled the audience with his knowledge and tricks.
Musical Musings
Posted by DCA Theater on October 29, 2011 in July-December 2011 Season, The Spirit Play
Submitted by Michael Huey, Composer and Sound Designer for The Spirit Play
A giant blank slate. That’s pretty much how it starts with every project. It’s a sort of sunny optimism that inevitably gives way to sheer terror with nights spent wondering if you’ve ruined the entire show and doubting you’ll ever want to write music again. But don’t fret! This story (like every good story), has a happy ending.
Understudy standing by
Posted by DCA Theater on October 28, 2011 in July-December 2011 Season, The Spirit Play
Submitted by Cory Aiello, understudy for The Spirit Play and an Artistic Associate with The Strange Tree Group
Well, hello there! I have been asked to blog about my experience understudying for Strange Tree Group’s The Spirit Play, currently playing at the beautiful DCA Storefront Theater. Before getting into the specifics of this show I’d like to begin by debunking the most prevalent (and hurtful) myth about understudies: that we are all out to kill the actors that we are understudying. This is just not true at all! I have many reasons for wanting to kill Scott Cupper and Michael Downey, but they all existed before I became their understudy. So please, enough of the stereotypical notion that we are all malicious Eve Harringtons looking to permanently replace our respective Margo Channings.
The Spirit Play: Post Your Review
Posted by DCA Theater on October 17, 2011 in July-December 2011 Season, The Spirit Play
Séances, spirit mediums, and supernatural occurrences took Victorian-era America by storm, as otherwise sensible people grasped at any means to reach out to their loved-ones on the other side. In the insular, upper-class world of 1870s Chicago, three scheming charlatans prey on the rich with elaborate tricks and magic during well-rehearsed séances. But when young Jane, the so-called medium, begins to receive unexpected communications from the dead, her world takes a stunning turn.
View photos from the show
What did you think about the show? Share your comments here.
What it’s like on the inside
Posted by DCA Theater on October 14, 2011 in July-December 2011 Season, The Spirit Play
Submitted by Michael Downey, the actor who plays Doctor Buchard in The Spirit Play and is an Artistic Associate with The Strange Tree Group
It’s come to this. I’ve been asked to write an entry that measures my experiences working with the gruesome villains and the beastly ne’er-do-wells associated with Strange Tree’s latest chunk of theatrical devilry. The thought of re-experiencing this phantasm serves up nothing for me but deep fried torment. Alas, for you my gentle and unassuming friends I will recount the horror. The true and unwavering horror.
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