Ferris Takes Over, or, Math Is Cool and Might Get You Some After All!

Blog introductions are weird! I don’t know what I’m doing.

I’m Kristen, and I’m the new Natasha. Our friend Tash is currently having the best time ever in the South of France while I am trudging around the frozen hellscape of New Brunswick, trying desperately not to fall and die on patches of ice (so far successfully).

Little bit about me: senior, carbohydrate enthusiast (conveniently lives next to a bagel shop), thirsty for danger (or coffee). And I do stuff at Cabaret sometimes.

Me doing stuff at Cabaret

So over the next semester – my last semester, cue nostalgic song that reminds you instantly of your rapidly fading youth – I’ll be writing about what’s going on at Cabaret.

First! 'Proof'!

'Proof' is Cabaret’s third mainstage of the 2014-2015 season. Written by David Auburn, this play centers on one young woman’s difficulty to reconcile her father’s intense mathematical genius and his crippling mental illness, especially in terms of contemplating her own talent, abilities, and fears. This show has everything: meaty characters navigating meaty mental questions, tension of all kinds, a make-out sesh on wicker furniture, Alt-J, blacklights, bagels.

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Ya boi Chris

Directed by the ever-super artistic Jasia Ries, Proof’s cast of four knit you an XXL sweater of emotional intensity and pull that sweater right over your spectating little head.

Cody Beltis as Robert proves (Ha!) that you can at once be devastatingly handsome and play an old, mentally insane genius guy. Homeboy can do it all. Cody was recently said to “bring RNL’s sex appeal up by 1000” (Sydor, 2014)* and here he trades in RNL’s tear-off pants for some ‘Proof’ baby powder. The result: a completely captivating, devastating portrayal of a war between mental skill and instability.

*proper APA citations always necessary

Here’s a super paraphrased account of our conversation:

KFer: Cody! You! You’re old! Do you like playing old people?

Cody: Yeah, I love being an old man. My favorite roles are preferably above the age of fifty and wrinkly.

KFer: Dude, you smell really good.

Cody: It’s my hair (points to baby powder-covered old guy hair). The smell of ‘Proof’ is baby powder. Feel my cheek!

KFer: (touches cheek) Wow. You’re an old man with a baby-soft cheek.

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Check out that killer sweater

Alyssa Krompier plays Catherine and of course I sat there swooning all over because Kromps is always the dreamiest. Kromps gives a crazy chilling performance (I’m talking hairs standing up on my arms) as that aforementioned young woman struggling with introspection regarding her father’s simultaneous genius and insanity. Yo, for real – she is compelling. And dreamy. Did I mention dreamy?

Another paraphrased account of our conversation:

KFer: What does math taste like?

Kromps: Math tastes like a mouth full of bent staples.

KFer: Poetry. So are you good at math in real life?

Kromps: I have zero capacity for math. I use my calculator for tipping at restaurants. I actually had to be tutored in eighth grade because I was failing algebra. But in the end, I brought it up to an A.

KFer: You prevailed. That’s what the show is about, right? Prevailing? Math?

Kromps: That’s what ‘Proof’ is about. Prevailing. Through math.

KFer: Also math.

Kromps: Math.

Justice Hehir made me cheese so hard playing Claire, Katherine’s perfectionist, probably well-intentioned older sister. Justice perfectly executes the role of “wow you’re so intrusive and meddling but it’s hilarious so even though I want you to shut up I want you to keep talking.” It is delightfully contradictory and she also wore really cute ballet flats.

Me and Justice’s super short conversation:

KFer: Justice, what does math smell like? (If you can’t tell, my questions were all really stupid)

Justice: Umm… jojoba, asparagus urine, coffee, and your mom.

Ooooh dat math

Matthew Finnerty shows just how sexy math (or at least mathematicians) are playing Hal, a PhD student of Robert’s who stresses out about being washed up and insignificant in the math world at 28. Depressing. But adorable. Matt’s Hal both helps make some mess and clean it up, all while being flawed in the cutest, nerdiest ways. If there are any math PhD’s like this at Rutgers, I must know. ...for science.

This was my first time meeting Matt, and I obviously did a great job being normal:

KFer: Hi I’m Kristen, what does math taste like?

Matt: I’m Matt, what?

KFer: What do you think math tastes like?

Matt: Uh, tacos.

I also watched Jasia direct the crap out of a curtain call. It was beautiful. In case you wanted to know what Jasia thinks that math tastes like: Skittles, she says. But she hates Skittles.

Jasia killin the game

You have two weekends to see this show, wow! You can also see it both weekends! You can see it every time (no you can’t that is excessive)! I know I want to see it again. For the math. Nah just kidding, for the making out on wicker.

Weekend 1:
- Friday, February 6th at 8pm
- Saturday, February 7th at 8pm
- Sunday, February 8th at 7pm

Weekend 2:
- Friday, February 13th at 8pm
- Saturday, February 14th at 8pm
- Sunday, February 15th at 7pm

Tickets are $7 for students/faculty/staff/seniors (citizens, not the class of 2015, womp womp) and $12 for general admission.

Fine print: Cabaret Theatre is at the corner of Suydam Street and Nichol Avenue on the Douglass Campus. If you want to come see ‘Proof’, please email ticket reservations with your name, date of performance, number of tickets needed to cabtheatre@gmail.com. Please arrive more than 20 minutes before show time. If later you risk losing your reservation to those on the waiting list.

People!

Production Staff!
- Director: Jasia Ries
- Assistant Director: Eddie Norgard
- Co-Stage Managers: Chris Price and Irene Martinez

Cast!
- Catherine: Alyssa Krompier
- Hal: Matthew Finnerty
- Robert: Cody Beltis
- Claire: Justice Hehir

Honorable prod staff mention: JimJim

tl;dr: Math is power. Power is money. You need 7 or 12 monies to see this show. You need 14 or 24 monies to see this show twice. You need 49 or 144 monies to see this show squared. Math.

Next up: RNL X. Oh man, are you guys in for it. #returnofthehunterspiders? #onice?

Love from your old pal Sharkey,

KFer

Don’t cry for me Cabaret Theatre…

Well, folks, it looks like we have reached the end of an era. *cue imperial death march music*

Today is my last blog post EVER…for Cabaret Theatre.

Dad?

Now, I know it may be difficult for you to contain your tears and sadness about my departure, but do not fret my ducklings; my spirit will exist on through the internet for years and years to come. If you ever feel lonely, and are missing your Tashie, read my past posts and feel my essence. That is where I will exist and thrive.

*throws up*

Oh boo hoo Natasha, cry us a river.

I must say, there is something uniquely cleansing about talking to the internet void–a familiar yet unknown “other”. I talk to no-one and everyone at the same time…it’s such a weird paradox.

Why am I leaving, you ask?

1. I am graduating early (hard work pays off, folks)
2. Nothing lasts forever
3. I am going to France for a few months (I’ll be working in a French Theatre!)

Thank you to all of my fans for continuing to read my internet ramblings; especially my two number one girls, Kate Thomas and Heather Tedesco! You two win the award for “Best Natasha Supporter of the Year”. Please put this accolade on your resumes and brag about it at social gatherings. It will lead you to success, love, and chocolate.

What I’ll miss most about Rutgers is the theatre community I’ve made for myself here. I’ve been a part of Cabaret for years, and it is going to be an odd adjustment having it out of my life. Because of this, you all better send me videos of rehearsals and performances while I’m abroad so I can get my Cabaret-fixin’ in over-seas!

Also, next semester will be the 10th show for Rutgers Night Live! Even though I won’t be here to see it’s beautiful (yet horrifying) fruition, I have an alumni digital short in production (cough in my mind cough) that will be an exciting addition to the show.

Without further adieu, I would like to introduce you to your new best friend, my replacement, and also my saucy lover, KRISTEN FERRIS!

Kristen Ferris, also known as “Sharkey”

KFer will be Cabaret Theatre’s new Social Media Chair for the Spring 2015 semester. I expect you all to treat her with the utmost respect, as you have treated me, or else I will unleash my fury in another blog post (contain your excitement). I met Kristen my freshman year during LTC Rocky Horror Picture Show Auditions. We didn’t talk much, but she seemed like a cool gal. Then, we reconnected last year in Cabaret’s [title of show]. That’s when we became best friends that cross every friend boundary and have a freaky yet sexy relationship with each other. Also her boyfriend is a red head–what’s up with that?

We’re best friends.

No seriously. She’s mine and you can’t have her.

Good luck, Kristen! The internet audience can be overwhelming at times, but I’m sure Kate and Heather will guide you along the path to victory.

What’s next at Cabaret Theatre? Auditions for Proof, by David Auburn.

Proof by David Auburn is a poignant and haunting exploration of a woman’s struggle to define herself in the face of her father’s legacy of mathematical genius and his devastating mental illness. She fears she has inherited more than one aspect of his mind. The play premiered in 2000 and went on to win the 2001 Tony Award for best play and the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for drama. It brilliantly portrays extraordinary characters coping with, perhaps, very ordinary problems. How do these characters settle family affairs? How do they raise their children? How do they make themselves distinct from their parents? How do they grieve? The play strikes home because although they are remarkable minds, they are just like us.

Auditions will be held at Cabaret Theatre *** on

– Monday, December 8th from 8pm to Midnight

– Tuesday, December 9th from 8pm to Midnight

– Callbacks will be held over winter break in January

Meet the Production Staff::

Director: Jasia Ries

Assistant Director: Eddie Norgard

Co-Stage Manager: Chris Price

Co-Stage Manager: Irene Martinez

Show Dates::

— Friday, February 6th at 8pm

— Saturday, February 7th at 8pm

— Sunday, February 8th at 7pm

— Friday, February 13th at 8pm

— Saturday, February 14th at 8pm

— Sunday, February 15th at 7pm

Character Breakdowns:

— Catherine: 25, brilliant, sensitive, afraid that she has inherited her father’s tendency towards instability. She takes care of her father for years and has made many sacrifices.

— Robert: 50s, father to Catherine and Claire, an absolute genius who revolutionized mathematical theory. Though mentally unstable, he really tries to be a father to Catherine.

— Claire: 29, Catherine’s sister. She is very put together, very exact. Her attempt to organize her family’s affairs is well-meaning but ultimately ill-timed. Lives in New York since she escaped there from Chicago years ago.

— Hal: 28, Robert’s former student, funny, sweet, loyal. He idolizes Robert and determinedly searches through his Professor’s scribbles (even from the most unstable period of his life) to find something useful. Falls for Catherine.

Please come prepared with….

— a head shot (if you have one)

— theater resume (if you have one)

— class schedule for Spring 2015

— all conflicts from December, through Winter Break, until the end of February. (work, appointments, meetings, events, etc.)

You MUST….

…be available for all show dates

…be able to rehearse at Cabaret Theatre in January

…be a full time undergraduate Rutgers student

Questions? Please email producer.cabarettheatre@gmail.com

***Cabaret Theatre is located at the corner of Suydam Street and Nichol Avenue on the Douglass campus

RUSA allocations paid for by student fees.

Audition for this show because I physically can’t and it breaks my heart wahhhh. Also send me videos.

Goodbye my friends! I’ll talk to you again soon, but not on this blog. You know where to find me, internet.

ALSO

Shameless Plug. I’m participating in a “25 Days of Christmas Songs” Challenge for the first 25 days of Christmas. I record and upload a different Christmas song everyday! Check it out

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, and stay classy New Brunswick (and the one person who reads this in Cuba?).

N-Shady,

OUT.

Lottery numbers, Polar Bears, and Smoke Monsters–oh my! Time for Murder Ballad.

Since my last couple of blogs have been BOOMING in stats, I’ve officially reached Cabaret Blog celebrity status (no photographs please) (actually please take some I need new headshots).

I can hardly walk around the Rutgers University campus without having my fellow peers stare at me in a star-struck manner. I can sense their jealousy and awe. I receive so many compliments per day, like:

• Is that smell coming from her?
• Does she know that she’s talking to a wall?
• Why is she making frog noises?

I’m swimming in compliments here folks, it’s almost unbearable. I don’t know how NSync did it (#RIP #forevernostringsattached)

That being said, I know you all are DYING to hear about my personal life. I am pleased to inform you that I am currently on season 6 of Lost, and every episode makes me cry. Jack is my number #1 again, as Sawyer started to annoy me, and Desmond apparently isn’t in this season. Also, Richard Albert has the best backstory (Izz-ah-bellaaaa). They’re my characters and you can’t have them.

Alright, alright. What other show did I binge watch this summer? Dexter! And what is Dexter about? Murder!

Presenting…

Murder Ballad

Cabaret’s newest main stage and my worst segue.

Currently, I am sitting in Cabaret Theatre as the cast, crew, and band prepare for their first tech rehearsal. This set is by far one of my favorites at Cabaret to date. First off, there’s a pool table which also serves as a bed (*wink). Second, there’s a bar (*double wink). Third, you can walk, jump, and do *naughty* things ON the bar (*no more winking). Fourth, the band is center stage on the platform. It is perfect and I love it so.

I personally had never heard of Murder Ballad before Cabaret announced it as one of the mainstages for the 2014-2015 season. Going into this rehearsal, I had no idea what to expect. But, as I walked in to the band warming up to RHCP, I knew the show would not disappoint.

Get it? Get it? *gags*

Murder Ballad is a steamy exploration of the complications of love, the compromises we make and the betrayals that undo us. This is the dramatic story of a love triangle gone wrong centering on Sara, an uptown girl who seems to have it all, but whose downtown past lingers enticingly and dangerously in front of her. Sex, love, lies, and a murder fill this show with pure entertainment that should not be missed.

Words I like in this description: Steamy. Betrayal. Lingers enticingly. And love triangle (Jack, Kate, and Sawyer anyone?).

“We have to go back”

Since this show is a “ballad”, the pit and the actors’ musical abilities are given prime time to shine. Even I was impressed, and I’m usually a tough cookie to please when it comes to musicals. The Narrator has a sexy and electrifying belt; Sara’s sweet looks deceive her fiery persona; Michael’s ever-lovable and huggable character had me awing and gasping in every scene; and Tom exemplifies rock n’ roll with a hot Kansas twist, ever tempting us all to the dark side.

While waiting for the run to begin, I decided to “interview” a few key members of the staff, crew, and performers. Here’s what they had to say:

(Here I take on my Nshady persona. Imagine it. It’s awesome)

A brief interview with Justin Brown (director)

• Nshady: Hi Justin Brown
• JB: Hi.
• Nshady: Describe the show in five words. Go.
• JB: Wait, does it have to be…five…adjectives?
• Nshady: Sure, why not. Go!
• JB: Sexy, malicious, electrifying….rock…and roll.

A surprise interview with Justin Luckenbaugh (actor)

• Nshady: Hi Justin!
• JL: Hi Natasha!
• Nshady: What is the most annoying thing about director Justin?
• JL: What?! I don’t know…he listens to Beyonce a lot. And he enjoys the sexual parts of this show.

Lauren Burcheri (pianist) tells me about things

• Nshady: Hi Lauren!
• LB: ….Hi…
• Nshady: Five favorite moments of the show…go!
• LB: Practicing with the pit and creating a dynamic together, the music and the story of the show is very catchy, the fact that I was still able to do this show even though the dates were moved, and I like that there’s not a formal conductor with the music, which allows us to just jam and go with it, and Justin as the director.

Jared Gallegos (tech crew), a.k.a. the only person who asks me how I’m doing

• Nshady: Hi Jared!
• JG: Hello! How are you?
• Nshady: I’m great, how are you?
• JG: Doing fine.
• Nshady: How has your experience been doing tech with the show so far?
• JG: Somewhat rushed, but I’m actually on the same time-frame as I usually am. Yeah…that’s it.

A brief interview of no importance with Steph van Oppen (Managing Director)

• Nshady: What do you like best about your pink hair, and why is it pink?
• SvO: Pink matches all of my…blue clothes.

A hot and steamy with Mary Berko (choreographer)

• Nshady: Hi Mary!
• MB: Hi!
• Nshady: What did you do for the show?
• MB: This show?
• Nshady: Yes this show.
• MB: I helped choreograph some great scenes…slash modern dance…but not really.
• Nshady: I hear there may be a sex scene. Can you confirm the rumors?
• MB: Yes, I can confirm that. It’s very abstract.
• Nshady: Is it hot and steamy?
• MB: It’s pretty hot and steamy.
• Nshady: You heard it, folks.

I confuse Dalton Zogleman (actor)…a lot…

• Nshady: Hi Dalton!
• DZ: Hi Natasha!
• Nshady: How has being from Kansas inspired your role in this show?
• DZ: ……..Um……that’s a great question…how has being from Kansas inspired my role in this show………………………………………………….I have no clue……………………..I really don’t know………………(laughter)…………………………….(awkward laughter)………………………………. ……………………..(silence)……………………………..
• Nshady: Alright, I’ll give you a take two. Hey Dalton.
• DZ: Hey Natasha…
• Nshady: What are your thoughts about American Foreign Policy? Go.
• DZ: I think that there’s much room for improvement and I am a proud citizen of this United States of America.
• Nshady: Very political of you.
• DZ: Thank you.

Courtney King (Artistic Director) loves me more than you do!

• Nshady: Hi hi!
• CK: Hi! Wassup?
• Nshady: What is the best thing about my super awesome fun-time blog?
• CK: Um…Natasha…you write your blog…so that’s the best thing…that you write it. And Natasha is my favorite. She often incorporates poop and that’s exciting for us all…and her…because she loves poop. And she is a beautiful actress. We’ll miss her so much when she leaves us for France.
• Nshady: Yes I’m wonderful. Let’s segue into Murder Ballad now. What is your favorite thing about the show?
• CK: My favorite thing about Murder Ballad is that we’re incorporating a new set up; we have a bar and we’re using the band onstage. It’s a whole new environment for Cabaret.

FOR THE RECORD COURTNEY MENTIONED POOP IN THIS BLOG, NOT ME.

Just had to get that out there.

Yeah and I’m proud of it.

Here is all the info you need for the show:

Cabaret Theatre presents,

Murder Ballad

*****This production contains adult language and content. We recommend this show for mature audiences only.*****

Dates::

- Thursday, November 20th @ 8pm

- Friday, November 21st @ 8pm

- Saturday, November 22nd @ 8pm and 11:59pm

- Sunday, November 23rd @ 7pm

Performances will be held at Cabaret Theatre. The theatre is located at the corner of Suydam Street and Nichol Avenue on the Douglass Campus.

Tickets::

- $7 Students/Faculty/Staff/Seniors

- $12 General Admission

Please email ticket reservations complete with your name, date of performance, number of tickets needed to cabtheatre@gmail.com***

***Please arrive more than 20 minutes before show time. If later you risk losing your reservation to those on the waiting list.

Meet the Cast:

- Narrator: Erica Nader

- Sara: Stephanie Turci

- Michael: Justin Luckenbaugh

- Tom: Dalton Zogleman

Meet the Production Staff:

- Director: Justin Brown

- Assistant Director: Claudia Nunez

- Stage Manager: Nicola Keegan

- Assistant Stage Manager: Sabrina Pellunat

- Musical Director: Steph Mangioglu

- Assistant Musical Director: Jessica Sipe

- Choreographer: Mary Berko

Meet the Pit::

- Piano: Lauren Burcheri

- Drums: Evan Tsioni

- Bass Guitar: James Nascimento

- Guitar: Justin DeUmberto

Come see all of these beautiful people and their hard work this weekend! Be prepared for a raucous time. Did I mention Dalton is from Kansas? He’s from Kansas. Apparently there’s a lot of corn there. And tornadoes. And lots of women named Dorothy.

Side note–this is my last theatre review for the blog (insert sad face here), as I am graduating in a little over three weeks. How weird is that? I’ll have a “sign-off” post after the holiday, and introduce you to our new Social Media Chair! (her name may or may not be Kristen and she may or may not be equally as cool as I am)

Until then, I’ll be flying planes from LAX to Australia trying to get back to the Island. See ya in another life, brotha.

Nshady, out.

***ALSO Rutgers Night Live Auditions are this Monday from 8-Midnight, with Callbacks on Tuesday TBD, both at Cabaret. Come out and audition! You’ll get to meet me! Bring your funny bones, and make sure to leave all of the non-funny ones at home.***

Seasonal Confusion and Lots of Interviews…it must be Directors’ Showcase time!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…

Silver bells…silver bells…

La da da da da daaaa, it’s time for Hanukkah

November=December=Winter holidays for me. I’m not sorry. But I am currently listening to Mariah Carey’s fantastic rendition of “All I Want for Christmas is You”.

Happy Thanksgiving?

BUT, segueing to the point, it is the most wonderful time of the year, because it is time for Directors’ Showcase!

For those of you who don’t know (most of you) Directors’ Showcase was my very first show at Cabaret Theatre, let alone at Rutgers. As an underclassman, being cast in my first show was amazing, and the DS environment was (and still is) the perfect introduction into college theatre. My show was about two waiters, who had ambitions, and one of them ended with an interpretative dance. You don’t need to know any more than that.

#myfirstshow #nostalgia

Because DS is so near and dear to me, and many other actors at Cabaret, this week’s blog post consists of interviews with the directors themselves (woooooo)!

What is Directors’ Showcase, you ask? I’ll tell ya! Directors’ Showcase is a collection of 15 to 20 minute plays directed by first time directors.

I talked to the lovely Kayla Votapek (and by talk I mean Facebook messaged–yay technology), coordinator extraordinaire, and asked her to describe Directors’ Showcase to me in her own words. Here’s what she said:

• “Directors’ showcase is one of the few special events that allows students who never directed, never stage managed, and never acted, to have a chance to try something new. It allows new and old members to be part of an amazing theatrical experience.”

Kayla also added:

• “The reason why it means so much to me is because of the fact that it was the first show I did as a freshman at Cabaret. DS gave me the chance to show everyone what I can do and allowed me to get to where I am today. This year is my 3rd year doing the showcase and i am so proud to see all my babies grow throughout the entire process and so glad that we have brand new faces at Cabaret Theatre.”

Here’s us on Halloween. Ten points for Gryffindor if you know who I am.

Before we begin with the Director interviews, here is all of the information you need about the performances:

The 2014 Directors’ Showcase at Cabaret Theatre

Coordinated by Kayla Votapek and Stage Managed by Jacqueline Malzone

Dates:

- Friday, November 14 @ 8pm**

- Saturday, November 15 @ 8pm

- Sunday, November 16 @ 7pm

**Proceeds from the Friday performance will be donated to the Holt International Adoption Agency.

Performances will be held at Cabaret Theatre, which is located on the corner of Suydam Street and Nichol Avenue on the Douglass Campus

Tickets:

$7 Students/Faculty/Staff/Seniors

$12 General Admission

To reserve tickets please send an email including your name, dates you would like to attend, and number of tickets to cabtheatre@gmail.com.(please arrive at least 20 minutes early to keep your reservation)

THE SHOWS:

Interview with Loneliness, by Ann Wuehler

• Directed by Chris Price
• Featuring: Toni Pollitt, Megan Cavanagh and Kim Bollard

Waiting for the Matinee by Eric Coble

• Directed by Constantina Scoullis
• Featuring: Kajoree Bhattacharya and Justice Hehir

For Anne by Peter Gruen

• Directed by Laura Pomykala
• Featuring: Kelly Lozo and Matt Apploff

Blind Date by Laurie Allen

• Directed by Eddie Norgard
• Featuring: Chris Wilson, Kim Bollard, LaJuan Miller, Thalia Peck, Matt Apploff and Kajoree Bhattacharya

Ties that Bind by Eric Coble

• Directed by Hantz Jean-Francois
• Featuring: Luke Basile, Alex Esposito, Lajuan Miller, Thalia Peck, Toni Pollitt and Steve Rengifo

That being said, can I get a drumroll please

Let us begin!

*cue Who Wants to be a Millionaire Music*

An Interview with Chris Price

Facebook means that no one is safe. Let the pictures begin.

Tell us a little about your show:

• “Interviews with Loneliness” is a 3-woman piece that portrays how these women struggle with independence, dark pasts, self-worth, and love. Fearful of being single, but tired of destructive companionship, Annarae, Janet, and Queela have individual stories that have no escape from loneliness. Ultimately, they are in the hot spot to make a choice: be in love, yet feel lonely, or dread the solitude of having never truly loved.

Why did you pick this show?

• I selected this show because I wanted a show that offered deeper substance and was a bit of a challenge. On paper, there are three stories, simple. However, bringing it to life for 15 minutes was a great journey. Also, I think the overall story is relatable to what we all go through. We know what is good for us, but there is an underlying layer of bad or consequences to every good choice we think we are making for ourselves. That’s life, and life is full of difficult decisions.

What is different about this experience than your other directing experiences?

• I was blessed with being able to direct this year’s musical revue at Cabaret, Unsung Chapters. However, Director’s Showcase provided me with something different because I have not worked creatively on a straight play since acting in high school. Since coming to Rutgers, I have stage managed one play and performed and been on production staffs for a number of musicals, but I avoided creatively being involved with plays for a long time. This experience gave me the chance to get back into straight plays!

Favorite moment of the show?

• All of it, simple as that. I really enjoy this show, and I think others will too.

Favorite moment during rehearsal?

• Chilling with my actresses and have them do weird things like talk to themselves in corners of rooms.

How has your vision come to life through Cabaret Theatre?

• Cabaret really gave me free reigns with this show, and I was able to change up the script and setting and all that jazz. #thankscabaret

And lastly, why should we come see your show?

• Because I said so.

The last answer is simple and sweet. I like your style Chris. Let’s be friends.

Next!

An Interview with Constantina Scoullis

Tell us a little about your show:

• A tribute to Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, two middle-aged women are waiting for the matinee to start. They try and kill time, and amidst hilarious discussion, fall back into the absurdist motif.

Why did you pick this show?

• I feel like I need some deep answer to this…but I just read the play and thought it would be fun to do. Yeah, that’s basically it.

Are you a first time director? How’s the experience?

• It has been really great! I was pretty nervous and worried about a lot of things going into showcase—especially since directing is something that you need to figure out, because there is really no one way to direct. As rehearsals went by though, I realized that the things that I was worried about were things that you can (and have to) easily pick up on the spot. Not to say that directing is easy—it’s not. I was just more worried about it than I should have been.
• Plus, I love my actors, and they were very instrumental in this whole learning experience for me.

What is your favorite moment of the show?

• The part where Justice and Kajoree show that they are a good audience!

Favorite moment during rehearsal?

• We went on some pretty…interesting tangents during rehearsal. Also, when Justice and Kajoree would do a little bit of improv in between runs, I basically got a week’s worth of ab workouts done within 2 minutes. They are so funny together. I can’t even.

How has your vision come to life through Cabaret Theatre?

• Generally—just the fact that Cabaret Theatre offers a chance for people to get a taste of directing a show. In regards to my show specifically—the fact that Cabaret Theatre is a very intimate space, and I want the audience to feel like there’s minimal distance between them and the things happening on stage.

Why should we come see your show??

• Because Justice and Kajoree. Enough said.

Shout out to my ladies, woot woot!

Also, last year I performed in the Original Play Festival, with one of Connie’s original plays. She’s a very talented lady, and I can’t wait to see her directorial debut.

Next next next…

An interview with Eddie Norgard

Yo. This is a pretty cool pic. Very James Dean-esque

Tell us a little about your show:

• My show is called “The Blind Date”. It’s a short comedy about two completely different people being forced to find reasons to date just to please their friends. As if the date couldn’t be any more terrible, their friends who set them up on this blind date decide to visit the restaurant they are at to very obnoxiously intrude on their already dysfunctional relationship.

Why did you choose to work on Blind Date?

• I picked this show for a couple reasons. I had previously been an actor in the short at my high school. I thought it would be nice to direct it with my own vision rather than my old director’s vision. I also picked the show because I wanted to remind people that we can find reasons to love one another despite the most obvious differences that come at face value. If we dig a little deeper we can connect with anyone.

Are you a first time director? If so, how was the new experience?

• I am a first time director! I found it to be extremely eye opening. I have been acting since I was in 1st grade but I have never sat in the director’s chair and it feels good to finally be on this side of the table. I loved every aspect of it and my cast was extremely supportive and cooperative.

Favorite moment of the show?

• I think the best moment in my show is when Kayla has simply had enough of the shenanigans being thrown at her and just mentally breaks down. Its funny to see her completely go insane because of how badly her date is going.

Favorite moment during rehearsal?

• Its hard to pick a favorite moment. My cast was super fun to work with and we were all laughing at every rehearsal. Working on a comedy with naturally hilarious people is just the best time!

How has your vision come to life through Cabaret Theatre?

• I am so grateful to Courtney, Allie, and Kayla for giving me the opportunity to gain directing experience through this special Cabaret event!! I absolutely have had the best time and have learned so much. Cabaret is really good about allowing artists to express themselves and they give equal opportunity to all despite lack of knowledge or experience. The entire E-Board is willing to help you learn and to guide you. I could not be more happy to call Cabaret my home.

And lastly, why should we come see your show?

• You should come see my show if you want to laugh but also if you want to think. The comedic atmosphere of my show shouldn’t cover up the deeper meanings found within the script. It’s important to look at any piece of art as multidimensional and that is so true for theatre arts as well. If you wanna laugh and have a good time come to director’s showcase but remember to take away something from each show! Enjoy!

An Interview with Laura Pomykala

Can you give us a little summary of the show, “For Anne” ?

• While cleaning out their attic, Anne and Peter accidentally find pieces of their past that they have kept from one another. However, the result of true love causing the secrecy can prove if love can conquer all.

Why did you decide to direct this show?

• When I read the script, the story resonated with me for the rest of the day. I read other scripts but “For Anne” was the first script I read and the one I was thinking about when reading all of the other scripts. I had to share Anne and Peter’s story and to show that chivalry isn’t really lost. You just have to find the right person who understands and respects you.

Are you a first time director? If so, how was the new experience?

• I am a first time director and it’s been a blast! Because I’m an actor, I definitely approached directing with a very understanding but precise image of how to act. I wanted to make sure I had genuine emotions coming from my actors so that the audience would feel like they were watching their reality. With this said, I wanted my actors to make their own choices about how they felt when being their character and to make choices for their actions. I simply directed the talent and helped bring it out.

Favorite moment of the show?

• If I do I’ll spoil the ending, but I’ll give you a hint. It’s all about the poem from 1937.

Favorite moment during rehearsal?

• Seeing my cast during our last rehearsal before tech week and everyone realizing how much the play has grown.

How has your vision come to life through Cabaret Theatre?

• Being able to bring a story to life from scratch has been an amazing experience! I would have never directed if it wasn’t for the fact that Cabaret had the Director’s Showcase. Through the love people have for theater at Cabaret, I was able to contribute with my passion and now share this story through my favorite art form.

And lastly, why should we come see your show??

• Because don’t you want to know what my favorite part of the play is?! Remember “the poem from 1937”!

An interview with Hantz Jean-Francois

Favorite picture by far. YES

Can you give us a small summary of “Ties That Bind” ?

• The play focuses on the Amazing Krispinsky, an escape artist, and his escape from life. By using the metaphor of escaping chains, Coble is able to touch upon both positive and negative facets of life and its many phases we endure.

What made you choose to direct this particular show?

• I just think being in my twenties and going to college gives way to so many challenges that often come about at this point in life. We, as a people and a generation, are dealing with sadness, depression, and doubt but we also experience joy, rejuvenation, and growth. Once I read the play, I knew that it encompassed all of these aspects in a creative way. The fact that it can relate to the lives of every in attendance, as well as, performing really solidified my choice.

Are you a first time director? If so, how was the new experience?

• I perform spoken word and make hip hop music but I wanted to further expand my artistic prowess and I knew Cabaret would be a great outlet to do that. Directing has been such an amazing experience allowing me to make the play my own, which is really exciting to me.

Favorite moment of the show?

• One of my favorite parts of the show is when Steve and Espo (Alex) first come out and start selling their food in a very comical way.

Favorite moment during rehearsal?

• Definitely being able to see different personalities and levels of experience come together to create something cohesive, funny and meaningful.

How has your vision come to life through Cabaret Theatre?

• After reading the play, I knew that Coble wanted there to be a hint of comedy but to also bring to light the beautiful struggle that is life. What I needed to understand was how to make the play my own so I wanted to be able to balance both comedy and morals with underlying themes. With amazing actors such as the ones I was blessed to work with, I was able to make that happen.

And lastly, why should we come see your show?

• You should come see my show because it will relieve some of the stress life brings by bringing you some laughs and enlightenment.

You heard ‘em, folks. Directors’ Showcase is going to be fantastic, and you should come! I’ll be at the Sunday show if you want to print out a version of my blog…maybe I’ll sign it or something…if I’m in a good mood.

Before I sign-off for the day, I would like to give a shout-out to my number one fan, Kate Thomas! I promised her a place of special honor in my next blog, and this is it. We miss you Kate. Come back. Let’s battle demons in supermarkets again.

One of the most disturbing moments of our young lives. Thanks Dan Conroy.

N-Shady, out.

ALSO Murder Ballad is NEXT WEEK. Expect another blog post soon. Very soon. Super soon. I have to start writing it now.

Smells like teen spirit…I mean, Dog Sees God

Welcome to Palindrome Land! Population, tire.

Featuring…

• He won snow, eh?
• Racecar
• DOG SEES GOD (SHOW TITLE SHOW TITLE ALERT ALERT)
• No lemons, no melon.
• Was it a bar or a bat I saw?
• Egad! No bondage?

And my favorite:

• Ah, Satan sees Natasha.

Hey look my name is in a palindrome! Hey look it’s pretty creepy! Hey look now Annabelle is going to attack me!

Disregard the creepiness of my own name in a palindrome, and focus on the show DOG SEES GOD.

This show has teenage angst written all over it…and sex, death, love, gossip, confusion and anger. DSG encompasses every emotion a young person can experience in finding himself. In an intricate journey of exploration, provoked by the death of a beloved pooch (RIP), the characters question and challenge their relationships with one another, and ultimately embody what it means to be human.

Dog Sees God provoked a lot of emotions and memories within my own self. First of all, my high school experience was in NO way like this show. I enjoyed my nap time and study time. These teenagers party, set people on fire, challenge social norms, and have threesomes. Yeah. Not my high school experience.

Look how cool I was.

One aspect that really struck me was the dog’s death (this is not a spoiler alert, because the first scene opens with the funeral. Don’t be hatin’). This is an event that not only affects the main character of CB, but it forces the other characters to come to terms with their own limited existence. CB’s dog’s surprising passing somehow makes the teenagers lives more real. It propels all of their actions, and makes them face the fact that “we handle grief in different ways”. All of these characters experience a different aspect and meaning of grief. I’ll leave it up to you to discover what it means to each one.

Dog owners can certainly relate to CB’s grief. I know I can…it completely depressed me. Thinking about what would happen if my puppy-wup somehow wasn’t here anymore. ..CB’s friends just don’t understand what it is like to have a life-long companion taken from you! Here’s a picture of my pup. Think of her as CB’s dog, and then you too will cry.

Aw she’s got little angel wings on….this is making everything worse.

And now the explanation of the title, given by the character of Beethoven:

“A dog sees god in his master”

(I’m trying to hold back the tears right now)

Let’s get to some details of the production:

LOVE THIS

Cabaret’s first Main Stage Production of the year:

DOG SEES GOD

(information graciously stolen taken from the Facebook event)

Simultaneously hysterical and haunting, DOG SEES GOD by Bert V. Royal tells the twisted tale of a group of reckless teenagers who come face-to-face with some of life’s darkest and most daunting challenges. With a brilliant combination of humor, cruelty, and endearing honesty, the characters are forced to confront their demons head-on in this story of truth and transformation.

This production will run for TWO weekends:

- Friday, October 17th at 8pm

- Saturday, October 18th at 8pm

- Sunday, October 19th at 7pm

- Friday, October 24th at 8pm

- Saturday, October 25th at 8pm

- Sunday, October 26th at 7pm

Where? You should know by now…

Cabaret Theatre, located at the corner of Suydam Street and Nichol Avenue on the Douglass Campus.

Tickets*

$7 — students/faculty/staff

$12– general admission

*Please reserve tickets by emailing cabtheatre@gmail.com

You know you want to.

Who’s who in the Cast:

Andy Martinez

Dan English

Julia Barnett

Sam Vargas

Shachar May

Alex Albanese

Tyler Conroy

Kelly McCarthy

And the Production Staff:

- Director: Alyssa Krompier

- Assistant Director: Kat Beliavski

- Stage Manager: Eddie Norgard

- Assistant Stage Manager: Ja’mie King

Preach it boys!

****This production of DOG SEES GOD contains Trigger Language and adult content. We recommend this show for mature audiences only.****

Moments I love in the production:

• Alex’s rendition of one of Chopin’s etudes (beautiful and haunting, I love you Alex)
• The party scene
• Andy Martinez. Always Andy Martinez.
• Julia’s platypus/butterfly interpretive dance.
• Sam’s hot bod.
• All of the Romance scenes wink wink

Sassy Sam Yum Yum

Alright, I’m going to stop myself there before I give up any key moments in the production. You’ll have to see it for yourself! Dog Sees God is the essence of a Cabaret Theatre production, and it works perfectly in the black box theatre environment.

That’s all for now, folks. I’ll leave you with another picture of Izzy. Look at her cuteness!

We’re in love.

N-Shady, out.