The Theatre Enthusiast's Journey: Last Play Experiences and Classics

With the theatre world undergoing a significant hiatus for over a year, it was a joy to finally witness a live production again. In October, I had the opportunity to attend an evening of three E.A. Poe stories dramatized by the Classical Theatre Company. The atmosphere was electric, and it was fascinating to see how these timeless tales were brought to life on stage. As we move into 2022, the plan includes seeing Capek's R.U.R. in January.

Favorite Play: Phantom of the Opera

The most famous play I've seen in recent memory is undoubtedly Phantom of the Opera. This iconic musical has captivated audiences since its first performance in London's West End in 1986. One of the reasons I believe it has endured is its timeless storytelling and the stunning and memorable performance of its lead character, the Phantom, who remains a symbol of the soul of theatre.

Modern Classics: Antigone in Tampere, Finland

During a recent trip to Finland, I had the opportunity to see a preview of Antigone in Tampere. The ancient Greek play still resonates with contemporary themes, and the cast did an impressive job of making the archaic language feel relevant to today's audience. The modern references to feminism and the political climate were particularly poignant. The production also featured innovative use of puppetry, a technique that brought an added layer of meaning to the storytelling.

Personal Involvement

This year has been particularly enriching in terms of theatre involvement. As a theatre major, I've seen several shows and have also acted in two and directed four. Last month, my wife and I had the privilege of attending a brilliant and informative performance of 'Fall' in Boston. Each play offers a new perspective and experience, and it's always exciting to share that with my partner.

Free Tickets for Rock of Ages

Among the plays I've seen recently, one that stands out was Rock of Ages. We won free tickets on the radio, which was a delightful surprise. This broadway hit is a vibrant and energetic celebration of the rock and roller era, and it's always fun to join in the musical numbers with the audience.

College Theatre Major's Perspective

As a theatre major, I attend a lot of shows even when not directly involved. A couple of months ago, I saw a show at my college, which I find particularly enriching. It's a community of people passionate about theatre, and seeing local productions allows me to stay connected to the craft and stay inspired.

Expanding Horizons with the Hollywood Fringe Festival

I recently had the pleasure of seeing two excellent shows in the Hollywood Fringe Festival—Resa Fastastiskt Mystisk and Easy Targets, both by the company Burglars of Hamm, with whom I've had the opportunity to collaborate several times. Tomorrow, I'm looking forward to an encore performance of another Fringe show, Jane Austen's Emma Frankenstein, which promises to be another engaging and thought-provoking experience.

Last Fall Experience: Hard Times

Passionate theatre lovers are often drawn to classic adaptations and innovative storytelling. Last October, while in Chicago, I enjoyed a vivacious and engaging adaptation of Hard Times by Charles Dickens, performed at the Lookingglass Theatre. The production was not only faithful to the original story but also brought a fresh, modern perspective to the tale, making it feel timeless and relevant to contemporary audiences.

For anyone passionate about theatre, these experiences offer a unique window into the world of live performances, and the enduring magic of these stories.