119 W. North Bend Way, North Bend, WA 98045    http://valleycenterstage.org

One Night Only: A Staged Reading of Lauren Gunderson's Toil and Trouble

Gunderson's black comedy Toil and Trouble is a hilarious modern adaptation of Shakespeare's Scottish play.  Scroll down and read the interview with Director Robin Walbeck Forrest to find out more!

 

 

Admission is pay-what-you-will. Click here to buy tickets.

 

Interview with Robin Walbeck-Forrest, Director of Toil and Trouble

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Robin Walbeck-Forrest last fall to ask her about her brainchild, the staged reading series.  She was kind enough to send me updated answers about her upcoming staged reading so that I can reprint this article, updated for Toil and Trouble. If you only want the new information, you can just skip to the questions with Toil and Trouble in the question itself.

What is a staged reading?

In a staged reading the actors are acting out the play, with scripts in hand, but you don’t have the rest of the bells and whistles that you normally would have with a production.  There are no costumes, no props, no set; we’re just acting out the story. I guess the closest approximation would be an audio book with a full cast of actors.  

Why do you want to do staged readings here, at Valley Center Stage?

There are a lot of great stories out there that don’t get on the stage. There are a lot of stories that don’t get heard, because, well, maybe it’s too cumbersome for us to do that. Maybe we’re worried that people won’t come and see that.  Whatever the reason, for me, doing staged readings is a way to get more stories out to people.

How do you choose plays for the staged readings?

When I’m looking at scripts, I choose stories I would like to see or that I would like to be a part of.  I choose scripts that I don’t think will make it to the stage. And that might be something that’s a little edgier. It might be something by an unknown author.  It might be something that has content that is unusual or maybe it’s something that we can’t stage because we don’t have the space for it.

What made you want to bring Toil and Trouble to audiences?

Toil and Trouble is a very funny, modernist twist on Shakespeare's Scottish Play--theatre tradition and superstition does not allow me to refer to the play by name--the second play (of four) in Lauren Gunderson's Shakespeare Cycle. 

Audiences may not be as familiar with her work, but in reality, Lauren Gunderson has earned the distinction of being the Most Produced Living Playwright for the past two years. She writes great characters, has a flair for language, and is very good at weaving history and literature into modern ideas and themes. This play made me laugh out loud several times. I think the audience will enjoy it.

 

What would you like people to know before they see Toil and Trouble?

Don't be afraid of the Shakespeare theme! It is not necessary to know anything about [The Scottish Play] beforehand, but for those that do, there will be some extra connections made. Plus, the original play is a tragedy and this adaptation is a comedy. 

Oh, and did I mention we don't say the name of the original Shakespearean play out loud in a theatre? We just don't. 

They should also know that this play is not kid-friendly. It has adult themes and language.

What is your theatre background?

I have a theatre degree from Western Washington University.  I’ve been doing theatre for over thirty years. It’s always been community theatre but I try to put on something professional, whatever I am doing. I  have been involved in Valley Center Stage since the spring of 2010. Mostly acting. I have stage managed. I have assistant directed. I have helped with box office, lights, set building, all that kind of stuff, but my true passion is with acting.  I like storytelling, and it’s where I feel the most comfortable--on a stage. 

 

What is your favorite thing about Valley Center Stage?

The people. It’s my theatre home.  The people are very generous; they’re very accepting.  They are people who work with humor and grace and a lot of passion for theatre.  I wouldn’t be there if I didn’t respect and care for the people that are there. I just wouldn’t.  And I feel safe and comfortable. And I appreciate that they are trusting me with this project. I said I would like to and they said OK.  I mean, that’s fabulous. Who wouldn’t want to work with people like that?

- Margaret Zatloukal

Patron Notice:
We at Valley Center Stage want to express our care and concern to all who have been impacted by the COVID-19 virus. The well-being of our patrons and community are of utmost importance to us so we are monitoring state and local recommendations for event and community gatherings. At this time, we are not cancelling any shows. We are taking steps to ensure our surfaces are cleaned and disinfected, and will try to provide hand sanitizer for your use. Please help out by washing your hands regularly, and if you are generally feeling unwell or are coughing and sneezing, please stay home and take care of yourself. Also, people who are pregnant, 60 years old or older, and people with a weakened immune system or an underlying health condition (heart disease, lung disease or diabetes) are being encouraged to avoid group gatherings. More information can be found at the CDC and the WA State Dept. of Health.

 

We will announce any schedule adjustments through social media, email and our website.

Brighton Beach Memoirs: April 3-19

 

Neil Simon, one of comedy's masters, invites you to experience a delightful coming-of-age story titled: BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS.

 

Growing up in 1937 Brooklyn, 15-year-old Eugene Morris Jerome dreams of baseball, girls, and wanting to become a successful writer. The only thing standing in his way is his squabbling family and, of course, puberty.

 

This laugh out-loud story is unpredictable as each family member explodes on to the stage as that someone you know (and maybe wouldn’t invite to dinner); with over-the-top witty bantering and back and forth family chaos – and finding Eugene wrestling with his future in the simplest of terms:

 

“I'd give up writing if I could see a naked girl while I was eating ice cream."

 

Neil Simon’s storyline is fluid, funny, and unpredictable as it winds through daily activities interspersed with real life worries. In the end, the family is wiser and drawn closer for having journeyed through them – a must see for all.

 

 “Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too.”

- Yogi Berra, NY Yankee

 

 “…Onward and upwards!”

- Eugene Morris Jerome

 

Auditions for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

 

 

Valley Center Stage is holding auditions for the June 2020 production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee directed by Taylor Davis who brought Nunsense to delighted VCS crowds last year.  All parts are available and actors of all ethnicities are encouraged to audition for this charming, funny, musical comedy.

 

The competition is on, and six mid-pubescents (played by teens or adults) are desperately vying for the title of spelling bee champion and all the grandeur that goes with it. 

Winner of the Tony and Drama Desk awards for Best Book, this show has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor.

 

 

Audition/Interview Location:

Auditions will be held at Valley Center Stage in North Bend on Friday March 27th 7 - 9 pm,  Saturday March 28th 2 - 5 pm and Saturday April 4th 1 - 4 pm. Valley Center Stage is located at 119 W North Bend Way in North Bend, above the bicycle shop.

 

Audition Requirements:

Please bring a headshot and resume. We are not requesting prepared pieces for this audition but will be having people sing and read sides from the show. Although this is a cold-read and cold-sing audition, an understanding of the characters and having reviewed the music is greatly preferred.  Please email auditions@valleycenterstage.org to let us know when you would like to audition.

 

Advice from the director for auditioning for this show, ”Knowledge of the music, show and characters are a huge advantage. Also, make big choices!”  

 

Please visit the auditions page on our website to read the character descriptions, vocal ranges, and the full audition notice.

Contact Valley Center Stage

PO Box 701 | North Bend, WA 98045 | (425) 200-8936 | valleycenterstage.org