Playhouse Creatures

Playhouse Creatures by April De Angelis Oct 26 - Nov 4, 2018 Tickets: artsuaa.com
 

By April de Angelis

Showdates: October 26 - November 4, 2018

The tale begins in 1660, when Charles II returned to the throne and decreed that women would, for the first time in more than a century, be allowed to perform on the English stage. The King and many men turned out in droves to be titillated and tantalized by the newest young beauties, but April de Angelis’ Playhouse Creatures documents the vivacious fight these women faced to be seen as legitimate actors.

Unquestionably, theatre allowed the early British actresses to express themselves in ways never before possible, but it didn’t much alter how women were viewed and understood by the audience. Many themes in the play have relevance to the present-day actress: fame is fleeting. Those who are famous one minute will often be outshone by another actress who is younger or who has something “new” to offer.

Then and now, youth and novelty reign supreme.

Performance run time: 2 hours with 10-minute intermission

Performances held in the UAA Mainstage Theatre, 3700 Alumni Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508

  • Cast

    Doll, Marisa Mo Garrigues
    Nell Gwyn, Angela Colavecchio
    Mrs. Farley, Becca Padrick
    Otway, Chase Knutson
    Rochester, Kirill Mikhaylov
    Mrs. Betterton, Devan Hawkins
    Mrs. Marshall, Paitton Reid
    Mrs. Barry, Skylar McElwee

    Marissa Mo Garrigues (Doll Common) is a first-year theatre major at UAA. She’s previously performed and worked on over 40 shows at TBA, did props for She Kills Monsters at Cyrano’s, and last performed at Anchorage Community Theatre as Olivia in Things My Mother Taught Me. In her spare time, she hangs out with her dog Lilo and drinks coffee. In the future, Mo is interested in pursuing directing and combining her love for theatre and her Alaska Native heritage.

    Angela Colavecchio (Nell Gwyn) is a fourth-year theatre major at UAA. When Angela isn’t performing she is working as a nanny and a secretary. She has done six shows at UAA, including Earthquake ’64 (Eileen), Radium Girls (Irene Rudolph), Working (Terry Mason), And Then There Were None (Dr. Armstrong), Picasso at the Lapin Agile (Germaine) and Eurydice (Loud Stone). Angela’s claim to fame is that she has eaten an entire pint of Ben and Jerry’s in one sitting without actually being sad. When Angela grows up, she wants to open a children’s theatre or be a princess, either one would be fine.

    Becca Padrick (Mrs. Elizabeth Farley) is a senior at UAA, studying theatre and theatre performance. In addition to acting, she is also a director, scenic painter, and makeup artist. Some of her favorite productions she has been in include Working, Earthquake ‘64, and the Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged). If you ask her to tell a joke, she can always come up with one for you on the spot; what do you get when you cross a joke with a rhetorical question?

    Chase Knutson (Otway) is a junior at UAA. When he isn’t living the college life of having Pop Tarts and coffee for breakfast, he is working as a technical assistant at the Glenn Massay Theater in Palmer. Chase has performed in many shows, such as Chicago, Mary Poppins, Little Women, and many others. He is excited for his first show in Anchorage and excited that he doesn’t have to sing in a show for once.

    Kirill Mikhaylov (John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester) is a first semester student at UAA and is excited to perform in Playhouse Creatures. Kirill wants to be a successful working actor for stage and film when he graduates. In his free time, he plays guitar and watches old movies.  He is looking forward to acting in many more UAA productions.

    Devan Hawkins (Mrs. Betterton) is overwhelmingly thrilled to be performing in the beautifully written Playhouse Creatures. She is originally from Nebraska and is attending the University of Alaska-Anchorage to obtain her BA in social work. Although she has only lived in Anchorage for two years, she has been working with vigor to grow her acting ability and meet some amazing thespians. Devan has worked in short films, workshops, festivals and community productions. At UAA, she’s performed as Genie Chance in Earthquake ‘64, Vladimir in Waiting for Godot, and Mrs. Rogers in And Then There Were None. Her most memorable roles include Shelly in Shatzie Schafer’s Silver Thaw and Marie in (Woyzeck). Devan wishes to thank her mom, Katie, for being eternally supportive and caring. She also wants to shine a light on the wonderful theatre community in Anchorage; she believes that her acting has improved greatly since being around such welcoming, talented individuals.

    Paitton Reid (Mrs. Rebecca Marshall) is in her senior year and will be graduating this May. She has been a crew member in various UAA productions including And Then There Were None (wardrobe) and Picasso in the Lapin Agile (Assistant Stage Manager). She has also worked with Ping Chong and Company as a production assistant for their devised piece Alaxsxa/Alaska. Roles she has performed at UAA are Sob Sister in Radium Girls and the self-written role June in Earthquake ‘64. She is very excited to play Mrs. Marshall alongside the other women in this production because she believes each one of their stories resonates not only with women today but the political climate as well. As always, thank you to the crew for making things run smoothly.

    Skylar McElwee (Mrs. Elizabeth Barry) is in her fourth year in college. This is her first time in a theatre production at UAA, but she has worked as a stage hand on Radium Girls and as a light board operator in Earthquake ‘64. When Skylar is not in the theatre, she’s at the dance studios. You can often find her in the Arts building or at home trying not to fail any of the 19 credits she always ends up taking each semester. Skylar is very excited to be a part of her first production at UAA.

  • Creative

    Director, Dr. Brian Cook
    Scenic Designer, Meghan Stanford
    Costume Designer, Colleen Alexis Metzger
    Lighting Designer, Daniel J. Anteau
    Sound Designer, Krisha-Nicole Manuel
    Technical Director, Daniel Glen Carlgren
    Fight Choreographer and Dialect Coach, Ty Hewitt
    Stage Manager, Taran Haynes

    Dr. Brian Cook is assistant professor of theatre at UAA. He received his PhD in Theatre Arts from the University of Oregon, and his MA from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and King’s College, London. At UAA, he’s directed several shows, including And Then There Were None and Stalking the Bogeyman, and he appeared on stage in Picasso at the Lapin Agile. His research focuses on contemporary British theatre, particularly on the work of the Cherub Company in the United Kingdom and abroad. Brian has presented at various conferences and has published in Theatre History Studies, Theatre Survey, Performing Arts Resources and the LMDA Sourcebook. He previously ran the untitled Theatre Company which toured a short play dealing with interpersonal violence to schools and volunteer organizations, and he has worked at professional theatres in upstate New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Colorado, Florida, and the U.K.

    Meghan Stanford (Scenic Designer) is originally from Chippewa Falls, WI. She is a senior theatre major here at UAA, with her studies focused around scenic design and technical direction. She currently works as an employee in the UAA Scene Shop. Her past credits include assistant technical direction for Marriage of Figaro and In the Next Room, or the Vibrator Play at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. At UAA, she has been the assistant scenic designer for Working, Radium Girls, and Earthquake ‘64 and the scenic designer for Rain and Zoe Save the World. Designing this show is a part of her senior honors thesis. After her time at UAA, Meghan plans to attend graduate school for scenic design.

    Colleen Alexis Metzger is a costume designer and technician whose work has taken her across the country. She has worked for the Santa Fe Opera in New Mexico, the Glimmerglass Opera in New York, The Barter Theatre in Virginia, Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan, Chautauqua Opera in New York, Perseverance Theatre in Juneau, Portland Stage Company in Maine, and most recently, Williamstown Theatre Festival in Massachusetts.

    Daniel Anteau received a B.A. from the University of Alaska Anchorage and his M.F.A. in Lighting Design from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. In his academic career he has taught for the University of Alaska Anchorage as term technical director/lighting designer and The University of Hawaii as Assistant professor in Lighting Design and Technical Director. After returning to the University of Alaska Anchorage He now serves as Professor in design and Production Manager. Daniel is also the academic advisor for the design and technical students, manages the light shop as well as sound, projections, and special effects. Professionally, Daniel’s Lighting Designs have been seen across Alaska & Hawaii, to New York City, and internationally to Africa. In Hawaii, Daniel continues to stay active as Lighting Designer working with Manoa Valley Theatre on their summer production.

    Krisha-Nicole Manuel is a senior at UAA majoring in computer science and theatre with a concentration in technical design. She has designed sound in most of the recent shows such as Radium Girls and Working, and also designed lights for New Dances 2018. She has an affinity for technology, videography, and gaming, and hopes to show her creativity in one or all of these fields someday.

    Daniel Glen Carlgren is currently the faculty scenic designer, projection designer, and technical director at the University of Alaska Anchorage. He received his BFA from Southern Oregon University in 2001 and his MFA from University of Oregon in 2012. Daniel’s recent credits include scenic and projection design, and technical direction for 44 Plays for 44 Presidents, Night of the Iguana, SPAMalot, Twelfth Night, and many others. Daniel has also worked on the automation for Julie Taymor’s Grendal and Wagner’s Ring Cycle for the Los Angeles Opera and Disney’s Aladdin at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, Washington. Daniel has worked as a scenery, staging and rigging specialist in the entertainment industry for many years.

    Ty Hewitt has worked as an actor, director, teacher and fight choreographer all around the country. He has directed Picasso at the Lapin Agile and Eurydice at UAA and The Tempest and Distracted at First City Players. Acting credits include Young Scrooge in Perseverance Theatre’s A Christmas Carol in Anchorage, Buried Child and Tongues (Profile Theatre), The Scene (Portland Playhouse), On The Table (Sojourn Theatre) and deCOMPOSITION (Seattle/NYC). New York: Opus D’Amour (Theatre Lab), Babel Tower (Round Table Ensemble), and Twelfth Night (Aquila Theatre, Lincoln Center). Ty has a BFA from Southern Oregon University and an MFA from UMKC.

    Taran Haynes (Stage Manager) is a theatre major at UAA and an aspiring performer, director, and playwright. He has been on the UAA stage in Earthquake ‘64 (Russ, Joe Pyne, Ensemble), Radium Girls (Tom Kreider, Reporter), Picasso at the Lapin Agile (Albert Einstein), And Then There Were None (Phillip Lombard), Big River (Tom Sawyer) and Spam-a-lot (Not-Dead-Fred). He also served as dramaturg for Stalking the Bogeyman and assistant director on 44 Plays for 44 Presidents. Writing a Play, Taran’s first one-act, was accepted to the Play Lab of the 2017 Last Frontier Theatre Conference, and his 10-minute play, The Hardest Thing, was accepted to the Playwriting Symposium of the 2017 Mid America Theatre Conference. Taran eagerly anticipates directing his upcoming senior thesis, Frozen by Bryony Lavery, showing later this season.

  • Crew

    Scenery
    Assistant Technical Director, Meghan Stanford
    Scenic Artist, Myranda Bailey
    Scene Shop Assistant, Myranda Bailey, Paitton Reid, Meghan Stanford
    Scenic Construction Crew, Students enrolled in THR A243/A295/A495
    Props Master, Daniel Glen Carlgren

    Costume
    Costume Shop Supervisor, Kaie Promish
    Costume Shop Assistants, Brighton Coggins, Hannah Coyne, Lydia Thomas
    Costume Construction, Crew Maggie Johnson, Kirill Mikhaylov, Jane Lee, Marisa Mo Garrigues, Kayla Gonzalez, Katie Radford, Bao Her, Chardonnay Stone, Skylar McElwee, THR 131 class

    Lighting & Sound
    Assistant Lighting Designer, James Branstetter
    Light Shop Assistant, Krisha Manuel
    Lighting and Sound Crew, Jarett Hardy, Krisha Manuel, Joel Williams, Alexandra McCall, James Kendall, Grant Kniefel

    Run Crew
    Assistant Stage Manager and Assistant Director, Andrew Miller
    Run Crew, Quentin Schenk
    Light Board Operator, Addie George
    Sound Board Operator, KT Tedrick
    Dressers/Wardrobe, Brighton Coggins, Chardonnay Stone, Lydia Thomas, Mike Vanni

    House
    Communications & Graphic Design: Asia Bauzon
    House Manager: Mike Vanni
    Box Office: Lawrence Wynn

  • Production Photos
     
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
    Playhouse Creatures, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Theatre and Dance, 2018
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Acknowledgements:
Mrs. Barry and Mrs. Betterton’s wigs provided by Wigboys
Anchorage Opera
Garrett Perkins