Theatre in the Parks - The Show must go on!
Halfway through its Theatre in the Parks tour, the cast and crew of Repercussion Theatre are getting used to performing in the rain. It is almost poetic, given that the company is presenting its 20th anniversary production of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. In the play, the magician Prospero conjures a storm to shipwreck his enemies. Mother Nature has done her best to shipwreck Repercussion’s season, but as in the play, the victims persevere.
“This is the best production that no one has seen,” says Ray Hiltz, Repercussion Theatre’s Executive Director. “Rain keeps the crowds away from our outdoor performances, and it has rained virtually every day.” The company does everything in its power to ensure that performances do go on, even when it rains. Performances are cancelled only in case of an electrical storm, and the decision to cancel is announced minutes before the show is scheduled to start.
If necessary, the performance is halted between acts so that stagehands can mop down the stage to ensure the safety of the cast. Some cities/boroughs where Repercussion Theatre performs provide an alternate indoor venue, which helps.
There is no question that the company is hurting. The shows are offered free of charge, but the company relies on donations from appreciative audiences to make ends meet. With two weeks left in the season, money is tight, but it is not too late to turn things around if the crowds can be lured back.
The company has taken unprecedented measures to accommodate its audience in view of the weather. Camping chairs are available for rental at a cost of $5 at the “Welcome Tents” located on-site at the parks. (They ask that an ID card be left as a deposit) We also encourage attendees not to forget their umbrella!
If the finances have been dampened, the company’s enthusiasm has not. “I can’t begin to express how proud I am of this young cast,” says Artistic Director Paul Hopkins. “Day after day they have performed brilliantly, in the rain in front of small crowds. Their dedication and professionalism are extraordinary.”
Call the Theatre in the Parks infoline at 514 916-7275 for details.
“This is the best production that no one has seen,” says Ray Hiltz, Repercussion Theatre’s Executive Director. “Rain keeps the crowds away from our outdoor performances, and it has rained virtually every day.” The company does everything in its power to ensure that performances do go on, even when it rains. Performances are cancelled only in case of an electrical storm, and the decision to cancel is announced minutes before the show is scheduled to start.
If necessary, the performance is halted between acts so that stagehands can mop down the stage to ensure the safety of the cast. Some cities/boroughs where Repercussion Theatre performs provide an alternate indoor venue, which helps.
There is no question that the company is hurting. The shows are offered free of charge, but the company relies on donations from appreciative audiences to make ends meet. With two weeks left in the season, money is tight, but it is not too late to turn things around if the crowds can be lured back.
The company has taken unprecedented measures to accommodate its audience in view of the weather. Camping chairs are available for rental at a cost of $5 at the “Welcome Tents” located on-site at the parks. (They ask that an ID card be left as a deposit) We also encourage attendees not to forget their umbrella!
If the finances have been dampened, the company’s enthusiasm has not. “I can’t begin to express how proud I am of this young cast,” says Artistic Director Paul Hopkins. “Day after day they have performed brilliantly, in the rain in front of small crowds. Their dedication and professionalism are extraordinary.”
Call the Theatre in the Parks infoline at 514 916-7275 for details.
Courtesy of The Suburban (Martin Chamberland)
