thoughts on THE WINTER'S TALE...

 

Brian Miracle (Clown) and me (Shepherd)

Since I started acting in 1994, my interest in Shakespeare has been tepid at best. While I appreciate The Bard's writing and themes, more often I was intimated by the language so I had no interest in performing his plays. When the opportunity presented itself as the role of the "Shepherd" in Optimist Theatre's Shakespeare in the Park production of THE WINTER'S TALE in Milwaukee, my interest was piqued for a couple reasons:  1) the "Shepherd" is an outdoorsy dude like me, 2) he's from Bohemia, as are my ancestors on dad's side, and 3) it's one of Shakespeare's least known and produced plays so few people would have anything to compare my take on the character. "Kismet", I thought - and I accepted the role and dove head first into this new adventure.

 

Lis Faraglia and myself (as LORD #2)

We opened THE WINTER'S TALE on June 12 and ran three weekends - 12 shows - at the Kadish Park amphitheater just north of downtown Milwaukee. The rehearsal process wasn't unlike rehearsals for other shows I performed in - getting the lines down was challenging. In this process, I added a few tricks to my actor's toolbox - comedy, character acting - and a greater appreciation for the poetry and language that makes The Bard...The Bard.

 

Me, Ron Scot Fry, Josh Scheibe and Tom Reed

The support from our director - Mary Lynn Cogar (who was brilliant), the cast - which included seasoned actors and seasoned Shakespearean actors - Tom Reed, Mark Corkins, Beth Mulkeron, Ron Scot Fry, Emmit Morgans, Allie Babich, Ethan Hall, Mary Kababik, among others, was invaluable to me. I loved working with "my son" - the "Clown", Brian Miracle - his Jerry Lewis to my Dean Martin. The crew was phenomenal - this was an equity production so everything was shipshape, by the books - nothing got through the cracks.

To be honest, the support I DID NOT get was in the form of a lack of people I know who didn't come to the show. Now I was up front about not using my usual hard-sell tactics to get people to attend because I held out on Shakespeare for so many years myself. Still - it was a great show and FREE and - you know, it's one thing when you're not sure if you're going to make it out but when you say I'M GOING and you don't show up? I remember that shit. Now I don't go to every show that's going on either but it's sort of my unwritten rule (and others, I'm sure) that if I support you - you do likewise. And when someone says, "you gotta come to our show; you're missing out - everyone's raving about", I think, "like how they raved about the show I was in that you didn't attend?"

There was a threat of rain for almost every show and yet our audiences averaged probably 200 each evening. All the reviews were great and - like every other show I've been involved with - it was difficult to say "goodbye" once we closed. I can't say THE WINTER'S TALE was the best show I've been involved with (there are so many), but I will say it ranked up there with the best shows I've done. And that is no small feat. Thank you, Optimist Theatre, for busting my Shakespeare cherry. Merde.

Reviews:  Footlights, Examiner, OnMilwaukee, Tom Strini Writes (got a mention in this one), Milwaukee Magazine, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Express Milwaukee.

Additionally, the Optimist Theatre staff, consisting of Tom Reed, Ron Scot Fry and Susan Scot Fry were top-notch. There's nothing more I can say about them. Top. Fucking. Notch. As were the crew, including Bo Johnson (production mgr.), Adam Baus (sound), Eric Appleton (lighting), Ellen Kozak (costumes), Tania Taylor (props) and many others. Well-done!

Click READ MORE! for all sorts of pics from the show...

 

 

Liz Faraglia (Mopsa) and Genesee Spridco (Dorcas)

 

 

 

Shepherd selfie at home

 

Mark Corkins (King Polixenes), Genesee Spridco (Mopsa) and Allie Babich (Perdita)

 

Liz Faraglia and me

A Monty Python take on me as Lord #2

 

Liz Faraglia and Beth Mulkerron (Hermione, Autolycus)

 

Liz Faraglia, Beth Mulkerron and Mary Lynn Cogar (director)

 

Allie Babich, Liz Faraglia and Cassondra Gresl (Lady)

 

Ron Scot Fry (Antigonus) and me.

 

Tom Reed (King Leontes), me and Mary Lynn Cogar

 

Me and Brian Miracle (Clown, Jailer, Officer)

 

 

Ethan Hall (Florizel, Mariner)

 

Backstage

 

Me as the Shepherd - aged 16 years

Beth Mulkerron

 

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What a wonderful man you are, DJ...

The world lost a good man today - my friend, Doug "DJ" Jackson, from Cedar Rapids, IA. Sad indeed. Enjoyed working with DJ on stage; enjoyed his voice (and what a voice he had) & humor; enjoyed his aura & company. All good. I first met DJ during "Follies '94". The last show we did together was A CHORUS LINE. Quintessential performer & God-fearing man. I knew DJ had been sick but his passing came outta left field. I miss you & love you, my friend.

Here's DJ & I back in 1996 during A CHORUS LINE cast party. "Gimme the ball, gimme the ball, gimme the ball, yeah!"  Peace, brother. And to your family - my deepest sympathies.

Doug - singing his "signature" song...

 

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"Exit, pursued by a bear."

That stage direction - from THE WINTER'S TALE, by William Shakespeare - is one of the most famous stage directions in all of theater. Here's another quote, from a member of the Wisconsin Arts Board in 2009 when reviewing Optimist Theatre's very first grant application: "I don't know if they can pull it off but, if they do, we need to be a part of it."

That's impressive. And Optimist Theatre has INDEED pulled it off. FREE Shakespeare in the Park at a new outdoor venue in Kadish Park, Milwaukee. FREE - this June. THE WINTER'S TALE! William freakin' Shakespeare! The Bard! But Optimist Theatre needs your help now. They're having a fundraiser in February at Turner Hall. $35 a ticket. And for an added incentive, BMO Harris Bank has issued a matching challenge grant. We raise $1,000 - they match it. We raise $5,000 - you get it, I know. Check out the link below with all the what-for's and how-da-ya-do's. If you can't attend the fundraiser, you can still pledge a tax-deductible donation. And remember - THE WINTER'S TALE is FREE this June for three weeks!

The new outdoor theater at Kadish Park (above). Who in the hell puts on FREE theater? Optimist Theatre in MKE does. Click here for fundraiser ticket information.

And if you're ever really pursued by a bear, you can't outrun it.

 Optimist Theatre is a 501(c)3 non-profit theatre company.  Your donation is 100% tax deductible and greatly appreciated.  Shakespeare in the Park and "To Be! Shakespeare Here and Now" would not be possible without your financial support.

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HASHTAG MAYHEM! "Well-paced, well-crafted, well-executed".

(Left to right:  Bryan Damske & Jeffrey James Ircink in CHOKING THE CHOAD IN BEL AIR.)


I've been away from my blog for a bit. Busy producing/acting/directing a series of short, dark plays I wrote under the collective title, HASHTAG MAYHEM! Reviews have been great and I'm extremely proud of the production. This is the first time I've produced my own work - fully-staged - and it was quite the task. The overwhelming satisfaction, for me, is not just the people who attended or the reviews, but it is the reality that what I had envisioned in my head while writing these 6 plays is what I'm seeing on stage. For that, I thank the directors, actors and Aaron Kopec of The Alchemist Theatre. Without their efforts and hard work, my words remain on the paper.

Our 3-week run closes this Thursday-Saturday, April 4-6 at The Alchemist Theatre in Bay View, Wisconsin. You can check out the review which appeared in the paper edition of The Shepherd Express here - as well as an in-depth review by the same author is his theater column. Curtains.

For production photos and detailed information you check out two sources - our production blog, and our Indiegogo fundraising campaign page. And you can still contribute and share the Indiegogo page. 7 days left.

If you're in the Milwaukee area, you can purchase tickets at the door but I advise you to get them online here. I have about 40 people attending on Friday and Saturday (total) and the show may be packed.

Everyone has a dark side. What's yours? Come play with us - or I'll find you. You can bet on it.

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Support HASHTAG MAYHEM!

HASHTAG MAYHEM! - 6 short, dark plays by Milwaukee playwright Jeffrey James Ircink, runs March 21-23, 28-30, April 4-6 @ The Alchemist Theatre in Bay View, Wisconsin.

Support us TWO ways: 1) by getting a ticket here, AND/OR by contributing to our Indiegogo fundraising campaign here - including details on the production.

Everyone has a dark side. What's yours?

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Contribute to HASHTAG MAYHEM!

Everyone has a dark side. What's yours? Click here and find out how you can help. SPREAD THE WORD!

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TGIF! presents...Support HASHTAG MAYHEM!

#sordid#wicked@immoral#graphic#nasty#disturbing#filthy#dark.

We need help. If you'd like to align yourself with a creative endeavor (theater), check out this link for all the details. And remember:  EVERYONE HAS A DARK SIDE. WHAT'S YOURS?

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TGIF! presents....our HASHTAG MAYHEM Indiegogo campaign!

Cool, huh? For more information and to contribute, click here. And share/tweet/email! BECOME A BACKER! We can't do it alone!

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Indiegogo crowdsourcing campaign for HASHTAG MAYHEM! is LIVE!

I'm producing an evening of my original short plays. Dark, sordid stuff. HASHAG MAYHEM! Our Indiegogo fundraising campaign began this evening. If you're not a particulary creative person but are interested in aliging yourself with a creative endeavor, this is your opportunity. Or maybe you are creative...and you understand what if means to a playwright like myself to get his work produced.

Contribute. Or share this link with other people. Maybe they'd be keen to supporting our production and the only way they'll find out about it is if you tell them.

Click here for all the details and our promotional video. It's a hoot. Everyone has a dark side. What's yours?

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Hashtage Mayhem. The Alchemist Theatre. Spring 2013.

 

 

#EVERYONE#HAS#A#DARK#SIDE. #WHAT'S#YOURS? The ball is in play. Director's meeting this weekend. Audition dates to be set. Venue picked. Promo video shot. HASHTAG MAYHEM - an evening of 6 short, dark plays by Jeffrey James Ircink. @ The Alchemist Theatre in Bay View, WI. March 21-23, 28-30, April 4-6. You'll laugh. You'll wince. And a nerve will be struck.

Produced by Babbling Bohemian Productions and The Horny Goat Hideway. Mark your calenders now. More sordid info to follow.

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Long hair. 1996.

 

 

Theater days in Cedar Rapids. Circa 1996.

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Brucemore...The Big House.

Songs, monologues....a thoroughly entertained crowd (plus wine, appetizers, champagne and desserts). That's "A Modern Salon" 2012. Hosted by Brucemore Mansion, a Queen-Anne home on 26 acres built between 1884-1886, preserved by the National Trust and listed on the National Register for Historic Places. 3 more shows next weekend. A sold-out, 3-week run. Special thanks to Jane Pini, Janelle Lauer, Doug Elliott and Gerard Estella of SPT Theatre for inviting me to be this year's special guest artist. Also thanks to David Janssen, executive director of Brucemore for allowing us to perform in this unique venue.

The formal gardens.

The stables transformed into offices, museum and gift shop. For more information, check out Brucemore's site here and the wikipedia link.

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A Modern Salon opening weekend @ Brucemore!

Great opening weekend. Appreciative crowds. And the folks I'm performing with are outstanding. Love it at Brucemore - The Big House. 2 shows down, 5 to go.

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Rehearsing for A Modern Salon 2012 @ Brucemore.

Left to right:  Jane Pini, Doug Elliott and Janelle Lauer. Opening night (last night) went well. A few tweeks and we'll be ready for tonight's show. If you're in Cedar Rapids this evening, stop by (although I think we're sold out).

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"Thank you, thank you very much. I'll be appearing at the Brucemore Estate..."

...in A Modern Salon! This is my first time performing in Iowa since December 1997 ("Jack and Jill" at Riverside Theater in Iowa City) and the first time performing in Cedar Rapids since "A Chorus Line" in....I think it was the summer of 1997.

In its 9th year, A Modern Salon takes its inspiration from the Parisian salons of the early first half of the 20th century, offering an evening of great music, lively stories, and engaging conversation. Not only will I be performing in the company of such talented theater friends - (left to right in picture above) Jane Pini, Janelle Lauer, Doug Elliott and Gerard Estella  - but I get to perform at Brucemore, the 128-year-old Queen Anne mansion preserved by the National Trust and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Here's an interactive look at Brucemore - feel free to peruse the entire website. We'll be performing in the Great Hall (2nd picture of the Mansion Tour section) Also, here's an article on A Modern Salon, along with an interview Diana Nollen did with me on being chosen as the show's special guest artist.

Three weekends. Six shows - and we're sold out. They've added a 1/26 show but I would give Brucemore a call pronto for availability. CURTAIN UP!

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The Santaland Diaries.

Heard a snippet of this on NPR Saturday. Listen here. Sedaris spent some time as a department store elf. This is his account of "that incident".

I had two people say that to me today: 'I'm going to have you fired.' Go ahead, be my guest. I'm wearing a green velvet costume. It doesn't get any worse than this. Who do these people think they are? 'I'm going to have you fired'...I want to lean over and say, 'I'm going to have you killed.'

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TGIF! presents...."A Christmas Carol" @ Theatre Cedar Rapids!

Heading to Cedar Rapids for opening night of one my favorite stories - maybe my most favorite story of all time. Check out this preview.

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"Show It at the Beach".

For those of you who think Shel Silverstein wrote only for children.

SHOW IT AT THE BEACH

Oh, they won't let us show it at the beach.

No, they won't let us sho it at the beach.

They think we're gonna grab it if it gets within our reach.

And they won't let us show it at the beach.

But you... can show it in your parlor to most anyone you choose.

You can show it at a party with your second shot of booze.

You can show it on the corner wearin' overcoat and shoes,

But they won't let us show it at the beach.

No... they won't let us show it at the beach, friends.

Ah... they won't let us show it at the beach.

Oh, they're sure we're gonna grab it if it gets within our reach.

So they won't let us show it at the beach.

But you can show it at the movies on the cineramic screen.

You can show it in the most sophisticated magazine.

You can show it while you're bouncing on the high school trampoline,

But they won't let us show it at the beach.

But if you've got a gun, it's legal to display it on your hip.

You can show your butcher knives to any interested kid.

But if it's made for lovin', then you'd better keep it hid.

And they won't let us show it at the beach.

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excerpt from "Reveille!".

One of the prettiest passages I've ever written.

AMANDA

Well if your demeanor were on a higher plain, what would you write about?
(Silence.)
Oh, come now, Catherin. Don’t be such a sour puss. Say something.

CATHERIN
(Wondering.)
I don’t know.
(Reflecting.)
I suppose I’d write about living here in the valley – before the war - when even the faintest of breezes blows in the smell of sassafras blossoms from a mile away and the mockingbirds swoop down on anyone who gets within a hundred yards of their nests.
(Beat)
I’d write about how that dog of yours slouches around so much so you’d think she were dead to the world except for when she nips at the honey bees flying about her head.

AMANDA
Don’t you dare say one unkind word about Molly. She’d sooner chew off her leg than hurt a flea.

CATHERIN
I’d write about our farm, and how you’re scared of feeding the chickens and how one day –

AMANDA
That ain’t true!

CATHERIN

That’s “not” true and you are too. And how one day you proposed we eat the Rhode Island Red and Plymouth Rock chickens as they were most certainly Yankee-bred and would do irreparable harm to a Southerner’s palate. I’d tell of midnight walks along Pope’s Head Road, lit up by the moon – like a postcard...
(She stops ironing.)
...where you can hear the rippling and splashing of Little Mountain Run in the dark as she snakes down and around through the Shenandoah Valley, and the horned owl joins the bullfrog and the crickets in a symphony that only God could compose. Or the lonesome whistle of the Blue Ridge Railway...clickety-clackety – reminding me there’s a whole nuther world to explore beyond this valley.
(Beat)
To drink that all in - now the world’s filled with nothing but suffering because of some men’s war and I fear I may wake to a rifle barrel stuck in my gut – or worse. Oh I still smell sassafras occasionally but it’s –

(Beat)
– everything I cherish here has been smothered by war. The trains bring men into town, filling our streets with blue troops and gray troops marching off to kill one another. The air is filled with smoke and fire. The Yankees’ blockade stopped Little Mountain Run from rippling and splashing. How many people have we known moved away or killed? This simple life of ours which I derived so much joy is no more.
(Beat)
I used to take pleasure in the rain – a steady, long, slow rain. It washed the earth clean and made everything smell reborn, like fresh laundry brought in outta the wind. The only rain that falls now brings with it the stench of death and the streets run with the blood of young men who are lost forever. And I’m afraid that everything will change and I’ll forget what it was like.
(She goes back to ironing. Embarrassed.)
I’m rambling.

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FOOLS eat too, you know!

The cast of FOOL FOR LOVE (minus Derek, who had to run home)...lunching between the matinee and our last show this past Saturday. Left to right:  Bethany Erin Peters, Alex Grindeland, Gracie Lee, Aaron Kopec & Erica Case, owners of The Alchemist Theatre in Bayview, WI and me.

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