Collected Stories: First Rehearsals @ New Rep

With RENT extended to October 2nd, it may be easy to forget that Collected Stories is opening just one week later! (Previews October 9th, Opening Night October 10th) This past Tuesday afternoon, staff, supporters, actors, and designers gathered for Collected Stories' First Rehearsals @ New Rep event.

A smaller production than RENT, this first rehearsal provided a much more intimate experience for its viewers, who were welcomed first by Director Bridget Kathleen O'Leary.

O'Leary described her own involvement with the play as an undergraduate student, compared to her perception of the play now. "I understood the concept of a mother...a maternal relationship," she explained, "I did not yet understand the relationship between a mentor and a mentee." O'Leary played the role of Ruth, soon to be performed in New Rep's production by Bobbie Steinbach.

As the designers spoke, the characters and their surroundings began taking form. Props Designer Joe Stallone is searching for (and happily accepting) donated books to line the front of the stage to create an old-shelf feel to even the boundaries of the stage itself. If you are interested in donated your books, please contact Joe Stallone at joe.stallone@verizon.net.

 

Meanwhile, Scenic Designer Jenna McFarland Lord showed viewers her beautiful model of the set, describing her visions for both warm and cool tones to balance the scene. 

 The decor of the apartment is trapped in the 60s, a time when Ruth felt life was at it best, and Lord plans to add little hints of the modern world and Lisa's presence in Ruth's life through small bouquets of flowers and other minimal touches. Lighting Designer Deb Sullivan complements Lord's work with the concept of using the cyc to portray a textural space, even movie-reel-esque in feel. Sound Designer David Reiffel furthers the experience with the use of speakers in key locations to bring sounds of the city streets to Ruth's window, and music to her record player. His take on the music was fascinating; his concept being to use both old and new interpretations of Miles Davis' work to replicate the relationship of the two characters. 

Costume Designer Tyler Kinney finished the presentation before the actors began their reading of the play. He and O'Leary spoke of a casual, put-together style for Ruth. He then displayed before and after images of "College Lisa" and "Successful, Sexy Lisa."

If this first rehearsal is any indication, Collected Stories promises to be an intimate, touching play with rich context, sets, lighting, and sound. Buy tickets now at http://newrep.org/collected_stories.php.