Taking that first step onto the stage in character is full of trepidation, whether it is something as silly as a Baba Yaga or Bunny in a kids' play or a serious role in a lyrical drama like Constellations. Butterflies the size of elephants make looping maneuvers right up to that moment. When you know that a huge reviewer in our area is in the audience, it is even more nerve-racking. But, you calm the nerves down, take that last very deep breath all the way into the soles of your feet and... the curtains open, the music commences, the lights set the mood and you step onto the stage. The show must go on regardless of the quantity and dimensions of the elephant-butterflies - it is no longer "you," its the character of the play and everything else waits until the curtain call. You bare your soul on that stage, and then rejoice in knowing that your team told this special story to new audiences. And then you wait for that review.
Greg Heilman of the Sound on Stage does a little teaser about the show when he publishes his reviews. "With Constellations, Theatre33 proves that sometimes the best theatre can be found in the smallest places." With shaky hands, you open up the review to read the rest of it, and sit there, smiling with tears running down your face with a really odd mixture of feelings of gratitude, relief, pride, a sense of accomplishment and disbelief. Read the full review or the few of the excerpts below:)
...Theatre33 presented an exquisitely crafted and beautifully performed piece of theatre...
...what Marianna Chebotaryova has accomplished with [balancing platform], not just as the Director, but also as set, sound, and lighting designer, and overall technical director, is quite an achievement.
There is so much symbolism built into the construction of this play, and especially through the use of this set piece and with these actors, it’s quite frankly a stroke of genius.
The design of Constellations is exquisite, but it’s the actors that make this play the three dimensional, emotional tale of love that the playwright intended.
Magnificently designed, soulfully acted, and just superbly put together, Constellations, a story of love and perseverance...
Now off to adapt the play for its festival version and perform in front of Spokane audiences at the WSCTA's Kaleidoscope Festival on February 15th!
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