This Friday Night Only – “Mr. Marmalade” Talkback

If you missed last night’s ‘Scene In Between‘ at Schulers Books and Music, it was a fascinating round table conversation where actors and patrons discussed the issues in Mr. Marmalade, the character development, and their reactions to the show.  Viewpoints ranged from those who have kids, work with small children and those who just remember having imaginary friends of their own!

If you would like to be a part of the conversation – you’re in luck!  After this Friday night’s performance of Mr. Marmalade, join us for a talkback with the cast.  This is an opportunity to ask questions and get an in depth view of the play from the actors themselves.

Tickets are still available.  Call the box office at (616) 234-3946 or purchase your tickets online through www.actorstheatregrandrapids.com

Tonight ‘A Scene In Between’ at Schuler Books

This evening join the director and cast members of our current production of Mr. Marmalade at Schuler Books & Music Downtown.  The Chapbook Cafe is now offering beer and wine, so grab a glass and join us for a discussion of the production, the creative process, and anything else you want to know!

And don’t forget – there is still time to catch the show!  Mr. Marmalade runs next weekend, Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Feb. 4-6th).  All performances are at 8:00 PM.  Order your tickets online on www.actorstheatregrandrapids.com or call the box office (616) 234-3946.

Grand Rapids Press Review of “Mr. Marmalade”

Be sure and check out the Grand Rapids Press’ review on mlive.com

Noah Haidle at an Actors' Theatre gathering to meet the playwright, cast, director and crew of Mr. Marmalade (T.J. Hamilton | The Grand Rapids Press)

Sweetness of Mr. Marmalade smooths over the bite

Review by Sue Merrell | The Grand Rapids Press
January 29, 2010, 7:35AM

Like the breakfast spread that inspired the name, Mr. Marmalade is an interesting combination of sweet and sour with tangy surprises, but it’s still tasty and satisfying.

The play by East Grand Rapids native Noah Haidle received mixed reviews when it debuted in New York in 2005 and the description of the story — a little girl with a coke addicted imaginary friend and a suicidal playmate — sounded almost scary.

But in the Actors’ Theatre production, which opened Thursday for an appreciative audience of about 175, the sweetness quickly smooths over the bite.

The cast embraces each of these characters and brings them to life with such enthusiasm that they would be fun to watch without any plot at all…

Read the rest of the review here on mlive.com

Don’t forget – tonight at 6:00 pm at Schuler Books Downtown, meet and discuss the show with director Shelly Urbane and some of the cast at Actors’ our Scene In Between!

A Scene In Between – Topdog/Underdog

Steve Taber, Marcus Woodswelch, Fred Sebulske at Schuler Books Downtown

September 28th Actors’ Theatre held its first “A Scene In Between” for TopDog/Underdog at Schuler Books Downtown. The event was a huge success!  The conversation was so fascinating that when moderator and Board Member Steve Taber announced that our hour was up, everyone looked up in surprise – it had just flown by!

What is “A Scene In Between”?  It is a gathering of people who are interested in learning more about the current production. Anyone is welcome – whether they have already seen the show or whether they are considering it and want to learn more.  The crowd on Monday consisted of those who had seen TopDog/Underdog, those who had only read the script, and those who were completely new to Actors’.  All season long Schuler Books will be hosting these events on the Monday nights between performance weekends.  Our next event will be for Frozen and will be held on Monday, December 7th at 6:00 pm.

A Scene In Between

It seemed particularly fitting to meeting in a bookstore during National Banned Book Week to talk about a play that had been placed the Challenged Book List of 2007.  Though it was a cold and rainy outside, the conversation inside the store was lively. Topdog/Underdog director Fred Sebulske and actors Sammy Publes and Marcus Woodswelch joined the enthusiastic group to talk about issues raised in the play.  Participants discussed culture, race, and sibling rivalry in Topdog.  Marcus, Sammy and Fred also gave their personal insights and talked about the language of the play, the preparations they went through in the rehearsal process and motivations behind their characters.  It was an educational and entertaining evening and those who participated said it gave them a deeper insight into the play.

A Scene In Between

Please note that although the cafe’ was closed this Monday due to larger than expected ArtPrize crowds, the Schuler Books Dowtown is now serving beer and wine.  So, please grab a glass of Merlot and join us for our next A Scene In Between in December!