it's official

Howdy,

So today the announcement of the production is in the NYTimes. Alchemy Theater in association with LAByrinth Theater will present Sweet Storm at the Kirk Theater. Previews begin June 11th.

Almost the entire creative team is coming back and we also welcome Kate Rafey from the Clark production. She will be working backstage and assisting Jessica. It is very exciting that the announcement has been made. I will say the challenge from workshop to production are the same as on any play. We are now battling with achieving what is best for the play and working within the budget. That is a battle no matter what the budget. So far that challenge has added to thinking about what is the essence of the play. The designers, Scott, and myself agree what is most important is seeing the world through the Treehouse.  The orchard, the storm, time of day... all of it is important only in how it effects the world of Bo and Ruthie. The set, lighting, and sound will support this idea. To use a word from my conversation with Sarah - 'elegant'.  The minimal presentation will give us an elegant production of this beautiful play.

Clark is lending us some props from the workshop we did there. And Lea has been shopping - finding bargains, for gardenias, period coolers, fishing tackle. The work in earnest is beginning.

Tomorrow the set goes to a shop to be bid. From there we learn if our desire for what we think is 'minimal' is within our budget. And then conversations will begin again - around what is essential. The question of what is 'essential' has been what has taught me the most about the play. A door, a tree, a bed... and vulnerable first time lovers. That is what is essential for this play.

Above is the image of the set at the moment. Look forward to continued discussions and reading the NYTimes on the subway tomorrow. 

Goodnight,

Padraic