BWW Reviews: THE STRANGE UNDOING OF PRUDENCIA HART at the Shakespeare Theatre Center

It's funny, it's clever and you'll hear plenty of references regarding a Costco parking lot, you'll hear references to James Blunt, Susan Boyle (nicknamed SuBo), Lady Ga Ga, melodies such as music from the Black-Eyed Peas, the songs "Guantanamena" and "Bridge over Trouble Water".

There was even a lap dance performed on a patron.  I spoke to Zach from DC who commented, "We arrived a little late and one risks being a participant. " He thought it was hysterical and impromptu.  Zach's girl friend also got a kick out of it.  They are subscribers to STC and were enjoying their experience.

As a reminder, all patrons must present a legal I.D. and those under 21 years of age must be accompanied by a legal guardian.

Beverage service is available before, during and after the show.  Draft beer is $7, wine is $8.  After 5 p.m., there is a happy hour special for $10 you get a burger and a draft beer.

There is also a CD for sale for $15.

This is not for everyone. But if you always wanted to see what the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is like, here is your opportunity.  It's a hoot.

PRUDENCIA HART continues until Dec. 9. Call 202-547-1122 or visit www.shakespeareTheatre.org.

See a nice article by Washington Post Theater Critic Peter Marks about actress Melody Grove (Predencia Hart) in the Wednesday, December 5th edition in the Style Section.

cgshubow@broadwayworld.com

Shakespeare Theatre Company

WILL LEAD DISCUSSION ON SITE-SPECIFIC THEATRE

DURING RUN OF THE STRANGE UNDOING OF PRUDENCIA HART

Washington, D.C. — The Shakespeare Theatre Company, recipient of the 2012 Regional Theatre Tony Award®, will hold a symposium on site-specific and immersive theatre in conjunction with The National Theatre of Scotland’s The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart, STC’s first site-specific work. The symposium, part of STC’s AsidesLIVE programming series, will take place Tuesday, December 4, from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. in The Forum in Sidney Harman Hall (610 F Street NW). Tickets are $15 for the general public, $10 for subscribers and $5 for students.

This production of David Greig’s play, set in a pub in Kelso, Scotland, takes place in the Bier Baron Tavern in the Dupont neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The actors interact with the audience by performing all over the bar, standing on tables and singing songs with the pubgoers. This production offers fodder for discussion of how theatre spaces have transformed over the centuries and how 21^st century artists are rethinking where and how theatrical work can be seen.

Participants in the AsidesLIVE Symposium on December 4 will discuss the artistry and logistics that go into producing the work of The National Theatre of Scotland, dog & pony dc and Punchdrunk theatre company. As well as the work seen at the Capital Fringe Festival and presented by the Shakespeare Theatre Company.

Schedule of Events

6:30 p.m.: Welcome and A Mini-lecture on Theatrical Space,given by Arnold Aronson, Professor Columbia University School of the Arts, author of Looking into the Abyss: Essays on Scenography

6:45 p.m.: A look at the immersive world of Prudencia Hart

7:00 p.m.: Panel: Reimagining Theatrical Space, moderated by Otis Ramsey-Zöe, Professor of Theatre at Howard University
Participants:
Katie Fleming, immersive artist and former Props Manager of Sleep No More NY
Rachel Grossman, Ring Leader of dog & pony dc
Ryan Holliday, Director of New Media at Artisphere, member of musical group Bluebrain

8:00 p.m. Panel: Producing outside the Proscenium, moderated by Hannah Hessel, Audience Enrichment Manager
Participants:
Chris Jennings, Managing Director of the Shakespeare Theatre Company
Julianne Brienza, Executive Director of the Capital Fringe Festival
Liam Kaas-Lentz, Professor Georgetown University, ensemble member of Sojourn Theatre

To purchase tickets or to learn more, patrons can call the box office at 202.547.1122 or visit Shakespeare Theatre Company website" href="http://tracking.wordfly.com/click?sid=MTQ5XzM0MjRfNjU1MTFfNjgzNg&l=c2ae5617-5a2f-e211-9a10-e41f1345a486&utm_source=wordfly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2012_11_15_Press_Release_ASIDESLIVE&utm_content=version_A&sourceNumber=18479" target="_blank">ShakespeareTheatre.org.