Signature Theatre is now offering theater lovers everywhere the ultimate backstage pass with Brother Russia Presents, a six-session seminar that goes behind-the-scenes of the world premiere rock musical Brother Russia, from the award-winning creators of the hit musicals The Fix and Witches of Eastwick. From the Early Stages of the rehearsal process all the way through the final dress rehearsal, class members will meet the creative team and cast members, while getting a genuine inside look at all the stages involved in mounting a professional theatrical production.
Registration deadline to sign up for this unique theatrical experience is Wednesday, February 8 and tuition is $300. For more information, or to register for the seminar, please call David Zobell, Education Associate at (571) 527-1857 or visit www.signature-theatre.org/signature-seminar.
“For anyone who loves the spontaneous live art form that is theater, this extraordinary seminar is the perfect opportunity for them to get a definitive sneak-peek at the many stages involved in putting up a big musical,” said Signature’s Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer. “We are very excited to share this experience with theater fans of all ages, especially on a world premiere production that Signature is very proud to introduce to the public.”
ABOUT THE SEMINAR
Session I (February 15): From the Creative Process to Rehearsal
Composer Dana Rowe, book writer/lyricist John Dempsey, and director Eric Schaeffer share in an interactive talk about the creation of Brother Russia.
Session II (February 22): The Music of Brother Russia
Gabe Mangiante, the Musical Director, and members of the cast will talk about approaching the music and the characters in this inventive new musical. Attendees will listen to the music and find out what challenges the cast have in bringing it to life.
Session III (February 29): Tech Rehearsal
Watch an actual technical rehearsal as all of the elements (sets, props, lights, music, costumes, etc.) all come together to bring the premiere of Brother Russia to theatrical life.
Session IV (March 1): The Orchestra
The first rehearsal to add the orchestra into the mix is called a “sitz probe” where actors hear the music with full orchestration for the first time. Sit in and witness the cast blend their voices into the orchestral mix to make music together.
Session V (March 4): The Final Dress Rehearsal
The premiere of Brother Russia is now ready to meet its first audience. Be there front and center for the “invited dress” and see how the production comes together as the final, crucial element – you, the audience – is added.
Session VI (March 5): Critics’ Corner
Share a glass of wine with the creative team – as well as your personal critical opinions. An insightful and entertaining exchange of commentary, questions, and critiques on the process, the production, and the seminar are discussed.
ABOUT BROTHER RUSSIA
In a desolate potato field north of Omsk, a comically fourth-rate Russian theater troupe sets up its tents and wows the local farmers with rock-fueled adaptations of Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. Tonight, however, the company tosses classic literature aside to showcase the life story of their impresario and star, the seemingly immortal Brother Russia – more commonly known as Grigori Yefimovich Rasputin. Yes, that Rasputin: the hypnotic mystic who seduced and ruled the Tsar and Tsarina in the waning days of Imperial Russia.
Brother Russia comes from the award-winning team of Dana Rowe (Music) and John Dempsey (Book & Lyrics). Directed by Eric Schaeffer, Brother Russia plays at Signature’s MAX Theatre from March 6 – April 15, 2012.
BROTHER RUSSIA PERFORMANCE DATES & TICKET INFORMATION
Performances of Brother Russia run from March 6, 2012 to April 15, 2012. Showtimes are Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7:30 pm, Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 pm, Saturdays at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm, and Sundays at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm. There will only be an 8pm performance on Saturday, March 10.
