Arts
Amy Stebbins: Vocalist Extraordinaire
By Ariel Gold
Published on May 18, 2003 in CXXVI no. 20Over the past four years, Amy Stebbins ’03 has delighted the Andover community with her vocal and theatrical talents. She feels inspired by the likes of three-time Tony winner Audrey MacDonald and operatic star Rene Flemming.
Stebbins received her flair for music and theater from her mother, who worked in California repertory theater, playing parts such as Sarah Brown in “Guys and Dolls.” Also a private instructor in piano, flute and voice, Stebbins’ mother made music an “integral part” of her daughter's childhood: “I have lots of memories of my mom’s singing from when I was younger.”
Before coming to PA, Stebbins studied voice for two years with distinguished soprano Holly Outwin-Tepe. However, despite singing jazz and classical styles in school and community groups, she “really didn't begin to develop a true appreciation for classical music and opera” until Andover.
Strangely enough, Stebbins did not try out for any music...
Kane ’03 Connects Fashion to History
By June Gordon
Published on May 18, 2003 in CXXVI no. 20Matt Kane ’03 has a unique sense of style. In the sea of trends on campus, his clothing and designs stand out as artistic personal statements reflecting current and historical inspirations. Recently, Kane has completed an Abbot Scholars project in which he designed his own clothing line, incorporating the trends and innovations of decades past.
Phillipian: What is your Abbot Scholars project?
Matt Kane: My project is about the history of fashion and how it relates to how designers create now. During winter term, I chose five decades that were of the most interest to me stylistically. From there I researched each time period and distilled each decade to it's basic principles. From there I designed an ensemble that took the design elements that made that period unique and modernized them. Each outfit is extremely wearable and could be sold in stores now. The goal is to show how...
Oedi Brings Spring Spirit to the Steps of the Addison
By Sims Witherspoon
Published on May 4, 2003 in CXXVI no. 18Enjoying the warm weather this past Sunday, students lounged on the grass, and the theater workshop Oedi graced the steps of the Addison as frisbees flew across the adjacent Great Lawn. A 30-minute farce of Sophocles’ tragedy Oedipus Rex, this hilariously scripted show, adorned with its variety of sarcastic quips and sharp humor, was a refreshing compliment to the ambience of the weekend.
Oedi is based upon the infamous story of Oedipus. The background knowledge of this timeless tale is needed to enjoy fully the satiric angle of this theater classroom. In short, Oedipus, during a war, kills the king of Thebes, takes over his kingdom, and marries the queen, only to discover later that this king was his father and that his new wife is his mother. The Town Crier, played by Kendra Allenby ’05, opens the play by introducing us to the story at the moment...
Braddigan Begins Again
By Andy St. Louis
Published on May 4, 2003 in CXXVI no. 18Last weekend’s busy 225th Anniversary celebration was jam-packed with events, and despite the hubbub surrounding the arrival of former U.S. President George Bush ’42 on campus, the real anticipation of Saturday night for the student body was the AIDS benefit concert featuring Braddigan, a band starring guitarist-vocalist Brad Corrigan, formerly of the popular band Dispatch. Proceeds from the show, played before a large crowd in the Borden Gym, went to the Corpus Christi AIDS Residence and Lazarus House Ministries in Lawrence.
The show was opened by up-and-coming campus band Steal Your Face, who played a seven-song set, much to the delight of the audience. Lead singer and saxophone player Jon Weigel ’05 got the crowd going early with songs such as “Under the Bridge,” “What I Got,” and “The Farmhouse.” Jesse Seegers ’05 played guitar masterfully through every song, as did Nate Greenberg ’05 on bass guitar. Jami...
All in a Day's Workshop
By Melanie Kress
Published on May 4, 2003 in CXXVI no. 18From a farce of Sophocles to a contemporary Woody Allen satire, with the eclectic group of workshops this term, audience members are sure not to grow tired of the theater scene here on campus. A comic take on the Greek tragedy Oedipus Rex, Oedi, written by Rich Orloff and directed by Abby Seldin ’05, went up this past Sunday on the steps of the Addison, Peter Rotundo ’05’s Death Knocks by Woody Allen is scheduled to be performed this upcoming Sunday, May 4, and the month will conclude with The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man in the Moon Marigolds, directed by Caroline Claflin ’05 from the script by Paul Zindel, to go up May 29 in Steinbach Theater.
Phillipian: What is/was your workshop production this term?
Peter Rotundo: My current workshop is Death Knocks by Woody Allen. I chose it mainly because Woody Allen wrote it, and it...
From Oedipus to Absurdity
By Sims Witherspoon
Published on April 27, 2003 in CXXVI no. 17So here we are in a new term. Places to go, people to see, and PA Theater shows to watch. Whether you are the avid dramatist or the “catch-a-play-if-Ryley-isn’t-open-yet” type, the Theater and Dance Department has a show for you this term. From satire to Broadway tunes, spring term promises endless variety upon the stages of Tang, Steinbach, the Theater Classroom, and even on the steps of Sam Phil. Here is a brief preview of what’s to come.
For those who are looking for an alternative to the intense focus of the Theater 520 productions, the theater workshops seem to be the perfect beginning. Smaller, simpler productions, they are directed by students and contain everything from upbeat humor to solemn drama. Allowing a taste of the theatrical arts for those who can not sit still for more than 45 minutes, these productions allow beginning directors, actors, and theater-goers...
Byer Begins Anew: Actress-Turned-Producer Comments on New Role
By Adam Holt
Published on April 27, 2003 in CXXVI no. 17Phillipian: Starting at the beginning, why did you want to become a producer? Were there any particularly inspiring moments?
Jenny Byer: When I took leave last spring, I worked with a teacher at home to create an elective course to introduce middle school students to theater. This was my first time working backstage, and I saw things from a whole new perspective. Working with the students and watching my ideas turn into real changes was so rewarding. Producing provides the same opportunity to work with students and to better the Department.
Phillipian: I know that you have a lot of acting experience. Do you have any experience with directing or tech work?
JB: I had to get a general sense of the technical aspect of theater in order to organize a crew and act as stage manager in my class production. I must admit, though, I still have a lot...
Schouten Shares Her Passion
By Melanie Kress
Published on April 27, 2003 in CXXVI no. 17Phillipian: What are the strengths of our Theater Department as it is now?
Alison Schouten: Andover’s Theater Department provides students interested in theater with fantastic opportunities. The faculty are all well-versed in the field [of theater.] Students have incredible visions for projects as well as the will and talent to put these projects together. Phillipian: In what area do you think the Department needs improvement?
AS: I think that, as of now, it can be intimidating to try and get involved in theater at PA. It is wonderful that we have so much talent on campus, but I, for one, was both nervous and confused about auditioning for plays all through my freshman year. It was unclear to me which plays were open to me to try out for, and often I would end up not trying out for plays because I didn’t feel qualified. I hope that next...
Wallace Keeps a Watchful Eye
By Emily Monaco
Published on April 27, 2003 in CXXVI no. 17Phillipian: How have you been involved with acting and directing?
Lydia Wallace: I have acted in two classrooms and two musical reviews. I have also directed three classrooms before this term’s Drama Lab, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.
Phillipian: What has been your personal favorite experience with the theater program at Andover? Why does this experience stand out for you?
LW: Directing The Universal Language early last year. I had the almost unprecedented experience of being ready before the show went up. I had two dedicated actors who learned their lines over a weekend and faithfully showed up to rehearsal. We were doing very polished run-throughs four days before the show. I was able to nit-pick, and in the end, I was proud of the results.
Phillipian: What is your opinion of the current theater program at Andover? What do you think should change? What do you think should remain...
Dallett Steps Down
By Isabel Ritchie
Published on April 27, 2003 in CXXVI no. 17Phillipian: How did you become interested in theater at Andover?
Meg Dallett: I’ve been doing theater of one kind or another ever since I can remember (who knows what got me started in the first place?), so when I came to Andover, it wasn’t a question of “should I do theater?”, it was more a question of “how soon can I possibly start acting here?”
Phillipian: What made you want to be a producer?
MD: I can remember how nervous and off-balance I was directing my first workshop, and as a producer, I could help other directors so they didn’t stress as much as I did. It’s also a good excuse to sell the Theater Department shamelessly and get as many people as possible involved. I love the rehearsal process, because we all become so close by the end and have so much fun with the show. I decided that...