Saturday, July 17, 2010

Friday Night at the Theater

Jack and I went to another play tonight.  We really have the opportunity to go to way more than we do, and we always enjoy it, but I'm bad to forget about getting tickets until it's too late.This time we saw "Twelve Angry Men", put on, of course, by the State Theater of North Carolina--Flat Rock Playhouse--and it was done in Hendersonville's historic courthouse. I have to say it was awesome! Yeah, I know I said that about "The Woman in Black", but I really meant it--both times!

Most of the time, the productions are performed at the Flat Rock Playhouse itself, with the actors and actresses up on the stage.  This is one of only two plays I've attended where the stage is on a level with the audience, and the whole atmosphere is different.

We were on the second row, only because 3 people propelled themselves past us to the front and saved the entire row of seats for their friends. I was a bit miffed, because Jack needs a little extra leg room to accomodate his splinted leg, but next time I'll just have to move a bit faster. It was open seating, and  really, there were no bad seats, just good, better, and best.

Being that close to the players really draws you in.  You feel so much a part of the action. The thunder had us all trying to peer out of the windows, because we actually had some thunder earlier in the day.  When Juror #3 pretended to stab Juror #8, more than one person in the audience recoiled. And when Juror #8 is imitating the limp of the old man witness, and discussing how long it would take him to walk 55 feet,  it was all I could do not to volunteer Jack's assistance.

In fact, that almost happened one other time, too. Way back in 2007 I blogged about another play we attended ,  (Gosh, has it really been 3 years???)  and reminisced about a play DD directed years ago in which we lent them our Christmas tree--and never got it back. And in that play, "A Doll's House", I got so wrapped up I almost broke into their argument, too.   I mean, dang it, the sofa was right in front of me, and they were being so pig-headed!

One of these days, I'm going to lose total control and be banned from live performances.

So, I know I've said this before, but if you have the opportunity to go and support a nearby community theater, please do so.  Don't be a Ouiser Boudreaux:

Ouiser Boudreaux: I do not see plays, because I can nap at home for free. And I don't see movies 'cause they're trash, and they got nothin' but naked people in 'em! And I don't read books, 'cause if they're any good, they're gonna make 'em into a miniseries.

Name that movie!  (Yes, I miss Saturday at the Movies!)


9 comments:

Cathi said...

There's nothing like live theatre -- one can get drawn right in to the storyline!

Pokey said...

We have always enjoyed the small town theaters, too. Glad you contained yourself, who knows what would have happened.
We visited a melodrama once that allowed you to throw peanuts at the actors (the bad guys), my Larry got all caught up in aiming to hit the poor guy's nose, and did repeatedly (sorry, mark it up to 'young & foolish' mischief). Next year we went back, NO MORE PEANUTS. Gee, I wonder why....

MightyMom said...

Love me some. Weezer! Steel Magnolias of course

Lori said...

ROFL--I have seen, uh, maybe two movies this year. And very little tv. Maybe I should be in one of those places they sequester people so I could THINK LOFTY THOUGHTS. NAW-I want to sew and camp and visit Laura Beth and Nick and MASON.. Maybe a trip to the Black Hills. Oh--so many place I want to go!

Libby said...

We love live performance of most any kind. Need to find a good place around here for the stage (not counting that Broadway is a mere 4 hour train ride *s*)
I miss Saturday at the movies, too.

Karen said...

How fun, I love going to the theater! Sounds like they're doing a good job sweeping you away!

Gill - That British Woman said...

That sounds like a neat play, glad you enjoyed it,

Gill in Canada

julieQ said...

I have never....seen a live performance! Definitely, a must do!! Glad you had such fun.

cockermom said...

You are gonna make me want to watch Steel Magnolias all over again! Ouiser was my favorite character!