Rock and Roll Theatre
French satire from the 1600's feels like falling asleep in high school english class. But classic French satire with a rock and roll band? That sounds better. We can thank Andy Liegl for this bold modernity on December 26th when his production of Such Foolish Affected Ladies opens at the Alt Theatre. The original play calls for violinists but this role has been liberally opened up to local band The Nepenthe. "I wanted an indie rock sound, something that my generation can click with but will still evoke foot tapping from an older, more classical crowd." You can look forward to seeing classic actors ballroom dancing to a cover of the Talking Heads' "Psycho Killer."
However, this is just a small part of the band's total function in Liegl's vision. Not only are they to provide soundtrack, but also to be a functional part of the plot direction. The play's conclusion will begin an improv session between the band and the actors. Nicole Bulger, the voice of the Nepenthe, describes it "as if we're writing a spontaneous song with a story that's being acted out in front of us. We have a lot of fun trying to come up with ways to musically express what's going on in a scene, or an actor's portrayal of a character, while still trying to have cohesiveness as a group."
This combined improvisation is yet another alternative method of presentation; a tool to include those who may previously have been left out of the demographic. Although french satires from the 1600's might not be your bag, you must agree that everything tastes better with rock and roll. So, if you're not too tired after opening presents and dealing with family, come see an alternative approach to classic theatre. "Such Foolish Affected Ladies" runs Dec 26-31, @ 7:30pm, with two matinees at 2pm on the 27th and 31st at the Alt Theater.
More information at www.myspace.com/thenepentheband.
255 Great Arrow Ave
Buffalo, NY 14207
716.868.6847
$15
What Do You Think?
Related Articles
-
Albright-Knox Increases Adult Admission
Though it may only be the fifth time since 1992 that the Albright-Knox Art Galley has increased its admission rate, the higher fee speaks to the changing face of our society and economy. To keep the gallery in good financial health, it is necessary to increase the price of a regular adult admission ticket from $10 up to $12. The new price will go into effect on January 1st 2009.
The director of the gallery, Louis Grachos, has said that due to higher costs in all areas of the gall … - Dec 18th 2008, 7:09pm
- Continue Reading
- 19 Comments
-
A Souvenir From Alleyway Theatre
It’s funny how history seems to repeat itself. Florence Foster Jenkins was in the elite member of society, but terribly eccentric and utterly convinced that she was a great coloratura soprano – despite the fact that she couldn’t carry a tune for even a few notes. She even managed to hold a sold out concert, even though she couldn’t sing! Sound familiar? Remember William Hung?
Jenkins’ story happened over 50 years ago. She would hold annual recitals in the Ritz Carlton h … - Dec 18th 2008, 6:51am
- Continue Reading
- Join the conversation
-
New Magazine To Focus On The Local Art Scene
What could be more perfect to spread the news about local artists at the Buffalo Indie Market than a literary magazine that features works from local artists? NOMAD is a new magazine set to debut in January 2009 that will feature writers, poets, photographers, artists, and designers from the area. Erica Eichelkraut, a freelance photographer, created NOMAD and is bringing it to the public. Since Eichelkraut is a part of the Buffalo Indie Market, it wasn’t long before a collaborat … - Dec 17th 2008, 12:00am
- Continue Reading
- 2 Comments
-
2nd Annual Music is Art Big Easy in Buffalo Mardi Gras Jam
Too early to think about Mardi Gras? We don't think so! Plan ahead for the 2nd Annual Big Easy in Buffalo Jam on Feb. 20.
So far Music is Art (MiA) founder and president Robby Takac has booked New Orleans artists Marcia Ball, Papa Grows Funk, and Big Sam's Funky Nation, as well as local opener Eric Crittenden & Ron Davis (Leeron Zydeco) and a student battle of the bands winner.
"Buffalo and New Orleans are a lot alike," Takac said. "They're both great cities that keep going … - Dec 16th 2008, 11:08am
- Continue Reading
- Join the conversation
