UW Whitewater Theatre/Dance Department

Our final performance took us back to Cesena, though this time to the Biblioteca Malatestiana, the oldest public library in the world (550 years old). It was quite difficult to find, as the signs in Cesena pointed you toward the library, but the facade itself was under construction with no clear signage from the street. First a few photos on the road to Cesena.

One of the nice things about driving in Italy is the interesting art that gets placed in the roundabouts.

This sign was actully posted right next to the courtyard entrance we were supposed to turn into. Certainly made it feel as though the library was still a little ways off.

This is the front facade of the library. The only signage is there, above the door, behind the scaffolding. Since it was siesta time, no one was around.

But, thanks to our intrepid driver Claudio, we figured out where to go.

The courtyard, like the library, was from the 15th century.

This was one of the few outdoor venues that had lighting as well as masking flats. Once again, facilities were a bit primitive; two portapotties back stage for the whole cast.

The stage set up for Lucia.

We ended the run with an analog board.

The hookup du jour.

On dinner break, a chance to walk around Cesena. Unlike last time, we were actually in the city center. This is the plaza in front of the library.

Down the street, a romanesque church — the unseen right side had a seriously baroque apse added to it.

A plaza near the castle, with a seriously Mannerist fountain.

This was across from the fountain.

Finally, Lucia in performance. It would have been a stellar evening if we hadn’t been competing with a Rolling Stones concert, apparently over at the castle. It lent an extra urgency to the performance. The final act was accompanied by the yowling of mating cats on the cloister roof behind the stage. If a singer can hold his or her own against all of that, they’re doing okay.

Photo from final dress.  Sandra and Murray drink their coffee and make very small talk the morning after. . .

The giant tech table has been struck.  Here’s the view from the tiny tech table as we prepare for photo call.

The office.  Murray visits his brother and agent, Arnold, in search of a job.

My portion of the tech table.  Hookup, cue synopsis, script, cheat sheet (I refuse to call it a magic sheet), and John Brunner’s “Stand on Zanzibar.”

During a break in tech for “A Thousand Clowns” at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre.  Scenic design by Brandon Kirkham, sound design by Josh Schmidt, stage manager Brandy Kline, costume design by Kristina Van Slyke, and lighting design by Eric Appleton.    Directed by Jonathan West.  Tech rehearsals featuring the grandest tech table in North America.

Master Electrician Ryan Bertelson climbing out of the lift’s basket after the final gel change at the end of the day’s focus for “A Thousand Clowns.”

A break in rehearsal of “A Thousand Clowns” at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre.  Featured is stage manager Brandy Kline (AEA).

In the midst of drafting the front of house positions for Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s August production of “A Thousand Clowns.”  Also have to go and strike props for “Music in the Air” tonight.  Huzzah.

Light plot for over stage for Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s production of “A Thousand Clowns.”   The front of house and paperwork will be going out first thing Monday morning.   It’s pretty packed over the stage, but it always feels like something is missing. . .

Working up the rough light plot for Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s August production of “A Thousand Clowns,” directed by Jonathan West.