01. Whence the name “Parson’s Nose”?
In Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”, the character Mercutio, trying to wake Romeo from his preoccupation with dreams, tells him the story of the madcap Queen Mab, the fairies’ midwife, who gallops in her tiny chariot across bodies while they sleep, causing them to dream of particular things – over a lawyer’s fingers and he dreams of fees, over a lady’s lips and she dreams of kisses. “Sometimes she tickles a parson’s nose, and then dreams he of another benefice!” Since we are a nonprofit in need of support we are always dreaming of another gift.
02. Why the Classics?
The art form of theater celebrates artist and audience sharing story, time and place. The classics are tales that have endured because they speak illuminating truths to each generation. They contain the richest language, characters and thoughts in our culture. They are about families. In the classics, the joys and problems of a 17th Century family find kinship in the 21st. We realize we are, and have always been, part of the same human family.
03. Aren’t “the classics” difficult to understand?
Not if done well.True, any art form requires focus and attention, but the same rich language that may be intimidating on the page becomes much clearer when presented as it was intended, as dialogue between visible characters in a dramatic situation. Our professionally acted, abridged adaptations are perfect introductions for the old, young, and in-between, and have been known to stimulate family conversation on the way home!
04. What is Readers’ Theater?
READERS’ THEATER goes all the way back to the Greeks and recitations of epic poetry. It involves the simplicity of the actor with script in hand, using his/her voice to communicate the character and story. It evolved throughout the centuries. Mark Twain and Charles Dickens became devotees in their public performances. Its appeal to our imaginations have also made Readers’ Theater an excellent format for radio as well as educational theater. We hope you’ll enjoy something a little bit different.
05. What makes an intimate 50 seat theater worthwhile?
We pride ourselves on making theater in a different way. We create a social experience, serving wine and homemade cookies. Despite our small size, we pay our artists not what they’re worth, certainly, but above Actors Equity union “scale”.