Players' Ring Part II

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

So here we are; Players' Ring Producers Meeting, Part II. (See Part I below)

Before I tell you about more pitches, let me enlighten you regarding the surprise announcements the Ring made.

Its board members announced two, new initiatives.

One; anyone in the season's line up must have a representative at the Ring's open auditions. Fair enough.

Two; (This is so exciting). They must also participate in the new "Season's Sneak Peek." This event will put presenters before the Ring's members, each offering a two-minute form of scintillating advertisement for their play; an outline, excerpt or some tantalizing tidbit.

If you've ever experienced one of the producers' nights you know just how entertaining this format is. It's really a wonderful idea don't you think?

Now, back to the pitch event.

A most intriguing idea was tailored to the Ring's annual Shakespeare slot. Dan Beaulieu - nice young man - proposed running two shows in repertory, “Hamlet,” and “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.” And there is more!

To add even more spice Dan proposes "R & G" actors learn both parts. Then each evening's audience determines who plays which role with an on-the-spot, coin toss . Well Gossip Lovers let me tell you there's no doubt Dan impressed those present. The question is whether he sufficiently impressed the Selection Committee . We'll all know together on April 15, the day the Ring announces its choices.

There was a second, ambitious in-rep proposal , this one by G. Matthew Gaskell, author of the popular "Sharp Dressed Men." In a matter of a week Greg, (as he's better known in the theater community), will premier "All the Rage," "SDM's" sequel, at the Ring. Gaskell would like to present the last of this trilogy in next year's season - playing all three each weekend of the run.

So my friends, as you can see, the evening was filled with marvelous ideas. To read the entire list check out The Portsmouth Herald's Sunday paper.

Oh, and before we leave this topic, let me say kudos to Mike Pomp for his apt handling of the timer and warning bell. He did a smashing job.

Yours in awe of the arts
Gossip Lady
Photos: top to bottom, Todd Hunter, board member; Dan Beaulieu giving the pitch; Susan Turner, pitcher and Mike Pomp, board member.