Photo Flash: Chance Theater Hosts MAPLE AND VINE Design Preview Party
By: BWW News Desk Aug. 28, 2014
Chance Theater will present the fourth show of its 16th Anniversary Season - the clever and sharply drawn fantasy, Maple and Vine. Written by Jordan Harrison, with direction by Mark Ramont. Maple and Vine will preview from September 19 through 25, with regular performances beginning September 26 and continuing through October 19 at Chance Theater @ Bette Aitken theater arts Center. The company recently held a design preview party for the show, and BroadwayWorld has photos from the event below!
Maple and Vine follows the story of Katha and her husband Ryu (a young Asian doctor), who have become allergic to their 21st-century lives. After they meet a charismatic man from a community of 1950s reenactors, they forsake cell phones and sushi for cigarettes and Tupperware parties. In this compulsively authentic Eisenhower America, Katha and Ryu are surprised by what their new neighbors- and they themselves-are willing to sacrifice for happiness.
In addition to director Mark Ramont, the production team for Maple and Vine will also include two returning artists from last season's Ovation Award winning musical, Triassic Parq - The Musical -- scenic designer Joe Holbrook and sound designer Ryan Brodkin. They are joined by costume designer Bradley Locke, whose work was last seen at the Chance in this season's opener, Lysistrata Jones, lighting designer Jayne Dutra, dramaturg Jocelyn L. Buckner, props designer Amy Ramirez, and assistant director Travis Donnelly all making their Chance debuts.
The production will feature a cast that includes Chance Theater Resident Artists Jennifer Ruckman and James McHale, as well as Robert M. Lee, Daniel Fagan and Kelly Ehlert making their Chance debuts.
For tickets and more information, call (714) 777-3033 or visit www.ChanceTheater.com.
Photo Credit: Casey Long / Chance Theater
Director Mark Ramont talks about the universality of the story and its quest for happiness and the struggle of what you are willing to sacrifice in pursuit of it.
Dramaturg Jocelyn L. Buckner discusses the importance of the year 1955 in American culture -- Elvis' music was causing riots, Disneyland opened its gates, James Dean died in a car accident, and Rosa Parks took a stand by not giving up her seat.
Scenic Designer Joe Holbrook, whose work was last seen at the Chance in the Ovation Award-winning Triassic Parq - The Musical, discusses the challenges of building a dynamic set that can also accommodate 32 different scenes.
Lighting Designer Jayne Dutra makes her Chance debut with Maple and Vine, and is looking forward to exploring the contrasts within the script in the language of the lighting
Costume Designer Bradley Lock's work was last seen in the season opener Lysistrata Jones. For Maple and Vine he will play with color in unexpected ways, and some characters will definitely be like '1950's in your face!'
Sound Designer Ryan Brodkin, who just worked on Chance's production of In The Heights, returns for the third time this season and will incorporate the concept of 1950's television transition music into his soundscape for Maple and Vine
The Maple and Vine cast and production team with Associate Producers Scott & Sandra Graham (front center)
Chance Members Bob Cody and Marilyn Krist with Board Member Susie Dittmar (center)
Cast members Kelly Ehlert and Jennifer Ruckman with Chance patrons
Board Member Andy Lamb with cast member James McHale
A sneak peek at the transformative scenic design that must accommodate all 32 scenes for Maple and Vine
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