Here’s a little more about the irreplaceable Brant Aycock…

When he’s not working for Russ Communications or volunteering at the theatre, Brant enjoys all forms of entertainment. In 2009 he started a supper club entitled Adventurous Palates – challenging members to experience the world through cuisine. Each month the club dines at a different ethnic or cultural restaurant to enjoy the culinary delights offered. He is also a devout music buff and publishes a monthly playlist of his favorite musical discoveries.

Brant has always enjoyed the theatre – but lacking any performance talent and being too tall to fit into most costumes, he has found that serving on the Board of Actor’s Theatre is the most appropriate role he can fulfill. “I’m grateful for the opportunity Board Membership has given me to support the arts in general, and Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte specifically,” he says. “It’s a pleasure to be a part of such an esteemed community.”

Vic Vega (Michael Madsen) from Reservoir Dogs and Vincent Vega (John Travolta) from Pulp Fiction are brothers.

Where is Vincent heading in the opening scene?

Every time Vince Vega goes to the restroom something bad happens.

The wallet that Jules uses that says “Bad Mother Fucker” actually belonged to Taratino.

How long did Butch’s dad hide his birth rite (a watch) up his bum?

Big Kahuna Burger make appearances in Reservoir Dogs and From Dusk Till Dawn.

The cereal Fruit Brute, that Lance eats, was part of the Monster Cereal line along with Count Chocula, Frankenberry, and a couple of others. Taratino kept the box for nostalgia and uses it from time to time in movies.

The shot of Vincent plunging the needle into Mia’s chest is actually the shot being run backwards.

Harvey Keitel played Winston ‘The Wolf’ Wolfe, a cleaner in two movies Pulp Fiction and what else?

The F*** word is said 257 times in the movie.

Danny DeVito was a producer on the film. In the movie Twins he played Vincent, and Schwartzeneggar played Jules.

Daniel Day-Lewis wanted the part of Vincent Vega, but Taratino had his heart set on Travolta.

The innocent bystander shot by Marsellus Wallace is the same actor pulled out of her car by which character, by color, in Reservoir Dogs (1992)?

The book  that Vincent reads is “Modesty Blaise”, by Peter O’Donnell. In that book, a killer indulges in a Biblical rant very similar to that of  Samuel L. Jackson’s character.

What does Vincent call Butch at the bar?

Keep checking back for more trivia answers.

The artistic director of a theatre company is the individual with the over-arching artistic control of the theatre’s production choices, directorial choices, and overall artistic vision.

Got it? Good. But wait, there’s more, especially for Chip who has been with ATC for around 15 years. He was gracious enough to take a few minutes out of his day to answer a few questions for us.

1. How long have you been with ATC?

I started as their part time Technical Director in 1996 after doing the show, Dark Rapture. In 2001 I took over as Artistic Director and in 2002 I went full time. So, 15-ish years.

2. Knowing that most director’s were actor’s first, what was the first show you acted in and what character?

Good grief.  How many years did I play a Sheppard in the church play? too many to count.  But I guess my first “real” role was in the 6th grade as a private detective in some silly mystery play.  The name of which, escapes me, but the character name was Jake.

3. What was the first show you directed?

The Octette Bridge Club.

4. Of all the productions you have been a part of with ATC, what was your favorite and why?

You know, I really hate this question, and I get asked it quite often.  It’s like asking the Dugger family which of their 19 kids is best. So I will give you my top 6.  2 musicals, 2 dramas and 2 comedies.

Musicals:

Violet.  Beautifully realized from all aspects, design/direction/performances/lighting/set. And the musicality of the show is   brilliant.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch.  Amazing score and book. and I had the privilege to play bass behind two different and amazing Hedwigs.  A show like this  makes you realize why the Rolling Stones loved to perform live for so long.

Dramas

The Pillowman.  Once in a while, every moment, every detail of a show, from the script to the back stage crew just gels and is perfect.  Does not    happen often but when it does, it’s magic.  Pillowman was magic.

Take Me Out.  See above.

 Comedies

Flaming Guns Of The Purple Sage:  When a show has you laughing as much on closing night as on opening night, it’s a really well done show.

The Lieutenant of Inishmore: An amazing story by the same writer as The Pillowman plus a strong and well executed cast and dozens of technical effects which were amazing to see live on stage night after night.  Plus a live cat on stage!  Hitting his mark night after night!  What’s not to love?

5. Which ATC production of them all did you find the most challenging to put together?

Every show, even a one person production, has challenges.  Sometimes it starts with casting, sometimes it’s an effect or stage issue or wardrobe snafu but every show brings its own set of challenges and opportunities with it.  So my answer is, “The next one”.

6. What show would you like ATC to produce that the company hasn’t yet done?

There are numerous high powered quality shows out there, and a lot goes into determining if we can present it properly and professionally.  If money or casting opportunities were not an issue, I would love us to present Lynn Nottage’s Ruined. Also, I think we have the talent here to write and present an amazing new musical.  I would love to find an underwriter to help us finance a new musical, much like we had when we created Southern Rapture.  Oh yeah, Add Southern Rapture to my list of favorites.  The finest locally produced, locally commissioned new play ever to come from Charlotte.  I know we can do that with a musical.

7. What show would you like to bring back for an encore run?

Selfishly, Hedwig.  But we do still get an amazing number of requests for Flaming Guns of the Purple Sage.  Something funny about cheerios in the ass.  So maybe Flaming Guns.

8. For people who may not be familiar with The Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte, what is the one thing you would really want them to know about ATC?

We work exceptionally hard at presenting the most interesting seasons year after year but more importantly our emphasis on quality and professional productions is second to none.  When you come to one of our productions, you will enjoy your whole evening and feel that the investment of your time has been well worth it.

Thanks Chip. Make sure to say “Hi” to Chip when you come see the next show Cuttin” Up, which opens February 15.

Well…Chaps! A Jingle Jangle Christmas opened last night the the review from Larry Topman is already in. He liked it. He really really liked it. What does this mean. It will probably translate to sold out audiences yet again so get your tickets now. Better yet – have that person on your list that is hard to buy for? BUY THEM TICKETS! The show runs until the 23rd so it makes an excellent holiday gift.

But now back to our title.

Below are a couple of more videos from rehearsals of Chaps!. The first is Ryan Stamey and Brett Gentile rehearsing a song from the show.  Ryan plays the singing dummy.

A Singing Dummy or Ryan Stamey singing

And here is Kevin Roberge or as he became know that night – The Ghost of Drag Christmas Past. Actually, actors were trying on parts of there costumes for director Patrick Tansor to give his Yea or Nay to. I believe this one made it into the show, but you will just have to attend to know for sure.

The Ghost of Drag Christmas Past or Kevin Roberge trying on a costume.

I hope you had a good giggle on me. Now go out and see the show. It is well worth it.

And thank to Ryan and Kevin for letting me poke a little fun at them. They are both talented beyond belief, as are the rest of the actors and staff. We are lucky to have you guys and your immense talent.

Conversation with Patrick Tansor

And, Actor’s Theatre staple Ryan Stamey joins the cast as Miles, the frantic young BBC producer, who in a harried state brought on by missing performers, running amok grabbing anyone he can in order to put the holiday show on. Here is what he had to say about being in the new show.

Ryan Stamey as Miles in Chaps! A Jingle Jangle Christmas

Keep a look out for more Between The Scenes looks at Chaps!. And, go and order your tickets now as this is sure to be a sell out show.

We have accounts on both Facebook and Twitter. Activity on both sites is frequent and any last minute changes will be posted. Extra shows and events happening at ATC, such as Cult Movie Monday are mentioned. If you come and see a show let us know what you think. Write on our walls, or # us to share the word.

Using local and location based sites like Foursquare and Yelp offers another option. Checking in after a show with the Fourquare app and posting a comment is a great way to get the word out immediately. Don’t forget – you can check in on Facebook as well. If you aren’t familiar with Yelp it is a website that let’s you review and rate local businesses. Written reviews are shared with the Charlotte community and sometimes a review is spotlighted, exposing it to an even great number of people. Another benefit to Yelping is that Charlotte Yelper’s sometimes get special invites to events and new places to try.

Bloggers. Do you write one that your aquaintances, friends, or family read? Blog about us please. Even if your blog is not about theatre let people know that we can be used as a great diversion from the normal routine, a fun night out, a great place to visit while you are in town, or an awesome way to support the local arts scene.

Help us spread the word. Talk about us. Gossip about us. Review us. The more you do, the more we can do.

Radio is the way that the general masses receive their nightly entertainment. They listen to Judy Garland, who is starring in Meet Me In St. Louis on Broadway, and Bing Crosby and The Andrew Sisters, who top the charts with Don’t Fence Me In. Glen Miller, whose popularity would rival many of today’s popular music stars, is tragically lost when his plane disappears over the English Channel. Bob Hope is performing his annual radio broadcast for the American troops.

When it comes to the news riding the airwaves the talk is all about the Battle of Bulge, the Greek civil war that has broken out, Eisenhower receiving his fifth star, and kamikaze attacks on US ships in the pacific. For those that are only interested in sports, the Green Bay Packers have won the NFL championship.

During the evening hours when Father was reading the evening paper, Mother was darning some socks, and the children were playing the latest board game Chutes & Ladders, they could listen to The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet. If that wasn’t your cup of tea there was also The Benny Goodman Show, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, The Lone Ranger, and Texaco Star Theatre, just to name a few.

If you did want to go out for the evening, and could afford a car, gas was 21 cents a gallon. Want to take in a show? See Judy Garland on Broadway for about $10.00. Want to grab a bite afterwards? Plan on spending around $5.00, depending on where you go. But remember the average yearly income is only $2,600, and the minimum wage is 30 cents per hour. Are you spending you pennies wisely, trying to save up for a new home? That will cost you about $8,600, and that brand new car you dream about will put you back approximately $1,200 dollars.

Now are you ready to travel back in time to England, 1944 for the holiday radio special featuring Tex Riley? Wait what do you mean he isn’t here yet? What are we going to do? Quick to the DeLorean, so we can help them with this conundrum.

Come and enjoy Chaps: A Jingle Jangle Christmas, starting December 13.

The video which is now finally on not only my Facebook page, but Robert Touchstone’s, Carrie Cranford’s, and Chip Decker’s, all of whom can be found through the Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte Page. Transferring it to the Actor’s Theatre page was not in my power on my end (believe me I tried).

Now, was that the end of the problem – NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! The video which was filmed in a normal position has gone sideways. I don’t know how, but it has, and I appologize to Dennis for making it seem like he is lying down on the job.

But please don’t let the technical difficulties stop you from watching Dennis talk about Next Fall, which if you haven’t seen yet – WHY? Don’t wait until it’s

What was once a Victorian house, with an attached doctor’s office is now a modern apartment, a hospital room, a hospital waiting area, and a few other places. Seeing the transformation from one set to a completely new one always amazes me, especially knowing what a small space the designers have to deal with. The transition movements of the set is like watching a moving puzzle. There are certain elements that are constant, some come in and out of the set, while others are there for a just s brief moment in time. All of this is done to give a sense of different times and places, but I also see it as an analogy to life in general. The great puzzle we are all trying to figure out. We know that the pieces with flat edges are our boundries and always will be, but the rest we have to figure out and try to put together in a way that makes sense.

The transformation was not just in the stage alone. If you have been following the theatre scene in Charlotte you would know that Christian Casper, who plays Adam (a modern gay man) in Next Fall, was in ATC’s previous show The Vibrator play, where he played a Victorian doctor. These are two totally different characters, with little in common. Their only common bond being the fact that both characters experience conflict with their partners. Was the transition easy? This would be a good question for you to ask Christian after you have gone to see Next Fall.

Polly Adkins has also gone through a quick transformation, but where Christian had to totally change his persona, Polly has had to tone one back. Before Next Fall, Polly was Violet in August: Osage County at CAST. In it she portrayed a drug addicted overbearing mother, with a vast assortment of other issues, all of which she has an opinion on. As Arlene in Next Fall, she plays a mother again, who has an attachment to her pills and her opinions. She has had to go from an extreme, and then had to dial it back several notches to create a whole new character. For those not familiar with acting and it complexities, this can be quite difficult, as an actor never wants to play two different characters the same way, especially one right on top of the other.

Next Fall opened tonight and while I couldn’t be there for it, I am positive it went great. Make sure you get your tickets now, don’t wait until the last minute, or you might miss your chance. Keep an eye out for my next blog where the director of Next Fall, Dennis Delamar answers a few questions regarding the show. In the meantime, check out the Who’s Who section under the show description and read the bios of all the amazing talent that makes this production what it is.