A Whole New Week of Performances!

Did you miss the opening weekend of Vinegar Tom?

The Vinegar Tom singers: (from left) Emily Zobel, Angela Evers, Chanel Lucia, Jackie Sieck, Allie Boettcher, Erika Appel

Not to worry: there are performances on 4/25, 4/26, 4/27, 4/28 at 7:30 pm, and 4/29 at 2:00 pm. Purchase tickets by clicking on this link to our box office.

Rachel Hoey and Shane Allen

The Singers

Also, join us this Thursday, April 26th, and Saturday, April 28th, for post-show discussions with the actors and designers!

(From left) Shane Allen, Megan McGrory, Rachel Hoey, Anna Krieg 

Susan Jordan DeLeon and Monique Hanson

Anna Krieg and Rachel Hoey

And if you've already seen the show, thank you for a great opening weekend! Remember to check out the actor bios, designer info, and newly added song lyrics here on the Vinegar Tom blog. 

SDSU Theatre Events: Vinegar Tom

Vinegar Tom Opens!

Vinegar Tom opens tonight and runs through Sunday, April 29th! Click here to book your tickets in advance- these seats will sell fast!

Vinegar Tom Promotional Video

Check out this gorgeous promotional video, featuring commentary by Peter Larlham and Thomas Hodges about the play. Thank you to Mike Brown and Wayan Morales for conceptualizing and creating this wonderful video for Vinegar Tom!

If you'd like to re-post or email this video, find it here, on YouTube.

Purchase tickets for Vinegar Tom

Tech Week

Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to Vinegar Tom's last week of rehearsal: tech week!

The view from the lighting/sound booth

Famously known as the most stressful week in any theatre production, tech week involves merging the acting that has been happening in rehearsal with all of the technical elements of the show that the designers have planned, including lighting, sound, set elements, props, and costumes. The stage managers and technical crew usually take this time to plan when lighting and sound cues will happen, and when set and costume changes occur. The actors get into "show mode," meaning that backstage areas are kept dimly lit, so that the audience can't see offstage, and costumes and make-up are required. This is a very exciting time, since tech week is usually when the show "comes to life." With so many elements to incorporate, though, it's no wonder why tech weeks are notoriously a little stressful. 

Although the actors have been practicing with rehearsal props and costumes (those are the simple skirts and shoes you see in previous rehearsal photos), they are clearly very excited to be in their show costumes: 

Another exciting addition to the play at this time is lighting. Lights often really transform a rehearsal space into a theatre, as you can tell from the photos below:

View from the lighting table in the theatre

Liz Swaffield, our lighting designer, has added some really great lighting effects to the show.

The lights completely change the way the paint on the set looks, as well as the fabric of the costumes. A total transformation! 

The designers are carefully watching rehearsal to make sure that everything goes as planned, and also to receive Peter's confirmation that what is happening onstage is appropriate to his directorial concept and ideas for the show. So far, everything is going beautifully. After just a few more nights of rehearsal, the show will open this Friday, April 20th and run through the 19th. Be sure to check in with our box office for your tickets!

Our Assistant Director on KCR College Radio

This afternoon, our assistant director spoke about Vinegar Tom on the KCR College Radio show, "Last Call." Heather Whitney answered questions about the show and about the experience of making theatre. She gave a great interview! 

As Heather explained, Vinegar Tom is "a feminist play, but it's not just for feminists. There's something for everyone. There's history, literature, elements of poverty and abuse— so if you're interested in social justice, this might be a good play to see." She also hinted at some "special effects" that are in the play, without giving away any spoilers. 

When asked about her proudest moment so far while working on Vinegar Tom, Heather responded, "It's been a great learning experience. I get to watch Peter Larlham, who's directed shows here, and in Africa, and England, and he's very knowledgeable. I get to learn a lot from him." Her favorite part of the production so far has been seeing the show transform from the script and initial designs into a real, live production. The show has really "come to life," she said. 

Heather also explained the title of the play: "Vinegar Tom" is the name of the cat said to be a "familiar spirit" to one of the women accused of witchcraft in the play (read more about witches and familiars here). Vinegar Tom is also the name of a familiar illustrated in a 1645 pamphlet concerning witch findings in Essex (pictured right). 

The interview wrapped up with a few final questions about Heather's plans after graduation, since this is her final year at SDSU as an English single subject teaching major. Heather said she will most miss friends and professors at San Diego State, and the cast and crew of this production! 

Now in its final week of rehearsal, Vinegar Tom opens this Friday, April 20th in the Experimental Theatre at SDSU. Be sure to buy tickets in advance at our box office website!

A Visit to the Costume Shop

Alana Anthony has been hard at work in SDSU's costume shop, creating pieces for the show. You can find Alana's designs here on the blog. Today, our director (Peter Larlham) and assistant director (Heather Whitney) got a peek at the costumes as they undergo final touches before tech week. Take a look!

Sunny Smith having her costume fitted.

Alana shows off the hats for Peter and Heather.

The costume designs for the show hang in the shop. 

Susan's skirt

Betty's dress

Adding some stitches to Margery's skirt

Corset (Alice)

This cape belongs to the Bellringer— a little contemporary touch to the (mostly) period costuming of the show.

These are just a few samples of what's happening in the costume shop, carefully selected not to give anything too exciting away. Come see the show for some surprises!

Full Run

Tonight's rehearsal here in the Experimental is a full run of the show. It is our second complete run-through, and our last chance to go through the show before the tech crew comes to watch tomorrow.

At this point, most of the set is in place. 

Rehearsal costumes and props are in full use so that the actors have a strong feel for what doing the show will actually be like...

 "In-rehearsal" costumes

  Our props cupboard

Ellen's "potions"

 With the addition of lighting and sound, we will really be ready to go!

Check the set design page for new pictures of Mason Lev's model of the set- it looks just like the real thing!

Also, check back soon for photos of Alana Anthony's costumes, and some interesting feminist trivia...