Mohonk Mountain Stage Company presents John Mighton's HALF LIFE at Unison Arts
by M.R. Smith
According to Crawfis, venues weren’t a problem due to the portability. “We
just need a music stand, a couple of stools, and an audience with an
imagination.” Unison Arts has been in the picture since the beginning
(where, in their first season they allowed MMSC to use rehearsal facilities
for TYA in exchange for a performance) but other venues have stepped
up as well, including Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck, and
more recently, St. Andrews Episcopalian Church in New Paltz.
The company members also help out by bringing ideas and new projects
to the table. A recent favorite was “A Celebration of Shakespeare’s
Sonnets,” which featured company member Don Wildy reading all
154 sonnets, requiring 5 performances. Sonnet lovers read along with
their own versions, resulting in a feast of poetic furor. Last spring
had an unexpected hit with an evening of Dadaist poetry, and just this
last month locals were treated to a reading of the immensely popular
Tuesdays with Morrie, adapted by MMSC playwriting favorite, Jeffrey
Hatcher. Most recently, MMSC has found success with their publishing
arm, holding a poetry contest every other year, and publishing the
winners in a collection entitled Vanguard Voices of the Hudson Valley.
A new line of children’s audio books that can be customized for
the specific child are available, as is an exciting collaboration with
Olivebridge–based Actors and Writers, who for the last ten years,
have been doing an annual festival of short plays written and performed
by members. MMSC will be offering a “best of” selection,
and seem to be a natural fit with A&W.
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