Sunday, August 31, 2008
It's here! Rogue Hypercast #1
The podcast--or as we're calling it, Hypercast--features audio from the "Mr. Punch" talkback on August 24 with cast and crew from the show. Listen to behind-the-scenes stories, original music, and more!
The Rogue Hypercast is available on iTunes and wherever else fine podcasts are distributed. Thanks for listening!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Alan Cook's Review
Sean Cawelti has already posted the glowing review of the Rogues Artists production of their Punch show. Whatever the level of various reviewers enthusiasm, they ALL seem to agree on one thing--the high level of production values, and for this alone, the show is a "must see."
The L.A. Times review will undoubtedly carry the most weight, which should keep audiences coming. The Bootleg Theater space is a great improvement over the previous location of the earlier version of the show. The amount of group effort put in to this production is mind-boggling.
The show has remained faithful to the graphic novel source material. I had never specifically thought of a graphic novel having high production value in its own right, but so it is here, and the Rogues production has caught that on stage.
Some reviewers admitted to "mixed feelings" about the script, but that comes from the graphic novel, and it seemed important to remain close to the source.
In this Punch & Judy show, Punch is having a not-for-children romp in the hay with Pretty Polly, and the crocodile does not vanquish Mr Punch.
The punchman says something about probably ending his life in the workhouse--unfortunately, this was in keeping with historical accuracy. The Italian puppeteer (Picini) whose show was written down by Collier, illustrated by Cruikshank, and became a publishing phenomenon (being published in over 100 editions by different printers and becoming the "standard Punch script" for later Punchmen) did indeed end his life in the workhouse (aka the poorhouse).
I hope today's punchmen & women will fare better.
- Alan Cook
Saturday, August 23, 2008
At Punch on a Friday night in August








Monday, August 18, 2008
What happens when you spend too much time together...
As we made a U-turn onto the correct side of Beverly Blvd, John Nobori (Rogue ensemble member) and Shannon Goldsborough (Rogue staff member) drove past us and pulled into the driveway of the theatre. They were there because they had to pick something up.
As the four of us are standing around amazed that we caught each other at the same time, ANOTHER CAR with two Rogue associates drove up. They had forgotten to double check something on their way out of the theatre.
9pm. Six people. One theatre.
Mind Meld? It must be. How else could it happen that three independent cars of people arrived at the theatre, unannounced, after hours, for three different purposes?
I think I need a different hobby.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
Backstage at "Mr. Punch"
Mobile blogging is fun!
No one should be awake at this hour.
This just happened:
(Tyler gets out of the shower, whistling.)
Cari: You cannot be this cheerful at 5:15 in the morning. I will stab you.
Tyler: Fair enough!
It's sick how excited he is to be up right now.
Anyway, we're heading out now. See you back home shortly!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Jackson Square
Today, I went to a seminar on the aesthetics and process of the New York Neofuturists, who are very funny, very talented, and very heavy drinkers (ask Tyler about that one). They're just one of the NET companies we've met over the past few days.
Flight out is tomorrow at 7:30 (thanks, Stamets. Ugh). It's been a great trip so far. Thanks to everyone who followed along on the blog as we figure out what we're doing.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Lunch at Cafe Reconcile
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Goodnight!
It's the end of day one...finally. It's been crazy busy, and already we've been to several lectures, seen four visiting ensembles give very interesting performances, and taken a tour of the French Quarter (which we are smack in the middle of). New Orleans is gorgeous, and Tyler and I are both super excited to be here.
More pictures and audio tomorrow. In the meantime, do yourself a favor and check out Chris Rose. He was our keynote speaker today and he's very, very cool, and he has a lot to say.
Goodnight from New Orleans!