November 2019 Volume 35 · No. 11 · Page 3 A New Relevance in Found Spaces By Emily Reese Castro

t 8 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 11, the sun was up over APacifc Grove’s Jewell Park. The day began as normal. Families played catch on the lawn and couples walked their dogs on the sidewalk around the park. At about 10 a.m., a transformation began. A crew of young theatre artists ap- peared, armed with E-Z Up tents and string lights and a U-Haul full of costumes and set pieces. As the afternoon wore on, Jewell Park became ready to travel back in time 100 years. By Charlotte Roulet 5 p.m., patrons had arrived with siasm and quickly given the green light. The P.G. blankets and picnic baskets. An expectant hum Chamber of Commerce became an instrumental rang through the air. The actors were in their partner along the way, providing fnancial sup- places, eager to breathe life into their production. port and helping to solve logistical issues. Para- And with the scene set, the show began. phrase had the space secured. But the grassy Paraphrase Productions’ adaptation of Thorn- park didn’t suddenly become a full theatre with ton Wilder’s “OUR TOWN,” which ran Oct. 11 a light grid and cushioned seats. The Paraphrase through 13, was performed at Pacifc Grove’s team decided to start the show at 5 p.m., using Jewell Park. Co-directors Camrin E. Dannelly and the natural light to their advantage. They put Victoria Sanchez had a clear vision in mind when foodlights on the ground in case the show ran they chose this location. “OUR TOWN,” centered long and the sunlight escaped them. Paraphrase on the fctional Grover’s Corners, fnds relevance staff reminded every patron that Pacifc Grove wherever it is performed. It is a timeless portray- gets chilly at night, so they should bring jackets al of small-town life, featuring the lovable pro- and blankets. Even with every preparation taken, tagonists Emily Webb and George Gibbs. Even if Jewell Park was still a found space. The diligent it is performed in a big city, the show’s themes of ushers and run crew couldn’t control every vari- family, love and loss would still ring sweetly in able. Dogs in nearby houses barked, car doors the hearts of its viewers. But to perform it today were slammed, and a deer almost wandered into in the heart of a real small town? Dannelly and the “backstage” tent mid-performance. Sanchez envisioned how powerful that could be, Yet it was this same unpredictability that made and they ran with it. the performance magical. Seagulls squawked Jewell Park has never been used as a perfor- overhead, a constant reminder that this play was mance space before. Paraphrase had to jump taking place in a real-life small town on the ocean. many hurdles before they could announce the There was no painted backdrop, so the Victorian- show. The crew frst had to clear the idea with the city of Pacifc Grove. It was met with enthu- continued on page 7 November 2019 Volume 35 · No. 11 · Page 7

Follow the yellow brick road? Named after the Brick House, a 1980s nightclub on Fremont Street in Monterey, “Brick House,” one of several short plays featured in “MONTEREY PLAYS” at the Cherry Center this month, takes the audi- ence into a day in the life of a danc- er attempting to evade a dark trajec- tory. Her subconscious mind speaks to her through fairy tales giving the title “Brick House” yet another meaning. Pictured, Carri Newhouse, left, and Zoey Kriegmont. Courtesy of Janice Blaze Rocke

MUSINGS SPACES continued from page 1 continued from page 3

CTA Board members are elected by style houses surrounding Jewell Park became the Mthe membership and serve a three-year scenery. And as the Webb and Gibbs children ate term. Andrea and Fred’s board terms are up their breakfast, and ran off to school, you could for renewal, and Berniz House, of the Western picture the same scene happening in the house be- Stage, will be a welcome addition to the board. hind them 100 years ago. “Our Town” is a popular Here’s the link to the ballot: www.survey show, revived several times across the nation each monkey.com/r/C8Q8JPP. year. Paraphrase’s production is part of a new era of relevance for the play. The found space setting PC’s house manager, Henry Guevara, is combined the show’s classic and modern ele- Moffering MCTA members the opportu- ments, illuminating the truth behind the words of nity to usher, see the show and still take advan- the script. When Emily Webb and George Gibbs tage of MCTA’s two-for-one tickets. Contact shared their wedding kiss, ensemble members him at (831) 646-4213 or email hguevara@mpc. passed out wedding cake to the audience. Sud- edu. denly, the audience became wedding guests. And they really, truly, celebrated with them. When the ime for Anthony Piccione’s next “new Stage Manager fnally announced the show’s last Tyear’s resolution.” November: Consider line, it was “7 o’clock — sunset in Pacifc Grove,” making a donation to your local theatre orga- it really was. The world of the play melted away, nization. I realize that money is still very tight but only a little bit. for many people these days. However, these Jewell Park returned to its normal state late are also very diffcult fnancial times for the that Sunday night. The cast returned to their lives performing arts, which is not news to any of us as residents of the Monterey Peninsula. But the that have been involved in this community for play’s story lives on in the hearts of those who a while now. So even if it’s just a few dollars, attended the show. It’s woven into the thread of please be sure to take this into consideration. Pacifc Grove and into the history of Jewell Park. You never know. Your donation could very well The play will someday be a distant memory, but end up helping your favorite theatre company small town life always goes on. still keep its doors open for the following year. Emily Reese Castro is the marketing director for See you at the theatre. Paraphrase Productions.