An Inside Look at a Double Show Day

By Lizzy Andretta

In my three seasons performing at the Commonweal, I’ve never had to take on the task of performing in two shows that are running at the same time – until now. While I knew that doing these two shows would be very trying, I looked forward to being a part of two very fun pieces of theatre that I knew would help me grow. Here’s what a typical two show day looks like for me:

9:00am

I start my day bright and early! After I drink my morning tea, I run whatever errands I need to do. Then I try to get a little bit of time in at the gym, because staying fit is very important given all the running and jumping I do in both shows.

Lizzy heading out for the day
Lizzy heading out for the day

11:00am

Because we operate under an artist administrator model, not only do we perform/direct/design our shows, but we also have to run the place! Before the show starts, I usually try and get some admin work done at my desk. Sometimes it’s a tough balance to achieve, but doggy snuggles with Lucy always help!

Lizzy Andretta with Lucy, at work
Lucy helping Lizzy get some admin work done!

12:00pm

Then I go downstairs and sign in for Boeing Boeing. I try to get there earlier as I need as much time as possible to construct Gabriella’s Brigitte Bardot coif and put on a few layers of makeup, as well as doing a light physical and heavy vocal warm-up (both Molly and Gabriella, for all their differences, are both very loud opinionated ladies).

Lizzy prepares in the dressing room
Lizzy prepares in the dressing room

1:30pm

It’s show time! Boeing Boeing takes off for flight as I get to run around as the smart and dramatic Gabriella! It’s a fun, but very physical show. So by the end we are all quite tired. But that’s only one show for the day done!

Lizzy in makeup as Gabriella in Boeing Boeing
Lizzy in makeup as Gabriella in Boeing Boeing

4:00pm

Once Boeing ends, I go home and take a quick shower to remove the spray and product from my hair and have dinner before I’m called in for Peter and the Starcatcher. Since I wear my hair naturally, I can afford to come in a little closer to my call time.

6:30pm

Once in for Peter, I spend a lot more time doing heavy stretches (none of which I actually do in the show, but I like doing them to help my body get as limber as possible) and warming up my voice for the singing.

Lizzy Andretta stretching before Peter and the Starcatcher
Lizzy Andretta stretching before Peter and the Starcatcher

7:30pm

Show #2 officially starts! Peter and the Starcatcher is so much fun. I play Molly, the titular Starcatcher in training. With such a large cast, and so many moving parts, this show is an incredible adventure to go on!

8:30pm

At intermission it’s time to get into my mermaid outfit! Why? Well…you’ll just have to see the show to find out! It’s a pretty glamorous sight to behold backstage.

Lizzy in her mermaid costume for Peter and the Starcatcher
Lizzy in her mermaid costume

10:00pm

The show is done, which means my busy day is also over! After such a marathon, I go straight home, satisfied with a good day’s work. Plus there’s a matinee tomorrow to rest up for! Thanks for coming with me on this long, but fun, Saturday. We’ll see you at the Commonweal very soon!

Have you seen Lizzy in both productions yet? Make your plans now to join us for both Boeing Boeing, and Peter and the Starcatcher this summer! For Tickets —> Performance Calendar

From New York to Minnesota: A New Friendly Face

If you’ve seen either Holmes and Watson or Boeing Boeing this spring then you have likely encountered the newest addition to the Commonweal, Lacey Szerlip. Read on to learn a little bit more about our newest Stage Manager!

Hi everyone! I’m Lacey Szerlip! I’m excited to be here as a Stage Manager this season! I love the community that is built around this company and how nice and welcoming everyone has been. I was born and raised in Redondo Beach, California. I miss the beach everyday, but I also enjoy wide open spaces so this is a nice change for me.

Lacey Szerlip
Lacey comes to us by way of California and New York City!

I grew up watching productions of musicals and plays around Los Angeles. My mom really pushed us to see anything and everything we could. She really helped to shape my love for all kinds of art. I went to college at a State University named Purchase College in New York. I studied Theatre with a concentration in Stage Management. I not only learned about Stage Management, but I also learned so much about theatre as a whole and got to enjoy many various types of theatre first hand. College was also the place that I was introduced to so many amazing plays that I never would had known about before. One of my favorite plays that I’ve ever read is written as a prequel and sequel to A Raisin in the Sun, called Clybourne Park

When I applied to the Commonweal I looked up the company and really enjoyed what I found. I knew that this would be a good fit for me, even if it is in a tiny town in Minnesota. Not something I’m used to, but a nice change from my normal pace. Living in this community is such a different environment than I’ve ever lived in before and I like it a lot. And I love that even in such a different place, there is still a bit of what I’m used to: a theatre where I get to go and work all day and love every minute of it.

Peter and the Starcatcher rehearsal with Lacey Szerlip
Lacey (center) runs rehearsal alongside Director Hal Cropp (right), and Assistant Stage Manager Jodi Rushing (left).

It has been awesome working on Peter and the Starcatcher so far. It’s going to be an amazing show and I can’t wait for everyone to be able to see the magic that we are putting on the stage. This show is so fun, imaginative, and hilarious. It’s a perfect show for me to start my work here at the Commonweal, and for that I’m so grateful! I hope that everyone who comes to see it, enjoys the show as much as I do! See you all soon!

Be sure to catch Lacey’s work as stage manager when Peter and the Starcatcher begins performances on July 12th! For Tickets —> Performance Calendar

The Joys of Hatcher’s Mystery

We asked company member Eric Lee, who can currently be seen as Dr. Evans in Holmes and Watson, what performing the twisting mystery has been like.

Last fall, when we were looking at the season to come, I had one role I knew that I wanted for sure: Dr. Evans in Jeffrey Hatcher’s Holmes and Watson.

First of all, I love a good mystery. In elementary school, I must have read every Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew book in the school library. Then I found a treasure trove of old Ellery Queen mystery magazines at a neighbor’s garage sale! What a day that was!

Holmes & Watson production photo - 3 Holmeses
Eric Lee (far left) alongside the rest of the cast. Photo by Peterson Creative Photography and Design

Fast forward to last year. I’m reading Holmes and Watson, and the first thing that strikes me is that signature Hatcher cleverness and wit. I just love his way with language and how he tells a story. I was intrigued, engaged and drawn forward. I couldn’t wait to find out where he was taking me as I was reading—and not every play engages me in that way. When I first read the big reveals, I was just delighted!

Now that the show is on stage, you can hear the shock of the audience at every performance. I certainly didn’t see the twists coming. And why would we? Hatcher reveals the answers to all of his questions with his classic wit and charm. I take great joy in sharing those moments with each audience, and getting to see how they react to the twists and turns I got to take such pleasure in the first time.

Holmes & Watson production photo - dying Inspector
photo by Peterson Creative Photography & Design

I’ve heard it said that one reason we love mysteries is because we know there will be an answer. In a world in which there are rarely clean resolutions to our big problems, what a satisfying feeling it is! As always, I am so grateful to share these moments with you, our Commonweal family. Come and experience all the twists and turns for yourself!

Be sure to catch Eric’s work, and the rest of this stellar cast, before Holmes and Watson closes for good on July 6th.
For Tickets —> Performance Calendar