Encore at the Kitchen: Q&A with Kitchen Theatre's Rachel Lampert
Jim Catalano
Arts Editor
In 2005, the Kitchen Theatre Company premiered "Precious Nonsense," a tribute to the work of Gilbert & Sullivan with book and lyrics written by KTC artistic director Rachel Lampert. The show is now back for another run through Feb. 7 (you can read a review online at www.ithaca.com), with a almost entirely new cast and direction from Margarett Perry.
Recently, Lampert talked with the Times about the show's encore presentation, as well as the status of the KTC's fund-raising drive to support the move to its new building on West State Street.
Q: What inspired you to take another run at "Precious Nonsense"? What advantages do you have the second time around?
Rachel Lampert: When its cold outside we like to produce something warm and cozy at the Kitchen. Precious Nonsense fits that bill. It's almost too large for the Clinton House space, so it has been fun to put on a last "big" show before we move later this spring to the 417 West State/Martin Luther King Street. We are able to use the original set, as we stored it (we save everything to recycle and reuse) and that provides a healthy savings.
The Kitchen is known for its edgy productions and for pushing the envelope, but there's another side of our work which is pure fun. I think it is important to keep a balance. And, as the author of this play, I enjoy getting a chance to look at it again and make a few changes to clarify plot, character and maybe find a few more jokes.
Q: What's different about this production? What does Margarett Perry bring to it as director?
RL: The cast for this encore production is all new except for the delightful Erica Steinhagen, who was in the original. And, luckily, Richard Montgomery is back as music director.
The play is a tightly written, stylized piece, so it is interesting to have it come to life with a new company of actors and director. There are certain "bits" and "lazzi" that are central to the style of the play, so those have to be recreated. We've generally remounted the original staging by director Sara Lampert Hoover and my musical staging. Margarett's keen ear and dramaturgical skill has sharpened the story telling with a few re-writes she suggested I make. And, she is fabulous working with the actors on their performances.
The most fun for me is to see how other comic/actor/singers interpret these zany characters. As we got closer to opening it was been thrilling to see new things bubble onto the stage - hilariously acted by this company.
I wrote this play to keep myself laughing during a time in my life I wasn't laughing enough. I am happy to report, the laughter is there and Margarett's ebullient direction and leadership keeps things frothy with just enough sentiment to make the play heartfelt and real.
Q: Why have Gilbert & Sullivan proved to be so enduring in the theater world?
RL: Genius lyrics and beautiful melodies! And, like Shakespeare's plays, the Gilbert & Sullivan repertory has an infectious appeal to professionals and amateurs to try their hands at it. G&S is a "classical repertory" of music theater.
Q: Any update on the fund-raising drive for the new building?
RL: We are almost finished with the campaign. The renovations are on-going and we hope to be in the new building in May. We are excited and awed by the enthusiasm, encouragement and support we have received from so many in our community who are helping this project move ahead, and provide a bold, new space for the Kitchen Theatre Company.
Q: Anything else to add?
RL: There is an addition to our usual schedule of Wednesday to Sunday performances. We are doing a Saturday matinee at 3 p.m. as well as an 8 p.m. performance.
I always like to invite newcomers to the Kitchen and now is a great time to see the "old space" before we step out of the this Kitchen into our new home.
Visit www.kitchentheatre.org or call 273-4497 for tickets and more information on the show.
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