Pit group backs troupe
Volunteer orchestra complements Runaway Stage theater group
By Susan MacCulloch
Viewpoint Staff Writer
Runaway Stage Productions-24th Street Theatre's tenant theater group-offers
plenty of choices between three theater components over a 6-month period
each year.
But did you know the stage productions boast something quite unique in
smaller local theater?
Established in January 2006, Runaway's orchestra grew from its initial
5-member core to 18 members in its premiere season. According to Runaway's
President, Bob Baxter, "It was a cutting edge concept, something
that had not been done in this community theater realm."
Cat Spece, the orchestra coordinator and a trumpet player in the "pit,"
initiated the concept. "In playing with a couple of different theater
companies, securing players for the orchestra was random… that definitely
lessens the chances of getting necessary musical coverage. I was so impressed
and inspired by the quality on stage at Runaway that I thought the idea
of creating a consistent musical base could work here."
A core group stabilizing the music made a huge difference to the overall
product. Cat explains, "the casts love the orchestra; this in turn
validates them, knowing the orchestra will be solid with each performance."
Bob Baxter agrees, "The resident orchestra has cemented the idea
of ongoing quality and allowed us to develop musically as well as theatrically.
Our audience gets a professionally produced Broadway style show with a
full orchestra for less that $20; that is unheard of in this day and age."
Runaway's volunteer orchestra keeps busy with overlapping productions.
Runaway debuted Jesus Christ Superstar in early September, and is currently
auditioning for the upcoming Jekyll & Hyde in November. The orchestra
arrives the week before opening for cast rehearsals. They run the entire
show for four nights before opening night and then three performances
each week in six productions per year.
Runaway's two resident musical directors, Christopher Cook and James Lohman,
work on most of the shows, but Cat's coordination work allows them to
focus on the music. Bob emphasizes, "She is the manager, facilitator,
advocate and cheerleader for the group of very talented folks that make
up the RSP resident orchestra."
Most of the musicians arrive with musical training already in place and
have experience with playing in ensembles, not necessarily with music
theater. Cat enjoys getting the younger player who has developed skills.
Currently, three resident musicians are high school students. While not
a resident player, a 14-year-old musician performs all the lead solos
in Jesus Christ Superstar.
Most of Runaway's actors and orchestra members have full-time occupations.
For many, Cat emphasizes, "This is love for a craft, whether music
or acting. Their enthusiasm and excitement is infused in our productions
and music. An orchestra is an equal performer with the actors and singers.
If an orchestra is good, it almost disappears."
Runaway received 24 Elly nominations, resulting in five Elly awards in
the musical category: Overall Production; Choreography, Darryl Strohl;
Leading Actress, Lauren Miller; and Musical Direction, Christopher Cook
for Chicago and Supporting Actor,
Tristan Rumery in Smokey Joe's Café. For more information: www.runawaystage.com.
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