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FridayMusings Monday July 24, 2023  Helping define Livonia's Quality of Life

20 years publishing FridayMusings without bias but not without opinion

An idyllic setting. A professional presentation. Actors who showcased their passion for theatre. Shakespeare in the Park.

Livonia is the cultural heartbeat of Southeast Michigan. Thank you Ted Davis, Parks and Recreation, for the vision of working with our Livonia Community Theatre, Theatrica Gladiatoria, and for providing a sponsorship opportunity for the Hardies Family Trust.

Friday night. Opening of Shakespeare in the Park Year Two featuring Henry V with an amazingly energetic cast. The setting was perfect with the canopy of trees surrounding the stage and an appreciative audience enjoying the professionalism of the staging. This typewriter set in awe of the well-rehearsed and directed cast with years of stage experience showing their appreciation for quality stagecraft.

Wow. With so many working to make this a production worthy of showcasing Livonia's support for the arts in this unique setting, one had to feel proud as the actors began arriving on stage replete in period costumes from before and after the Battle of Agincourt (1415) as a part of the hundred years war.

Directed by Cristina Pellerano, stage managed by Nicole Levine, directing intern Meghan Mastenbrook, Scenic Designer Jen Pan, fight directors Joe Wright and Jen Pan, Costume Designer Mag Grace, Properties Samantha Stafford, Sound designer Ryan Dunham, Lead Set Builder Steven Fry, Marketing Director Joe Johnston, Livonia Community Theatre Producers Terie Spencer and Michelle Nixon, Parks and Recreation Producer Megan Duby.

So many stood out with the especially strong acting from King Henry V played by Philip Butler, Falstaff played by William McCloskey, and Pistol portrayed by Joe Johnston. So many actors with on-point mannerisms and facial expressions, with solid pacing helping move this play along in a way that I found captivating, especially as I watched the trained fighters who had been in rehearsal since May, to get the moves down and give a realistic portrayal of the warring sides.

Joe Wright and Jen Pan, owners of Theatrica Gladiatoria, who professionally provide training and choreography, were on hand to encourage the actors during the fight scenes. Joe left on Saturday morning right after the opening night to travel to Louisianna for a two-week intensive training session with fight directors from across the country. But for the past 4 months, we have had the owners of Theatrica Gladiatoria, Joe and Jen, Livonia residents, hands-on with Henry V.

No sooner had the curtain call finished than the typewriter looked over at director Cristina Pellerano and saw tears flowing. "I am so proud of them all." And well she should be.

Actors from throughout southeast Michigan flocked to the auditions with the line at times flowing out into the hallway. The sheer numbers spoke of the popularity of Shakespeare and the number of actors filled with experience who wanted to be a part of Livonia's Shakespeare in the Park Year Two.

Just as the Director was proud of her assembled team so also should Livonia residents be proud of this performance that only enhances the reputation of Livonia as the cultural heartbeat of southeast Michigan.

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We can't only define Livonia as taking small steps toward maintaining the way things were. That will give us mediocre outcomes. Our goal needs to be innovative and transformative.