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The Calvert GazetteThursday, March 15, 2012 14Michael Bell, performing as The Singer,co-wrote an original score for theproduction and built the set.The Calvert Gazette is always looking for more local talent to feature!To submit art or band information for our entertainment section,e-mail sarahmiller@countytimes.net.Adding Bells to Brecht;The Caucasian Chalk Circle Opens FridayBy Carrie MunnStaff WriterLooming in the pages of theater andliterature anthologies is German-born BertoltBrecht, with his post WWII-era “epic”theatre, brimming with political and socialcommentary. His work is challenging toread and to perform, but The NewtownePlayers’ offering of his play, The CaucasianChalk Circle, will treat theatergoers toa thoroughly entertaining show.Missy Bell directs an 18 member castwho play almost 70 different roles, as wellas sing and play instruments.Bell’s husband, Michael, plays TheSinger, and along with fellow actor andmusician Krys Baker, wrote an all originalscore. He also served as the lighting designerand constructed an elaborate, transitionalstage which functions to transportthe audience into the world of a war-tornvillage and the minstrel’s story of the chalkcircle.“The music is one of the drivingforces in the piece,” Bell said. Through abarrage of guitars, mandolins, banjos, accordions,drums, whistles and one comicaltrumpet, the tones are set for the scenesand the audience is continually entertainedas the actors, in plain sight, move swiftlythrough costume changes and from onescene to the next.With the characters ever-present onthe stage, the musical delivery and a talethat dives into social class and justice, warand love, it’s a lot of theatre to take in. “It’sepic theatre, in every sense of the word. Ithas everything,” Bell said.Every character is critical in the tellingof this story and Bell explained thecast consists of both veteran actors andPhotos by Carrie MunnLeni Weisl, as the Governor’s wife holding thenewborn child which becomes central in theplay, is joined on stage by Mike Snider, left, andJohn Giusti as overbearing, bickering doctors.new ones, making their debuts in thisproduction.The director explained there havebeen some challenges in working with anovice cast, but at the same time it allowsher an opportunity to teach, her first love,she said. “It’s been a log and intense process.It’s the hardest show I’ve ever done,bar none and by far,” she said.The actors, as well as stage managerSara Meador, who Bell called “outstanding,”have had to really stretch themselvesfor this piece.Leni Weisl as the Governor’s selfcentered,self-righteous wife and KaitlynBauer in the role of Grusha, the youngservant girl with a big heart showcase thedichotomy of the human and maternal conditionwith rousing performances.Bob Ellwood, thanks to what Bell saysis an intense understanding of the work,pulls off the role of Azdak, the drunkenjudge with a skewed sense of justice, withwit and conviction. “He’s uncanny, really,”Bell told the Calvert Gazette.Jeffrey Robbins plays several characters,but makes the stomach turn a bitas the lewd Corporal, and young actressAlyssa Fox also plays multiple charactersbut displays impeccable comic timing andemotional outpouring on stage.Bell said there is an abundance of rawtalent in the cast, which has been workingon the intricate play since December. Theentire cast move from scene to scene, roleto role, giving it their convincing all.While some of the subject matter isa bit high-brow, the delivery makes it digestable.However, due to some more suggestivesituations and a couple of severedheads, some sections of the play aren’t appropriatefor young children, Bell said.It’s an exciting piece that movesquickly, the director explained. “There area lot of pieces to the story, but once you’rein it, you’ll be hooked.”As an actor as well, Bell said she’sable to better understandwhat’s beingasked of an actor, “howfar people are truly ableto go.” She said shelikes to “dive deep” and“get to the meat of thescene.”“I like to tell thestory- that’s what it’sall about anyway,”she said, adding it’sexciting to see the actorsreach a new levelin their performance.“That’s what keeps megoing.”Ryan Krause, Alison Dodges and KaitelynBauer, as Grusha, struggle with theinjustices bestowed upon them.The cast has certainly pushed themselvesand worked hard to provide a palatableinterpretation of The Caucasian ChalkCircle.When asked about her experiencesin working with Three Notch Theater andThe Newtowne Players, Bell had nothingbut positive things to say.“Live, local theatre is so necessary.Art is so necessary. You shouldn’t have totravel to the big city to see something thatwill move you,” Bell said.The intimate set-up lends itself well tothe play, pulling the viewer in and keepingthem engaged in the entangled web TheSinger spins.Bell said she submitted the work tothe play selection committee and appliedwith her vision proposal to direct it afterreading the Brecht masterpiece last summer.“Once I started reading, I couldn’tput it down,” she said. She and the cast andcrew of the play are hoping the audiencehas a similarly engaging experience.“I think if you love theatre, you’ll lovethis show,” Bell said.The CaucasianChalk Circle at ThreeNotch Theater opens Friday,March 16 at 8 p.m.,with shows on Fridayand Saturdays nightsand matinees on Sundaythroughout March. 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