THEATRE
Melancholy Play 
Presented by
Palindrome Theatre
at
Austin Playhouse
July 16-August 8, 2010
Avg. Event Rating (3.8 Stars):
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For its second production, Palindrome Theatre is producing Tony nominated and Pulitzer Prize finalist Sarah Ruhl’s Cotemporary Farce, Melancholy Play. Directed by Kate Eminger, original music based on Ruhl’s text composed and performed live by Matt Hines of The Eastern Sea, and featuring Helyn Messenger, Corley Pillsbury, Nathan Brockett, Jude Hickey, with special Equity appearance by Bernadette Nason. The production will run for 15 performances only! Come experience one of the freshest, most talked about, and currently most produced American playwright’s rarer plays; one which is full of love, off-beat comedy, music, and, of course, a sweetly poignant, healthy serving of melancholy.
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At-a-
Glance
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Venue Info
Austin Playhouse
3601 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
Full map and directions
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Admission Info
Tickets:
$20 general admission $15 students, seniors
Info Phone: 512-476-0084
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Dates & Times
Dates:
July 16-August 8, 2010
Times:
8 pm thur-sat 5 pm sun
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Accessibility Info
Currently, no accessibility information is available for this event.
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Member Reviews
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Event Name: Melancholy Play
"Sharply silly, entertaining and funny!"
Review
posted by:
Ryan
from Austin, TX,
Aug 05, 2010
While Palindrome's "Melancholy Play" may celebrate the blue-tinted romance of that un-sung humor, its affect on the audience hardly lives up to its name. Instead, "Melancholy Play" is sharply silly,...
Expand
While Palindrome's "Melancholy Play" may celebrate the blue-tinted romance of that un-sung humor, its affect on the audience hardly lives up to its name. Instead, "Melancholy Play" is sharply silly, entertaining and funny. Featuring a strong and even ensemble of capable comic actors, as well as an impressive original score by Matt Hines, "Melancholy Play" reminds us that longing, mourning, and isolation are experiences to honor, even while lampooning our tendency to indulge in them by taking the characters to absurdist extremes. This "contemporary farce" is shrewdly directed in Brechtian fashion by Kate Eminger, whose savvy and thoughtful choices (in my opinion) make a her a director to watch in the future. But she's not the only one with vision. If the night's program was an accurate snapshot of the company, Producer Nigel O'Hearn has a vision for Palindrome, and with two successful productions under their belt, I'm excited to see how it unfolds.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Melancholy Play
"Delightful & suprising present moments"
Review
posted by:
Pauline R.
from Ausitn.,
Aug 04, 2010
This was the first Sarah Ruhl play for me and it won't be the last. The writing and staging were original and kept me smiling and surprised though out the evening. Every member of the cast...
Expand
This was the first Sarah Ruhl play for me and it won't be the last. The writing and staging were original and kept me smiling and surprised though out the evening. Every member of the cast convincingly embraced the quirkiness of their characters with imagination and passion. They must have had a great time rehearsing for this play!
Collapse
-
Event Name: Melancholy Play
"A "Seriously Joyous" Play"
Review
posted by:
Preston Kirk
from Austin (Spicewood) TX, USA,
Aug 04, 2010
Go ahead. Step out of your comfort zone. This is not your typical proscenium-and-footlights stage show. Even Nigel O’Hearn, Artistic Director for the one-year-old Palindrome Theatre (mostly St....
Expand
Go ahead. Step out of your comfort zone. This is not your typical proscenium-and-footlights stage show. Even Nigel O’Hearn, Artistic Director for the one-year-old Palindrome Theatre (mostly St. Ed’s U. students or recent grads) admits “Melancholy” is “not a perfect play.” But it is strangely engaging with its choral musical tactic – characters singing and talking in unison -- and subtitle messages (“Defense of Melancholy”) projected on the back wall. Even Matthew Hines, the Composer/Musical Director who also plays Julian, distracts and draws our attention to his lofty perch with his rotating guitars and record player.
There’s a lot to like here and not just the familiar Austin Playhouse stage with seating on three sides. The play’s pacing helped by the interchangeable set parts, almost like an on-stage transformer, moving audience from scene-to scene, and the sharply drawn characters and their competitiveness for the sad/happy Tilly, so well portrayed by Helyn Rain Messenger. (more)
Collapse
-
Event Name: Melancholy Play
"Interesting, but . . ."
Review
posted by:
Ronda Dale Kirk
from Austin (Spicewood) TX, USA,
Aug 03, 2010
I must say up front that this play is not my “cup of tea and triangle-shaped sandwiches.” To me, the play itself is silly and vapid. It was called a musical and a farce, but a couple of songs and...
Expand
I must say up front that this play is not my “cup of tea and triangle-shaped sandwiches.” To me, the play itself is silly and vapid. It was called a musical and a farce, but a couple of songs and some background guitar do not a musical make. And it certainly looks like no farce I have ever seen.
That said, many others in the smallish Sunday audience disagreed. I don’t know how many of the attendees were friends of the cast, but most of the patrons seemed to find the performance quite funny and entertaining.
This play was playwright Sarah Ruhl’s master thesis at Brown U., and surely her work has substantially improved since then.
The acting was really good. The set was creative and the concept original. The Palindrome Theatre complied with its stated mission: “To be always dirty, gritty, intimate, fallible, human, and above all, brave.”
Collapse
-
Event Name: Melancholy Play
"Melancholy Play"
Review
posted by:
Rudi Lee
from Austin, TX USA,
Aug 01, 2010
I have to admit, I didn't know what to expect when I went to see this play. A melancholy farce? But the acting was wonderful, the writing was sharp and witty and I gained a new perspective on what it...
Expand
I have to admit, I didn't know what to expect when I went to see this play. A melancholy farce? But the acting was wonderful, the writing was sharp and witty and I gained a new perspective on what it must be like to be an almond. No one disappointed. And though it wasn't one of the songs in the play, I couldn't help myself; as I was leaving the theater I found myself singing "Sometimes you feel like a nut..." Melancholy Play was pure Almond Joy.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Melancholy Play
""Nutty" but Likable"
Review
posted by:
Pammyla Brooks
from Austin, Texas,
Aug 01, 2010
“How are you like an almond?” This play seeks to answer that – in a half-comedic, half Theater of the Absurdist way. At times, the characters burst into song, although it is not a musical. I...
Expand
“How are you like an almond?” This play seeks to answer that – in a half-comedic, half Theater of the Absurdist way. At times, the characters burst into song, although it is not a musical. I like the irony of a comedy devoted to melancholy – a word that we don’t use very often these days. The actors and actresses perform the roles well, and there are several moments that will make you laugh out loud. I like how the ending wraps everything up for the audience, like why Frank and Frances say many of the same lines at the same time. Well, the happy ending defines comedies, right? One recommendation: don’t sit in the front row unless you like to be a part of the onstage action. This company does not seem to have much personal space, with regard to the “Fourth Wall.” They cut hair, played Duck, Duck, Goose, and fought physically right on top of me, it seemed. So, if you like that type of thing, you will LOVE this. Anyway, although a bit "nutty" the show is definitely likable. Enjoy!
Collapse
-
Event Name: Melancholy Play
"MELANCHOLY a job well done!"
Review
posted by:
Sean Martin
from Austin, TX,
Jul 31, 2010
as an amateur reviewer:
MELANCHOLY PLAY by Sarah Ruhl
who: Palindrome Theatre Company
where: Austin Playhouse
when: July 16-Aug 8, thur - sun
I went to see this play this weekend primarily because...
Expand
as an amateur reviewer:
MELANCHOLY PLAY by Sarah Ruhl
who: Palindrome Theatre Company
where: Austin Playhouse
when: July 16-Aug 8, thur - sun
I went to see this play this weekend primarily because I had some friends in it. I was readying myself to leave town and I felt like I had a duty to go and see as many of my friends things as I could. No high expectations, just seeing some friends and theatre and saying some goodbyes.
Well last night I received way more than I bargained for. Usually I don't say much after I see a show, and I especially don't if my friends are involved because I feel biased. However, with this production something needs to be said. It was wonderful. It was simple, fresh, unique, honest. Truly a wonderful look into humanitys soul. Ruh'ls script is so passionate and new. The play thrives with story and wit, as well as an amazing original score completely performed on stage with the show. So many times a play like this can get skipped over. You don't recognize the title, its a fairly new company in town, you have other plans, but this is the kind of show that I would strongly encourage you not to miss.
The thing that amazed me the most is the honesty and commitment from every actor in the show. I don't think it would be the easiest script to do, and it requires a tremendous amount of commitment, but these actors just delve into with everything in their being and create something truly original and great. So job well done! And I may as well add the direction that Kate Emminger provided for them was pretty wonderful as well. You can't pull off a show like that without a great hand at the wheel. She staged each moment in such a way that it was beautiful and new.
Palindrome may be a new name for most, this is only there second production since there inception. But if Nigel and Kate and the rest of the Palindrome team keep doing what they are doing, I have high hopes that this theatre will go far.
This show only runs the rest of this weekend and all of next. Go See It! You will be doing yourself a disservice if you don't. And Palindrome, wonderful work
Collapse
-
Event Name: Melancholy Play
"The world according to Sarah Ruhl"
Review
posted by:
Gary Jaffe
from Austin TX,
Jul 29, 2010
Watching a Sarah Ruhl play is to be persuaded that the world we live in is more beautiful than it's ever been. Palindrome's "Melancholy Play" is no exception, serving up a delicate, sensitive, gently...
Expand
Watching a Sarah Ruhl play is to be persuaded that the world we live in is more beautiful than it's ever been. Palindrome's "Melancholy Play" is no exception, serving up a delicate, sensitive, gently funny production. Director Kate Eminger situates her actors nicely in Ruhl's realm, with Helyn Rain Messenger giving a particularly strong performance as Tilly. Ruhl's language bubbles up straight from Messenger's heart, out onto her tongue and through her eyes, as if it were her natural language.
A thought: perhaps the show was a little too cozy and lovely. There is a danger with Ruhl's gentle poeticism in that, without something sharp to contrast with, it can get "too pretty." One of the best moments in this production is a game of duck duck goose which grows frantic and terrifying. It is a rough moment in sharp contrast to the honey-like language, and I imagine this clean production could gain even more power by allowing more dirt in, as they do with the game.
Great evening!
Collapse
-
Event Name: Melancholy Play
"Melancholy Play"
Comment
posted by:
Becky Read Baker
from Wimberley, Tx.,
Jul 26, 2010
I thought the play was delightful and so
enjoyed the quirky and unexpected twists
and turns. Helyn Messenger was Superb as Tilly.
All the acting was Good.
I highly recommend.
I thought the play was delightful and so
enjoyed the quirky and unexpected twists
and turns. Helyn Messenger was Superb as Tilly.
All the acting was Good.
I highly recommend.
-
Event Name: Melancholy Play
"Hooked on a Feelin'"
Review
posted by:
Will Godwin
from Austin, TX,
Jul 21, 2010
A thin BLUE line between lovable melancholy and being TOO happy? An outstanding cast "gets this" early farce by Sarah Ruhl. And, it's a kick to see, particularly with a very 20/30-something audience...
Expand
A thin BLUE line between lovable melancholy and being TOO happy? An outstanding cast "gets this" early farce by Sarah Ruhl. And, it's a kick to see, particularly with a very 20/30-something audience in the Austin Playhouse (thx, AP!)
Collapse
-
Media
Gallery
-
All Media Gallery
Video
|
Images
Images
-
Member
Reviews
-
Member Reviews
Add review/comment
-
Event Name: Melancholy Play
"Sharply silly, entertaining and funny!"
Review
posted by:
Ryan
from Austin, TX,
Aug 05, 2010
While Palindrome's "Melancholy Play" may celebrate the blue-tinted romance of that un-sung humor, its affect on the audience hardly lives up to its name. Instead, "Melancholy Play" is sharply silly,...
Expand
While Palindrome's "Melancholy Play" may celebrate the blue-tinted romance of that un-sung humor, its affect on the audience hardly lives up to its name. Instead, "Melancholy Play" is sharply silly, entertaining and funny. Featuring a strong and even ensemble of capable comic actors, as well as an impressive original score by Matt Hines, "Melancholy Play" reminds us that longing, mourning, and isolation are experiences to honor, even while lampooning our tendency to indulge in them by taking the characters to absurdist extremes. This "contemporary farce" is shrewdly directed in Brechtian fashion by Kate Eminger, whose savvy and thoughtful choices (in my opinion) make a her a director to watch in the future. But she's not the only one with vision. If the night's program was an accurate snapshot of the company, Producer Nigel O'Hearn has a vision for Palindrome, and with two successful productions under their belt, I'm excited to see how it unfolds.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Melancholy Play
"Delightful & suprising present moments"
Review
posted by:
Pauline R.
from Ausitn.,
Aug 04, 2010
This was the first Sarah Ruhl play for me and it won't be the last. The writing and staging were original and kept me smiling and surprised though out the evening. Every member of the cast...
Expand
This was the first Sarah Ruhl play for me and it won't be the last. The writing and staging were original and kept me smiling and surprised though out the evening. Every member of the cast convincingly embraced the quirkiness of their characters with imagination and passion. They must have had a great time rehearsing for this play!
Collapse
-
Event Name: Melancholy Play
"A "Seriously Joyous" Play"
Review
posted by:
Preston Kirk
from Austin (Spicewood) TX, USA,
Aug 04, 2010
Go ahead. Step out of your comfort zone. This is not your typical proscenium-and-footlights stage show. Even Nigel O’Hearn, Artistic Director for the one-year-old Palindrome Theatre (mostly St....
Expand
Go ahead. Step out of your comfort zone. This is not your typical proscenium-and-footlights stage show. Even Nigel O’Hearn, Artistic Director for the one-year-old Palindrome Theatre (mostly St. Ed’s U. students or recent grads) admits “Melancholy” is “not a perfect play.” But it is strangely engaging with its choral musical tactic – characters singing and talking in unison -- and subtitle messages (“Defense of Melancholy”) projected on the back wall. Even Matthew Hines, the Composer/Musical Director who also plays Julian, distracts and draws our attention to his lofty perch with his rotating guitars and record player.
There’s a lot to like here and not just the familiar Austin Playhouse stage with seating on three sides. The play’s pacing helped by the interchangeable set parts, almost like an on-stage transformer, moving audience from scene-to scene, and the sharply drawn characters and their competitiveness for the sad/happy Tilly, so well portrayed by Helyn Rain Messenger. (more)
Collapse
-
Event Name: Melancholy Play
"Interesting, but . . ."
Review
posted by:
Ronda Dale Kirk
from Austin (Spicewood) TX, USA,
Aug 03, 2010
I must say up front that this play is not my “cup of tea and triangle-shaped sandwiches.” To me, the play itself is silly and vapid. It was called a musical and a farce, but a couple of songs and...
Expand
I must say up front that this play is not my “cup of tea and triangle-shaped sandwiches.” To me, the play itself is silly and vapid. It was called a musical and a farce, but a couple of songs and some background guitar do not a musical make. And it certainly looks like no farce I have ever seen.
That said, many others in the smallish Sunday audience disagreed. I don’t know how many of the attendees were friends of the cast, but most of the patrons seemed to find the performance quite funny and entertaining.
This play was playwright Sarah Ruhl’s master thesis at Brown U., and surely her work has substantially improved since then.
The acting was really good. The set was creative and the concept original. The Palindrome Theatre complied with its stated mission: “To be always dirty, gritty, intimate, fallible, human, and above all, brave.”
Collapse
-
Event Name: Melancholy Play
"Melancholy Play"
Review
posted by:
Rudi Lee
from Austin, TX USA,
Aug 01, 2010
I have to admit, I didn't know what to expect when I went to see this play. A melancholy farce? But the acting was wonderful, the writing was sharp and witty and I gained a new perspective on what it...
Expand
I have to admit, I didn't know what to expect when I went to see this play. A melancholy farce? But the acting was wonderful, the writing was sharp and witty and I gained a new perspective on what it must be like to be an almond. No one disappointed. And though it wasn't one of the songs in the play, I couldn't help myself; as I was leaving the theater I found myself singing "Sometimes you feel like a nut..." Melancholy Play was pure Almond Joy.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Melancholy Play
""Nutty" but Likable"
Review
posted by:
Pammyla Brooks
from Austin, Texas,
Aug 01, 2010
“How are you like an almond?” This play seeks to answer that – in a half-comedic, half Theater of the Absurdist way. At times, the characters burst into song, although it is not a musical. I...
Expand
“How are you like an almond?” This play seeks to answer that – in a half-comedic, half Theater of the Absurdist way. At times, the characters burst into song, although it is not a musical. I like the irony of a comedy devoted to melancholy – a word that we don’t use very often these days. The actors and actresses perform the roles well, and there are several moments that will make you laugh out loud. I like how the ending wraps everything up for the audience, like why Frank and Frances say many of the same lines at the same time. Well, the happy ending defines comedies, right? One recommendation: don’t sit in the front row unless you like to be a part of the onstage action. This company does not seem to have much personal space, with regard to the “Fourth Wall.” They cut hair, played Duck, Duck, Goose, and fought physically right on top of me, it seemed. So, if you like that type of thing, you will LOVE this. Anyway, although a bit "nutty" the show is definitely likable. Enjoy!
Collapse
-
Event Name: Melancholy Play
"MELANCHOLY a job well done!"
Review
posted by:
Sean Martin
from Austin, TX,
Jul 31, 2010
as an amateur reviewer:
MELANCHOLY PLAY by Sarah Ruhl
who: Palindrome Theatre Company
where: Austin Playhouse
when: July 16-Aug 8, thur - sun
I went to see this play this weekend primarily because...
Expand
as an amateur reviewer:
MELANCHOLY PLAY by Sarah Ruhl
who: Palindrome Theatre Company
where: Austin Playhouse
when: July 16-Aug 8, thur - sun
I went to see this play this weekend primarily because I had some friends in it. I was readying myself to leave town and I felt like I had a duty to go and see as many of my friends things as I could. No high expectations, just seeing some friends and theatre and saying some goodbyes.
Well last night I received way more than I bargained for. Usually I don't say much after I see a show, and I especially don't if my friends are involved because I feel biased. However, with this production something needs to be said. It was wonderful. It was simple, fresh, unique, honest. Truly a wonderful look into humanitys soul. Ruh'ls script is so passionate and new. The play thrives with story and wit, as well as an amazing original score completely performed on stage with the show. So many times a play like this can get skipped over. You don't recognize the title, its a fairly new company in town, you have other plans, but this is the kind of show that I would strongly encourage you not to miss.
The thing that amazed me the most is the honesty and commitment from every actor in the show. I don't think it would be the easiest script to do, and it requires a tremendous amount of commitment, but these actors just delve into with everything in their being and create something truly original and great. So job well done! And I may as well add the direction that Kate Emminger provided for them was pretty wonderful as well. You can't pull off a show like that without a great hand at the wheel. She staged each moment in such a way that it was beautiful and new.
Palindrome may be a new name for most, this is only there second production since there inception. But if Nigel and Kate and the rest of the Palindrome team keep doing what they are doing, I have high hopes that this theatre will go far.
This show only runs the rest of this weekend and all of next. Go See It! You will be doing yourself a disservice if you don't. And Palindrome, wonderful work
Collapse
-
Event Name: Melancholy Play
"The world according to Sarah Ruhl"
Review
posted by:
Gary Jaffe
from Austin TX,
Jul 29, 2010
Watching a Sarah Ruhl play is to be persuaded that the world we live in is more beautiful than it's ever been. Palindrome's "Melancholy Play" is no exception, serving up a delicate, sensitive, gently...
Expand
Watching a Sarah Ruhl play is to be persuaded that the world we live in is more beautiful than it's ever been. Palindrome's "Melancholy Play" is no exception, serving up a delicate, sensitive, gently funny production. Director Kate Eminger situates her actors nicely in Ruhl's realm, with Helyn Rain Messenger giving a particularly strong performance as Tilly. Ruhl's language bubbles up straight from Messenger's heart, out onto her tongue and through her eyes, as if it were her natural language.
A thought: perhaps the show was a little too cozy and lovely. There is a danger with Ruhl's gentle poeticism in that, without something sharp to contrast with, it can get "too pretty." One of the best moments in this production is a game of duck duck goose which grows frantic and terrifying. It is a rough moment in sharp contrast to the honey-like language, and I imagine this clean production could gain even more power by allowing more dirt in, as they do with the game.
Great evening!
Collapse
-
Event Name: Melancholy Play
"Melancholy Play"
Comment
posted by:
Becky Read Baker
from Wimberley, Tx.,
Jul 26, 2010
I thought the play was delightful and so
enjoyed the quirky and unexpected twists
and turns. Helyn Messenger was Superb as Tilly.
All the acting was Good.
I highly recommend.
I thought the play was delightful and so
enjoyed the quirky and unexpected twists
and turns. Helyn Messenger was Superb as Tilly.
All the acting was Good.
I highly recommend.
-
Event Name: Melancholy Play
"Hooked on a Feelin'"
Review
posted by:
Will Godwin
from Austin, TX,
Jul 21, 2010
A thin BLUE line between lovable melancholy and being TOO happy? An outstanding cast "gets this" early farce by Sarah Ruhl. And, it's a kick to see, particularly with a very 20/30-something audience...
Expand
A thin BLUE line between lovable melancholy and being TOO happy? An outstanding cast "gets this" early farce by Sarah Ruhl. And, it's a kick to see, particularly with a very 20/30-something audience in the Austin Playhouse (thx, AP!)
Collapse
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