Foreigner Study Guide - Taproot Theatre Company

Transcription

THE
BY
DIRECTED BY
Karen Lund
MAY 19 –
previews& 18
May 17
JUNE 17
S E A S O N
T O
C E L E B R
A T E !
Tickets 206-781-9707 or
Ticketmaster 206-292-ARTS
All performances are held at Taproot Theatre,
204 N. 85th St., Seattle
www.taproot theatre.org
Thanks to our
generous sponsors
Media sponsor
Design ©2006 Ray Braun Design
A
Table of Contents
Introduction................2
Larry Shue..................3
Characters..............4-5
Timeline...........................6
The Klan.....................7
Robert
E.
Lee/
Communism...............8
Glossary.....................9
Artistic.................10-11
Acitvities..............12-13
Acting Studio............14
A fishing lodge in rural Georgia provides
a needed holiday for Charlie, a weary
British gentleman. The plan for solitude
turns simply hilarious when his friend
introduces him as an exotic foreigner.
Soon, Charlie is in over his head when
Southern locals dish up mysterious
schemes with hysterical and unexpected
results.
Study Guide written by
Sonja G. Lowe and Sandra
Midkiff
Designed by Sandra Midkiff
The Characters
Education
& Outreach Department
•Educational Touring
• Acting Studio
• Student Matinees
• Community Outreach
“Encouraging - Educating Entertaining”
Karen Lund
Associate Artistic Director
Sandra Midkiff
Education & Outreach Associate
Josiah Wallace
Director of Outreach
Sara K. Willy
Director of Education
204 N. 85th St. Seattle, WA 98103
www.taproottheatre.org
2
Froggy (Staff Sergeant LeSueur)
Charlie Baker
Betty Meeks
Reverend David Lee
Catherine Simms
Owen Musser
Ellard Simms
Townspeople
Setting
Tilgham County, Georgia at a summer fishing
lodge by the lake in 1986.
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The Playwright
Larry Shue
On Monday, September 25, 1985, a
communter plan
traveling over
Virginia crashed
into Hall Mountain
in the George
Washington National Forest.
Fourteen of the
passengers were
killed. One of these
was 39 year old
Larry Shue
playwright, Larry
http://web.telia.com
Shue. The tragedy
of that day brought
to a sudden end the
career of one of America’s most promising
comedicplaywrights.
Larry Shue was born in New Orleans, LA
on July 23, 1946 and grew up in Kanas and
Chicago, Illinois. He trained as an actor at the
Illinois Wesleyan University, and served in the
Army’s entertainment division during the Vietnam War. After his discharge from the army, he
performed with his wife, (fellow actor, Linda
Faye Wilson) at a dinner theater in Rockville,
Md.
Divorced in 1977, Shue joined the Milwaukee Repertory Theater. He had been part of
the acting essemble for two years when the
artistic director, John Dillon, suggested that he
try his hand at writing plays. Shue accordingly
became the playwright in resisdence at the
Milwaukee Rep and crafted the two plays that
would make his name as a comic playwright.
The Nerd (1981) and The Foreigner
(1983) both premiered at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater with Shue playing the lead characters in each. It is interesting to note that the
main character in each of these plays is a timid
204 N. 85th St.
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man who gains confidence through a series of
zany events. Shue commented later that these
two characters had an element of his own
personality. “I’m the type of guy who sat by the
phone for two hours before I found the nerve to
ask for a date.” He added that both of the plays
also expressed his own “dream that the wishywashy nice guy will emerge triumphant.”
Both the The Nerd and The Foreigner
went on from their premier in Milwaukee to have
sucessful runs in New York. In fact, The Foreigner, was still playing off Broadway at the time
of Shue’s death in 1985. The Foreigner drew
mixed reviews from critics, but audiences were
wildly enthusiastic and word of mouth made the
play a hit despite the critics. During one New
York performance an explosion in the basement
caused the theatre to be evacuated in the
middle of the play, but the crowd waited outside
in the freezing rain for 45 minutes; refusing to
go home until they had seen the second act.
Shue, himself, was enormously proud of
the effect that his plays had on the audiences.
“You have tired, neurotic people filing in,” he
rejoiced in an interview, “and you have kids
coming out—giggling and flirting.” His twin
comic masterpieces have continued to turn tired
adults into giggling kids as they have been
mounted and re-mounted in theaters across the
country during the past twenty years.
Though grateful for the gift of laughter
that he left behind, the theater community
sincerely mourned the loss of Shue’s talent at
the time of the commuter plane crash. Nicholas
Howey, the founder of the Harlequin Dinner
Theater told an interviewer that, “[Shue] genuinely loved the theater, as few people do, and
not just as a place to show off in...He still had a
lot of surprises in him that even he hadn’t
discovered yet. I would have been real curious
to see what he might have become.”
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The Characters
Froggy (Staff Sergeant LeSueur)— His army
buddies probably gave him the nick-name
“Froggy” because of his
French last name, but
nobody is more British than
this member of the British
Army’s bomb squad. Froggy
is a good natured character
who just wants everybody to
be happy. He is particularly
concerned about the welfare
of his friend, Charlie Baker.
Owen Musser—an
unpleasant man all around.
Owen is definitely the villain
of this play. He is a grown
man with the instincts of a
play-ground bully, and is
using his position as
Tilghman County Property
Inspector to confiscate
Betty’s lakeside lodge.
Owen takes advantage of
anyone that is weaker than
he is, but like most bullies he is easily
intimidated by a show of strength.
Taproot Theatre Company’s The Foreigner.
Matthew Edwards, Kim Morris and Scott Nolte.
Photo by Matthew Lawrence.
4
Catherine Simms—a pretty, young debutante,
Catherine comes from a wealthy Southern
family. She is the heiress to
her father’s estate and is
engaged to Reverend David
Lee. Catherine is a woman
who speaks her mind. She
has a bit of a temper, but
she also has a sense of
humor.
Reverend David Lee—Also a
guest staying at Betty’s lodge.
The Reverend David Lee is
almost too good to be true.
He is patience, polite,
intelligent, and friends with
everyone, but we soon
discover that David is hiding
something.
Betty Meeks—A widow
who owns the lakeside
lodge that is the setting for
this play. Betty and her
late husband have owned
and operated this ‘bed and
breakfast” for as long as
anyone can remember.
When her husband died,
Betty just kept right on
welcoming the summer
tourists. She is a motherly woman who has
probably never left her home state of
Georgia. She is naively excited to learn
about anything “foreign”.
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Ellard Simms—a “lumpy, overgrown,
backward youth.” Ellard is Catherine’s
little brother, he will also
inherit a portion of the
family money, unless
Catherine decides that
he is mentally unfit to
handle it. Ellard seems
to be “not quite all there.”
He is awkward, shy and
easily confused.
Everyone in his family
has always expected him
to get things wrong, and
he usually lives up to
their expectations.
Charlie Baker—has a
kind heart, but a boring
life and a wife who
doesn’t love him. He
has accepted Froggy’s
invitation to travel to
America in order to get
away from his troubles,
only to find that more
troubles are waiting for
him there. Charlie is a
painfully shy man so he
and Froggy agree to
pretend that Charlie doesn’t speak English
so that he won’t have to make small talk with
the other characters in the play.
Glossary
Terms used in the play...
Communism—a political theory that
strives for a classless and stateless society.
The ideal communist society would have all
property owned commonly and all people in the
society working together for the common good.
Communism had a strong negative
connotation in the US in the 1980’s, due to
many years of hostility and suspicion directed
toward the USSR, a group of communist
countries in Eastern Europe that rivaled the
United States in military power at that time.
British Army—Bomb Squad—Officially titled
“Bomb Disposal Engineers,” these British
soldiers are trained to unarm and dispose of
explosive devices. They work as a unit to clear
the terrain after a battle of any unexploded
weapons in order to make the ground safe for
other soldiers and civilians. Because of their
expertise in locating and handling explosives
they are also often called upon to aide in
counter-terrorist searches.
204 N. 85th St.
Seattle, WA 98103
Robert E. Lee— (1807-1870) The commander
general of the Confederate Army during the Civil
War. Lee was a model student at West Point
Military Academy, and had a distinguished army
career after graduation. He resigned from the
U.S. Military, however, on the day that his home
state of Virginia succeeded from the Union,
because he felt that despite “my devotion to the
Union and the feeling of loyalty and duty of an
American, I have not been able to make up my
mind to raise my hand against my relatives, my
children, my home.”
Lee commanded the Southern forces during
various battles from 1861 until the end of the
war in 1865. His tremendous wartime prestige
commanded respect in both the North and South
and made him a legendary figure even before
his death.
Ruger Carbines—An automatic Hunting Rifle.
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Major Events of
1986
(When the play takes place...)

On January 28, the
Challenger explodes.

Turner Broadcasting begins to colorize
black and white classics.

The worst nuclear
disaster ever occurs in
Chernobyl, USSR.

Miami Hurricanes’ Quarterback Vinny
Testaverde wins the Heisman Trophy

In Nyos, Cameroon, a
cloud of carbon dioxide
rumbled out of the nearby lake
Nyos and killed approximently
1,700 people.
The Challenger
www.rmi.org

Argentina wins Soccer World Cup in
Mexico
Fox Network starts in
America

Mandatory recycling programs started in
Rhode Island.

Return of Haley’s Comet

Statue of Liberty celebrates her 100th
Anniversary and gets a face lift in the process.

John McCarthy, a British journalist was
kidnapped by Islamic Jihad and remained in
captivity for a staggering 5.5 years.

America celebrates national holiday Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr. day
for the first time.
A good year for East
Coast Sports. Not only did
the Red Sox go to the World
Series (They lost in 7 to the
Mets) ,the Boston Celtics
won the 1986 NBA
Martin Luther King Jr.
www.villagevoice.com
Championship, and New
England went to the Super
Bowl but lost to the Chicago Bears 46-10.

Supermodel Gia, after years of heroin
addiction, dies of AIDS. She is the first woman
to sucumb to the AIDS virus in the US.

Arnold Schwarzenegger marries Maria
Shriver.

“A.M. Chicago”
changes its name to
the “Oprah Winfrey
Show” and goes
national.
Oprah Winfrey
www.rtl.com
6
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The Klan
When Owen Musser decides to visit the lodge, we discover who he really is: A
Klu Klux Klan member.
The Klan—The Klu Klux Klan is a name
adopted by various secret fraternal
organizations in the United States that
advocate white supremacy, and have a
tradition of being anti-Semitic, anti-black, and
anti-foreigner.
The original Klu-Klux-Klan is believed
to have been started by a group of bored
Confederate veterans as a means of resisting
the changes imposed by the Northern States
on the South. Its actions rapidly developed into
a violent campaign against blacks and “carpetbaggers” (northerners who had come to live in
the South). The violence culminated in the
murder of 1,300 Republican voters during the
year of 1868. This caused the more
conservative of the Southern leaders to disown
the Klan. President Ulysses S. Grant signed
the Civil Rights Act of 1871 which gave military
authority to stamp out the Klan leadership, and
the organization fell into decline.
The second Klu Klux Klan was founded
in 1915 by William Joseph Simmons, who saw
the society as a means of getting rich off of
membership dues. This Klan was a formal
membership organization with a national and
state structure. It used the new-found power of
the mass media to preach a message of
racism, anti-Catholicism, nativism and antiSemitism. The message was attractive to
many Americans who were disturbed by the
flood of immigrants coming into American
cities. At the height of its power this Klan was
204 N. 85th St.
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indeed an “invisible empire” with almost 4
million members and several supporters in
powerful political positions.
The popularity of this second Klan
dwindled during the Great Depression, and it
lost still more of its membership during WWII
due to scandals about prominent Klan
members’ ties to the Nazi party. In 1944 the
Internal Revenue Service filed against the Klu
Klux Klan for back taxes amounting to
$685,000.00, and the bankrupted organization
disbanded.
More recently, the name Klu Klux Klan
has been used by many different, unrelated
groups, all of which are considered extreme
hate groups and have been disowned by
mainstream media and political and religious
leaders. These smaller groups were active
during the 1960’s to oppose the Civil Rights
movement, and are still in existence today, but
their total membership is estimated to be only a
few thousand.
The Holy Tribunal of the Invisible
Empire—The “Invisible Empire” was a
term given to the Klu Klux Klan, because
at one time they wield a great deal of
anonymous influence over federal and
state politicians.
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The Designs
Designers t
ake the direct
or’s vision for a pla
y and make it a reality
take
director’s
play
reality..
Set Design
Mark Lund
Costume Design
Sarah Gordon
Betty
Catherine
8
David
Owen
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The Company
Owen Musser
Jason Adkins
Froggy LeSueur
Don Brady
Rev. David
Marshall Lee
Darrell Olson
Catherine Simms
Niki Visel
Ellard Simms
Matthew Edwards
Townsperson
Gary Gable
Betty Meeks
Kim Morris
Charlie Baker
Scott Nolte
Townsperson
Michael James
Townsperson
Dave Selvig
Production STAFF
Director
Karen Lund
Dramaturg
Sonja Lowe
Set & Sound
Designer
Lighting Designer
Mark Lund
Dialect Coach
Alyssa Keene
Jody Briggs
Props Designer
Charity Parenzini
Costume Designer
Sarah Gordon
Assistant Stage
Manager
Dan Wolcott
Stage Manager
Rebecca Patterson Assistant Director Nick Hubbard
204 N. 85th St.
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Activities
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Betty
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Charlie
Communism
Ellard
Froggy
Georgia
Klu Klux Klan
Larry Shue
Owen
Reverend David
Robert E. Lee
Tilgham County
Townspeople
It’s Your Turn
to Design!
Thinking back to the wonderful
year of 1986, design a costume
for one character of your choice in
the box to your left.
10
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Writing Activity
If you were to meet a Foreigner and you sat down to a meal. How would you explain what a “fork”
is? Give it a try in a minimum of one paragraph below.
We are so glad you are joining Taproot Theatre for a student matinee performance. Audience Etiquette is important for everyone to experience an enriching
and educational experience. See you at the performance!
Audience Etiquette
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It is appropriate to talk quietly until the performance begins.
If you need to use the restroom, please do so before the performance begins. Restrooms are
located in the upper and lower lobbies.
No food, gum, candy or beverages are to be brought into the theatre.
Please turn off watch alarms, cellular phones, and other electronic devices.
Please don’t wear headphones during the performance.
Be sure to be seated before the performance begins
Please stay out of the aisles (also called “voms”) during the performance.
Students who disturb other members of the audience may be asked to leave the theatre and
wait in the lobby.
Remember: you will get an opportunity to talk with the actors and director at the end of the
performance. Be prepared with questions about the production!
Enjoy the Show!
204 N. 85th St.
Seattle, WA 98103
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Studio Classes
YOUTH SUMMER SHOWCASE
Students will work together to put on a play in one week while exploring the basic acting, voice and movement
techniques A final performance of a one-act play will allow students to showcase their talents.
Ages 9-12; Monday-Friday, July 10 - 14
10:00 am-4:00 pm, $260
Performance: Saturday, July 15, 11:00 am at TTC.
ADV. MUSICAL THEATRE SUPERCAMP
MUSICAL THEATRE DAYCAMP
Aimed at young actors who want a taste of the professional
world of musical theatre, this class is for the serious returning
Acting Studio artist who wishes to take their performance to a
new level. Each student will audition for a place in camp.
Those who are accepted will audition for a role and be cast in
a challenging Broadway musical.
Pre-requisite: two TTC Musical Theatre Daycamps and
audition with camp instructor.
Ages 12-18; Monday - Friday, August 14 - 25
10:00 am-4:00 pm, $520
Performances: Friday, August 25, 4:00 pm and Saturday,
August 26, 10:00 am at TTC.
A week of singing, dancing, friendship and fun,
culminating in a live performance for family and
friends! It’s a summer alternative of dramatic
proportions for your gifted child.
Ages 9-18; Monday-Friday, June 26 – June 30
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, $290
Performance: Saturday, July 1, 10:00 am at TTC.
SHAKESPEARE SUPERCAMP
Brush up your Shakespeare; this class will challenge even
the most experienced young actors! Culminating in a
shortened version of one of Shakespeare’s great plays, this
two-week-long intensive will dive even more deeply into the
voice, movement and acting techniques needed for
Shakespearean performance.
Pre-requisite TTC Showcase class or Daycamp.
Ages 11-18; Monday - Friday, July 17 – 28
10:00 am-4:00 pm, $450
Performances: Friday, July 28, 4:00 pm and Saturday, July
29, 10:00 am at TTC.
SUMMER SUPER SHOWCASE
This two-week camp will challenge actors to build on their
talents. Students will achieve a deeper understanding of
voice, movement and acting techniques needed for
professional performance. A final performance of a one-act
play gives students the opportunity to show off their new
skills.
Ages 11-18; Monday - Friday, August 7 - 18
10:00 am-4:00 pm, $450
Performances: Friday, August 18, 4:00 pm and Saturday,
August 19, 10:00 am at TTC.
TEEN SUMMER SHOWCASE
A special one-week workshop just for teenagers! Students
will enjoy working together while building their acting
skills. Family and friends will enjoy a performance of a oneact play on the final day of camp.
Ages 13-18; Monday - Friday, July 31 - August 4
10:00
$260 WA 98103
204 N.am-4:00
85th St.pm,Seattle,
Performance:
Friday, August 4, 4:00 pm at TTC.
12
SHAKESPEARE DAYCAMP
This camp is an excellent introduction to Shakespeare
and his plays. Our students will perform a shortened
version of one of Shakespeare’s great comedies.
Ages 10-18; Monday-Friday, July 10 – 14
10:00 am-4:00 pm, $260
Performance: Friday, July 14, 4:00 pm at TTC.
MUSICAL THEATRE SUPERCAMP I
This two-week intensive will dive deeply into the
singing, dancing and acting techniques needed for
Musical Theatre performance. Not for the faint of
heart, this class will be a challenge to even the most
experienced young actors. Each student will
experience the audition process during the camp, and
be cast in an amazing Broadway musical that they
will never forget!
Ages 11-18; Monday-Friday, July 10 - 21
10:00 am-4:00 pm, $500
Performances: Friday, July 21, 4:00 pm and Saturday,
July 22, 10:00 am at TTC.
MUSICAL THEATRE SUPERCAMP-II
This two-week intensive will dive deeply into the
singing, dancing, and acting techniques needed for
Musical Theatre performance. Not for the faint of
heart, this class will be a challenge to even the most
experienced young actors. Each student will
experience the audition process during the camp, and
be cast in an amazing Broadway musical that they
will never forget!
Ages 11-18 years; Monday - Friday, July 31 - August
11
10:00 am-4:00 pm, $500
Performances: Friday, Box
August
11, 4:00
pm and
Office
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Saturday, August 12,
10:00
am
at
TTC.
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