As the Stage Turns

“We are here, we are here, we are here!”—Seussical the Musical

Well, now. Look at us. We’ve finally arrived on the blogosphere, blogging our little theatrical hearts out.

First off, I’d like to tell you how much I, personally, hate the word…

…“blog”.

I know it derives from the fairly innocuous phrase weB LOG, but that doesn’t matter. It’s a terrible word. Really. Say “blog” while looking at yourself in the mirror. There’s no way you can say “blog” and still be attractive.

If “blog” were a drink it would be thick and greenish and taste vaguely of hair.

If “blog” were a pet it would have been inexplicably popular in the ‘70’s as a kind of pathetically unattractive, mobility-challenged creature that you pitied more than loved.

If “blog” were a toy it would leave on your child’s hands a viscous, unnatural smelling residue.

I could go on…but I won’t.

Hey! Why don’t you post some of your suggestions for alternative incarnations of the word, “blog” in the comments section! It’ll be fun.

Anyway, on to business. My name is Keith Aisner. I’m the Production Manager and Marketing Director here at Ukiah Players Theatre, and I get the feeling people don’t “get” UPT. Honestly, I’m pretty sure we’re not on most folks’ radar when they’re considering a night out. Most people in Ukiah will consider going to the movies or the races way before they think of going to the theatre (if they think of us at all).

Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not sitting here stewing, feeling rejected or resentful. Not at all. I know it’s just a matter of letting people know one very important fact. And that fact is…

…we’re actually entertaining.

It’s true! I know that if I can get a person to come see one show here at UPT, they’ll be back. I know this to be true because I’ve seen it happen again and again and again. Take the show we’re running right now, “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)”. Now, you might figure that with a ponderous title like that, the show would be a kinda dry, scholarly look at Shakespeare’s plays. You might get the sense that even if the show is trying to be funny, it’ll still be dull.

I think some people associate “community theatre” with “boring” and “awkward” and “preachy”. The very idea of attending a show reminds them of the time they were a kid, forced to sit through some bad play or musical they didn’t understand and went on far too long.

And let’s face it. Not every play is a laugh riot. However, “Complete Works” is by no means dull…guaranteed. We’ve got three actors running around, grabbing audience members, fighting, dressing up as women, and throwing water on each other. Fun, yes…scholarly pursuit, no. No matter how much information on Shakespeare gets slipped into the show, the play never feels like anything close to a lecture.

You know what? I’ll even make you this offer right now. “Complete Works” runs for just one more week. Come see the show. Even if you have never seen a show here before…come on out. If you honestly feel like you wasted your money, call me here at UPT at 707-462-1210 and I will give you your money back. Promise.

Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that everything we do here is a madcap adventure through Wackyland. We do serious stuff here as well. We have to! We’re putting on plays and plays are stories and not all stories are supposed to be funny. Some of them are…well…dramatic.

I guess what I’m saying is…bottom line…toss us up the list a little, okay? Just once. Give us a shot, and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Anyway, in this blog we’ll be giving you special behind-the-scenes views into what goes on at UPT, the regional theatre company in your own back yard. You’ll get to know some of the folks running the joint, as well as some of the personalities who make our organization possible through their volunteerism, donations, and dedication to keeping theatre alive and well here in Ukiah.

And heck, you might even be inspired to come out here and see a show.