Performance Response

Performance Response

Performance Response: Stageworks Theatre in Tampa – Morning Side Feb. 7th- 23rd, 2020

My friends and I had the opportunity to attend the long-awaited Morning Side at Stageworks Theatre in Tampa on the 23^rd February. The sharply and fine-tuned event gave us a detailed and humorous glimpse into the lives of what it means to consider people as friends but mostly family. The play provided heartfelt lessons and the fact that family matters most in life, an aspect that proved to be the core of the play, “mother of all baby showers.” My moment in the theatre was highlighted by different observations I made about the actors, lighting, and stage.

Observations and Descriptions

The design of the women was intricate such as to catch the attention of the audience at a single glace. The women were represented with the combination of eloquence and wit in how they spoke and addressed others with a touch of strength and softness.

The producer presented a combination of the qualities of a quintessential woman who has grace and dignity, an aspect that was well expressed through their words and actions. This quality-made the audience feel at home and as part of the family.

I observed how three women entered the stage randomly in a manner that created varying layers and textures to the atmosphere in the theatre. Louise from Dallas was busy preparing snacks in a nice and orderly manner while being assisted by Felicia from Atlanta to clean the house.

I noticed how the women changed from their scrubs to beautiful sundresses in a bid to catch the audience’s attention and change the emotion in the building. Upon arrival, Mackenzie changed and joined the other women to catch up with her sisters and Devyn, her best friend.

It was not only about the laughs. It got a little dramatic in that cast the comedy gave the audience a sharp and different relief. It was played out with drama and a mixture of sharp relief with comedy and laughter. The audience was given a moment of hard tears, after which they were hit with lessons that caused them to question their morals.

It was evident that the lighting designers took the time to set the audience in the desired mood. The design had a mixture of professional and casual feeling that set the desired light emotions in the room. The lighting also changed with changes in the scene and desired mood.

It was easy to notice that the producer mixed different theatrical elements that resulted in the desired mood. For instance, rhythm, music, and lighting changed when Grace made her way to get a box of cookies without getting noticed.

I made an observation of how Grace hid behind the stairs and made calculated moves on how she was going to take a box of cookies and wine and return before she got noticed.

I observed that the main focus was on family and friends. The director used the terms of engagement and concentration interchangeably to pass his message through in a rather casual manner.

I made an observation that there were clear contrast and tension in the creation of suspense. The director adopted the aspect of space to create an easy feeling and adopted family-friendly language to convey the message on family and friends.

Throughout the play, it was evident that the director made every attempt to reveal the importance of friends and family in one’s life. The performances were grounded on how family attempts to stick together during heartbreaking or sad moments. For instance, Grace is attempting to do right by her daughter and by her family at all costs. Jamie is also portrayed as a perfect mother-to-be, and she is exceptional at the timing. The director fine-tuned her relationship with Clancy in a manner that caused the audience to get drawn in from the first moment. As explained above, the director made a successful attempt to blend different aspects of a quintessential woman with grace and dignity. The theme of friends, family, love, and support was evidenced by the combination of lighting, sound, rhythm, dressing, and language. I liked how the director varied the characteristics from shy, friendly, bold, and guilty to showcase the blending that exists in a family. While some of the women made the audience question their morals, others such as Elinor Hughes made the audience laugh out from their chairs. From the outstanding prom dress that Elinor adorned to the chocolate that was placed on the diaper, made the moment worthwhile for the onlookers. If anything was to be changed, I would ask the director, Scott Cooper to complete the idea of family by including a few uninvited guest – men and children – to add fun, humor and portray the aspect of friends, love and family clearly.