February 17, 2013
l to r: Matt Sorensen, Stuart Ruttan, Dylan Duffy
I had an opportunity to chat with Bonnie Brewer this week. Bonnie is the director of "The Complete World of Sports (abridged)." She is a master of this genre having directed 3 other "Complete, (abridged)" productions over the past few years for Pendragon Theatre.

Although Pendragon Theatre is in Saranac Lake the "abridged" productions usually take place midwinter at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts (LPCA). This particular "abridged" selection opened on Friday, Feb. 15 and will run through Feb. 23 at the LPCA.

In our phone conversation, Bonnie gives some insights into the cast and the overall concept of the play which is billed as a tour de force of vaudevillian physical comedy. Two of the cast members, Matt Sorensen and Stu Ruttan, have been with Bonnie through the whole run of the "abridged" series: "Complete Shakespeare," "Complete History of the World," "Complete Hollywood" all (abridged). The trio is filled out this year with Dylan Duffy who is new to the Pendragon scene. Bonnie says that he "jumped in with both feet and is holding his own with Matt and Stu."

Announcer Stu
She goes on to say that she met Dylan at auditions for the Pendragon Theatre summer season in Saranac Lake. It turns out he is back home in Lake Placid by way of Oswego.

I ask Bonnie what it is about this genre that attracts her and she laughingly answers, "I'd like to say that it's easy but it never is." She explains that it is hard work to keep adding to the humor, keep it fresh, and somehow top the hilarity of the previous season. She adds that, "it's fun rehearsing and the mistakes are part of the show. "

She continues by relating an incident that happened at the preview performance at the LPCA. Let's just say it involved a quick change, shorts, and a kilt...and the audience loved it. It seems that audiences either don't recognize these things as mistakes, seeing it as part of the humor; or it becomes part of the improvisational aspect of the "abridged" genre and a delight to experience firsthand.

One unusual aspect about this particular show is that it is not yet published which means that the writers are still tweaking the script. The other is the sports aspect. Some of the props were a bit difficult to get hold of at this time of year.

But the director cheerfully adds that "this show is lots of fun to do and will be constantly evolving as we do it. The show folks saw last night will not be the same one they will see next week." That's the beauty of live theatre and these shows really demand that actors stay present.

Cast of 3 all decked out
This show also involves a bit more audience participation than its predecessors. Some audience members even get to feel what it's like to make quick changes. It doesn't get more live than this.

Pendragon Theatre promises another summer of fine live performances. The 2013 season has been announced and the list includes: "A Streetcar Named Desire," "Dirty Blonde," "Doubt," and "Aladdin."

For more information on the upcoming season and times for the LPCA performances of "Complete World of Sports" click through to the Pendragon Theatre web site.

Kathleen Recchia has been enjoying the arts in the Adirondacks for about 20 years—both as observer and participant (acting, directing, and producing). She also enjoys cross-country skiing, swimming, juggling, and hosting visitors to the area at her bed & breakfast in Jay.

l to r: Matt Sorensen, Stuart Ruttan, Dylan Duffy
Announcer Stu
Cast of 3 all decked out

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