There is no denying the magic of Maudslay State Park. It remains the place where I saw my first bald eagle. Magic.
Long ago, a friend and I went cross-country skiing through the woods and it was so cold that our car wouldn’t start after the ski.
I have spent many days walking with my sister or my dog when the Rhododendrons are in bloom each spring. A family member was married in the garden at Maudslay one June and we danced to the Orville Giddings band without a tent or shelter next to the Maudslay Art Center on a perfect summer day. There is, for me, magic in Maudslay State Park, and many memories.
What will soon become a memory – for me – is watching my niece and nephew perform in the woods at Theater in the Open each summer.
Theater in the Open began in 1979 when Anna Clopton (Smulowitz) started a theater and workshop for children in Newburyport, Massachusetts and it is now in its 36th year. The mission of Theater in the Open is to…. ‘Transform the magical tradition of storytelling into theater. Theater in the Open presents and explore myths, classic literature, original scripts, and modern dramas. They seek to reflect the beautiful diversity of cultures around us.’
I am not a theater buff by any means but I recall the first time I attended a show at Maudslay some years ago. I was at first puzzled by the master of ceremonies. I couldn’t quite get over the theatrical smile and exuberance and sense of irony and mischief and talent that this young man had. I was struck by his stage presence. I may have thought – what is he doing here? – as he seemed he should be on Broadway or in films.
The charisma of Teddy -or artistic director Edward “Teddy” Speck — just solidified for me back then how much fun it must be to work in the theater – outdoors no less – for a living. And, today, Edward “Teddy” Speck and the team at Theater in the Woods are still delivering the magic.
Over the years my nephew, particularly, has had some great roles but in fairness I was never quite sure who his character was!
Improvisation and Panto and making it up as they go along is a very fun, unique part of Theater in the Open. But, no production is ever as spontaneous as it looks. A lot of rehearsal, hard work and dedication and creativity go into each production. So, when an adult sits down in the open air to watch a production, they get the joy of it right away but also leave with something more.
I recall watching my young nephew gleefully wearing a black cap in a version of little Red Riding Hood but he later told me his character was a “meanie” and that the play was actually a rendition of something else altogether. It was “Panto” he told me, it was “Improv” but it was great. He once came out from behind a tree carrying a pseudo-microphone and was meant to follow a Peter Pan/ like character around who wanted his own reality TV show. My nephew was meant to be taping his every word. I think his character was again some kind of woodland person. He was a wood nymph, a “meanie”.
In one of his best roles, he was Capt. Hook. What is great in this ensemble theater is that everyone has a role to play but the emphasis is not on stars or leads in the play. When the kids come out on stage, it is ensemble acting. My niece has had many parts where she has blossomed and found her voice.
I liked that they always deliver a message of some kind to the audience. They don’t lecture or mock the adults, but they deliver a message about what it is like being a kid today. Whether it is the obsession with celebrity or the emphasis on over-achievers, the Theater in the Open dialogue and acting can be ironic, telling, revealing and it jabs you a little. It gives the kids a voice. And, they love it.
This year my nephew graduated from the eighth grade at the River Valley Charter School. There is a ceremony before graduation where each student has to present an overview of their education at River Valley Charter School and thank the important adults in their lives. They are asked to say something about the person they most admire and most want to be like when they grow up.
My nephew spoke of Edward “Teddy” Speck — and what his personality and outlook on life meant to him.
Over the years, I have realized that the jubilant master of ceremonies is also one of the most hardworking people in Newburyport.
He and the staff work tirelessly to keep providing great theater and great education for regional kids.
My nephew did speak of loving theater and how he hoped to not only be like Teddy when he grew up, but he wanted to try theater at Wilbraham Monson Academy where he will be attending boarding school this fall. When my nephew spoke, I saw Teddy in the audience.
He was not quite prepared to hear his name mentioned as a mentor and lifelong friend. I saw the expression of surprise and humble emotion when a young boy thanked a young man for being such a great role model. Wow. We need more of this.
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It seems that Newburyport’s support and fostering of the arts often comes to bloom in summer. There are so many outdoor events to attend, but as you go about this final, great month of summer – consider supporting the following:
Circus Smirkus is coming back to Manter Field in Newbury for four shows July 31st and Augus 1st. Supporting an organization like Theater in the Open while at the circus is very much in character with their mission of fun and lightness in a serious world.
Also be sure to see Shakespeare’s hilarious Twelfth Night. The Theater in the Open production will run in Maudslay weekends at 4pm through August 16.
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Don’t forget the other great events going on in August. There is no better place to sit outdoors and enjoy the arts than Maudslay, and that includes the Maudslay Arts Center Summer Concert Series provides the perfect setting for your entertainment pleasure. The Saturday concerts begin at 7 p.m. and the Sunday concerts are at 2 p.m. and it runs through August 30. The line up includes the Festival Orchestra, Boston’s First Lady of Jazz Rebecca Parris, foot-stompin’ country with Don Campbell, and much more.
The Newburyport Chamber Music Festival is another great outdoor event that supports a week-long series of classical chamber music concerts, lectures, open rehearsals and family programs is available from Aug. 8 through Aug. 17. The festival will feature outdoor concerts, panels, lectures and open rehearsals for all to see.
Now in its second year, the Newburyport Chamber Music Festival Youth Ensemble is an opportunity for talented, local, young musicians to perform chamber music and receive coaching from Newburyport Chamber Music Festival’s world class musicians. Don’t miss their performance on August 12, 2015 Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
This performance of Brahms’ trio in A minor for clarinet, cello and piano, among other pieces is offered in conjunction with NCMF’s festival week.
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Let’s Sing! Why not check out the Newburyport Choral Society Summer Sing.
Located at the The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 7 Harris St., the concert is free, starts at 7 p.m. and is conducted by NCS Music Director Dr. George Case.
There will be a brief talk on Mozart by Dr. George Case and it will feature NCS Soloists .
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Finally, staying outside is the key to a great summer and over at Waterfront Park it is Movie Night. Movies start at dusk (right around 8PM), but get there early to claim a spot on the lawn and enjoy some family favorite tunes on the guitar by Matt Jackson while waiting for the show to start.
Movies will be shown on a 40-foot inflatable screen with an HD Blue Ray Projector and BOSE professional sound system. You don’t want to miss this!
August 5: “Goonies” (30 Year Anniversary)
August 12: Big Hero 6 – Viewers’ Choice Winner
August 19: Cinderella – Original Disney Animated Version
August 26: Rain Date
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