Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Cicadas be damned, the shows must go on
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: "The first snow of the season has yet to fall, but the powers that be up at Highland Park's Ravinia Festival are thinking ahead to a sunny summer. They also are heeding warnings about an attack of unusually noisy cicadas -- something that has occurred quite regularly every 17 years for the past century, and is scheduled for late May and June next year. "
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2 comments:
Yes cicadas are indeed noisy, so amplification will help. But the article doesn't discuss the disgust many audience members wil experience attending an outdoor performance during the cicada season. A few years ago VA had a cicada season and it was just gross to be outside. When there were only a few it was okay, but when the ground is coated so you hear and feel them squish under your feet as you walk it's a revolting experience. There are some heavy-duty insecticides that can help this, but would probably make the area less safe for the patrons. Just something else to consider. - Maddie Regan
Jumping on board of what both Maddie and Steve said outdoor theatre always has some things to work out. When we did the "King and I" outside we had a problem with students walking around and distracting the audience. One night it downpoured turning the stage escape stairs into a slip-n-slide. But overall, the show did turn out to be a success. Whether it is bugs, owls, bats, people, or weather, something will always mess with outdoor performance. But as long as the atmosphere and energy is kept up a good theatre experience is still possible
~Boyce
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