Shakespeare's "Macbeth" by theatre kapow

As if Shakespeare weren't difficult enough to perform, theatre kapow has throw down the gauntlet (or perhaps the dagger?): their current production of Macbeth employs only three actors. Of course, this trio, along with minimal yet multi-functional sets and costumes, are more than capable to handle the dramatic tasks.

The performance schedule, which includes one on Halloween at midnight, is intense and tight. Do not hesitate.

portraits from theatre kapow's 24-Hour Play Festival

I've worked as a photographer with theatre kapow since their inception, and their efforts to create an authentic and unique dramatic experience is nothing short of inspiring. A few years ago, they began a 24-Hour Play Festival, which produces about five original short plays--from writing to performance--in a day. The experience is both absolutely taxing and thrilling for everyone involved.

Two years ago, I photographed the dress rehearsals, but I wanted something more. I decided to set up a small portrait studio (single softbox on a grey backdrop) in the wings of the stage, and when the cast and director finished their allotted 30-minute final rehearsal on stage, each graciously sat for a brief portrait. I've posted only a portion here; the full set can be seen on my website.

The 2014 24-Hour Play Festival starts tonight and will be performed tomorrow evening.

Aaron Compagna, 2012.
Photograph by Matthew Lomanno

Olivia Dodd, 2012.
Photograph by Matthew Lomanno

Justin Voshell, 2012.
Photograph by Matthew Lomanno

Emily Sarah, 2012.
Photograph by Matthew Lomanno

Karen Oster, 2012.
Photograph by Matthew Lomanno

Kelly Litt, 2012.
Photograph by Matthew Lomanno

Anthony Febo, 2012.Photograph by Matthew Lomanno

the hoofpick

the hoof pick, made by Chris Doherty

Since theatre KAPOW has extended their run through tonight, I decided to revisit this photograph I posted last week.

In preparing for our promotional photography session, I knew that the props were a major element of Desdemona. Walker Evan's photographs of tools ("Beauties of the Common Tool", Fortune, July 1955) immediately came to mind. In homage to Evans and this new object, I wanted to create a photograph that would emphasize and celebrate its aesthetics. I waited until we finished our staged scenes and character portraits, then set up the photo and borrowed this tool while the cast finished their rehearsal in my studio.

The hoofpick was handmade by blacksmith Chris Doherty of Semiosis Forge.

theatre kapow's "Desdemona" & "Zoo Story"

theatre KAPOW opens two shows tonight: Desdemona by Paula Vogel and The Zoo Story by Edward Albee. We made these character portraits as part of our promotional work. First, the period piece Desdemona:

Carey Cahoon as Desdemona

Amy Agostino as Emilia

Rachael Longo as Bianca

the hoof pick

 The Zoo Story:

Peter Josephson as Peter

Wayne Asbury as Jerry

character portraits for theatre kapow's "Penelope"

For theatre kapow's production of Penelope by Enda Walsh, director Matt Cahoon and I decided to create character portraits for promotional use. If the results are compelling, it is due to wonderful and talented actors.

The performances are this weekend, and even more photos are available on their Facebook page.

Neal Blaicklock as Fitz

Wayne Asbury as Quinn

Colby Morgan as Burns

Peter Josephson as Dunne

Gina Carballo as Penelope

theatre kapow: reception portraits

I've been very grateful for my continued relationship with theatre kapow, a NH-based theatre company who just completed their second season.  I was editing some work for them and found these from a post-show reception of Alone, which was adapted from Poe's works for the stage by Brian Kennedy (first photo).  Nearly the entire ensemble is shown below.  (The baby wasn't in the show--that's Anna, who wasn't yet 2 months old at the time, being held by tkapow's Carey Cahoon.)

theatre kapow's The Lover and The Problem

theatre kapow's second season will begin this weekend with a production of The Lover and The Problem. I photographed a rehearsal last night, and they continue to impress. Support the theatre and attend a show.

theatre kapow's "How I Learned to Drive"

theatre kapow's latest production, How I Learned to Drive--previewed earlier--will be performed this weekend. As usual, it has high dramatic and production values and showcases some new actors (to this company, at least). Learn more about it and, better yet, attend a show.

A photographic note: I usually will balance the color of the light to be the same throughout a show; here, though, most of the stage lighting was quite warm, except for a few scenes. I've decided to retain the original qualities of color as much as possible (eg, the red table scenes).

theatre kapow's "How I Learned to Drive" promo photos

I spent Sunday evening working with friends (aka theatre kapow) on their next production, How I Learned to Drive. Besides setting up a studio for individual headshots, a cast photo, and some photos that will be displayed during the actual show (and so can't be posted yet), I photographed some scenes for promotional use (including for an upcoming issue of The Hippo). Nothing is established for the stage yet (including set, props, and lighting), so we created our own with two 500W hot lights I brought. I've only seen bits, but this will prove to be a powerful experience for the audience.

Seussical

Tonight I photographed Seussical, the current production by Saint Anselm College's Abbey Players. It is a fun, high energy, and fast paced show, suitable for anyone. This weekend will see the final performances; I highly recommend it (and can't wait for my kids to see it tomorrow morning).