The eyes of an audience mean more to me than their words. At last night's talkback after Man of La Mancha, there were audience members who were meaningfully lost in the experience of the play, eyes a bit misty. The "magic" of the play was working on them; you could see it. Simple delight was …
Impossible Dreams?
So last week Taproot Theatre opened Man of La Mancha. I get the privilege of singing "The Quest" or as it's more popularly known, "The Impossible Dream." While thrilled to have the opportunity to take on the role of Don Quixote, there is also something daunting about singing such a classic song. Fortunately, the song …
“Transformation is Possible”
My coaching assignment from three weeks ago was to reflect on what I'd like people to say about me when I die. My report on that reflection is due today, and frankly, though I've put a good bit of time into thinking about it, I don't have it done. It's a funny question, more troublesome …
Thinking about The Placebo Effect
I don't know much about this, really, but in reading about the brain, science, and belief, it seems clear that somehow human beings are made to be people of faith. I don't necessarily mean people of religious faith (although I think were made for that, too...the imago dei, and all that). I mean that we …
Imaginative Bravery: Money and Art
Years ago, I came across a play called Spike Heels by a writer named Theresa Rebeck. I was struck by its frank language, it's straight-ahead exploration of love, sex, and identity in a world of 20 and 30-something confusion. Since Spike Heels, Rebeck has gone on to wide success and acclaim, including a nod as …
JEFF BERRYMAN 