Stage Talk with Rick Koster
Where every show has something to say.
A Heart-Shaped Garde
It’s almost Valentine’s Day and we know what you’re thinking.
You’re gonna buy Your Beloved the complete discography of sherbet-pop duo Air Supply. After all, these dudes have written and recorded an astounding twenty-two songs with the word “love” in the title!
DON’T DO IT!
None of those songs are specifically about Hallmark movies OR Valentine’s Day — and for those glaring omissions, Air Supply gets a big red F.
Fortunately, you can rely on the Garde Arts Center to make up for these deficiencies in heart-shaped fashion because we’re hosting a spectacular, two-day Valentine’s weekend event called “Love, Hallmark-Style.”
On Friday, Feb. 13, join us for “Love, Lights & Galentine’s Night,” a reception and panel discussion with many of the stars and filmmakers who bring Hallmark rom-coms and Christmas movies to life. Then, on Saturday, in the cozy Oasis Room, there will be two stagings of “My (unauthorized) Hallmark Movie Musical,” a remarkable one-woman show in which a writer dreams herself into a reality that features a most unconventional romance.
The “Love, Lights & Galentine’s Night” reception starts at 5:30 p.m. followed at 7 p.m. by an under-the-microscope and free-range onstage conversation among Hallmark actors, writers, director and production team members. All aspects of the creative process, from set and costume design to music, performance and logistics, will be explored in entertaining fashion.
Just a few of the participants are actors Wes Brown (“Hall Out the Holly” series, “A Newport Christmas”) and Patti Murin (“Royal Pains,” “Mystic Christmas), producer Andrew Gernhard (“The Noel Diary”) and director Colin Theys (“A Very Nutty Christmas”).
Importantly, proceeds from “Love, Lights & Galentine’s Night” help us sustain “PACE: Partners: Arts. Community. Education” — the Garde’s signature initiative connecting arts organizations, schools, and social-service partners to expand access to live events and cinematic experiences for students, families, and underserved members of our community.
Follow that up on Saturday, Feb 14, with
“My (unauthorized) Hallmark Movie Musical” stars Eloise Coopersmith, who also wrote the book and lyrics, as a middle-aged woman who dreams of writing the perfect Hallmark movie. Aided by characters who spring to life via multi-media screens, our heroine just might pull off a perfect bit of romantic sleight-of-hand that goes beyond her fantasy and into life itself.
The 3 p.m. matinee presentation is a PJs & Popcorn concept. Get comfy in your go-to pajamas and robe and enjoy plenty of fresh, warm Garde popcorn as you watch. The 8 p.m. evening show has a more, well, Hallmark-y twist because we’re providing the champagne and chocolate.