Stage Managing Betrayal
Posted by Laura Glenn on 5/14/2007Steppenwolf stage manager Laura Glenn – who has been with the company for nearly 20 years – notes her experiences working on the 18-week run of Betrayal in the Upstairs Theatre with ensemble members Ian Barford, Tracy Letts and Amy Morton.
January 27th – Performance #4
Ian was just heart-breaking in scene 9 – “Prince of Desolation” – just very simple and open-hearted.
February 17th – Performance #25
It was a tough day in the Venice scene; Tracy’s back went out. While on the bed, he also had some…how shall I say…burping issues. Amy got through the scene—almost.
March 4th – Performance #43
The soundtrack of today’s performance: hacking, wheezing, sneezing, coughing and maybe even some snoring! At times, these sounds were louder than the scene shift music. Then, of course, there was some perfectly timed audience “reactions,” like: Last line of play. [Big sneeze from audience] Blackout.
March 4th – Performance #44
A big ripping sound came from Ian’s final costume when he went into Amy for the first kiss. Wardrobe supervisor Val will investigate.
March 11th – Performance #52
Another especially heartbreaking scene 3. Amy could barely keep it together to get out the door. Ian was crying too! All just so very sad!
March 28th – Performance #70
An audience member decided to leave right at the kiss in scene 9, and of course fell down the final stair by the stage…timing is everything.
April 3rd – Performance #77
We celebrated Amy’s birthday with cake and pin the tail on Tracy’s ass.
April 12th – Performance #88
Tracy was ready to kill Amy tonight in Venice; boy oh boy was he mad—it was great! It scared her and all of us.
April 18th – Performance #94
Jerry (Ian) did a WONDERFUL little dance for Emma (Amy) as he arrived with the first drinks. I LOVED IT! It speaks to the nervous energy in the room and it pumped up the energy and tension for the first part of the scene.
May 6th – Performance #114
Tons of ensemble member love in the audience today; Lois Smith, Tim Hopper, Jim True-Frost, Tina Landau and Jeff Perry. Their presence made the actors very happy.