FOR WHOM THE DONG TOLLS, La Fenice at Butterfly Bar, Vortex Repertory, May 23, 24 and 29,2013

La Fenice, commedia dell'arte

presents
For Whom the Dong Tolls

May 23, 24 and 29, 2013 at 8 p.m.
at the Butterfly Bar, Vortex Repertory Company, 2307 Manor Rd. - click for map

Fresh off their tour to West Texas, La Fenice, Austin's long running Commedia dell'Arte troupe, will return home to debut their latest scenario, For Whom the Dong Tolls at the Butterfly Bar (outside the Vortex) on Thursday, May 23, Friday, May 24 and Wednesday, May 29, all at 8pm. We'll also be bringing some exciting and fabulous special guests!

For Whom the Dong Tolls follows the story of Arlecchino, a carefree fellow who has traveled to Venice to settle a debt with his old friend, Orlando. However, Orlando's father, the world-famous alchemist Dottore, has recently been murdered for his mystical secrets by rival wizard Pantalone. To make matters worse, Pantalone has snatched both Dottore's book of Spells and his beautiful young intern Olivia. Arlecchino, Orlando and Columbina, Olivia's saucy governess, must stage a daring rescue, braving the sword-wielding Capitano and Pantalone's gauntlet of borrowed magics.

Starring Dr. Gian Giacomo Colli, Tate Green, Genevieve Kinney, Aaron Johnson, Kate Meehan and Adam Rodriguez, with music by Bruce Salmon.

Adult themes, unlicensed proctology, singing, dancing, sword play, and bad magic tricks.

(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)

Upcoming, again: Suitors and Tutors, La Fenice at Ruta Maya, June 4-5, 11-12

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Suitors and Tutors

June 4 - 5, 11 - 12 at 7 p.m.

Arrive early at 6 p.m. to enjoy happy hour with the cast!
Ruta Maya, 3601 South Congress Avenue

Admission: $5 - $15 sliding scale

Adult material

There are 4 more chances to see the premiere production of Suitors and Tutors, presented by La Fenice!

The Austin Commedia Society, known for its enthusiastic and hilarious modern interpretation of the influential style of Commedia dell'Arte, has reformed under the name of La Fenice, Italian for The Phoenix. Suitors and Tutors, directed by Dr. Gian Giacomo Colli of international Commedia dell'Arte fame, is their first new scenario in nearly 7 years, and can be seen Fridays and Saturdays, starting at 7pm, June 4^th-12^th at Ruta Maya (3601 South Congress Avenue).

Read more and view image at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .

Upcoming: Suitors and Tutors, La Fenice commedia dell'Arte, Club Deville, January 15 - 30

Found on-line:



Suitors and Tutors

Club Deville, 900 Red River, 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, January 15 - 30t, $5 - $15 sliding scale admission. Adult material.

The Austin Commedia Society, known for its enthusiastic and hilarious modern interpretation of the influential style of Commedia dell'Arte, has reformed under the name of La Fenice, Italian for The Phoenix. The debut performance of their newest original scenario, Suitors and Tutors, directed by Dr. Gian Giacomo Colli of international Commedia dell'Arte fame, will be held on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, January 15-30th at Club Deville (900 Red River), indoors or out.

Suitors and Tutors features four of the original members of the Austin Commedia Society, Aaron Johnson, Paul Joiner, Genevieve Kinney, and Kate Meehan, and includes Adam Rodriguez, Esthers Follies alumni and stand up comedian. La Fenice is also thrilled to host Dr. Gian Giacomo Colli as a guest director. Born in Italy to a performing family, Dr. Colli has studied under the God Fathers of Commedia earning an international reputation as one of the great Italian comedians. Currently, he serves as an Associate Professor of Theatre at Franklin & Mary College in Pennsylvania.

True to Commedia dell'Arte's historic roots, La Fenice is incorporating live original music, written and performed by Amanda Kitchens.

Suitors and Tutors follows the murderous Pulcinella as he scours the countryside for the witless Smirildina, the only witness to a heinous crime, who has taken up service with the wealthy and beautiful Isabella. In his bloodthirsty quest, he makes an orphan of Isabella, who is forced to enter the household of her ancient and recently impoverished god father Pantalone, who has his own designs on young Isabella's wealth. Complicating matters is Pantalone's conniving servant Brighella, who has plans of his own. In this fast-paced, mad-cap production, identities will become confused, blood will flow and assets seized as all players scramble to achieve their varied goals.

For their debut performance, La Fenice is excited to renew their relationship with Club Deville, the location of the first Austin Commedia Society production in 1999. Call (512) 539-0358 for reservations.


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