KTC is Committed to Being Green

We’re lucky to be a part of a community that values preservation and so vividly demonstrates a responsibility toward the planet and those we share it with.  The Kitchen is pleased to do its part in the movement toward sustainable building practices.

Recently, a group of Johnson School of Management students came down from the East Hill to tour the theatre space with our Managing Director, Stephen Nunley.  Stephen shared with the members of the Sustainable Global Enterprise the consideration that went into moving out of the Clinton House and into our current location on W. State St.  We recycled as much of the lumber as we could (most of it is coming back to life as the sets of our plays!), some piping, and the HVAC system, and even chose linoleum floors that contain no toxic chemicals (and seaweed!)

KTC is currently seeking LEED Certification–we’ll keep you posted on our journey!

Read the article from the Johnson School HERE.

Special Interviews with the Characters of Irma Vep!

“Spike your eggnog and stop by for the perfect respite from holiday shopping.” –Ithaca Times

 

If you haven’t seen The Mystery of Irma Vep yet, you won’t want to this roaring comedy!

Behind the Scenes Interviews of The Mystery of Irma Vep

Click above to watch the interviews with Jesse Bush & Jane Twisden and Tony Roach & Lady Enid Hillcrest!
Only FIVE performances left!  Visit Ticket Center Ithaca to BUY TICKETS to this week’s performances! 

Make sure YOU get a chance to see the campy, quick-change, cross-dressing comedy everyone will be talking about this holiday season!

 

 

Your Ticket Gets You Even More Than A Great Night of Theatre!

Did you know that with your ticket stub, on the day of your performance, the West End is your playground!

At Maxie’s Supper Club and Oyster Bar, receive $10 off any bottle of mine.

At Felicia’s Atomic Lounge, take advantage of a half-price drink–including the Irma Vep cocktail!

At Taste of Thai Express, you have the choice of taking $3 of an appetizer of your choice or sipping on a free Thai iced tea of Thai iced coffee with an entree.

At Fine Line, enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or draft beer.

At Saigon Kitchen, enjoy 10% off your order.

At The State Diner, enjoy a free appetizer.

You’re already out–why not make a night of it?

The Reviews Are In for Irma Vep!

Haven’t seen the show yet?  Want to see if the reviewers had the same reactions as you?  Love Ithaca’s print media and want to show your support by reading the arts section?  Great!

Check out what our reviewers have to say about The Mystery of Irma Vep!

The Ithaca Journal
“Director Rachel Lampert understands Ludlam’s exaggarated, theatrical spirit and gives free rein to her two talented [actors]…”

The Ithacan
“Both Bush and Roach showcase their talent through the manipulation of their bodies and voices to portray each character…”
“Bush and Roach’s off-the-cusp nature, in combination with Lampert’s clever direction, will give audiences the clues to solve this side-splitting, pun-filled mystery.”

GreenRoom Reviews
“wildly entertaining”
“If you’re looking for an enjoyable night at the theater, Irma Vep is sure to please.”

Around the Kitchen Table with Jesse Bush, Member of the Beckett Clan (and star of Irma Vep!)

We caught up with Jesse Bush between Irma Vep rehearsals to chat Around the Kitchen Table…

 

You’re obviously committed to creating excellent theatre outside of the big city.  Why do you think it works in a town as small as ours?

The audience. Ithaca is such a great place to live as a theatre artist because you get all the benefits of living in a small, close-knit community and the opportunity to create challenging and thought-provoking work.  We have such smart and discerning patrons here who are dedicated to supporting our local institutions.  I consider myself quite lucky to have the opportunity to raise my family in an area like this.

You’ve got some big musicals under your belt.  What makes doing a straight-play (though that may not be the best word choice…) in a 99-seat theatre appealing to you?

It’s funny that you mention musicals as Tony and I have often spoke about how this show feels more like doing a musical than a “straight” play.  The physical and vocal demands are so intense and the stakes are constantly running at mach 10. I find that I prepare for a run of Irma in the same manner as I do for a large musical role.

 

You’ve played multiple characters on our stage before.  Did that experience help prepare you for Irma Vep?

I’d have to say that nothing  I have done in my career has prepared me for what I’m doing in Irma Vep.  While I have had the chance to play multiple characters in shows like The Angle of the Sun and others, none of them combined the high style, specific comedic demands and breakneck costumes changes that this does. It has been an incredible and welcome challenge.

 

A run The Mystery of Irma Vep is quite the workout.  What’s the most challenging aspect of a quick-change show like this one?

I’d have to say finding the time to remember the given circumstances before I make each entrance.  It’s getting easier as we go, but, as an actor, you always want to know where your character is coming from and what they want when they enter a room.  Not such an easy task when you just left the room 15 seconds earlier and spent the interim madly changing costumes.

 

How does it feel to wear a heavy Victorian dress?

That sucker is heavy!  I have an immense amount of sympathy for the ladies of the Victorian age now.

 

Irma Vep has a bit of a cult following.  Got any favorites in the cult-classic world?

I am a charter member of the cult of Samuel Beckett fans. Plus anything written by Stephen Sondheim.

 

Just between us—who makes the prettier lady?  You or Tony?

Tony, hands down. I look like someone’s dowdy aunt.  He’s gorgeous.