What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1364938
play. Turner's script is so well- crafted, and it's been so incredible to grow with it during the New Play Fest. And then to be able to come back and do a world premiere — especially in this role — is the greatest honor." For both Meredith and Fromm, this is the first return to the stage since the pandemic shuttered most live arts events in March of 2020. "It's surreal, to be honest," says Fromm of returning. "To be back in rehearsal rooms, theater spaces, the costume shop, et cetera — places that are so familiar but have been off- limits for 13 months, feels a bit like emotional whiplash. These are spaces that have been second homes to many of us. So to rejoin our friends, collaborators, the theater itself, in-person after such an extended hiatus creates a lot of emotions. Mostly of the good variety, but also mournful feelings for the people, time and art lost over this extended hiatus." For Meredith, T2 is more like a family than a job, she says. A Fayetteville native and former student of both Robert Ford and Amy Herzberg, co-founders of T2, Meredith's acting career was launched when she was cast in her first professional theater job, the 2006 production of T2's "Lily's Plastic Purse." Watching the evolution of the theater she's been involved with for 15 years has been emotional, she says. "There is something so overwhelming about getting to see someone's dream realized, and to have gotten to be a teeny, tiny part of that at all is so overwhelming," she says. "Amy actually gave me a tour of the space [in 2019], and for us to be able to experience that together — I think I cried several times. But, truly, the vastness of that building, the architecture and the details that went into creating it and in honoring the nature and the land in Fayetteville and around us — it's so breathtaking. It gives me so much joy and pride to keep coming back, and to get to see two people that I've admired so dearly for the better part of my life accomplish something like this is the greatest joy." Now a Chicago-based actor, Meredith was in Fayetteville when live arts events ground to a halt because of the pandemic. She had settled into T2's artist housing, ready to start rehearsals for T2's "My Father's War" when it was abruptly canceled. Because of the uncertain future for artists during that time, Taylor says T2 generously invited cast and crew to stay put for as long as they needed to, and she stuck around for a few months. She hasn't been able to perform in a play since then — until now. "It's gut wrenching and something that I just love the most," she says. "To be able to come back and be a part of TheatreSquared's first performance, welcoming back audience members — it's so overwhelming. It really does bring me to tears. It's just so exciting." In "At the Wedding," Carlo says, "I've tried the whole hope thing/ It almost killed me/What am I supposed to do/Just walk into it?/ Like a lamb to slaughter?" Dear Carlo: Hope has brought us live theater again. It ain't all bad. OZARK DEMOLITION DERBY Saturday, May 8, 2021 Parsons stadium • sPringdale, ar • gates oPen at 5:30 Pm & the action starts at 6:30 Pm Adults, $14 • Ages 2-12, $9 • FREE for Children Under 2 Save $2 when you buy before May 8 SponSored by Fender Bending devaStation & daredevil Motorized MayheM! Call 479-756-0464, or viSit www.rodeooFtheozarkS.org rodeo of the Ozarks is a non-Profit organization 4 What's up! april 25-May 1, 2021 Fayetteville Wedding Continued From Page 3 FYI Safe Theater TheatreSquared has the following safety measures in place in an effort to present live entertainment as safely as possible. For audience members: Do not attend a performance or come to one of the performance venues if you are experiencing covid-19 symptoms or have come into contact with anyone who is experiencing symptoms or has been diagnosed with covid. Masks are required at TheatreSquared and can be provided for you if needed. All patrons, staff and volunteers will wear masks at all times. This helps keep our patrons, staff and acting company safe. Maintain social distance, even while masked. Please arrive early and bring only your most necessary items along with you to the theater. What T2 is doing to make the environment as safe as possible: In consultation with industry experts, TheatreSquared has optimized its state- of-the-art air quality and ventilation systems per leading-edge public health recommendations. Outside air circulation has been maximized throughout the building (at 40% or higher), with air changes at six per hour or greater in each space along with MERV-13 filtration, a level at which filters are efficient at capturing airborne viruses (ASHRAE). Seating and building capacities have been reduced. All areas of TheatreSquared are being thoroughly cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis. All patron areas receive electrostatic disinfection daily and surface cleaning throughout the day. Many performances have a live streaming option. If you'd rather watch the play from home, just let T2 know and they'll send you a direct link to a multi-camera, high definition broadcast to enjoy on the night of your show. You may make the switch from in-person to live streaming access at any time. Contactless check-in procedures are in place for every live performance. T2 has also implemented a detailed health and safety plan for artists and staff backstage, including frequent PCR testing, temperature checks, isolation, sanitation and distancing. These protocols have been reviewed and approved by an independent infectious disease expert and by multiple safety committees with SAG-AFTRA, Actors' Equity Association and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. Hand sanitizer is also available at the box office, at the entrances to the theater and throughout the building.