by Kirby Lindsay, posted 13 April 2012
On April 19th, 20th & 21st, Fremonsters (and all theater goers) get a second chance (grab it!) to see the entirely entertaining, entirely edifying and entirely provocative ‘See Me Naked’, for its second run at West of Lenin theatre.
This show, conceived, written and starring Maria Glanz, captivated audiences here in early February 2012, as it has routinely done since the first performances at the Seattle Fringe Festival in 2001 (where judges awarded it the Artistic Pick prize.) The interactive comedy explores personal boundaries, and the feelings – societal and individual – that we all carry with us about being naked.
‘An Invaluable Tool’
Glanz wrote, and stars, in what began as a one-woman show. Yet, from the very first performances, director Elizabeth Klob has helped her present the work on the stage. “It’s a very precarious and special relationship,” Klob acknowledged of directing a solo show, written by the performer, but she also described it as, “an invaluable tool for the actor.”
Glanz can write, and perform, but Klob contributes a perspective beyond her own. Klob also delivers a wealth of experience and knowledge, as a theater director, on how to best present her story. “I help her organize her material in a way that makes sense on the stage,” Klob said.
“There is such a level of trust between Maria and I,” Klob reported. That trust can be particularly necessary in staging this work’s many improvisational moments. The play goes ‘off-script’ frequently, (as Glanz encourages the audience to participate, and they can – and do – say anything,) and Klob described her work for these portions of the play as creating an outline Glanz can follow. “I’ll say, ‘I need you to hit this spot, refer to this, and end up here,’” Klob explained, “I give her a road map. Sometimes she takes the highway, and sometimes she takes the back roads.”
“I’m a pretty strong director,” Klob admitted, “I literally tell her where to stand.” Klob also is a physical director, which makes ‘See Me Naked’ easy to watch (Glanz shares a lot of information with the audience, but never like a dry, lecture or stereotypical monologue.) Klob also brings experience as Executive Artist (Artistic Director) for UMO, a theatre company with a reputation for physical, unconventional and often comedic works.
Adding ‘Little Jewels’
Klob and Glanz have now collaborated on ‘See Me Naked’ for over 10 years, and both agree the show has reached an exciting point in its journey. “We’ve been approached by folks that may want to take the show to more venues,” Klob explained. The show would be published, and packaged, to be performed by other actresses and theater companies. For now, producer Bill Mann, of Rob Becker’s long-running ‘Defending the Caveman,’ has brought ‘See Me Naked’ to West of Lenin, twice.
“Originally,” Klob explained, Glanz wrote ‘See Me Naked’ for “an hour slot in a festival line-up.” As the team prepares the work for mass presentation, “we can make it longer,” Klob explained excitedly, “expanding some of those little jewels. I really look forward to the evolution.”
The ‘little jewels’ refer to moments, and concepts, from the original work that Glanz could only address in passing – such as cellulite and/or Playboy photos. They added material in February, and Glanz continued to research. For the April performances, the two women will review her additions and find ways to, “create more of a story. It’s more three dimensional than someone telling some information,” Klob explained of her vision, “we’re clearly creating a theatrical piece.”
Since 2001, the show already had evolved. For one thing, the role of the drummer (now portrayed by Ron Cannell) started as a non-speaking part. “That role has expanded in the most recent runs,” Klob observed, and they’ve also added to the part played by the live audience until, “it’s a triangle now.”
A Valid Conversation
“In a perfect world,” Klob observed, “I could do more work as a director. I do consider it a lifetime pursuit.” Instead, her full-time work, as a clothing designer for her company Cicada, and raising a family, has meant, “I walk a fine line.”
“If I’m going to be spending time,” she said, “it has to be on something over which I have creative control.” Klob still finds opportunities and always enjoys those she takes. For instance, this show is the third she has done Maria Glanz. “I perform on occasion,” she offered, “but I think my strength is as a director.”
Klob has the freedom to be choosy about her projects, and she really believes in ‘See Me Naked,’ in part because, “I think the conversation is valid.” For those ready to take part – or just observe – ‘See Me Naked,’ tickets can be purchased through Brown Paper Tickets for $20. If available, tickets will be sold at the door, at West of Lenin on April 19, 20 & 21, for $25.
“Maria and I developed and I directed this show over 10 years ago,” Klob stated in the press release, “and it never ceases to put a smile on my face or excite me to come back…” Come see what enchants her – and a long string of audiences – for a limited time only…
Related Articles
- Fremont Invited To ‘See Me Naked’ At West Of Lenin
- by Kirby Lindsay, February 8, 2012
- Entertainers Strip & Soar At Moisture Festival
- by Kirby Lindsay, March 21, 2012
- A Wealth Of Original Plays, And Playwrights, At Stone Soup
- by Kirby Lindsay, May 10, 2010
©2012 Kirby Lindsay. This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction, adaptation or distribution without permission is prohibited.