American Repertory Theater Of Western New York, inc

THEATER SUPERSTITIONS

Opening Umbrellas on Stage

For over a century, opening umbrellas on stage has been preceived as bad luck. Hugget reports that the belief actually started in 1868 when an orchestra leader named Bob Williams, said good-bye to his theater company before going away for the weekend. He opened his umbrella while standing on the stage, then walked out into a very rainy day. An hour later he was standing on the stern of a boat, waving good-bye to a group of friends. As it sailed away from the dock, one of the engines exploded and Williams was instantly killed. The publicity seemed to say that the accident and the opening of the umbrella were connected. A theater superstition was born and lives to this day. As with many of the other superstitions, there is a 'counter spell'. This was especially needed with this belief, because occasionally an actor must open an umbrella as a stage direction in a play. If an actor opens the umbrella facing the ground good luck is restored.

This is an opinion page from the voices of ART

With one full theater season behind us, I am extremely excited about our first production to kick-off ART's 2008-09 season.

George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart's classic comedy The Man Who Came to Dinner is an exceptional piece of American theater, however, seasons of community theaters and high schools overdoing it have pushed this charming play into obscurity. Please note that I am not calling community theater or high school productions bad but pointing out that the play has received a bad rap by being done so many times by these groups that professional theaters shy away from doing it.

The other reason simply could be that it requires the scheduling 17 actors and additional technical staff that could drive any sane administrator completely bonkers. I refer to logistic not to personality.

The reasons why The Man Who Came to Dinner isn't performed as much as other Holiday classics will remain up to opinion. Personally, I'm glad no other local theaters, professional or not, have chosen to produce this play. Judging from early indications of rehearsals and the quality of talent, this show will be a hilarious and well-acted theatrical romp in which ART is proud to be presenting for your holiday entertainment.

We hope to see you there!

Matthew LaChiusa
Executive/Artistic Director

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