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Rick Maue V.I.P. Pittsburgh, PA 586 Posts |
Greetings everyone,
Several months ago, I mentioned I was in the process of producing a new show. Since I am no longer strong enough to tour--due to my (lack of) health--I decided to return to the roots of our art form by doing the performances (which are a combination of mentalism, magic, and autobiographic monologue) in a very intimate parlor setting in my Pittsburgh home. The production--which is called "A Fine Li(n)e"--debuted last month; and so far, I have had audience members travel in from Oregon, West Virginia, New York, Michigan, Kentucky, as well as several other states and Canada. As I say in the show, "You can take the performer from the road, but you can't take The Road from the performer." After all, what we do doesn't depend on where we are...the only thing that truly matters is what we have inside of us. With that said, last night's performance was the final show on our current schedule. (We may add one or two more evenings before the end of June, but other than that, I am taking a break until September.) The audience was made up entirely of folks who had never seen me perform before; and in some cases, they didn't even know what to expect. I mean, I had never even met more than half of the audience members before they arrived last night and, for me, that made the evening truly special. As I said, "A Fine Li(n)e" is a deeply personal autobiographic monologue, and it is performed in an extremely intimate setting. So, to have the opportunity to see how such a show plays to complete strangers is beyond valuable. Going into last night's performance, I had my seizures tapping me on the shoulder and breathing down my neck. (Unfortunately, that is becoming a regular occurrence.) I did my best to ignore them; and luckily, they hovered around me throughout the night but they never fully landed. As for the show itself, I think I am finally finding my groove. After all, as with any such performance piece, the audiences are the final editors. They decide what works and what doesn't...and any good performer wisely listens. In other words, now that the show has faced a collection of faces, it is finally becoming what it will be. And, for the most part, my instincts were correct. Simply put, I am seeing amazement during the mentalism pieces. There are smiles during certain tales. I hear laughs where they are supposed to be. And, I even spot a few tears at the appropriate moments. As will always be the case with anything I do, I am not satisfied. But, considering my ever-growing number of medical obstacles, this show is making me happier than anything I've ever done before. In truth, I am finally starting to think "A Fine Li(n)e" has the potential to become a strong, engaging piece of theater. And yes, I know my best days as a performer are certainly behind me. Actually, "behind me" is a dramatic understatement. To be honest, my best days as a performer aren't even in the rearview mirror any longer. But, my best days as a passionate creator may still lie ahead. If you would like to see the show, please contact me. I really hope to see you at a future performance. (And, I will probably be hosting another two-day performer's workshop in August...but this time, the first half will include a performance and complete dissection of my new show, and that will be followed by a ton of my original mentalism creations. If you are interested, contact me soon because, as with all of our previous workshops, we expect this one to sell out.) Keep the change, Rick |
Greg Arce Inner circle 6732 Posts |
I'm sure the show is great. You're a fantastic performer and a genius when it comes to creating new effects. Congratulations on this show and for all the shows that follow.
Greg
One of my favorite quotes: "A critic is a legless man who teaches running."
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Robb Inner circle 1291 Posts |
I'll try to make the trip when your hiatus is over, Rick. I live about 5.5 hours away but I'm sure it'd be worth the trip and I've never visited Pittsburgh either.
Rest and feel well! |
jstreiff Special user 701 Posts |
This type of show very much interests me. I would expect it would be the most compelling, purest form of mentalism possible. What could be more powerful theatrically than an honest portrayal of oneself without apology? I can think of nothing else.
John
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billion New user 93 Posts |
Rick,
I have much admiration for what you do. You inspire us all. Thank you. Billion |
IMAGINACIAN Special user In Your Thots 558 Posts |
Hi Rick,
I have always admired your work and drawn a lot of inspiration from your way of thinking. This 'new' show seems path breaking and very interesting. Best wishes.
There is no better freedom than choice and no better choice than freedom.
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Mindpro Eternal Order 10585 Posts |
Sorry I missed this. I have been in Pittsburgh the last couple of days and in Cranberry last night before heading out later today. Wishing you well Rick and hope the future incarnation you are working on will be just as exciting and fulfilling for you.
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mastermindreader 1949 - 2017 Seattle, WA 12586 Posts |
My best wishes to you, Rick, on this exciting new endeavor.
Bob |
George Hunter Inner circle 2013 Posts |
Rick:
Your workshop last summer was excellent. I am pulling for your improved health and for fulfillment in your new show. George |
Decomposed Eternal Order High Desert 12059 Posts |
Congrats Rick!
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Rick Maue V.I.P. Pittsburgh, PA 586 Posts |
Thanks for the very kind words, my friends. I truly appreciate them.
This creative journey has pushed me to places I never thought I'd visit. The new show has taught me so much more than any project I have ever attempted in the past. And, simply put, this show is the most satisfying thing I have ever done as an artist. I have been a mentalist for a long time, but "A Fine Li(ne)" is more (Spalding) Gray than (Derren) Brown. (If you don't get the reference, a quick internet search will explain exactly what I mean.) However, for those with an interest in Theatrical Deception, the production still includes several amazing performances (including a few of my signature pieces). After all of the medical battles I've fought, it was time to tackle something much more personal (and challenging) than just another collection of my mentalism creations. Instead, my goal was to allow the audience to watch me step in and out of my longtime character, tell stories from my life, as well as from The Road, and try to make sense of it all. "A Fine Li(n)e" is an in-depth exploration of self, character development, scripting, and theater. It is intimate, emotional, and entertaining. In short, I couldn't want for more in a show. And if anyone out there is interested, I have finally decided to host a special weekend workshop that will begin with a complete performance of "A Fine Li(n)e". That will be followed by a detailed dissection of the show and the characters (including thoughts on writing the script, blocking the performance, and understanding the need to truly understand our performance characters). After that, the rest of the weekend will be devoted to performing and teaching a number of my mentalism/magic pieces, as well as a number of additional thoughts on performance. As with my previous workshops, the sessions will be held in my home (just outside of Pittsburgh, PA) on Saturday, August 13th and Sunday, August 14th. I will post complete details shortly (but if you are possibly interested, PM sooner than later because space will be VERY LIMITED). Thanks again, and I really hope to see some of you in August. Keep the change, Rick |
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