September 19 - 26, 2004. The first week of rehearsals - the actors are still on book

The Queen of Faeries caught me...
Tam Lin (Nick Lowe) explains to Janet (Delia Baseman) how he ended up living in the forest of Carterhaugh.
Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format nopain.wmv.

He would not know a metaphor if it up and bit his ass...
Sullivan (Michael Whitney) is none too impressed with Thompson's (Josh Stein-Sapir) plan to hasten sunset. MacDougal (Skid Maher) tries to keep the peace, but to no avail.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format elven.wmv.

A supreme strategic advantage for the Roxbrughs
Poor Sterling (Skid Maher) can't catch a break - nobody will pronounce "trebuchet" properly, and Lady Roxbrugh (Randi Sobol) won't take his advice...

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format sterling.wmv

We shall woo before we travel tonight
The Queen of the Faeries (Vielka Kelly) has a one-track mind when it comes to Tam Lin, and her elven knights are just about fed up.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format woo.wmv.

How dare you speak to your father that way???
Janet does not wish to marry the man her father Lord Dunbar (Mike Durell) has chosen for her.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format youwillmarry.wmv.

Murgatroyd - your day has finally arrived
Troy discards his script in order to try out his new sword. Margaret (Talaura Harms) is also in the scene.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format murgatroyd.wmv.

An alternate version of the script
In the original script, Janet tricks Tam Lin into touching her by offering her cape (aka "mantle") - he's not actually supposed to get the cape.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format yesss.wmv.

What is your excuse Margaret?
Janet reminds Margaret that she too has been dancing around the maypole.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format excuse.wmv.

I am not a household pet
Janet decides to go and live in Carterhaugh to protest her arranged marriage.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format pet.wmv.

September 27 - October 3, 2004. The second week of rehearsals - actors are mostly off book, and the director, actors, designers and staff work to bring the entire show together.

Tam Lin, my bed is so cold and lonely...
The Faerie Queen demands Tam Lin's company, and the elven knights are almost caught giving Tam Lin advice on how to leave the faerie lands. (l-r) Skid Maher, Nick Lowe, Michael Whitney, Josh Stein-Sapir.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format cozy.wmv.

Talaura's award
Talaura Harms displays the Spotlight On award she won as a puppeteer in last year's Spotlight On Halloween Festival. Tam Lin  was part of this year's Spotlight On Halloween Festival. Check out the Spotlight On web page for more information. (Director Stephen Riscica is in the foreground in this image.)

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format taward.wmv.

Practicing magic
Nick Lowe and Delia Baseman practice the scene where Tam Lin uses magic to prove to the skeptical Janet that he is not just some cute guy in the forest.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format magic.wmv.

Dear MacDougal, how long has it been since I've truly gazed upon you?
The Faerie Queen likes him again - MacDougal is overwhelmed. Skid Maher ad libs a swoon. With Vielka Kelly, Michael Whitney and Josh Stein-Sapir.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format mackie.wmv.

Let's have a toast to this blessed turn of events
Lord Dunbar (Mike Durell, wearing a truly awesome T-shirt) finds that the best laid plans o' mice and Scottish warlords gang aft a-gley, in the happy ending scene. Lady Roxbrugh (Randi Sobol) leads him off to have a drink.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format blessed.wmv.

Henceforth never let there be any doubt...
Margaret accepts Lord Aberdeen's proposal, with one condition. Another moment from the happy ending scene. Talaura Harms and Troy Acree.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format henceforth.wmv.

Fitting for Janet
Costume designer Carla Gant (center) and her assistant Kadian Abrahams (left) work on Delia's costume.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format costume.wmv.

The Queen has proof...
Sure, Tam Lin is a bawdy play - but these naughty elven hijinks take it to a whole new level. Josh Stein-Sapir and Michael Whitney ad lib some new moves for the constantly quarreling Thompson and Sullivan. MacDougal (Skid Maher) is the mature one.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format bawdiness.wmv.

That's totally going on the web site...
Carla works on Josh's costume.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format josh.wmv.

October 4 - October 10, 2004. The third week of rehearsals - the actors are now off book and the individual scenes are coming together into a complete play.

Do you miss the faerie lands, Tam Lin?
Apparently not. Delia Baseman as Janet and Nick Lowe as Tam Lin. 

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format darescompare.wmv.

Greater wonders awaiting will make this mundane...
The Faerie Queen (Vielka Kelly) gives Tam Lin a preview of the benefits of the faerie land.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format wonders.wmv.

Oh he's good...
Lord Dunbar (Mike Durell) steals land from the Roxbrughs and betrothes his daughter to his old buddy Aberdeen (Troy Acree) all in one speech. Janet reacts to the news of her engagement.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format engaged.wmv.

Sword-fighting lessons
Fight choreographer Cory Einbinder demonstrates broad sword techinque

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format fightlesson.wmv.

Sword-fighting phase 2
After learning the steps from Cory, Troy, Michael, Josh and Skid use their new sword skills in a scene.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format fightlesson2.wmv.

Sword-fighting phase 3
Josh and Michael have also learned play-fighting scene techniques. Josh adds the blood-spurt movement on his own.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format playfight.wmv.

The Tragedy of Tam Lin
Skid changes the ending of the play, and turns the foppish character Sterling into a gleeful homicidal maniac. Hilarity ensues.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format tragedy.wmv.

Margaret the poet
Margaret (Talaura Harms) mocks the defeated elven knights' custom of always speaking in rhyme.

Click here to see the video, in either Windows Media Video (WMV) format poet.wmv.

October 11 - October 18, 2004. The last week before the show. The rehearsals have switched to a new location.

My Queen, this is a dreadful misfortune...
MacDougal (Skid Maher) has finally achieved his objective. The Faerie Queen (Vielka Kelly) is plenty pissed off.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format misfortune.wmv.

What will your father say?
Margaret is disgusted with Janet for having a night of "la bella amore" - although Margaret herself has just secretly had the same. Talaura Harms and Delia Baseman. Troy Acree is in the background.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format ownhusbands.wmv

Monologues I - Lady Roxbrugh
Lady Roxbrugh (Randi Sobol) wonders aloud what happened to her grandson Thomas

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format roxmono.wmv.

Monologues II - Lord Aberdeen
Lord Aberdeen (Troy Acree) learns how to deal with an unruly wife

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format abmono.wmv

Monologues III - Janet
Janet (Delia Baseman) plans to run away from her arranged marriage

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format janmono.wmv.

Monologues IV - Margaret
Margaret (Talaura Harms) ponders her place in the world.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format magmono.wmv.

Monologues V - Sterling
Sterling (Skid Maher) plans to win back the respect of Lady Roxbrugh.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format stermono.wmv.

This is a case of true transmogrification!
Lord Aberdeen has a theory.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format transmog.wmv.

A mere hint of her desire and I must surrender to her
Tam Lin explains to Janet why he can't say "no" to the Faerie Queen

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format merehint.wmv.

Partial dress rehearsal.
A few costumes are complete, or almost complete, so the actors try them out. In this scene Lord Dunbar (Mike Durell) is skeptical about the ghostly Tam Lin.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format donovan.wmv.

October 19, 2004. Dress rehearsal, fight call, photoshoot

You'll soon be out of harm's way
The set is assembled and the actors who play the faerie folk (Michael Whitney, Josh Stein-Sapir, Skid Maher and Vielka Kelly) need to test their black light costumes and makeup. Pizza is on the way.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format blacklight.wmv.

Maybe Tam Lin knows where there is good hunting
During dress rehearsal it becomes obvious that parts of the set are not working. It's determined that the table needs to go; an alternative to plucking roses from the (wooden) grass needs to be found; and some sound effects will be dropped.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format tamlinknows.wmv.

The first rule of fight call is you don't ever miss fight call
Skid, Nick and Delia practice Sterling's attack on Tam Lin

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format fightcall.wmv.

Photoshoot
Delia and Nick

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format photoshoot.wmv.

Before the show - it's Barry Z, Manhattan-based cable interview show celebrity

Barry Z wants to be part of this world!
Josh, Michael and Skid talk to Barry about the benefits of living in the faerie lands.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format afantasyshow.wmv.

More like Tinkerbitch
Vielka tries to explain the Queen of the Faeries - Delia and Talaura have their own views.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format tinkerbitch.wmv.

Slaughter a bunch of people and steal their oil...
Mike D. and Barry Z. draw paralells between the politics of medieval Scotland and current events.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format oil.wmv.

Randi Sobol feels that Lady Roxbrugh is missing out
But it does depend on how the play is directed...

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format directed.wmv.

October 21, 2004. The show must go on!

You can watch the entire play, scene by scene, on the video page.
Below is a series of brief video excerpts that tell the tale of TAM LIN.

FAERIE QUEEN: You are my own now, and naught can be ill.
It's Halloween. The Queen of the Faeries (Vielka Kelly) and her elven knights are returning from their every-seven-years sacrifice to the Dark Lord. The Queen sees the beautiful Tam Lin (Nick Lowe) and decides to make him her love slave.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format myown.wmv.

LADY ROXBRUGH: Am I supposed to believe this story? He was riding on his horse, when suddenly he was vaporized?
At Roxbrugh castle, Lady Roxbrugh (Randi Sobol) suspects foul play in her grandson Thomas's disappearance on Halloween. Sterling (Skid Maher), her right-hand man, is deeply offended.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format vaporized.wmv.

MARGARET: When you see Lord Aberdeen you will form a different opinion of men altogether.
Seven years later, at Dunbar Castle. Janet's lady-in-waiting Margaret (Talaura Harms) is in love with Lord Aberdeen. Janet (Delia Baseman) enjoys teasing her.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format opinion.wmv.

LORD DUNBAR: I have persuaded him to take on my youngest.
Janet's father Lord Dunbar (Mike Durell) has just announced her betrothal to Lord Aberdeen (Troy Acree.) Janet is shocked and dismayed. Dunbar has also declared that he has annexed the forest of Carterhaugh (which belongs to the house of Roxbrugh) as a "security measure." 

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format persuaded.wmv.

FAERIE QUEEN: You are the jewel of all my knights, I'll never let you leave me.
Tam Lin has lived in the forest of Carterhaugh with the Faerie Queen for the last seven years. The Queen is still thrilled with Tam Lin, and the Queen's elven knights are becoming extremely annoyed.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format neverlet.wmv.

LORD ABERDEEN: The starvation of a lass seems unnecessarily cruel to me.
Lord Dunbar has given Lord Aberdeen a book on how to deal with unruly wives, in an effort to bring Janet back in line. Aberdeen isn't very comfortable with the advice.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format cruel.wmv.

JANET: I will go and live in Carterhaugh
In spite of Margaret's warnings about the faerie folk, Janet decides to run away to Carterhaugh to protest her arranged marriage.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format goandlive.wmv.

LADY ROXBRUGH: We will oppose him!
Lady Roxbrugh is royally pissed off that Dunbar has annexed her land. She vows to fight back. Sterling agrees.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format oppose.wmv.

TAM LIN: Withhold not your posessions or face carnal insistence.
Janet meets Tam Lin in the forest of Carterhaugh. He demands that Janet hand over her green mantel (cape) or gold chain. Janet offers her maidenhead instead.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format carnal.wmv.

MARGARET: Why could I not have been born a lady of a mighty house?
Margaret laments her place in the world... then finds herself masquerading as Janet in order to bed Lord Aberdeen.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format mightyhouse.wmv.

SULLIVAN: Before you came she had a laddie, handsome and strong and brave...
The Queen's elven knights Thompson (Josh Stein-Sapir), Sullivan (Michael Whitney) and MacDougal (Skid Maher) have discovered Tam Lin's romance with Janet. They tell him that the Queen likes to sacrifice young men to the Dark Lord every seven years, and it's the seventh year.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format laddie.wmv

JANET: I suppose it might be better if I slept in your bed tonight...
Janet discovers Margaret's masquerade - but Aberdeen is still in the dark. Janet offers to swap beds, to Margaret's enternal gratitude. Janet longs to see Tam Lin again - he told her to return on the autumn equinox.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format yourbed.wmv.

MARGARET: What a sorry fate for the world to lose such exquisite perfection
Aberdeen wants Margaret's advice on how to make Janet be good all the time and not just at night. He also praises his dead wife's virtues - maybe a bit too much for Margaret's taste. 

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format perfection.wmv.

STERLING: I greatly desire to have intercourse with him.
Sterling is on a diplomatic mission to the house of Dunbar - but his pompous manner of speaking causes communication problems.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format intercourse.wmv.

ABERDEEN: Drives away the good Janet and takes her place!
A tipsy Aberdeen has a theory about Janet's changeable behavior.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format transmogrification.wmv.

STERLING: We will be victorious over this castle.
On behalf of the house of Roxbrugh, Sterling attempts to make a deal with Aberdeen - surrender, or the destruction of Dunbar castle by trebuchet.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format trebuchet.wmv

MACDOUGAL: We three will go forth and get her.
Janet has failed to appear in Carterhaugh on the autumn equinox. The elven knights plot to bring her to Carterhaugh on Halloween.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format wethree.wmv.

MARGARET: I fear she has more than just a sour stomach
Thanks to two weeks of rain, the Roxbrughs' plan to destroy Dunbar castle with their trebuchet has been thwarted. Meanwhile both Janet and Margaret have come down with the same malady - but it's more than a case of sour stomach.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format sour.wmv.

DUNBAR: We'll have a mighty bonfire of it come Halloween
Dunbar and his army have arrived to drive the Roxbrughs away. They make plans for the trebuchet.

Click here to see the video in either Windows Media Video (WMV) format bonfire.wmv.

JANET: The father of my baby is Tam Lin
Just when Lord Dunbar has reconciled himself to Janet's pregnancy, Janet declares that Aberdeen is not the father.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format father.wmv.

THOMPSON: Let's give it some help - I"ll go out and kick it.
Halloween has arrived. The elves are impatient for sunset so they can go and bring Janet to Tam Lin.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format metaphorically.wmv.

JANET: No mortal being can keep me from my transcendent elven knight.
Janet is off to see Tam Lin in spite of impending war, and her impending marriage to Aberdeen.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format being.wmv.

STERLING: I may surprise him in a compromising position.
Sterling plans to improve his standing with Lady Roxbrugh by capturing Aberdeen in Carterhaugh.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format position.wmv.

MACDOUGAL: Release the lassie and be gone for here in Carterhaugh she stays!
The elven lords, on their way to fetch Janet, encounter Aberdeen, Margaret and Janet. Janet runs off during the battle between elves and mortals.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format stays.wmv.

TAM LIN: The Queen will not willingly let me part...
Tam Lin advises Janet on how to win him away from the Faerie Queen.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format part.wmv.

FAERIE QUEEN: ...I would have poked out your two eyes and replaced them with eyes of wood.
Janet wins Tam Lin away from the Faerie Queen. But then Sterling takes Janet hostage and they are all prisoners of the house of Roxbrugh.
Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format wood.wmv.

LADY ROXBRUGH: You have not aged a day since I saw you last.
Lady Roxbrugh recognizes her grandson Thomas and frees the prisoners. The house of Roxbrugh and the house of Dunbar will be united through the marriage of Janet and Tam Lin. Peace will reign and they'll all live happily ever after. 

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format aged.wmv

FAERIE QUEEN: The future holds cozy carousing for this saucy wee quartet of friends.
The Queen of the Faeries mourns the loss of Tam Lin... but decides to become re-acquainted with her elven harem.

THE END

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format carousing.wmv.

Curtain call.
Original compositon "The Well at Carterhaugh" by Rich Baker copyright 2004

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format curtaincall.wmv.

EXTRA : Well what can I say...
Josh Stein-Sapir and Skid Maher demonstrate the evolution of a phrase.

Click here to see the video in Windows Media Video (WMV) format mercibeaucoups.wmv