"My favorite line from The Book Club Play is: 'Book club is like Lord of the Flies with wine and dip.'"
—ENI OGUNIDPE
"The Book Club Play" by Karen Zacarías at Theatre in the Round in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Photo credit: Anya Magnusen. (L to R): Siri Hellerman as Ana, Ben Tallen as Rob, Tony Burton as Will, Rachel Postle as Jen, and Eni Ogunidpe as Lily.
Theatre in the Round's "The Book Club Play" runs through February 19, 2023
I was fortunate to attend last Friday's opening night of The Book Club Play at Theatre in the Round in Minneapolis at Seven Corners. Theatre in the Round (TRP) is a community-based arts organization and Minneapolis' oldest theater. The selection of this particular play and playwright piqued my interest to make the trip back to TRP, as I haven't been there since before the pandemic started. I was NOT disappointed! The Book Club Play by Karen Zacarías (author of Native Gardens and Destiny of Desire) is a comedy about a group of friends who are passionate about books. When their book club becomes the focus of a documentary film, their discussions about life and literature take a turn for the hilarious. The production will run from January 27 to February 19, 2023 with a Pay-What-You-Can performance on Monday, February 6 at 7:30pm.
I found the play to be extremely funny and full of delightful moments. I don't want to give too many spoilers but I will say that unexpected events make for some awkward moments for the characters and I was glad to be along with them for the ride. If you are a fan of reading novels, you will appreciate the literary references sprinkled throughout the show! And whether you're a fan of books or just looking for a spirited winter outing, The Book Club Play will be a memorable and witty theatrical experience. I'd also like to note that this is a good event for folks who don't go to a lot of theater since it strikes a good balance between entertaining and thought-provoking. It addresses challenging topics that come up between members at the book club meetings in a light-hearted (but sincere) manner so the audience can question their own relatable experiences with an open-mind.
I found the play to be extremely funny and full of delightful moments. I don't want to give too many spoilers but I will say that unexpected events make for some awkward moments for the characters and I was glad to be along with them for the ride. If you are a fan of reading novels, you will appreciate the literary references sprinkled throughout the show! And whether you're a fan of books or just looking for a spirited winter outing, The Book Club Play will be a memorable and witty theatrical experience. I'd also like to note that this is a good event for folks who don't go to a lot of theater since it strikes a good balance between entertaining and thought-provoking. It addresses challenging topics that come up between members at the book club meetings in a light-hearted (but sincere) manner so the audience can question their own relatable experiences with an open-mind.
Artist Interview with Actor Eni Ogunidpe
Eni Ogunidpe as Lily in "The Book Club Play" by Karen Zacarías at Theatre in the Round in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Photo credit: Anya Magnusen.
Eni Ogundipe is an actor, dancer and maker. She plays Lily, a young and enthusiastic new book club member, in The Book Club Play. This production drew Eni in because of her own love for books! She has graciously spent her time answering questions for Artfully Engaging about the rehearsal project, working at Theatre in the Round, and where you can see her next on stage in the Twin Cities!
If you could describe this show in three words, what would they be?
Eni: Three words I would use to describe this show: Funny, engaging, and insightful .
What has been your favorite part about the rehearsal and preparation process?
Eni: My favorite part about the rehearsal and preparation process was tech week. Tech week is long and exhausting, but it’s wonderful seeing everything come together after weeks in the rehearsal room - all of the the props and costumes, the set, lighting etc.
What's your favorite line from the play?
Eni: My favorite line is: “Book club is like Lord of the Flies with wine and dip.”
What drew you to being involved with the performing arts?
Eni: I’ve always loved telling and consuming stories, and expressing myself. Performing arts remind me of our humanity. There is a unique energy in the room between the performers and the audience that we all collectively get to experience exactly once. There’s something truly special about that.
Tell us a little more about what it's been like working with Theatre in the Round?
Eni: Working with Theatre in the Round Players (TRP) has been a lot of fun. All of the cast, crew and staff are incredibly talented and hard-working. TRP is filled with amazing people. It’s also a visually stunning theater. It’s a unique space to be in because…well the audience is all around you! Normal stage directions go out the window and movements feel more natural. It does take a bit of getting used to - when I’m looking a castmate in the eye I can still make out a person-shaped blob shifting in their seat or smiling. I love it though, as it’s a constant reminder that we are performing for our amazing audience!
If you could describe this show in three words, what would they be?
Eni: Three words I would use to describe this show: Funny, engaging, and insightful .
What has been your favorite part about the rehearsal and preparation process?
Eni: My favorite part about the rehearsal and preparation process was tech week. Tech week is long and exhausting, but it’s wonderful seeing everything come together after weeks in the rehearsal room - all of the the props and costumes, the set, lighting etc.
What's your favorite line from the play?
Eni: My favorite line is: “Book club is like Lord of the Flies with wine and dip.”
What drew you to being involved with the performing arts?
Eni: I’ve always loved telling and consuming stories, and expressing myself. Performing arts remind me of our humanity. There is a unique energy in the room between the performers and the audience that we all collectively get to experience exactly once. There’s something truly special about that.
Tell us a little more about what it's been like working with Theatre in the Round?
Eni: Working with Theatre in the Round Players (TRP) has been a lot of fun. All of the cast, crew and staff are incredibly talented and hard-working. TRP is filled with amazing people. It’s also a visually stunning theater. It’s a unique space to be in because…well the audience is all around you! Normal stage directions go out the window and movements feel more natural. It does take a bit of getting used to - when I’m looking a castmate in the eye I can still make out a person-shaped blob shifting in their seat or smiling. I love it though, as it’s a constant reminder that we are performing for our amazing audience!
Do you have any upcoming projects?
Eni: I will next be part of the cast of Hamlet at The Guthrie Theater.
Eni: I will next be part of the cast of Hamlet at The Guthrie Theater.
The Guthrie Theater will produce "Hamlet" April 8 - May 21, 2023 on the Wurtele Thrust Stage. Photo credit: Gallop Studios.
What made you want to be in The Book Club Play?
Eni: I was a voracious reader as a kid. I love books and still love to read in my free time. So this play drew me in. I’ve never been a part of a book club. After exploring the mayhem that a book club could be in this play, I’m not so sure if I want to join one now, ha!
Eni: I was a voracious reader as a kid. I love books and still love to read in my free time. So this play drew me in. I’ve never been a part of a book club. After exploring the mayhem that a book club could be in this play, I’m not so sure if I want to join one now, ha!
A big thanks to Eni, for sharing her experiences with the show and passion for the performing arts. You can join in the mayhem and antics of The Book Club Play and support Eni and the other talented artists by purchasing tickets to see the show and by sharing this interview. For full transparency, I did receive complimentary tickets for this show as a content creator. Thanks to Theatre in the Round for the chance to collaborate and get a peek behind the curtains.
Stay tuned for some new blog posts that are in the works right now! Also, a little news about the Artfully Engaging blog: I have stopped corporate ads at this time in a better effort to support local businesses. I am exploring options for local ads & promotions (reach out if you want to chat about reaching Twin Cities creatives and arts supporters) and I've added a tip jar through We Sparkle, a Minnesota based company that offers a suite of accessible and easy to use software tools to democratize the process of starting and growing a business for underestimated entrepreneurs. Check out my Tip Jar and give a donation of any size to help me to continue to uplift the voices of Twin Cities artists like Eni!
Artfully,
Stay tuned for some new blog posts that are in the works right now! Also, a little news about the Artfully Engaging blog: I have stopped corporate ads at this time in a better effort to support local businesses. I am exploring options for local ads & promotions (reach out if you want to chat about reaching Twin Cities creatives and arts supporters) and I've added a tip jar through We Sparkle, a Minnesota based company that offers a suite of accessible and easy to use software tools to democratize the process of starting and growing a business for underestimated entrepreneurs. Check out my Tip Jar and give a donation of any size to help me to continue to uplift the voices of Twin Cities artists like Eni!
Artfully,
Ticket Info: "The Book club Play" at Theatre in the Round
The Book Club Play runs weekends January 27 to February 19, 2023.
Tickets are $25.
For information, call the theatre’s box office at 612-333-3010 or visit its website at www.TheatreintheRound.org. Book clubs of 6 or more that wish to come as a group have access to $18 tickets by calling the box office or emailing [email protected] and mentioning the “Book Club Deal."
Monday Pay-What-You-Can performance on February 6: Tickets are able to be reserved at the listed payment tiers ($5, 10, $15, $20, $25), or for any amount at the door.
Tickets are $25.
For information, call the theatre’s box office at 612-333-3010 or visit its website at www.TheatreintheRound.org. Book clubs of 6 or more that wish to come as a group have access to $18 tickets by calling the box office or emailing [email protected] and mentioning the “Book Club Deal."
Monday Pay-What-You-Can performance on February 6: Tickets are able to be reserved at the listed payment tiers ($5, 10, $15, $20, $25), or for any amount at the door.
We love a collaboration! Check out Magers & Quinn Booksellers reading list that includes every book mentioned in the play!
In the spirit of LeVar Burton on Reading Rainbow, don't take my word for it!
See the show yourself or read more reviews by other Twin Cities Theater Bloggers about The Book Club Play:
"Funny, uncomfortable, relatable discussions about books, art, and humanity" Cherry and Spoon
"The Book Club Play is a Delight at Theatre in the Round" The Stages of MN
See the show yourself or read more reviews by other Twin Cities Theater Bloggers about The Book Club Play:
"Funny, uncomfortable, relatable discussions about books, art, and humanity" Cherry and Spoon
"The Book Club Play is a Delight at Theatre in the Round" The Stages of MN
Theatre in the Round
245 Cedar Avenue
Minneapolis MN 55454-1054
245 Cedar Avenue
Minneapolis MN 55454-1054
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