JULY 12, 2018 // 11
the company in April, and this will be the show’s
first year without the help of Nate Bucholz, who
directed “Shanghaied” for five years before
Brown.
“It’s been quite a transition,” said Patricia
VonVintage, costume designer and Astor Street
directing manager, whose job is to handle some
of the business aspects of the play so the director
can focus on directing. “It’s been very fast-paced.
‘The show must go on’ is a good way to put it.”
Old flavor, new spins
But with the changing of the guard comes a
chance for new ideas.
Judith Niland said the shift in leadership
gives this year’s production a new edge. Niland
has been a part of Astor Street since 1985. She
held various positions, including stage manager
and production manager. She retired in 2016 but
returned this year as a consultant to mentor Von-
Vintage and other Astor Street members about the
business side of a play’s production, including
systems of handling money and sponsorship.
“There is a new energy to it, a new vibration to
the whole thing,” Niland said. “It’s younger and
fresher. The director has been trained by all the
veterans. She’ll keep the old flavor but put new
spins on it.”
Mundel focused on recruiting trained singers
and dancers from the community who have never
participated in the performance before. While it’s
common for cast members to quit mid-season,
Niland has been impressed with retention this year.
“(Mundel) filled the cast right from the start,
which was unique,” Niland said. “I haven’t seen
that done in years. She’s only had, like, two
people drop out, which is unheard of. That also
is really refreshing. It reminds me of the old days
when everyone was really excited and it was
new.”
The production is a demanding time commit-
ment for a cast of entirely volunteer actors. The
cast started rehearsing at the beginning of May,
and rehearsals are held every weekday, Monday
through Friday, though not every cast member
attends every rehearsal. The 26 roles are each
rotated between two or three different actors
throughout the performance season.
The community aspect of the production
keeps volunteers returning year after year. Kathy
Matthews will play the role of Mama for the 30th
time this year, according to Mundel. Bill Brooks,
whom Mundel dedicates this year’s production to,
will perform as the drummer for his 18th year.
COLIN MURPHEY PHOTOS
Ashley Mundel, Stephanie Osborn and Lora Posey.
For the love of it
Niland said the actors who volunteer to devote
their time to the production make the melodrama
unique.
“You can find other melodramas that run every
year … but they have equity actors,” she said.
“Sure, they’re going to stay 15 weeks because
they’re being paid. These people stay with it be-
cause they love it, and that’s a big difference. You
can feel it on stage.” CW
Julian Thomas and Raul Espericueta act out a scene from the iconic production.
From left: Dena Tuveng, Julian Thomas,
Lexus Blackston and Madison Beaupar-
land in the upcoming production of
‘Shanghaied in Astoria.’