The Imbible: Difference between revisions
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'''''The Imbible: A Spirited History of Drinking''''' is an [[Educational entertainment]] [[Musical theatre|musical]] with book and new lyrics by Anthony Caporale, and original musical arrangements by Josh Ehrlich and Anthony Caporale.<ref name=TimeOutNY>{{cite news |url=http://www.timeout.com/newyork/theater/the-imbible-a-spirited-history-of-drinking |title=The Imbible: A Spirited History of Drinking |date=August 11, 2014 |work=Time Out New York |accessdate=February 12, 2015}}</ref> Best known for creating the [[Video Podcast]] ''[[Art of the Drink]]'', Caporale selected the music and created new arrangements with Ehrlich, an arranger for ''[[Voices of Gotham]]''. ''The Imbible'' tells the story of how Western Civilization has been influenced by the introduction of alcohol consumption. Caporale is supported in the lead role by a trio of waiters who also serve as clowns, Greek chorus, and round out the parts of a barbershop quartet called The Backwaiters. |
'''''The Imbible: A Spirited History of Drinking''''' is an [[Educational entertainment]] [[Musical theatre|musical]] with book and new lyrics by Anthony Caporale, and original musical arrangements by Josh Ehrlich and Anthony Caporale.<ref name=TimeOutNY>{{cite news |url=http://www.timeout.com/newyork/theater/the-imbible-a-spirited-history-of-drinking |title=The Imbible: A Spirited History of Drinking |date=August 11, 2014 |work=Time Out New York |accessdate=February 12, 2015}}</ref> Best known for creating the [[Video Podcast]] ''[[Art of the Drink]]'', Caporale selected the music and created new arrangements with Ehrlich, an arranger for ''[[Voices of Gotham]]''. ''The Imbible'' tells the story of how Western Civilization has been influenced by the introduction of alcohol consumption. Caporale is supported in the lead role by a trio of waiters who also serve as clowns, Greek chorus, and round out the parts of a barbershop quartet called The Backwaiters.<ref name=CauseandSolution>Michael Niederman, [http://newyorktheatrereview.blogspot.com/2014/08/the-cause-of-and-solution-to-all-of.html "The cause of, and solution to, all of life’s problems: Michael Niederman on The Imbible at FringeNYC"], ''New York Theatre Review'', August 19, 2014</ref> |
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== History == |
== History == |
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''The Imbible'' was conceived by Anthony Caporale, a noted beverage educator and founder of Broadway Theatre Studio, a new play development workshop based in [[Manhattan]]. |
''The Imbible'' was conceived by Anthony Caporale, a noted beverage educator and founder of Broadway Theatre Studio, a new play development workshop based in [[Manhattan]].<ref name=BottlesOverBroadway>[http://insidefandb.com/2014/08/bottles-over-broadway/ "Bottles Over Broadway"], Inside F&B, August 20, 2014</ref> Development on the show began in 2011, following Caporale's ''Science of Mixology'' seminar at the Manhattan Cocktail Classic beverage show. Caporale based the book on the many presentations he developed as the National Brand Ambassador for [[Drambuie]] as well as classes he taught as a Culinary Management Instructor at the [[Institute of Culinary Education]].<ref>[http://www.winespectator.com/webfeature/show/id/50410 "A Spirited History of Drinking Takes the Stage"] ''Wine Spectator'', August 14, 2014</ref> In 2014, Caporale completed the first draft of the show to enter into the [[New York International Fringe Festival]], where it was accepted to run for five performances.<ref name=FringeReview>William Glenn, [http://www.fringereview.co.uk/fringeReview/6064.html "Fringe NYC 2014 - The Imbible"], Fringe Review, August 12, 2014</ref> Following a critically-acclaimed, sold-out run at FringeNYC, the show was selected for an extension in the 2014 Fringe Encore Series at SoHo Playhouse.<ref>Jeremy Nedelka, [http://cheersonline.com/2014/10/15/test-cheers-blog/ "The Imbible: An Off Broadway Religious Experience"], CheersOnline.com, October 10, 2014</ref> |
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After completing a sold-out run at the Fringe Encore Series, the show opened [[Off-Broadway]] in November 2014. ''The Imbible'' garnered overwhelmingly positive critical response, and continues to play to capacity crowds at the SoHo Playhouse. |
After completing a sold-out run at the Fringe Encore Series, the show opened [[Off-Broadway]] in November 2014. ''The Imbible'' garnered overwhelmingly positive critical response, and continues to play to capacity crowds at the SoHo Playhouse. |
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== Productions == |
== Productions == |
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===FringeNYC (2014)=== |
===FringeNYC (2014)=== |
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''The Imbible'' premiered at the 2014 New York International Fringe Festival at the Celebration of Whimsey theater on August 8, 2014. |
''The Imbible'' premiered at the 2014 New York International Fringe Festival at the Celebration of Whimsey theater on August 8, 2014.<ref name=BottlesOverBroadway /> The production was directed by Nicole DiMattei, with production design by Michael Leslie.<ref>[http://www.broadwayworld.com/shows/creative.php?showid=331198#content "The Imbible: A Spirited History of Drinking - Off-Broadway Creative Team"], BroadwayWorld.com</ref> The production was originally headlined by Anthony Caporale in the leading role, with The Backwaiters played by DiMattei, Ruthellen Cheney, and Ariel Estrada.<ref name=CauseandSolution /> |
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===Fringe Encore Series (2014)=== |
===Fringe Encore Series (2014)=== |
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== Themes and references == |
== Themes and references == |
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''The Imbible'' loosely follows the structure of [[Joseph Campbell]]'s [[monomyth]] with the hero's role being filled by ethyl alcohol. Taking the form of beer, ethanol is discovered lying in a basket and taken back to an unsuspecting people, where the foundling shows mysterious powers of healing and brings great joy to his people before setting off on an odyssey across the world. Great deeds and new challenges follow in Egypt, Arabia, Belgium, and India, and ethyl alcohol evolves through each; first into spirits, then medicines, and finally cocktails. Once mature, ethanol returns home to do battle with its arch-enemy, Prohibition. The hero is defeated and ultimately killed before being resurrected thirteen years later, when it emerges transformed and with the promise of a new era ahead.<ref>[http://www.bourbonblog.com/blog/2014/05/27/the-imbible-anthony-caporale/ "The Imbible"] BourbonBlog.com, May 27, 2014</ref> Michael Niederman of New York Theatre Review notes, "Caporale takes us on a millennia-long journey into just how much Western civilization has been influenced by the introduction and preservation of alcohol consumption. Basically, it is his thesis that without alcohol, it is very likely that we wouldn’t even have a civilization. In short, the regular consumption of alcoholic beverages made it possible for human beings to, in his words, 'not die'." |
''The Imbible'' loosely follows the structure of [[Joseph Campbell]]'s [[monomyth]] with the hero's role being filled by ethyl alcohol. Taking the form of beer, ethanol is discovered lying in a basket and taken back to an unsuspecting people, where the foundling shows mysterious powers of healing and brings great joy to his people before setting off on an odyssey across the world. Great deeds and new challenges follow in Egypt, Arabia, Belgium, and India, and ethyl alcohol evolves through each; first into spirits, then medicines, and finally cocktails. Once mature, ethanol returns home to do battle with its arch-enemy, Prohibition. The hero is defeated and ultimately killed before being resurrected thirteen years later, when it emerges transformed and with the promise of a new era ahead.<ref>[http://www.bourbonblog.com/blog/2014/05/27/the-imbible-anthony-caporale/ "The Imbible"] BourbonBlog.com, May 27, 2014</ref> Michael Niederman of New York Theatre Review notes, "Caporale takes us on a millennia-long journey into just how much Western civilization has been influenced by the introduction and preservation of alcohol consumption. Basically, it is his thesis that without alcohol, it is very likely that we wouldn’t even have a civilization. In short, the regular consumption of alcoholic beverages made it possible for human beings to, in his words, 'not die'."<ref name=CauseandSolution /> |
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== Reception == |
== Reception == |
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''The Imbible'' received broad critical and audience praise for the plot, musical performances, actors' performances, and novel approach to education.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://imbible.org/?page_id=103|title=Reviews|publisher=imbible.org|accessdate=February 12, 2015}}</ref> ''[[Time Out (magazine)|Time Out New York]]'' called the show "remarkably compelling" and named it a Critics' Pick. |
''The Imbible'' received broad critical and audience praise for the plot, musical performances, actors' performances, and novel approach to education.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://imbible.org/?page_id=103|title=Reviews|publisher=imbible.org|accessdate=February 12, 2015}}</ref> ''[[Time Out (magazine)|Time Out New York]]'' called the show "remarkably compelling" and named it a Critics' Pick.<ref name=TimeOutNY /> ''Cocktailians.com'' said the show was "rollicking, charming, and delivers a ton of information."<ref>[http://www.cocktailians.com/2014/09/the-imbible.html "The Imbible"] Cocktailians.com, September 17, 2014</ref> Lance Evans of ''StageBuddy'' reported, "''The Imbible'' is educational and rip-roaring funny, with a talented and generous dose of song and dance."<ref>[http://stagebuddy.com/reviews/fringenyc-review-imbible-spirited-history-drinking "FringeNYC Review: The Imbible: A Spirited History of Drinking"] StageBuddy</ref> |
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==Awards and nominations== |
==Awards and nominations== |
Revision as of 09:58, 12 February 2015
The Imbible: A Spirited History of Drinking | |
---|---|
Book | Anthony Caporale |
Productions | 2014 New York International Fringe Festival 2014 Fringe Encore Series 2014 Off-Broadway |
The Imbible: A Spirited History of Drinking is an Educational entertainment musical with book and new lyrics by Anthony Caporale, and original musical arrangements by Josh Ehrlich and Anthony Caporale.[1] Best known for creating the Video Podcast Art of the Drink, Caporale selected the music and created new arrangements with Ehrlich, an arranger for Voices of Gotham. The Imbible tells the story of how Western Civilization has been influenced by the introduction of alcohol consumption. Caporale is supported in the lead role by a trio of waiters who also serve as clowns, Greek chorus, and round out the parts of a barbershop quartet called The Backwaiters.[2]
History
The Imbible was conceived by Anthony Caporale, a noted beverage educator and founder of Broadway Theatre Studio, a new play development workshop based in Manhattan.[3] Development on the show began in 2011, following Caporale's Science of Mixology seminar at the Manhattan Cocktail Classic beverage show. Caporale based the book on the many presentations he developed as the National Brand Ambassador for Drambuie as well as classes he taught as a Culinary Management Instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education.[4] In 2014, Caporale completed the first draft of the show to enter into the New York International Fringe Festival, where it was accepted to run for five performances.[5] Following a critically-acclaimed, sold-out run at FringeNYC, the show was selected for an extension in the 2014 Fringe Encore Series at SoHo Playhouse.[6]
After completing a sold-out run at the Fringe Encore Series, the show opened Off-Broadway in November 2014. The Imbible garnered overwhelmingly positive critical response, and continues to play to capacity crowds at the SoHo Playhouse.
Productions
FringeNYC (2014)
The Imbible premiered at the 2014 New York International Fringe Festival at the Celebration of Whimsey theater on August 8, 2014.[3] The production was directed by Nicole DiMattei, with production design by Michael Leslie.[7] The production was originally headlined by Anthony Caporale in the leading role, with The Backwaiters played by DiMattei, Ruthellen Cheney, and Ariel Estrada.[2]
Fringe Encore Series (2014)
The Fringe Encore Series began on September 5, 2014 at the SoHo Playhouse in SoHo, Manhattan, New York.[8] The show retained its original cast, and was originally booked for five performances through October 3, 2014. After selling out all five nights, it was extended for three additional performances through October 24, 2014.
Off-Broadway (2014–)
Due to its prior successful runs, the show remained at the SoHo Playhouse to open Off-Broadway on November 21, 2014. Caporale, DiMattei, and Cheney remained in the cast, which was expanded to add Alessandra Migliaccio and Kristie Wortman as swings. Ariel Estrada was replaced by alternates Will Allen and Mark Edwards. The show continues to run at SoHo Playhouse.
Characters and cast members
The cast members of all productions of The Imbible.[9]
Character | Voice Part | Original FringeNYC Cast | Fringe Encore Cast | Current Off-Broadway Cast | Current Off-Broadway Cast Swing |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Bartender | Lead | Anthony Caporale | Anthony Caporale | Anthony Caporale | None |
Cocktail Waitress | Soprano | Nicole DiMattei | Nicole DiMattei | Nicole DiMattei | Alessandra Migliaccio |
Liquor Runner | Alto | Ruthellen Cheney | Ruthellen Cheney | Ruthellen Cheney | Kristie Wortman |
Busser | Bass | Ariel Estrada | Ariel Estrada | Will Allen† | Mark Edwards† |
† Alternates.
Themes and references
The Imbible loosely follows the structure of Joseph Campbell's monomyth with the hero's role being filled by ethyl alcohol. Taking the form of beer, ethanol is discovered lying in a basket and taken back to an unsuspecting people, where the foundling shows mysterious powers of healing and brings great joy to his people before setting off on an odyssey across the world. Great deeds and new challenges follow in Egypt, Arabia, Belgium, and India, and ethyl alcohol evolves through each; first into spirits, then medicines, and finally cocktails. Once mature, ethanol returns home to do battle with its arch-enemy, Prohibition. The hero is defeated and ultimately killed before being resurrected thirteen years later, when it emerges transformed and with the promise of a new era ahead.[10] Michael Niederman of New York Theatre Review notes, "Caporale takes us on a millennia-long journey into just how much Western civilization has been influenced by the introduction and preservation of alcohol consumption. Basically, it is his thesis that without alcohol, it is very likely that we wouldn’t even have a civilization. In short, the regular consumption of alcoholic beverages made it possible for human beings to, in his words, 'not die'."[2]
Reception
The Imbible received broad critical and audience praise for the plot, musical performances, actors' performances, and novel approach to education.[11] Time Out New York called the show "remarkably compelling" and named it a Critics' Pick.[1] Cocktailians.com said the show was "rollicking, charming, and delivers a ton of information."[12] Lance Evans of StageBuddy reported, "The Imbible is educational and rip-roaring funny, with a talented and generous dose of song and dance."[13]
Awards and nominations
Off-Broadway production
Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Result | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2015 | Best Of New York | Best Date Night | Won | [14] |
See also
References
- ^ a b "The Imbible: A Spirited History of Drinking". Time Out New York. August 11, 2014. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
- ^ a b c Michael Niederman, "The cause of, and solution to, all of life’s problems: Michael Niederman on The Imbible at FringeNYC", New York Theatre Review, August 19, 2014
- ^ a b "Bottles Over Broadway", Inside F&B, August 20, 2014
- ^ "A Spirited History of Drinking Takes the Stage" Wine Spectator, August 14, 2014
- ^ William Glenn, "Fringe NYC 2014 - The Imbible", Fringe Review, August 12, 2014
- ^ Jeremy Nedelka, "The Imbible: An Off Broadway Religious Experience", CheersOnline.com, October 10, 2014
- ^ "The Imbible: A Spirited History of Drinking - Off-Broadway Creative Team", BroadwayWorld.com
- ^ "FringeNYC Encores - The Imbible: A Spirited History of Drinking" The New York Times
- ^ "Cast"
- ^ "The Imbible" BourbonBlog.com, May 27, 2014
- ^ "Reviews". imbible.org. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
- ^ "The Imbible" Cocktailians.com, September 17, 2014
- ^ "FringeNYC Review: The Imbible: A Spirited History of Drinking" StageBuddy
- ^ "Turn Off Your Netflix And Go On These 5 Fun Dates!". usedyorkcity.com. Used York City. January 27, 2015. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
External links
- Official website
- Producer's website
- Playwright's website
- Venue website
- "To Binge at the Fringe", The New York Times, August 11, 2014
- "The Imbible - A Spirited History of Drinking", Theatre Is Easy, August 23, 2014
- "The Imbible: A Spirited History of Drinking FringeNYC", NiteLifeExchange.com
- "The Imbible: A Spirited History of Drinking", Front Row Center, August 16, 2014
- "The Imbible: A Spirited History of Drinking ", NYTheater Now, August 10, 2014
- "Fringe NYC Mid-Festival Report", Maxamoo, August 19, 2014